Positioning sensors

Hi,
I am newbie looking for advise on how to build a local positioning system.

I need to track the position of 10 objects in a 1000sqf room continuosly. objects will be moving, so I need certain acuracy and response.
Sonar? I saw those things fisherman use to track fish.
I need to get those positions data into a computer.
Where should i be looking to?
thanks

 

[13]

do these 10 objects have well defined pathways? what exactly are you looking for?
do you want to put transmitters on these 10 objects(do these 10 objects change or are they the same object forever)
what kind of location info do you need--x y and z coordinates or what?
how accurate do you need to be.

do you need to just know whether these objects are in the room?

i think you need to be more specific, the best way to do this is to create a flowchart so that you understand all inputs and outputs and logic.

 

[marius]

you may look for RF tags. These devices can be attached to each object and a second unit (ore more) will read/write the object properties. Then you can transfer them trough a serial port into your PLC/PC.
Start with GE's line of products and then you can expand your search after the tutorial phase.

 

[nbucska]

How big are the objects ? what kind of accuracy do you need?
Do they have wheels ? Do you contro; the motion ? <nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

 

[WalterHarris]

Check out a &quot;flock of birds&quot; I remember it's system to track multiple points in an area with magnetic sensors. I'm note exactly sure of the range, I think it's about 8 ft. previous system could track multiple objects, position and orientation. We used it once to track a laser pointer/range finder to know exactly where the point of the laser was pointing. Have included internet reference sites.

Check out the MotionStar System. I think it just about solves your problem. If you can handle wires.
6 degree's of freedoom
up to 90 sensors
3.05 meters in any direction.

http://www.ascension-tech.com/products/motionstar/

http://www.5dt.com/downloads/fobtechnicalspec.pdf

http://www.ait.nrl.navy.mil/vrlab/papers/bk_Tracking00.PDF