There are different types of sensors that can be used to sense movement for an interactive installation. The aim of my project is for the visitors to interact with the gangsa by walking in front of each gong to trigger a strike so a sensor that can measure movement or distance such as an ultrasonic or infrared sensor would work.

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors can detect movement through the time it takes for ultrasonic soundwaves emitted from the detector to bounce back from the target. Through this, distance can also be measured with the time it takes for the soundwaves to return.

Infrared Sensors

Infrared sensors can detect movement through the emission of infrared levels. When a person moves into the sensor range the infrared signal released by the visitor affects a high signal output from the sensor meaning distance can’t be measured compared to the ultrasonic sensor. This won’t matter however as the installation only requires movement in front of the sensor to trigger the motor. This is also why the infrared sensor is more effective as its sensor field of range is narrower in comparison to ultrasonic sensors.