ABSTRACT
A comparison of three different methods for end-edge detection of the IPMC actuator as it moves is presented in this chapter, using image analysis captured by a CCD camera. The degrees of freedom for actuator move are specific and experiments were realized in underwater conditions when one end-edge is fixed-clapped and the other is free. The tracking techniques of free edge are based on three different approaches while the two recent of these use the new technology of Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) to reduce more the processing time. The results show that the new techniques increased by 47 and 70 times the speed of detection. Comparing the two last methods it can be concluded that they offer satisfactory reduced processing time for the speed of material which can be measured to values up to 10 KHz theoretically. The second improved method uses more calculations regarding position estimation and is slower if material bends out of the way track. The last approach is slower than second because is implemented in the entire area but handles better the bigger bending of the material within shorter execution times. A prerequisite for high speed measurements is the adequate support of the frame rate of camera.
