Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for calibrating imaging systems are provided. The imaging system has a body, a scene image capture system that captures images using a taking lens system that can be set to a plurality of different focus distances, and a rangefinder that is capable of determining a distance between the imaging system and at least one portion of a field of view of the taking lens system. The method comprises: automatically capturing a first calibration image of a first field of view through the taking lens system with the taking lens system set to a first focus distance setting; identifying a portion of the first calibration image having a predetermined degree of focus; using the rangefinder to determine a first calibration distance from the imaging device to the identified portion. A focus correlation is determined based upon the first calibration distance and the first focus distance setting.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for calibrating imaging systems are provided. The imaging system has a body, a scene image capture system that captures images using a taking lens system that can be set to a plurality of different focus distances, and a rangefinder that is capable of determining a distance between the imaging system and at least one portion of a field of view of the taking lens system. The method comprises: automatically capturing a first calibration image of a first field of view through the taking lens system with the taking lens system set to a first focus distance setting; identifying a portion of the first calibration image having a predetermined degree of focus; using the rangefinder to determine a first calibration distance from the imaging device to the identified portion. A focus correlation is determined based upon the first calibration distance and the first focus distance setting.

Abstract: A dual focal length optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system. The first optical system is positioned along an optical path and includes an optical structure having an object side surface and an image side surface. The first optical system also includes a first surface of an intermediate reflective element located between the object side surface and the image side surface of the optical structure as viewed along the optical path. The first optical system has a first focal length. The second optical system shares a portion of the same optical path and includes a second surface of the same intermediate reflective element as that of the first optical system. The second optical system has a second focal length. The first focal length of the first optical system is longer than the second focal length of the second optical system.

Abstract: A dual focal length optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system. The first optical system is positioned along an optical path and includes an optical structure having an object side surface and an image side surface. The first optical system also includes a first surface of an intermediate reflective element located between the object side surface and the image side surface of the optical structure as viewed along the optical path. The first optical system has a first focal length. The second optical system shares a portion of the same optical path and includes a second surface of the same intermediate reflective element as that of the first optical system. The second optical system has a second focal length. The first focal length of the first optical system is longer than the second focal length of the second optical system.

Abstract: A dual focal length optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system. The first optical system is positioned along an optical axis and includes an optical structure having an object side surface and an image side surface. The object side surface and the image side surface include a refractive surface portion and a reflective surface portion. The first optical system has a focal length. The second optical system is positioned on the same optical axis and has a focal length. The focal length of the first optical system is longer than the focal length of the second optical system.

Abstract: Blur is reduced in an image generated by an imaging device by determining values of one or more atmospheric variables for the image, the one or more atmospheric variables characterizing conditions under which the image is generated. With these values, a sharpening filter is determined for the image. The sharpening filter is derived from a modulation transfer function of the imaging device at conditions characterized by the values of the one or more atmospheric variables determined for the image. The sharpening filter is subsequently applied to the image.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for calibrating imaging systems are provided. The imaging system has a body, a scene image capture system that captures images using a taking lens system that can be set to a plurality of different focus distances, and a rangefinder that is capable of determining a distance between the imaging system and at least one portion of a field of view of the taking lens system. The method comprises: automatically capturing a first calibration image of a first field of view through the taking lens system with the taking lens system set to a first focus distance setting; identifying a portion of the first calibration image having a predetermined degree of focus; using the rangefinder to determine a first calibration distance from the imaging device to the identified portion. A focus correlation is determined based upon the first calibration distance and the first focus distance setting.

Abstract: A method of producing a digital image with improved resolution during digital zooming, including simultaneously capturing a first low resolution digital image of a scene and a second higher resolution digital image of a portion of substantially the same scene. A composite image is then formed by combining the first low-resolution digital image and a corresponding portion of the high resolution digital image. Digital zooming of the composite image produces a zoomed image with high resolution throughout the zoom range and improved image quality.

Abstract: An optical system has a first lens element (L1) having an outer portion (36) and a first tapered surface (34). A second lens element (L2) has an outer portion (26) and a second tapered surface (24). The first lens element (L1) and the second lens element (L2) are spaced apart relative to each other and centered relative to the optical axis (O) by a portion of the first tapered surface (34) being in contact with a portion of the second tapered surface (24), the outer portion (36) of the first lens element (L1) being spaced apart from the outer portion (26) of the second lens element (L2).

Abstract: An optical system is provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical system includes a first lens element having a positive power, a meniscus shape, and an object side surface. The object side surface of the first lens element is convex toward the object side. A second lens element has a negative power, a meniscus shape, and an object side surface. The object side surface of the second lens element is concave toward the object side. A third lens element has a positive power. An aperture stop is positioned on or in front of an object side of the first lens element.

Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/?10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.

Abstract: An optical and electronic viewer of a camera has a body having entrance and exit openings and entrance and exit tunnels extending inward from respective openings. The body has a cross tunnel connecting the entrance and exit tunnels. An eyepiece is mounted at the exit opening and defines and eyepiece axis. An objective lens is mounted at the entrance opening and defines an objective axis. An electronic imager is disposed within the body, in optical alignment with the objective lens. A microdisplay is mounted in the exit tunnel interior to the eyepiece. First and second reflectors are disposed in the cross tunnel. The reflectors are aligned and are each movable, within the cross tunnel, between an optical-viewing position and a non-viewing position. The first reflector is aligned with the objective axis and the second reflector is aligned with the eyepiece axis in optical-viewing position. The reflectors are spaced from the axes and each other in non-viewing position.

Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/−10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.

Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/−10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.

Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/−10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.

Abstract: An optical and electronic viewer of a camera has a body having entrance and exit openings and entrance and exit tunnels extending inward from respective openings. The body has a cross tunnel connecting the entrance and exit tunnels. An eyepiece is mounted at the exit opening and defines and eyepiece axis. An objective lens is mounted at the entrance opening and defines an objective axis. An electronic imager is disposed within the body, in optical alignment with the objective lens. A microdisplay is mounted in the exit tunnel interior to the eyepiece. First and second reflectors are disposed in the cross tunnel. The reflectors are aligned and are each movable, within the cross tunnel, between an optical-viewing position and a non-viewing position. The first reflector is aligned with the objective axis and the second reflector is aligned with the eyepiece axis in optical-viewing position. The reflectors are spaced from the axes and each other in non-viewing position.

Abstract: In one feature of the invention, an imaging apparatus is provided for recording images on a medium, the medium having an exterior surface with information recorded thereon in the form of optically detectable markings. The imaging apparatus has a body having a medium holding chamber for positioning the medium and an electronic image capture system. The electronic image capture system has an imager having an imaging area that converts light incident on the imaging area into an electronic signal and a first optical path forming an image of the scene on at least a portion of the imaging area. A light source provides light in the holding chamber to illuminate the markings. A second optical path has a light entry area positioned in the medium holding chamber to receive light that is reflected by the markings. The second optical path conducts the reflected light from the entry area to an exit area of the second optical path.