We're going to hook up multiple infrared proximity sensors beside each other and we're wondering if they will interfere with each other at all.
Does the infrared light shoot forward in a cone, or a straight line?
Here are the sensors we're considering:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/1568
Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
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- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
The data sheet doesn't specify a sensitivity pattern. But in my experience, it is somewhat conical. It is possible to restrict the field of view with baffles. It is also a good idea to operate them sequentially to minimize interference.
- farseen
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- Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2015 3:31 pm
Re: Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
Thanks for the advice!
We want each sensor to be able to determine the distance of someone's hand from the sensor. This will ultimately control the pitch of an audio file. In my understanding, they would need to be all running at the same time in order for someone to place both hands in and play two different notes. I would appreciate any advice as I'm a newbie to all of this, thanks.
PS - I've already successfully built this same contraption using lasers, sensors, arduino and a raspberry pie.; I'm switching to Infrared in order to gauge distance so the sounds can feel more dynamic.
We want each sensor to be able to determine the distance of someone's hand from the sensor. This will ultimately control the pitch of an audio file. In my understanding, they would need to be all running at the same time in order for someone to place both hands in and play two different notes. I would appreciate any advice as I'm a newbie to all of this, thanks.
PS - I've already successfully built this same contraption using lasers, sensors, arduino and a raspberry pie.; I'm switching to Infrared in order to gauge distance so the sounds can feel more dynamic.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88145
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
A common way to minimize sensor interference is to rapidly sequence through them, activating only one at a time. The problem you may have with that is the time it takes to poll a large number of sensors will affect the timing.
You might want to consider a hybrid system using lasers to detect the notes and a smaller number of IR sensors to gauge the distance.PS - I've already successfully built this same contraption using lasers, sensors, arduino and a raspberry pie.; I'm switching to Infrared in order to gauge distance so the sounds can feel more dynamic.
- farseen
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2015 3:31 pm
Re: Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
Again thank you for such a prompt response!
Do you think if we built enclosures for them, the interference could be reduced? We'd like to avoid having to use lasers/sensors again due to the fact that they have to hit such a small target, and our plan is to have them running about 5 metres from the floor, to the ground. Infrared doesn't require the 'target' side of things, making our lives much easier, haha.
If we spaced them about 2 feet apart, could that help as well? We have a large room to play with.
Do you think if we built enclosures for them, the interference could be reduced? We'd like to avoid having to use lasers/sensors again due to the fact that they have to hit such a small target, and our plan is to have them running about 5 metres from the floor, to the ground. Infrared doesn't require the 'target' side of things, making our lives much easier, haha.
If we spaced them about 2 feet apart, could that help as well? We have a large room to play with.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88145
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Infrared Proximity Sensor: Cone or Straight?
Working on that scale, you may be OK.
According to this page, the beam is about 16 cm (~6") wide at its widest. http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_t ... rt/html/71
According to this page, the beam is about 16 cm (~6") wide at its widest. http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_t ... rt/html/71
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.