Detect Train and Close Window with Arduino and Webcam

[youtube http://www.youtube.com?v=aBhF_qfG4Qc]

Here’s a great example of how to solve problems through automation….

The problem, living next to a set of train tracks, and the noise that they make…  The solution, automatically close the windows, when a train is passing through…

Using a webcam, open-source motion detection software, and an arduino, I’ve created an automatic window closer for my bedroom windows. This is a demonstration of how it works.

It’s a nice rig, custom built, and very functional.  I can see some possible improvements, including sound triggering, or leveraging the web cam to detect the trains from further away…

But, it’s a great solution.