A template for real-time image processing development: Windows-based PCs and webcams for computer vision research and education

A free and open-source software package called TRIPOD: Template for Real-time Image Processing Development, is described. TRIPOD was designed for classroom implementation or self-instruction. USB Logitech, Windows PC, Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 compiler, and ANSI C/C++ are used in TRIPOD. The motivation for TRIPOD stemmed from observations that affordable, widely available, and portable components have made a strong impact on robotics. The article showcased applications like laser rangefinding and visual servoing.