GoPro Hero Research Articles

Experimental Study of Rotor-Stator Contact Cycles

A rotor can contact a stator thereby inducing some very strong non-linearities that can result in a plethora of vibration phenomena. Synchronous motions, chaotic motion, backward whirl, forward whirl are some of the reported phenomena in the literature. This article presents an experimental approach based on a very flexible rotor rig designed with drill string dynamics in mind for rotordynamic experiments. A non-contact technique was used for data acquisition using a consumer-grade Go-Pro Hero 6 Black camera which captures a series of images(video) which are then post-processed using MATLAB’s image processing toolbox to understand the nature of dynamics involved. A mathematical model of the experimental rig was used for comparison with the actual experiment to assess the effectiveness of the data acquisition procedure used and validity of the model. The model is able to a good extent to reproduce the behaviour of the test rig. The fundamental phenomena exhibited by the system is analysed and discussed based on bifurcation plots, spectral intensity plots and orbit plots visualised in both rotating and stationary frame.

Evaluating Martial Arts Punching Kinematics Using a Vision and Inertial Sensing System.

Martial arts has many benefits not only in self-defence, but also in improving physical fitness and mental well-being. In our research we focused on analyzing the velocity, impulse, momentum and impact force of the Taekwondo sine-wave punch and reverse-step punch. We evaluated these techniques in comparison with the martial arts styles of Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu and investigated the kinematic properties. We developed a sensing system which is composed of an ICSensor Model 3140 accelerometer attached to a punching bag for measuring dynamic acceleration, Kinovea motion analysis software and 2 GoPro Hero 3 cameras, one focused on the practitioner’s motion and the other focused on the punching bag’s motion. Our results verified that the motion vectors associated with a Taekwondo practitioner performing a sine-wave punch, uses a unique gravitational potential energy to optimise the impact force of the punch. We demonstrated that the sine-wave punch on average produced an impact force of 6884 N which was higher than the reverse-step punch that produced an average impact force of 5055 N. Our comparison experiment showed that the Taekwondo sine-wave punch produced the highest impact force compared to a Hapkido right cross punch and a Shaolin Wushu right cross, however the Wushu right cross had the highest force to weight ratio at 82:1. The experiments were conducted with high ranking black belt practitioners in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu.

Evaluation of action sport camera optical motion capture system for 3D gait analysis

The high price of motion capture systems on the market has been a hindrance for many hospitals, health agencies and rehabilitation centers to acquire them. Due to its significance in gait analysis, the ITB Biomechanics Research Team has developed affordable motion capture systems since 2008. The advent of Action Sport Cameras (ASC) provide an affordable and portable alternative to the available motion capture systems. Hence, this work investigated the relative accuracy of an ASC based motion capture system. The well-established Vicon V8 with 10 cameras system is utilized in this study to evaluate the proposed ASC Mocap system. Simultaneous gait data acquisition is necessary to ensure valid comparison. Evaluation of the ASC based system was carried out by comparing the spatio-temporal and kinematics parameters obtained with that obtained with Vicon. Based on the parameters obtained, the 4 GoPro Hero 5 cameras system developed by the ITB Biomechanics Team’s is deemed to be suitable to be used in Gait Analysis, especially the spatio-temporal parameters that closely match the Vicon results. For the kinematic parameters, the results obtained while qualitatively similar, in many cases differ in magnitudes. This problem is currently is still under investigation and will be reported in future works.

The effects of a choice test between food rewards and human interaction in a herd of domestic horses of varying breeds and experiences

Humans use food rewards as positive reinforcement for training horses, but there is little evidence to show that human interaction (scratching or patting) has reward value or if domestic horses perceive human touch as social bonding. Most equine training is based on negative reinforcement, but food is a known reward for training through positive reinforcement. This study looked at how horses perceive human interaction as a form of positive reward by examining whether scratching and patting can serve as a reward for a behavior and how this compares to known rewards (treats) based on horses’ ability to use symbols to show preferences. A secondary purpose of this study was to explore behaviors before, during, and after the choice test and code changes based on known equine ethology and determine any correlations between known individual histories of horses, their behavior, and any differences in preferences for human interactions based on whether the human was familiar versus unfamiliar. For the quantitative component, the study counted the number of times each horse touched each target (touch counts) and behaviors were recorded with use of a GoPro Hero camera. The touch counts for each symbol for the last trial were compared using Observation Oriented Modelling (OOM), a non-parametric approach to analyze patterns in data, and the behaviors were coded and compared to known behaviors in equine ethology. Post-hoc analysis of final touch counts resulted in a pattern of fewer than 2 touches for both scratches and pats for most horses and consistently ten touches (the maximum) for treats for all horses. Post-hoc pattern analysis resulted in a Percent Correct Classification (PCC) index of 93.94 (c-value <.001) for the familiar human and 87.88 (c-value <.001) for the unfamiliar researcher suggesting that, given the study conditions, all horses in this study showed preference for treats over human contact, regardless of handling or training histories. All horses also displayed arousal behaviors during the study suggesting the study, and potentially the novel food component, induced an arousal response.

