Introduction to kinematics

Can classical physics, mathematics be also exciting, interesting and tempting you to experiment?
The answer is obviously yes! Of course only if you don't aim at thoroughly precise analyses, but to realize the connection between certain phenomena or the seemingly difficult but actually simple and easy to understand process of movements. WebCam Laboratory gives you the experience of exploring nature and provides you with exciting new knowledge.

To some extent, the webcam and the computer is much faster and precise than our own eyes. Using WebCam Laboratory and a simple webcam, you can observe various characteristics of movements. The simplicity of the software and more and more successful experiments will tempt you to newer and newer discoveries and you will learn the basics of classical mechanics in a fun way. WebCam Laboratory allows experiments to be completed outside laboratories and schools, even at home, using everyday objects, like toys. (e.g.: a ball) Due to this, WebCam Laboratory can be an important part of playful learning, exploration and doing homework in a fun way.
WebCam Laboratory can be used especially well in the examination of vibration, periodical movements and dynamic collisions.

How does it work?

Let us demonstrate how easy it is to use WebCam Laboratory and the great results it produces! Just click on the picture!

Extremely easy to use

High speed, real-time object tracing algorythm

Automatic object recognition

Multiple object recognition (up to 3 objects)

Real size calibration

Various object tracing features

Recordable and printable movement curves

Excel and txt file exporting

kinematics HELP

A short introduction of “kinematics”. Still not sure WebCam Laboratory is what you need?
Watch our short film that provides further details about how WebCam Laboratory works!
  • Control buttons:

    - Open the camera (You can choose the camera with which you want to record.)

    - Search objects (The software searches the recognisable object and registers them. Note: It is important to use colourful objects in the experiment, placed in front of a neutral background like white paper or canvas!)

    - Saving the table (You can save the experiments that have been recorded using this function in .xls format. Note: Although, WebCam Laboratory saves the files in .xls format, in fact it is a .txt file separated with tabs, allowing you to save in various other formats.)

    - Calibration of size (If you are interested in the real distances and speeds, using this function, you can match the real parameters based on a known sized object on the picture you are using.)

    - Settings of the camera (You can change the parameters of the camera, e.g.: shutter speed)

  • Graphic parameters:

    (It indicates the values on the screen that have been determined in point 3 and 4 as diagrams.)

  • Choosing the parameters of the movement:

    - s (Distance)

    - v (Speed)

    - a (Acceleration)

  • Choosing the coordinates:

    (Here you can determine which component of the previously chosen parameters you want to visualize.)

    - x (horizontal axis)

    - y (vertical axis)

    - xy (absolute value)

  • Recording the results of the measurement:

    - Top right button (start recording the results of measurement)

    - Top left button (stop recording the results of measurement)

    - Bottom left button (analyses of the results of the measurement)

    - Bottom right button (save the results of the measurement in tables)

  • Object indicator:

    (Indicates the boundaries of the object and the number of the objects.)

  • Visualization and settings:

    (from the top to the bottom)

    - Camera view (We see the view of the camera)

    - Determination of object (Object is indicated by colorful outlines on the screen.)

    - Visualization of the route of the movement (The objects leave a constantly fading mark behind them on the route they complete.)

    - Drawing the route of movement (The objects leave a constant mark behind them while they are in movement.)

    - Settings (In order to achieve more precise recognition, you can modify the parameters of object recognition.)

  • Enlargement:

    (Using this function, you can reduce or enlarge the diagram that will be used.)

  • Data recording status indicator:

    (Indicates the time elapsed from the maximum available and how much remains.)

  • Time of data recording:

    (The number of seconds that have been recorded so far.)