Looking for methods to associate a distance with a camera image

Wdmillard

Apologize for not being a techie in this field.
I have requirement to link a distance with a camera image. Conceptually I would like some form of a distance sensor connected to a Droid or iPhone that would provide a distance when the image is captured. Using the framing box on the camera would allow me some nominal control of the selecting the 'target'.
A simple method for a proof of concept would be a great start.
Does anyone know what's been done in this area?

NWCCTV

I'm thinking you could use one of these http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/774/Default.aspx?txtSearch=laser+ coupled with a stamp or prop to do this.

Duane Degn

The rangefinder NWCCTV linked to has both a camera and a laser. Since a smartphone already has a camera, you should be able to measure distances by just adding a laser. You'd need to use the same kind of algorithm in the smartphone's program as the rangefinder uses to compute distances.

In order for the laser/camera system to work well, the laser would need to be securely attached to the smartphone. The laser would also need to be precisely aligned with the camera as the rangefinder's laser is precisely aligned with its camera.

The laser rangefinder is just one of many was to measure distance. Ultrasound sensors are another way to measure distance and may work well in this particular application.

jazzed

Maybe you can use parallax to calculate the distance.

Wdmillard

To NWCCTV. The Parallax Range Finder has a limit of 8 ft. Looking for 100M + range.

Wdmillard

Good comments. Precise alignment will definitely be an issue. Thanks