TWI530711B - Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information

The present invention is generally associated with generating three-dimensional image information, and more particularly with the use of a single imaging path to generate three-dimensional image information.

In a conventional two-dimensional (2D) imaging, light rays representing objects in a three-dimensional (3D) scene are captured and mapped to a two-dimensional image plane, while depth is not recorded. A stereoscopic optical system is capable of generating an image representative of image information by generating separate images from different perspective points. The depth information can be used, for example, to generate three-dimensional measurements between a plurality of points of the scene. Alternatively, the respective image systems can be presented to respective users' right and left eyes to simulate the operation of the naked eye to view an actual scene and allow the user to perceive the depth of the rendered image. The separated or stereoscopic image is produced substantially by an optical system having a pair of spatially separated imaging paths or by using different portions of a single imaging path to produce images having different perspective points. The images are then rendered using glasses that selectively allow individual images to reach the respective left and right eyes of the user. Alternatively, a special display can be configured to project spatially separated images onto the respective left and right eyes of the user.

The use of stereoscopic imaging has found application in the surgical field, where a three-dimensional endoscopic system can be used to provide a three-dimensional view to the physician. Stereoscopic imaging can also be used for remote operations such as, for example, subsea exploration, where the control of a mechanical actuator is accelerated by providing three dimensional image information to an operator remote from the actuator. Other applications of stereoscopic imaging can be found in physical measurement systems and the entertainment industry.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating three-dimensional image information using a lens having a single imaging path and an associated field of view is provided. The method involves directing light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens, receiving captured light at a spatial discriminator located adjacent the aperture plane, the discriminator comprising a first portion And a second portion, wherein the first portion is arranged to transmit light having a first optical state through a first portion of a single imaging path, and the second portion is arranged to have a second optical state The light is transmitted through a second portion of one of the single imaging paths. The first portion and the second portion of the single imaging path provide respective first and second perspective points within the field of view of the lens for use in an image sensing disposed on an image plane of the lens The respective first image and second image are formed at the device. The first image represents an object from the first perspective point in the field of view and the second image represents an object from the second perspective point, the first image and the second image being operable together to represent the object The three-dimensional property of the object. The method also includes receiving the first image at a first plurality of sensor elements on the image sensor, the first plurality of sensor elements responsive to light having the first optical state; The second image is received at a second plurality of sensor elements on the image sensor, the second plurality of sensor elements being responsive to light having the second optical state.

Receiving the first image and the second image system may involve receiving the first image and the second image at each of the first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements, the first plurality Each of the sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements includes a selective element operable to transmit light having a corresponding optical state and blocking transmission of light other than the corresponding optical state, and the selective A corresponding sensor element below the component.

Each of the corresponding sensor elements can include a plurality of sensor elements.

Receiving the first image and the second image system may involve receiving the first image and the second image at each of the first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements, the first plurality The sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements are operable to reduce spatial interference from the repetition frequency of the sensor elements of the image sensor via a repeating tessellation configuration.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a first polarizer portion disposed to transmit a first portion of light having a first polarization state through the single imaging path; and the second portion of the discriminator A second polarizer portion is included that is arranged to transmit light having a second polarization state through a second portion of the single imaging path.

Receiving the first image system can include receiving the first image at a first plurality of polarizer elements, arranged to transmit light having the first polarization state to a corresponding plurality of sensor elements and having a barrier Receiving the second polarization state of light transmission; and receiving the second image system may involve receiving the second image at a second plurality of polarizer elements, arranged to transmit light having the second polarization state to One corresponds to a plurality of sensor elements and blocks light transmission having the first polarization state.

Receiving the captured light system may involve receiving light having a left-hand elliptical polarization state through a first portion of the polarizer, and receiving light having a right-hand elliptical polarization state through a second portion of the polarizer; and receiving The first image system can be configured to receive the first image at a first plurality of polarizer elements, operative to transmit light having a left hand elliptical polarization state and block light having a right hand elliptical polarization state, and Receiving the second image system can involve receiving the second image at a second plurality of polarizer elements operative to transmit light having a right hand elliptical polarization state and blocking light having a left hand elliptical polarization state.

Receiving the first image system at the first plurality of polarizer elements can involve at a plurality of quarter-wave plates operable to change the right-hand elliptical polarization state to a first linear polarization state Receiving the first image, and further comprising receiving the first image at a corresponding plurality of linear polarization elements operable to transmit light having the first linear polarization state; and at the second plurality of poles Receiving the second image system at the chemist element may involve receiving the second image at a plurality of quarter wave plates operable to change the left hand ellipsometric state to a second linear polarization state, and Further directed to receiving the first image at a corresponding plurality of linearly polarized elements operable to transmit light having the second linear polarization state.

The left-hand elliptical polarization state may include a left-hand circular polarization state, and the right-hand elliptical polarization state may include a right-hand circular polarization state.

Receiving the captured light system may involve receiving light having a first linear polarization orientation through a first portion of the polarizer and receiving light having a second linear polarization orientation through a second portion of the polarizer The first linear polarization orientation is oriented to be orthogonal to the second linear polarization orientation; and receiving the first image system at the first plurality of polarizer elements can be operable to transmit Receiving the first image at a plurality of polarizer elements that are light of a first linearly polarized state and blocking light having a right hand elliptical polarization state, and receiving the second plurality of polarizer elements The second image system can be associated with receiving the second image at a plurality of polarizer elements operable to transmit light having a second linear polarization state and blocking light having a left hand elliptical polarization state.

The first linear polarization orientation can be oriented at 45 degrees.

Receiving the first image system at the first plurality of polarizer elements can involve receiving the first image at a plurality of linear polarizer elements operable to transmit light having the first polarization state, and Receiving the second image system at the second plurality of polarizer elements can involve receiving the second image at a plurality of linear polarizer elements operable to deliver light having the second polarization state.

The method can involve selectively rotating the discriminator by approximately 90 degrees to produce an image in one of a lateral orientation and a longitudinal orientation.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a first filter portion arranged to transmit light having a first spectral property through a first portion of the single imaging path; and a second portion of the discriminator can include a second portion a discriminator portion arranged to transmit light having a second spectral property through a second portion of the single imaging path, and receiving the first image system may be operable to transmit light having the first spectral properties and Receiving the first image at a first plurality of sensor elements that block optical transmissions having the second spectral properties; and receiving the second image system may be operable to transmit the second spectral attributes The second image is received by a second plurality of sensor elements that block light transmission with the first spectral properties.

The first spectral attributes may include a first set of wavelengths and the second set of spectral attributes may include a second set of wavelengths, the first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths being separated by a wavelength separate.

Each sensor element can include a plurality of filter elements, each filter element being operative to transmit light in one of a range of wavelengths within the range of such wavelengths.

The plurality of filter elements can be arranged such that light passing through the sensor elements continuously passes through the respective filter elements before reaching the underlying colored filter array.

