METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING DISTANCE UTILIZING BINOCULAR OPTICS

An optical distance measuring system which utilizes binocular optics with a mosaic sensor to simulate stereo imaging so that distance can be determined by noting the apparent displacement between left and right images in the stereo pair. The binocular optics comprise spaced shutter mechanisms which are alternatively actuated, the first such image information on the sensor being stored for ultimate comparison with information from the sensor as obtained through the other shutter mechanism, such compared information enabling distance or depth to be determined through the use of appropriate mathematical equations.