How to Build an Arduino Object Counter System: DIY Tutorial

How to Build an Arduino Object Counter System: DIY Tutorial

Welcome to our DIY tutorial on building an Arduino-based object counter system! In this video, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your own object counter using Arduino, a popular microcontroller platform.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, this project is perfect for anyone looking to delve into the world of electronics and programming. With just a few basic components and some simple coding, you'll be able to track the number of objects passing through a specific area in no time.

In this tutorial, we'll cover everything you need to know, including:

1. Introduction to the project and its components
2. Setting up the hardware, including wiring and connections
3. Writing the Arduino code to detect and count objects
4. Testing and troubleshooting your object counter system
5. Optional enhancements and modifications to customize your project

By the end of this video, you'll have a fully functional object counter system that you can use for various applications, such as monitoring foot traffic, inventory management, or even simple games.

So grab your Arduino board, gather your components, and let's get started on this exciting DIY adventure! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more fun and educational electronics projects.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:58 - Components Overview 2:15 - Wiring and Connections 3:45 - Writing Arduino Code 5:30 - Testing and Troubleshooting 7:12 - Optional Enhancements 8:20 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Materials Used (with affiliate links):

• Arduino Uno: [https://amzn.eu/d/89Yd764]
• Infrared Sensor Module: [https://amzn.eu/d/ahk7zZ1]
• LCD Display: [https://amzn.eu/d/1dERzEJ]
• Jumper Wires: [https://amzn.eu/d/ejHAKy6]
• Breadboard: [https://amzn.eu/d/ejHAKy6]

Stay tuned for more DIY tutorials and project ideas. Thanks for watching!

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#include <Wire.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2); // Set the LCD I2C address and dimensions (16x2)

const int IR_SENSOR_PIN = 2; // Define the pin for the IR sensor

int objectCount = 0; // Variable to store the count of detected objects

void setup() {

  pinMode(IR_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); // Set IR sensor pin as input

  lcd.init(); // Initialize the LCD

  lcd.backlight(); // Turn on the backlight

  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

  lcd.print("Object Counter:");

}

void loop() {

  if (digitalRead(IR_SENSOR_PIN) == HIGH) { // If object detected by IR sensor

    delay(100); // Debounce delay

    if (digitalRead(IR_SENSOR_PIN) == HIGH) { // Check again to confirm object presence

      objectCount++; // Increment object count

      displayCount(); // Display the updated count on the LCD

      delay(500); // Delay to avoid counting the same object multiple times

    }

  }

}

void displayCount() {

  lcd.setCursor(0, 1); // Set cursor to the second row

  lcd.print("Count: "); // Print label

  lcd.print(objectCount); // Print object count

}

/////////////////////////////////////////////////// 

This code assumes that you have already installed the LiquidCrystal_I2C library for controlling the I2C LCD. You can install it through the Arduino Library Manager.

In this code:

• We include the necessary libraries for I2C communication and the LiquidCrystal_I2C library for controlling the LCD.
• We define the pins and variables needed for the IR sensor and object count.
• In the setup() function, we initialize the IR sensor pin as input and initialize the LCD.
• In the loop() function, we continuously check the status of the IR sensor. If an object is detected, we increment the object count and display it on the LCD.
• The displayCount() function is used to print the object count on the LCD.

Make sure to adjust the I2C address (0x27) and LCD dimensions (16x2) according to your specific LCD module. Additionally, connect the IR sensor output pin to pin 2 of the Arduino or modify the pin number as per your wiring.

Here's how to connect the components:

• IR Sensor:

  • VCC to Arduino 5V
  • GND to Arduino GND
  • OUT to Arduino digital pin 2

• I2C LCD (16x2):

  • VCC to Arduino 5V
  • GND to Arduino GND
  • SDA to Arduino A4 (for Uno)
  • SCL to Arduino A5 (for Uno)

Make sure to include pull-up resistors (usually 10kΩ) for the SDA and SCL lines if they are not already included on your I2C LCD module.

This diagram shows the basic connections between the Arduino, IR sensor, and I2C LCD. Adjustments may be needed based on the specific components you are using.

1. Arduino
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3. Object Counter
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