The plurality of filter elements can be arranged adjacent to each other and overlying corresponding sensor elements, and the filter elements are configured to synchronously generate the first image and the second image while simultaneously illuminating Lead to the corresponding lower sensor element for color information generation.

The method may involve generating an image signal representing one of the first image and the second image, and may further involve processing the image signal to generate a first image representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements a first imaging signal, and a second imaging signal representing a second image received by the second plurality of sensor elements, wherein the processing may include performing the first image signal and the second image signal The image is processed such that the first image and the second image have the same color appearance.

The first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths can each comprise a red wavelength, a green wavelength, and a blue wavelength, and the wavelength difference can be between about 1 nanometer and about 100 nanometers.

Receiving the first image system can involve receiving the first image at a first plurality of sensor elements having an overlying filter element operative to transmit light having the first spectral properties, and having The second image is received at a second plurality of sensor elements operable to transmit an overlying filter element having the light of the second spectral property.

Each of the filter elements can include a narrow optical band pass filter having spectral responses corresponding to respective first spectral properties and second spectral properties.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a filter element operative to transmit light having the first set of wavelengths, and the second portion of the discriminator can include light operable to transmit the set of second wavelengths a filter component.

The method can involve generating an image signal representative of the first image and the second image.

Generating the imaging signal may involve causing the image sensor to generate a first imaging signal representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements, and causing the image sensor to generate a representative A second imaging signal of the second image received by the plurality of sensor elements.

Generating the imaging signal may involve causing the image sensor to generate an imaging signal representative of light received at the first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements, and further involving processing the Imaging the signal to generate a first imaging signal representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements and generating a second image representative of the second image received by the second plurality of sensor elements Imaging signal.

Directing light to one of the aperture planes of the lens can involve directing light captured within the field of view of the lens to a location at a physical aperture of one of the lenses or a location conjugated to one of the physical apertures. An aperture plane of the lens at the person.

Receiving the captured light system at the discriminator may involve receiving the captured light at a discriminator having a sufficiently small displacement from the aperture plane such that a change in intensity in the first image and the second image is due to the The halo system of the first and second portions of the discriminator can be below a threshold that can be detected by the naked eye.

The displacement can be small enough to reduce the intensity variation across one of the image planes associated with the first image and the second image to less than 30%.

Receiving the captured light system at the discriminator can involve receiving the captured light at a discriminator coating applied to a surface of one of the lens elements disposed adjacent the plane of the aperture.

The lens system can include a plurality of substantially circular lens elements for defining a substantially circular cross-section of a single imaging path, and receiving the captured light system can involve transmitting light having the first optical state through a left half of the discriminator and transmitting light having the second optical state through a right half of the discriminator, the respective left and right halves of the discriminator defining respective left semicircular portions of the single imaging path And the right semicircle.

The lens system can include a plurality of substantially circular lens elements for defining a substantially circular cross-section of a single imaging path, and receiving the captured light system can involve transmitting light having the first optical state through a left sector portion of the discriminator and transmitting light having the second optical state through a right sector portion of the discriminator, the left sector portion and the right sector portion being disposed in one of the lenses Vertical center line or so.

The method can involve varying a degree of the first portion and the second portion of the imaging path such that the first perspective point and the second perspective point change position simultaneously to form the first image and the second image, the perspective point location The change provides a corresponding change in the representation of the three-dimensional property.

The lens system can include a first aperture disposed to block illumination or a light transmitted through the first portion of the discriminator, and arranged to block illumination of light incident on or through the second portion of the discriminator a second aperture.

The method can involve combining image information from the first image and the second image to produce a third image and a fourth image having a reduced separation between respective perspective point locations.

The combination can involve scaling the intensity of the first image and the second image.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information using a lens having a single imaging path and an associated field of view is provided. The apparatus includes a lens having a single imaging path operable to direct light captured within the field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens. The apparatus also includes a spatial discriminator positioned adjacent the plane of the aperture, the discriminator including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is arranged to transmit light having a first optical state through A first portion of a single imaging path, and the second portion is arranged to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of the single imaging path. The first portion and the second portion of the single imaging path provide respective first and second perspective points within the field of view of the lens for forming respective first images at one of the image planes of the lens And the second image, the first image represents an object from the first perspective point in the field of view and the second image represents an object from the second perspective point, the first image and the second image are Operable to represent the three-dimensional properties of the objects. The apparatus further includes an image sensor disposed at an image plane of the lens, the image sensor having thereon a first plurality of sensor elements responsive to light having the first optical state And a second plurality of sensor elements responsive to light having the second optical state.

Each of the first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements included in the image sensor includes light operable to transmit light having a corresponding optical state and blocking the optical state except the corresponding optical state An optional component of the transmission, and a corresponding sensor component below the selective component.

Each of the corresponding sensor elements can include a plurality of sensor elements.

The respective first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements are operable to reduce spatial interference from the repetition frequency of the sensor elements of the image sensor via a repeating tessellation configuration.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a first polarizer portion disposed to transmit a first portion of light having a first polarization state through the single imaging path; and the second portion of the discriminator A second polarizer portion is included that is arranged to transmit light having a second polarization state through a second portion of the single imaging path.

The image sensor can include a first plurality of sensor elements arranged to transmit light having the first polarization state to a corresponding plurality of sensor elements and to block the second polarization state Optical transmission; and a second plurality of sensor elements arranged to transmit light having the second polarization state to a corresponding plurality of sensor elements and to block light transmission having the first polarization state.

The first portion of the polarizer is operatively configured to transmit light having a left-hand elliptical polarization through a first portion of the polarizer and to transmit light having a right-hand elliptical polarization through the pole a second portion of the imager; and the first plurality of image sensor elements can include a first plurality of light operable to transmit light having a left hand elliptical polarization state and blocking light having a right hand elliptical polarization state a polarizer element, and the second plurality of image sensor elements can include a second plurality of polarizations operable to transmit light having a right hand elliptical polarization state and blocking light having a left hand elliptical polarization state Component.

Each of the first plurality of polarizer elements can include a quarter-wave plate operable to change the right-hand elliptical polarization state to a first linear polarization state, and operable to transmit the first a linearly polarized element; and the second plurality of polarizer elements each comprise a quarter that is operable to change the left hand elliptical polarization state to a second linear polarization state A wave plate, and operative to transmit a linearly polarized element having the second linear polarization state.

The left-hand elliptical polarization state may include a left-hand circular polarization state, and the right-hand elliptical polarization state may include a right-hand circular polarization state.

The first portion of the polarizer can have a first linear polarization orientation and the second portion of the polarizer can have a second linear polarization orientation, the first linear polarization orientation being oriented Orthogonal to the second linear polarization orientation; each of the first plurality of polarizer elements can include an operative to transmit light having a first linear polarization state and the barrier has a right hand elliptical polarization state a polarizer element of light, and each of the second plurality of polarizer elements can comprise a light operable to transmit light having a second linear polarization state and blocking light having a left hand elliptical polarization state Polarizer element.