Wearable video documentation devices in anatomic pathology autopsies

Introduction In the past decade, many wearable devices for video documentation have been released on the free market. However, they have seldom been implemented into autopsy practice. Aim This research aimed to compare several different types of video recording devices and compare their feasibility, both in regards to their form factor and video quality, in everyday autopsy practice. Materials and Methods Five separate wearable devices for video documentation devices were used in the standard autopsy practice of a single pathologist – two box-style sports cameras - Kitvision Escape KVESCAPE4KW (Kondor, Hapton, Lancashire, England) and GoPro Hero 7 Silver (San Mateo, California, USA), a pair of camera glasses – NCS0002 (Spardar Smart Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China), a pair of smart glasses – Cloud-I II (Topsky Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China), and Google Glass – XE V2 (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, USA). The five devices were compared both for their pros and cons and for their feasibility in autopsy and educational practice. Results Only the box-style sports cameras and Google Glass provided sufficient video resolution on the initial test to be considered efficient aids. A total of sixty-five full autopsies were documented, using the box-style sports cameras and Google Glass, with ten autopsies being recorded simultaneously with the two devices. Flaws present in both types of recording devices were in their relatively short battery life and the limitation of data that could be stored. Conclusion Video documentation of autopsies using new generation wearable devices is a feasible option for both individual autopsy cases and educational purposes of both students and young pathologists. The different designs are susceptible to individual preferences, however, box-style sports cameras seem to be best suited for autopsy practices.

Measuring Change Using Quantitative Differencing of Repeat Structure-From-Motion Photogrammetry: The Effect of Storms on Coastal Boulder Deposits

Repeat photogrammetry is increasingly the go-too tool for long-term geomorphic monitoring, but quantifying the differences between structure-from-motion (SfM) models is a developing field. Volumetric differencing software (such as the open-source package CloudCompare) provides an efficient mechanism for quantifying change in landscapes. In this case study, we apply this methodology to coastal boulder deposits on Inishmore, Ireland. Storm waves are known to move these rocks, but boulder transportation and evolution of the deposits are not well documented. We used two disparate SfM data sets for this analysis. The first model was built from imagery captured in 2015 using a GoPro Hero 3+ camera (fisheye lens) and the second used 2017 imagery from a DJI FC300X camera (standard digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera); and we used CloudCompare to measure the differences between them. This study produced two noteworthy findings: First, volumetric differencing reveals that short-term changes in boulder deposits can be larger than expected, and that frequent monitoring can reveal not only the scale but the complexities of boulder transport in this setting. This is a valuable addition to our growing understanding of coastal boulder deposits. Second, SfM models generated by different imaging hardware can be successfully compared at sub-decimeter resolution, even when one of the camera systems has substantial lens distortion. This means that older image sets, which might not otherwise be considered of appropriate quality for co-analysis with more recent data, should not be ignored as data sources in long-term monitoring studies.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE BEHAVIOUR AND MODELLING OF CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS IN NON-METRIC DIGITAL CAMERAS

Abstract. Chromatic aberration in colour digital camera imagery can affect the accuracy of photogrammetric reconstruction. Both longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberrations can be effectively modelled by making separate measurements in each of the blue, green and red colour bands and performing a specialized self-calibrating bundle adjustment. This paper presents the results of an investigation with two aims. The first aim is to quantify the presence of chromatic aberration in two sets of cameras: the six individual cameras comprising a Ladybug5 system, calibrated simultaneously in air; and four GoPro Hero 5 cameras calibrated independently under water. The second aim is to investigate the impacts of imposing different constraints in the self-calibration adjustment. To this end, four different adjustment cases were performed for all ten cameras: independent adjustment of the observations from each colour band; combined adjustment of all colour bands’ observations with common object points; combined adjustment of all colour bands with common object points and common exterior orientation parameters for each colour band triplet; and combined adjustment with common object points and certain common interior orientation parameters. The results show that the Ladybug5 cameras exhibit a small (1-2 pixel) amount of transverse chromatic aberration but no longitudinal chromatic aberration. The GoPro Hero 5 cameras exhibit significant (25 pixel) transverse chromatic aberration as well as longitudinal chromatic aberration. The principal distance was essentially independent of the adjustment case for the Ladybug5, but it was not for the GoPro Hero 5. The principal point position and precision were both affected considerably by adjustment case. Radial lens distortion was invariant to the adjustment case. The impact of adjustment case on decentring distortion was minimal in both cases.

