University of Toronto researchers have developed a new kind of camera based on a new distance-mapping principle, that delivers automatic real-time focus of both near and far field images simultaneously (infinite depth of field), in high resolution, without physical movement of the camera’s optics.

The “Omni-focus Video Camera” contains an array of color video cameras, each focused at a different distance. It maps distance information for every pixel in the scene in real time. A software-based pixel correspondence utility then uses the distance information to select individual pixels from the ensemble of outputs of the color video cameras, and generates the final “omni-focused” single-video image.

Applications could include improved video cameras and medical imaging.

More info: University of Toronto news