Hello. Not so long ago I readed that someone have dedected speed with one sensor from computer mouse, then I though it would be possible to use 2 of those optical sensors, they both would be bottom, one front and one back. With nice coding it would be possible to read robot rotation and speed without need of gyroscope and such.
Is that possible?
Yes
That’s the short answer. AND it would be hugely accurate.
The biggest problem (for me) is the mechanical linkage.
Here’s the LMR component page.
Here’s an partial example of the theory.
Optical meeses
If you are talking about the other optical mice, with the little red LEDs shining beneath, there is some limited functionality to be had trying to use these. Most optical mice of this type will probably have one of the Avago (formerly Agilent) ADNx (5000 and under) series sensors. Differeing types have differning specs, but some output a SPI or even dual quadrature signal to be read by whatever micro you attach. There are a number of downsides to these, in that they usually have a max speed of about a foot per second, must maintain careful spacing to the surface they are reading, and some surfaces can trip them up pretty easily. So if you are running a slow robot, on a very flat, optically "shadowy" surface, these can work out well.
Essentially, the mechanics of ball mouse sensors can work out better for getting odometry readings than optical mice, because of the probably wide types of surface you may want to run a robot on.
Not sure how well laser mice sensors might work though.
I see.
Yeah it’s true the ones with LED doesn’t work well if they are higher than they are supposed to be. Guess the mechanical is best for now.
Crazy idea, but if you could focus the light and lens on LED mouse, it may work very well. But just too much.
It is some how possible but functionalities may differ and may be limitations can effect a few things. Moreover i would extend this conversation and I’m can’t believe I played with a laser mouse until now so sad! I never knew how much better optical was, the tracking is epic!! I had corsair m65 which is built very nice and has great clicks. But on my qck heavy pad it just always felt choppy. Don’t know if this is a great mouse but I got a g502 it feels cheap like to the touch but omg the optical is awesome . So to people that haven’t tried a optical mouse then do yourself a favor and get one. A fruitful comparison also point out such technical points here https://www.reviewsed.com/optical-vs-laser-mouse/ It will add a few more angles to comprehensively describe key points.
The most optimal way is to use a ready-made board and microcircuit, especially if it is planned to use a microcontroller in the system, they usually already have RS-232 interface inputs.
The vast majority of mice with an optical sensor use a red LED backlight, with the exception of the technology - Blue Track, but this is a completely different issue. Actually the question itself, how will the change in the illuminating red LED to no less colorful green affect the quality of the optical sensor?