Video Recording and Photography with a GoPro Hero 4+ by Surgeon’s Hand

Video Recording and Photography with a GoPro Hero 4+ by Surgeon’s Hand

Time lapse photography with two different camera systems for in situ observation of the bivalve Diplodon chilensis (Gray, 1828) in a southern Chilean lake

During the last 40 years time lapse photography has become a strong tool for in situ observations of marine and freshwater wildlife. We compared the validity of two low cost camera systems to analyze the filtration activity of Diplodon chilensis (Gray, 1828), the most common freshwater bivalve in southern Chile. One camera system (Nikon D300) was connected with an external flash, whereas the other system (GoPro Hero 3+) contained a permanent video light source. Size change of the total area of the exhalant siphon (ESA) of Diplodon individuals was used to track activity changes over time. Each ESA is expressed as the percentage of the maximum siphon opening of the corresponding specimen. The siphon of D. chilensis was completely closed for 3.4% ± 5.2% (mean ± SD) of the recording time and it shows a nearly completely opened siphon for 42.7% ± 22.9% of the recording time. The mean siphon opening was 68.3% ± 26.5% of its potential opening area. Although a red filter (permeable to wavelengths above 600 nm ) was placed in front of the video light source, the mobile fauna, especially Aegla abtao (Schmitt, 1942) and unidentified small fishes were highly attracted by the permanent light, whereas this effect was not visible when a flash light in intervals of 2 min was used. We conclude that both low cost cameras are very suitable for in situ time lapse observation of freshwater clams.

Modified gopro hero 6 and 7 for intraoperative surgical recording--transformation into a surgeon-perspective professional quality recording system

Background: Recent innovation in wearable action camera with high-definition video recording enables surgeons to use camera for their surgical procedures. In this study, GoPro's latest HERO6 (and 7) Black edition camera was modified step by step to allow for a completely wireless surgeon-perspective recording with both a battery life and memory capacity never previously obtained with such a high level of digital video quality. With our system, a surgeon can record for more than 14 hours and 26 minutes in 1080 pixels at 60 fps without breaking scrub. By modifying the newest generation devices, we have successfully erased all prior shortcomings of the prior generation GoPro cameras for surgical recording. Our modified GoPro HERO 6 camera gave us professional-like recording quality for a total cost inferior to 850 US Dollars. It is of critical importance as the world of video-based surgical training will continue to be a primary area of development in the future, because it represents a novel and effective way for young generations of surgeons to attain technical excellence and knowledge in surgery.

Modified GoPro Hero 6 and 7 for Intraoperative Surgical Recording—Transformation Into a Surgeon-Perspective Professional Quality Recording System

Recent innovations in wearable action cameras with high-definition video recording enable surgeons to use cameras for their surgical procedures. In this study, the GoPro HERO 6 (and 7) Black edition camera was modified step by step to allow for a completely wireless surgeon-perspective recording with a battery life and memory capacity never previously obtained with such a high level of digital video quality. With this system, a surgeon can record for more than 14hours 26minutes in 1,080 pixels at 60 frames per second without breaking scrub and capture the operating surgeon's direct view of the field. By modifying the newest generation of devices, the authors successfully eliminated all shortcomings of the prior generation of GoPro cameras for surgical recording. The modified GoPro HERO6 camera produced professional recording quality for a total cost lower than US$850. This is critically important, because video-based surgical training will continue to be a primary area of development in the future and represents a novel and effective way for young generations of surgeons to attain technical excellence and knowledge in surgery.

