Abstract: An optical distance measuring apparatus operable in accordance with an optical intensity modulating process to optically measure a distance between a driver's vehicle and a vehicle running ahead of his vehicle includes a light emitting portion serving as a light source to emit a distance measuring light beam, an optical lens system, a light receiving portion for receiving a reflected light reflected from the vehicle running ahead of the driver's vehicle through the optical lens system, and a processing system for correcting phase delay between the distance measuring light beam and the reflected light beam utilizing reference light beams emitted from a plurality of reference light sources to determine the distance.

Abstract: A light-wave distance measuring apparatus has an intermittent controller for continuously changing periods of time during which a light intensity modulator 1 transmits and interrupts transmitting a light intensity modulated signal so as to avoid a synchronization of the light intensity modulated signal of the a first tranmitting apparatus with a light intensity modulated signal transmitted from a second light-wave distance measuring apparatus. The operation of the intermittent controller prevents a misfunction of the apparatus. Provisions of a self-speed detector, a time marker and a light transmission interval measuring circuit enables the apparatus to detect the speed of a target object. Thus, the apparatus is suitable for mounting on a vehicle. The apparatus operates accurately even when both the vehicle and the target object are moving. The apparatus also accurately operates without interference even when other similar light-wave distance measuring apparatus for vehicles are used in a small area.

Abstract: A vehicular optical radar apparatus comprising a light emitting portion for irradiating a signal light on an object ahead and a light receiving portion for receiving a reflected light from the object. At least one of a light emitting lens and a light receiving lens are deformation-worked so that a distance between optical centers of the light emitting and receiving portions can be moved closer together, and an angle formed between an incident axis of incoming light and so that an outgoing light becomes small.