Speeding Bullet Caught on Photograph

Overview

This project shows the need for perfect synchronization of the camera and bullet shoot in order to produce a photograph at the speed of a bullet.

Details

The velocity of the bullet is possible to be calculated by using the projectile sensor which can trigger the right moment for the camera. There are two IR sensors in this projectile sensor that are spaced exactly two inches apart. A velocity for the projectile can be determined based on the time it takes the projectile to travel those two inches between the sensors. The speeding bullets is photographed on the Camera Axe platform with the help of this new projectile sensor.

During operation, the distance from the sensor to the desired position of the projectile when the picture is taken is inputted by the user. It is easy for the microcontroller to calculate the delay in microseconds until the picture is taken since bullets and other projectiles basically travel at constant velocity.

To use the projectile sensor with the Camera Axe, the IR LEDs have to be visually lined up to the IR transistors so that they are pointing to each other, then plugging the cord.