초록 ▼

This invention presents a range finding device when 1st and 2nd detection images of an object are scanned by signal storing type image sensing means to obtain image scan signals, which are quantized by quantization means to produce quantized image data for said 1st and 2nd detection images. On the b

This invention presents a range finding device when 1st and 2nd detection images of an object are scanned by signal storing type image sensing means to obtain image scan signals, which are quantized by quantization means to produce quantized image data for said 1st and 2nd detection images. On the basis of the thus obtained quantized image data, the location within the 2nd detection images of one set of M successive elements of the 2nd detection image which is most similar to M successive elements of the 1st detection image is detected, and with the aid of the data of this location, the distance between the device and the object is determined. According to this improved device, sequence control means, which controls a series of operations for range finding, will firstly cancel the signals stored in said image sensing means as unnecessary signals, when said series of operations is initiated, and then enables proper storing of image signals in the image sensing means so as to properly control the device.

대표청구항 ▼

A range detecting device for detecting the range of an object, comprising: (A) signal integration and storing type image sensing means including a plurality of sensing elements arranged to receive first and second detection images of said object and to provide an electrical image element signal for

A range detecting device for detecting the range of an object, comprising: (A) signal integration and storing type image sensing means including a plurality of sensing elements arranged to receive first and second detection images of said object and to provide an electrical image element signal for each image element of said first and second detection images; (B) circuit means for receiving the image element signals from said image sensing means and for detecting on the basis of said image element signals, the relative positional difference between M successive image elements of said first detection image and M successive image elements of said second detection image corresponding to said M successive elements of said first detection image so as to provide data on the range of the object; (C) driving means for driving said image sensing means, said drive means being operative to set said sensing means to a condition such that the electrical signals are discarded from said sensing means and to cause read-out of the electrical signals from said sensing means; (D) monitor means for monitoring the integration of signals by said image sensing means as said sensing means integrates the signals, said monitor means producing a characteristic indication when the integration of the signals by said sensing means reaches a predetermined threshold; and (E) sequence control means for controlling first, second, and third sequence modes of operation of the device, wherein said control means causes said drive means to effect the setting of said sensing means to the discard condition during the first mode, causes said monitor means to effect the monitoring of the integration of the signals by said sensing means during the second mode which is subsequent to the first mode, and causes, in response to the characteristic indication produced from said monitor means, said drive means to effect the read-out of the electrical signals from said sensing means during the third mode subsequent to the second mode, the read-out electrical signals being supplied to said circuit means.