The first linear polarization orientation can be oriented at 45 degrees.

The first plurality of polarizer elements can include a plurality of linear polarizer elements operable to transmit light having the first polarization state, and the second plurality of polarizer elements can comprise operable A plurality of linear polarizer elements for transmitting light having the second polarization state.

The discriminator is operatively configured to selectively rotate approximately 90 degrees to produce an image in one of a lateral orientation and a longitudinal orientation.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a first filter portion arranged to transmit light having a first spectral property through a first portion of the single imaging path; and a second portion of the discriminator can include a second portion a discriminator portion arranged to transmit light having a second spectral property through a second portion of the single imaging path, and the first plurality of sensor elements are operatively configured to transmit having the first Light of spectral properties and blocking optical transmission having the second spectral properties; and the second plurality of sensor elements are operatively configured to transmit light having the second spectral properties and to have such Optical transmission of the first spectral attribute.

The first spectral attributes may include a first set of wavelengths and the second set of spectral attributes may include a second set of wavelengths, the first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths being separated by a wavelength separate.

Each sensor element can include a plurality of filter elements, each filter element being operative to transmit light in one of a range of wavelengths within the range of such wavelengths.

The plurality of filter elements can be arranged such that light passing through the sensor elements continuously passes through the respective filter elements before reaching the underlying colored filter array.

The plurality of filter elements can be arranged adjacent to each other and overlying corresponding sensor elements, and the filter elements are configured to synchronously generate the first image and the second image while simultaneously illuminating Lead to the corresponding lower sensor element for color information generation.

The image sensor is operatively configured to generate an image signal representative of the first image and the second image, and further comprising a controller operatively configured to process the image Signaling to generate a first imaging signal representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements, and generating a second image representative of the second image received by the second plurality of sensor elements An imaging signal, and the controller is operatively configured to image the first image signal and the second image signal such that the first image and the second image have the same color appearance.

The first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths can each comprise a red wavelength, a green wavelength, and a blue wavelength, and the wavelength difference can be between about 1 nanometer and about 100 nanometers.

The image sensor can include a first plurality of sensor elements having an overlying filter element operative to transmit light having the first spectral properties, and having an operable to transmit the A second plurality of sensor elements of an overlying filter element of light of the second spectral property.

Each of the filter elements can include a narrow optical band pass filter having spectral responses corresponding to respective first spectral properties and second spectral properties.

The first portion of the discriminator can include a filter element operative to transmit light having the first set of wavelengths, and the second portion of the discriminator can include light operable to transmit the set of second wavelengths a filter component.

The image sensor is operatively configured to generate an image signal representative of the first image and the second image.

The image sensor is operatively configured to generate a first imaging signal representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements, and configured to generate a representation from the second plurality A second imaging signal of the second image received by the sensor elements.

The image sensor is operatively configured to generate an imaging signal representative of light received at each of the first plurality of sensor elements and the second plurality of sensor elements, and configured Processing the imaging signal to generate a first imaging signal representative of the first image received by the first plurality of sensor elements, and generating a second image representative of the second plurality of sensor elements a second imaging signal.

The aperture plane of the lens may comprise an aperture plane of a lens at a location of one of the physical apertures of the lens or a location conjugated to one of the physical apertures.

The discriminator can have a sufficiently small displacement away from the aperture plane such that the intensity variations in the first image and the second image are lower than the halo system of the first and second portions of the discriminator A critical value detected.

The displacement can be small enough to reduce the intensity variation across one of the image planes associated with the first image and the second image to less than 30%.

The discriminator can comprise a discriminator applied to a surface of one of the lens elements disposed adjacent the plane of the aperture.

The lens system can include a plurality of substantially circular lens elements for defining a substantially circular cross-section of a single imaging path, and the discriminator can include a light operable to transmit light having the first optical state. A left half and a right half operable to transmit light having the second optical state, the respective left and right half of the discriminator defining respective left and right semicircular portions of the single imaging path.

The lens system can include a plurality of substantially circular lens elements for defining a substantially circular cross-section of a single imaging path, and the discriminator can include a light operable to transmit light having the first optical state. A left sector portion and a right sector portion operable to transmit light having the second optical state, the left sector portion and the right sector portion being disposed about a vertical centerline of the lens.

The discriminator is operable to vary a degree of the first portion and the second portion of the imaging path such that the first perspective point and the second perspective point change position simultaneously to form the first image and the second image, perspective The change in point position provides a corresponding change in the representation of the three-dimensional spatial attribute.

The apparatus can include a first aperture disposed to block illumination or transmitted through a first portion of the discriminator, and arranged to block illumination of illumination or passing through a second portion of the discriminator a second aperture.

The apparatus can include a controller operatively configured to combine image information from the first image and the second image to produce a third image and a reduced separation between respective perspective point positions Four images.

The controller is operatively configured to combine the image information by scaling the intensity of the first image and the second image.

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Referring to FIG. 1, a device for generating three-dimensional image information in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as 100. The apparatus 100 includes a lens 102 having a single imaging path oriented generally along a central axis 103. The lens 102 is operable to direct light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane 104 of the lens.

The device 100 also includes a spatial discriminator 108 located adjacent the aperture plane 104. The aperture plane 104 can be one of the physical aperture planes of the lens 102 or can be conjugated to one of the aperture planes. The discriminator includes a first portion 110 and a second portion 112, wherein the first portion 110 is arranged to transmit light having a first optical state through a first portion of the single imaging path, and the second Portion 112 is arranged to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of one of the single imaging paths. The first portion 110 and the second portion 112 of the single imaging path provide respective first and second perspective points within the field of view of the lens 102 for forming respective ones at one of the image planes 114 of the lens The first image and the second image. The first image is representative of an object (such as object 116) from the first perspective point in the field of view, and the second image is representative of the object from the second perspective point. The first image and the second image are operative together to represent the three-dimensional spatial properties of the objects 116.

The device 100 also includes an image sensor 106 disposed at an image plane 114 of the lens 102. The image sensor 106 includes a first plurality of sensor elements 138 responsive to light having the first optical state, and a second plurality of sensor elements responsive to light having the second optical state. The image sensor 106 can be implemented as a charge coupled device sensor (CCD) or an active pixel sensor (such as a CMOS active pixel sensor).

The image sensor 106 can include an output 128 for generating an image signal. The device 100 also includes a controller 130 having image signals for receiving output 128 from the image sensor. In one embodiment, the output 128 can include a plurality of parallel signal lines such that the image signals from the image sensor 106 can be read in parallel. The controller can include a processor circuit operatively configured to perform the processing of the image signal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lens 102 includes a plurality of lens elements having lens elements 118, 120, and 122 that form a zoom lens group 124 and define the aperture. The position of the plane 104. The focus length of the zoom lens group 124 can be varied by moving the lens elements 118, 120. The lens 102 also includes a focusing lens 126 for focusing the images at the image plane 114. In other embodiments, the lens 102 can be fabricated from a multi- or a few-purpose lens element and can be a fixed focus lens, a telephoto lens, and other types of lenses for imaging.

