Mastering the Control of a Pendulum: Labview Inputs and IR Sensor Use

[minoroctave]

Homework Statement

Hi, I have a project involving an inverted pendulum, as attached.

Homework Equations

-

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't really know about some things:

First, is theta the only required input from the inverted pendulum system to Labview? Don't I also need the position of the cart that the pendulum will be mounted on?

Secondly, from the component list, "Component 9 - a "Sharp IR Sensor plug and wire assembly" - Is this the sensor for theta?
If the IR sensor is something like youtube.com/watch?v=PnJnbDfLr3M
can it be used to measure theta?

 

[FactChecker]

First, is theta the only required input from the inverted pendulum system to Labview? Don't I also need the position of the cart that the pendulum will be mounted on?

Theta will let you calculate the relative position. That should be enough.

Secondly, from the component list, "Component 9 - a "Sharp IR Sensor plug and wire assembly" - Is this the sensor for theta?

I would use the potentiometer (component 7). I don't know how an IR sensor would be used.

 

[minoroctave]

I would use the potentiometer (component 7). I don't know how an IR sensor would be used.

but isn't a potentiometer an adjustable resistor? how is it used to detect the angle?

 

[FactChecker]

Physically connect it to the pendulum so that the control is moved when the pendulum moves. Then the pendulum position is related to resistance.

 

[CWatters]

but isn't a potentiometer an adjustable resistor? how is it used to detect the angle?

Typically you adjust a potentiometer by rotating a knob. Rotating = changing angle.