Accurate distance measuring sensors?

[amadcow]

Are there any accurate distance measuring sensors available?  I need the precision to be at least .5".  Right now, there aren't any other requirements besides the precision.  I'm just looking for recommendations.

[ArcMan]

The Sharp GP2Y0A21YK may meet your needs, but that depends on what distance away from the object your sensor will be.  Check out the specs here:

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=242

[benji]

after 1 meter you wont get that precision with the sensor Arcman mentioned ,the range is from 30 to 150 cm,,its still a great sensor,i used it for mapping

[amadcow]

Thanks for the suggestions.
How sensitive are those sensors to texture, color and material of the reflecting object?

Are there any other sensors available?  I'm trying to compile a list of possible options.

[dsheller]

There is a ultrasonic sensor made by parallax that is pretty precise, to increase precision though you should probably know what temperature it is in the operating environment and code for that accordingly.

[pomprocker]

There is a ultrasonic sensor made by parallax that is pretty precise, to increase precision though you should probably know what temperature it is in the operating environment and code for that accordingly.

You would also want to use a higher resolution timer for the parallax ping. Maybe also hook it up to the capture pin on an atmega

[amadcow]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I was curious of how the resolution of sonar was when sensing objects ~1m away.  Could it be used to map a thin pole that was an inch or so in diameter?

[Admin]

I was curious of how the resolution of sonar was when sensing objects ~1m away.  Could it be used to map a thin pole that was an inch or so in diameter?

Short answer, yes.

Check the sonar datasheets, it will/should tell you.