Benefits and Challenges of UAS Imagery for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Mapping in Small Estuaries of the Canadian West Coast

Nahirnick, N.K.; Hunter, P.; Costa, M.; Schroeder, S., and Sharma, T., 2019. Benefits and challenges of UAS imagery for eelgrass (Zostera marina) mapping in small estuaries of the Canadian West Coast. Journal of Coastal Research, 35(3), 673–683. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Seagrasses are a fundamental component of nearshore marine habitats, and as such, concerted effort has been put into developing remote sensing methods to assess the spatial coverage of these important habitats. However, in small coastal bays, traditional aerial or satellite remote sensing can be cost-prohibitive or lack sufficient spatial resolution to detect the small, fringing, and often patchy eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows. This paper presents a method for collection and processing of unoccupied aerial system (UAS) imagery used to map eelgrass at three small coastal estuaries in the Salish Sea of British Columbia. A low-cost, consumer-grade UAS platform equipped with a GoPro Hero 3+ was used to acquire images with a ground resolution of 2 cm, which were postprocessed using structure-from-motion techniques into georeferenced orthomosaics. A manual classification approach incorporating segmented image objects was used to classify eelgrass on a presence or absence basis, resulting in overall mapping accuracies of 96.3%, 86.5%, and 89.7%, as determined by field validation using kayak videography. The major benefit of this method was fine spatial resolution that allowed for textural discrimination between spectrally similar species. However, eelgrass detection and overall accuracy was found to be highly influenced by the environmental conditions at the time of image acquisition.

Combining Structure from Motion and close-range stereo photogrammetry to obtain scaled gravel bar DEMs

ABSTRACTDigital elevation models (DEMs) have been increasingly applied in topographic studies in areas such as physical geography and hydraulic engineering. Several methods have been proposed to reconstruct DEMs, including classic close-range stereo photogrammetry and the more novel Structure from Motion (SfM) methodology. Past published studies tend to apply SfM to large-scale environmental processes, whilst classic close-range stereophotogrammetry is focusing on detailed small-scale applications. However, SfM requires multiple ground control points (GCPs) to allow for proper DEM scaling. The larger the study area, the more GCPs are required, resulting in increased operational complexity and time-consuming application of SfM. As the accuracy of the DEM depends on the equipment used to measure GCPs, this can also result in a cost-expensive operation. In the present study, we introduce a combined SfM and close-range stereo photogrammetry application, with the close-range stereo photogrammetry results serving as a control for providing scale, thus eliminating the need for traditional GCPs. To validate our methodology, we studied a 40 m long gravel bar. We used GoPro Hero 3 cameras for SfM measurements and replaced GCPs by DEMs obtained through close-range stereo photogrammetry with a Nikon D5100 camera pair in stereo. In addition to using photo-mode frames, we also studied the quality of DEMs obtained with GoPro Hero 3 video-mode frames, and show how the DEM quality is reduced due to the smaller image format, hence coarser point cloud spacing, which eventually results in a convex curvature when image overlap was increased. Our results show that it is possible to collect high-quality topographic surface data by only using cameras, and alleviate the need for GCPs. The proposed workflow reduces the complexity, time, and resource demands associated with deploying GCPs and necessary independent geo-referencing, ensuring that digital photogrammetry will continue to gain popularity for field surveying.

MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEM BASED ON ACTION CAMERAS

Abstract. Action cameras can operate in outdoor conditions, such as outside a car, and provide good quality imagery that can be exploited to collect geospatial data by photogrammetric means. Recent models include GPS, which can deliver position and time of individual images and video frames. That is the case of the very popular camera, Gopro Hero 5. This paper describes the implementation of a mobile mapping system, based on a GoPro Hero 5 camera mounted on the side rearview mirror of a car. Although the system can be dependent on the camera GPS positions only, it was developed to include a GNSS dual frequency receiver, carried inside the car, on the dashboard. Within good observation conditions, without tall buildings, differential positioning (either RTK or PPK) provides the trajectory with accuracy of a few centimetres. The precise time of individual frames is obtained from the camera GPS and positions are interpolated from the GNSS receiver. Assuming the car moves in a horizontal plane and the camera has no significant tilts, the system is treated in planimetric terms, with camera axis azimuth derived from the vehicle trajectory. Positions of observed objects, such as traffic signs, are derived from consecutive frames. Tests carried out in a sparse urban environment have shown planimetric accuracy better than 40 cm, appropriate for large scale mapping, such as 1 : 2000. The system can be improved in several forms, through processing techniques, such as structure from motion, but without the incorporation of additional hardware.

