%0 Journal Article
%T High Dynamics and Precision Optical Measurement Using a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) in Reflection-Mode: Application to 2D Object Tracking over a Smart Surface
%A Ioan Alexandru Ivan
%A Mihai Ardeleanu
%A Guillaume J. Laurent
%J Sensors
%D 2012
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/s121216771
%X When related to a single and good contrast object or a laser spot, position sensing, or sensitive, detectors (PSDs) have a series of advantages over the classical camera sensors, including a good positioning accuracy for a fast response time and very simple signal conditioning circuits. To test the performance of this kind of sensor for microrobotics, we have made a comparative analysis between a precise but slow video camera and a custom-made fast PSD system applied to the tracking of a diffuse-reflectivity object transported by a pneumatic microconveyor called Smart-Surface. Until now, the fast system dynamics prevented the full control of the smart surface by visual servoing, unless using a very expensive high frame rate camera. We have built and tested a custom and low cost PSD-based embedded circuit, optically connected with a camera to a single objective by means of a beam splitter. A stroboscopic light source enhanced the resolution. The obtained results showed a good linearity and a fast (over 500 frames per second) response time which will enable future closed-loop control by using PSD.
%K microrobotics
%K optics
%K optomechatronics
%K sensing
%K PSD
%K position sensitive detector
%K smart-surface
%K tracking algorithm
%U http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/12/12/16771