DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROCONTROLLER – BASED DIGITAL DEVICE FOR DIRECT DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

Abstract

Distance measurement plays a vital role in engineering, science and business, however, available direct distance measuring instruments have limitations. Although direct distance measuring devices like tapes could measure short distances with good degree of accuracy, this technique require two persons thereby wasting time and manpower. Incorrect readings due to failure to record previous reading, not leveling the instrument and error due to parallax hamper its efficiency in long distance measurements. A simple digital distance measuring device designed with AT89S53 microcontroller, thick but flexible metal wire and seven segment display among other components is presented. Values of distance measurement made with the device agree very well with that made by tape with a maximum percentage error of . ????????% . Since the measurement was carried out by one person, error due to poor alignment and sagging of tape was eliminated. Display of number of revolutions on seven segment display also ruled out error due to parallax. A maximum of 660 seconds (11minutes) was gained when a distance of 268m was measured. The device can be used for long distance measurement, saves time, man power and cost. It can find application in land surveying, building and construction of roads. It is recommended that improvement of the efficiency of this device be made by employing a software that can directly convert number of revolutions to distance.