RGB and Gesture Sensor
Generally speaking, there are TWO types of infrared sensors: Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) and Active Infrared Sensors (AIR)
Active Infrared Sensor (AIR)
An active IR sensor gives you any more information on your subject. Setting up an active IR sensor requires both an emitter and receiver, but this sensing method is simpler than its passive counterpart.
Active IR sensing is very common in industrial settings. In these applications, an emitter and receiver pair can accurately note whether an object is, for example, in a certain position on a conveyor. (like IR sensors in garage door to prevent injury or mechanical failure due to obstructions in a door’s path)
Technical Description
These are 3 steps of how an active infrared sensor works:
An IR emitter shoots out a beam of light, facing an in-line receiver.
If nothing is in the way, the receiver sees a signal.
If the receiver fails to see an IR beam, it detects that an object is between the emitter and the receiver, and therefore present in the monitored area.
There are multiple ways of setting up the active infrared sensors. One variation is to use an emitter and receiver facing the same direction. The two sit very close to each other so the receiver can detect an object’s reflection when it enters an area.
Sample Sensors
Proximity, Light, RGB and Gesture Sensor: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3595
Sparkfun RGB and Gesture Sensor: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12787.
Technical Description
The infrared detector consists of a photodiode. When it is exposed to light, the energy of the photons will be transferred to atoms and thus create more free electrons. The resistance therefore changes as well as the output voltage in proportion to the magnitude of the IR light.
Skill
Competent
Sample Sensors
Proximity, Light, RGB and Gesture Sensor: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3595
Sparkfun RGB and Gesture Sensor: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12787.
Reference:
https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/understanding-active-and-passive-infrared-sensorshttp://www.glolab.com/pirparts/infrared.html