We got the LIDAR sensor on the servo plugged up to the LED board today to start taking the data from this new sensor and displaying it for testing purposes. The LIDAR sensor provides much more accurate data than did the ultrasonic sensor, which is great. And the range is much longer as well. However, when the sensor isn't moving, it can only detect things in a very narrow range (directly in front of it). Today, we were not only able to prove that the LIDAR sensor works at the distances we're aiming for with Velalert bicycle radar, but also that we're able to sweep the LIDAR sensor and expand the range of visibility to a broader angle. |
The sensor (on the servo) is shown in the photo above. The first video below shows the LED board lighting up as the car approaches, with the sensor stationary. The second video shows the servo in action, with the LED board showing three distinct data sets, one from each position of the sensor.
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Next, we're going to install this latest proof-of-concept into a Companion Bike Seat (which ends up being perfect for this prototype) and take it out for some road-testing!