When viewing the footage as recorded, both the pipe and beam appeared to stay stationary. However, once ran through the computer vision software, the pipe appeared to fluctuate between a circle and an oval, while the beam was seen to wobble backwards and forwards. The data matched up well with that recorded via traditional methods.
Given the positive results, the team believes that the technique may be useful in monitoring bridges and buildings, and could even be utilized when surveying pipelines, where defects could change the way that they vibrate. The method can also still provide results when using less advanced cameras, further emphasizing its value and convenience over existing techniques.
"This could be a noncontact sensor technology that can be used for economic and speedy applications," says MIT professor Oral Buyukozturk. "Depending on your objective, perhaps you could use the camera on your cellphone for screening, and if you detect something, you could concentrate on it with a high-power camera. There are levels of inspection, and you don’t always have to start with the highest-quality camera."
The team intends to continue its research, with plans to test the technique on numerous structures around Boston, including the John Hancock Tower and Zakim Bridge.
For more on the study, you can take a look at the video below.