Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating computer vision tasks (e.g., simultaneous location and mapping) and pass-through imaging include a head-mounted display (HMD) that includes a first set of one or more cameras configured for performing computer vision tasks and a second set of one or more cameras configured for capturing image data of an environment for projection to a user of the HMD. The first set of one or more cameras is configured to detect at least a visible spectrum light and at least a particular band of wavelengths of infrared (IR) light. The second set of one or more cameras includes one or more detachable IR filters configured to attenuate IR light, including at least a portion of the particular band of wavelengths of IR light.

Abstract: An optical projection device for projecting a linear image is disclosed. Light emitted by an array of light emitting diodes arranged along an array axis is focused in at least a direction perpendicular to the array axis and diffused in a direction parallel to the array axis, thereby generating a linear image in which light from adjacent light emitting diodes is spatially overlapped. In some embodiments, the focusing and diffusion of the light is performed by a Fresnel lens and a lenticular lens, respectively. The optical projection device may be employed to virtually mark a surface, such as a floor in an industrial setting. High power light emitting diodes may be employed to generate a linear image having an illuminance of at least 4000 lux that is focused to a distance between 7.5 and 20 feet.

Abstract: A ladar system and related method are disclosed where a ladar transmitter transmits ladar pulses toward a plurality of range points, and a ladar receiver receives ladar returns from the range points, wherein the ladar receiver comprises a photo receiver. A sensor can be used to sense background light levels, and a control circuit can (1) measures the sensed background light levels and (2) provide frequency domain shuttering with respect to the photo receiver based on the measured background light levels.

Abstract: A distance measurement device includes an imaging unit, a measurement unit that measures a plurality of distances to the subject by emitting a plurality of directional light rays the subject and receiving reflection light rays, a control unit that controls the imaging unit to image the subject in an angle of view which includes irradiation positions of the directional light rays used in the measurement of the plurality of distances onto the subject, and a deriving unit that derives a dimension of a real-space region corresponding to an interval between a plurality of pixels associated with the in-image irradiation positions based on distances which are related to in-image irradiation positions derived as positions corresponding to the irradiation positions within a captured image acquired through imaging, among the plurality of measured distances, the interval for each distance within the captured image, and a focal length of the imaging unit.

Abstract: Control of a camera is provided. Data describing a visual key is generated. The data describing the visual key is transmitted. The visual key is identified. A person who is in possession of the visual key is identified. The person is associated with the visual key, wherein the person is authorized to control the camera using gestures. A gesture of the person is recognized. The gesture causes a program to execute a command that corresponds to the gesture, wherein the command cause the camera to perform a function.

Abstract: Control of a camera is provided. Data describing a visual key is generated. The data describing the visual key is transmitted. The visual key is identified. A person who is in possession of the visual key is identified. The person is associated with the visual key, wherein the person is authorized to control the camera using gestures. A gesture of the person is recognized. The gesture causes a program to execute a command that corresponds to the gesture, wherein the command cause the camera to perform a function.

Abstract: A method that highlights a depth-of-field (DOF) region of an image and performs additional image processing by using the DOF region. The method includes: obtaining a first pattern image and a second pattern image that are captured by emitting light according to different patterns from an illumination device; detecting a DOF region by using the first pattern image and the second pattern image; determining weights to highlight the DOF region; and generating the highlighted DOF image by applying the weights to a combined image of the first pattern image and the second pattern image.

Abstract: The invention provides a flash light device, which includes a light source, a light diffuser and a light diffuser's driving unit. The light diffuser's driving unit provides the light diffuser with a required driving voltage according to a voltage information, in which the voltage information is determined according to an original image without light-complementing of the light source and a pre-flash image with light-complementing of the light source.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards common focus energy emitters having a common focus energy source and including two or more energy source units each having a 3D concave primary reflector for reflecting energy into an energy beam focused at the common focus energy source, and a secondary optical element for shaping the energy beam into an exit beam component of the exit beam. The 3D concave primary reflectors bound a minor 3D concave section of an imaginary primary reflector ellipsoid of revolution having a primary reflector axis of revolution non-coaxial with the energy emitter axis. Each primary reflector axis of revolution includes a first focal point disposed at the common focus energy source and a second focal point where its associated energy source is disposed thereat.

