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Sensor suggestions? — Parallax Forums

Sensor suggestions?

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-05-12 01:27 in General Discussion
I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract the
most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set up in
the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will update
an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and just
record the number showing.

Here's how a "trap" would work:

I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside is a
fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp to "capture" a
pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or leaves
the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I divide the
number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need is to
figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an insect
flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors so
that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or out
of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.

Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?

Thanks, Ray

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-10 05:08
    Ray

    I would say your box should be about twice as long as it is wide or high,
    and then you could use ultrasound transducers (SRF04 Sonar Rangers,
    probably). Space them far enough apart down the throat of the trap (its
    length) with the bait at the end, so that they are nearly certain to fly
    past both transducers, set the transducers for minimum gain to just reach
    all the way accross the throat, and space far enough apart to ensure a dead
    band between, and you have a bi-directional traffic counting gate. You might
    have to add a baffle or two between the transducers to ensure the dead band,
    but if the scent gets out to the bugs, the bafles won't stop the bugs from
    coming in.

    And by the way, count divide by two won't work unless you are absolutely
    certain no bug enters and dies. Given the short life spans of most bugs,
    that seems to be very unlikely. Then count divide by two either yields a
    fractional bug, or two dead bugs get counted as one. If you use the two
    sensors arrangement, you should be able to program your bs2's to keep an
    increment one way-decrement the other way loop going, with the total number
    of matching pairs equalling the total number of bugs that survived the trip.
    For any non-matches, you look at direction. Out only is either a leak in
    your trap or a false trigger, while in only has to match a dead bug in the
    trap, or be either a leak or a false trigger. Gives you some checks and
    balances for quality of data, for a very low price.

    Mike

    Original Message
    From: Ray V. <w2ec@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 11:10 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?


    > I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract the
    > most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set up in
    > the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    > insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will update
    > an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and just
    > record the number showing.
    >
    > Here's how a "trap" would work:
    >
    > I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside is a
    > fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp to "capture" a
    > pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or leaves
    > the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I divide the
    > number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need is to
    > figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an insect
    > flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors so
    > that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or out
    > of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.
    >
    > Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?
    >
    > Thanks, Ray
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-10 05:21
    I guess zapping them and counting the high voltage spikes is out ?

    it would prevent one critter from coming and going repeatedly and
    messing up the real count, and you could get an idea of the variety
    and species that were interested.

    and if you are testing for mosquitoes, you are welcome to test on my
    back porch, if you zap them that is.

    Dave



    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Ray V." <w2ec@a...> wrote:
    > I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract
    the
    > most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set
    up in
    > the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    > insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will
    update
    > an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and
    just
    > record the number showing.
    >
    > Here's how a "trap" would work:
    >
    > I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside
    is a
    > fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp
    to "capture" a
    > pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or
    leaves
    > the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I
    divide the
    > number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need
    is to
    > figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an
    insect
    > flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors
    so
    > that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or
    out
    > of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.
    >
    > Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?
    >
    > Thanks, Ray
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-10 16:57
    how big are the bugs
    There not nats are they

    one Ir led modulated at 40 khz with a row of Radio shack ir receivers in
    parallel metal can type also 40khz any one goes off and you get a signal no
    need to find what direction divide by 2 less the ones left inside.

    Larry Gaminde


    Original Message
    From: "Dave Mucha" <davemucha@j...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: May 09, 2003 9:21 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Sensor suggestions?


    > I guess zapping them and counting the high voltage spikes is out ?
    >
    > it would prevent one critter from coming and going repeatedly and
    > messing up the real count, and you could get an idea of the variety
    > and species that were interested.
    >
    > and if you are testing for mosquitoes, you are welcome to test on my
    > back porch, if you zap them that is.
    >
    > Dave
    >
    >
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Ray V." <w2ec@a...> wrote:
    > > I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract
    > the
    > > most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set
    > up in
    > > the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    > > insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will
    > update
    > > an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and
    > just
    > > record the number showing.
    > >
    > > Here's how a "trap" would work:
    > >
    > > I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside
    > is a
    > > fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp
    > to "capture" a
    > > pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or
    > leaves
    > > the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I
    > divide the
    > > number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need
    > is to
    > > figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an
    > insect
    > > flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors
    > so
    > > that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or
    > out
    > > of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.
    > >
    > > Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?
    > >
    > > Thanks, Ray
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-10 17:39
    Ray,

