I just bought an Arduino and an IR range sensing unit for my senior project. I won’t get into the details of it yet, as it is still under development/testing. But I am super excited. Anyhow, here be pictures:

Arduino Diecimila

Sharp IR GP2Y0A21YK Proximity Sensor

The Arduino is a microcontroller, which basically means it’s a tiny computer. Other devices can be connected to it, including sensors, motors, or even other computers. These devices can then communicate to each other, allowing for an unlimited amount of interactivity.

I will be interfacing the Diecimila with my Macbook Pro. Input data from the sensor will be funneled via USB to Processing/Wiring. This data will then be scaled and sent out as a MySQL id query. Text data from the database will be returned and projected, as well as other actions. I’m hoping to build several other projects using this board, as it is extremely versatile and easily programmable. Plus, it’s Italian. Che bello!

I promise to reveal more of the project soon, but for now it must be shrouded in secrecy. Ciao!