Referring to FIG. 2, an image sensor in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as 200. The image sensor 200 includes a photoactive layer 202 that includes a charge or voltage operable to generate a photon flux incident on the image sensor during a time period. The image sensor 200 further includes a colored filter array 206 that overlies the photosensitive layer and has a plurality of colored filter elements 208. Each of the colored filter elements 208 is overlaid with a sensor element 204 to provide a one-to-one correspondence between the colored filter elements and the sensor elements. Layers 202 and 206 together may include a CCD image sensor or a CMOS active pixel sensor, similar to conventional image sensors.

The image sensor 200 also includes selective layers 210 and 212. In one embodiment, the layers 210 and 212 comprise a selective element 214 operative to selectively transmit light having one of the first optical state and the second optical state, and the barrier has other optical states Light transmission.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portion 216 of the image sensor 200 is shown in an expanded view in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, each of the selective elements 214 in this embodiment includes a quarter-wave plate element 218 on layer 212 and a linear polarizer element 220 on layer 210. In Figure 3, some of the quarter wave plate elements 218 on layer 212 are labeled "R" to indicate that the wave plate is oriented to change the right hand circularly polarized light to have a first polarization orientation ( For example: -45 degrees) linearly polarized light. The other quarter wave plate 218 on layer 212 is labeled "L" to indicate that the wave plate is oriented to change the left hand circularly polarized light to linearly polarized light (eg, +45 degrees). Similarly, some linear polarizers 220 on layer 210 are labeled "-" to indicate that the polarizer is oriented to deliver linearly polarized light having a first polarization orientation (eg, -45 degrees). The other linear polarizers on layer 210 are labeled "+" to indicate that the polarizer is oriented to deliver linearly polarized light having a second polarization orientation (eg, +45 degrees). The dimensions of the wave plate 218 and the polarizer 220 are substantially the same, and each wave plate labeled "R" is overlaid with a polarizer labeled "-" and each wave labeled "L" The film is overlaid with a polarizer labeled "+". The wave plates 218 and polarizers 220 can be fabricated by, for example, conventional lithographic deposition or processing.

The colored filter array layer 206 includes the plurality of colored filter elements 208, which in this embodiment are configured in a Bayer filter configuration to have two green or luminescent sensing elements ( G ), A red chrominance sensing element ( R ) and a blue chrominance sensing element ( B ). The colored filter elements 208 of G, R, and B each have a size that is one-quarter of the selective elements 214 (made by a quarter-wave plate element 218 and linear polarizer 220) such that One of the four color filter elements ( GRBG ) Bayer unit 222 has the same dimensions as the single selective element and is below the corresponding selective element.

Finally, the plurality of sensor elements 204 on the photoactive layer 202 each have a size and alignment corresponding to an overlying colored filter element 208. The spectral response of one of the sensor elements 204 is thus modified by the overlying colored filter element 208 to allow color information in the images to be recovered from the image signal.

Spatial discriminator

In general, the light system received from the field of view of the lens 102 will have a random linear polarization. In one embodiment, the first portion 110 of the spatial discriminator 108 can include a linear polarizer followed by a quarter-wave plate. The linear polarizer can be oriented such that linearly polarized light components incident on the linear polarizer and having a first polarization orientation (e.g., -45 degrees) are transmitted through the linear polarizer. The quarter-wave plate is oriented such that light having a polarization orientation of -45 degrees is changed to become left-hand circularly polarized light. The first portion 110 of the discriminator in this embodiment will thus result in the left hand circularly polarized light being transmitted.

Similarly, the second portion 112 of the spatial discriminator 108 can also include a linear polarizer oriented such that it is incident on the linear polarizer and has a second polarization orientation (eg, +45 degrees). The linearly polarized light component is transmitted through the linear polarizer. The quarter-wave plate is oriented such that light having a +45 degree polarization orientation is changed to become right-hand circularly polarized light. The second portion 112 of the discriminator will thus result in the right hand circularly polarized light being transmitted in this embodiment.

operating

The operation of image sensor 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is further described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 (showing the device 100 in a top view).

Referring to FIG. 4, light 142 emitted from a first point 140 in the field of view of the lens 102 can include randomly polarized light that is captured by the lens 102 and directed to where the light passes through the discriminator The aperture mirror plane 104 of the first portion 110 of 108. Light 144 transmitted through the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 has a left hand circular polarization and is focused at a point 146 on the image plane 114. Referring back to Figure 3, a left-hand circularly polarized light (irradiated on the quarter-wave plate 218 of layer 212 labeled "L") undergoes a change in polarization state from the left hand circular pole. Lights up to +45 degrees of linearly polarized light. The linear polarizer element 220 labeled "+" transmits +45 degree polarized light through the corresponding colored filter element 208 and sensor element 204 to facilitate recording of the first image. A light having a right hand circular polarization (irradiated on a quarter wave plate 218 of layer 212 labeled " L ") undergoes a change in polarization state from right-hand circularly polarized light to -45 The linearly polarized light is blocked by a linear polarizer element labeled "+".

Referring back to FIG. 4, light 150 emitted from a second point 148 in the field of view is captured by the lens 102 and directed to the aperture mirror plane 104 where the light passes through the second portion 112 of the discriminator 108. Light 152 transmitted through the second portion 112 of the discriminator 108 has a right hand circular polarization and is focused at a point 154 on the image plane 114. Referring back to Figure 3, a light having a right hand circular polarization (irradiated on the quarter wave plate 218 of layer 212 labeled " R ") undergoes a change in polarization state from the right hand circular pole Light to -45 degrees linearly polarized light. The linear polarizer element 220 labeled "-" transmits -45 degree polarized light through the corresponding colored filter element 208 and sensor element 204 to facilitate recording of the second image. A light having a left hand circular polarization (irradiated on a quarter wave plate 218 of layer 212 labeled " R ") undergoes a change in polarization state from right hand circularly polarized light to +45 The linearly polarized light is blocked by a linear polarizer element labeled "-".

Advantageously, the first image and the second image are jointly acquired by the image sensor element 204, and the signal values accumulated in the sensor elements 204 can be read out during a period of time. And to be separated. In the case of video images, the time period can be set by a desired frame rate (for example, 30 frames per second for NTSC video signals). In one embodiment, all of the sensor elements are read from the image sensor 200 to be a stream of pixels in a single operation, and the controller 130 (shown in FIG. 1) is based on the image sense. The particular configuration of the selective elements 214 on the selective layers 210 and 212 of the detector 200 divides the pixels into first image pixels and second image pixels. In other embodiments. The sensor component associated with the first image can be read during a first time period, and the sensor component associated with the second image can be read during a second time period

Referring to FIG. 5, exemplary first and second image frames of object 116 shown in FIG. 1 are shown at 160 and 162. Because the first portion of the first imaging path defined by the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 is offset from a central axis 103, the first image 160 has a perspective point from one side of the object 116 and An image centerline 164 is offset toward the left. The second image 162 is formed with a perspective point from the other side of the object 116 and offset from the image centerline 164 toward the right. When the first image 160 and the second image 164 are selectively guided to a respective user's left and right eyes, the user system will be able to recognize 3D information from the images to the user. This is done in substantially the same way that the 3D information can be recognized while viewing the actual object 116.

