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AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
InventorsCarol J. Cogswell, Robert H. Cormack, Ramzi N. Zahreddine
Estimating the term…
Optical systems utilize waveplates to simultaneously encode information for increasing image depth of field and for providing a depth map of the imaged object or sample. These waveplates are configured to result in a focus-invariant point spread function in one focal region, and to result in point spread functions that vary as a function of range within the imaged object in a different focal region. For example, a basic compound microscope might have a specially shaped waveplate inserted at the back aperture plane of the microscope objective to manipulate the phase of the wavefront. An image formed on one side of the plane of best focus is focus invariant, and is brought into focus by a restoring algorithm. An image formed on the other side of the plane of best focus captures point spread functions comprising rings that vary with depth within the imaged object.
The method of imaging a three-dimensional (3D) object that simultaneously accomplishes extended depth of field and 3D ranging, the method comprising the steps of:
A waveplate for use in an optical system, the waveplate constructed and arranged to modify the optical path of light from a 3D object so as to enable the optical system to simultaneously produce two spaced apart images comprising an extended depth of field (EDF) image of the object and a depth-encoded image of the object having a point spread function (PSF) which varies predictably according to range.
Apparatus for generating a 3D image of a 3D object comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.