Counting Visitors Project

[adriang]

Hello,

I want to create a system that can count the people who pass throw a gate (door). Do detect the visitors I want to use an Rx and Tx Infrared sensors (when the ir beam is interrupted the system must count). It doesn't metter if the person enter or exit, i will divide by 2 the entire count number.
The system must generate the total number of visitors on a screen computer, and after that must generate a .txt file where i can see the results at a certain time.
In the first phase:
- i don't know what microcontroller i can use to obtain good performance. Can you give me an advice?

Any schema or books or advice about visitors counting it would help me.Im biginner in this field, thanks in advance.

 

[andre_luis]

adriang,


The approach you must take is tracking, which is based on top view image recognition, due must predict :
--> Return of the same person back to the path, without recount, but just once.
--> Multiple persons crossing the counter section.

This is not a simple design, and some companies are developing to some applications.
For instance, I know one which developed a system to use at Motor Bus.


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[adriang]

Thanks andre_teprom. This is a school project, should not be very difficult. I want to make this in a simply way with saving money .

 

[rfredel]

Hello adriang,

I can give you schematics but please give some more informations.

What type of counter you want to use, mechanical or electronic? How many persons you want to count, 9 or 99 or 999 or more? What devices you have?

Regards

Rainer

 

[adriang]

Hello rfredel, thanks for replay!

- the counter must be electronic, with no limit on counting people
- i must use infrared sensor (when de infrared beam is interrupted the system must start to count)
- the result must be displayed on a screen computer via an application(i must build this application)
- my teacher say "you have free imagination to build this device". And that's all the task, i think is a little difficult but i don't give up.
I don't have any device (development programmer, any tools for soldering) but i will buy it or i will borrow from a colleague if i need it.
So, if you have any idea will help me very much.Thanks

P.S. Sorry for my bad English

 

[BradtheRad]

The system must generate the total number of visitors on a screen computer, and after that must generate a .txt file

This will be a big hurdle unless you are already familiar with the hardware, and programs, and interface protocols, for communicating with a computer.

Are you sure it is not sufficient to construct a 2 or 3 or 4 digit counter, and show a running total on 7-segment LED displays?

 

[sabouras]

i think something like that will help you to start with (you should expand it)
https://www.eleccircuit.com/counter-display-with-led-7-segment-by-ic-cmos/
and as for detector look that circuit.
https://mix-engineering.com/2012/06/mouse-nose-poke/

- - - Updated - - -

i think something like that will help you to start with (you should expand it)
http://www.eleccircuit.com/counter-display-with-led-7-segment-by-ic-cmos/
and as for detector look that circuit.
http://mix-engineering.com/2012/06/mouse-nose-poke/

 

[andre_luis]

adriang,


Unless you specify properly the behavioural model of crossing people, this project will be not only more than a simple single person counter at a time ( even so, assuming no one will stay parked standing in front of sensor, or even go back to the same path ) .

In fact, on this scope, as sugested above, just you need to work with barrier sensor to detect crossing people.


+++

 

[adriang]

This will be a big hurdle unless you are already familiar with the hardware, and programs, and interface protocols, for communicating with a computer.

Are you sure it is not sufficient to construct a 2 or 3 or 4 digit counter, and show a running total on 7-segment LED displays?

No is not sufficient, i must follow the task from my teacher.
I know that is a little difficult, but i think I will learn something from this.
I will start with schema(what parts i need for this device), then with programming microcontrollers, then with protocols and in the final with programs. I will don't give up So, if you have good books about this I will remain indebted. Thanks

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks sabouras for links! It will help me.

 

[BradtheRad]

Since a computer must be involved, I would try to persuade the computer to do everything.

Devise a program (in C, RealBasic, VisualBasic, etc.), to monitor the sound card for incoming beeps.
The beeps are generated by an oscillator. The oscillator is triggered by a pulse from your photosensor.
You plug the oscillator output into the audio-In port of the computer.
(As an alternate, use a webcam microphone to pick up beeps coming from a speaker which is placed nearby.)

The same program could contain your commands to:
* display the running total
* create an ascii text file containing the day's tally
* save it as a file to disk.

A bit of ingenuity on your part will minimize the expense.

There are probably ways to use modern communication devices to do this job. A 'hacker' would have an easy time of it. I am not familiar with smart phones or USB protocols, so I don't know how to advise in this area.

 

[adriang]

Since a computer must be involved, I would try to persuade the computer to do everything.

Devise a program (in C, RealBasic, VisualBasic, etc.), to monitor the sound card for incoming beeps.
The beeps are generated by an oscillator. The oscillator is triggered by a pulse from your photosensor.
You plug the oscillator output into the audio-In port of the computer.
(As an alternate, use a webcam microphone to pick up beeps coming from a speaker which is placed nearby.)

The same program could contain your commands to:
* display the running total
* create an ascii text file containing the day's tally
* save it as a file to disk.

A bit of ingenuity on your part will minimize the expense.

There are probably ways to use modern communication devices to do this job. A 'hacker' would have an easy time of it. I am not familiar with smart phones or USB protocols, so I don't know how to advise in this area.

Very interesting your idea.I will read about this. For application i will use Visual Basic.
The communication between my device -> software->pc will make me some problems and i don't have any idea how i will make to work .
I must search for more information about communication protocols.Thanks