JP2003066319A - Range finder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a range finder which can carry out highly accurate ranging while pattern light is projected by using a single light source even when an object has a low contrast of high luminance or low reflectance. SOLUTION: The range finder comprises light receiving lenses 101a and 101b to form an object image, sensors 102a and 102b to convert the object image-formed into an electric signal according to light intensity, an integral control means 103 to carry out the integral control of the sensors, an A/D conversion readout means 104 to read object image data outputted from the sensors, a CPU 105 to calculate data according to an object distance on the basis of the object image data, and a light projection means 106 to project signal light for ranging to an object. The light projection means 106 includes a light source (LED) to generate the signal light, a means to control the light source, and a reflecting mirror to make the reciprocating scanning of the signal light in a predetermined direction. When projecting the signal light, the light- emitting of the light source is controlled by synchronizing with the driving period of the reflecting mirror driven periodically, thereby the signal light is projected only on a predetermined point within the ranging visual field.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a distance measuring device using a sensor array such as a line sensor having a signal light projecting means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a passive distance measuring apparatus using a sensor array such as a line sensor as a light receiving element, when the contrast of an object is low and distance measurement is difficult, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-220422 has been disclosed. A method called "mask pattern projection" in which a mask for generating a predetermined pattern having a contrast is illuminated with an LED or the like as disclosed, and the illuminated pattern of the mask is projected onto a subject to measure the distance. It has been known. By applying such a conventional technique, it has become possible to measure a distance even for a low-contrast object which has been conventionally difficult to measure.

[0003]

However, in the case of the method disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-220422, a mask having a predetermined pattern is illuminated with an LED,
Since the illuminated mask pattern is projected, it is possible to project a pattern with a wide range of contrast with one light source, and it is possible to measure the distance even for a subject with low contrast, but the mask for pattern generation is illuminated. Since the signal light spreads over a wide area in order to project the light, and the signal light component blocked by the light-shielding portion of the pattern on the mask is not projected, the signal light incident on the light-receiving element is reduced, and particularly high In the case of a subject having a brightness or a low reflectance, the distance measurement accuracy may deteriorate or the distance measurement may become impossible despite the projection of the signal light.

Practically, it is necessary for a passive range finder to eliminate deterioration of range finding accuracy and a situation in which range finding is impossible even in the case of a subject having high brightness or low reflectance. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a distance measuring device capable of performing highly accurate distance measurement while projecting a pattern using a single light source, even for a low-contrast subject having high brightness and low reflectance. To do.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention takes the following means.
That is, according to the first aspect, a light receiving lens for forming a pair of subject images, a pair of sensors for converting the subject image formed by the light receiving lenses into an electric signal according to the light intensity, and these Integral control means for performing integral control of the sensors, reading means for reading out subject image data output from those sensors, and calculation for computing data according to subject distance based on subject image data output from these sensors And a light projecting means for projecting signal light for distance measurement to a subject, wherein the light projecting means emits signal light and light emission for controlling light emission of the light emitting means. The light emitting device includes a control unit and a scanning unit that reciprocally scans the signal light in a predetermined direction. The light emission is performed in synchronization with a driving cycle of the scanning unit that is periodically driven when the signal light is projected. And controlling the emission stage, it proposes a distance measuring device as emits the signal light only in a predetermined point in the distance measuring field.

Further, a stationary light removing means for removing a light component which is constantly incident on the sensor is further provided, and the stationary light component is removed by the stationary light removing means, and the subject is projected from the light projecting means. For projecting the signal light toward the subject and integrating only the signal light component from the subject in the active mode integration, and for projecting the signal light only to a predetermined point within the distance measuring field of view. In addition, the distance measuring device described above is proposed in which the light emission timing controlled by the light emission control unit is synchronized with the drive cycle of the scanning unit.

Further, according to the second aspect, in the distance measuring device mounted on the AF camera or the like, the light emission interval or the number of times of light emission within the half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means is defined as the focus of the photographing lens of the camera. The distance measuring device described above is proposed, which is switched according to the distance or the shooting mode of the camera. Alternatively, a distance measuring device for a camera is proposed in which the light emitting pattern can be variously changed according to the state of the camera, and the light emitting intervals are relatively different to project the light so as to take measures against erroneous distance measurement.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail with reference to a plurality of embodiments below, taking a distance measuring device for a next-generation AF camera using a line sensor or an area sensor as an example. (First Embodiment) First, the distance measuring apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This distance measuring device 10
As shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving lenses 101a and 101b for forming a subject image on the line sensors 102a and 102b, and the light receiving lens 101 are as shown in FIG.
Line sensor 1 for photoelectrically converting an object image formed by a and 101b into an electric signal according to its light intensity.
02a, 102b and these line sensors 102a, 1
An integration control circuit 103 for controlling the integration operation of 02b;
Output from the line sensors 102a and 102b,
An A / D conversion reading means 104 for A / D converting an analog electric signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image, and a CPU 105 for outputting various control signals and performing various calculations such as subject distance calculation.
And a light projecting means 106 for projecting the signal light for distance measurement to a plurality of points in the distance measurement field.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the light projecting means 106. That is, a light projecting lens 111 for projecting signal light onto a subject and an LE for generating signal light for distance measurement
There is a light source 112 such as D, and between them, a scanning means 113 is driven periodically when the signal light is projected and moves so as to reciprocally scan the signal light in a predetermined direction within the distance measuring field. It is arranged as shown.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of a moving coil type motor as an example of the scanning means 113. This moving coil type motor has a motor support 121, a permanent magnet 122, and a later-described structure. Movable plate 12
4, an elastic member 123 for rotatably supporting the rotating member 4, a rotatably supported by the elastic member 123, a drive coil 125 on one surface, and a mirror for reflecting signal light on the other surface.
The movable plate 124 on which the (reflecting mirror) is formed, and the movable plate 12
4 and a motor coil 1 for controlling the power supply 127 based on a signal depending on the deflection angle detected by the drive coil and the detection coil and the detection coil.
26, and a power supply 127 for supplying a desired current to the drive coil 125.

