Booth Id:
ENBM008
Category:
Biomedical Engineering
Year:
2021
Finalist Names:
Soneji, Priya (School: Milton High School)
Abstract:
Microorganisms are observed every day in the hopes of finding new developments that will
help gain new insights into human health. Many organisms move quite fast under the
microscope's field of view, and this makes it hard for scientists to follow them manually and
precisely for long durations. An automated and precise way to observe and track organisms is
needed to conduct research with ease.
The tracking microscope enables scientists and researchers to observe and record
microorganism movement with micrometers of precision autonomously. The microscope
utilizes object detection to follow an object and keep the subject in frame using a three-axis
actuator. The program is written in Python and utilizes OpenCV to track the subject. On the
hardware side, an Arduino Uno combined with stepper motors controls the base that is used
to move the subject to keep it in frame. Additionally, a custom build microscope is used to
supply a 1080p video stream at 150 FPS. In total, four prototypes were built.
After testing, it was concluded that the fourth prototype performed the best. It can track in
three axes at forty times magnification and has a minimum speed of 2,000 µm/s. During the
testing to track microorganisms, the fourth prototype was able to track a Stentor in three axes
for two hours and map its trajectory autonomously. This research can be used in the future to
observe organisms that were previously too fast to be tracked and can be used to examine
their behaviors and methods of movement.
Awards Won:
Second Award of $2,000