At 02:08 PM 8/25/99 -0400, Dwornik, Sebastian wrote:
>My current robotics project requires me to design and build an accurate
>and stable IR proximity detection sensor system. It should give feedback
>of objects up to 5 feet. My chosen tools are the PIC16F84, the
>LTC1298 12-bit ADC, and the VTR24F1 optosensor from EG&G.
>The sensor simply contains an IR LED and a photodarlington in a single
>package.
>

Does it have to be IR?  I think the biggest problem going out ot 5 feet
would be to get decent returns from the reflections.  I think the easiest
way to improve your SNR would be with a bigger LED, lenses and reflectors
to focus the IR energy, or an IR laser.

Other than this I would try an acoustic approach.  Then you could use temp
compensated timing to give really accurate results.

Good luck!

-E