    Neat project. IR sensors are the first that spring to my mind. Does the
    opening have any depth to it, or just the thickness of the box? Seems as if
    that would make it hard to put two sensors to determine direction of travel.
    As well, since more than one insect may well enter at a time, you might have
    data discrepancies. What size resolution on the bugs do you want? I have
    detected fairly small moving objects with IR, such as a metal slug 4mm by
    4mm moving pretty fast, 45 meters per second or so, but I have no data on
    how small a object can be reliably detected.

    Another possibility would be sound. This would probably be more sensitive,
    but more problematic in terms of how directional the sensor is and how
    susceptible to background noise.

    Just some thoughts,

    Jonathan

    www.madlabs.info

    Original Message
    From: "Ray V." <w2ec@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 8:10 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?


    > I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract the
    > most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set up in
    > the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    > insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will update
    > an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and just
    > record the number showing.
    >
    > Here's how a "trap" would work:
    >
    > I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside is a
    > fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp to "capture" a
    > pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or leaves
    > the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I divide the
    > number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need is to
    > figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an insect
    > flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors so
    > that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or out
    > of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.
    >
    > Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?
    >
    > Thanks, Ray
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-10 20:41
    Mike/Ray,

    Oddly enough, when I was trying to develop a short distance
    data transmitter (5ft) using an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver
    years ago, I discovered that "some" insects were attracted to
    my continuous (40kHz) transmitter. I discovered this when I
    was working on the audible (40kHz divide by 10) receiver and
    thought it was malfunctioning as I was hearing "other" unexpected
    sounds. When I turned off the transmitter, it turns out my
    receiver became an insect locating device. Keep in mind I was
    working in a shed in the backyard in the middle of August, so
    there were many BUGS. (grin)

    Anyway using ultra-sonic may bias Ray's results, if he is
    transmitting. However as a listening device it might be doable.

    There might also be biasing with using IR if some insects are
    attracted to that form of light as well, although this would
    be my first attempt. Here's my thought... If you had a container
    containing the fragrance with a small pin-hole at each location
    you also placed an IR sensor, over a period of time you could
    build a histogram of how many sensors were covered (by the insect)
    investigating each fragrance.




    >Ray
    >
    >I would say your box should be about twice as long as it is wide or high,
    >and then you could use ultrasound transducers (SRF04 Sonar Rangers,
    >probably). Space them far enough apart down the throat of the trap (its
    >length) with the bait at the end, so that they are nearly certain to fly
    >past both transducers, set the transducers for minimum gain to just reach
    >all the way accross the throat, and space far enough apart to ensure a dead
    >band between, and you have a bi-directional traffic counting gate. You might
    >have to add a baffle or two between the transducers to ensure the dead band,
    >but if the scent gets out to the bugs, the bafles won't stop the bugs from
    >coming in.
    >
    >And by the way, count divide by two won't work unless you are absolutely
    >certain no bug enters and dies. Given the short life spans of most bugs,
    >that seems to be very unlikely. Then count divide by two either yields a
    >fractional bug, or two dead bugs get counted as one. If you use the two
    >sensors arrangement, you should be able to program your bs2's to keep an
    >increment one way-decrement the other way loop going, with the total number
    >of matching pairs equalling the total number of bugs that survived the trip.
    >For any non-matches, you look at direction. Out only is either a leak in
    >your trap or a false trigger, while in only has to match a dead bug in the
    >trap, or be either a leak or a false trigger. Gives you some checks and
    >balances for quality of data, for a very low price.
    >
    >Mike
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >From: Ray V. <w2ec@a...>
    >To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    >Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 11:10 PM
    >Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?
    >
    >
    > > I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract the
    > > most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set up in
    > > the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    > > insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will update
    > > an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and just
    > > record the number showing.
    > >
    > > Here's how a "trap" would work:
    > >
    > > I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside is a
    > > fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp to "capture" a
    > > pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or leaves
    > > the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I divide the
    > > number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need is to
    > > figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an insect
    > > flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors so
    > > that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or out
    > > of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.
    > >
    > > Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?
    > >
    > > Thanks, Ray
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 00:21
    Beau is correct that some insects are attracted to ultrasonics. Others
    (moths particularly) are repelled by certain frequencies/patterns to
    avoid being lunch for echo-locating bats. A related fascinating
    survival story is that of a parasitic mite that burrows into one inner
    ear of a certain moth species, slowly destroying hearing in that ear.
    But you never find mites burrowing into BOTH ears of the same moth. If
    both moth ears are destroyed, the moth can't hear the oncoming bat, and
    take evasive action.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Beau Schwabe [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Suk86daa91x0jzTLIJcUW_7qIq8TAw19smnBSIKmNG8dtsJB45gJ0-rqvijUu6vE8LilE8ufnUQfgltcEY9S]bschwabe@a...[/url
    Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 12:42 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?


