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Measuring speed, angle and height

SGarciaV

Hi all,

 

I am discussing a possible project, but I am not certain how feasible it is. The project consists of using an Arduino, plus some sensor (or sensors) to measure the speed, angle and height of a flying object over a 6 x 30 cm surface. Although I am unfamiliar with the details, the object will pass over the surface and the Arduino needs to get how fast it is moving, the angle at which it crosses the surface and the distance from the surface to the object.

 

I posted a rough sketch below.

 

Can some one please provide some feedback as to how feasible this is and what sort of sensor(s) will be needed? Thanks! Salvador

 

image

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  • in reply to amgalbu

    Mmmm.... Ambrogio,

    your idea IMO arises at least a couple of issues. The first is that using beams, by definition these are not lasers but IR lights so for every barer there is a too wide acceptance range and consequently a precision loss. The second is that this means placing fixed position so there is not a full coverage or the real passage angle. I think that with this method you will try to use a well working system to manage a pre-defined targeting measurement system with a unknown behavioural system.

     

    Based on your suggestion - and ignoring the budget aspects as I don't know what are the costs for the  peripherals- maybe the idea of the IR measurement (as well as similar laser application) may work as it works at a specific wavelength range. The most reliable possibility I see to target the precise angle of passage is the use of a linear camera; there are some working well on the IR wavelength and other working in visibile light. Simple OpAmp band-pass filters can isolate only the desired wavelength, that will be the source light for measure. AFAIK (I used linear cameras about 25 years ago) these can be triggered as well as reading data without considering the acquired "images" but just the electric signal variation so I think that also a small micro controller board can do de job.

     

    Enrico

  • in reply to balearicdynamics

    Hi Enrico

    An IR barrier detects objects that pass in front of the receiver, so the precision is not so bad

    I agree this is not the best solution but in my opinion is an option considered the limited computational resources available on the Arduino board

    Then if one decide to connect a camera that can automatically track objects to Arduino is a completely different approach...

     

    Cheers

    Ambrogio

  • in reply to amgalbu

    Hi Ambrogio, it is true. I though to a series of single beams.

     

    About the camera instead, sure to manage data with a poor processing capabilities a hardware pre-processing circuit (cleaning the signal and isolating just what it is needed) maybe a good practice. The camera alone interfaced with the Arduino board ... I see it like an improbable challenge.

     

    Enrico