PyxelObjectCounterAV6

Description

This application can be used to count objects within an image captured by a phone or tablet. It is a simple pixel counter that determines the number of objects has some parameters that can be adjusted by the user for various settings and conditions. The application was primarily developed to work with plain black or white backgrounds with the negative image setting.

It works by simply counting pixels. No other methods are utilized, but are being considered for future versions for improved accuracy. The results are given as number of objects. Three types of counting methods are used. None of these are 100% accurate. A listing of the objects and their counts are provided after scanning the image. This can be used with the calculated S/N ratio to better estimate the conflicted objects and selected parameters. This is not a resolved listing.

Directions:

Get an image by pressing the "Capture Image" button
Give the image a description with the three tags
Press the capture button
Center the image and press the camera button when ready
Press "Ok" or "Retry" if you want another image
Save the image with the "Save" button
Return to menu and press the "Object Counter" button
Press the "All Images" button
Select Image from the list
Adjust any desired parameters and press the count button when ready
Adjust the parameters and retry if needed


Description of Settings:

The labels at the top of the counting interface tell what level the current parameters are set at.

Mode Button - Use to switch between parameter adjustments
Up & Down Buttons - Use to increase or decrease parameter levels
Reset Button- Use to reset to the original image
Negative Button - Use to invert images with white background
Count Button - Press when ready to start counting the objects
List Button - Use to get a listing of the object intensities in the image

Tips & Troubleshooting:

-Avoid trying to count images that are not in focus
-Take images directly above the objects if possible
-If counts are inaccurate attempt a second photo at a different rotation angle
-Try adjusting lighting conditions the best capture the objects
-Adjust parameters settings for objects with more challenging shapes
-Use the additional images provided to judge parameters settings
-Use the negative image setting for white backgrounds
-A combination of parameter adjustments may be required
-The list feature provides the intensities of all possible objects found. The largest intensities signify objects in comparison to the background
-Mixtures of small and larger objects may require lowering the S/N threshold
-If counts appear too low try lowering the S/N threshold or the low intensity cut off
-If counts are too high, try increasing the low intensity and S/N thresholds

Known Challenges:

-Objects that are close in pixel intensity to the background can be missed in the count
-Objects that are ornate in shape and color may be challenging to the counter
-Images that are take very close to object and that take up large regions of the image are more challenging to count
-Large variations on object size may be challenging to the counter
-Dirty backgrounds can interfere with counts


This is a test application that was developed as a novelty and performed fairly well with the previously mentioned test conditions. It should not be used where safety can be a concern or a potential issue.