Development of a low-cost portable scale integrated into a smartphone
case based on image processing force estimations
Abstract
This paper presents the development and implementation of a low-cost,
portable scale utilizing a smartphone and image processing technology.
The main objective of this research is to explore the potential of using
a compliant mechanism, markers, and image processing techniques to
accurately determine the weight of an object. We designed a 3D printed
platform fitted with a webcam to capture images of white markers on a
black surface. The Image Processing Toolbox on MATLAB was used to detect
two parameters, the number of white pixels and the centroid positions
of the white pixels with respect to the centre of the image in each
marker. Calibration is carried out to convert these two parameters into
weight, hence accurately estimating the weight of an object placed on
the platform.