Abstract: A method of increasing signal-to-noise ratio of a distance-measuring device includes a light-emitting component emitting a detecting light to a measured object during an emitting period for generating a reflected light, a delay period after the light-emitting component emitting the detecting light, a light-sensing component sensing the energy of the reflected light to generate a light-sensing signal, and obtaining a measured distance between the distance-measuring device and the measured object according to the energy of the detecting light and the light-sensing signal. Since the measured distance is longer than a predetermined shortest measured distance, the method can accordingly calculate a proper delay period for ensuring that the reflected light reaches the light-sensing component after the delay period. In this way, the light-sensing component does not sense the background light during the delay period, so that the signal-to-noise ratio of the light-sensing signal is improved.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus and method are provided that can reduce power consumption by detecting a high precision focusing position for a predetermined range and controlling light emission according to a driving mode when performing focus control. The photographing apparatus includes: a lens movable in an optical axis direction and that focuses a subject image on an imaging surface; a photoelectric converter that converting the subject image into an electric signal; a focusing position detector for detecting a focusing position of the focus lens when at least one main subject image of the subject images is focused on the imaging surface; a focus control unit for controlling a first drive of the focus lens and a second drive of the focus lens that is different from the first drive; a light emitting unit; and a light emitting control unit for controlling for different light emissions during the first and second drive.

Abstract: An in-vivo information display device includes a communication unit that communicates with a receiving device that receives in-vivo information transmitted, at a predetermined time interval, from a body-insertable device that is introduced into a subject and acquires the in-vivo information regarding an inside of the subject; a transmission requesting unit that transmits a transmission request for the in-vivo information to the receiving device via the communication unit; and a display unit that displays the in-vivo information received via the communication unit from the receiving device in response to the transmission request. The transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a first time interval smaller than the predetermined time interval, and the transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a second time interval larger than the first time interval when one or more the in-vivo information is received.

Abstract: An image capture system is provided. The image capture system for capturing an image of an object includes a light emitting module, a lens, a base unit and a filter unit. The light emitting module provides a plurality of light beams to form a reference area. The base unit includes a light sensor corresponding to the lens. The filter unit includes at least one visible light passing portion and at least one invisible light passing portion. The filter unit is driven to position one of the visible light passing portion and the invisible light passing portion between the lens and the light sensor. The actual size of the object can be estimated via the reference area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise actuating a light sensor after various delays to receive a plurality of modulated light signals reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera. The method may also include determining distance information for the different regions of the scene based on brightness values for the plurality of modulated light signals reflected from the scene for the various delays. The method may also include storing the distance information in a Z-buffer at the camera.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of luminous bodies as light sources, luminous body drive portions configured to drive to light each of the plurality of luminous bodies, an optical member configured to lead and apply light exiting from a luminous body lighted by the luminous body drive portion to an illumination target area, a light control member configured to perform change of a light path of the light exiting from the luminous body with which the illumination target area is illuminated and/or movement of the luminous body, a movable portion configured to operably drive the light control member, and a light selection portion configured to control the movable portion and/or the luminous body drive portion in such a manner that light with which the illumination target area is selected from light exiting from the plurality of luminous bodies.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for an image-gathering device, includes a light frame supporting a plurality of light emitting diode lamps configured to emit light at a tungsten balanced colour temperature, and a focussing frame comprising a plurality of light focussing lenses configured to focus light emitted from said light frame into an elliptical beam. The focussing frame is configured to focus light into an elliptical beam to complement a subject illumination area frame having a ratio 16:9. The light emitting diode lamps are configured to emit light at a colour temperature of 3200 Kelvin or 5600 Kelvin, and to emit light having a colour rendering index of 90. The focussing frame is releasably mountable to the light frame.

Abstract: To provide a self-luminous device capable of clear, multi-gray scale, color display and an electric machine provided with the same. Gray scale display is attained by a time division driving method in which an EL element (109) provided in a pixel (104) is controlled to emit light or not to emit light by means of time, thereby avoiding being affected by fluctuation in characteristic in current controlling TFTs (108).