    Mike/Ray,

    Oddly enough, when I was trying to develop a short distance
    data transmitter (5ft) using an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver
    years ago, I discovered that "some" insects were attracted to
    my continuous (40kHz) transmitter. I discovered this when I
    was working on the audible (40kHz divide by 10) receiver and
    thought it was malfunctioning as I was hearing "other"
    unexpected
    sounds. When I turned off the transmitter, it turns out my
    receiver became an insect locating device. Keep in mind I was
    working in a shed in the backyard in the middle of August, so
    there were many BUGS. (grin)

    Anyway using ultra-sonic may bias Ray's results, if he is
    transmitting. However as a listening device it might be
    doable.

    There might also be biasing with using IR if some insects are
    attracted to that form of light as well, although this would
    be my first attempt. Here's my thought... If you had a
    container
    containing the fragrance with a small pin-hole at each location
    you also placed an IR sensor, over a period of time you could
    build a histogram of how many sensors were covered (by the
    insect)
    investigating each fragrance.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 03:53
    Maybe you never find them burrowing into both ears because if they do the
    bats eat them right away?
    Couldn't resist.

    -John


    At 04:21 PM 5/10/2003 -0700, you wrote:
    >Beau is correct that some insects are attracted to ultrasonics. Others
    >(moths particularly) are repelled by certain frequencies/patterns to
    >avoid being lunch for echo-locating bats. A related fascinating
    >survival story is that of a parasitic mite that burrows into one inner
    >ear of a certain moth species, slowly destroying hearing in that ear.
    >But you never find mites burrowing into BOTH ears of the same moth. If
    >both moth ears are destroyed, the moth can't hear the oncoming bat, and
    >take evasive action.
    >
    >Dennis
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >From: Beau Schwabe [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=89SLPbgevKmCkoLS8CDMCxAm4QmalXnz-2ESQpA271aP1MzVJ85Vi8-28qta-2b_u2yyUj37x9szSE4vIJP33Do]bschwabe@a...[/url
    >Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 12:42 PM
    >To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    >Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?
    >
    >
    >Mike/Ray,
    >
    > Oddly enough, when I was trying to develop a short distance
    > data transmitter (5ft) using an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver
    > years ago, I discovered that "some" insects were attracted to
    > my continuous (40kHz) transmitter. I discovered this when I
    > was working on the audible (40kHz divide by 10) receiver and
    > thought it was malfunctioning as I was hearing "other"
    >unexpected
    > sounds. When I turned off the transmitter, it turns out my
    > receiver became an insect locating device. Keep in mind I was
    > working in a shed in the backyard in the middle of August, so
    > there were many BUGS. (grin)
    >
    > Anyway using ultra-sonic may bias Ray's results, if he is
    > transmitting. However as a listening device it might be
    >doable.
    >
    > There might also be biasing with using IR if some insects are
    > attracted to that form of light as well, although this would
    > be my first attempt. Here's my thought... If you had a
    >container
    > containing the fragrance with a small pin-hole at each location
    > you also placed an IR sensor, over a period of time you could
    > build a histogram of how many sensors were covered (by the
    >insect)
    > investigating each fragrance.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 05:57
    Neither could the bat. That's the simplest explanation.

