We have gone through a few development steps in deciding what sensors we can use to get determinate results for each type of recyclable good. A 5510 LCD Library has been written including text and bitmap images for the screen. We will use this in the final product and its super handy for debugging. We have quickly wired up a laser module and LDR in a resistor ladder configuration and are flashing the laser in a sequence to get the difference from the laser being on to the laser being off. This will give us a difference value. If the value is large we know there is nothing in the way of the laser, however if the difference is not large, we know either something clear is in the way or something non clear is in the way (given the difference values). We are yet to test this with a heap of items however in theory it seems like a good plan (however will require a lot of calibration).

In the coming week we will be working on setting up Servo motors to control the sorting element of the system. These will allow two flaps to be opened and closed thus allowing items to be put in either the recycling or rubbish bins. The end goal of the project is to have a high speed automated sorter that will easily fit anywhere a standard bin will. With this we will need powerful servos to open and close the doors quickly enough to not cause hassle. This is something we will work on in the next week.