The first image 160 and the second image 162 can be alternately displayed as a separate video field on a video display detector. Various types of active and passive glasses are available for directing the displayed first image 160 and second image 162 to the user's eyes. Passive type glasses typically rely on additional wavelength or polarization processing of the displayed images such that the passive filter in the glasses separates the images. Active type glasses typically include a receiver for receiving a synchronized signal from a display to alternatively allow the first image 160 and the second image 162 to be transmitted to respective left and right eyes. Alternatively, the first image 160 and the second image 162 can be processed to match the identifiable characteristics in the respective images and determine the lateral offset between the identifiable characteristics. The determined lateral offset, along with the knowledge of the imaging parameters of the device, can be used to calculate the difference in depth between points on an object or the difference between objects at different depths.

Advantageously, the discriminator 108 can be a passive element such as one of the passive polarizer elements to allow for the use of relatively thin materials such as an absorptive polarizer film or thin film polarizer. These materials allow the discriminator 108 to be placed in close proximity to or in the aperture plane 104 even in a lens 102 having a limited space between the lens elements. Advantageously having a selective transmission/blocking of the light for generating a first image and a second image appearing at least near one of the aperture planes of the lens 102 to reduce or eliminate the passage of selectively transmitted light through the first The first portion and the second portion of an imaging path cause halation of the images. In some embodiments, the discriminator 108 can be located adjacent an iris of the lens that defines the system aperture and controls an amount of light captured by the lens 102. Alternatively, the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 of the discriminator 108 can be applied as a coating directly to a lens element defining an aperture plane of a lens, or located near the aperture plane of the lens. a lens element.

To use a particular lens to achieve a desired image quality or performance, an optical sensitivity analysis can be performed to produce a distance tolerance value representative of the maximum displacement of the discriminator 108 from one of the aperture planes 104. This analysis may take into account the geometric offset of the halo caused by the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 of the discriminator 108 in the first image and the second image, and the distance tolerance value will be provided from the A maximum distance of the aperture plane meets a criterion for acceptable 3D imaging quality. The extent to which imaging quality is affected by moving the discriminator 108 away from the aperture plane depends on the configuration of the lens elements that make up the lens 102 and the desired imaging performance of the system. In a very high performance imaging system, the discriminator 108 may be located very close to the aperture plane 104 to minimize halation and thus provide a first image and a second image having substantially uniform image intensities across the image. Shadow image. In low performance imaging systems, allowing image intensity to have a significant drop at the edges of the images is acceptable because the naked eye is not extremely sensitive to this drop. In non-critical imaging applications, a 30% to 90% reduction in image rejection at the outer edge of an image is acceptable and can be compensated for by computer image processing or other optical processing.

Referring back to Figure 3, the " R " and " L " quarter-wave plates 218 shown in this embodiment are repeated in a mosaic pattern. A first column shown in this embodiment has a repeating pattern "RLLRLLR", and a second column has a repeating pattern "LRRLRRL". Various other repeating mosaic patterns can be used. The repeating mosaic is operable to reduce spatial interference effects such as ripples, which can occur when a regular repeating pattern is used.

Alternatively, in this alternative embodiment, the discriminator 108 can be configured as a linear polarizer having a first portion 110 configured to transmit -45 degree polarized light and The second portion 112 of the +45 degree polarized light is configured to transmit. In this embodiment, the selective layer 212 is not necessary and the elements 220 on the layer 210 will perform the functions of the selective layers. In this embodiment, when oriented as shown in Figure 1, the device 110 is configured to produce an image in a generally so-called "horizontal orientation" (i.e., the longest dimension of the image is horizontally oriented). The generated first image and second image are separated into a right image and a left image, and advantageously cause the first image and the second image to correspond to a right eye and a left eye that are normally separated by a user's level. image. However, particularly in still image pictures, it is common for one of the user's cameras to capture images in both landscape orientation and longitudinal orientation (i.e., where the longer dimension of the image is vertically oriented). In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100, the apparatus can be configured to allow configuration in a landscape mode or a portrait mode. In particular, the discriminator 108 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction indicated by arrow 136 such that the first image and the second image are vertically separated in the orientation of the device as shown in FIG. In this configuration, when the device 100 is oriented to capture images in landscape mode, the first image and the second image system will remain horizontally separated, thereby providing a first with respective left and right perspective points. Image and second image. The approximately 90 degree rotation of the discriminator 108 can be implemented using a mechanical rotor having an actuator that is typically operated manually by the user. Alternatively, the mechanical rotor system can be actuated by an electric motor in response to a user selection in response to a lateral mode, or automatically responding by, for example, an accelerometer or gravity sensor (not shown) One position signal generated by one of the orientation sensors.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first polarization orientation and the second polarization orientation are perpendicular to -45 degrees and +45 degrees, respectively; but in other embodiments, the polarization system is It can be oriented in other ways (for example: vertical and horizontal). Advantageously, orienting the first polarization orientation and the first polarization orientation to ±45 degrees avoids passing light received from the field of view of the lens 102 between the first image and the second image The difference in partial polarization occurs just as light is reflected from, for example, a roadway or body of water.

In another embodiment, the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 can include a polarizer operable to transmit light having a left-hand elliptical polarization state, and the second portion 112 of the discriminator 108 can include A polarizer operable to transmit light having a right hand elliptical polarization state.

Embodiment of spectrum discriminator

In other embodiments, portions 110 and 112 of the discriminator 108 are operable to replace the filters and other optical components of different properties or states of light to produce the first image and the second image. For example, the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 can include a first rate lighter portion arranged to transmit light having a first spectral property through a first portion of the single imaging path, and a second portion of the discriminator A second illuminator portion arranged to transmit light having a second spectral property through a second portion of the single imaging path can be included. In this embodiment, one of the first plurality of selective components of the image sensor 200 is configured to form the first image by transmitting light having the first spectral properties and having a barrier Optical transmission of the second spectral properties. Similarly, a second plurality of selective elements of the image sensor 200 are configured to form the second image by transmitting light having the second spectral properties and blocking the Optical transmission of a spectral attribute.

Referring to Figure 6, the portions 110 and 112 can be implemented as interference filters to deliver a particular narrow wavelength band such as blue, green, and red. The transmission spectrum of these interference filters is shown graphically at 700 and 702 in FIG. The first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 can be configured to transmit a first plurality of wavelengths λ _B1 , λ _G1 , and λ _R1 as shown at 700, and the second portion 112 can be configured to pass A second plurality of wavelengths λ _B2 , λ _G2 , and λ _R3 as shown at 702.