Implementation of Radiotherapy Educational Contents Using Virtual Reality

The development of smart devices has brought about significant changes in daily life and one of the most significant changes is the virtual reality zone. Virtual reality is a technology that creates the illusion that a 3D high-resolution image has already been created using a display device just like it does in itself. Unrealized subjects are forced to rely on audiovisual materials, resulting in a decline in the concentration of practices and the quality of classes. It used virtual reality to develop effective teaching materials for radiology students. In order to produce a video clip bridge using virtual reality, a radiology clinic was selected to conduct two exposures from July to September 2017. The video was produced taking into account the radiology and work flow chart and filming was carried out in two separate locations : in the computerized tomography unit and in the LINAC room. Prior to filming the scenario and the filming route were checked in advance to facilitate editing of the video. Modeling and mapping was performed in a PC environment using the Window XP operating system. Using two leading virtual reality camera Gopro Hero, CC pixels were produced using a 4K UHD, Adobe, followed by an 8 megapixel resolution of 3,840 × 2,160 /4,096 × 2,160. Total regeneration time was performed in about 5 minutes during the production of using virtual reality to prevent vomiting and dizziness. Currently developed virtual reality radiation and educational contents are being used to secure the market and extend the promotion process to be used by various institutions. The researchers will investigate the satisfaction level of radiation and educational contents using virtual reality and carry out supplementary tasks depending on the results.

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION BY USING LOW COST UAV WITH FISHEYE LENS: OTAG-I HUMAYUN IN ISTANBUL AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract. The digital documentation of architectural heritage is important for monitoring, preserving, managing as well as 3B BIM modelling, time-space VR (virtual reality) applications. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in these application thanks to rapid developments in technology which enable the high resolution images with resolutions in millimeters. Moreover, it has become possible to produce highly accurate 3D point clouds with structure from motion (SfM) and multi-view stereo (MVS), to obtain a surface reconstruction of a realistic 3D architectural heritage model by using high-overlap images and 3D modeling software such as Context capture, Pix4Dmapper, Photoscan. In this study, digital documentation of Otag-i Humayun (The Ottoman Empire Sultan's Summer Palace) located in Davutpaşa, Istanbul/Turkey is aimed using low cost UAV. The data collections have been made with low cost UAS 3DR Solo UAV with GoPro Hero 4 with fisheye lens. The data processing was accomplished by using commercial Pix4D software. The dense point clouds, a true orthophoto and 3D solid model of the Otag-i Humayun were produced results. The quality check of the produced point clouds has been performed. The obtained result from Otag-i Humayun in Istanbul proved that, the low cost UAV with fisheye lens can be successfully used for architectural heritage documentation.

Using drone-mounted cameras for on-site body documentation: 3D mapping and active survey

Recent advances in unmanned aerial technology have substantially lowered the cost associated with aerial imagery. As a result, forensic practitioners are today presented with easy low-cost access to aerial photographs at remote locations. The present paper aims to explore boundaries in which the low-end drone technology can operate as professional crime scene equipment, and to test the prospects of aerial 3D modeling in the forensic context. The study was based on recent forensic cases of falls from height admitted for postmortem examinations. Three mock outdoor forensic scenes featuring a dummy, skeletal remains and artificial blood were constructed at an abandoned quarry and subsequently documented using a commercial DJI Phantom 2 drone equipped with a GoPro HERO 4 digital camera. In two of the experiments, the purpose was to conduct aerial and ground-view photography and to process the acquired images with a photogrammetry protocol (using Agisoft PhotoScan® 1.2.6) in order to generate 3D textured models. The third experiment tested the employment of drone-based video recordings in mapping scattered body parts. The results show that drone-based aerial photography is capable of producing high-quality images, which are appropriate for building accurate large-scale 3D models of a forensic scene. If, however, high-resolution top-down three-dimensional scene documentation featuring details on a corpse or other physical evidence is required, we recommend building a multi-resolution model by processing aerial and ground-view imagery separately. The video survey showed that using an overview recording for seeking out scattered body parts was efficient. In contrast, the less easy-to-spot evidence, such as bloodstains, was detected only after having been marked properly with crime scene equipment.

V11-08 COMPLETE SUPINE PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY FROM THE SURGEON′S POINT OF VIEW WITH A GOPRO®. TEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS.

