Building a Motion Coded Light

In this project we build a motion coded light. What is a motion coded light? A light that is turned on or off using a certain sequence of hand or body movements (like a secret handshake). To build a motion coded light you need an Arduino Uno, a high power relay, and an infrared switch. Check out the video below to learn more....

Motion Coded Light Schematic

Motion Coded Light Arduino Sketch

//The following Arduino code for the motion coded light is totally open for anybody to use for anything
int tog = LOW; //variable for toggling the light on or off
const int val = 350; //value for tracking if IR switch has been tripped

void setup() {//only setup code is to set digital pin to output
  pinMode(9, OUTPUT); //Using digital pin 9 to control relay
}

void loop() {
  
  if (analogRead(A5) < val) { //look for object in front of sensor (switch is tripped)

    for (int i=0; i<14; i++) { //check for object to move out of sensor range within 420 ms
       delay(30);

       if (analogRead(A5) >= val) { //look for object to move from sensor

         for (int j=0; j<14; j++) { //give the object 420 ms to move back in front of sensor
           delay(30);
          
           if (analogRead(A5) < val) { //look for object in front of sensor
             int activate = HIGH; //variable to track if the light should be turned off or on
             
             for (int c=0; c<100; c++) { //ensure the object stays in front of sensor for 1 second
               delay(10); //delay 10 ms 10o time for 1 sec total
              
               if (analogRead(A5) > val) { //if object is not in front of sensor for 1 sec break out of loop and do not toogle switch
                 activate = LOW; //set variable to not toogle switch
                 break; //break out of loop
               }
             }
             
             if(activate == HIGH) { //if variable is high toogle light switch
               tog = toggleSwitch(tog); //toggle switch value so opposite action is taken next time
               digitalWrite(9,tog); //write value to digital pin to open or close relay
               delay(1500); //delay 1.5 seconds so switch is not unintentionally toogled again
             }
             break;
           }
         }
         break;
       }
    }
  }
  
  delay(100);
}

//function toggles variable that controls switch position
int toggleSwitch(int t) {
  
  if(t==LOW) { return HIGH; }
  else { return LOW; }
}