Here’s some code for an instalation I’m working on – it uses any camera attached to your computer, and records as a continuously changing image any difference (motion) in the image that the camera sees.

The result, for a fixed camera is some fairly tripped out imagery.

download the processing source and mac, windows and linux apps (only tested on macos) – requires quicktime for java and winvdg for windows apparently.

directions for use:
Put the camera in a fixed location, preferably on a tripod. Attach it over firewire or usb to your computer.
Launch the application – the camera settings dialog will pop up – turn off any auto-exposure feature your camera has.
Get out of the view of the camera and press ‘OK’ in the camera settings dialog.
After 1 second, the program is ready and will capture any movement, while leaving out the background.

Keys:
escape – quit the program
r – blacks out the screen and starts captureing a new photo
s – saves the current picture
b – resets the background image, useful if you move the camera.