location a detecting device or imager 13 is movably positioned along optical axis 17 to detect an image 19 focused at its image plane and occurring from object 1 imager 13 may be a one or two dimensional ccd array a transistorized two dimensional array image receiver or a simple chemical film system it is clear to one skilled in the art that imager 13 could be any of a multitude of devises well known in the prior art as object 1 moves to different locations along optical axis 17 the automated system comprises a detector 5 for determining and measuring the distance of the object 1 from lens 11 an actuator 9 connected in relation to lens 11 to position imager 13 at the image plane for image 19 a controller 7 is connected to receive data from detector 5 for determining the amount of control needed to be applied to actuator 9 for relocating imager 13 to any new image plane wherein the image is to be focused as caused by a change in the location of object 1 although not generally needed a distance measuring device 15 can be connected between lens 11 and imager 13 to monitor the location of imager 13 in relation to lens 11 and to feed this information to controller 7 thereby providing a control feedback loop to actuator 9 by this means in addition to providing location data on imager 13 device 15 can provide continuous feedback signals to controller 7 for maintaining imager at the image plane in addition it may be necessary to ensure that sufficient resistance to movement is built into imager 13 to provide ample stability to its position during periods when controller 7 is not directing a.