Need advice for distance sensors

[Megametrope]

Hello,
We have a project of interactive programs with distance sensors.
There will be objects which will represent the different inputs of the program, and for each of these objects, a distance sensor in front of which the users will have to pass their hand to trigger the corresponding part of the program. The objects will be side by side, spaced about ten centimeters apart.
Can you advise us on the type of material to choose? Is it better to use a "Distance Phidget" or rather a "Sonar Phidget"? We want the detection to be done only vertically to the sensor, to avoid conflicts between the different sensors.
Thanks for your help.
Best regards.

[mparadis]

The sonar sensor isn't ideal for interactive exhibits because it makes an audible "tick" sound, even in Quiet Mode. Sonar is better used for things like robot obstacle detection.

I think the Distance Phidget would work well in this application.

[Megametrope]

Thanks for you help.

We will follow your advice and choose https://www.phidgets.com/?tier=3&catid= ... rodid=1171 associated with https://www.phidgets.com/?tier=3&catid= ... prodid=643

Can you just confirm me that we can connect several distance sensors to one VINT Hub Phidget?

Best.

[mparadis]

Yes, you can connect six distance sensors to a single VINT Hub. Just ensure that the distance sensors are not pointing at the same surface, since reflected IR light from one sensor could interfere with another sensor
(but from the sounds of it, your exhibit will have the distance sensors pointing up towards the open air, so it should be fine)

[Megametrope]

Hi there,

I bought and install DST1002_0 - Distance Phidget 1300mm.
We are facing an issue as the sensors are not detecting hands when we are approximatilely at a distance over 300mm...while it should detect up to 1300mm...
Is there a way to setup the sensor sensibility?

[mparadis]

The 1300mm specification of the DST1002 is based on optimal conditions. The reflectance of the object and the ambient light level can both impact the maximum sensing distance. Also, the smaller the object is, the more difficult it is to reflect the beam at long distances since it can easily move out of alignment with the beam.

[Megametrope]

Thanks for your answer.
Can you advice us another sensor that is able to detect hands at a distance of 1 meter? Is it worth to try https://www.phidgets.com/?tier=3&catid= ... prodid=396 or will we face the same problem?