CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION The existence of infrared sensor was the result of the discovery of infrared light by Sir Frederick William Herschel around the year 1800. Based on his observation in sunlight by using different colored filters, he noticed that there are differences in the temperature of the colors passes in the filter. Due to this fact, he began to make his study regarding this matter. He used a glass prism instead of a colored filter and let the sunlight passed in it which produces what we called spectrum. By measuring the temperature on the variety of colors, he focuses his attention on shades from violet to red color spectrum and determined that these colors have higher measured temperature compared to another colors. On this instance, he made another test beyond the color red light which made his discovery of infrared light or also called calorific rays. After Herschels discovery of infrared light, studies and experiments become massive yet the progress is slow due to the lack of existing accurate detectors. Thereafter, during the World War II the combination of Photon IR technology and semiconductor material science, photolithography technology for ICs and motivation of Cold War military preparedness serve as the heart of advancement in IR sensor technology.

Today, infrared sensor is a major contribution to many fields of industry particularly in the field of chemistry (gas leakage sensor, fire detection), biology (CO2 consumption of plants), and other fields. There are at least two (2) problems with todays existing infrared sensor that the group noticed. First is that at times it is inaccurate. Since an infrared sensor senses infrared light (figures) which is based on the variation of temperature of materials, it cannot sense the distinction of materials having a relatively close amount of temperature which will then pave way for inaccuracy. The next problem is the cost of an infrared sensor. In the market, infrared sensors are very unaffordable, which is why not all industries have them even though they are in need of such devices. Due to this problems, the proponents thought of creating their own design of an infrared sensor. The design is sought to be less expensive compared to the existing sensor and will be more accurate in sensing the temperature of materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Garbage collectors in the dump site of San Jose, Montalban, Rizal encounters difficulties with regards to proper segregation of waste materials. The problem in the segregation process consumes a lot of time for the garbage collectors which then decreases their efficiency to separate

biodegradable from non-biodegradable materials. Waste segregation is vital in a

2

community because it separates materials that are recyclable and reusable from materials that are easily decomposed. Due to these problems, the proponent came up to design an infrared sensor for biodegradable materials that can detect the intensity of infrared light applied on the solid waste material which can alarm when the luminous intensity meets the proponents set standards.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Below is the conceptual frame on how the infrared sensor will design and how it works.

Inputs
1. Humanware. (Students, engineers, technicians) 2. Hardware. (computer, calculator, electronic components, electronic tools) 3. Software. (windows 8, autocad, multisim, LT spice)

Process
-The humanware is responsible for the development of the IR sensor which includes designing, calculations, and production of the said sensor -The hardware will be comprising of devices to be used for the construction of the IR sensor. -The software are set of programs required by the humanware for the design, and testing of the schematic of the said sensor.

Output
Infrared Sensor

Figure 1- IPO Diagram

Figure 1-IPO Diagram shows the conceptual framework on how the infrared sensor will be design and works. To discuss briefly the input, process and output procedures here are the following: On the input, it contains the parameters that are needed for designing and building of infrared sensor. These are the humanware, hardware and software. Under humanware includes the students, engineers, and technicians. The process further discusses on what will the three (3) parameters as stated in the input part will be doing in order for the infrared sensor of the group will be designed. Lastly the output, it is the product of our research and design; the infrared sensor device for a closed space container. OBJECTIVES General Objective To design an infrared sensor that is less expensive and more accurate

compared to the existing sensor.

Specific Objectives To design an infrared sensor which will be used for sanitary purposes particularly in dump sites for better waste segregation. To allow the device to distinguish biodegradable from non-biodegradable materials as it absorbs or reflect light. To design the device that is simple and compatible with common output devices. SCOPE AND DELIMINATION This study, a design of a biodegradable material sensor, focuses on creating a device that will detect, display and alarm when it senses a biodegradable material. The device will be less expensive and more accurate compared to the existing infrared sensor. The device will not consider external factors such as humidity, carbon and other composition of materials. The locale of the study will be on the dumpsite of San Jose, Montalban, Rizal and the garbage collectors and other people who are part of the said location. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This study aims to design an infrared sensor that will detect a biodegradable material that will be a great help for further implementation of waste segregation in particular to dumpsites for the garbage collectors to segregate biodegradable from non-biodegradable materials easily. The said

device is sought to be more accurate and less expensive for other industries to be able to afford it. The following will greatly benefit from this study: The Garbage Collectors, for them to segregate waste effectively and efficiently which will save them time and energy. The Common People, for them to practice proper waste segregation in homes and in their community. The Industry, for them to use the infrared sensor design in different field of application such as environmental, agricultural, industrial and any other fields which infrared sensor can be used. The Economy, for continuous production and to lessen the problem of segregation of solid waste in our country. DEFINITION OF TERMS Biodegradable Material the material that will trigger the IR sensor to

alarm when it aligns with the IR light. Frequency an important parameter of the IR sensor. It is the main

category of infrared (IR). light). Infrared Sensor The device that will be designed by the researchers. Infrared (IR) the intermediary between the sensor and the source (IR

The subject of the study.

Sensor The type of the device that the researchers will design. It

produces a certain output when a material blocks the path of line between the source and the receiver. Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction

between matter and radiated energy. Radiation a general term for light as in infrared light.