FOCUS DETECTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

An automatic focusing device and method for a camera in which the distance and direction to the focused position of a focusing lens of the camera are quickly determined after which the lens is moved directly to the focused position without the necessity of carrying out calculations as the lens is moved. Images of an object being viewed through the lens are projected onto first and second sensor groups. The outputs of the sensor groups are digitized then calculations are performed to determine the distance and direction to the position of correct focus. The lens is then moved to the focused position directly in accordance with the computed values.