Characterisation of Infrared Sensors for Close-Proximity Distance Measurement

In this paper, a preliminary review of a number of miniature commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) infrared (IR) sensors that may be employed for close-proximity non-contact distance measurement in small and confined spaces is presented. In particular, the experimental setup and method used to characterise four ranging sensors is described and the results obtained from various laboratory experiments are analysed and compared, underlining the strengths and limitations of each sensor.