JP2003505715A - Single lens stereoscopic light valve and device - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The present invention is directed to various stereo optical systems and methods. In one configuration, the optical system includes a polarizer (1), a half-wave retarder (3), a polarization rotator (4), and an analyzing polarizer (2). Various arrangements include first, second and third encoding means, an array or matrix of filters for processing the optical signal before being received by the micro-polarizer and the image acquisition system, upstream of the object to be imaged. It includes located encoding means, first and second encoding means for encoding different characteristics of the optical signal, respectively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for producing stereo images, and in particular to single lens stereo image generation that can be used in microscopes, endoscopes, video devices, photographic devices and the like. System and method for.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stereoimaging is useful for a wide variety of applications and for many devices such as microscopes, endoscopes, video devices, photographic devices, etc., just to name a few. A stereo image is generally created by splitting light reflected by or passing through an object into two parts or images of the object, eg, the respective fields of view of the left and right eyes.

The two parts or images give rise to a three-dimensional image when viewed with a viewer, because each of the eyes sees a different image of the object. The images can be viewed simultaneously, such as when viewed with both eyes, or sequentially, such as when viewed with video, thereby providing a three-dimensional image.

There are several ways to split the reflected or transmitted light for stereo image generation. One method uses passive mirrors or reflectors to split the light. Examples of systems using this type of method are US Pat. No. 2,639,653 to Fischer et al. And US Pat. No. 5,539,572 to Greenberg et al. In another method, an active shutter-type mechanism alternates between transmitting and opaque states of light to create a series of discrete images of the object.

An example of such a system is given in US Pat. No. 5,471,237 to Schipp and Greenin.
g., in US Pat. No. 5,828,487. In yet another method, complementary anaglyphic or colored filters are used to create discrete light segments in different wavelength bands. Examples of such systems include U.S. Patent 3,712,199 to Songer, U.S. Patent 4,072,967 to Dudley,
US Patent 4,290,675 to Beiser, US Patent 4,862,873 to Yajima et al., US Patent 5,706,128 to Greenberg, US Patent 5,751,341 to Chaleki et al.

In yet another method, complementary polarizing filters are used to create discrete segments of light with different polarization directions. Examples of such systems include U.S. Pat. No. 2,255,631 to Schulman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,967 to Dudley, Cart
er, US Patent 4,761,066, Greenberg US Patent 5,706,128, Greenberg US Patent 5,592,328, Mihalca et al US Patent 5,964,696, and Greenberg US Patent 5,867,312.

These methods and / or systems have many drawbacks. These problems include: limited magnification, alignment problems, distortion and noise due to dirt, keystone (trapezoidal image effect), ghosting, double image distortion, peripheral dimming; stereo information due to increased magnification. Of the viewer, for example, viewer discomfort due to visual field misalignment. Reliability, performance and maintainability issues by using active devices instead of passive devices, use of costly components; for objects that affect polarization such as sky, water, or reflective surfaces There are constraints on image acquisition capability, large light loss due to the use of multiple holes to split the light into discrete images, constant light wavelength loss, complexity of using the method, and so on.

[0008]

[Outline of the Invention]

The present invention generally separates the imaging signal corresponding to the depth (ie, Z direction) information, as well as the length and width (ie, X and Y directions) information for an object that reflects or transmits the imaging signal, or The 3D effect is produced by encoding the imaging signal so as to acquire a part of the component. As used herein, "encode" means to distinguish between signal components passing through a limited spatial domain (typically simultaneously).

This is usually done by one or more encoders changing the characteristics of one image signal component, closed, delayed or changed relative to the other image signal component. In one configuration, this encoding is such that the unfocused area of the reconstructed image is between the background and foreground, and
/ Or by changing the signal to read different things between the left and right eye fields of view.

For example, in light-based imaging signals, polarization is one method used as a base to encode a portion of the signal, and thus produce a perceptible difference. In the event used here, the two signal components have polarization directions (orientations) that belong to the cross-section (usually the directions that intersect at right angles (transversely oriented)).

The image signal may be in the form of normal (typically in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to 800 nm) radiant energy. The radiant energy is the energy of light,
And, in addition, thermal energy, acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy, x-ray energy, fluid energy, particle energy, and aperture stop, or focusable, cyclic or wavy to produce what is equivalent to the aperture stop. It does not matter what kind of energy it has.

In one application, the 3D effect is obtained by splitting the unfocused portion of the imaging signal into multiple discrete signal portions using an encoding device such as a filter. If the light is, for example, an imaging signal, then each point in the unfocused foreground part and each point in the unfocused background part will usually (but not always) be confused on the imaging plane. Give rise to a circle.

The diameter of the circle of confusion is directly related to the distance of the foreground or background points before and after the focus point on the imaging plane. In other words, the diameter of the circle of confusion, as it increases, conveys information about the depth of the point with respect to the image plane (ie, the circle becomes larger as the point moves away from the image plane). Can be said.

The circle of confusion thus contains information that can be used to generate a 3D image. In one configuration, the unfocused portion of the background of the imaging signal is inverted and inverted with respect to the unfocused portion of the foreground of the imaging signal.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged to generate a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal containing imaging information about the object, which (a) produces an encoded imaging signal. First encoding means for encoding the imaging signal, and (b) encoding means for further encoding the first portion of the encoded imaging signal but not the second portion. The further encoded first portion of the encoded imaging signal has a characteristic difference from the second portion of the encoded imaging signal.

The property is typically polarization direction, intensity, and / or wavelength distribution. The first and second imaging signal portions typically have, or define, a common optical path and travel along them, resulting in a signal energy that is higher than that of a system having multiple optical paths. The loss can be reduced.

The first and second filter means, typically at least substantially orthogonal to the optical path. The imaging signal and / or the first and second imaging signal portions are usually uncollimated.

The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. Unlike the traditional method of using two lenses with parallax distance to produce a 3D effect, the technique of the present invention
It does not suffer from parallax distance, which is prone to keystone, double image distortion, and / or optical crosstalk, and unclear contour information.

The depth information encoded by the aperture includes all core information, and it is possible to avoid eye strain and uncomfortable feeling for the viewer. The use of passive components eliminates the need for maintenance (such as readjustment) and maintains a long useful life of the imaging device. The use of encoding means in the aperture diaphragm which encodes only one part of the signal allows the photography of the sky, water and reflective surfaces which might otherwise affect the polarization.
The present invention allows the use of internal polarizing elements that can reduce cost and complexity (compared to systems that use external polarizing elements). The present invention can use a single lens as opposed to multiple lenses, which is particularly advantageous for camera systems.

The first and second encoding means may consist of any number of active and / or passive encoding elements. The use of passive components is preferred because active components are costly to install and maintain, and failure can significantly degrade optical properties and overall system performance.

Examples of these are (linear or circular) polarization filters, color (eg chromatic) filters, non-color (eg achromatic) filters, occluders (primarily passive elements for attenuating image signal strength), Retarders (or phase shifters), mirrors or mirrors (such as prisms, beam splitters, etc.), and shutters (variably, and
/ Or controllably, active elements that do not attenuate all or part of the image signal, or do not attenuate it at all.

The first and second encoding elements may be in any combination of configurations. In one configuration, a linear or plane polarizer is followed by a half-wave retarder, which typically occupies only a portion (typically only half) of the aperture stop.
Linear polarizers are preferably not placed near the image plane to avoid distortion and visual noise due to dirt. In yet another configuration, two quarter-wave retarders are placed after the linear or planar polarizer. In yet another configuration, a 1/2 wavelength retarder is placed after a pair of opposing (or complementary) linear polarization filters (eg, orthogonal polarization filters). In yet another configuration, a half-wave retarder is placed after a pair of opposing (or complementary) circular polarizers.

The use of circular polarizers alleviates the alignment requirements when rotating the oculars, such as when adjusting the interocular distance between the two eyepieces. In another configuration, a color filter (chromatic or achromatic) filter is followed by one or more active shutters (eg, liquid crystal shutters, mechanical shutters, etc.) or one or more A reflector or mirror (such as a prism, beam splitter, etc.) is placed.

In other configurations, a pair of colors (eg, anaglyphic, chromatic, or achromatic) followed by one or more active shutters (eg, liquid crystal shutters, mechanical shutters, etc.), or 1 One or more reflectors or mirrors (eg, prisms, beamsplitters, etc.) are placed.

In order to protect the device from degradation of the imaging signal and the addition of noise, the second encoding means is typically placed at or near the aperture stop (and / or its conjugate). As used herein, the "aperture diaphragm" or "aperture diaphragm surface" of the lens system limits the size of the cone containing the axis of energy that is accepted from the object space and transferred to the image space.

All light that originates from a point in three-dimensional object space and is received by the lens system in image space generally fills the aperture stop, ie,
It is a property of the aperture diaphragm that, within the imaging system, the image obtained in the image space is made up of a nearly uniform distribution of rays that have traveled uniformly over the entire area of the aperture diaphragm. The overall optical path of the collimated beam of energy is a continuous aperture stop. In contrast, the uncollimated beam of energy is one or more discrete (
Aperture stop (spaced apart).

[0027] Typically, the second encoding means is within a distance of the aperture stop of no more than one diameter of the aperture stop, more typically no more than 75% of the diameter of the aperture stop. It is located within the distance of the aperture stop, and even more typically within the distance of the aperture stop of no more than 50% of the diameter of the aperture stop.

In most applications, the first encoding means will encode a different (greater) amount of image signal compared to the amount of imaging signal encoded by the second encoding means. That is, the format area of the first encoding means is typically different (larger) than the format area of the second encoding means.

The first encoding means is typically at least about 2 of the imaging signal.
5% more typically at least about 50%, and more typically at least substantially all of the imaging signal is encoded. By comparison, the second encoding means typically encodes less than all of the imaging signal, more typically more than at least about 25% and less than about 75% of the encoded imaging signal, and More typically at least about 35%
Encoding less than about 65% above; that is, the second encoding means typically represents about 25% to about 75% of the aperture stop, more typically at least about 35% to about 65%. Occupy up to.

The second encoding means typically encodes it at about half the size of the imaging signal that has passed through the second encoding means.

In other embodiments, one or more (analytical) filtering means, such as one or more linear or planar polarizing filters, a reflector or a mirror (eg a polarized beam). A splitter) and one or more achromatic filters, occluders, and shutters (eg, polarization rotator, rotating polarizer, etc.) placed after the preceding element in the optical path of the imaging signal and inverted. It enables stereo, non-stereo, true stereo and still photography.

A polarization rotator and a final linear polarization filter can be used with a modified objective lens to produce a video image. In one configuration, the filtering means for analysis have a polarization direction parallel or orthogonal to the preceding linear polariser. In one arrangement, each analyzing filtering means provides a polarization direction for the polarization direction of one part of the imaging signal to be filtered or encoded by the filtering means, and thus for the imaging signal part, and separates And has a polarization direction that is at least substantially parallel to the nearest filtered upstream encoding means.

In another embodiment, the (typically orthogonal) encoded imaging signal components pass through the switching means continuously and alternately to frame any video or video camera. It enables the recording of sequential stereo images. Examples of the switching means include a circular polarization rotator, a linear polarization rotator, a rotary circular polarizer, a rotary linear polarizer, a variable retarder, and / or a switched occluder.

The light is an imaging signal, and the switching means is an electric switch type ¼ wavelength retarder (for example, a liquid crystal switch which is a part of a ferroelectric liquid crystal switch (FLC or FELC), a rotary polarizer, or a Picell). , For example, the polarization rotator variably and controllably rotates the polarization of the first and second imaging signal portions. In one configuration, the rotator element rotates the direction of the imaging signal portion by a predetermined angle, with the element being unpowered, where the element has no effect on polarization, thereby causing only a particular polarization direction. It has a state of power supply that allows the light to pass through the element.

In this way, discrete first and second imaging signal portions alternately arrive at the imaging surface. If the element fails, the no power supply condition is used and the rotating element only affects the loss of 3D information and not the loss of 2D imaging signal.

The polarization rotator can be anywhere on the optical path between the first and last (analyzing) filtering means. In one mode of operation, the polarization rotator is substantially parallel to or orthogonal to that of the first (and / or second).

In one mode of operation, the polarization rotator has a polarization direction substantially parallel or orthogonal to the connecting line or edge of the second encoding means. The technique and apparatus of the present invention can be used for circularly polarized light as well as linearly or plane polarized light.