Abstract: A three-dimensional image capturing device comprises a plurality of laser devices, and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. Each of the laser devices radiates a pulse modulated laser beam so as to detect distance information or data relating to a topography of a measurement subject. The laser beam is radiated onto the measurement subject and a reflected light beam is sensed by the CCD. Signal charge corresponding to a distance from the image capturing device to the measurement subject is accumulated in each of the photo-diodes, and thus the above distance information is sensed. Each laser beam, respectively radiated from each of the laser devices, shares illuminating area at the distance of the measurement subject, so that radiant energy of each laser beam can be reduced by sharing a single distance measurement operation among the plurality of laser devices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image-capturing device comprises R, G, and B light sources, a CCD, a light-source control processor, a CCD drive circuit, and a distance-information sensing processor. Each of the RGB light sources radiates pulse modulated R, G, and B distance-measurement light beams to a measurement subject. The R, G, and B color filtered pixels of the CCD senses RGB light beams. The RGB light sources are controlled to emit the B, G, and R distance-measurement light beams successively and continuously. The CCD drive circuit controls the CCD to accumulate electric charges of the reflected light beams in a predetermined accumulation period, so that the at least one of RGB distance-measurement light beams is sensed by the CCD. The distance-information sensing processor calculates distance information of the measurement subject by using electric charges accumulated in RGB pixels which are adjacently arranged.

Abstract: A color scannerless range imaging system comprises four component systems, including an illumination system, an image capture device, an optical assembly and a controller for interconnecting and controlling the component systems. The illumination system separately illuminates a scene with modulated and unmodulated illumination, while the image capture device is positioned in an optical path of the reflected illumination from the scene for capturing a plurality of images thereof, including (a) at least one image of the reflected modulated illumination, whereby the modulation of the reflected modulated illumination incorporates a phase delay corresponding to the distance of objects in the scene from the range imaging system, and (b) at least one color image of the reflected unmodulated illumination.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image capturing device comprises a plurality of laser devices, and an imaging device, such as a CCD, having a plurality of photo-diodes. Each of the laser devices radiates a pulse modulated laser beam so as to detect distance information or data relating to a topography of a measurement subject. The laser beam is radiated onto the measurement subject and a reflected light beam is sensed by the CCD. Signal charge corresponding to a distance from the image capturing device to the measurement subject is accumulated in each of the photo-diodes, and thus the above distance information is sensed. Each laser beam, respectively radiated from each of the laser devices, shares illuminating area at the distance of the measurement subject, so that radiant energy of each laser beam can be reduced by sharing a single distance measurement operation among the plurality of laser devices.

Abstract: This invention constitutes a measuring distance device including a sensor array which detects image signals of an object in a finder screen, a projection unit which projects a signal light on the object, a selection unit which selects a detection area for the image signal of the sensor array, a change unit (control unit) which makes detection areas selected by the selection unit different from each other when the signal light is projected or is not projected by the projection unit, and a focus adjustment unit which performs focus adjustment by an image signal output in the detection area of the sensor array selected by the selection unit. A reduction in time lag is achieved without increasing a read area, and an influence of harmful light is reduced. This device which can perform an accurate and high-speed process can be applied to a hybrid AF camera.

Abstract: An optical range finder has a projection unit for projecting optical flux to an object, a photoreceiving unit for receiving the optical flux returned from the object and outputting a detection signal in accordance with a light quantity of the received optical flux, and a circuitry unit for conducting a measurement of a distance to the object based on the detection signal. In the circuitry unit, a light quantity determination circuit compares a signal level of the detection signal with a reference level to carry out binary determination of the light quantity of the returned optical flux. A reference level setting circuit switchably supplies a plurality of reference levels to the light quantity determination circuit, the reference levels being preset in correspondence to multiple stages of the distance.

Abstract: A movable power switch member mounted on the front face of a camera body is provided with a luminous display unit comprising any number (preferably a plurality) of illuminants, and light emission is so controlled as to realize different forms of displaying according to the operating state of the camera. For instance, the lighting, either continuous or intermittent, of the illuminants is controlled according to the remaining charge or the progress of charging of the battery. There are available a mode in which the luminous display unit is also used as a battery indicator, another mode in which the state of light is altered according to the initial mode (at the time of turning on power supply), still another mode in which the illuminants are used as a substitute for a tally lamp at the time of self-timed shooting and yet others, resulting in the achievement of an illumination effect in addition to the displaying of the operating state.

