LV-EZ1 Maxbotix Ultrasonic Rangefinder provides very short to long-range detection and ranging, in an incredibly small package. It can detect objects from 0-inches to 254-inches (6.45-meters) and provides sonar range information from 6-inches out to 254-inches with 1-inch resolution. (Objects from 0 inches to 6-inches range as 6-inches.) The interface output formats included are pulse width output (PWM), analog voltage output (Vcc/512 volts per inch), and serial digital output (9600 baud).

A good sensor for when a Sharp IR distance sensor won't cut it. For an example of using this with an Arduino, see the Halloween Pumpkin project.

LV-EZ1 Data Sheet / Product Information Guide is available here.

The different LV models have different beamwidth patterns, check this image for a comparison of all the LV model beam patterns. For higher sensitivity, check out the HR-LV models - they have up to 1mm sensitivity and a 5-meter range!