In another embodiment, a relay lens system (typically having multiple lenses)
Are used to create a conjugate image of the aperture stop and reproject the image into the imaging signal at the image plane. The relay lens system can be used in the form of an adapter that attaches to a camera, endoscope, microscope, etc. and produces a conjugate image of the aperture stop. In one configuration, an encoding filter placed on the generated aperture stop alternately illuminates both sides of that aperture stop for imaging.

In one configuration, the same or another encoding filter, such as a neutral density filter, can be placed between the lens and the relay lens system that follows it. This filter blocks part of the conjugate image of the aperture stop and blocks part of the imaging signal.

The signal of the light source can be encoded before or after the object is imaged to produce the imaging signal. At this time, the imaging signal (ie,
Signals reflected from or passed through the object) may or may not be further processed by the elements described above.

This method gives the same result as the method in which the imaging signal is processed only after it has been reflected from or passed through the object. The components used to encode the light source signal before the light source signal hits the object are one or more of the elements described above and / or the element structure described above.

In an exemplary embodiment of the method, provision is made to produce a three-dimensional image of the object from the signal reflected by or transmitted through the object: (a) encoding the signal to at least substantially First generate an imaging signal in which all encoded imaging signals have a common polarization direction
And (b) further encoding the first part of the encoded signal, not encoding the second part of the encoded signal, and further encoding the polarization direction of the further encoded first part to the second direction. Second encoding means transverse to the polarization direction of the part.

The first and second parts then correspond to the object to be imaged. This system consists of one or one downstream of the optical paths of the first and second encoding means, before or after the object.
More than one encoder for light analysis may be included.

In another exemplary embodiment of this method, the method comprises: (a) imaging the signal to have less than half or substantially all of the common polarization directions of the encoded imaging signal. Generating a signal, and (b) directing the first and second portions to an object to be imaged to form the imaging signal, and then (c) further encoding the imaging signal. . Steps (a) and (b) are arranged on opposite sides of the optical path with respect to the position of the object. The polarized energy passes through the object, reducing distortion and increasing the perceptibility of the perceived image.

In another embodiment, the system produces a three-dimensional image of the object from an imaging signal that includes imaging information about the object: (a) a matrix or array for obtaining an image of the object from the imaging signal. At least one image acquisition means having a plurality of imaging pixels, and (b) located between the at least one image acquisition means and the object, typically based on polarization, wavelength, or intensity, At least one matrix or array of filtering means corresponding to the at least one image acquisition means for filtering (encoding) the imaging signal portion before it is received by the corresponding image pixels.

The image acquisition means can be any suitable element for acquiring, generating or generating an image from an imaging signal. Typically, the image acquisition means is CCD or CMOS.

The number of pixels and filtering means can be the same or different and can be any number. Typically, the number of filtering means is the same as the number of imaging pixels in the image acquisition means. The filtering means may be any suitable encoding means such as polarizing filters, anaglyphic filters, retarders, occluders and / or shutters.

If the array or matrix of filtering means is also made of a polarizing filter and is called a micro-polarizer, it is arranged in a predetermined order,
Alternatively, it may include configured filtering means to generate a signal having multiple signal portions or segments with different polarizations, wavelength distributions, and intensities.

The filtering means may be arranged in a spaced array or matrix in which adjacent filtering means are spaced apart. In this configuration, each filtering means in the matrix removes substantially the same component of the imaging signal and / or has substantially the same effect on the corresponding image signal segment. Differences in the signal parts are caused by some part of the filtered or encoded signal part, some parts of the filtering means being unfiltered, i.e. not encoded, in the spacing part between the filtering means. To pass.

Conversely, adjacent filtering means can be placed in a dense array or matrix such that adjacent filtering means are substantially in contact with each other. In this configuration, some parts of the filtering means in the matrix may remove different components of the imaging signal compared to some parts of the other filtering means in the matrix. For example, the matrix of filtering means may be filtering means arranged with at least substantially orthogonal or radial polarization directions arranged in a grid pattern.

The constituent elements described above may be individual elements or integrated elements. In one configuration, the filter and / or retarder may be one or more coatings on a suitable substrate (such as optical flats, transparent surfaces, etc.). In that case, the first and second encoding means are typically in close contact with each other. In one configuration, the second encoding means may include edges coated with an electromagnetic radiation absorbing material.

The components and their techniques can be used in a wide range of devices and applications for producing 3D imaging. In one application, the filter portion described above is placed at the aperture stop position of the condenser lens.

It is also possible to use a half-wave retarder in that position so that the condenser lens acts as an unconverted condenser lens. In another embodiment, the components are placed as an adapter between the camera and the unmodified microscope to create a stereo image.

In any of the embodiments, the filter is preferably not placed near or inside the objective lens, which allows the use of magnifications of 10 × or higher, reducing cost and distortion, It increases the interchangeability of lenses within the imaging system, the ability to maintain a common focus for many objectives, and so on. The above summary is neither comprehensive nor limiting. As will be appreciated by anyone, the features highlighted above and / or the components may be combined in many ways not mentioned above. Such combinations and extensions are considered part of this invention.

[0055]

Description of the preferred embodiment

[A. Stereo Light Valve] It is possible for one eye of an observer to perceive light passing through one part of its aperture stop, and for the other eye to perceive light passing through the other part of its aperture stop. Dividing the aperture stop of the lens system as possible will allow the observer to perceive the 3D image of the object imaged by the lens system.

If there is no observer or if there is no observation hardware, it can be said that the image transformed by the division of the aperture diaphragm is encoded. The image signal contains, in its out-of-focus area, the information necessary to later construct a 3D image.

Here, the configuration is such that the depth information is encoded in the out-of-focus portion of the image signal by inserting it at the aperture stop of the lens system and generating different pass rates depending on the portion. It is a device called an encoding filter or a stereo light valve.

As mentioned above, the expression that the optical component is located at the aperture stop also includes being located near the aperture stop.

<< 1. Half-wavelength retarder stereo light valve >> Fig. 1 schematically shows that any imaging lens system can be inserted into the aperture stop, which allows the lens system to be a continuous "frame". A half-wave retarder stereo light valve that allows you to create a series of stereo video, still, or animated images, called "sequential".

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve can be retrofitted into any existing lens system or retrofitted to any new lens system. Examples of such lens systems include microscopes,
There are endoscopes, video lenses, still camera lenses, fundus lenses, inspection lenses, video lens adapters, steel camera lens adapters, binoculars adapters, monocular adapters, and movie lenses.

These examples are given by way of reference only and not by way of limitation. Any imaging lens system can be used to utilize this half-wave retarder stereo light valve, and such unforeseen uses are considered to be part of this embodiment.

This half-wave retarder stereo light valve is one example of an image signal encoding filter.

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve is capable of producing a series of images that can later be viewed in 3D, also called stereovision or humann stereopsis. FIG. 1 schematically shows such a half-wave retarder stereo light valve.

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve has a sandwich structure composed of four components. The first polarizing filter 1 is the first one in the optical path.
The last polarizing filter 2 is the last one in the optical path. Between these two things is a half-wave retarder 3 and a polarization rotator 4.

Polarizing filters 1 and 2 are preferably at the beginning and end of the optical path. There is no difference in the operation of the half-wave retarder 3 and the polarization rotator 4 in the order shown here or in the reverse order.

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve is made as thin as necessary so as not to create a space that collides with any lens element around the aperture stop. Although the diameter and size of various components depends on the diameter of the signal at the location of that particular component, the thickness of the light valve is typically in the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm. The diameter is from about 1 mm to about 10 cm.

Depending on the material used, it may not be possible to make the structure of the half-wave retarder stereo light valve entirely thin enough to fit only in the aperture stop.
In such cases, the half-wave retarder stereo light valve is positioned so that the half-wave retarder component is at or near the aperture stop.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the stereo light valve. The half-wave retarder 3 has its edge 5 vertical or nearly vertical, and occupies about half the area of the aperture stop. Vertical refers to the normal upward orientation of the lens to which the adapter is attached, or vertical if the lens is not placed horizontally, vertical refers to the normal upward orientation of the intended image object. (normal
upright orientation).

Preferably, the polarization rotator 4 should be positioned such that the incident polarization direction of the light can be rotated by about 90 ° in its passage when it is alternately powered on. The rotating or non-rotating power is supplied by a cable or wire 6.

The rearmost polarizing filter 2 is preferably in a direction substantially parallel to the polarization direction of the preceding polarizing filter 1 or in a direction substantially opposite thereto or at an angle of approximately 45 ° thereto. , Has its polarization direction in the direction required for the particular properties of the selected polarization rotator.

FIG. 3 shows that a half-wave retarder stereo light valve can be made by coating or laminating on a polarization rotator 4. A half-wave retarder 3 is first coated or laminated on the half surface of one polarization rotator 4.

Next, two generally oriented polarization filters are traversed on both surfaces of the polarization rotator, and a leading polarization filter 1 is traversed on one surface.
ling) The polarizing filter 2 is coated or laminated on the other surface.

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus for explaining a half-wave retarder stereo light valve in the figure. FIG. 4 shows a typical lens system with which an object 7 can be imaged, the image signal being a preceding polarization filter 1, a half-wave retarder 3 at the aperture stop of the lens, a polarization rotator 4, and an analysis polarization. Filter 2
The depth information of the object is encoded by and the image is recorded on the image plane 8.

The image plane 8 of a typical camera, the body of which is indicated by the dashed line 9, may be the front surface 8 of an image orthicon tube, a CCD array, a CMOS array, a positive film, a negative film, or any other image. It may be a recording surface or multiple recording surfaces. The camera is analog or digital.

The lens system is capable of producing a series of images that can later be viewed in 3D, also referred to as frame sequential stereovision or humann stereopsis. FIG. 4 shows such a lens system. Many common shaped lenses are all represented by a cylinder depicted as 10.

FIG. 4 shows a lens with a fixed focal length, but a lens can be made to change its focal length, such a lens being widely referred to as a “zoom” lens. As is well known, the above fixed focus assumption is not intended to be so limited. Therefore, it is possible to adopt such a variable focal length lens in the present invention, and a person who is familiar with optical technology will be able to easily extend this principle to the variable focal length lens.

The half-wave retarder 3 is placed at the aperture stop of the lens system 10.
However, since it is well known that lens systems have many effective aperture stops called aperture stops and their conjugates, this assumption is
It is not intended to be limiting.

Such alternative positions of the aperture diaphragm can be adopted in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts can easily extend this principle to any conjugate point of the aperture diaphragm. You can do it.

The assumption that the aperture stop is inside the lens system also means that new conjugate points of the aperture stop can be made in the optical path prior to and / or subsequent to the current lens system. This is well known and is not intended to be so limited.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a new conjugate point of the aperture stop created in the optical path following the current lens system 10. A typical relay lens system, shown together at 11, collects the images on the original image plane shown at dashed line 8 to form dashed line 1
Focus the new image on the new image plane shown in 2.

A new aperture diaphragm is formed between the new and old image planes at a position indicated by a broken line 58 (a conjugate point of the original aperture diaphragm), and the half-wave retarder 3 is placed at that point.

Therefore, such a new conjugate point of the aperture stop created in the optical path either before or after the lens system is used in the present invention and, if one is familiar with optical technology, this principle is It could easily be extended to put the half-wave retarder at any outer conjugate point of the aperture stop created in this way.

FIG. 4 shows that the half-wave retarder 3 preferably covers approximately half the area of the aperture stop with a bisection edge 5 oriented vertically or almost vertically. Vertical refers to the normal upward orientation of the camera body, represented by dashed line 9 to which the lens is attached.

However, this direction is not intended to be limited to that direction as it is well known in some lens systems that it rotates during use. For a rotating lens system, the half-wave retarder 3 is attached to a component that does not rotate at the position of the aperture diaphragm, or a member whose edge maintains its vertical orientation while the lens system rotates. , Or placed at a new external aperture stop that does not rotate with the lens system.

Such positioning or member modification is used in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts will maintain this principle in the rotating lens system to maintain the vertical orientation of the bisecting edge of the half-wave retarder. It could easily be extended to any positioning or modification needed.

The preferred polarization direction of the half-wave retarder 3 is substantially parallel to the polarization direction of the preceding filter 1. When the preceding filter 1 is outside the lens system, it adjusts its polarization direction to align with that of the half-wave retarder.