    --Dennis

    Original Message
    From: John Walton [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=vya5m2dErz0HM-nINWl5570IQxU-zW05hFFgeCeOusuPTypv1s9XuVuY3T0kbTPP1vnDSy4LOETnYw]john@l...[/url
    Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 7:53 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?


    Maybe you never find them burrowing into both ears because if they do
    the
    bats eat them right away?
    Couldn't resist.

    -John


    At 04:21 PM 5/10/2003 -0700, you wrote:
    >Beau is correct that some insects are attracted to ultrasonics. Others

    >(moths particularly) are repelled by certain frequencies/patterns to
    >avoid being lunch for echo-locating bats. A related fascinating
    >survival story is that of a parasitic mite that burrows into one inner
    >ear of a certain moth species, slowly destroying hearing in that ear.
    >But you never find mites burrowing into BOTH ears of the same moth. If

    >both moth ears are destroyed, the moth can't hear the oncoming bat, and

    >take evasive action.
    >
    >Dennis
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >From: Beau Schwabe [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=PoyQAZpZ6A0MJ2X0uoBWpUcl4mbJZS7_O_S1PEFQ37UyHiHoKxrqLv_O5rIbOb5gqHJtP4rbTN5PCXRFNNKKeWI]bschwabe@a...[/url
    >Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 12:42 PM
    >To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    >Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?
    >
    >
    >Mike/Ray,
    >
    > Oddly enough, when I was trying to develop a short distance
    > data transmitter (5ft) using an ultrasonic
    transmitter/receiver
    > years ago, I discovered that "some" insects were attracted
    to
    > my continuous (40kHz) transmitter. I discovered this when I
    > was working on the audible (40kHz divide by 10) receiver and
    > thought it was malfunctioning as I was hearing "other"
    >unexpected
    > sounds. When I turned off the transmitter, it turns out my
    > receiver became an insect locating device. Keep in mind I
    was
    > working in a shed in the backyard in the middle of August, so
    > there were many BUGS. (grin)
    >
    > Anyway using ultra-sonic may bias Ray's results, if he is
    > transmitting. However as a listening device it might be
    >doable.
    >
    > There might also be biasing with using IR if some insects are
    > attracted to that form of light as well, although this would
    > be my first attempt. Here's my thought... If you had a
    >container
    > containing the fragrance with a small pin-hole at each
    location
    > you also placed an IR sensor, over a period of time you
    could
    > build a histogram of how many sensors were covered (by the
    >insect)
    > investigating each fragrance.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    >and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    >http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 06:05
    This could be done with image processing, using one of the current video
    coprocessors and low cost video cameras. Store frames at low
    resolution, such as 128 x 128, and about 5 frames per second. Scan each
    video frame buffer until 2 or more frames are not identical. Identify
    size and direction of the incoming object. If it looks like a bug, and
    flies like a bug ...

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Ray V. [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=0aR4BH2Pp-YIT_R-8XX_rdxYRek2KM04XfS91l7-Mnf0h0AMG1U_t9xgiVNRuwV3pufcx4jL]w2ec@a...[/url
    Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 8:10 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Sensor suggestions?


    I have an application to determine what types of fragrances attract the
    most flying insects. I'll have many of these fragrance "traps" set up in

    the field, each with a stamp that will maintain a count of how many
    insects enter (and exit) over a period of time. That stamp will update
    an lcd counter display so that a field rep can go to each site and just
    record the number showing.

    Here's how a "trap" would work:

    I have a large box with an 16"x16" square opening cut in it. Inside is a

    fragrance to attract flying insects. I will use a stamp to "capture" a
    pulse from a sensor that triggers every time an insect enters or leaves
    the "trap" thru the window. For simplicities sake let's say I divide the

    number of pulses by two to signify an entry and exit. What I need is to
    figure out what kind of sensor I can use to determine when an insect
    flies thru the window. In reality I would like to have two sensors so
    that I could determine which direction the insect was flying, in or out
    of the "trap" so that I only count entries into the trap.

