Hi.  I'm an artist in london.  I'm working on a project right now for a show in a 5 weeks.  I'm pretty new to programming, but I've got a decent hang on the simple side of things.  

I'm hoping to find someone on here, who would be willing to help me out with my current project.  I'd be able to compensate them for their troubles.

Basically what I'm looking to do is...

Using a video camera as an input... that would (using a high contrast filter) be able to analyze the live video and gauge a general percentage of people in the shot (just to know when 25% of the shot is filled with people and 50% and so on).  then based on that output change the graphic that is being projected.  (so when the video has 0% it flashes rapid colors, per say and when it has more people it stops or slows down)

I'd also like to use a microphone to do the general same thing with audio and use that output to trigger a sound reaction to the noise level.

I know, I might of worded it confusingly.  But I think it is doable... or if anyone has any better ideas, I'm open ears.

http://www.iamnick.com/random/look_diagram.gif
here is a diagram of the setup I'd hope to achieve.

basically when there are more people in front of the projection it acts calm and still... but when people aren't looking at it, it begins to flash colours and images so people will come look at it.  and when the room is loud it will make noises to get people to pay attention and as soon as it is quiet, it will stop.

I appreciate any advice and/or anyone who would be willing to closely help me with this project.  you'd of course get credit for your contribution and compensation.  Thanks!

thanks!  that's pretty helpful.  Do you know of any good places where I could read up on the whole analyzing the video part?