When both are external, one, the other, or both regulate. When both are inside the lens system, both are locked in the correct orientation relative to each other during the manufacturing process. However, the directions should not be taken to be limited to this, as the directions may be any directions relative to each other and their optimum angle is determined by the nature of the polarization rotator.

If the polarization rotator is a liquid crystal device, its directions are generally parallel or orthogonal, while if the polarization rotator is an FLC (ferroelectric liquid crystal) device, its direction is generally 45 degrees. It's at 135 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pre-polarization filter 1 may be light reflected from a light source, that is, the object 7, or light transmitted through the object 7. It may be inserted anywhere between such a light source and the half-wave retarder 3. A preferred location for a lens that is not dedicated to a single use is outside the lens system, eg, optionally attached to the tip of the lens system, such as a threaded filter.

Other positions may be anywhere inside the lens system at location 1 in FIG. 6A,
Alternatively, it may be as a coating on the front element of the lens system as shown at 13 in FIG. 6B, ie anywhere in the optical path preceding the half-wave retarder 3 in both figures.

Outer position 1 in FIG. 4 is preferred for lenses not dedicated to a single application because it requires minimal modification to the lens. However, it is not intended to be limited to this location as the polarizing filter can be applied as a coating to the lens and thus can be placed at almost any location within the lens system.

Such arbitrariness of the position of the preceding filter can be adopted in the present invention as long as it is somewhere in the optical path between the object and the half-wave retarder and is familiar with optical technology. One could easily extend this principle to any layable position inside or outside the lens system.

The polarization direction of the preceding filter 1 in FIG. 4 is such that when the polarization rotator 4 is on or powered off and is in one or the other of its two positions:
It must be approximately parallel to the polarization direction of the polarization rotator. However, this direction should not be taken to be limited to this direction as it depends on the nature of the polarization rotator.

For example, in one configuration, the LC (liquid crystal) polarization rotator is required to have either a parallel direction or a facing direction at about 90 °. On the other hand, FLC (
In a ferroelectric rotator) polarization rotator, for example, the direction in one configuration is 45 degrees in the unpowered state, or 13 degrees in the unpowered state.
5 degrees is better.

When the preceding polarizing filter 1 is in the optical path preceding the lens system,
It is manually adjustable. When this polarizing filter is inside the lens system, as at 1 in FIG. 6A, or attached to the lens as at 13 in FIG. 6B, the adjustment is to change the position of the polarization rotator. Done by When the polarization rotator is also inside lens system 4 in FIG. 7A, the adjustments are built into all components of the lens system.

However, this orientation means is not intended to be so limited as it is well known that a polarizing filter can be oriented by many well known means. Nevertheless, any such means can be employed in the present invention and one of ordinary skill in the optical arts can readily extend this principle to any means of orientation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the polarization rotator 4 may be placed anywhere between the preceding polarization filter 1 and the analysis polarization filter 2. Position 4 is the preferred means as it requires the least expense (smaller size) construction. 7A, 7
B, 7C, and 7D show other acceptable positions. The polarization rotator may be placed anywhere in the optical path between the preceding polarization filter 1 and the analysis polarization filter 2.

The position of the polarization rotator is independent of the position of the half-wave retarder 3. The polarization rotator can be located inside the lens and in the optical path following the half-wave retarder 3 as shown at 4 in FIG. 7A, or in the light path inside the lens and preceding the half-wave retarder 3 as shown at 4 in FIG. 7B. Alternatively, as shown at 4 in FIG. 7C, in the optical path following the preceding polarizing filter 1 in the optical path preceding the lens, or at 4 in FIG. 7D.
It can be placed in the optical path preceding the analysis polarization filter 2 in the optical path following the lens as shown in FIG.

The orientation of the polarization rotator 4 is set appropriately with respect to the pre-polarization filter 1 as described above. When the polarization rotator is installed in the outer housing prior to the lens system, such as 4 in Figure 7C, it can be adjustable or non-adjustable. When the polarization rotator is installed inside the lens system, such as 4 in FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C, the pre-polarization filter is adjustable when at the external one.

When both polarization rotators are inside and the polarization filters are fixed, the lens system can be built and mounted in a permanent proper arrangement. When the polarization rotator is inside the camera body, the polarization rotator can be adjustable if the camera body allows it, but otherwise it is not adjustable.

When the polarization rotator is non-adjustable, either the pre-polarization filter is made adjustable or the lens system is fixed in alignment with the fixed polarization rotator.

The polarization rotator requires two different voltages to set it to its one or the other polarization effective operating state. The polarization rotator is shown in FIG. 7A or 7B.
If it is inside the lens as in 4), the energy is the corresponding external cable 6
Through or through electrical contacts 14 on the lens housing.

When the polarization rotator is outside the lens as shown in FIG. 7C or 7D,
Energy is supplied through the outer wire 6. As shown in FIG. 8, when the polarization rotator 4 is inside the camera body 9, energy is supplied by the camera body inner wire 6.

In FIG. 4, the analyzing polarization filter 2 may be placed anywhere in the optical path between the half-wave retarder 3 and the image plane 8. The preferred embodiment is to place the polarization rotator 4 in two locations outside the lens system so that the arrangement allows for non-stereo purposes as well, when the lens system is not stereo only.

Another position for the analyzing polarization filter is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. When the analyzing polarization filter is inside the lens system 10, it must be in the optical path following the half-wave retarder 3 as indicated by 2 in 9A, and when the analyzing polarization filter is inside the camera body 9. , As shown by 2 in FIG. 9B, it is preferable to be in the optical path preceding the image plane 8.

As in FIG. 4, the analyzing polarization filter 2 is arranged in a direction suitable for the polarization direction of the preceding polarization filter 1 as described above, or in a direction opposite to and orthogonal to it. It has a polarization direction. The analyzing polarization filter can be adjusted in the proper direction when it is outside the lens system 10, as in 2.

When the analyzing polarization filter is inside the lens system 10 as in FIG. 9A or inside the camera body as in FIG. 9B, the analyzing polarization filter can be adjusted internally. Yes, or they can be manufactured in the proper orientation.

References to the polarization rotator 4 should generally not be taken as limiting. Any existing or future developed opto-electronics device can be used to produce the desired effect. Among the existing ones at this time are ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC or FELC (FeroElectric Liquid Crystal
)) Switches, liquid crystal (LC) switches, and pi-cells. These or future optoelectronic devices can be used to produce the desired polarization rotation effect, and those selected devices will still be part of the present invention.

Therefore, in one configuration, the polarization rotator has about 9 between its two states.
It may be any kind of device capable of changing the direction of polarization by 0 °. However, it is well known that polarized light can be redirected by 90 ° in alternating directions by many means both electrically and mechanically,
The use of FLC or FELC switches is not intended to be so limited.

Therefore, any method of this kind can be adopted in this configuration, and a person skilled in the optical arts can easily use this principle to change the direction of polarization between the two states by about 90 °. It could be extended to any kind of means that can be changed by only °. The designation of about 90 degrees is also not intended to be limited because the polarization rotator is variable with respect to its rotation. Preferably, no matter what angle rotation, the sum of the changes in the total polarization direction is about 90 degrees, and any such alternative division of rotation is also possible in this embodiment. Is part of.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the bisecting edge 5 of the half-wave retarder 3 is treated to minimize unwanted refractive visual noise. One method is to coat the bisecting edge with a light-absorbing material such as flat black paint, dye, or a light absorber.

Another method is to deposit a half-wave retarder as a coating 15 on an optically flat, transparent surface 16 such as glass, as shown in FIG. 14B. Another method is to sandwich a half-wave retarder 3 along a transparent filter material 17 between two optically flat, transparent surfaces 16 such as glass, as shown in FIG. 14C. is there. FIG. 14D shows that the preceding polarization filter 1 is sandwiched with the components of FIG. 14C, which precedes the passive half-wave retarder in the optical path.

However, these methods are not intended to be limiting as it is well known that edge refraction can be eliminated by a wide variety of means. Any such means can nevertheless be employed in the present invention, and one skilled in the optical arts will readily extend this principle to a means for eliminating unwanted edge refraction. Could be

In FIG. 2, the direction of the polarization rotator 4 is parallel to that of the preceding polarization filter 1. These two directions are in one or the other of the directions in which the polarization rotator is electrically excited or not electrically excited in it,
But preferably not both, when parallel to each other.

The polarization direction of the half-wave retarder 3 is suitably parallel to that of the preceding polarization filter 1. A passive half-wave retarder material current generator marks the gain or neutral direction of the material with an arrow or other indicator on the periphery of the material.

The material is preferably rotated 45 degrees in either direction relative to its neutral direction to properly align its active polarization direction with the preceding polarizing filter.

The polarization rotator 4 is either electrically excited or not electrically excited and sets it to one or the other of its polarization effective directions. The polarization rotator 4 is energized through the wire 6. The polarization rotator switches the supplied or removed energy from one polarization setting to the other and back again.

As shown in FIG. 15, the signal originates at 18 inside camera 9 and travels through wire 20 to conversion box 19. The conversion box 19 converts the internal signal produced by the camera into a form usable by the polarization rotator 4. The converted signal travels from the conversion box 19 through the wire 6 to the polarization rotator 4. The converter can convert a standard analog or digital video signal into a square wave for use by a polarization rotator.

The analog or digital to square wave conversion is intended for purposes of explaining the general principles and is not intended to be limiting. Therefore, any method of driving the polarization rotator can be employed in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts can easily extend this principle to suitable conversion circuits.

Reference to the orthogonally opposed polarizing filters should not be taken as a limitation. As shown in FIG. 22, the image signal encoding filter 21 can be composed of two elements 22 and 23 that cause light to be polarized in different directions. For the purposes of this example, the two filters shown are offset from the vertical by 60 degrees in opposite directions.

Their mutual directions are 120 degrees in this example, not 90 degrees (ie
Not orthogonally facing each other), yet this direction works. The image signal indicated by the broken line 24 passes through the image signal encoding filter 21 and is then converted by the beam splitter 27 into two image signals 2.
It is separated into 5 and 26.

The image on the right arrives at the analysis filter 2 which is at right angles to the direction at 23,
Therefore, half of the aperture stop is perceived as opaque. The image on the left arrives at the analysis filter 28, which is at right angles to the direction at 22, so that half of the aperture stop is perceived as opaque.

The perceived 3D effect for the non-orthogonal opposite image signal encoding filter halves is the perceived 3D effect for the orthogonal opposite image signal encoding filter halves as 29 and 30 in FIG. 10A. Is the same as. Obviously, it is not necessary that the polarization directions at the aperture stop of the system are orthogonally opposed. We emphasize orthogonal opposition because of the simplicity of construction and to minimize light loss.

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve only requires the use of passive elements or manual means in the aperture stop of the lens system. This approach has several advantages over other light valves. A typical light valve consists of two opposing linear polarization filters, as shown in Figure 10A.

The vertical indicator 29 indicates that the left side of the aperture stop is occupied by polarizing material that polarizes vertically. The horizontal indicator 30 indicates that the right side of the aperture stop is occupied by a polarizing material that polarizes horizontally.

FIG. 10B shows the set of effects on the aperture stop caused by the polarization rotator. The halves are alternately opaque, one blocking the light, the other allowing the light to pass, and a second blocking the light, the first allowing the first half to pass. The light passage portions are typically oriented in opposite polarization directions.

An interesting phenomenon appears in the field of view of the resulting image when both opposite sides of the aperture stop are orthogonally polarized. Sky, water, and other reflective and polarizing surfaces look different for each eye. For example, the sky will appear very dark to one eye and very bright to the other. this is. It may look like a strobe on a video or film display and causes eye strain when used to display a still image.

The half-wave retarder stereo light valve is completely different and produces a better satisfying effect. As shown in FIG. 11, unpolarized light enters the optical path 31. The preceding polarizing filter 1 polarizes all or substantially all of the light entering the system, as indicated by the indicator mark 29, in a single direction. Whatever direction of polarization an external object, such as the sky, has is uniformly polarized all at once. For example, if the sky was dark, it would remain much darker.

A half-wave retarder 3 is placed in the aperture stop, which is cut so as to occupy only half of the aperture stop. A half-wave retarder with the proper direction shifts the polarization direction of light passing through it, preferably by 90 degrees. The result on the optical path is one direction on the left side, as indicated by 29, and 3 on the right side.
The direction is orthogonal to this as indicated by 0. It has to be noted, however, that the effect of polarization on the sky is once made by the preceding polarization filter 1, which remains afterwards.

