Abstract: A digital camera has a dual field of view optical system with two separate focal planes, whose images fall simultaneously on a single imaging sensor, an actuator to move the optical system along an optical axis, and a digital processor associated with the imaging sensor. The actuator moves the optical system so that the imaging sensor is sequentially in each of the focal planes, and the digital processing element co-processes images sampled from each of the focal planes to as to derive images with two fields of view.

Abstract: A digital camera has a dual field of view optical system with two separate focal planes, whose images fall simultaneously on a single imaging sensor, an actuator to move the optical system along an optical axis, and a digital processor associated with the imaging sensor. The actuator moves the optical system so that the imaging sensor is sequentially in each of the focal planes, and the digital processing element co-processes images sampled from each of the focal planes to as to derive images with two fields of view.

Abstract: A mechanism for improving the parking of an automobile. The mechanism includes an arm whose upper end is rotatably fixedly connected to the automobile chassis or undercarriage at a location which, in the case of a front wheel drive vehicle, is roughly between the two rear wheels. The axis of rotation of the arm is permanently angled to the rear axle so as to intersect either the right or left front wheels. The mechanism includes one or more passive auxiliary wheels connected to the lower end of the arm. The orientation of the axes of rotation of the passive auxiliary wheels is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the arm. The mechanism further includes a mechanism for rotating the arm so as to cause the passive auxiliary wheels to first contact the ground and then lift the rear wheels off the ground to allow the automobile to be maneuvered and parked when the automobile is driven forwards or backwards.

Abstract: An optical system for transmitting light from an object in a dual field of view, the system comprising optical elements providing alternate optical paths associated with each of a wide and a narrow field of view, at least a portion of the optical paths being in alignment, there being disposed within the aligned portion of the optical paths a blocking element selectably operable to enable passage of the light from the object which is associated with one of the alternate optical paths while simultaneously blocking passage of the light associated with the other alternate optical path.

Abstract: A lifting and maneuvering device for motor vehicles is disclosed, including an auxiliary wheel assembly mounted adjacent to the front and/or the rear wheels of the vehicle. Vertical drive means raise and lower the auxiliary wheel assembly from retracted position to an operative extended position in which the front and/or rear wheels are lifted off the vehicle supporting surface. The orientation of the auxiliary wheel assembly is adjustable to permit driving of the wheel assembly in a manner which will rotate the vehicle.