In the moving coil type motor which constitutes the scanning means 113, rod-shaped permanent magnets 122 are arranged at both ends of a rectangular support 121 as shown in FIG. The movable plate 124 is rotatably supported by the elastic member 123 from the side where the 122 is not arranged). Then, the drive coil (and the detection coil) 1 is provided on one surface of the movable plate 124.
25 is formed, and the other surface is a mirror (reflection mirror) for reflecting the signal light.

In such a moving coil type motor, a desired current is made to flow from the power source 127 to the drive coil 125 by the drive control of the motor drive circuit 126 based on the signal depending on the deflection angle detected by the detection coil. The mirror is rotated in a predetermined cycle so that the signal light generated by the light emitting means 112 is projected to a predetermined point in the distance measuring field. The signal light projected to a predetermined point in the distance measuring field is to collect and project the light generated by the light emitting portion such as an infrared LED, and is more light than when the illuminated mask pattern is projected. Since the intensity is high, the S / N ratio of the subject image signal is improved and the distance measurement accuracy is improved.

The scanning means 113 is not limited to the above-mentioned moving coil type motor, but may be constituted by using, for example, a polygon mirror or DMD used as a mirror for scanning and projecting in a bar code reader. Good. Further, in the case of a distance measuring device for a hybrid camera, this scan light projecting mirror may be periodically resonated at a predetermined frequency.

More specifically, the above-mentioned light projecting means 106.
The light emission control will be described. FIG. 4 shows a timing chart showing the light emitting sequence of the signal light of the first embodiment, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show the light emitting position by the light emitting sequence of FIG. The obtained subject image data is shown. As shown in FIG. 4, the order of the light projecting timings a, b, and c is alternately changed to the light projecting timings c, b, and a in accordance with the scanning cycle as the scanning unit 113 is driven.

According to the projection position of the projection sequence of FIG. 4 shown in FIG. 5A, the distance measuring device is displayed on the photographing screen 131 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the first embodiment. The position a in the distance measuring visual field 132 on the image capturing screen is the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing a in FIG. Similarly, the position b is a light emission spot position which is emitted at the light emission timing b in FIG.
Shows the positions of the projected spots projected at the projection timing c in FIG. Then, FIG. 5B is a graph showing a waveform of subject image data (brightness) obtained by the line sensors 102a and 102b when light is projected to the positions a, b and c in the distance measuring field of view 132 of the photographing screen. It shows with.

That is, in the first embodiment, in the distance measuring apparatus 100 having the structure shown in FIG. 1 having the light projecting means 106 having the structure shown in FIG. 2, the contrast of the object is low and the normal object image data is not used. When the distance cannot be measured, the integration control unit 103 performs integration control to acquire the brightness distribution of the object as object image data. At this time, the light emission timing of the light emitting means 112 for generating the signal light is controlled in synchronization with the drive cycle of the scanning means 113 for reciprocally scanning the signal light in a predetermined direction, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 5B shows the signal light reflected by the subject by spot-projecting the signal light condensed by the light projecting lens 111 only at a predetermined point in the distance measuring field as shown in FIG. 5A. Such object image data is acquired. Then, the pair of line sensors 102a and 10a are subjected to a predetermined correlation calculation based on the subject image data.
The phase difference of the subject image formed on 2b is obtained, and the subject distance is calculated by the known "principle of triangulation".

By carrying out in this way, according to the distance measuring apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, not only can a pattern light be projected onto a subject using a single light source, but also that light source can project a pattern over a wide range. On the other hand, even in the case of a subject having high brightness and low reflectance, it is possible to improve the S / N ratio without deteriorating the ranging accuracy and perform highly accurate ranging.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the distance measuring device 200 of the second embodiment is
In the above-described first embodiment, a pair of line sensors 102a and 102b are used as light receiving elements for acquiring subject image data.
While a pair of area sensors 2 are used here,
The distance measuring device is configured by using 02a and 202b.

That is, the distance measuring apparatus 200 includes light receiving lenses 201a and 201b for forming an object image on the area sensors 202a and 202b, and an object image formed by these light receiving lenses 201a and 201b. Area sensors 202a and 202b that perform photoelectric conversion according to intensity and convert into electric signals, and these area sensors 202
Integral control circuit 20 for controlling the integral operation of a and 202b
3 and analog / electrical signals output from the area sensors 202a and 202b, which are obtained by photoelectrically converting the subject image.
A / D conversion reading means 204 for D conversion, and CPU 20 for outputting various control signals and performing various calculations such as subject distance calculation
5 and a light projecting means 206 for projecting the signal light for distance measurement to a plurality of points in the distance measuring field of view. When the distance measurement is performed using the light projecting means 206, the object image data of the entire distance measuring field has a low contrast. Therefore, the structure of the light projecting means 206 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. Good.

Thus, the distance measuring device 20 of the second embodiment
According to 0, even when the area sensor is used as the light receiving element, the same effect as that of the distance measuring apparatus 100 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 27 and 28. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the distance measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment. The range finder 300 further includes a stationary light removing unit 307 for removing the light component that is constantly incident on the line sensors 302a and 302b from the subject, and integrates only the signal light from which the stationary light component has been removed. The configuration is implemented so that it can be performed.

