Infrared distance measuring device

Hello, I recently purchased a kit a few weeks ago and I've been playing around with it and having a great time. I want to move onto something a little bit more complicated.

I want to create a device that allows someone to set a distance and have the device alert them when they've reached that distance. Here's what I want it to do:

  • A dial knob that lets one set the distance (which is displayed on a display).
  • When the desired distance is set, a button is pushed to calibrate the sensor
  • When the device is calibrated, an LED turns on
  • The device is moved forwards or backwards until the desired distance is hit.
  • When the distance is hit, another LED comes on, or a sound is made. Or both.
    -Then a reset option, possibly with the calibrate button.

Is this feasible? I've done simple projects, but I'm not really sure how to go about doing this. If anyone could please help me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

The robotics guys a lot of this type of stuff. I think that ultrasonic distance sensors are the most common approach, but you probably want to go sign up to a robotic forum for advice on that sort of thing.