Patent ID: 6141085
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: G01S,G02B

Abstract:
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance to a target by measuring a period of time in which a light beam goes to the target and returns, said distance measuring apparatus comprising:a light source for emitting a light beam;deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light source; andlight receiving means for receiving the light beam reflected by the target,wherein the deflecting means has a shape projected on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis such that an intensity of the light beam received by the light receiving means is constant, andwherein the light beam emitted from the light source has an intensity distribution of Gaussian distribution, and the shape of the deflecting means is encircled by a curved line expressed by exp (.theta..sup.2 /.alpha..sup.2)/(cos.sup.6 .theta. sin.sup.2 .theta.), where .theta. represents an angle formed between the optical axis and light beams to be deflected and .alpha. represents a divergence angle of the light beam emitted from the light source.