Abstract: A distance measuring device, or a focus detector, including a plurality of sensors provided in association with a plurality of different areas, and a respective plurality of processing circuits provided in association with the plurality of sensors, to process signals output from the plurality of sensors, where power selectively is supplied only to a sensor(s) and a processing circuit(s) associated with the sensor(s) that correspond to a predetermined area from among the plurality of different areas. The predetermined area may be determined on the basis of the state of a power source (e.g., detected voltage level), the focal length of a shooting optical system, the state of an auxiliary light for irradiating an object, and the like.

Abstract: A multipoint autofocus camera, providing a plurality of focus-measuring points from which a focus-measuring point is selectable, includes a viewfinder which can visually indicate each of the plurality of focus-measuring points on a picture plane by illumination light emitted from a light source, a focal length detector for detecting a focal length of a photographing lens, a light source driver for selectively driving the light source corresponding to the plurality of focus-measuring points, and a focus-measuring-point controller for controlling an operation of the light source driver to change at least one of the number and an indication pattern of the plurality of focus-measuring points which are to be indicated on the finder view in accordance with the focal length detected by the focal length detector.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) illumination device for generating modulated light for a scannerless range imaging system includes circuitry for generating a drive signal having a given phase and frequency characteristic; a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a plurality of LED banks, wherein each LED bank comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in series to the circuitry to receive the drive signal; and a switching stage for simultaneously activating the plurality of LED banks such that the LED banks generate the modulated light according to the phase and frequency characteristics of the drive signal.

Abstract: In an apparatus comprising a zoom lens and an electric flash, a range finder that determines, on the basis of an output result obtained by means of one method out of an active AF and a passive AF, whether or not to operate the other method, is utilized.

Abstract: A camera-type image input apparatus comprises a light-receiving element disposed in a light-receiving area for receiving light from an object through a lens, and light-emitting elements disposed in the light-receiving area to irradiate the object through the lens. Since the light-emitting elements disposed in the light-receiving area irradiate the object through the lens to have an irradiation pattern formed on the object, a user can perform viewing and focusing based on such an irradiation pattern. Hence, viewing and focusing can be performed efficiently, and distortion-free pictures can be taken.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera distance measuring device having an integral light receiving element for receiving light from a photographic object and outputting light received signals, and a fixed light elimination circuit for eliminating the fixed light component from the output signals of this integral light receiving element. This camera distance measuring device functions as an active distance measuring device by making the fixed light elimination circuit operative and functions as a passive distance measuring device by making the fixed light elimination circuit inoperative. When functioning as an active distance measuring device, this camera distance measuring device alternatively employs either a first illumination device such as a strobe light for illuminating a wide range including the photography range or a second illumination device such as an infrared LED for illuminating a spot-like range within the photography range.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) illumination device for generating modulated light for a scannerless range imaging system includes circuitry for generating a drive signal having a given phase and frequency characteristic; a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a plurality of LED banks, wherein each LED bank comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in series to the circuitry to receive the drive signal; and a switching stage for simultaneously activating the plurality of LED banks such that the LED banks generate the modulated light according to the phase and frequency characteristics of the drive signal.

Abstract: This invention is a focusing apparatus including a pair of sensor arrays detecting object image signals obtained by a plurality of optical paths in multiple-point distance measurement, an arithmetic operation control section focusing on an object by comparison of relative positions of the object image, a light source consisting of a strobe section or a light projection section, and projecting focusing auxiliary light onto the dark object, and a determination section determining a part of a contrast equal to or greater than a preset, predetermined contrast to be a shadow based on the object image signals obtained when the auxiliary light is projected from the light source. The object image signals obtained from parts other than the part determined as the shadow are preferentially captured on each sensor array and used for focusing control.

Abstract: An active-type multipoint automatic focusing apparatus is arranged to vary the number of distance measuring points according to focal length, and to vary, according to the number of distance measuring points varied, the number of times of light projection to be made by a light projecting part for a distance measuring action at each of the distance measuring points.

Abstract: In a multiple-point automatic focusing camera of this invention, when a focal point is detected to a focal point detecting region in the center of a shot screen by an AP sensor and a main control circuit, a LED having a narrow light distribution angle is used as a supplemental light source. On the other hand, upon detecting the focal point in a focal point detecting region in the periphery of the shot screen, a stroboscope light source having a wide light distribution angle is used as the supplemental light source. As a result, the focal point can be detected in any focal point detecting region even at the time of a low luminance. At this time, the stroboscope light source may be originally equipped for illumination at the time of photographing. Further, the LED may be of small size having a narrow light distribution angle. Thus, the size of the supplemental light source can be suppressed.

