Real-Time Radar Detection System

A real-time object detection and visualization system using Arduino, ultrasonic sensors, and Processing for radar-like display.

📝 Description

This project creates a radar-like system that detects objects within a 180-degree range using an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a servo motor. The Arduino controls the hardware and sends distance data to a Processing sketch that visualizes the detected objects in real-time on a radar display.

✨ Features

• 180-degree scanning range with servo motor control
• Real-time object detection up to 40cm distance
• Visual radar display using Processing
• Distance and angle tracking for detected objects
• Smooth animation with color-coded detection zones
• Serial communication between Arduino and Processing

🛠️ Tech Stack

Hardware:

• Arduino Uno/Nano
• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
• Servo Motor
• Jumper Wires

Software:

• Arduino IDE
• Processing IDE
• C++ (Arduino)
• Processing (Java-based)

🔌 Circuit Diagram

Connections:

Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04):
- VCC → 5V
- GND → GND
- Trig → Pin 11
- Echo → Pin 12

Servo Motor:
- VCC → 5V
- GND → GND
- Signal → Pin 13

🚀 Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

• Arduino IDE installed (Download here)
• Processing IDE installed (Download here)

Arduino Setup

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone https://github.com/TataNikhil5687/Radar-Detection-System.git
   cd Radar-Detection-System

2. Open radar.ino in Arduino IDE

3. Connect your Arduino board via USB

4. Select correct board and port:

   • Tools → Board → Arduino Uno (or your board)
   • Tools → Port → Select your COM port

5. Upload the code to Arduino

Processing Setup

1. Open radar.pde in Processing IDE

2. IMPORTANT: Update the COM port in the code (line 13):

   myPort = new Serial(this,"COM8", 9600);  // Change COM8 to your port

To find your port:

• Windows: Check Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)
• Mac/Linux: Usually /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyACM0

3. Run the Processing sketch

4. The radar display should appear and start scanning!

🎯 How It Works

1. Arduino Controller:

   • Rotates servo from 15° to 165° and back
   • Triggers ultrasonic sensor at each angle
   • Calculates distance using sound wave time-of-flight
   • Sends angle and distance data via Serial: angle,distance.

2. Processing Visualizer:

   • Reads serial data from Arduino
   • Parses angle and distance values
   • Draws radar arcs and scanning line
   • Highlights detected objects in red
   • Displays distance and angle information

3. Detection Algorithm:

   Distance = (Duration × Speed of Sound) / 2
   Duration = Time for echo to return
   Speed of Sound = 0.034 cm/μs

📊 Technical Specifications

• Detection Range: 2cm - 40cm (optimal)
• Scanning Angle: 180° (15° to 165°)
• Angular Resolution: 1° per step
• Update Rate: ~25ms per angle step
• Communication: Serial @ 9600 baud

🐛 Troubleshooting

Issue: Radar display not showing objects

• Check all wire connections
• Verify correct COM port in Processing code
• Ensure Arduino is powered and code uploaded

Issue: Servo not moving smoothly

• Check servo power supply (should be 5V)
• Verify servo is connected to Pin 13
• Try reducing scanning speed (increase delay)

Issue: Inaccurate distance readings

• Clean ultrasonic sensor
• Avoid reflective or angled surfaces
• Ensure sensor is mounted firmly

🔮 Future Enhancements

• Increase detection range with better sensors
• Add sound alerts for close objects
• Implement object tracking and memory
• Add multiple sensor support for 360° scanning
• Create mobile app interface
• Add data logging and analysis features

📚 Learning Outcomes

Through this project, I gained hands-on experience with:

• Arduino programming and hardware interfacing
• Servo motor control and calibration
• Ultrasonic sensor physics and signal processing
• Serial communication protocols
• Real-time data visualization
• Processing framework and graphics programming

🤝 Contributing

Contributions, issues, and feature requests are welcome! Feel free to check the issues page.

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

📧 Contact

Tata Nikhil Dharma Sai

• Email: tata.nikhildharmasai@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tatanikhil20
• GitHub: @TataNikhil5687

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Project Link: https://github.com/TataNikhil5687/Radar-Detection-System