Depth layer extraction and image synthesis from focus varied multiple images

A camera for providing an adjusted image of a scene that includes a first object and a second object, the camera comprising:

• an optical assembly being adjustable to alternatively be focused on a first focal area and a second focal area that is different than the first focal area;
• a capturing system coupled to the optical assembly, the capturing system capturing a first captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the first focal area and capturing a second captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the second focal area;
• and
• a control system that evaluates the captured images to determine a depth order of the objects relative to the camera.

A combination for providing an adjusted image of a scene that includes a first object and a second object, the combination comprising:

• a camera comprising (i) an optical assembly that is adjustable to alternatively be focused on a first focal area and a second focal area that is different than the first focal area;
• and (iii) a capturing system secured to the optical assembly, the capturing system capturing a first captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the first focal area and capturing a second captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the second focal area, the capturing system capturing the captured images in relatively rapid succession;
• and
• an adjustment system that receives the first captured image and the second captured image, the adjustment system evaluating the captured images to determine a depth order of the objects relative to the camera.

A method for providing an adjusted image of a scene that includes a first object and a second object that is spaced apart from the first object, the method comprising the steps of:

• adjusting an optical assembly to focus on a first focal area;
• capturing a first captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the first focal area with a capturing system;
• adjusting the optical assembly to focus on a second focal area that is different than the first focal area;
• capturing a second captured image when the optical assembly is focused at the second focal area with the capturing system;
• and
• evaluating the captured images to determine a depth order of the objects in the captured images.