That is, the distance measuring device 300 includes the light receiving lenses 301a and 301b for forming the subject image on the line sensors 302a and 302b, and the subject image formed by the pair of light receiving lenses 301a and 301b. Line sensors 302a and 302b that perform photoelectric conversion according to intensity and convert to electric signals, an integration control circuit 303 that controls the integration operation of the pair of line sensors 302a and 302b, and output from the line sensors 302a and 302b. A / D conversion read-out means 304 for A / D converting an analog electric signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image, output of various control signals, and CP for performing various calculations such as subject distance calculation
U 305, a light projecting unit 306 that projects the signal light for distance measurement to a plurality of points in the distance measuring field, and a stationary light removing unit 307 that constantly removes the light component that is constantly incident on the line sensors 302 a and 302 b from the subject. It consists of

That is, the distance measuring device 30 of the third embodiment
At 0, as shown in FIG. 7, since the distance measuring device is configured to have the stationary light removing unit 307 that constantly removes the light component that is incident on the line sensors 302a and 302b from the object, the stationary light component from the object is removed. During the active mode integration in which only the signal light is removed by the stationary light removing means 307 and integrated, the light projecting means 306 projects the signal light to a predetermined point in the distance measuring field. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the timing of projecting the signal light and the timing of the main integration period C for integrating only the signal light component are matched.

For detailed description, FIG. 8 illustrates a timing chart showing the signal light projection sequence of the third embodiment. INTCK shows an integration period control clock waveform for controlling the timing of the stationary light storage period A, the error component integration period B, and the main integration period C. A period A indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8 is a stationary light storage period for storing the stationary light amount to be removed in each of the error component integration period B and the main integration period C. A period B is an error component integration period in which an error level for removing an error component when the stationary light is removed in the main integration period C is integrated, and a period C is a signal light projected by the light projecting unit 306 and reflected by the subject. This is the main integration period for integrating only the components.

In the stationary light storage period A shown in FIG. 8, the stationary light level to be removed in each integration period of the periods B and C is stored. The period B is an error component integration period, and the error level for removing the error component at the time of removing the stationary light is integrated in the main integration period C. As for the periods A and B, since the period in which light is not projected is used to generate the light projection pattern, the sequence is efficient.

Here, the configuration and operation of the stationary light removing circuit will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. First, FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the stationary light removing circuit. The stationary light removing circuit photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a light receiving lens according to its light intensity, and forms a line sensor for converting a photodiode into a line sensor and a p-type M.
A CMOS inverting amplifier 2 composed of an OS transistor and an n-type transistor, an inverting amplifier 3 forming a capacitively coupled inverting amplifier circuit, and a stationary photocurrent component of the photocurrent output from the photodiode 1 are discharged. And a transfer transistor 4 for performing the transfer.

27, one end of the photodiode 1 is connected to the power supply and the other end for detecting an optical signal is connected to the source of the transfer transistor 4. The drain of the transfer transistor 4 is grounded, and the gate is connected to the output of the inverting amplifier 2 via the switch SW1 composed of a switching transistor or the like. Further, a capacitive element C1 for current storage is provided between the source and gate of the transfer transistor 4, and the connection point between this source and the photodiode 1 is connected to the input of the inverting amplifier 2. The inverting amplifier 2 may be a CMOS inverting amplifier including a p-type MOS transistor and an n-type transistor. Between the input and output of the inverting amplifier 2, a switch SW2 including a capacitive element C2 for applying feedback for detecting a photocurrent and a switching transistor for resetting charges accumulated in the capacitive element C2 is connected. Has been done.

A capacitive coupling type inverting amplifier circuit is provided in the latter stage of the above-described structure, and the inverting amplifier circuit has a capacitive element C3 whose one end is connected to the output of the inverting amplifier 2.
An inverting amplifier 3 to which the other end of the capacitive element C3 is connected,
A capacitive element C4 provided between the input and output and a capacitive element C
The switch SW3 is composed of a switching transistor and the like connected in parallel to the switch 4. At the output VS2 of this circuit, the phase of the signal at the input VS1 is inverted and the signal amplified by the gains C3 / C4 is output.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the basic operation of the above-mentioned stationary light removing circuit. Here, as can be understood by looking at the timing of the switch SW2, this stationary light removal circuit resets the switch SW2 twice for one projection, and performs the integration operation twice for convenience. And
The first time is non-light projection and the second time is light projection so that the difference between the two is detected.

The period T1 is a period for storing stationary light, in which the switch SW1 is turned on and the switch SW2 is turned off, and the photocurrent I _PD generated in the photodiode 1 is grounded via the transfer transistor 4. Feedback is applied to the gate voltage of the transfer transistor 4 via the inverting amplifier 2 so as to flow. As a result, the voltage between the source and the gate of the transfer transistor 4 becomes a voltage value corresponding to the photocurrent I _PD , and by holding this voltage value in the capacitive element C1, the photocurrent I _PD according to the stationary light is discharged. It

If the switch SW1 is turned off,
Held in the capacitive element C1 by the lead-through charge
The amount of charge changes and the current flowing in the transfer transistor 4 changes
ΔI _PDIf an error occurs, the error component ΔI_PDIs
It flows into the feedback system of the inverting amplifier 2. So, in period T2
Switch SW2 is turned on to reset capacitive element C2
Later, in the period T3, this error component ΔI_PDIntegral of. Next
Then, in the period T4, the switch SW2 is turned on again to turn on the capacitive element.
After resetting C2, the projecting means (not shown) in period T5
The signal light is projected from (106) and the error component ΔI_PDAnd floodlight
Signal light component I added by_PDSIntegral of.

