Single-lens 3-D imaging device using polarization coded aperture masks combined with polarization sensitive sensor

• US 8,472,032 B2
• Filed: 03/01/2012
• Issued: 06/25/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: California Institute of Technology
• Original Assignee: California Institute of Technology
• Inventors: Gharib, Morteza, Graff, Emilio, Pereira, Francisco
• Primary Examiner(s): Toatley, Gregory J
• Assistant Examiner(s): MERLINO, AMANDA H
• Application Number:
  US13/409,961
• Publication Number:
  US 20120162392A1
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 356/601
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/2509 Color coding
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2207/129 Coded aperture imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/005 Diaphragms for cameras G03B9/02
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/12 using mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 35/02 by sequential recording
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/50 Depth or shape recovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/204 using stereoscopic image cameras stereoscopic photography G03B35/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/207 using a single 2D image sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/254 in combination with electromagnetic radiation sources for illuminating objects

Abstract

A device and method for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging using a defocusing technique is disclosed. The device comprises a lens, at least one polarization-coded aperture obstructing the lens, a polarization-sensitive sensor operable for capturing electromagnetic radiation transmitted from an object through the lens and the at least one polarization-coded aperture, and a processor communicatively connected with the sensor for processing the sensor information and producing a 3-D image of the object.

Claims

1. A device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging comprising:

a lens;

at least one polarization-coded aperture obstructing at least part of the lens;

a polarization-sensitive sensor operable for capturing electromagnetic radiation transmitted from an object through the lens and the at least one polarization-coded aperture; and

a processor communicatively connected with the polarization-sensitive sensor for processing data received from the sensor and producing a 3-D image of the object.

2. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 1 further comprising two polarization-coded apertures.

3. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 2 wherein the two polarization-coded apertures have different polarizations relative to one another.

4. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 3 wherein the data further comprises comparison data that compares information obtained from the two polarization-coded apertures.

5. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 4 wherein the processor also receives defocused information from the sensor.

6. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 5 wherein the processor compiles sufficient information to render a 3-D image on a display substantially based on the comparison data and the defocused information.

7. The device for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of claim 6 wherein the two polarization-coded apertures have substantially perpendicular polarizations.