SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will create image processing based software that tracks objects using real-time video input for use in the teaching of mathematics and physical science. Image processing has not previously been used in educational motion detection. Compared to the currently used methods-real-time graphing and frame-by-frame analysis of stored video-the proposed innovation will have many advantages, such as the simultaneous display of video and graphs and the automatic generation of stroboscopic images. Phase I has two research objectives. To develop a system that can track one object and display a graph of its motion on a computer screen in real time, and to investigate with teachers and students the applications of this system to understanding motion, graphing, shapes, visualization, and projection.
Used in conjunction with inquiry-based curriculum, the system proffered by Paul Antonucci & Associates could improve teaching and learning of physical science and mathematics nationwide, and it expands the possibilities for exploring motion in real-world situations. This innovation will create the opportunity to surpass in learning effectiveness and ease-of-use the technologies now used widely in high school and college physics. In addition it will potentially reach a much larger market-mathematics classrooms from middle school through college.

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create a software-based, real-time, single camera, direct-to-computer, two-dimensional motion analysis system for education using image-processing technology. Image processing has not previously been used in educational motion detection. Compared to the commonly used methods--real-time one-dimensional graphing and frame-by-frame analysis of stored video--this innovation has many advantages, such as the simultaneous real-time display of video and graphs, multidimensional operation, ability to operate over any distance scale, display of the shape and orientation of objects, and the automatic generation of stroboscope-like images. This innovation creates the opportunity to surpass in learning effectiveness and ease-of-use the technologies now used widely in high school and college physics for the study of motion. In addition it will potentially reach a much larger group--mathematics classrooms from middle school through college. The system will operate with ordinary classroom computers and ordinary digital video cameras. Used in conjunction with inquiry-based curricula, Alberti's' Windows' system will be primarily used in physics and mathematics education classes. Improving the teaching of physics and mathematics is basic to science literacy and is essential to creating a technologically capable workforce. Ultimately, the following potential markets can also be explored: CAD/CAM, physiological/medical testing, sports, industrial monitoring and control, videogames, and security.