The change in one half of the aperture by the passive half-wave retarder 3 is only for the polarization direction of the light, not for the image passing through it. The half-wave retarder stereo light valve can be used without any conflict between what each of the eyes sees with respect to the sky, water, or anything else that changes the reflection and polarization. It can also be used for video and movies without strobe effect and does not cause eye strain.

Another advantage of the half-wave retarder stereo light valve is the placement of a passive component on the aperture stop of the lens system. Once installed, the passive half-wave retarder 3 requires no maintenance or adjustment for long periods of time. Also, because it is passive, unlike an active "light valve", it rarely fails and requires little periodic replacement.

In some configurations, in addition to the passive elements present in the aperture stop, a polarization rotator is used somewhere in the optical path between the preceding polarization filter and the analyzing polarization filter rather than at the aperture stop normally. . FIG. 12A shows a polarization rotator 4 powered by a wire 6. When this polarization rotator is FLC, its power-off state has a polarization direction neutral effect.

This allows light to pass through both sides of the aperture. This system has the disadvantage that it passes through bright images but loses 3D information. Such drawbacks are fatal for medical and other life-threatening applications. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the polarization rotator that is the FLC is powered on in the direction 32.

That is, it rotates the polarization direction of light in a certain direction. When it is powered on in another direction, such as 33 in FIG. 12C, it rotates the polarization direction of the light to the other polarization direction.

13A, 13B and 13C show the effect of three different polarization directions when a polarization rotator, which is a FLC, is combined with a subsequent polarization filter 2. FIG. 13A is a FLC, when the polarization rotator is in its neutral direction 4, the polarization directions of the two halves of the aperture stop are typically rotated by 45 degrees, so that neither side of Can pass through.

FIG. 13B shows that when the polarization rotator, which is a FLC, is powered on in the counterclockwise direction 32, the polarization directions of both halves at the aperture stop are typically rotated 90 degrees,
Only light from the passive half-wave retarder 3 side of the aperture stop can pass through the latter polarization filter.

FIG. 13C shows that when the polarization rotator, which is a FLC, is powered on in the clockwise direction 33, the polarization directions of both halves of the aperture diaphragm are left in their original directions, so that the passive half-wave retarder of the aperture diaphragm is retained. Only light from the side not occupied by can pass through the subsequent polarizing filter.

Since the aperture diaphragm only requires a half-wave retarder 3, other components can be incorporated outside the lens system. With this arrangement, the lens behaves as if it had not been modified, unless it was combined with other components.

This arrangement is a concern that many users will have when faced with single-use and multi-use options with very expensive lenses, but can be used for applications other than 3D image generation as well. It also has the advantage of enabling the production of lenses.

Although there is no structural description that minimizes the number of reflecting surfaces, this is not so in a limiting sense. It is well known that high quality optical components are often coated with non-reflective materials. Typically, any such coating can be used to reduce the reflective nature of the signal encoding filter, and that any such coating can be used in conjunction with the present invention. Become.

The fact that a half-wave retarder occupies about half of the aperture stop is not intended to be limiting. It is not necessary to have a straight division into two in order to obtain a 3D effect. 16A, 16B and 16C each show a half-wave retarder 3 which occupies about half of the aperture stop, but the aperture stop is not linearly divided into two.

Typically, as long as the aperture stop is divided into two sides of approximately equal area,
It could be used in almost any form, and one skilled in the optical arts could easily extend this principle to almost any form without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The fact that the half-wave retarder occupies one side of the aperture stop is not intended to be limiting. The half-wave retarder may occupy either side of the aperture stop, and the choice of side only affects the orientation and placement of the associated preceding polarization filter and the analysis polarization filter and polarization rotator.

No specification is given for an achromatic (chromatic-free) half-wave retarder, but this is not intended to be limiting. Achromatic half-wave retarders are needed for applications that require true-color rendering of visual colors, but are not needed where black-and-white rendering does not require such rendering.

Clearly, a person skilled in the optical arts will be able to easily select the most desirable quality of a half-wave retarder based on the needs of the particular application,
Any such selection would be considered part of the present invention.

Half-wave retarders are specified, but are not intended to be so limited. It is well known that the half-wave retarding effect is obtained by sandwiching two quarter-wave retarders, but any construction of the half-wave retarding effect is part of the invention.

The fact that the half-wave retarder is preferably located at the aperture stop is not intended to be limiting. A half-wave retarder or other image signal encoding filter strip acts as an obstruction that occupies half of the aperture diaphragm, reducing the total light passing through the lens system by 50%, or using one diaphragm and other methods Is not affected. But when the blockage is removed from the aperture stop, the effect is much different. For example, if it is located a distance equal to the lens diameter away from the aperture stop, for f / 2 lenses, the effective lens speed is dramatically reduced.

For light incident on the lens at an angle of 27 ° with respect to the axis, the effective speed of the lens is reduced to f / 5. For light incident on the lens at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the axis, the effective speed of the lens is reduced to f / 10000, that is, the light transmission is effectively zero. The visual effect of the image produced by such a lens is to produce a kind of vignette picture (a picture with reduced brightness in the periphery) or tunnel vision (narrowed field of view).

If the filter is moved further away from the aperture stop, this aberration will be accentuated even more. Practical experience has shown that a visually perceptible vignette occurs with a f / 2 50 mm lens and the occlusion is only 2 mm from the aperture stop. So, in general, the image encoding filter must be at or near the aperture stop and farther from the aperture stop (on either side of the aperture stop) than the aperture stop diameter. There should not be.

<< 2. Half-wave retarder binocular light valve >> A polarization rotator and an analysis polarization filter are specified, but it is not intended to be limited thereto. FIG. 17 diagrammatically shows that by placing a beam splitter 27 after the half-wave retarder 3 it is possible to split equally into the analyzing polarization filters 2 and 28 for binocular vision.

The half-wave retarder binocular light valve allows the lens system to produce a stereo image for direct viewing when inserted into the optical path of any binocular or monocular imaging lens system. This half-wave retarder binocular light valve can be retrofitted to existing binoculars or monocular imaging systems.

Examples of such systems include microscopes, telescopes, various inspection devices, and the like. These examples are merely for purposes of example and not limitation. Any lens system can be used to develop this half-wave retarder binocular light valve, and such unknown applications are considered part of this embodiment. This half-wave retarder binocular light valve is one example of an image signal encoding filter.

FIG. 17 shows the claimed device illustrating this half-wave retarder binocular light valve. FIG. 17 schematically shows a half-wave retarder stereo light valve constituting a single-lens microscope mounted for binocular vision. Light source 3
Reference numeral 4 provides illumination that is projected upwardly on the condenser lens 35. The condenser lens 35 collects the illumination light and focuses it on the object mounted on the stage 36.

The objective lens 37 collects the image of the object and the focused light from the condenser lens,
It projects the image upwards to a location where it focuses an aerial image suitable for being seen by the eyepieces 38 and 39. When properly adjusted, the aperture stop in the condenser lens is a conjugate of the objective lens and vice versa.

The projected image from the objective lens 37 has a dashed line 4 along the chief ray of the optical system.
Proceed upward as indicated by 0. The beam splitter 27 splits the image, causing half of the light carrying the image to be redirected to the left eyepiece 38 and half of the light carrying the image to the right eyepiece 39. In this way, the human eyes 41 and 42 perceive the image of the magnified object. The magnified image on a conventional unmodified microscope remains two-dimensional despite having two eyepieces.

Although the light source 34 is depicted briefly, it is not intended to be limited to such a simple one. It is well known that the light sources can be collected and directed in various ways. Apparently, anyone familiar with optical technology can easily create a light source that will fit and fit a particular microscope easily,
Also, the lighting or optical components used to obtain such lighting could be used in the present invention.

Although the condenser lens 35 is depicted briefly, it is not intended to be limited to such a simple one. Condenser lenses can be made with varying degrees of quality and usefulness. Obviously, those skilled in the optical arts can easily make a condenser lens so that it fits well with a particular microscope, and any such condenser lens can be used in the present invention. right.

Although the objective lens 37 of the microscope is depicted briefly, it is not intended to be limited to such a simple one. Microscope objectives are made with varying degrees of quality and working distance, and any such objective could be used in the present invention.

Although the beam splitter 27 is depicted as a prism, it is not intended to be limited to such. 1 image for binocular vision
It can be separated from the book image stream using any of a number of common mechanisms including, for example, semi-transparent mirrors, prisms, barrel prisms, and the like. It does not matter which mechanism is used, any of which can be used in the present invention.

Although a simple eyepiece is depicted, it is not intended to be limited to such. Although eyepieces can be made with a range of magnifications and qualities, any such eyepiece can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 17 also shows the arrangement of a half-wave retarder stereo light valve, which consists partly of a half-wave retarder 3 either at the preferred position of the aperture stop or at the conjugate point of the aperture stop. A half-wave retarder retards the direction of polarized light passing through it by 90 degrees, thus changing the direction of linearly polarized light from one to the other by about 90 degrees, and the direction of circularly polarized light from one to the other. Change to.

The half-wave retarder is cut so that it occupies about half the aperture stop. The cut is approximately perpendicular to the normal plane defined by the two eyepieces 38 and 39. Positioning a half-wave retarder is much easier and less costly than assembling a mechanically complex condenser lens. The presence of the half-wave retarder in the condenser lens has no effect on the resulting image, provided the optical path is unchanged.
This can be an advantage when exchanging capacitors between microscopes.

FIG. 17 shows the arrangement of an enable filter consisting of the pre-polarization filter 1 placed between the light source 34 and the half-wave retarder 3. The illumination provided by the light source 34 is polarized by the polarizing filter 1. Subsequently, half of this polarized light passes through the half-wave retarder 3 and the other half passes through the aperture stop in the transparent part not occupied by the half-wave retarder. As a result, half of the light that has passed through the aperture of the condenser lens will be polarized in one direction and the other half of the light that has passed through the aperture stop of the condenser lens will be polarized in a different direction.

Although a simple enable filter consisting of the pre-polarization filter 1 has been discussed, it is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that polarizing filters can be made in many shapes and sizes and, preferably, can be mounted on an internal holder and have a handle to aid rotation.

Clearly, those skilled in the optical arts could readily devise the preceding polarizing filter and its mount to best suit the present invention, and any such shape. , Mounts, or accessories could also be used in the present invention.

The fact that simple polarization is specified is not intended to be limited to such. It is well known that polarized light can rotate in three dimensions, when it rotates in two dimensions it is called linearly polarized light. Although the preferred embodiment uses linearly polarized light, any polarized light can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 17 also shows the arrangement of an analysis filter consisting of polarization filters 2 and 28 placed between the beam splitter 27 and the human eyes 41 and 42. The directions of the polarizers 2 and 26 must be different so that they are substantially orthogonal to each other.

Although the preferred placement of polarizing filters 2 and 28 is illustrated as being between beam splitter 27 and eyepieces 38 and 39, it is not intended to be so limited. These polarizing filters may also be mounted on or in the eyepiece or may be mounted on the eyes 41 and 42 as polarizing eyewear.

The beam splitter 27 is described as being in a preferred position prior to the analysis filter consisting of polarizing filters 2 and 28, but is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that beam splitters can be made so that the beams split based on the polarization direction. Any beam splitter of this kind in which the beams are split according to the direction of polarization can be used in the present invention and can be part of the present invention.

If the enabling filter consisting of the polarizing filter 1 is oriented in the proper direction, a stereo image is produced for the field of view by the human eyes 41 and 42.
Rotating the enabling polarizing filter 1 in different directions either produces no stereo effect (a two-dimensional image is visible) or an inverted stereo (inverted depth) image is perceived.

Although the condenser lens 35 is shown as being below the stage 36, it is not intended to be so limited. Some microscopes are built upside down so that you can see biological material in a liquid. In such microscopes, the condenser lens is above the stage and the objective lens is below the stage, but such reversal configurations would also be considered part of the invention.

The use of half-wave retarder 3 significantly reduces manufacturing costs for condenser lenses such as 35. It only adds one optical component to the standard design for a condenser lens and requires no moving parts.

The preceding enabling filter consisting of the polarizer 1 is usually outside the condenser lens, but since ready-made parts can be used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced also here.

