How to automate and record liquid droplet measurements in LabVIEW?

[kent 2008]

Hello,

I am struggling to find a more efficient method of data treatment.

Currently, I perform a manual process which is quite time consuming:

      I collect data with a LabVIEW video program (.avi file), import into Windows movie maker to separate each frame, transfer each frame to Vision Assistant, and manually measure each droplet (one by one :smileysad). It is okay for the first few, but when it gets to about 50 and into the 100's, then I get a little frustrated. I know there is a way to expedite my collection/measurement process and make it more efficient, possibly a way to perform all the necessary functions during data acquisition in LabVIEW.

 Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I have a feeling it can be done. Useful suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-Mal B

p.s. attached is an example of what I work with...

[BruceAmmons]

Boy, this looks like an ideal case for automated measurement.

I would write a LabVIEW program that can collect and store all the images and analyze them immediately.  With today's computers, LV can store thousands of images at one time.  The AVI process is probably reducing your image quality, and the LV -> Windows -> VA method sounds very tedious. 

In the first image, I would look for high contrast areas to figure out where the drops are.  If you can't automate the process, just click in the center of each drop and have it find the edges, then start analysis.

Once the area of the droplet is defined, it appears to stay in the same place in the later images.  Just keep analyzing an area slightly larger than the last drop.

Bruce

[kent 2008]

Thank you for your response Bruce!!

I am a LV novice, I will need to be pointed into the right direction. Is there a way I can create a binary image, during analysis, such that each droplet can be measured without compromising the actual imagery? Can the saved data relay to me the pixel diameters of both droplets simultaneously? I want to make LV my "one-stop" shop!

-Mal B

[BruceAmmons]

It is pretty easy to make a copy of an image when you are analyzing it so the original remains unchanged.

Your best bet is to design your analysis in Vision Assistant, then export it to LabVIEW.  Add the vision acquisition and put it in a loop.  You will also need a little setup on the first image (ROIs, etc.).

If you have some funding, this would be a good project to outsource to a professional LabVIEW programmer.  It could be written at a cost effective price and you would have sample code that you could learn from and modify.

Bruce

[SarahBr]

Hi,

I have a similar analysis problem and am also a novice. I was also wondering about outsourcing the code to a professional. Do you have any suggestions of a good way to go about this?

[muks]

Why would you post here when you are getting responses and suggestions here