Hello,
I am working to design an infrared range finder that will measure distances under a meter. The accuracy doesn't have to be great. The goal is to use it to navigate a rover autonomously through a simple maze. I have worked on it for some time now with little luck.
I am starting to ask the question...is this even possible/practical?
I want to have an infrared LED that "bounces" light off of walls in the vehicle's path. A phototransistor (maybe photodarlington) will receive the reflected light. After filtering, amplifying, and peak detecting the signal, I will input the signal into the Arduino's ADC. Then based on the output (range data), I will program the microcontroller to control the motors of the rover (i.e. telling it to stop, execute turn, check path, start again).
I'm trying to base the project off of this Instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Infrared-Rangefinder-Similar-to-Sharp-GP/. However, this circuit is very short range (few inches). I am trying to improve the range in hopes of using it for navigation, but am doubting if that is even possible now. From what I've gathered infrared is a little fickle to work with because of scattering, etc.
Does anyone have any ideas about whether I should continue to pursue this or chalk it up as a loss?
Thanks!
I am working to design an infrared range finder that will measure distances under a meter. The accuracy doesn't have to be great. The goal is to use it to navigate a rover autonomously through a simple maze. I have worked on it for some time now with little luck.
I am starting to ask the question...is this even possible/practical?
I want to have an infrared LED that "bounces" light off of walls in the vehicle's path. A phototransistor (maybe photodarlington) will receive the reflected light. After filtering, amplifying, and peak detecting the signal, I will input the signal into the Arduino's ADC. Then based on the output (range data), I will program the microcontroller to control the motors of the rover (i.e. telling it to stop, execute turn, check path, start again).
I'm trying to base the project off of this Instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Infrared-Rangefinder-Similar-to-Sharp-GP/. However, this circuit is very short range (few inches). I am trying to improve the range in hopes of using it for navigation, but am doubting if that is even possible now. From what I've gathered infrared is a little fickle to work with because of scattering, etc.
Does anyone have any ideas about whether I should continue to pursue this or chalk it up as a loss?
Thanks!