Distance sensor including adjustable focus imaging sensor

A method for calculating a distance to an object, the method comprising:

• projecting a reference pattern for detecting a movement of a lens to image the object into a field of view, using a projection system of a distance sensor;
• projecting a measurement pattern into the field of view using the projection system of the distance sensor;
• capturing an image of the field of view, wherein the object, the reference pattern, and the measurement pattern are visible in the image;
• calculating a distance from the distance sensor to the object, based on an appearance of the measurement pattern in the image and on an appearance of the reference pattern in the image.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations for calculating a distance to an object, the operations comprising:

• projecting a reference pattern for detecting a movement of a lens to image the object into a field of view, using a projection system of a distance sensor;
• projecting a measurement pattern into the field of view, using the projection system of the distance sensor;
• capturing an image of the field of view, wherein the object, the reference pattern, and the measurement pattern are visible in the image;
• calculating a distance from the distance sensor to the object, based on an appearance of the measurement pattern in the image and on an appearance of the reference pattern in the image.

An apparatus, comprising:

• an imaging sensor including a lens that is movable;
• a projection system to project a reference pattern and a measurement pattern into a field of view, wherein the reference pattern is for detecting a movement of the lens to image an object in the field of view;
• and
• circuitry to calculate a distance from the apparatus to the object, based on appearances of the reference pattern and the measurement pattern in an image of the field of view that is captured by the imaging sensor.