Introduction

In the realm of electronics and robotics, one of the most exciting applications is the development of object tracking and following systems. These systems allow a machine to autonomously track and follow a target, which can have numerous practical applications, from surveillance and security to photography and beyond. In this article, we’ll delve into creating an Object Tracking and Following System with LCD Feedback using an Arduino platform.

Working Principle

The basic idea behind an object tracking and following system is to use sensors to detect the target’s position and then control motors or servos to keep the camera or sensor pointed at it. In our project, we’ll use an ultrasonic sensor to detect the object’s distance and an Arduino to process this information. An LCD display will provide real-time feedback on the system’s operation.

Things We Need:

1. Arduino Uno
2. Ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04)
3. Servo motor
4. LCD display (16×2) with I2C Module
5. Breadboard and jumper wires
6. 9V power supply for Arduino
7. Object to be tracked

Circuit Diagram:

Working of the System with Arduino

1. Mount the ultrasonic sensor on a servo motor, ensuring it can rotate horizontally.
2. Connect the ultrasonic sensor’s trigger and echo pins to digital pins 9 and 10 on the Arduino, respectively.
3. Connect the servo motor to the Arduino’s PWM-enabled pins (usually 9 or 10).
4. Wire up the LCD display according to its datasheet, connecting it to the appropriate pins on the Arduino.
5. Power the Arduino with a 9V power supply.

Now, let’s understand how the system works:

1. The ultrasonic sensor continuously sends out sound waves and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. This information is used to calculate the distance to the object in front of it.
2. The Arduino processes the distance data received from the sensor and calculates the error, which is the difference between the desired distance and the actual distance to the object.
3. The Arduino then adjusts the servo motor’s position based on the error. If the object is to the left, it will turn the servo to the left, and vice versa, until the object is centered.
4. Simultaneously, the Arduino updates the LCD display with real-time feedback, displaying information like the distance to the object and the servo’s position.

Code

#include <Servo.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

Servo myservo;
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F, 16, 2); // Change the I2C address to match your module

int trigPin = 10; // Trigger pin for ultrasonic sensor
int echoPin = 9; // Echo pin for ultrasonic sensor
int distance;
int desiredDistance = 20; // Desired distance in centimeters

void setup() {
  myservo.attach(6); // Change to any available PWM pin for the servo, e.g., pin 6
  lcd.init();                      // Initialize the LCD
  lcd.backlight();                 // Turn on the backlight
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication for debugging
}

void loop() {
  // Ultrasonic sensor measurement
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  distance = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH) / 58; // Calculate distance in centimeters

  // Servo control
  int error = distance - desiredDistance;
  int servoPosition = map(error, -10, 10, 0, 180); // Map error to servo position

  myservo.write(servoPosition); // Move the servo

  // LCD display and serial output
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Distance: ");
  lcd.print(distance);
  lcd.print(" cm");
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print("Servo: ");
  lcd.print(servoPosition);
  lcd.print(" degrees");

  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" cm");

  delay(100);
}

Conclusion

Building an Object Tracking and Following System with LCD Feedback is a fascinating project that combines electronics, programming, and robotics principles. This system can be further enhanced with additional sensors, such as infrared or vision-based cameras, for more sophisticated tracking applications. The possibilities are endless, making it a rewarding project for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. Have fun experimenting and exploring the world of object tracking and following systems!