3d camera system and method

An apparatus for generating 3D images of an object comprising:

• a primary optical element located on a first plane, said primary optical element being focused on a first point in relation to said object, said primary optical element capable of capturing at least one first image;
• at least two secondary optical elements symmetrically arranged on a second plane that is parallel to said first plane, said secondary optical elements being focused on a second point that is different from said first point, said secondary optical elements capable of capturing at least one second image simultaneously with said first image;
• at least three tertiary optical elements symmetrically arranged on a third plane that is parallel to said second plane, said tertiary optical elements being focused on a third point that is different from said second point, said tertiary optical elements capable of capturing at least one third image simultaneously with said first image;
• wherein said optical elements are stacked in a pyramidical configuration.

A method for producing 3D images of an object comprising the steps of:

• taking a first image using a primary optical element located on a first plane, said primary optical element being focused on a first point in relation to said object;
• taking a second image using secondary optical element located on a second plane that is parallel to said first plane, said secondary optical element being focused on a second point that is of a different focal depth from said first point;
• taking a third image using at least one tertiary optical element located on a third plane that is parallel to said second plane, said tertiary optical element being focused on a third point that is of a different focal depth from said first point and said second point;
• capturing said images taken by each of said optical elements on a digital medium;
• combining said captured images from each of said optical elements into a stereoscopic picture.