System and method for measuring short distances

A method for measuring short distances in the range of twenty meters or less with respect to one or more moveable objects within an environment, said method comprising:

• providing synchronized timing signals to a plurality of locations within said environment;
• generating at least one acoustic signal such that said at least one acoustic signal is transmitted at a start time based on said synchronized timing signals;
• measuring a transit time of said at least one acoustic signal to said one or more moveable objects by measuring a time beginning at said start time and ending upon receipt of said at least one acoustic signal;
• and
• determining a distance to said one or more moveable objects based on said transit time.

A short distance measuring system for an environment, comprising:

• one or more moveable objects within said environment;
• a transmitter for said one or more moveable objects operable for transmitting location information regarding a position of said one or more moveable objects within said environment;
• a synchronized clock system operable for producing timing signals;
• an acoustic signal generator operable for producing an acoustic signal at a start time based upon said timing signals of said synchronized clock system;
• and
• a transit-time measurement detector, said transit-time measurement detector being operable to measure a transit time of said acoustic signal beginning at said start time and ending upon detection of said acoustic signal by said one or more objects.