Hardware

The hardware used in this project included:
  • Philips 740K webcam ($60)
  • Eight (8) high-power infrared LEDs ($10)
  • Two (2) 33Ohm resistors
  • Eight (8) volt power supply
  • Personal computer w/USB capabilities
    To prepare the camera for use, we removed a disc from the lens that contained a high-pass infrared filter that would prevent natural light from saturating an ordinary picture from the webcam. This disc also happened to filter out any infrared light from the LEDs, so it had to go.

    From the Morimoto paper, it was discovered that the close the LEDs are to the axis, the more reflection is present from the pupils. The LEDs were arranged in a circle around the lens of the webcam. They were run through the two resistors to limit current to 100mW, and then powered by the 8v power supply.

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