Quantifying a Picture: Calculating D & theta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around quantifying a picture by calculating the distance D and the angle theta related to a camera setup. The original poster is uncertain about how to derive these values from the given information and relationships between the camera, object, and image.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between similar triangles in the context of the camera's length and film height to find D and theta. There are attempts to clarify the necessity of knowing certain dimensions, such as H, to proceed with calculations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the relationships involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the proportionality of dimensions, but there is no consensus on how to proceed without additional information, particularly regarding H.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific values for H and express uncertainty about how to theoretically derive it. There is also mention of the implications of varying D on the value of theta.

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Homework Statement



I'm supposed to quantify the picture below and show how to find D and the angle theta.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7079/labg.jpg

Homework Equations



none i can think of

The Attempt at a Solution



I guess S and H are the same. I really can't think of a way to find D or theta though. Don't you need D to find theta?
 
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Opening of the camera, object and image from two similar triangles. Their sides are proportional.
Length of the camera and film height are known quantities. From that find D and theta.
 
rl.bhat said:
Opening of the camera, object and image from two similar triangles. Their sides are proportional.
Length of the camera and film height are known quantities. From that find D and theta.

Alright so my camera's length is 14.6cm and the film height is 5cm. Even if I know they're proportional how can i find D?
 
To find D you must know H. As your guess S need no be equal to H.
 
rl.bhat said:
To find D you must know H. As your guess S need no be equal to H.

Alright well we aren't given H so how would I theoretically get H?

Would I do 5/14.6 = h/d? And after I find D how would i find theta?
 
You can find theta. 2.5/14.6 = tan(theta/2). But that won't give you D unless you know the size of the object.
 
rl.bhat said:
You can find theta. 2.5/14.6 = tan(theta/2). But that won't give you D unless you know the size of the object.

Alright but even if i know my H, isn't the theta different? let's say my H is 7.5 cm. I got theta/2 for the left triangle to be 4.86 degrees. Where do I go from there though?
 
Yes. For same H theta depends on D. When D changes size of the image also changes.
Theta will be unique only for one setting.
 

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