FocusCC: Python-Based Computer Vision for Cloud Chamber Events

Author: Nicolò Bagnasco
Contact: nicolo.bagnasco@edu.unito.it

Overview

FocusCC is a Python-based application designed for detecting and analyzing events in a cloud chamber using computer vision techniques. It processes a live video feed, applies edge detection, and identifies particle tracks in real time. The software also supports saving detected events, managing multiple webcams, and customizing various detection parameters.

Features

Main Features:

• Live Video Feed: Displays both raw and processed video feeds in real time.
• Event Detection: Detects particle tracks based on edge detection and threshold parameters.
• Webcam Selection: Choose from multiple connected webcams via a dropdown menu.
• Cooldown Feature: Avoid redundant detections by setting a cooldown time between events.
• Customizable Parameters:
  • Event detection threshold
  • Low and high thresholds for Canny edge detection
• Event Logging: Logs all system messages and detected events in a console-like interface.
• Save Events: Toggle between saving detected events as image files or viewing them live.

System Requirements

• Python 3.8 or newer
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Windows (partial webcam detection support)
• Required Python libraries:
  • opencv-python
  • numpy
  • Pillow
  • tkinter (pre-installed with Python)

Installation

Steps to Install:

1. Clone the Repository: bash git clone https://github.com/bagnasconicolo/Focuscc cd FocusCC

2. Install Dependencies: bash pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the Application: bash python Focuscc.py

Usage

GUI Overview

1. Live Feed:

   • Displays the original and processed video feeds side by side.
   • Detected events are highlighted in the processed feed.

2. Controls:

   • Start Webcam: Activates the video feed for the selected camera.
   • Stop Webcam: Deactivates the video feed.
   • Save Events: Toggles saving detected events as .jpg files.

3. Webcam Selector:

   • Use the dropdown menu to select from available webcams.

4. Event Log:

   • Displays system messages and detected events in a console-like interface.

5. Filename Prefix:

   • Customize the prefix for saved event files.

6. Cooldown:

   • Avoid redundant detections by enabling a cooldown period (in seconds) between events.

Workflow

1. Start the Webcam:

   • Select a camera from the dropdown menu.
   • Click Start Webcam to begin the live feed.

2. Adjust Parameters:

   • Use sliders to customize the detection threshold and Canny edge detection parameters.

3. Monitor Events:

   • Detected events will be logged in the Event Log and highlighted in the processed feed.

4. Save Events:

   • Enable Save Events to save images of detected events.

5. Stop or Exit:

   • Use Stop Webcam to deactivate the feed or Exit to close the application.

Customization

Parameters:

• Event Threshold: Adjusts sensitivity for detecting events.
• Canny Edge Detection:
  • Low Threshold: Lower bound for detecting edges.
  • High Threshold: Upper bound for detecting edges.
• Filename Prefix: Set a custom prefix for saved event images.
• Cooldown: Set a time delay (in seconds) between consecutive detections.

File Customization:

• Icon: Replace ccicon.png with your desired icon file in the project directory.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

1. Webcam Not Detected:

   • Ensure the webcam is connected and properly recognized by your operating system.
   • On Linux, ensure v4l2-ctl is installed.
   • On macOS, ensure camera permissions are enabled.

2. No Events Detected:

   • Lower the Event Threshold slider.
   • Adjust Canny Edge Detection parameters for better sensitivity.

3. Application Crash:

   • Ensure all required libraries are installed.
   • Verify that the correct camera index is selected.

4. Icon Not Displaying:

   • Ensure the icon file ccicon.png is in the correct directory and properly named.

Future Improvements

• Support for advanced particle track visualization.
• Automated analysis of saved event data.
• Cross-platform webcam detection enhancements for Windows.
• Extended cooldown customization (e.g., per event type).

License

This software is open-source and distributed under the MIT License.

Contact

For support, feedback or contributions, contact Nicolò Bagnasco:
📧 nicolo.bagnasco@edu.unito.it