Object Measurement System

A smart device that automatically measures the length of objects placed on a platform. This project uses an FPGA development board to control motors and sensors, creating a low-cost measurement tool from recycled printer parts.

Demo:

---

What is This Project?

The system works like a mini scanner:

• You place an object on the measurement platform
• A sensor moves across the object
• The system calculates the object's length
• The result appears on a display screen

Key Achievement: Built a complete measurement system using recycled printer mechanics and an FPGA board, demonstrating skills in embedded systems, motor control, and sensor integration.

---

🔧 Parts Used

Here are the main components that make this project work:

1. Basys3 FPGA Board

• The "brain" of the system
• Controls everything and makes calculations
• Processes sensor data and manages motor movement

2. Object Detection Sensor

• Detects when an object is in front of it
• Sends a signal (on/off) to the FPGA
• Works like a light switch that turns on when it sees an object

3. Motor and Roller System

• Moves the sensor back and forth
• Taken from an old printer (recycling!)
• Creates smooth, precise movement

4. LED Indicator Light

• Turns on when an object is detected
• Provides visual feedback
• Shows the system is working

5. LED Display Screen

• Shows the final measurement result
• Displays the length in millimeters
• Easy to read numbers

---

⚙️ How Does It Work?

The system follows a simple step-by-step process:

Step 1: Start Up 🚀

• The system turns on and initializes all components
• The motor starts moving the sensor from the left side

Step 2: Scanning 🔍

• The motor moves the sensor slowly across the platform
• The sensor continuously checks if an object is in front of it

Step 3: Detection 👁️

• When the sensor first sees an object, it lights up the LED indicator
• The system remembers this position (start of measurement)
• The measurement begins!

Step 4: Measuring 📐

• The motor keeps moving while the sensor sees the object
• The system counts how far the motor has moved
• This continues until the sensor no longer sees the object (end of measurement)

Step 5: Calculation 🧮

• The system calculates: end position - start position = object length
• Converts the motor movement into millimeters
• Uses a calibration factor for accuracy

Step 6: Display 📊

• The result appears on the LED display
• Shows the length in millimeters (e.g., "45.2 mm")
• The LED indicator turns off

Step 7: Reset 🔄

• The motor returns to the starting position
• The system is ready for the next measurement