    Any suggestions as to a sensor that might work?

    Thanks, Ray


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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 13:18
    Do you have any links to these "coprocessors and low cost video cameras"?

    On Sat, 10 May 2003 22:05:33 -0700 "Dennis O'Leary"
    <doleary@e...> writes:
    > This could be done with image processing, using one of the current
    > video coprocessors and low cost video cameras. Store frames at low
    > resolution, such as 128 x 128, and about 5 frames per second. Scan
    > each video frame buffer until 2 or more frames are not identical.
    > Identify size and direction of the incoming object.

    ________________________________________________________________
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-11 15:30
    check out the "CMU cam" (CMU means carnegie mellon U), its cheap and
    has color and size tracking built in (just make the walls of the box
    a distinct color and weight for any other color to pass by). I've
    integrated it easily with the basic stamp for my robotics project,
    just need to wire wrap three pins to the stamp (using a basicstamp2sx
    because the cmu cams minimum baud rate is 9600, basic stamp 1 does
    not go up to 9600). Make sure that where you are buying it from gives
    you the premade camera! other robot contest teams ordered one and got
    a bunch of parts!

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, AMG AMG <controlsdude2000@j...>
    wrote:
    > Do you have any links to these "coprocessors and low cost video
    cameras"?
    >
    > On Sat, 10 May 2003 22:05:33 -0700 "Dennis O'Leary"
    > <doleary@e...> writes:
    > > This could be done with image processing, using one of the
    current
    > > video coprocessors and low cost video cameras. Store frames at
    low
    > > resolution, such as 128 x 128, and about 5 frames per second.
    Scan
    > > each video frame buffer until 2 or more frames are not
    identical.
    > > Identify size and direction of the incoming object.
    >
    > ________________________________________________________________
    > The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
    > Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
    > Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-12 01:27
    For this and similar projects, I'd go with Sam's suggestion of the CMU
    cam. For other cameras, check out the ads in Nuts 'N Volts, electronic
    stores like Fry's, or for higher-end lens and camera selections, try
    Marshall Electronics, www.mars-cam.com . If you need "machine vision"
    level of support electronics, look at the "video processors chips"
    available from Analog Devices, and TI/Burr Brown. Assembly line machine
    vision requires good resolution, probably exceeding capabilities of a
    single Stamp, but easily done with a MAPS system -- Massive Array of
    Parallax Stamps [noparse]:)[/noparse] .

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Sam [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=NCWNjuBBFmG6vzxUCL0kKZCDbXBNDvFmG3uJUTF5n9w2qNPF6ekBRlBgUhsDePHnNS4lVVzSg_aRlwQ]hard-on@t...[/url
    Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 7:30 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Sensor suggestions?


    check out the "CMU cam" (CMU means carnegie mellon U), its cheap and
    has color and size tracking built in (just make the walls of the box
    a distinct color and weight for any other color to pass by). I've
    integrated it easily with the basic stamp for my robotics project,
    just need to wire wrap three pins to the stamp (using a basicstamp2sx
    because the cmu cams minimum baud rate is 9600, basic stamp 1 does
    not go up to 9600). Make sure that where you are buying it from gives
    you the premade camera! other robot contest teams ordered one and got
    a bunch of parts!

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, AMG AMG <controlsdude2000@j...>
    wrote:
    > Do you have any links to these "coprocessors and low cost video
    cameras"?
    >
    > On Sat, 10 May 2003 22:05:33 -0700 "Dennis O'Leary" <doleary@e...>
    > writes:
    > > This could be done with image processing, using one of the
    current
    > > video coprocessors and low cost video cameras. Store frames at
    low
    > > resolution, such as 128 x 128, and about 5 frames per second.
    Scan
    > > each video frame buffer until 2 or more frames are not
    identical.
    > > Identify size and direction of the incoming object.
    >
    > ________________________________________________________________
    > The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the

    > web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com
    > to sign up today!


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