An alternative to classic flow meters, the Automated saturation system can regulate liquid flow using an electronically controlled valve, a camera and a microcontroller. By tracking pixel changes using OpenCV within a user-designated region of interest it can detect drops even with poor visibility. Designed primarily for epxerimental setups where a model needs to be hydrated without being disturbed, it removes the need of human vigilance for the duration of the hydration.
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| 0 | Sets current values as defaults [1] |
| e | Enter a voltage value |
| + | Increases voltage |
| - | Decreases voltage |
| q | Terminates (quits) the program |
| r | Resets frame adjustment sequence |
| w, a, s, d | Manipulates top-left corner of frame |
| i, j, k, l | Manipulates bottom-right corner of frame |
[1] Default values required for calibration. Can be reset at anytime using keys.
- Switch to Pi Camera
- Autoset Seconds per Drop to 80% of first K drops after researcher sets voltage value based on sight
- Model valve behavior with constant pressure water, then with gravity's pressure, then with viscous liquid
- Polish control algorithm, rolling average || bounded values || combination
- Remote access to RPi
- Reach out to other Earthquake Centers
- Design enclosure for system (including lighting)