By making the integration times of the periods T3 and T5 the same and taking the difference between the integrated values, the signal light component I _PDS
Only the output for can be detected. With respect to this difference, the capacitive coupling type inverting amplifier circuit including the capacitive elements C3 and C4, the switch SW3, and the inverting amplifier 3 may be operated as follows. First, the switch SW3 is turned on until the integration of the error current component ΔI _{PD in} the period T3 is completed, and the switch SW3 is turned off immediately before the switch SW2 is turned on in the period T4. As a result, the output of VS2 shows a change in VS1 thereafter based on the output voltage of VS1 at the time when the switch SW3 changes from on to off.

Therefore, VS2 at the end of integration in the period T5
In the output of, the voltage corresponding to the difference voltage between the output voltage of VS1 at the end of the first integration in the period T3 and the VS1 at the end of the second integration in the period T5, that is, the component of the error current ΔI _PD is removed. The signal photocurrent component I _PDS generated by light projection is I _PDS × (t / C2) × (C3 / C4) (where t
Is the light emission time). As described above, even if the current discharged by the transfer transistor 2 has an error with respect to the stationary photocurrent, only the signal light component can be detected by the circuit configuration shown in FIG.

Thus, the distance measuring device 300 of the third embodiment
According to this, since the object distance is calculated based on the object image data obtained by integrating only the signal light component, it is possible to perform distance measurement with higher accuracy than in the first or second embodiment described above.

The distance measuring device mounted on the AF camera or the like will be described below with reference to some embodiments. (Fourth Embodiment) First, FIG. 9 and FIG. 1 as a fourth embodiment.
The distance measuring device illustrated in FIG. 0 is configured and implemented so that the light emitting interval of the signal light within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning unit 113 is switched according to the focal length of the taking lens of the camera (not shown). . However, the configuration is the same as the first
It is equivalent to any one of the third embodiment, and the light projecting sequence and the control portion related thereto are different as follows.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the signal light projecting sequence of the fourth embodiment.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show the light projecting positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens of the camera in the light projecting sequence of FIG. The aw in FIG. 9 is the light projection timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projection position aw in FIG. Similarly, bw is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bw, and cw is the light projection timing for similarly projecting the signal light to the position cw. Also, at in FIG. 9 is at (b) in FIG.
Is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position at.
Similarly, bt is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bt in FIG. 10B, and ct is the light projection timing for similarly projecting the signal light to the position ct.

In the photographing screen 401 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, in the camera equipped with this distance measuring device, the photographing screen on the short focus side is A distance measuring field 402 is provided, and as shown in FIG. 10B, a distance measuring field 403 in the photographing screen on the long focus side is provided. FIG. 10A shows a light projection position on the short focus side by the light projection sequence of FIG. 9, and aw is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing aw in FIG.
Similarly, bw is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing bw, and cw is a light projection spot position which is similarly projected at the light projection timing cw.

FIG. 10B shows the projection position on the long focus side in the projection sequence of FIG. 9, and at is the projection spot position projected at the projection timing at in FIG. Similarly, bt is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing bt, and ct is a light projection spot position which is similarly projected at the light projection timing ct.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 9, when the focal length of the taking lens of the camera is on the short focal side, the light emission interval is lengthened and the timing of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the signal light is projected onto a wide range within the photographing screen, and in the case of the long focus side, the light emission interval is shortened to obtain the signal light shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the signal light is projected onto a narrow area within the shooting screen. The light emission interval may be set so that the projection range of the signal light on the shooting screen is the same range on the short focus side and the long focus side.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to perform optimal pattern light projection according to the focal length of the photographing lens of the camera.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence of this range finder, and FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) show
FIG. 12 shows the light projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens of the camera (not shown) in the light projection sequence of FIG. 11. Figure 1
1w in 1 is the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the light projecting position 1w in FIG. Similarly, 2w is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 2w in FIG. 12A, 3w is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 3w, and 4w is the projection light for the signal light to the position 4w. The light projecting timing for projecting light, and 5w is the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position 5w. Further, 1t corresponds to FIG.
It is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the projection position 1t in (b). Similarly, 2t is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 2t in FIG. 12B, and 3t is the position 3 as well.
It is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to t.

FIG. 12A shows a distance measuring visual field 502 in the photographing screen 501 on the short focus side of the photographing screen 501 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the fifth embodiment. The light projection position on the short focus side in the light projection sequence shown in FIG. 11 is set as follows. 1w indicates the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing 1w in FIG. Similarly, 2w indicates the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing 2w in FIG.
Is a projection spot position which is also projected at the projection timing 3w, 4w is a projection spot position which is also projected at the projection timing 4w, and 5w is a projection spot position which is also projected at the projection timing 5w is there.

FIG. 12B shows the projection position on the long focus side by the projection sequence of FIG. 11, and shows the long focus on the photographing screen 501 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring apparatus of the fifth embodiment. The field of view 503 in the side photographing screen is shown. 1t is a projection spot position projected at the projection timing 1t in FIG. 11, and similarly 2t is shown in FIG.
The projection spot position is projected at the projection timing 2t of 1 and similarly, 3t is the projection spot position projected at the projection timing 3t.