FIG. 18 shows a modification of FIG. In FIG. 18, the still camera 9 replaces the binocular head of the microscope. An analysis filter composed of the polarization filter 2 at the end is located between the camera 9 and the objective lens 37. The initial direction of the analyzing polarization filter must be aligned with or orthogonal to the direction of the enabling filter consisting of the preceding polarizer 1.

When the enabling filter consisting of the preceding polarizer 1 is oriented in the proper direction, as shown by the arrow 43, one half of the aperture stop in the condenser lens appears to be blocked, either right or left. One monocular picture is taken.

When the enabling filter composed of the preceding polarizer 1 is rotated by 90 degrees, the other half of the aperture stop in the condenser lens appears to be blocked, as shown by the arrow 44, and the other monocular photograph becomes To be Such right / left, or right / left or left / right, eye sequence of photographs creates a stereo pair for later viewing.

Although a simple box camera is shown, it is not so limited. Any camera can be attached to the microscope, including but not limited to large, medium and small formats, black and white, or color, analog or digital.

Replacing the binocular head with the camera 9 is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that such a head can be constructed so that it can be supported by the same device both for binocular viewing with the human eye and for taking pictures.
Such a microscope head is called a trinocular microscope head, and a person who is familiar with optical technology will be able to easily select either a camera-specific microscope head or a multi-purpose field of view microscope head according to the purpose. .

FIG. 19 shows a modification of FIG. In FIG. 18, the video camera 45 has been replaced by a still or binocular field of view. As in the still camera (FIG. 18), the analyzer filter consisting of the polarizing filter 2 at the end is located between the objective lens 37 and the camera 45. For video recording, the orientation of the analyzing polarization filter 2 must differ approximately by or substantially orthogonal to the direction of the enabling filter consisting of the preceding polarizer 1.

FIG. 19 also shows a polarization rotator inserted somewhere between the enabling filter consisting of the leading polarizer 1 and the analyzing filter consisting of the polarizing filter 2 at the end. FIG. 19 shows a preferred position of the polarization rotator when it is desired to make the polarization rotator part of a microscope. FIG. 20 shows a preferred position of the polarization rotator when the polarization rotator is to be part of the camera assembly.

19 and 20 also show the cable 6 connecting the frame timing circuit of the video camera 45 to the drive circuit of the polarization rotator 4. As each frame of the video sequence is captured, the polarization rotator changes the polarization direction from one direction to a different direction until it is nearly orthogonal for the next frame, and then back again.

A video stream of images is created in this way, the first image containing information for one eye and the second image containing information for the other eye.

Although a simple box-shaped camera is shown, it is not so limited. C
Any camera, including but not limited to CD, CMOS or image orthicon, black and white, or color, analog or digital, can be attached to the microscope.

While video has been described as producing a frame sequence, it is intended that the movie camera is also well known to produce a frame sequence and is nevertheless useful in the present invention, and thus is intended to be so limited. Not a thing.

Replacing the binocular head with the camera 45 is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that such a head can be constructed so that it can be supported by the same device both for binocular viewing with the human eye and for taking pictures. Such a microscope head is called a trinocular microscope head, and a person who is familiar with optical technology will be able to easily select either a camera-specific microscope head or a multi-purpose field-of-view microscope head according to the purpose.

<< 3. Two-Polarizer Stereo Light Valve >> The fact that a half-wave retarder follows a preceding polarizing filter is not intended to be limiting. The effect produced by this combination is the same as the main effect produced by two successive polarizing filters placed in the aperture stop of the lens system.

FIG. 21 can be inserted into the aperture stop of any imaging lens system, which allows the system to generate stereo video, still, motion picture image sequences, or image sequences also referred to as “frame sequential” images. 2 shows the components that make up a two-polarizer stereo light valve that allows it to be produced and that it be inserted into a binocular or monocular device to produce a stereo image.

The two-polarizer stereo light valve can be retrofitted to any existing lens system or can be retrofitted to any new lens system. Examples of such lens systems include microscopes, endoscopes, video lenses, still cameras, fundus cameras, inspection equipment, video lens adapters,
These include still camera lens adapters, binoculars adapters, monocular adapters, and movie lenses. These examples are cited only, but not limited to. Any imaging lens system can be used to utilize this two-polarizer stereo light valve, and such unforeseen uses are considered part of this embodiment. This two-polarizer stereo light valve is one example of an image signal encoding filter.

FIG. 21 shows that the first in the optical path is a pair of polarizing filters that are adjacent to each other and the adjacent line between them divides the shape of the aperture diaphragm into approximately two equal parts. It is preferable that the first side 22 is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the second side 23 and faces the second side 23. This preferred direction is approximately 45 degrees with the tie line, but will work at any angle as long as the two halves face each other at approximately right angles.

Since the preferred embodiment is to laminate the polarizing medium on a common glass substrate, two separate polarizing filters are specified, but not intended to be so limited. The preferred technique is to laminate opposing polarization filters 22 and 23 (they are preferably in mutually orthogonal directions) to the polarization rotator 4 using the polarization rotator 4 as the substrate, so that the substrate is the polarization rotator 4. Although shown as separated, it is not intended to be so limited.

The second one in the optical path is the polarization rotator 4. FIG. 21 also shows the analyzing polarization filter 2 which is present in the optical path following the polarization rotator 4. When the polarization rotator 4 rotates forward by a quarter wavelength and rotates backward by a quarter wavelength as in FLC, the direction of the analyzing polarizer 2 is between 22 and 23. The direction is almost parallel or orthogonal to the connecting line of.

When the polarization rotator 4 rotates by ½ wavelength, and then returns to zero rotation, as in LC, the orientation of the analyzing polarizer 2 is half 22 or half 23.
Is almost parallel to the polarization direction of.

The preferred embodiment for the dual polarizer stereo light valve shown in FIG. 21 is to laminate all three components into one unit. Of the three components, only the connected portions 22 and 23 should be at the aperture stop of the lens system. The other components 4 and 2 need not be at the aperture stop of the lens system.

FIG. 23 shows a modification of FIG. FIG. 23 shows the structure of a simple mass-marketed microscope. The encoding filter which is a combination of the half-wave retarder (3 in FIG. 18) located at the aperture stop of the condenser lens and the enabling filter 1 preceding the condenser lens in the optical path is a pair of orthogonal filters 46 and 47 in FIG. And is replaced by an opposing circular polarization filter. The installation of a circular polarization filter at the aperture stop in the condenser lens and the corresponding circular polarization filters 2 and 28 in the microscope head allows the use of low cost plastic filters while maintaining acceptable image quality. There is.

The use of circularly polarized filters alleviates the need for precise placement of components to achieve the stereo effect. The microscope head can rotate an additional 7 degrees (7 °) beyond the rotation obtained by linearly polarized light without losing the stereo effect.

The eyepieces can rotate themselves around a common center without losing the stereo effect, as is the case with some brands of microscopes. Condenser lenses can be installed by amateurs at any time without compromising the stereo image quality. Circularly polarized light is the preferred method for producing stereo effects in a microscope.

As will be appreciated by anyone, the methods disclosed herein can be applied to microscopes of any number of designs.

One disadvantage to the use of the opposing polarization filters 22 and 23 of FIG. 22 is that they will produce a field of view for different polarizations of the object. If such an effect were present, such as when light was reflected from a reflective surface, it would be a fluctuation in the stereo image. When fluctuation is not preferable, a half-wave retarder stereo light valve is preferable.

<< 4. Microfilter Stereo Light Valve >> A standard camera imaging surface and device is shown, but it should not be taken as limiting. Special covering methods for individual pixels of digital imaging systems can also be used when decoding the captured and encoded information.

The microfilter stereo light valve can be inserted into the aperture stop of any imaging lens system, which allows the system to display stereo video, still, or digital video image sequences,
Alternatively, it is possible to generate an image sequence, also called a "frame sequential" image, and it is also possible to generate parallel picture imaging sequential instead of frame sequential. The microfilter stereo light valve can be retrofitted to any existing lens system or can be retrofitted to any new lens system.

Examples of such lens systems include video microscopes, video endoscopes, still cameras, fundus cameras, endoscopic devices, digital cinema cameras and the like. These examples are cited only, but not limited to.

Any imaging lens system can be used to utilize this microfilter stereo light valve, and such unforeseen uses are considered part of this embodiment. This microfilter stereo light valve is one example of an image signal encoding filter.

As shown in FIG. 24, the image signal encoding filter 48 is inserted in the optical path (shown by the dashed line 49) prior to the image acquisition device 8.
The image signal encoding filter is preferably placed either at the aperture stop of the lens system or at a conjugate point of either aperture stop, and thus two parts 50 which divide the aperture stop into two parts approximately equally. It consists of 51.

The two parts may be by two opposing linear polarizing filters, or by two opposing circular polarizing filters, or by combining a preceding polarizing filter with a half-wave retarder that occupies approximately half of the aperture aperture following it (( Preferred method) or by opposing color filters (stereoscopic photography) or LC
It is created by the shutter.

The encoded image is projected so as to be focused on the image plane 8. The image plane comprises a CCD, CMOS, or such digital image acquisition device. 8 image acquisition devices with a resolution of only 2 pixels
Indicated by. Here, the description is limited to two pixels to simplify this initial discussion.

Covering each pixel is a small filter that matches or mirrors two filters in 48, one for each pixel. That is, for example, if 50 is vertically polarized, 52 is a polarizing filter in the same or opposite direction.

When the two image signal encoding filters 50 and 51 are facing each other and the filters 52 and 53 are also facing each other, one pixel images the information from the first half of the aperture stop. The other pixel would then image the information from the second half of the aperture stop.

It is well known that image acquisition devices use far more than two pixels. Figure 25A illustrates a preferred method of covering the pixels of such a device. The filters are evenly arranged on the surface. In such an arrangement, the image need only be magnified with a minimum magnification of doubling its area so that both the A and B filters feel approximately equal image in the focus plane with approximately equal resolution.

FIG. 25B shows another arrangement which is advantageous when the image can only be magnified vertically. FIG. 25C illustrates yet another arrangement that is advantageous when the image can only be expanded horizontally.

Although only three arrays of pixel filters are shown, they should not be taken as limiting. Obviously, it is possible to develop an algorithm such that for one given application one sequence can prove superior to another. Nonetheless, any array will find application in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical or mathematical arts will readily be able to employ any desired pattern of pixel filter arrays. You can do it.

Although only a rectangular array of pixels is shown, the image acquisition device can be assembled in any geometric shape and should not be taken as a limitation. Octagonal pixel arrays are also commonly used. Obviously, any such shape or geometry of pixels could be employed in the present invention, and many unforeseen and potentially Image acquisition devices with useful shapes or collections of shapes could be employed.

In FIG. 24, the imaging signal encoding filter 48 is shown as two spliced filters, but this too should not be taken as limiting. As shown in FIG. 2, the half-wave retarder 3 is a polarizing filter 1.
24 and its pair of components can be inserted into the optical path following FIG.
Filter 48 can be replaced with similar results at 8 image acquisition surfaces.

The main advantage of the microfilter stereo light valve is that it uses no active components. Instead of a polarization rotator, this light valve uses only static polarization or color filters. It would also work with a shutter, but such a shutter is not its preferred mode of operation.

FIG. 26 shows the claimed device illustrating this microfilter stereo light valve. FIG. 26 schematically shows the proximal end of the optical endoscopic device 54. The rays of the image represented by line 55 are refocused by the relay lens system 11 to create a new aperture stop (conjugate with the original). An image signal encoding filter 48 is placed at this new aperture stop.

The image beam is encoded with 3D information by its filter and is then further focused by the relay lens 11 onto the digital image plane 8. The digital imaging plane is covered with a suitable microfilter whose single surface records both stereo views.

Although a simple lens is shown, a practical lens of this kind in practice consists of an achromatic, spherically aberration-corrected decoding component capable of producing a sharp, clear image.

This illustration as a simple lens is not intended to be limiting as it is well known that more complex lenses produce excellent images. However, any quality lens could be employed in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts could readily employ any desired quality lens.

Although the relay lens 11 is shown projected onto the image plane, it is not intended to be so limited. The proposal that the endoscopic device 54 originally creates an image on one surface is different from the above case. Either type of endoscope should be able to work with the system.

