An optical device, generally a camera head connected to an
endoscope, provides
multiple modes of operation, producing images with varying
depth of field and / or resolution characteristics. Light from the
endoscope passes through a variable aperture and a
beam splitter and is directed to two or more independent image sensors. The image sensors may be moved, relative to each other, along their optical paths. An
image processor combines the collected images into a
resultant image. Adjustment of the relative positions of the
image sensor and / or the
diameter of the variable aperture permits the selection of optical properties desired, with a larger
depth of field, and / or higher resolution than possible with a conventional
system. Images may be collected through multiple acquisition periods, and a further enhanced image may be generated therefrom. The camera head may automatically make adjustments based on identifiers of the optical configuration of the attached
endoscope.