Remote trigger Suggestions?

[Nicholas]

I'm not sure if I'm in the right group. If not, I'm sure someone here
can suggest a more suitable one.

At any rate, Here is my project. I am building a display for kids and
need some sort of remote trigger. The concept is based around the
children using a tethered flashlight (black light) to pick out hidden
nocturnal animals painted on the display. When the animals are found
with the light the "bushes" will open to reveal the whole image. I would
like some sort of focused always on remote trigger that will activate
only when the unit is pointed directly at the image. Point it anywhere
else and nothing happens. The kids must not have to press any buttons
other than to turn on the flash light. In addition, there would need to
be some sort of timer so the animal is only revealed for 10 seconds or
so and the system will automatically reset.

thanks

 

[Rich Webb]

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 18:25:17 -0400, Nicholas <calypson@bellsouth.net>
wrote:

I'm not sure if I'm in the right group. If not, I'm sure someone here
can suggest a more suitable one.

At any rate, Here is my project. I am building a display for kids and
need some sort of remote trigger. The concept is based around the
children using a tethered flashlight (black light) to pick out hidden
nocturnal animals painted on the display. When the animals are found
with the light the "bushes" will open to reveal the whole image. I would
like some sort of focused always on remote trigger that will activate
only when the unit is pointed directly at the image. Point it anywhere
else and nothing happens. The kids must not have to press any buttons
other than to turn on the flash light. In addition, there would need to
be some sort of timer so the animal is only revealed for 10 seconds or
so and the system will automatically reset.

It might be easier (and cheaper) to flop this around so that the "dumb"
devices are on the animal side and one "smart" trigger device is on the
flashlight.

The simplest method (but most susceptible to false triggering) might be
to sequentially light up IR LEDs in the bushes and, as each is
energized, look at the output of a detector mounted on the flashlight.
If the detector's field of view is made sufficiently narrow, presume
that it's pointed at the bush in question and cause the trigger action.

A little more robust would be a "tell me three times" requirement. IIRC,
the simple IR LED/detector pair available at Radio Shack is not terribly
fast (or sensitive) but you should still be able to "populate" all the
animals in the display in a few hundred milliseconds.

Or, get fancy and use modulated IR pulses (like are used for the
ubiquitous remote controls) so the received data train is
self-identifying.

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[Rich Webb]

Well, it appears that Nicholas Scott is one of those guys who ask
questions but never acknowledge answers.

So, Nicholas, in my own small way it's time to turn you off by adding
you to my kill file and so help my signal-to-noise ratio a little bit.
Also to ensure that I don't waste any more time answering your
questions.

**plonk**

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[William P.N. Smith]

Rich Webb <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote:

**plonk**

Never been off the net for three days, Rich?

--
William Smith
ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc. www.compusmiths.com

 

[Nicholas]

I thank Rich for his advice. Unfortunately, the etiquette on other
forums that try's to limit OT posts by reducing large amounts "thank
yous" may not be appropriate here. Sorry for any disrespect. I am
researching a project that will take months to complete. This forum was
an accidental find, as will be most info I get as I am venturing into
unfamiliar territory.

William P.N. Smith wrote:

Rich Webb <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote:

**plonk**


Never been off the net for three days, Rich?