Lens focusing device, system and method for use with multiple light wavelengths

An image capturing system comprising:

• at least one illumination source capable of providing illumination in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum;
• at least one illumination source capable of providing illumination in the visible portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum;
• a detector capable of generating electrical signals in response to light;
• and
• a lens focusing system comprising at least one lens capable of focusing at least two different sets of wavelengths of light from a scene onto said detector by altering the distance from said at least one lens to said detector.

A method of focusing separate wavelengths of light from a scene, the method comprising:

• focusing a first set of wavelengths of light onto a detector, the first set of wavelengths of light comprising predominantly visible light;
• focusing a second set of wavelengths of light onto the detector, the second set of wavelengths of light comprising predominantly infrared light;
• wherein the step of focusing the first set of wavelengths of light comprises interposing a first lens combination in an optical path between the physical medium and the detector;
• and
• wherein the step of focusing the second set of wavelengths of light comprises interposing a second lens combination in the optical path between the physical medium and the detector, the second lens combination being different from the first lens combination.

An image capturing system comprising:

• at least one illumination source capable of providing illumination in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum;
• at least one illumination source capable of providing illumination in the visible portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum;
• a detector capable of generate electrical signals in response to light;
• and
• a lens focusing system comprising a plurality of lenses capable of being interposed in an optical path between a scene and the detector, said plurality of lenses capable of focusing at least two different sets of wavelengths of light from the scene onto the detector by moving at least one of said plurality of lenses into and out of said optical path.