That is, in the fifth embodiment, the scanning means 1
The number of times the signal light is emitted in the half cycle of the drive cycle of 13 is controlled so as to be switched according to the focal length of the photographing lens of the camera. For example, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 11, when the focal length of the photographing lens of the camera is on the short focus side, the number of times of light emission is increased and the signal is spread over a wide range within the photographing screen as shown in FIG. Light is projected, and in the case of the long focus side, the number of times of light emission is reduced and the signal light is projected in a narrow range within the photographing screen as shown in FIG. 12B. The number of times of light emission may be set so that the range of projection of the signal light to the peripheral portion with respect to the shooting screen is the same range on the short focus side and the long focus side.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to perform optimal pattern light projection in accordance with the focal length of the taking lens of the camera.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 shows a timing chart for explaining the signal light projection sequence of the distance measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
FIGS. 14A and 14B show the light projecting positions of the camera (not shown) in the normal mode and the spot mode in the light projecting sequence of FIG. An in FIG. 13 is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the projection position an in FIG. 14A. Similarly, bn is the position bn in FIG.
The projection timing for projecting the signal light onto the light source, and cn is the projection timing for projecting the signal light onto the position cn. Also,
14B is a light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the light projecting position as in FIG. 14B, and similarly, bs is a light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position bs in FIG. 14B. c
s is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position cs.

FIG. 14A shows the light projecting position in the normal mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 13, showing the short focus side on the photographing screen 601 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring apparatus of the sixth embodiment. The distance measurement visual field 602 in the photographing screen is illustrated. an indicates the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing an in FIG. Similarly, bn is shown in FIG.
The light projection spot position is projected at the middle light projection timing bn, and similarly, cn is the light projection spot position projected at the light projection timing cn.

FIG. 14 (b) shows the light projection position in the spot mode according to the light projection sequence of FIG. 13, and the photographing screen 601 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
2 illustrates an example of the distance measuring field 603 in the photographing screen on the long focus side of this distance measuring device. 13 indicates a light emission spot position emitted at the light emission timing as in FIG. 13, similarly, bs indicates a light emission spot position emitted at the light emission timing bs in FIG. 13, and similarly cs indicates It is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing cs.

That is, in the sixth embodiment, the scanning means 1
The light emitting interval of the signal light within the half cycle of the drive cycle of 13 is switched according to the photographing mode (normal mode / spot mode, etc.) of the camera. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 13, when the shooting mode of the camera is the normal mode, the light emission interval is set to be longer than that of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14A, the signal light is projected onto a wide range within the shooting screen, and in the spot mode, the light emission interval is shortened to send the signal to the central portion within the shooting screen as shown in FIG. 14B. Project light.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the sixth embodiment, optimum pattern light projection can be performed according to the photographing mode of the camera.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.
6 (a) and 6 (b) show the projection positions of the camera (not shown) in the projection mode of FIG. 15 in the normal mode and the spot mode.

Reference numeral 1n in FIG. 15 indicates a light projecting timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projecting position 1n shown in FIG. 16 (a). Similarly, 2n is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 2n in FIG. 16A, and 3n is the position 3 in FIG. 16A.
Projection timing for projecting the signal light to n, 4n is shown in FIG.
Projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 4n in (a),
5n is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 5n in FIG. Further, 1s in FIG.
16B is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 1s, 2s is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position 2s in FIG. 16B, and 3s is the signal light for the same position 3s. Is the timing of light projection.

FIG. 16A shows the light projecting position in the normal mode according to the light projecting sequence of FIG. In the photographing screen 701 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the seventh embodiment, a distance measuring visual field 702 in the photographing screen on the short focus side is provided. 1n is a projection spot position which is projected at the projection timing 1n in FIG. Similarly, 2n is a projection spot position projected by the projection timing 2n in FIG. 15, 3n is a projection spot position projected by the projection timing 3n, and 4n is projected by the projection timing 4n. The projected light spot position 5n is a projected light spot position projected at the projection timing 5n.

FIG. 16B shows the projection position in the spot mode according to the projection sequence of FIG. 15, and in the shooting screen 701 of the camera equipped with this distance measuring device, the shooting screen on the long focus side is displayed. An internal distance measuring field 703 is provided. 1s is a light emission spot position emitted at the light emission timing 1s shown in FIG. 15. Similarly, 2s is shown in FIG.
The light-emission spot position of 5 is the light-emission spot position 3s, and the light-emission spot position 3s is the light-emission spot position of the same light emission timing 3s.

That is, in the seventh embodiment, the scanning means 1
The number of times the signal light is emitted within the half cycle of the 13 drive cycles is switched according to the photographing mode (normal mode / spot mode, etc.) of the camera. For example, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 15, when the shooting mode of the camera is the normal mode, the number of times of light emission is increased and
As shown in (a), the signal light is projected onto a wide range within the shooting screen, and in the spot mode, the number of times of light emission is reduced and the signal is output to the central part within the shooting screen as shown in FIG. Project light.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to perform optimal pattern light projection in accordance with the photographing mode of the camera.

(Eighth Embodiment) A distance measuring apparatus as an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence of the eighth embodiment, and FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b).
17 shows the light projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens of the camera (not shown) in the light projection sequence of FIG. Aw in FIG. 17 is a light projecting timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projecting position aw in FIG. Similarly, bw
18A is a projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bw in FIG. 18A, and cw is a projection timing for similarly projecting the signal light to the position cw. Further, at is a light projection timing at which the signal light is projected at the light projection position at in FIG. 18B, and similarly, bt is a light projection timing at which the signal light is projected at the position bt in FIG. 18B. Similarly, ct is the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position ct.

FIG. 18A shows the light projection position on the short focus side by the light projection sequence of FIG. 17, and in the photographing screen 801 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the eighth embodiment, the short focus is shown. A distance measuring field of view 802 is provided in the side photographing screen. aw is a light-emission spot position emitted at the light-emission timing aw in FIG. 17, similarly bw is a light-emission spot position emitted at the light-emission timing bw in FIG. 17, and cw is the same light-emission spot position. It is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light timing cw.

