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Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information

  • US 9,442,362 B2
  • Filed: 07/12/2010
  • Issued: 09/13/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2009
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for generating three-dimensional image information using a lens having a single imaging path and an associated field of view, the method comprising:

  • directing light captured within the field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens;

    receiving said captured light at a spatial discriminator located proximate said aperture plane, said discriminator including a first portion disposed to transmit light having a first optical state through a first portion of the single imaging path and a second portion disposed to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of the single imaging path, said first and second portions of said single imaging path providing respective first and second perspective viewpoints within the field of view of the lens for forming respective first and second images at an image sensor disposed at an image plane of said lens, said first image representing objects within the field of view from said first perspective viewpoint and said second image representing said objects from said second perspective viewpoint, said first and second images together being operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of said objects;

    receiving said first image at a first plurality of selective elements on said image sensor, each of said first plurality of selective elements overlying at least one sensor element of said image sensor and being configured to transmit light having said first optical state; and

    receiving said second image at a second plurality of selective elements on said image sensor, each of said second plurality of selective elements overlying at least one sensor element of said image sensor and being configured to transmit light having said second optical state.

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