Referring to FIG. 7, portion 216 of image sensor 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that the selective layers 212 and 210 are replaced by a selective layer 750. The selective layer 750 includes a selective element 752 labeled λ ₁ in FIG. 7 and responsive to the first plurality of wavelengths. The selective layer 750 also includes a selective element 752 labeled λ ₂ and responsive to the second plurality of wavelengths. The selective elements can include an absorption filter, an interference filter, or a combination of the foregoing, wherein the filter is responsive only to a very narrow wavelength band. In other embodiments, the filters are configurable to provide a clear wavelength transfer at the edges of the transmission band, thereby permitting more than one of the first plurality of wavelengths and the second plurality of wavelengths Three wavelength ranges.

When the second plurality of wavelengths 702 are received through the single imaging path, the portion 110 blocks the wavelengths and the portion 112 transmits the second plurality of wavelengths that are imaged to form at the image plane 114 a first image. When the first plurality of wavelengths 700 are received through the single imaging path, the portion 112 blocks the wavelengths and the portion 110 transmits the first plurality of wavelengths, which are imaged to form at the image plane 114 a second image. The selective elements 752 have substantially the same spectral response as the corresponding first and second portions of the discriminator 108, and the selective layer 750 thus transmits the respective wavelengths to the plurality of colored filters below. The photosensor element 208 and the plurality of sensor elements 204 facilitate recording of the first image and the second image.

The first image and the second image are then processed to reconstruct the color of the influence such that the naked eye perceives a range of colors that would otherwise be perceived if such filters were not present in the system. This process will generally be similar to the process used to reconstruct colors in a conventional camera that uses a Bayer colored filter array. This wavelength difference will be between about 1 and about 100 nm. The image processing system may involve changing a relative intensity of the first plurality of wavelengths and a specific one of the second plurality of wavelengths such that a user will not be able to recognize a spectral difference between the two images, even if such The image has a slight offset spectrum.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, each λ ₁ selective element 752 comprises a filter operable to filter each of the wavelength ranges shown at 700 in Figure 6, and each λ ₂ selective element 752 comprises A filter is operated to filter each of the wavelength ranges shown at 702 in FIG. Such filters may thus comprise three separate filter layers, each layer being tailored to filter one of the wavelength ranges shown at 750 and 752.

In another embodiment, the colored filter array can be omitted and each selective element 752 can be configured to perform the function of the colored filter array. For example, each λ ₁ selective element 752 can include four adjacently arranged filter wave elements, such as a λ _B1 , λ _{R1 ,} and two λ _G1 elements (a case of a Bayer-type colored filter array). Similarly, each λ ₂ selective element 752 can also include four adjacently arranged filter elements, such as a λ _B2 , λ _{R ,} and two λ _G2 elements. Advantageously, this embodiment can be used to integrate both the color separation function and the image separation function into a single suitably configured layer.

Variable stereo vision

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the single imaging path is circular in shape, and the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 extends to encompass a first semi-circular portion of the imaging path, and the second Portion 112 extends to encompass a second semi-circular portion of this imaging path. In one embodiment where the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 are configured as linear polarizers (eg, -45 degrees and +45 degrees), the portions can each extend to encompass the single imaging One of the paths is less than one sector of the half circle area as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10. Referring to FIG. 8, the discriminator 108 can be sized such that the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 extend outward beyond the imaging path 406. A single center of mass of the region covered by the first portion 110 (indicated by dashed line 406) is displayed at 550, and one of the regions of the single imaging path covered by the second portion 112 The center of mass is shown at 552. The centroids 550 and 552 can be considered to define a center of a respective perspective view of the first image and the second image formed by a lens (such as lens 102 shown in FIG. 1). A distance D between the two centroids 550 and 552 represents a stereoscopic separation between the images, which is loosely equivalent to one of the "3D amounts" produced by the device.

Referring to Figure 9, an overlap region 558 is formed in two poles by moving the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 inwardly in the direction of arrow 554 and moving the second portion 112 inwardly in the direction of arrow 556. Between the chemical parts. The light system passing through the overlap region 558 will pass through both the portion of the discriminator 108 having a one-45 degree polarization orientation and one portion having a +45 degree polarization orientation, and thus will be blocked regardless of the polarization orientation. In such cases, the centroids 550 and 552 are each offset outwardly, and thus the perspective point is also offset outwardly to provide better between the first image and the second image. Stereoscopic separation.

Referring to Figure 10, the first portion 110 of the discriminator 108 is moved further inward in the direction of arrow 560 and the second portion 112 is further moved inwardly in the direction of arrow 562 to cause overlap between the two polarizer portions. Area 564 is increased to a degree. The light system passing through the overlap region 564 will again pass both the -45 degree polarization portion and the +45 degree polarization portion of the discriminator 108 and will thus be blocked. In these cases, the centroids 550 and 552 are each again offset outwardly and thus further change the perspective point.

In one embodiment, the movement of portions 110 and 112 of the discriminator 108 can be performed by an actuator such as a mini stepper motor, and the degree of separation of the centroids can be at the formation of the first image Simultaneously with the second image to provide variable stereo vision, as co-owned by the method entitled "Method and apparatus for generating 3D image information using a single imaging path" as claimed on July 10, 2009. PCT Patent Application No. PCT/CA2009/000957, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment, the first image and the second image formed by the first portion 110 and the first portion 112 of the discriminator 108 can be used to combine the first image and the second image. A third image and a fourth image are generated. For example, by the arrangement of the first portion 110 and the first portion 112 of the discriminator 108 as shown in FIG. 8, 9, or 10, the first image and portions of the second image can be combined on the same basis to generate The third image. Similarly, portions of the first image and the second image can be combined on another basis to produce the fourth image. In one embodiment, the combination base may scale one of the first images at a first ratio and scale one of the second images at a second ratio, and then normalize and combine the scaled images to generate The third image. Similarly, the fourth image can be used to scale one of the first images by the second ratio and scale the intensity of the second image by the first ratio, and then normalize and combine the scaled images. The fourth image is generated.

The portion or ratio of the first image and the second image is included to effectively reduce stereoscopic separation between the first image and the second image. This processing can be performed by the controller 13 (as shown in Figure 1) and can be used to further reduce the stereoscopic separation provided by any of Figures 8-10. Such changes can be used to provide a migration from a weak to no stereoscopic separation (ie, substantially 2D) to a strong stereoscopic separation of 3D images.

In an alternative embodiment, the first portion 110 and the first portion 112 (shown in FIG. 1) of the discriminator 108 can include respective first adjustable apertures and second adjustable portions overlying respective portions Aperture (shown). The apertures facilitate selection of corresponding first and second portions of the single imaging path to form the first image and the second image. Advantageously, incorporating an appropriately configured aperture system allows for the use of only a portion of the first portion 110 and the first portion 112 of the discriminator 108 to form the first image and the second image. For example, it may be desirable to vary the numerical aperture conditions of the respective first and second portions of the single imaging path to increase a depth of focus in the first image and the second image. The change in the numerical aperture can be achieved by reducing the size of the first aperture and the second aperture to block portions of the portion of the imaging path. In one embodiment, the aperture systems can be implemented as an actuated mechanical aperture such as a mechanical aperture. In other embodiments, the apertures can be implemented as an electro-optic aperture, such as by using a liquid crystal material. This electronic aperture system can be implemented as part of the discriminator 108.