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrolithiasis1 Apr 2017V11-08 COMPLETE SUPINE PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY FROM THE SURGEON′S POINT OF VIEW WITH A GOPRO®. TEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS. Fabio Vicentini, Hugo Santos, Evaristo Oliveira Neto, Carlos Batagello, Julia Amundson, Miguel Srougi, and Eduardo Mazzucchi Fabio VicentiniFabio Vicentini More articles by this author , Hugo SantosHugo Santos More articles by this author , Evaristo Oliveira NetoEvaristo Oliveira Neto More articles by this author , Carlos BatagelloCarlos Batagello More articles by this author , Julia AmundsonJulia Amundson More articles by this author , Miguel SrougiMiguel Srougi More articles by this author , and Eduardo MazzucchiEduardo Mazzucchi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.2997AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To show a video of a complete supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (csPNL) performed for the treatment of a kidney stone, from the surgeon′s point of view. The procedure was recorded with a GoPro® camera placed on the surgeon′s forehead, didactically demonstrating the 10 essential steps for a successful procedure. METHODS The patient was a 38 years-old female patient with 2.4 cm of left kidney lower pole stone burden who presented with 3 months of lumbar pain and recurrent urinary tract infections. She had a previous diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease and chronic renal failure stage 2. CT scan showed two 1.2 cm stones in the lower pole (Guy′s Stone Score 2). She had a previous ipsilateral double J insertion due to an obstructive pyelonephritis. The surgeon had a Full HD GoPro Hero 4 Session® camera mounted on his forehead, controlled by the surgical team with a remote control. All of the mains steps were recorded, as well the cystoscopic, nephroscopic and fluoroscopic images. Informed consent was obtained prior to the procedure. RESULTS The csPCNL was uneventful with a single access in the lower pole. The surgical time was 90 minutes. Hemoglobin drop was 0.5g/dL and creatinine levels rose from 1.8mg/dL to 1.9mg/dL. A post-operative CT scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 36 hours after surgery. The camera worked properly and didn′t cause pain or muscle discomfort to the surgeon. The quality of the recorded movie was excellent CONCLUSIONS GoPro 4 Session® camera proved to be a very interesting tool to document surgeries without interfering with the procedure and with great educational potential. More studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of this equipment in the operative room. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e1284 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information Fabio Vicentini More articles by this author Hugo Santos More articles by this author Evaristo Oliveira Neto More articles by this author Carlos Batagello More articles by this author Julia Amundson More articles by this author Miguel Srougi More articles by this author Eduardo Mazzucchi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The use of digital video recorders in pollination biology

1. Digital video recording (DVR) devices, such as the GoPro Hero, have the potential to greatly benefit pollination ecology, but the advantages of digitally recording pollinator activity over direct human observation have not been formally assessed.2. Two plant taxa, Lavandula angustifolia and Canna ‘sp.’, with differing floral morphology, were used to compare the value of DVR and direct observations in estimating honeybee (Apis mellifera) visitation, flower density and number of flowers visited per foraging bout.3. The two methods yielded identical results when observing the structurally simple L. angustifolia at both high (10.54 ± 0.52 per plant) and low honeybee density (2.24 ± 0.20 per plant). However, DVR underestimated the number of flowers scored in the field of view (28.7 ± 1.8 direct vs. 22.7 ± 0.9 DVR), the number of honeybees observed (5.3 ± 0.8 direct vs. 3.7 ± 0.7 DVR) and the number of flowers visited during foraging bouts (8.3 ± 1.2 direct vs. 5.5 ± 1.0 DVR) on the more complex Canna ‘sp.’4. It is concluded that portable weatherproof DVR devices such as the GoPro Hero are valuable tools for pollination biologists, allowing a single researcher to make simultaneous observations of multiple plants in one or more sites, whilst also allowing the footage to be reviewed. However, DVR devices are limited by their depth and field of view when target plants are large or structurally complex.

GoPro HERO 4 Black recording of scleral buckle placement during retinal detachment repair

ObjectiveGoPro and Google Glass technology have previously been used to record procedures in ophthalmology and other medical fields. In this manuscript, GoPro’s latest HERO 4 Black edition camera (GoPro Inc, San Mateo, Calif.) will be used to record the placement of a scleral buckle during retinal detachment surgery. MethodsGoPro HERO 4 Black edition camera, which records 4K-quality video with a resolution of 3840 (pixels) x 2160 (lines), was mounted on a head strap to record placement of a scleral buckle for a retinal detachment. ResultsExcellent video quality was achieved with the 4K SuperView setting. Bluetooth connection with an Apple iPad (Apple Inc, Cupertino, Calif.) provided live streaming and use of the GoPro App. Zoom, horizontal/vertical alignment, exposure, and contrast adjustments were made with postproduction editing on GoPro Studio software. ConclusionsVideo recording with the GoPro HERO 4 Black edition camera is an excellent way to document extraocular procedures to improve medical education, self-training, or medicolegal documentation.