I need to create a 'garbage can' which detects if someone throws something into it. Because of the specs of the project we want/need to create a strip of IR-emitters and IR-receivers (like 10 pairs per garbage can).
I was wondering if you think I could use the parts you've used in your setup? As we need to create 4 garbage cans, we have 40 pairs which need to be checked. Therefore we probably need shift registers.
The IR beam seems to be fairly narrow because of the lens, and it has a limited range. I don't remember if that is described in the datasheet, but you should check. This could be what you need or not, I'm not sure. And for that many sensors, you'll need something else to multiply your inputs. Sounds kind of cool.