A spatial information detecting device using an intensity-modulated light
is provided. This device comprises a photoelectric converter for
receiving a light from a space into which a light intensity-modulated at
a predetermined emission frequency is being irradiated, and generating an
electrical output corresponding to an intensity of received light; a
local oscillator circuit for outputting a local oscillator signal having
a local oscillator frequency different from the emission frequency; a
sensitivity controller for mixing the local oscillator signal with the
electrical output to frequency convert the electrical output into a beat
signal having a lower frequency than the emission frequency; an
integrator for performing integration of said beat signal at a
predetermined timing; and an analyzer for detecting information
concerning the space according to an output of the integrator. According
to this device, it is possible to accurately detect the spatial
information without using a switching element having high-speed response
at the light receiving side.