Further, FIG. 18B shows the projection position on the long focus side by the projection sequence of FIG. 17, and in the shooting screen 801 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the eighth embodiment, the long focus position is set. A distance measuring visual field 803 is provided in the side photographing screen. At is a projection spot position projected at the projection timing at in FIG. 17, similarly, bt is a projection spot position projected at the projection timing bt in FIG. 17, and ct is the same projection position. It is a light projection spot position which is projected at timing ct.

That is, in the eighth embodiment, the scanning means 1
The drive cycle of No. 13 is appropriately switched according to the focal length (long focus / short focus, etc.) of the photographing lens of the camera. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 17, when the focal length of the taking lens is on the short focus side, the drive cycle is shortened and the signal light is projected in a wide range within the taking screen as shown in FIG. On the long focus side, however, the drive cycle is lengthened and the signal light is projected in a narrow range within the photographing screen as shown in FIG. The drive cycle may be set such that the signal light projection range on the photographic screen is the same range on the short focus side and the long focus side.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the eighth embodiment, it is possible to perform optimum pattern light projection in accordance with the focal length of the photographing lens of the camera.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 shows a timing chart for explaining the signal light projection sequence of the ninth embodiment.
FIG. 19B shows the light projecting positions of the camera (not shown) in the normal mode and the spot mode in the light projecting sequence of FIG. An in FIG. 19 is a light projection timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projection position an in FIG.
Similarly, bn is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bn in FIG. 20A, and cn is the light projection timing for similarly projecting the signal light to the position cn. Also, as in FIG.
20B is a light projecting timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projecting position as in FIG. 20B, and similarly, bs is a light projecting timing at which the signal light is projected to the position bs in FIG. Is also the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position cs.

FIG. 20A shows the light projecting position in the normal mode according to the light projecting sequence of FIG. In a photographing screen 901 of a camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the ninth embodiment, a distance measuring visual field 902 in the photographing screen on the short focus side is provided. 19 is a projection spot position projected at the projection timing an in FIG. 19, similarly bn is a projection spot position projected at the projection timing bn in FIG. 19, and cn is the same projection position. It is a light projection spot position which is projected at timing cn.

FIG. 20B shows the light projection position in the spot mode according to the light projection sequence of FIG. Shooting screen 901 of a camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the ninth embodiment
In, the distance measuring visual field 903 in the photographing screen on the long focus side is provided. As is a light-emission spot position that is emitted at the light-emission timing as in FIG.
Is a light projection spot position that is projected at the light projection timing bs in FIG. 19, and cs is a light projection spot position that is also projected at the light projection timing cs.

That is, in the ninth embodiment, the scanning means 1
13 drive cycle, the shooting mode of the camera (normal mode /
It is implemented so as to switch appropriately according to the spot mode or the like). As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 19, when the shooting mode of the camera is the normal mode, the light emission interval is shortened and the signal light is projected onto a wide range within the shooting screen as shown in FIG. In the case of the spot mode, the light emission interval is lengthened and the signal light is projected to the central portion within the photographing screen as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the ninth embodiment, it is possible to perform optimum pattern light projection according to the photographing mode of the camera.

(Tenth Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 shows a timing chart for explaining the signal light projection sequence of the tenth embodiment, and FIG.
21A and 21B show the projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens of the camera (not shown) in the projection sequence of FIG. 21 is aw in FIG.
22A is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the light projection position aw, similarly, bw is the light projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bw in FIG. 22A, and cw is the same position cw.
It is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to. Also, at
Is the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position at in FIG.

FIG. 22A shows the light projection position on the short focus side by the light projection sequence of FIG. 21, and shows the short focus side on the photographing screen 1001 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the tenth embodiment. A distance measuring field of view 1002 in the photographing screen is provided. 21 is a light emitting spot position emitted at the light emitting timing aw in FIG. 21, similarly bw is a light emitting spot position emitted at the light emitting timing bw in FIG. 21, and cw is also the light emitting timing. This is the position of the projected spot projected by cw.

Further, FIG. 22B shows the projection position on the long focus side by the projection sequence of FIG. In the photographing screen 1001 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the tenth embodiment, a distance measuring field 1003 in the photographing screen on the long focus side is provided. Then, at is a light-emission spot position emitted at the light-emission timing at in FIG.

That is, in the tenth embodiment, whether or not to drive the scanning means 113 when projecting the signal light is switched according to the focal length (short focus / long focus, etc.) of the photographing lens of the camera. It was done. And Figure 2
As shown in the timing chart of No. 1, when the focal length of the photographing lens is on the short focal side, the scanning means 113 is driven to project the signal light in a wide range within the photographing screen as shown in FIG. However, in the case of the long focal length side, without driving,
As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the signal light is projected on the central portion of the photographing screen.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the tenth embodiment, it is possible to perform optimal pattern light projection in accordance with the focal length of the photographing lens of the camera.

(Eleventh Embodiment) Next, a distance measuring apparatus as an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. 23 shows a timing chart for explaining a signal light projection sequence of the distance measuring apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, and FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b) show the light projection sequence of FIG. , The projection positions of the camera (not shown) in the normal mode and the spot mode are shown. In FIG. 23, “an” is the light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the light projecting position of “an” in FIG. 24A, and similarly, bn is shown in FIG.
Projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position bn in (a),
Similarly, cn is a light projecting timing for projecting the signal light to the position cn. Further, as in FIG. 23 is a light projecting timing at which the signal light is projected to the light projecting position as in FIG.

FIG. 24A shows the light projection position in the normal mode according to the light projection sequence of FIG. 23. In the photographing screen 1101 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, the short focus side is shown. A field of view 1102 for distance measurement is provided in the image capturing screen. An is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing an in FIG.
23 is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing bn in FIG. 23, and cn is a light projection spot position which is similarly projected at the light projection timing cn.

