I have a very small object (3x6mm) in white with silver markings (please se attached image, where grey is silver).
The object will be moving horizontally from right to left (according to image), but I do not know which end is in the moving direction - the solid or the two smaller markings.
I'm hoping to be able to detect wich way the object is moving (or turning, if I stop the motion).
...the purpose is to send it in different directions based on the direction the object is being feeded.
Will I be able to do so with a pixyCam, and if so, could someone please help determine how?
If not, does anyone have a suggestion to how I can achieve this?
...I basically just need an analog output signal.
NB. The object will be moving (or be place) in an environment of my choise (though preferably in a shaped chute made of stainless steel) - I can control light ect.
If you can control the orientation so the piece can't be at 90deg to your picture I wonder if there is enough variation in the reflected brightness from the two ends to allow the end to be identified by the different llght level picked up by a pair of LDRs or photo transistors. If so the programming should be very easy. The only possible downside is that the detectors would need to be close to the pieces.
Indeed the same system might also be able to reject examples that are not aligned on the correct axis.
The object will never be in a 90 degree angle.
I can be as close as needed to the object <1mm.
I have considered using a photo transistor, but I'm not certain if it can detect the small reflection difference between white and silver on such a small object... hence I'm comsidering image recognition.
Can you recommend a photo transistor (or ldr) that would do the job?
taras:
Can you recommend a photo transistor (or ldr) that would do the job?
Sorry, no. I'm a "suck it and see" person.
By the way I have in mind using two detectors - one at each end - and relying on the difference between them. Perhaps have a separate LED to provide illumination for each detector and a shield between the detector/LED pairs. Careful choice of the background colour may also help (matt black?)
Also look at proximity / reflectance sensors. If you are close up then it shouldnt be an issue to detect the difference betweem silver /white & nothing.
minimising outside light will make it much easier.