One form of relay lens would relay the imaging device to a new imaging plane. Another form of relay lens would be one that would produce an image suitable for viewing by the human eye, and would relay that image to a recording imaging plane.

Although a single image acquisition surface is shown, it is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that color cameras consist of three image acquisition surfaces, one for each primary color. Any number of image acquisition surfaces can be used with the present invention, and all such variations in the number of image acquisition surfaces are still part of the present invention.

<< 5. Fixed occluder stereo light valve >> Polarizing filters, color filters, and other means of affecting transmitted light are shown, but are not intended to be limited thereto. Occlusions can be placed at the aperture stop inside each device so that when each eye sees a common image through a separate device, a 3D effect is created and perceived.

The occluding stereo light valve can be inserted into the aperture stop of any imaging system, allowing that imaging system to produce a stereo image. This occluding stereo light valve can be retrofitted to any existing imaging system and manufactured for any new imaging system.

Examples of such imaging systems are microscopes, telescopes, inspection devices, binocular adapters, monocular adapters and the like. These examples are cited only, but not limited to.

Any imaging lens system can be used to utilize this two-polarizer stereo light valve, and such unforeseen uses are considered part of this embodiment. This occluding stereo light valve is one example of an image signal encoding filter.

FIG. 27 shows how one form of single objective microscope that produces 3D works. The passive half-wave retarder 3 at the aperture stop 56 of the lens system 10, when combined with the preceding polarizing filter 1, connects the two halves of the aperture stop with the polarization direction of each half relative to the other half. Work to be orthogonal. The polarization beam splitter 27 passes light of one polarization direction to the left eyepiece lens 38 and passes light of the other polarization direction to the right eyepiece lens 39.

A diagram (diagram) 57 shows how the light passing through the aperture stop 38 is perceived by the eyepiece lens 38, assuming that the eyepiece lens 38 can image the aperture stop. A diagram 58 shows how the light passing through the aperture diaphragm is perceived by the eyepiece lens 39, assuming that the eyepiece lens 39 can image the aperture diaphragm.

The stereo effect on the visual field is caused by the effect when the difference in the optical encoding of the aperture diaphragm between the right and left eyepieces is perceived. The effect when the difference in the optical encoding of the aperture diaphragm is perceived is an important benefit of the invention.

FIG. 28 shows the claimed device illustrating this fixed occluder stereo light valve. FIG. 28 shows a non-3D binocular microscope modified to show 3D. The unmodified objective lens 37 and the unmodified beam splitter 27 cause the two eyepieces 38 and 39 to have the exact same image perception.

The relay lens system 11 is inserted on the optical path preceding each eyepiece. Recall that the relay lens system 11 can create a conjugate 59 of the original aperture stop 56.

Image signal encoding filter 4 in each relay lens system 11
8 and by arranging their image signal encoding filters in orthogonal opposition, perceived effects 57 and 58 similar to the effect of the conjugate 59 of the aperture stop in FIG. 26 described above. Is created.

<< 6. Mixing and Matching Light Valve Parts The image signal encoding filter is shown with parts made of similar ingredients, but it should not be taken to be limited to them. For example, FIG. 10A shows an image signal encoding filter consisting of two linear polarization filters. For example, FIG. 11 shows an image signal encoding filter consisting of a preceding polarization filter and a following half-wave retarder. For example, FIG. 1 shows an image signal encoding filter consisting of a sandwich of two polarization filters, a half-wave retarder and a polarization rotator.

For example, FIGS. 27 and 28 show an image signal encoding filter composed of one passive occlusion. For example, FIG. 23 shows an image signal encoding filter consisting of two circular polarization filters.

For example, FIG. 24 shows an image signal encoding filter consisting of two opposing filters in an aperture stop and similar filters covering pixels on the imaging surface, which filters are polarized, color filters or shutters. , What is.

Obviously the occurrence of the 3D effect only requires that the parts of the aperture diaphragm be distinguishable from each other. There is nothing in the present invention that avoids mixing of encoding material types. Consider the filter parts 50 and 51 of FIG.

The filter can be configured so that it cannot be intuitively recognized, for example, X is a blue filter (color filter) and Y is a circular polarization filter (polarization filter). As shown in the following table, the X part may be any structure and the Y part may be any structure.

[0236]

[Table 1]

Although some possible combinations are listed, they should not be considered limiting. Obviously, some of them could work in combination with the ones previously disclosed, and any such new combination with recent materials and methods could be devised, as the methods of distinguishing the distinctions could be devised. It may be part of the invention.

Although the image signal encoding filter is described as being preferably at or at one of the conjugate points of the aperture diaphragm, it is not so limited. FIG. 30 schematically shows a lens system having two aperture stops 56 and 59. The image signal represented by the dashed line 24 first passes through the filter 48 at the main aperture stop 59 and then subsequently at the conjugate point of the aperture stop 59 through the filter 60.

Obviously, multiple image signal encoding filters can be devised which can be placed at the aperture stop and at any conjugate point thereof. Similarly, one image signal encoding filter can be devised that can be placed at the aperture stop and its conjugate at two or more points.

Nevertheless, the positioning of the imaging encoding filter component at many aperture stops and many conjugate points would be part of the present invention.

B. Examples Using Stereo Light Valves As mentioned in the description of the various light valves, each of them can be placed in the aperture diaphragm of various devices giving 3D results. Below, a description of such a device is continued.

<< 1 Stereo Microscope >> The first embodiment using a stereo light valve is a microscope with a single objective lens that produces a stereo image when viewed through two eyepieces. This example clearly shows a separate polarization filter for each eyepiece, and is a departure from the prior art that required the polarization filter to be adjacent to the objective rather than at the aperture stop. Is an important improvement.

Practical experience shows that such a position only produces an acceptable stereoscopic vision at a magnification of 10 × or less. By moving this filter towards the aperture stop or the conjugate point of the aperture stop, it is possible to create a stereoscopic view with good magnification at all magnifications.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, the separate polarization filter in the prior art is replaced by a single polarization beam splitter 27 in the microscope binocular head. Prior art separate polarization filters tend to be placed too close to the image plane of each eyepiece, exposing the polarization filters to dust and other contaminants that impair the quality of the field of view actually seen. .

Polarizing filters also tend to be placed on the eyepieces, preventing the necessary rotation of the eyepieces (such as for focusing) and easily destroying their alignment. The use of a polarizing beam splitter simplifies manufacturing and eliminates the problems associated with conventional systems.

In this example, the position of the filter adjacent to the objective lens as in the prior art of FIG. 32 is determined by the components of the half-wave retarder binocular light valve in FIG. 31, and more specifically the aperture stop of the objective lens. By a passive half-wave retarder 3 at and a single polarizing filter 1 placed somewhere in the optical path prior to this passive half-wave retarder.

The broken line 64 in FIG. 31 indicates a vertical plane that divides the lens into two equal plane-symmetrical halves. The passive half-wave retarder 3 covers approximately half the area of the aperture stop with a bisecting edge that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the system plane 64.

However, this orientation is such that the eyepiece head can be rotated for use by a variety of users, and the orientation of the passive half-wave retarder can be compared to that of the polarizing beam splitter in the rotary head under these circumstances. It is well known that it can be rotated in order to achieve alignment, and is not intended to be limited thereto.

Saying that it has shown the components of a half-wave retarder binocular light valve is
It is not intended to be limited thereto. Obviously, any other light valve could be used with a corresponding decoder subsequently placed in the beam splitter or in the optical path to the beam splitter. Such light valves may include half-wave retarder stereo light valves, or color filters or shutters.

<< 2. Stereo-generated eyepieces and eyepiece adapters >> A second device using a light valve is when two such eyepieces or eyepiece adapters are used in an ordinary binocular microscope head or binocular device, and A device configured such that when two eyepieces or eyepiece adapters are rotated about 180 degrees relative to each other, they produce a true stereo image of the magnified image.

Such eyepieces and eyepiece adapters operate on all objective microscopes with lenses installed to receive at least two eyepieces, and on similar binocular devices.

FIG. 33 schematically shows such an embodiment of the lens arrangement of such a stereo imaging eyepiece 61. The relay lens system, shown collectively at 11, captures the imaging plane represented by the dashed line 8 created by the projection of the microscope objective lens shown at line 65.

The relay lens system relays the original image plane represented by dashed line 8 to the new image plane represented by dashed line 12. The new image plane represented by the dashed line 12 is seen as the aerial image indicated by 65. This is created by a conventional eyepiece represented by 66. The alignment is done by the marker, one of which is shown at 67, or by mechanically coupling the pairs together (not shown).

FIG. 34 diagrammatically shows one embodiment of a lens arrangement for such a stereo imaging eyepiece adapter 61. The relay lens system, shown collectively at 11, captures the imaging plane represented by the dashed line 8 created by the projection of the microscope objective lens shown at line 65.

The relay lens system relays the original image plane represented by dashed line 8 to a new image plane represented by dashed line 12. The adapter has a sleeve 68 so that it can be inserted into any standard microscope eyepiece with the same diameter specifications.

The relay lens system, indicated collectively by 11, is depicted with a simple lens for the purposes of the illustration. In the practical case, such a relay lens system consists of an achromatic compound lens with spherical aberration correction to create a sharp and clear image.

However, this illustration as a simple lens is not intended to be limiting as it is well known that more complex lenses will produce excellent images. However, lenses of any quality can be employed in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts will readily be able to employ lenses of any desired quality.

A neutral density filter 69 is placed at the aperture stop 59 of the relay lens system 11.

FIG. 35 shows the shape of the neutral density filter 69 placed at the eyepiece or eyepiece adapter. The neutral density filter is shaped to affect the transmission of light through half the aperture stop. However, affecting half the aperture aperture is not intended to be so limited. Closing half the aperture diaphragm reduces the light passing through it by 50%.

Nevertheless, any effect of more or less than 50% can be adopted in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts can easily extend this principle to change the shape of the edge. It could be cut to reduce or increase the amount of light passing through the aperture stop at any desired percentage. Such a modification of a cut or edge involves moving its position to create an occlusion larger or smaller than half a circle, which is still part of the present invention.

FIG. 35 also shows that a neutral density filter can be made equally well when the disc 70 is perforated. Although a semi-circular cut is shown here, any shape of hole can be used. FIG. 35 shows that a cut half disc 69 coupled with such a half washer 71 can also be used.

FIG. 36 shows that the preferred embodiment of the neutral density filter is to block the aperture stop at 100%. When the neutral density filter occupies half the aperture stop, 100% blocking reduces the light passing through that aperture stop by 50%. Some applications may require less light loss. The neutral density filter occupies half of the aperture stop, and the light reduction through the neutral density filter is 50%.
, The light passing through the entire aperture stop is reduced by 25%.

When the neutral density filter occupies half of the aperture stop and thus reduces the light by 0%, it reduces the light through the entire aperture stop by 0%. 0% occlusion will eliminate the stereo effect, so it is not recommended. Although three types of percentages are shown in FIG. 36, there is no intention to limit them.

Any percentage of occlusion could nevertheless be employed in the present invention, and one skilled in the optical arts would readily be able to determine what percentage of occlusion neutral density filter. Could be used, as well as a neutral density filter with varying degrees of occlusion.

FIG. 37A shows an edge or cut of the neutral density filter 69. The edges or cuts have been treated to minimize unwanted refractive visual noise. One example is to coat the edges or cuts with a flat black paint, dye, or other light absorbing material. Another example is to apply a neutral density filter as coating 72 to an optically flat, transparent surface 16 such as glass, as shown in FIG. 37B.

However, these examples are not intended to be limiting as it is well known that edge refraction can be removed using numerous methods. Nevertheless, such a method could be employed in the present invention, and one of ordinary skill in the optical arts would readily be able to extend this principle to eliminate unwanted edge refraction. Will be able to

It has been shown that the neutral density filter occupies about half the aperture stop, but is not intended to be so limited. It is well known that other shapes also produce acceptable 3D results, and any variation on such shape can be used and will still be part of the invention. Such variations need not be symmetric and need not be the same for each eyepiece or eyepiece adapter.

While a neutral density filter has been described, it is not intended to be so limited. Obviously, one could use materials such as one property of itself to reduce the intensity of light passing through it. For example, when the invention is used in a top-illuminated microscope, it would be beneficial to use a mirror that bends the optical path down and reflects.

