Observed angular velocity function of object moving in straight path

1. Mar 30, 2014

bendloewen

Hello, I have been trying to find an equation to represent the observed angular velocity of any object traveling in a straight path x and y distance away from where its being observed, along with the moving objects velocity. My problem is that I am getting a differential equation that in its simplest terms makes complete sense, but I cant get anything out of it. If you all could help out that would be great. I have attached an illustration, with my progress on it so far in the upper right corner. I am needing this for a camera tracking system, where it sees points as x and y coordinates. After calibrated, I need to include its observed angular velocity, and I could include angular acceleration that would be great too! Thanks again for all of your help.

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2. Mar 31, 2014

Staff: Mentor

x = y tanθ

$$\frac{dx}{dt}=y sec^2θ\frac{dθ}{dt}$$
$$sec^2θ=\frac{x^2+y^2}{y^2}$$

3. Mar 31, 2014

bendloewen

Thankyou for the answer, could you tell us where you got the sec^2=x^2+y^2/y^2? I have never seen that in any of my maths

4. Mar 31, 2014

bendloewen

nevermind i just figured it out haha. Thanks!