Advantageously, the embodiments disclosed herein use a single imaging path to facilitate the generation of 3D image information. Furthermore, the separation of the first image and the second image appears at the image sensor, and the image images are simultaneously acquired from the image sensor, thereby being higher than the system for separating images at any time. Frame rate to facilitate capturing video images.

While the invention has been described and illustrated, the embodiments of the invention are intended to be construed

100. . . Device for generating 3D image information

102. . . lens

103. . . Central axis

104. . . Aperture plane

106. . . Image sensor

108. . . Discriminator

110. . . The first part of the discriminator

112. . . The second part of the discriminator

114. . . Image plane

116. . . Sample object for imaging

118. . . First lens element of the zoom group

120. . . Second lens element of the zoom group

122. . . Third lens element of the zoom group

124. . . Zoom lens unit

126. . . Focusing lens

128. . . Image sensor output

130. . . Controller

132. . . Controller input

136. . . Polarizer rotation direction

138. . . Photosensor element having a first optical state

139. . . Photosensor element having a second optical state

140. . . The first point of light source

142. . . Light from the first point

144. . . Light with left hand circular polarization

146. . . Focus on the first point on the image plane

148. . . The second point of light source

150. . . Light from the second point

152. . . Light with right hand circular polarization

154. . . Focus on the second point on the image plane

160. . . First image

162. . . Second image

164. . . Image center line

200. . . Image sensor

202. . . Photosensitive layer

204. . . Sensor component

206. . . Colored filter array

208. . . Colored filter element

210. . . First selective layer of image sensor

212. . . Second selective layer of image sensor

214. . . Selective component

216. . . One part of the image sensor

218. . . Quarter wave plate

220‧‧‧linear polarizer

222‧‧‧Bayer unit

406‧‧‧ imaging path

550‧‧‧The centroid of the first imaging path area

552‧‧‧The center of mass of the second imaging path region

554‧‧‧The direction of movement of the first part of the polarizer

556‧‧‧The direction of movement of the second part of the polarizer

558‧‧‧First overlapping area

560‧‧‧The first part of the polarizer moves further

562‧‧‧ Further movement direction of the second part of the polarizer

564‧‧‧Second overlapping area

700‧‧‧Transmission spectrum of the first polarization

702‧‧‧Transmission spectrum of the second polarization part

750‧‧‧Selective layer

752‧‧‧Selective components

In the drawings illustrating various embodiments of the invention:

1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of one of the image sensors used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 3 is an expanded view of a portion of the image sensor of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a top plan view showing an operational state of one of the devices of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an image produced by the apparatus shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a graphical depiction of the transmission spectrum of an interference filter used in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figures 1 through 4;

Figure 7 is an expanded view of a portion of the image sensor of Figure 2 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

8 through 10 are a series of views showing an alternative embodiment of one of the polarizers used in the apparatus of Fig. 1.

100. . . Device for generating 3D image information

102. . . lens

103. . . Central axis

106. . . Image sensor

108. . . Discriminator

110. . . The first part of the discriminator

112. . . The second part of the discriminator

114. . . Image plane

116. . . Sample object for imaging

118. . . First lens element of the zoom group

120. . . Second lens element of the zoom group

122. . . Third lens element of the zoom group

124. . . Zoom lens unit

126. . . Focusing lens

128. . . Image sensor output

130. . . Controller

132. . . Controller input

136. . . Polarizer rotation direction

138. . . Photosensor element having a first optical state

139. . . Photosensor element having a second optical state

Claims (23)