Alternatively, it may also be beneficial to use a planar polarizer, for example when looking at polarizing minerals. Nevertheless, any such material could be employed in the present invention, and one skilled in the optical arts could easily apply this principle to reduce the light intensity among its many properties. It could be extended to any material that would include the expected properties.

Fixed occluder stereo light valves have been discussed, but are not intended to be so limited. Obviously, any other light valve could be used at the aperture stop of the eyepiece or eyepiece adapter. Such a light valve includes a color filter, a polarizing filter, a retarder, a shutter, a mirror, or the like.

<< 3. General Stereo Lens Adapter >> The third device that uses a stereo light valve is a stereo lens adapter that allows a wide variety of lenses and cameras to generate stereo images, as shown schematically in FIG. is there. This adapter works with any lens that can be mounted at mount point 73.

This adapter works with any camera capable of accepting mounting hardware 74. The adapter captures the output image of the lens as shown by line 65 and relays that image from the original image plane shown by dashed line 8 to the new image plane of the camera shown by dashed line 12.

The image plane of the camera 9 indicated by the dashed line 12 is the front surface, such as an image orthocon tube, a CCD array, a CMOS array, and other image recording surfaces including positive and negative films. The camera is digital or analog.

The stereo lens adapter is capable of creating a series of images, also called stereovision, or a stereoscopic view as seen by humans, which can later be viewed in 3D. FIG. 38 schematically shows such an adapter.

The adapter is designed so that the lens can be mounted at the front end 73 of the adapter and can be mounted at 74 on the camera body. In the preferred embodiment, the front and rear mounts are female and male C mounts, respectively. However, this choice is not intended to be so limited as it is well known that there are many different standards for lens mounts.

For example, Canon uses EOS mounts for most of its cameras, and many industrial lenses and cameras use T mounts. These other mounts can nevertheless be used in conjunction with this adapter as lens mounts on the front, camera mounts on the rear, or both, and if you are familiar with mechanical technology, , Could easily extend this principle to any suitable lens mount.

The relay lens system, which is inside the adapter and is collectively indicated by 11, is
Collect the image 65 from the attached lens where it will focus vertically to the original image plane represented by dashed line 8 and relay that image to the new image plane inside the camera represented by dashed line 12. . However, the relay lens system as shown is not meant to be limiting, as optical theory shows that the relay lens system can be configured in a variety of ways.

The only requirement for the relay lens system is that it creates a conjugate of the aperture stop of the lens (es) whose position is shown by the dashed line 59, which is the original connection represented by the dashed line 8. Copying the image plane exactly as is to the new image plane represented by the dashed line 12.

Nonetheless, any suitable relay lens system could be employed in the present invention, and one skilled in the mechanical arts could easily make two requests for this principle. It could be extended to any relay lens system that suits you.

The relay lens system shown together at 11 is shown as a simple lens for illustration purposes. In the actual case, such relay lens systems consist of spherical aberration-corrected achromatic compound lenses in order to produce sharp and clear images.

However, as it is well known that more complex lenses will produce excellent images, this simple lens drawing is not intended to be so limited. Nevertheless, lenses of any quality can be employed in the present invention, and those skilled in the optical arts will readily be able to employ lenses of any desired quality.

The half-wave retarder 3 is placed at the conjugate point of the aperture stop of the lens created by the adapter, the position of which is indicated by the dashed line 59.

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the adapter. Whether the half-wave retarder 3 is vertical,
Alternatively, it is shown that the two-divided edge 5 oriented in a substantially vertical direction covers half the area of the aperture stop. The vertical direction is the normal upward direction of the camera to which the adapter is attached.

As shown in FIG. 39, the preceding polarizing filter 1 is inserted in the optical path between the lens mounted at 73 and the passive half-wave retarder 3. The preferred location is between the mounting hole at 73 and the relay lens system 75. This is the position where the front polarizing filter helps protect the front surface of the front relay lens element from contamination.

Another desirable location is inside the lens mounting 73. In this position, the front polarizer as a whole can serve as a seal for the adapter, which is a desirable property for medical applications. Any position on the front polarizing filter can be employed in the present invention as long as it is between the lens mounting hole and the passive half-wave retarder, and
Anyone familiar with optical technology could easily extend it to any acceptable position.

Screws 73 have been shown, but are not limited thereto, as it is well known that some optical devices act as an eyepiece to the human eye rather than imaging like a lens. Not intended to be. Clamps or physical mounts are required for such devices, and similarly, different arrays of optical elements are required for the relay lens 11 which relays the aerial image to the imaging plane. Will do. Any such application intended for human viewing would be part of this invention.

Although a half-wave retarder stereo light valve is shown, it is not intended to be so limited. Obviously, any other light valve could be used in the aperture aperture of the lens adapter. Such light valves include color filters, two-polarizer stereo light valves, or electro-optic shutters. Although various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, further variations and applications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. However, such modifications and applications should be clearly understood to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   Sectional view showing the components that make up the half-wave retarder stereo light valve

[Fig. 2]   Exploded view of the components that make up the half-wave retarder stereo light valve

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a half-wave retarder stereo light valve as a laminate on a polarization rotator.

[Figure 4]   Exploded view of the components that make up the stereo video lens

[Figure 5]   Diagram of relay lens that creates conjugate of aperture stop on light source side

FIG. 6A   Diagram showing the two positions of the preceding polarizer

FIG. 6B   Diagram showing the two positions of the preceding polarizer

FIG. 7A   Diagram showing various positions of the polarization rotator

FIG. 7B   Diagram showing various positions of the polarization rotator

FIG. 7C   Diagram showing various positions of the polarization rotator

FIG. 7D   Diagram showing various positions of the polarization rotator

[Figure 8]   Diagram showing the position of the polarization rotator transferred into the camera body

FIG. 9A   Diagram showing two positions of the polarizing filter for analysis

FIG. 9B   Diagram showing two positions of the polarizing filter for analysis

FIG. 10A   Figure showing the effect of mutually opposite linear polarization filters on the aperture diaphragm

FIG. 10B   Figure showing the effect of mutually opposite linear polarization filters on the aperture diaphragm

FIG. 11   Diagram showing the effect of the half-wave retarder stereo light valve

FIG. 12A shows three states of a FLC polarization rotator (with two power supplies and one without power supply).

FIG. 12B shows the FLC polarization rotator in three states (with two power supplies and one without power supply).

FIG. 12C shows three states of the FLC polarization rotator (with two power supplies and without one power supply).

FIG. 13A   The figure which shows the effect of the FLC polarization rotator on the optical path

FIG. 13B   The figure which shows the effect of the FLC polarization rotator on the optical path

FIG. 13C   The figure which shows the effect of the FLC polarization rotator on the optical path

FIG. 14A   Diagram showing four processes for the cut edge of half-wave retarder

FIG. 14B   Diagram showing four processes for the cut edge of half-wave retarder

FIG. 14C   Diagram showing four processes for the cut edge of half-wave retarder

FIG. 14D   Diagram showing four processes for the cut edge of half-wave retarder

FIG. 15   Schematic of the circuit used to control the polarization rotator

FIG. 16A   Diagram showing three of the many possible variations on the cut of a half-wave retarder

FIG. 16B   Diagram showing three of the many possible variations on the cut of a half-wave retarder

FIG. 16C   Diagram showing three of the many possible variations on the cut of a half-wave retarder

FIG. 17   Diagram showing a microscope made with a half-wave retarder stereo light valve

FIG. 18 shows a still camera attachment for a microscope made using parts from a half-wave retarder stereo light valve.

FIG. 19 shows a video camera attachment for a microscope made using a half-wave retarder stereo light valve with a polarization rotator under the half-wave retarder.

FIG. 20 shows a video camera attachment for a microscope made using a half-wave retarder stereo light valve with a polarization rotator over the half-wave retarder.

FIG. 21   The figure which shows the components which comprise a two-polarization stereo light valve in an exploded view.

FIG. 22 is a diagram summarizing that opposed polarization filters do not necessarily need to be orthogonally opposed.

FIG. 23   Diagram of a simple microscope created using circularly polarized light

FIG. 24   Diagram showing a summary of components including the Micro Filter Stereo Light Valve

FIG. 25A shows a variation on a filter placed on a pixel that is part of a microfilter stereo light valve.

FIG. 25B shows a variation on a filter placed on a pixel that is part of a microfilter stereo light valve.

FIG. 25C shows a variation on a filter placed on a pixel that is part of a microfilter stereo light valve.

FIG. 26 schematically shows a video adapter for an endoscope made with a microfilter stereo light valve.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the effect on the aperture diaphragm that appears in each eye when both eyes image the aperture diaphragm.

FIG. 28: When the neutral density filter covers half the aperture diaphragm created in the relay lens system inserted in front of both eyes, the effect on the aperture diaphragm is the same and thus the fixed occluder stereo light. Diagram showing that the valve is defined

FIG. 29 is a diagram summarizing that one side of the aperture stop affects the passage of the image signal differently than the other half side.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing that the effects of aperture diaphragms do not have to be simultaneous with the same aperture diaphragm.

FIG. 31   Diagram showing significant improvement over Carter's 1988 patent

FIG. 32   Illustration of Carter's 1988 Prior Art Microscope Objective

FIG. 33   Figure showing a stereo octler in cross section

FIG. 34   Figure showing a sectional view of the stereo octler adapter

FIG. 35   Diagram showing variations in the structure of the neutral density filter

FIG. 36   Diagram showing changes in neutral density filter density

FIG. 37A is a diagram showing a modification of density regarding processing of an edge of a neutral density filter.

FIG. 37B is a diagram showing the modification of the density for the processing of the edge of the neutral density filter.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of components including a 3D video adapter made with a half-wave retarder stereo light valve.

FIG. 39 is an exploded isometric view of components including a 3D video adapter made with a half-wave retarder stereo light valve.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03B 35/22 G03B 35/22 H04N 13/02 H04N 13/02 (31) Priority claim number 60/180, 038 (32) Priority date February 3, 2000 (2000.2.3) (33) Priority claiming country United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 60 / 190,459 (32) Priority date 2000 March 17, 2000 (March 17, 2000) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG) , AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU. , ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MG, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW F-term (reference) 2H040 BA15 CA21 2H049 BA02 BA03 BA06 BB03 BB05 BC22 2H052 AA13 AB19 AB21 AD34 AF14 2H0 59 AA24 AA26 5C061 AA02 AA18 AA21 AB14 AB18

Claims (67)

