Motion Detection / Destruction

[Clyd3]

I need to make a bot with motion detection, that can "see" an object moving, and shoot it...
It does not need to move, other than to line up its sights...
I would prefer the project to be as computerized as possible, 'cause I have recognition software I would like to later use...

What methods should I take?
Is there a well known electronic method for motion detection for distances between 10m and 20m?
What interface should I use to get the computer to tell the robot how high to aim etc?

 

[evandude]

at distances of 10m to 20m, probably your only option is to use video and hook it up to a computer and do image processing, so it'll be 90% software.

 

[Clyd3]

yeah, I've been looking around quite a bit since I posted, so that's what I'm doing... thanks...

 

[Halogrunt1234]

rig some type of doppler radar up on the robot to work in unison with the camera in detecting moving objects. perhaps you should also use a laser rangefinder to tell the computer how far away the object is, so the computer can calculate the ballistic path for maximum accuracy.

very costly, but you may have a chance at making it work.

 

[Clyd3]

I've been looking at this whole setup non stop, especially the computer side, and now, I need to ask about the rangefinder:
How much do you think it'll cost?
Where can / should I get one?
What means can I use to transfer the range signal to my pc / microcontroller?

 

[Halogrunt1234]

I remember seeing one at radioshack a couple months ago. i don't know if they still carry them, but thats where i found one. you are going to have to tear it apart and modify it though if you want it to connect to the computer.