When Machines Refuse to Behave: Tales of Unruly Technology

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a user experiencing erratic behavior from their webcam, which seems to malfunction when it cannot detect the user's face. This issue prompts speculation about potential technical reasons, such as sensitivity in autofocus mechanisms or power supply problems. The user humorously shares their experience of the webcam behaving better when pointed at their bed, suggesting that the device may have a peculiar sensitivity. Other participants engage with light-hearted suggestions, including trying to adjust the plug or even playful antics like sticking out their tongue to test the webcam's response. The conversation also touches on the endearing quirks of technology, with users sharing anecdotes about machines that require gentle handling to function correctly.
Gale
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https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=98589"

my webcam is being silly. its acting like a 2 yr old and freaking out whenever it can't see me. now, I'm sure there must be some logical physics related reason why... I'm not sure what, (feel free to inform me if you know..)

but there are loads of things in life that act like that you know? I'm sure everyone has stories of machines they have to fondle and caress gently in order to work properly. so share share!
 
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I've never used one. Is there some kind of autofocus that might have gotten sensitive to sudden changes in the distance of what it is focusing on?
 
nope. definately not. I've kept my hands in front of it and ducked and it freaks. has to have my face right in front of it... its weird. it really freaks out too. keeps shutting down my messenger.
 
If you had an iSight, made by Apple (http://apple.com/isight ) you wouldn't have any problems. In fact the video/picture would be much much better.
 
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Gale said:
nope. definately not. I've kept my hands in front of it and ducked and it freaks. has to have my face right in front of it... its weird. it really freaks out too. keeps shutting down my messenger.
Your PC, do you call it "Hal"?
 
Gale said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=98589"
my webcam is being silly. its acting like a 2 yr old and freaking out whenever it can't see me. now, I'm sure there must be some logical physics related reason why... I'm not sure what, (feel free to inform me if you know..)
but there are loads of things in life that act like that you know? I'm sure everyone has stories of machines they have to fondle and caress gently in order to work properly. so share share!

Sounds like voltage dependant pixilation to me, have you tried wobbling
your plug ? Try sticking your tongue out at it, if it goes crazy it is most
likely to be an over sensitive power supply.:biggrin:
 
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hey, actually, i just realized... it stopped freaking out last night. i went to lay down on cam, and it was fine. i had it pointed at my bed though so it could see me. but it was a-ok with me resting. i think i'll try to see if its still freaking out now.
 
zoobyshoe said:
Your PC, do you call it "Hal"?

hah, no i do not. my pc is named "The Super-Coolness-the coolest of cool computers" :approve:
 

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