FIG. 24B shows the light projection position in the spot mode according to the light projection sequence of FIG. 23. In the shooting screen 1101 of the camera equipped with this distance measuring apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, the long projection position is long. A range-finding field 1103 in the photographing screen on the focal side is provided. As is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing as in FIG.

That is, in the eleventh embodiment, whether or not to drive the scanning means 113 when projecting the signal light is switched according to the photographing mode (normal mode / spot mode, etc.) of the camera. is there. Then, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 23, when the photographing mode of the camera is the normal mode, the scanning means 113 is driven to project the signal light in a wide range within the photographing screen as shown in FIG. In the case of the spot mode, the signal light is projected to the central portion within the shooting screen as shown in FIG. 24B without driving.

As described above, according to the distance measuring apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to perform optimal pattern light projection according to the photographing mode of the camera.

(Twelfth Embodiment) Finally, a distance measuring apparatus as a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 shows a timing chart for explaining a signal light projection sequence of the distance measuring apparatus of the twelfth embodiment, and FIG. 26 shows a light projection position of a camera (not shown) according to the light projection sequence of FIG. . In FIG. 25, a is the same as in FIG.
26 is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the projection position a, and b is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the position b in FIG. Similarly, c is the projection timing for projecting the signal light to the projection position c in FIG. 26, and d is the projection timing for projecting the signal light at the position d in FIG.

On the photographing screen 1201 of the camera equipped with the distance measuring device of the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, a distance measuring visual field 1202 is provided within the photographing screen of this distance measuring device. 25a is a light projection spot position which is projected at the light projection timing a in FIG. Similarly, b is the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing b in FIG. 25, similarly c is the position of the light projection spot projected at the light projection timing c in FIG. 25, and d is the light projection timing d. It is the position of the projected light spot.

That is, in the twelfth embodiment, the light emission interval of the signal light within the half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means 113 is
It was implemented so that it is not evenly spaced. Then, as shown in the timing chart of FIG.
By setting the light emission intervals of the signal light in the half cycle of the drive cycle of No. 3 to different intervals for each light emission, the spot intervals of the signal light projected on the photographing screen are equal intervals as shown in FIG. This prevents the signal light pattern from becoming a repetitive pattern.

The reason why the pattern of the signal light is prevented from being a repetitive pattern is that if the object image data is a repetitive pattern, there are a plurality of points where the left and right image data match, which may cause erroneous distance measurement. This is because. That is, this is one of the measures for erroneous distance measurement. Thus, the first
According to the distance measuring device of the second embodiment, erroneous distance measuring can be prevented.

(Other Modifications) The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows. For example, the range finder may be a unit integrated with the camera or a separate unit, and the combination of the elements constituting the range finder can be appropriately changed as necessary. Besides this, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although the above description has been given based on the embodiments, the present invention includes the following inventions. (1) In a distance measuring device included in an AF camera, signal light is projected from a light projecting unit for distance measurement to a subject existing at a plurality of predetermined points corresponding to a distance measuring field of view in the viewfinder of the camera. In this case, a scanning means for reciprocally scanning the signal light in a predetermined direction is provided, and the scanning means is periodically driven at the time of light projection, and the light emission is controlled in synchronization with the driving cycle to perform a predetermined measurement. It is possible to provide a distance measuring device for a camera, which further comprises light emission control means for appropriately controlling so as to project the signal light only on a predetermined point in the distance visual field.

(2) The scanning means is a mirror for scanning and projecting, which is rotationally driven in reverse at a predetermined cycle, and the signal light causes a predetermined single light source to emit a pulse to project a pattern over a wide range. The light emission pattern can be changed appropriately according to the setting state (for example, zoom, mode, etc.) of the camera, and the light emission interval is relatively changed to emit light to prevent erroneous distance measurement. The distance measuring device for a camera according to (1).

(3) In the range-finding operation, among the setting states of the camera, in the zoom interlocking mode, a short light emission interval is used during telephoto shooting with a small number of light emission points, and a long light emission interval is used during wide-angle shooting, and a large amount of light is emitted during wide-angle shooting. It is performed at the light point, and in the mode interlocking, it is performed at a long light emission interval in the normal mode, at a large light emission point, and at a short light emission interval in the spot mode, at a small light emission point (1). It is a distance measuring device for a camera.

(4) The light emission interval within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means is relatively long on the short focus side and relatively short on the long focus side of a predetermined camera. This is a distance measuring device. (5) The distance measurement according to claim 4, wherein the number of times of light emission within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning unit is relatively large on the short focus side and relatively small on the long focus side of a predetermined camera. It is a device.

(6) The distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emission interval or the number of times of light emission within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means is switched according to a photographing mode of a predetermined camera. is there. (7) The distance measuring apparatus according to (6), wherein the light emission interval within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning unit is relatively long in the normal mode and relatively short in the spot mode. (8) In the distance measuring device according to (6), the number of times of light emission within the half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning unit is relatively large in the normal mode and relatively small in the spot mode.

(9) The driving cycle of the scanning means is switched according to the focal length of the photographing lens of a predetermined camera,
The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2. (10) In the distance measuring device according to (9), the driving cycle of the scanning unit is relatively short on the short focus side and relatively long on the long focus side.

(11) The light emission interval or the number of times of light emission within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means is switched according to a photographing mode of a predetermined camera.
The distance measuring device described in 1. (12) In the distance measuring device according to (11), the driving cycle of the scanning unit is relatively short in the normal mode and relatively long in the spot mode.

