초록 ▼

Range finding equipment for use with optical systems and particularly low cost cameras to provide for proper focus of a remote object. A small number of radiation detectors are positioned to receive radiation in first and second patterns from the object to be focused upon through an auxiliary lens.

Range finding equipment for use with optical systems and particularly low cost cameras to provide for proper focus of a remote object. A small number of radiation detectors are positioned to receive radiation in first and second patterns from the object to be focused upon through an auxiliary lens. The outputs of the detectors are processed to produce a resultant signal which is indicative of the position for proper focus. The auxiliary lens is coupled to the taking lens of the camera and means are provided for moving both lenses in accordance with the resultant signal so that the taking lens is in a proper focus position. The detectors may be photo diodes to facilitate the use of log signals to thereby compensate for differences in intensity of the scene being viewed.

대표청구항 ▼

Range determination apparatus for use with an optical system including first lens means movable along a first axis to a first position in which an image of a remote object is in proper focus at a predetermined plane comprising: second lens means coupled to the first lens means so as to move therewit

Range determination apparatus for use with an optical system including first lens means movable along a first axis to a first position in which an image of a remote object is in proper focus at a predetermined plane comprising: second lens means coupled to the first lens means so as to move therewith along a second axis parallel to and displaced from the first axis and operable to transmit radiation from the object; third lens means mounted to receive the radiation transmitted by the second lens means so as to form first and second images of the exit pupil of the second lens means; first and second radiation detector means mounted to receive the first image of the exit pupil of the second lens means, the first and second radiation detector means each being operable to produce an output signal indicative of the radiation received thereby, the output signals of the first and second radiation detector means being substantially equal when the first lens means is proximate the first position and normally being unequal when the first lens means is on either side of the first position; third and fourth radiation detector means mounted to receive the second image of the exit pupil of the second lens means, the third and fourth radiation detector means each being operable to produce an output signal indicative of the radiation received thereby, the output signals of the third and fourth radiation detector means being substantially equal when the first lens means is proximate the first position and normally being unequal when the first lens means is on either side of the first position; and signal receiving means connected to the first, second, third and fourth radiation detector means to receive the output signals therefrom and produce a resultant output signal indicative of whether the first lens means should be moved in order to occupy the first position.