A method for generating three-dimensional image information using a lens having a single imaging path and an associated field of view, the method comprising: directing light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens; Receiving captured light at a spatial discriminator located adjacent the plane of the aperture, the discriminator comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is arranged to transmit light having a first optical state Passing through a first portion of a single imaging path, and the second portion is arranged to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of the single imaging path, the first portion and the second portion of the single imaging path Part of providing a respective first and second perspective points within the field of view of the lens for forming respective first images and images at an image sensor disposed on an image plane of the lens a second image, the first image is an object from the first perspective point in the field of view and the second image is an object from the second perspective point, the first image and the second image The two images are operative together to represent the three-dimensional spatial properties of the objects; the first image is received at one of the first plurality of selective elements on the image sensor, each of the first plurality of selective elements being overlaid At least one sensor element of the image sensor and configured to transmit light having the first optical state; and receiving the second image at a second plurality of selective elements on the image sensor Each of the second plurality of selective elements covers at least one sensor element of the image sensor and is configured to transmit the second light a state of light, wherein the first portion of the discriminator includes a first polarizer portion disposed to transmit light having a first polarization state through the first portion of the single imaging path, and Wherein the second portion of the discriminator includes a second polarizer portion arranged to transmit light having a second polarization state through the second portion of the single imaging path, and wherein: receiving The first image system includes receiving the first image at the first plurality of selective elements, wherein the first plurality of selective elements are arranged to transmit light received from the first polarizer portion to Corresponding a plurality of sensor elements and blocking light received from the second polarizer portion; and receiving the second image system includes receiving the second image at the second plurality of selective elements, wherein the A second plurality of selective elements are arranged to transmit light received from the second polarizer portion to a corresponding plurality of sensor elements and to block light received from the first polarizer portion. The method of claim 1, wherein: receiving the captured light system comprises receiving light having a left-hand elliptical polarization state through the first polarizer portion, and receiving through the second polarizer portion a right-hand elliptically polarized light; and each of the selective elements includes: a quarter-wave plate configured to present light received from the first portion of the discriminator and from the discriminator a linearly polarized light of the second portion of the received light; a linear polarizer interposed between the quarter wave plate and the at least one sensor element, the linear polarizer being arranged to transmit light from the first portion of the discriminator and from the discrimination One of the light of the second portion of the device. The method of claim 2, wherein the left-hand elliptical polarization state comprises a left-hand circular polarization state, and wherein the right-hand elliptical polarization state comprises a right-hand circular polarization state. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the captured light system comprises receiving light having a first linear polarization orientation through a first portion of the polarizer and transmitting a second portion of the polarizer Receiving light having a second linear polarization orientation, the first linear polarization orientation being oriented to be orthogonal to the second linear polarization orientation, and wherein: receiving at the first plurality of polarizer elements The first image system includes receiving the first image at a plurality of polarizer elements arranged to transmit light having the first linear polarization state and blocking light having the second linear polarization state; Receiving the second image system at the second plurality of polarizer elements includes a plurality of lights arranged to transmit light having the second linear polarization state and blocking light having the first linear polarization state The second image is received at the polarizer element. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the discriminator includes a first filter portion configured to transmit light having a first set of wavelengths through the first portion of the single imaging path while blocking Two wavelengths of light, and wherein the second portion of the discriminator includes a first a second filter portion configured to transmit light having the second set of wavelengths through the second portion of the single imaging path while blocking light of the first set of wavelengths, and wherein: receiving the first image system is included Receiving the first image by transmitting a first plurality of selective elements having light of at least one of the first set of wavelengths and blocking light having any one of the second set of wavelengths; receiving the second image Receiving, by the second plurality of selective elements operable to transmit light having at least one of the second set of wavelengths and blocking light having any of the first set of wavelengths; and The first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths each include a red wavelength, a green wavelength, and a blue wavelength. The method of claim 5, wherein: the first plurality of selective elements each cover a sensor element and are operatively configured to transmit light having one of the first set of wavelengths while blocking Light having the first set of wavelengths and any other of the second set of wavelengths; and the second plurality of selectable elements each covering a sensor element and operatively configured to transmit the set of second wavelengths Light of one of them blocks light having the first set of wavelengths and any other of the second set of wavelengths. The method of claim 5, wherein: the first plurality of selective elements each cover a plurality of sensor elements And operatively configured to transmit light having the first set of wavelengths; and the second plurality of selective elements each cover a plurality of sensor elements and are operatively configured to transmit the set of second wavelengths Light. The method of claim 5, further comprising: generating an image signal representing the first image and the second image; and processing the image signal to generate a representative of the first plurality of sensor elements Receiving a first imaging signal of the first image, and generating a second imaging signal representing the second image received by the second plurality of sensor elements, wherein the processing comprises processing the first image The signal and the second image signal are such that the first image and the second image have the same color appearance. The method of claim 1, further comprising combining the image information from the first image and the second image to generate a third image and a reduced separation between the respective perspective point positions Four images. The method of claim 9, wherein the combining comprises scaling the intensity of the first image and the second image. An apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information using a lens having a single imaging path and an associated field of view, the apparatus comprising: a lens having a single imaging path operable to be used in the lens The light captured in the field of view is directed to an aperture plane of the lens; a spatial discriminator is located adjacent the plane of the aperture, the discriminator comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is Arranging to transmit light having a first optical state through the single imaging path a first portion, and the second portion is arranged to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of the single imaging path, the first portion and the second portion of the single imaging path being Providing respective first and second perspective points within the field of view of the lens for forming respective first and second images at one of the image planes of the lens, the first image system representing the field of view An object from the first perspective point, and the second image represents an object from the second perspective point, the first image and the second image being operative together to represent a three-dimensional property of the object; An image sensor disposed at an image plane of the lens, the image sensor having thereon a first plurality of selective elements capable of transmitting light having the first optical state and transmittable a second plurality of selective elements having light of the second optical state, each selective element covering at least one sensor element of the image sensor, wherein: the first portion of the discriminator includes a first a chemist portion arranged to transmit a first portion of the light having a first polarization state through the single imaging path; the second portion of the discriminator includes a second polarizer portion disposed to convey a Light of a second polarization state passes through a second portion of the single imaging path; the first plurality of selective elements are arranged to transmit light received from the first polarizer portion to a corresponding plurality of senses a detector element and blocking light received from the second polarizer portion; and the second plurality of selective elements are arranged to transmit light received from the second polarizer portion to a corresponding Multiple sensor elements and block Light received from the first polarizer portion. The device of claim 11, wherein: the first polarization state is a left-hand elliptical polarization state, and the second polarization state is a right-hand elliptical polarization state; and each of the selective components includes: a fourth a wavelength plate arranged to present a linearly polarized light received from the first portion of the discriminator and light received from the second portion of the discriminator; and a linear pole a chemist between the quarter wave plate and the at least one sensor element, the linear polarizer being arranged to transmit light from the first portion of the discriminator and the source from the discriminator The second part of the light is one of them. The device of claim 12, wherein the left-hand elliptical polarization state comprises a left-hand circular polarization state, and wherein the right-hand elliptical polarization state comprises a right-hand circular polarization state. The device of claim 11, wherein the first polarization state is a first linear polarization orientation, and the second polarization state is a second linear polarization orientation, the first linear polarization orientation system Oriented to be orthogonal to the second linear polarization orientation, and wherein: the first plurality of selective elements each comprise light arranged to transmit light having the first linear polarization state and having a second a polarizer element of the polarized light; and the second plurality of selective elements each comprising light arranged to transmit light having the second linear polarization state and having a barrier to the first polarization state A polarizer element of light. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first linear polarization orientation is oriented to one of -45 degrees and +45 degrees with respect to vertical. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the discriminator is operatively configured to selectively rotate one of about +90 degrees and about -90 degrees to generate one of a horizontal orientation and a straight orientation. Image of the person. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the first portion of the discriminator includes a first filter portion arranged to transmit light having a first set of wavelengths through the first portion of the single imaging path while blocking a second set of light; the second portion of the discriminator includes a second filter portion arranged to transmit light having the second set of wavelengths through a second portion of the single imaging path while blocking the first a plurality of wavelengths of light; the first plurality of selective elements can transmit light having at least one of the first set of wavelengths and block light having any of the second set of wavelengths; the second plurality of selective elements Having light having at least one of the second set of wavelengths and blocking light having any of the first set of wavelengths; and the first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths each including a red wavelength, a green wavelength And blue wavelengths. The device of claim 17, wherein: the first plurality of selective elements each cover a sensor element and are operatively configured to transmit light having one of the first set of wavelengths, Blocking light having the first set of wavelengths and any other of the second set of wavelengths; and the second plurality of selective elements each covering a sensor element and operatively configured to transmit with the second The light of one of the wavelengths is set while blocking light having the first set of wavelengths and any other of the second set of wavelengths. The device of claim 17, wherein: the first plurality of selective elements each cover a plurality of sensor elements and are operatively configured to transmit light having the first set of wavelengths; and the second A plurality of selective elements each cover a plurality of sensor elements and are operatively configured to transmit light having the second set of wavelengths. The device of claim 17, wherein the first set of wavelengths and the second set of wavelengths each comprise a red wavelength, a green wavelength, and a blue wavelength. The device of claim 11, wherein the discriminator comprises a discriminator coating applied to a surface of a lens element, the lens element being disposed adjacent the plane of the aperture. The device of claim 11, wherein the discriminator is operable to vary a distance between a centroid of the first portion of the imaging path and a centroid of the second portion of the imaging path to cause the The first perspective point and the second perspective point change position when the first image and the second image are formed, the change in the position of the perspective point providing a change in the corresponding three-dimensional spatial attributes. The device of claim 11, wherein the discriminator comprises a first adjustable aperture and a second adjustable aperture, the first adjustable aperture being arranged to limit light transmitted through the first portion of the discriminator, the second adjustable aperture being arranged to limit transmission through the identification The light of the second part of the device.