Simple Obstacle Sensor with Arduino

Introduction

Have you heard of parking systems that can identify an obstacle in the driver’s blind spot and alert them before an accident can occur? And have you explored the reasoning behind it? Yes! this must be because of the sensor. But which sensor? Let’s explore together. So, continue reading this article as we are going to discuss Simple Obstacle Sensor with Arduino

There are numerous sensors available for obstacle detection, including ultrasonic sensors and infrared sensors. This obstacle sensor that we are making uses simple components like IR LED and photodiode.

What is an Obstacle Sensor?

A device used to detect obstacles is termed an obstacle sensor. They are sometimes IR sensors. An infrared signal is transmitted by an IR sensor, which is used to detect obstacles. The infrared signal bounces off an object’s surface and is then picked up by an infrared receiver.

Hardware Components

You will require the following hardware for Simple Obstacle Sensor with Arduino

S.no	Component	Value	Qty
1.	Arduino UNO	–	1
2.	IR transmitter	–	1
3.	Photo Diode	–	1
4.	LED	–	2
5.	Resistor	150Ω,3KΩ	1,1
6.	Breadboard	–	1
7.	Jumper Wires	–	1

Steps Making Obstacle Sensor

To make this Simple Obstacle Sensor, you need a few basic components along with an IR sensor. Once you get them all, follow the given steps:

Schematic

Make connections according to the circuit diagram given below.

Wiring / Connections

Arduino	IR Module	LED Green	LED Red
5V	VCC with R1
GND	GND	-ve	-ve
A0	OUT with R2
D12		+ve
D13			+ve

Installing Arduino IDE

First, you need to install Arduino IDE Software from its official website Arduino. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to install Arduino IDE“.

Code

Now copy the following code and upload it to Arduino IDE Software.

int photoDiode=2;                      
int GreenLed=13;                     
int senRead=0;                  
int SenseRate=905;                   
 void setup()    
 {  
  pinMode(photoDiode,OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(GreenLed,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(12,OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(photoDiode,HIGH);       
  digitalWrite(GreenLed,LOW);      
  Serial.begin(9600);           
 }  
 void loop()  
 {  
  int val=analogRead(senRead);    
  Serial.println(val);            
  if(val <= SenseRate)               
  {
   digitalWrite(12,HIGH);  
   digitalWrite(GreenLed,LOW);       
   delay(20);  
  }  
  else if(val > SenseRate)            
  {  
   digitalWrite(12,LOW);
   digitalWrite(GreenLed,HIGH);       
   delay(20);  
  }  
 }

Let’s Test It

Once you upload the code in Arduino, its now time to test the circuit. After that, you have powered up the Arduino, if the obstacle comes in front of the sensor the green LED with turn On.

Working Explanation

When the light emitted by the IR LED strikes the photodiode after it has hit an object, the photodiode’s resistance decreases dramatically. The threshold value is specified in the code.  When the incoming radiation is on the photodiode, the voltage drop becomes high. The threshold voltage is then compared with that voltage. If the voltage to the photodiode is greater than the threshold voltage, the output becomes high and the LED would turn ON.

Applications

• Parking systems
• Automobiles obstacle detection
• Robotics applications

Conclusion.

We hope you have found this Simple Obstacle Sensor with Arduino Circuit very useful. If you feel any difficulty in making it feel free to ask anything in the comment section.