E014 How to use GP2Y0E03 Sensor for Object Detection

The GP2Y0E03 TOF sensor may be a good choice for our autonomous robot's collision avoidance system. It has a range that suits our needs good and it has two interfaces: i2c and analog output. The Raspberry pi PICO has both interfaces making for an easy connection.
The critical aspects for us are linear readings, relative accuracy, fast readings, and relatively consistent readings in various light conditions. Let's see how well in performs in this practical test.
#GP2Y0E03, #TimeOfFlight, #TOF
Some of the technologies explored in this experiment include, but is certainly not limited to:
[*] Autonomous Robotics
[*] Photo reflective sensors
[*] Time of flight sensors
[*] Hall effect sensors
[*] Rotary encoders
[*] Odometry
[*] Line following
[*] Color recognition and detection sensor
[*] Automatic route planning
[*] Localization
[*] Robotic cars
[*] Dead Reckoning
#Robotics #PICO #Localization
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[@Whuffle]

Just found this channel! Excellent work and reporting. Very grateful for Chris sharing his expertise with us!

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Wow! Thanks for finding the channel and thanks VERY MUCH for the kind words!
Cheers!
Chris

[@mihailemnaru8919]

Another great video. Thank you!😊

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Hello mihailemnaru8919,
I am really glad you like the video!
Cheers!
Chris

[@mihailemnaru8919]

I would like to suggest that you consider creating a video in the future on how to connect a P2 SMD1515 128x64 Pixel RGB display to the Pi Pico. I've been struggling for some time to figure out how to connect it to the Pico to display the weather from the internet and the indoor temperature. I'm sure there are others who are attempting a similar project and can't find a good instructional video on TH-cam.@@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

@@mihailemnaru8919That is an interesting display (i just looked it up). If I had time right now, I would probably buy one right away and give it a go, looks like a challenge and fun. Unfortunately, I am really bogged down with the ZoomTown experiment project for a while. If I end up retiring sooner rather than later, I will have much more time for the channel to extras like this (and yes, I am trying to retired within this year).
Cheers, and thanks for being a part of this channel, you are what makes it great!
Chris

[@keenowl1410]

Cool!

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Hello keenowl1410,
I am glad you like the video.
Cheers!
Chris

[@tomek3633]

Hi Chris, I guess accuracy is not so much important. More important in my oppinion is range and data frequency. Accuracy would exactly tell, how far another Zoomie is away - but we just need to know IF there is a Zoomie ahead (we don't care how far away, do we?) and we need to know it quickly as soon as detected by the sensor.
Long storsy short: you made the right choice, since the sensor has a good range of > 10 inches and reports in quick intervals :)
greetings from germany

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Guten Morgen Tomek,
This primary function of this sensor is for "object detection" and as you noted, exacting accuracy or distance to the object is not that important. What is important is to be able to stop the Zoomie fast enough not to hit the object. Based on that your summary is spot-on.
However, this sensor will serve another purpose too though. A Zoomie will always start from a driveway and the trip will always end in a driveway. At the end of a driveway will be a "barrier" that the Zoomie has to park close enough too so that its backside isn't in the roadway. I will be using this sensor to help make this maneuver more accurate. This move will utilize both the Encoders and GP2Y0E03 to perform the move as accurate as I can.
In real time (what I am working on right now in preparation for filming) is the whole program. Developing all the rules needed, defining functions, trying to find all the things I didn't think about, and how I can make it as robust as possible but also for the code to run fast enough. It is getting very fun and challenging right now and recently discovered two problem that I cannot overcome with my original plans. So I have to do a lot more research to find a workable solution which makes a long term project like this more fun (hopefully for everyone else too!)
Cheers!
Chris

[@Turb0esky]

Thanks

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

Hello Turb0esky,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE SUPER THANKS! VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
Cheers!
Chris

[@Turb0esky]

@@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut no problems! Keep up the great work with the channel and producing quality content. I look forward to watching your subscriber count launch upwards. I am learning a lot from your channel and appreciate the effort you put into each video. You have an excellent teaching style and explain things very well. You also have an excellent t-shirt collection👌 Love the Amiga shirt ✅

[@MakingStuffwithChrisDeHut]

@@Turb0eskyI am really happy that you are learning a lot and apparently enjoying the videos, that is certainly my objective. The subscriber count is growing and that is great for the channel as well. As I get closer to retirement, (possible this year), every penny of revenue is critical to keep it going AND I have to keep buying more T-Shirts 🙂