Lens focusing device, system and method for use with multiple light wavelengths
US6750435B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B13/146
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lens focusing system provides a lens in an optical path between a scene and a photosensitive detector to properly focus a first set of wavelengths of light. At least one representation of the scene is captured. The focal point is adjusted for a second different set of wavelengths of light. This focal adjustment may be made by moving the lens and/or the detector, offsetting the position of the lens from the first position by a predetermined amount. An alternative method would impose at least a second lens in the optical path, thereby providing focus for a different wavelength. This alternative system may include various combinations of fixed and movable lenses. At least one representation of the image is captured using this different set of wavelengths of light. The different sets of wavelengths of light can include infrared light, visible light, and subsets and combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, one of the recorded representations is an infrared defect map that can be combined with visible light representations to form an improved image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.