Abstract: A rangefinder apparatus includes infrared light emitting diodes (IREDS) for projecting respective light beams toward a target object; and a position sensitive detector (PSD), disposed at a distance from the IREDS, having a light-detecting region for detecting respective reflected light beams of the light beams projected to the target object, the light-detecting region of the PSD being shaped substantially as a parallelogram with no rectangular corners. Since the light-detecting region of light-detecting means is shaped substantially as a parallelogram with no rectangular corners, the rangefinding accuracy can be improved while the manufacturing cost is restrained from increasing.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera distance measuring device having an integral light receiving element for receiving light from a photographic object and outputting light received signals, and a fixed light elimination circuit for eliminating the fixed light component from the output signals of this integral light receiving element. This camera distance measuring device functions as an active distance measuring device by making the fixed light elimination circuit operative and functions as a passive distance measuring device by making the fixed light elimination circuit inoperative. When functioning as an active distance measuring device, this camera distance measuring device alternatively employs either a first illumination device such as a strobe light for illuminating a wide range including the photography range or a second illumination device such as an infrared LED for illuminating a spot-like range within the photography range.

Abstract: There is provided a camera with an automatic focusing device having hybrid AF unit capable of always performing a reliable automatic focusing operation on a moving object to provide a more preferable photographic result. The camera includes first distance measuring unit 4 having at least a pair of light receiving sensors, for measuring the distance of an object by receiving a beam of light from the object, second distance measuring unit 3 having light projecting unit for projecting a beam of light upon the object and light receiving unit for receiving a beam of light reflected therefrom, for measuring the distance of the object by projecting a beam of light upon the object with the light projecting unit and by receiving a beam of light reflected therefrom with the light receiving unit and distance measuring method selecting unit 2 for selecting either the first distance measuring unit or the second distance measuring unit.

Abstract: In the rangefinder apparatus in accordance with the present invention, an infrared emitting diode (IRED) having four light-emitting areas projects a first correction beam when only a first light-emitting area emits light, a reference beam when the first and second light-emitting areas emit light, and a second correction beam when all of the first to fourth light-emitting areas emit light. These three kinds of beams have emission light intensity distributions different from each other and an identical emission center-of-gravity position with respect to the base-length direction. The three kinds of beams are successively projected to an object at a distance to be measured, to yield respective distance information items, according to which a beam eclipse correction is carried out.

Abstract: A camera with a distance measuring apparatus has distance measuring functions by means of an active system and a passive system to allow good distance measurement with respect to an object in a wide variety of conditions. The camera includes a first signal forming unit, a second signal forming unit, a release detecting unit, an object condition detecting unit and a selective control unit. The first signal forming unit projects light distance measurement light from a light projecting unit, receives a reflection signal of the distance measurement light from the object at a light receiving unit and forms a focusing signal for the object. The second signal forming unit monitors the luminance distribution state of the object using an image signal detecting unit and forms a focusing signal for the object. The release detecting unit detects whether or not a release operating member is operated.

Abstract: An image shooting apparatus has a detector for acquiring information needed to control the focus of a taking lens in a plurality of target areas within the shooting area, and a light emitter having a plurality of light-emitting portions for illuminating the plurality of target areas. The light-emitting portion that is located farthest away from the taking lens illuminates the target area that is located opposite to that light-emitting portion with respect to the taking lens. Moreover, the light-emitting portion located farthest away from the taking lens and the other light-emitting portions use a common light source so that light from this common light source is divided and shone onto the plurality of target areas. Furthermore, the plurality of light-emittining portions are so arranged that the optical paths of the light beams emitted therefrom cross one another.

Abstract: To provide a distance measuring device for a camera using divided photocells which is resistant to beam deficiency, the device includes one or more light emitting elements for emitting measuring light to an object to be photographed, a plurality of photocells for measuring light reflected by the object, an adding circuit for adding outputs of an arbitrary continuous plurality of photocells, an integrating circuit for integrating an output of the amplifying circuit, and a CPU for calculating a distance to the object based on an output from the integrating circuit.

