Method and apparatus for creating and displaying a three dimensional image

An apparatus for producing stereoscopic views of an object, comprising:

• “n” number of independent lenses through which the object can be imaged, where “n” is an integer equal to or greater than two;
• and
• at least one electronic imaging device operable to create at least two electronic perspective images of the object through the lenses at substantially the same time, and combine a first of the perspective images and a second of the perspective images into a single electronic collective image, wherein the first perspective image is disposed substantially contiguous with the second perspective image within the electronic collective image;
• wherein each lens is positioned relative to the other lenses within the apparatus so that the perspective image of the object created through each lens is created from a vantage point unique to that lens.

A method for providing stereoscopic views of an object, comprising the steps of:

• creating at least two electronic perspective images of the object using a single imaging device, each of which perspective images is created from a vantage point different from the vantage point of the other perspective images, wherein the electronic perspective images are created at substantially the same time, and each electronic perspective image is created through a different lens associated with the imaging device;
• combining a first of the perspective images and a second of the perspective images into a single electronic collective image within the imaging device, wherein the first perspective image is disposed substantially contiguous with the second perspective image within the electronic collective image;
• and
• sending the collective image to a display device operable to concurrently display both perspective images within the collective image.