Abstract: In the embodiment disclosed in the specification, a rangefinder comprises left and right sensor arrays for receiving the light of an image of an object, evaluative signal generating circuits for defining the interrelation between left and right image data trains representing the distribution of light intensity within the object, an optimum shift value decision circuit for determining the shift number in the image data train corresponding to the highest correlation between both the image data trains, a range signal computing circuit for computing a range signal representing the distance up to the object from the optimum shifted number, and a control circuit for controlling and regulating a predetermined portion in equipment utilizing the range signal. The evaluative signal generating circuits are arranged to generate the evaluative signals simultaneously and transmit them in parallel to the shift value circuit defining the correlation between the left and right image data trains.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic focusing apparatus for an optical imaging system which utilizes a focus detector which monitors the contrast of the image at the focal plane of the imaging system, the image being deemed to be in focus when the contrast of the image is maximized. The focus detector comprise a plurality of detector/converter elements arranged in an array in the focal plane. Each detector/converter senses the light intensity in a respective portion of the image at the focal plane and provides a pulse signal having a pulse-width which is approximately inversely proportional to the sensed light intensity. A detection circuit receives the pulses provided by the detector/converter elements and derives a digital quantity which is related to the difference between the maximum and minimum pulse-widths of the pulses. The digital quantity is received by a digital servosystem which appropriately adjusts the focusing of the imaging system to maximize the digital quantity provided by the detection circuit.

Abstract: An image sensing system comprises an array of photosensors each adapted to sense the light intensity in a respective portion of an image, and circuitry for scanning the photosensor in the array including a plurality of pulse generation circuits corresponding to respective photosensors and each providing a pulse delayed with respect to the beginning of a scanning operation by an interval approximately inversely proportional to the light intensity sensed by its corresponding photosensor. In addition, the system includes a plurality of memory storage locations, each one associated with a respective photosensor and its corresponding pulse generation circuit, and adapted to store a multiple bit code.