Abstract: A signal forming apparatus forms signals related to distances by projecting light patterns in a plurality of target directions and receiving reflected light resulting from the projected light patterns. The device includes a first light emitting part which projects a light pattern in a first target direction, and a second light emitting part which projects a light pattern which differs in shape from the light pattern of the first light emitting part in a second target direction different from the first target direction.

Abstract: A photographic device and a control method thereof in which a user can take a portrait photograph by changing a photographic screen range according to a size and a number of objects to be photographed. The photographic device includes a photographic selection block for selecting a photographic operation; a mode selection block for selecting a portrait photographic mode; a distance measuring block for measuring a distance from the object; a micro-controller for calculating a size of the object according to a signal outputted from the distance measuring block in response to the operation of the photographic selection block when the portrait photographic mode is selected, for setting a photographic screen range according to the calculated size of the object, and for controlling the photographic operation according to the set photographic screen range; and a photographic block for performing the portrait photograph according to the photographic screen range set by the micro-controller.

Abstract: A focus detection device that is capable of performing focus detection in several focus detection areas within a photographic image plane using, for example, a phase difference method and that uses an auxiliary illumination light with at least one of the areas also includes infrared light cut filters that block the transmission of light above predetermined wavelengths. In particular, the maximum wavelength of the light transmitted by the infrared cut filter for one of the focus detection areas is different than the maximum wavelength of the light transmitted by the infrared cut filter for another one of the focus detection areas.

Abstract: An auxiliary light emitting device used in a focusing condition detecting device having a plurality of sensors is provided. The light emitting device includes a light emitter, which projects light having a plurality of light patterns. A controller is provided to control the light emitter to project the plurality of light patterns selectively, or sequentially. Further, the focusing condition detecting device determines whether the auxiliary light pattern should be projected for each of the sensors. The light pattern is projected when the object corresponding to a sensor has low contrast and low brightness. The sensors are driven synchronously with the projection of the corresponding light pattern.

Abstract: A light-projecting system for illuminating a central portion of a screen and a pair of peripheral portions on either side of the central portion in order to perform focus detection for each of the central portion and the pair of peripheral portions, comprises a first pattern for forming first illumination light for illuminating the central portion of the screen, and a second pattern common to the pair of peripheral portions, for forming second illumination light and third illumination light, different in light intensity distribution from the first illumination light, for illuminating the pair of peripheral portions separately, thereby providing the light-projecting system for automatic focus detection, permitting high-accuracy focus detection by expanding the illumination range.

Abstract: A distance measuring device has a first projecting unit for projecting a first light beam in a direction substantially parallel to a distance measurement axis that connects a distance measuring portion in the angle of view of photograph of a camera, and the object-side principal point of a photograph optical system, a second projecting unit for projecting a second light beam in a direction crossing the distance measurement axis within a predetermined object distance range, a receiving unit arranged to be separated from the first and second projecting units by a given interval to receive light reflected by an object, and a distance detecting circuit for detecting the distance to the object on the basis of the receiving angle or receiving position of the reflected light received by the receiving unit, and the light beam cross section of the second light beam is smaller than that of the first light beam within the object distance range.

Abstract: A range finding apparatus includes; M photoprojectors (M: greater than one) provided in one-to-one correspondence with M range-finding axes radially extending within a virtual plane for forwardly projecting detection light along the range-finding axes; a photodetector spaced apart from the virtual plane and having N light detecting portions (N: greater than one), which serves as common photoelectric conversion means for the M photoprojectors; a range-finding axis switching device for selectively allowing the M photoprojectors to emit light; and a distance determination device for determining a distance to an object on the basis of detection values output from the N light detecting portions.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus includes distance measuring units of the active and passive methods, and a distance-value selecting circuit for selecting and outputting one of distance measurement results obtained from these distance measuring units. When a self-timer mode is set, distance measurement of the active method is inhibited, and distance measurement is executed by only the passive method. When the power supply voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage value at which distance measurement can be properly executed by the active method, distance measurement by the active method is inhibited, and distance measurement is executed by only the passive method. Therefore, erroneous distance measurement can be prevented, and distance measurement having high reliability can be performed.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera comprises a measuring device formed integrally with a camera housing, defining a distance measuring zone selectively extended in different directions, and adapted for producing information employed for focusing to an object contained in the extended distance measuring zone. A position detecting device for detecting the position of the camera housing, and a device for varying the extending direction of the distance measuring zone, in response to the position of the camera housing detected by the position detecting device.