Variable sharpness optical system for sub-sampled image
Methods and systems for capturing an image are disclosed herein.
1 . A method for capturing an image, comprising:
determining a selected resolution; and
manipulating a lens system to adjust a sharpness of an image received from the lens system by an imager;
wherein
the imager will produce a representation of the image at the selected resolution when the lens system delivers the image to the imager.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
determining the selected resolution comprises determining a maximum resolution of the imager.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
determining the selected resolution comprises determining a maximum resolution of a display screen.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
determining the selected resolution comprises determining a maximum resolution that corresponds to a minimum bandwidth through which a compressed version of the image will pass.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises deforming the lens system.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises shifting at least one element of the lens system.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises varying the focus of a liquid component of the lens system.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises using a lower resolution zone on the lens system to produce the image.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises introducing a movement into at least one of the lens system or a minor element.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises at least one of increasing the size of an aperture or an iris, or adjusting an automatic gain control.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein:
manipulating the lens system comprises adjusting an effective optical power of at least one liquid crystal element of the lens system.
12 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
electronically filtering the imager before the image is received on the imager.
13 . A system, comprising:
a lens system;
an imager; and
a compression unit;
wherein:
the lens system is configured to operate in a first condition and a second condition;
the lens system delivers a first image to the imager at a first sharpness when in the first condition and a second image to the imager at a second sharpness when in the second condition; and
the imager transmits the first image at a first resolution to the compression unit when the lens system is in the first condition and the second image at a second resolution to the compression unit when the lens system is in the second condition.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein:
the first condition is a still image;
the second condition is video; and
the first resolution is greater than the second resolution.