10th International Aerosol Conference September 2 - September 7, 2018 America's Center Convention Complex St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Abstract View
Image Analysis on Particle Size Distribution and Particle Tracking by Python-programming
CHIH-HSIANG CHIEN, Huanhuan Jiang, Wyndham Hudson, Bing Guo, Chang Yu Wu, Myoseon Jang, Paul Gader, University of Florida
Abstract Number: 1072 Working Group: Aerosol Education
Abstract The high-resolution camera has become popular and affordable in recent years. Image analysis from the camera can be processed by Python programming, which is not only reliable and efficient but also accessible for newcomers. In addition, Python has great libraries to support image analysis for free. Our laboratory has developed Python-based codes to analyze particle size distribution and to track particle motion on surface. We have applied the technique to an electrodynamic shield (EDS) system to understand the particle removal mechanism of EDS. Particle motion on soiling surface under a dynamic electric field was monitored by a microscope integrated with a digital high-speed camera. To determine the particle size distribution, each particle in an image was labeled and its area was determined by the number of pixels it covered. Frequency distribution was then calculated for size distribution. To obtain the particle trajectories, a three-step program was developed: 1) locate Gaussian-like blobs with a specified size in an image, 2) identify the same particle in different image frames, and 3) link the positions for a particle in each frame to generate a particle trajectory. The feasibility of these two programs was confirmed by inputting standard images with known particle size distribution and trajectories. The results showed the developed programs can successfully distinguish particles from images with varied geometry and generate particle trajectories. These two programs can serve as powerful tools for study of particle motion in air or on a surface.