Abstract: A method of automatically tracking a moving target, the method including viewing on an imager a region of interest (ROI) on the target, acquiring a first image of the ROI and mapping a set of points associated with the first ROI image on an X-Y coordinate system associated with a focal plane in a field of view (FOV) of the imager, acquiring a second image of the ROI and mapping a set of points associated with the second ROI image on the X-Y coordinate system, and comparing a location of the first set of ROI image points on the X-Y coordinate system with the second set of ROI image points. The method additionally includes computing a first angular distance between the first set of ROI points and the second set of ROI points, and determining whether the ROI has moved to a different focal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for focusing a camera having an optic axis, an optic center and a field of view, to image a scene, the apparatus comprising: an illumination system controllable to illuminate substantially any region of interest (ROI) of the scene in the field of view of the camera with a relatively small fiducial spot of light; a ranging system configured to determine a range for the fiducial spot relative to the camera; and a controller that focuses the camera to a distance responsive to the determined range.

Abstract: Apparatus for focusing a camera having an optic axis, an optic center and a field of view, to image a scene, the apparatus comprising: an illumination system controllable to illuminate substantially any region of interest (ROI) of the scene in the field of view of the camera with a relatively small fiducial spot of light; a ranging system configured to determine a range for the fiducial spot relative to the camera; and a controller that focuses the camera to a distance responsive to the determined range.