[Claims] 1. A first encoding means for encoding an imaging signal to produce an encoded imaging signal, and encoded imaging located at or near one aperture stop or its conjugate point. The first part of the signal is further encoded but the second part
Second encoding means, wherein the second portion of the encoded imaging signal has a characteristic difference from the further encoded first portion of the encoded imaging signal, A system for generating a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal that includes imaging information about the object. 2. The characteristic is at least one of polarization direction, intensity, and wavelength distribution.
The imaging signal is reflected or transmitted electromagnetic radiation, and the first encoding means is at least an achromatic filter, a chromatic filter, a polarizing filter, an occluder, and a shutter. The system of claim 1, wherein one and the first encoding means encodes at least substantially all of the imaging signal. 3. The second encoding means is at least one of an achromatic filter, a chromatic filter, a polarizing filter, a retarder, an occluder, and a shutter, and the second encoding means is from about 25% to about 25% of the imaging signal. The system of claims 1 and 2 encoding up to 75%. 4. Further comprising at least one filter means for passing the first and second parts of the encoded imaging signal, wherein the first encoding means and the at least one filter means are in the second encoding means. On opposite sides, at least one filter means of which is a beam splitter, a plurality of polarization filters selected to pass electromagnetic radiation with different polarization directions, selected to pass electromagnetic radiation with different wavelength distributions Multiple chromatic or achromatic filters, polarization rotator,
4. The system of claims 1-3, wherein the system is a rotating polarizer, a retarder, an occluder selected to affect the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, and a shutter. 5. The system of claims 1-4, wherein the first and second portions of the encoded imaging signal have a common optical path. 6. The system of claims 1-5, wherein the second encoding means is located inside the lens or condenser lens and the first encoding means is located outside the lens or condenser lens. 7. The system of claims 1-5, further comprising switching means for alternating between a first polarization direction passing through the first portion and a second polarization direction passing through the second portion. . 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is at least one of a circular polarization rotator, a plane polarization rotator, a rotating circular polarizer, a rotating plane polarizer and a variable retarder. 9. The switching means is at least one of a ferroelectric liquid crystal, a liquid crystal, a rotating polariser, and a Pi-cell, and the second encoding means comprises a connecting line or an edge, in at least one operating mode of the switching means. 9. A system according to any of claims 7 to 8 wherein the polarization direction of the switching means is at least substantially parallel, orthogonal or about 45 ° to the polarization direction of the second encoding means. 10. The switching means is at least one of a ferroelectric liquid crystal, a liquid crystal, a rotating polariser, and a Pi-cell, the polarization direction of the switching means being polarized in the second encoding means in at least one mode of operation of the switching means. 10. The system of any of claims 7-9, wherein the system is oriented such that it is at least substantially parallel, orthogonal, or about 45 ° to the direction. 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the switching means has a non-powered state having a neutral effect on the polarization direction. 12. (a) encoding an imaging signal to produce an encoded imaging signal; (b) further encoding a first portion of the encoded imaging signal but not the second portion; The further encoded first portion of the encoded imaging signal has a characteristic difference from the second portion of the encoded imaging signal, and (c) the encoded first and second portions are 1 A method for generating a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal containing imagen information about the object that is passed through one or more additional encoders. 13. The first and second portions have different characteristics, the characteristics being at least one of polarization direction, intensity, and wavelength distribution, and the imaging signal being reflected or transmitted electromagnetic radiation. The first encoding means is at least one of an achromatic filter, a chromatic filter, a polarizing filter, an occluder, and a shutter, and the encoding step (a
13.) The method of claim 12, wherein in 50% or more of the imaging signal is encoded, so that at least substantially all encoded imaging signals have the same polarization direction. 14. The second encoding means is an achromatic filter, a chromatic filter, a polarizing filter, a retarder, an occluder,
And at least one of the shutters, and the second encoding means is located at or near the aperture stop or its conjugate point, and the first portion of the encoded imaging signal is about the encoded signal. 14. The method of any of claims 12-13, which is 25% to about 75%. 15. One or more further encoders on the one hand and a first encoder on the other hand located on the side facing the second encoder, one or more further encoders each being a reflector or a mirror. Multiple polarizing filters that pass electromagnetic radiation with different polarization directions, multiple anaglyphic filters that pass portions of electromagnetic radiation that each have different wavelength distributions, polarization rotators, rotating polarizers, retarders, electromagnetics of different intensities. 15. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14 which is at least one of an occluder for passing radiation, a shutter for passing electromagnetic radiation of different intensity, etc. 16. A method according to claim 12, wherein the first and second parts of the encoded imaging signal have a common optical path and the encoded imaging signal in step (b) of the encoding is uncollimated. System. 17. Step (c) comprises the following steps: simultaneously passing the first and second portions through different third and fourth encoders, each of the third and fourth encoders (i) ) Different polarization directions, (ii) different wavelength distributions, and (iii
17.) A method according to any of claims 12 to 16 wherein at least one of different intensities is passed or the first and second parts are passed sequentially through a common third encoder. 18. The method of any of claims 12 to 17, further comprising a third portion of the encoded imaging signal that is different from the first and second portions. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a fourth portion of the encoded image signal that is different from the first, second, and third portions. 20. (a) a first filtering means for filtering the imaging signal to produce a filtered imaging signal; (b) a retarded portion of the filtered imaging signal retarded portion of the filtered imaging signal. Retarding means for retarding only one part of the filtered imaging signal having a different polarization direction than the unfiltered part, (c) retarded part of the filtered imaging signal not retarded A system for generating a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal that includes imaging information about the object, including second filtering means for filtering the portion. 21. The imaging signal is reflected or transmitted electromagnetic radiation,
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first filter means is at least one of a plane polarization filter and a circular polarization filter, and the first filter means encodes about 75% or more of the imaging signal. 22. A retarding means for producing a total or net change in polarization direction of the first portion of about 90 degrees is located at or near the aperture stop or its conjugate point, and the aperture stop or its stop. 22. The system of any of claims 20-21, which covers only a portion of the conjugate. 23. The first and second filter means are located on opposite sides of the retarding means, the second filter means being a beam splitter, a plurality selected to pass electromagnetic radiation with different polarization directions. Polarization filters, multiple chromatic or achromatic filters selected to pass electromagnetic radiation with different wavelength distribution, polarization rotator, occluder for passing electromagnetic radiation of different intensity, pass electromagnetic radiation of different intensity 23. The system of any of claims 20-22, which is at least one such as a shutter for 24. The first and second filter means are plane polarization filters,
Also, the first and second filter means have substantially parallel directions.
Any one of 3 systems. 25. The system of any of claims 20-24, wherein the second filter means is remote from the eyepiece. 26. A system according to any of claims 20 to 25, wherein the retarding means and the first filter means are inside the condenser lens or lens and the second filter means are outside the condenser lens or lens. 27. The first filter means, the second filter means, and the retarding means are located in an adapter removably attached to the imaging device, and the adapter further comprises first and second adapters. 27. A system according to any one of claims 20 to 26 including a relay lens system located between the filter means of claim 2 and the retarding means being located between the lenses of the relay lens system. 28. The system of any of claims 20-27, wherein the retarding means is formed by applying a coating to an optically flat and transparent surface. 29. The system of any of claims 20 to 28 wherein the retarding means has edges coated with electromagnetic radiation absorbing means. 30. The system of any of claims 20-29, wherein the retarding means are in contact with at least one of the first and second filters. 31. The system of any of claims 20-30, wherein the edges of the coating located inside the perimeter edges of the transparent surface are non-linear. 32. The system according to claim 20, wherein the first filter means and the retarding means are circular polarizers. 33. At least one image acquisition means for acquiring an image of an object from an imaging signal, at least one image acquisition means having a plurality of imaging pixels, and a corresponding at least one image acquisition means and the object. At least one for filtering an imaging signal portion before being received by a corresponding plurality of imaging pixels based on at least one of polarization and intensity.
A system for producing a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal containing imaging information about the object comprising at least one matrix of filter means corresponding to one image acquisition means. 34. At least one image acquisition means is CCD, CMOS,
34. The system of claim 33, which is also at least one of the mixed phosphors, and wherein the number of filter means is the same as the number of imaging pixels in the corresponding at least one image acquisition means. 35. At least one matrix of filter means is at least one of a polarizing filter, an achromatic filter, a retarder, an occluder, a shutter, a chromatic filter and the like.
Any of the systems from 34 to 34. 36. The system according to any of claims 33 to 35, wherein each filter means of the matrix removes substantially identical components of the imaging signal. 37. The system according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least two of the matrices of filter means are complementary light filters. 38. The matrix of filter means comprises four or more filters arranged in a grid-like pattern, at least two of the filters having a different bandpass characteristic than the other two of the filters. 38. The system of any of claims 33-37. 39. A system according to any of claims 33 to 38, wherein each of the filter means is a component of a plurality of imaging pixels. 40. Multiple filters passing electromagnetic radiation of different polarizations and / or different intensities, passing image signals simultaneously through at least two filters, and a plurality at corresponding pixels of an image acquisition device. A method for generating a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal that includes imaging information about the object, the method comprising: obtaining each of the filtered imaging signal portions of. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the image capture device is at least one of CCD and CMOS. 42. The method of any of claims 40-41, wherein the plurality of filters comprises at least one of a polarizing filter, a chromatic filter, a retarder, an occluder, a shutter, an achromatic filter and the like. 43. The method of any of claims 40-42, wherein in the passing step, the imaging signal is simultaneously passed through each of the plurality of filters. 44. The method of any of claims 40-43, wherein at least two of the plurality of filters are complementary optical filters. 45. The method of claim 40, wherein the plurality of filters comprises four or more filters arranged in a matrix, at least two of which have different bandpass characteristics than at least two of the other filters. 44. Any of 44 methods. 46. A relay lens system including a plurality of lenses to create a conjugate of one aperture stop, and at least two of the plurality of lenses to pass only a portion of the imaging signal.
A method for generating a three-dimensional image of an object from an imaging signal that includes imaging information about the object, including a filter located at or near a conjugate point of an aperture stop in a relay lens system between the two. 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the filter is a neutral density optical filter located at or near the aperture stop or its conjugate. 48. The system of claim 46, wherein the filter is a material that affects more than just the intensity of light. 49. The system of any of claims 46-47, wherein the filter blocks a portion of the conjugate of the aperture diaphragm to alter the passage of a portion of the imaging signal. 50. A second relay lens system including a second plurality of lenses for creating a conjugate of an aperture stop, and at least a second plurality of lenses for passing only a second portion of the imaging signal. 50. A system according to any of claims 46 to 49, further comprising a second filter located in a second relay lens system at a second conjugate point of the aperture stop between the two. 51. A reflector or mirror that splits the imaging signal into separate parts such that the first part passes through the relay lens system and the filter and the second part passes through the second relay lens system and the second filter. 50. Further comprising 50
System. 52. (a) encoding the signal to produce an encoded imaging signal, wherein at least substantially all of the encoded imaging signal has a common polarization direction; and (b) a first of the encoded imaging signal. Further encoding a portion of the second portion, but not the second portion, the further encoded first portion having a polarization direction transverse to the polarization direction of the second portion, and (c) the first and the second portion. A method for producing a three-dimensional image of an object from a signal reflected by or transmitted through the object, including applying two parts to the object to be imaged. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the encoding step (c) is performed at or near the aperture stop or its conjugate. 54. The method of claim 52, wherein after step (d) step (c), the first and second signal parts are passed through one or two further encoding steps.
Either method of 3. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein in the step of illuminating (c), the first and second signal portions illuminate at least one object and one or more encoders alternately. 56. (a) Encoding the signal to produce an encoded imaging signal, wherein at least less than or equal to or substantially all of the encoded imaging signal has a common polarization direction. (B) First and second Forming an imaging signal on the object to be imaged, and (c) further encoding the imaging signal. For generating an image of. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein in the encoding step (a), at least one of the one or more color filters and the one or more shutters performs encoding. 58. In the encoding step (a), the signal is divided into at least first and second signal parts, the first and second signal parts having different wavelength bands and / or intensities. 58. The method of any of claims 56-57. 59. In the encoding step (c), the first and second signal portions are alternately applied to one or more further encoders.
8 ways. 60. The first encoding means alters a property, which is at least one of a plane polarization direction, a circular polarization direction, a wavelength distribution, and an intensity, wherein at least a portion of the optical signal. And second encoding means for encoding a first encoded signal to form a first encoded signal is at least one of a plane polarization direction, a circular polarization direction, a wavelength distribution, and an intensity. At least one portion of the optical signal, wherein the altered characteristic of the first encoded signal is different from the altered characteristic of the second encoded signal. Or first
A second encoding means for encoding the encoded signal of to form a second encoded signal. 61. The first encoded encoding means is at least one of linear and circular polarisers, and the second encoding means is at least one of a shutter, an occluder and a color filter. Item 60. The optical encoding device of Item 60. 62. The optical encoding device of claim 60, wherein the first encoded encoding means is a linear polarizer and the second encoding means is a circular polarizer. 63. The first encoding means is at least one of a chromatic filter and an achromatic filter, and the second encoding means is at least one of a shutter, an occluder, and a polarizing filter. Optical encoding device. 64. (a) encoding at least a portion of the imaging signal to form a first encoded imaging signal, wherein the first encoded signal has different characteristics compared to the imaging signal; , A plane polarization direction, a circular polarization direction, a wavelength distribution, and a density, and (b) encoding a portion of the imaging signal or the first encoded signal to a second Forming the encoded signal, the first encoded signal has different properties compared to that portion of the imaging signal or to the first encoded signal: plane polarization direction, circular polarization direction, wavelength distribution, , And at least one of the densities, and the altered characteristic of the first encoded signal is How to get the image by processing a single imaging signals comprising, that differ from the altered properties of over de signal. 65. The first encoded signal comprises at least one of linear circular polarization directions and the altered characteristic of the second encoded signal is at least one of intensity and wavelength distribution. The method of paragraph 64. 66. The method of claim 64, wherein the altered characteristic of the first encoded signal is a linear polarization direction and the altered characteristic of the second encoded signal is a circular polarization direction. 67. The method of claim 64, wherein the altered characteristic of the first encoded signal is wavelength distribution and the altered characteristic of the second encoded signal is at least one of intensity and polarization direction. .