(13) The distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein whether or not to drive the scanning means when projecting the signal light is switched according to a focal length of a photographing lens of a predetermined camera. is there. (14) The distance measuring device according to (13), wherein the scanning unit is driven at the time of projecting the signal light on the short focus side and not on the long focus side.

(15) The distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein whether or not to drive the scanning means when projecting the signal light is switched according to a photographing mode of a predetermined camera. (16) When the signal light is projected, the scanning means is driven in the normal mode but not in the spot mode (1
The distance measuring device according to 5).

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even for high-contrast subjects with high brightness and low reflectance,
It is possible to provide a distance measuring device capable of performing highly accurate distance measurement while projecting a pattern using a single light source.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a distance measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a light projecting unit of the distance measuring device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a moving coil type motor as an example of a scanning unit of the distance measuring device.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment.

5A and 5B show projection positions by the projection sequence of FIG. 4 and obtained object image data, FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing projection positions by the projection sequence of FIG. 4, and FIG. , B, and c are graphs showing waveforms of subject image data obtained when light is projected.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a distance measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a distance measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

10A and 10B show projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens according to the projection sequence of FIG. 9, and FIG.
9A and 9B are explanatory views showing the light projection position on the short focus side by the light projection sequence of FIG. 9, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view showing the light projection position on the long focus side by the light projection sequence of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens according to the projection sequence of FIG.
11A and 11B are explanatory views showing a short focus side projection position by the projection sequence of FIG. 11, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory view showing a long focus side projection position by the projection sequence of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows projection positions in a normal mode and a spot mode according to the projection sequence of FIG.
13A and 13B are explanatory views showing a light projecting position in the normal mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 13, and FIG. 14B is an explanatory view showing a light projecting position in the spot mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

16A and 16B show projection positions in the normal mode and the spot mode according to the projection sequence of FIG.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a light projecting position in a normal mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 15, and FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing a light projecting position in a spot mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens according to the projection sequence of FIG.
17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing a light projecting position on the short focus side by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing a light projecting position on the long focus side by the light projecting sequence of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

20A and 20B show projection positions in the normal mode and the spot mode according to the projection sequence of FIG.
19A and 19B are explanatory views showing a light projecting position in a normal mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 19, and FIG. 19B is an explanatory view showing a light projecting position in a spot mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

22A and 22B show projection positions on the short focus side and the long focus side of the taking lens according to the projection sequence of FIG.
21A and 21B are explanatory views showing a short focus side projection position by the projection sequence of FIG. 21, and FIG. 22B is an explanatory view showing a long focus side projection position by the projection sequence of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows projection positions in the normal mode and the spot mode according to the projection sequence of FIG.
23 is an explanatory diagram showing a light projecting position in a normal mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG. 23, and FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram showing a light projecting position in a spot mode by the light projecting sequence of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing a signal light projection sequence in the distance measuring apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a light projecting position in the light projecting sequence of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a stationary light removing circuit of the distance measuring device.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the basic operation of the stationary light removal circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 200, 300 ... Distance measuring device, 101a, 101
b ... light receiving lens, 102a, 102b, 302a, 302
b ... Line sensor, 103 ... Integral control circuit, 104 ... A
/ D conversion reading means (A / D converter), 105 ... CP
U (various control means, arithmetic means), 106 ... Projecting means (light source, scanning means, projecting lens), 111 ... Projecting lens, 1
12 ... Light source (LED etc.), 113 ... Scanning means (driving reflecting mirror), 121 ... Moving coil type motor support, 12
2 ... Permanent magnet, 123 ... Elastic member, 124 ... Movable plate, 1
25 ... Drive coil and detection coil, 126 ... Motor drive circuit, 127 ... Power supply, 128 ... Drive unit, 129 ...
Detection unit, 202a, 202b ... Area sensor, 307 ...
Stationary light removal means.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2F112 AA03 BA07 CA12 DA15 DA26                       DA32 EA07 EA11 FA07 FA29                       FA33                 2H011 BA14 BB03 DA00 DA08                 2H051 BB14 BB19 BB24 CB20 CC04                       CC17 EA22 EB13 EB19 EB20

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A light-receiving lens for forming a pair of object images, a pair of sensors for converting the object image formed by the light-receiving lens into an electric signal according to light intensity, and integral control of the sensors. Integration control means for performing the following, reading means for reading the subject image data output from the sensor, computing means for computing data according to the subject distance based on the subject image data output from the sensor, and subject 1. A distance measuring device comprising: a light projecting means for projecting a signal light for distance measurement, wherein the light projecting means emits the signal light, and a light emission control means for controlling light emission of the light emitting means. And a scanning unit that reciprocally scans the signal light in a predetermined direction. When the signal light is projected, the light emission of the light emitting unit is synchronized with the driving cycle of the scanning unit that is periodically driven. Control and距視 distance measuring apparatus characterized by projecting the signal light only in a predetermined point within the field. 2. A stationary light removing unit that removes a light component that is constantly incident on the sensor, wherein the stationary light component is removed by the stationary light removing unit,
Projecting the signal light toward the subject from the projecting means,
The timing for integrating the signal light in the active mode integration for integrating only the signal light component from the subject, and the driving cycle of the scanning means for projecting the signal light only at a predetermined point in the distance measuring field of view. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the light emission timing controlled by the light emission control means is synchronized with each other to coincide with each other. 3. The light emission interval or the number of times of light emission within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning means is switched according to a focal length of a photographing lens of a predetermined camera or a photographing mode of the camera. The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the light emission intervals within a half cycle of the driving cycle of the scanning unit are not set to be equal intervals. 5. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a line sensor or an area sensor.