Patent ID: 6385402
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A distance-measuring apparatus comprising:at least one pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors which receive light from a subject and produce subject image signals, wherein each of said integration-type light-receiving sensors includes a plurality of picture elements; a light-projecting section for projecting light onto the subject; a steady-light removing section for producing an image signal by removing a steady-light component from a first subject image signal produced by said at least one pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors while said light-projecting section projects light onto said subject; a first distance-measuring section for measuring a subject distance by a first phase difference operation with respect to the image signal produced by said steady-light removing section; a sensing area setting section for causing said first distance-measuring section to operate for a specific time, and for setting a sensing area corresponding to a specific integration value range including a maximum component value of an integration signal of a reflected signal component obtained by operation of said first distance-measuring section; and a second distance-measuring section for measuring the subject distance by a second phase difference operation with respect to a result of said integration-type light-receiving sensors integrating the sensing area set by said sensing area setting section based on a second subject image signal produced by said pair of integration-type light-receiving sensors while said light-projecting section projects no light onto said subject; wherein said second distance-measuring section is operated after said first distance-measuring section has been operated and the sensing area has been set by said sensing area setting section.