Method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths
US8390729B2 · kind B2 · utility
202Cited by
10References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/951
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths includes a multi-focal lens system and a drive mechanism capable of moving the multi-focal lens system through a cyclic path. A plurality of optical images are formed as the multi-focal lens system moves through the cyclic path. An image pickup device is capable of converting each of the plurality of optical images into a corresponding image signal. An image processor is operative to preferably form a composite image signal wherein individual elements of the optical images are selected to provide preferred focus characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.