Detect presence of small object moving at supersonic speeds using ToF sensor(s)

[Henry Jacobs]

Several questions:

1. Dimensions of smallest object that can be detected.

2. Maximum Sampling rate (60Hz). Can sampling time be adjusted for multiple sensor array.

3. Plan to use multiple sensors. What pattern should I use to place the sensors?

4. Can interrupt be generated when object is first detected?

5. Any other advice would be appreciated, such as best part to use.

[Zhiyuan.Han]

Hi Henry

Thanks for your questions, but seems currently ST TOF products are not able to detect such high-speed moving. 

For example, saying TOF range at 60HZ, the integration time will need 16ms, taking minimum supersonic 340m/s for calculation, 

Inside 16ms integration time, 340m/s*16ms is around 5.6meter, this is huge movement for TOF product. so object moving at supersonic speeds are beyond TOF products ranging ability. 

Br

Zhiyuan.Han

[Henry Jacobs]

Thanks for the response.

Could an array of sensors perpendicular to the direction of flight be used?

Perhaps spaced at 1m intervals.

What would be the maximum speed of an object that could be detected?

And what would be the minimum size object that could be detected?

[Zhiyuan.Han · Accepted solution]

Hi

TOF can detect target only if the return signal is strong enough, the return signal depend on target surface reflectance, FOV coverage object size, integration time. this is not easy to define a single threshold, it's a kind of combination of above factors. 

Rember the key is how many signal come back from the device and received by TOF sensor.

Br

Zhiyuan.Han