mmoss@csserv2.ic.sunysb.edu (Matthew D Moss) (12/15/90)
I am beginning a project that will be due at the end of my senior year. Since I am only a sophomore, I have plenty of time. (Right!) But my low status (er, level that is) does not provide me with the full knowledge of what this project requires, especially the part outside my major; the electronics part. A brief desc: I want to be able to track multiple objects through a limited amount of 3-space, and send the position of the object to a computer (most likely Macintosh) through an RS-232 or serial port (or something). Now, I have a basic idea. Finding a three space point requires three detectors, and I know how to work the mathematics (intersection of three spheres). I understand that I can take some infrared or sound detectors, reflect it off the object, take the time to back and return, and get the distance. Pass that through an A/D into the computer, and voila! Over time, I get the nine vectors I need (position, velocity, and acceleration in 3 directions). But, since I will be building this, I need more specifics. Like..... What are the exact components as to produce the quickest and most accurate answers? How can I calculate this for more than one object at once? And others..... What I would like is some nice people out there to give me references to books I can find and read on this (or if you would prefer the glory for yourself, you can give exact details without book references). If you do send titles, please make sure that the books will be understood by an undergraduate of lower-division standing. I went to my university's engineering library today and looked up a few books. I almost dropped my jaw on the floor when I started paging through them. Please, SIMPLE books! Thanks, and sorry for the long-winded post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Moss mmoss@libserv1.ic.sunysb.edu "There are two important things in life. (1) Never tell anyone everything you know."