Detecting Small Objects Using a Smartphone and Neon Camera

Abstract

—In daily life, humans often encounter difficulties when performing activities such as working or learning, particularly when handling small components such as needles, screws, clips, coin batteries and electronic components. These objects are frequently dropped and finding them can consume extra time and energy. Additionally, they pose a danger to babies and children while they are playing around. Given that smartphones have become essential devices for communication and are highly versatile, easily used both at work and at home, the research team from the Faculty of Engineering was motivated to study how to optimize the use of smartphones for detecting small objects. The research methodology included a literature review, observation, and analysis using a smartphone and neon camera application. This application was selected due to its unique characteristics to produce a perfect black background and color image frame. Five small components were chosen as samples for the research: needles, screws, clips, coin batteries, and transparent Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The results provide a fundamental understanding for further development of using neon cameras to detect small objects. 