3d imaging system and method

A 3D imaging system, comprising:

• an optical modulator for modulating a returned portion of a light pulse as a function of time;
• an electro-optic module configured to receive a modulated returned portion of the light pulse from the optical modulator, the electro-optic module including:
• a sensor array of pixels;
• and
• an array of optical elements formed on the sensor array, for receiving the modulated returned portion of the light pulse, wherein at least one of the optical elements has a predetermined first optical transmission state different from a second predetermined optical transmission state of another of the optical elements;
• and
• a processor configured to process signals from the sensor array of pixels, produced in response to the modulated return portion of the light pulse, to generate 3D information regarding a scene.

A method, comprising:

• illuminating a scene with a light pulse;
• modulating a returned portion of the light pulse;
• passing the modulated returned portion of the light pulse through an array of optical elements, wherein at least one of the optical elements has a predetermined first optical transmission state different from a second predetermined optical transmission state of another of the optical elements;
• receiving at a sensor array of pixels light output from the array of optical elements;
• and
• generating 3D information regarding a scene based on signals generated by the sensor array in response to the modulated return portion of the light pulse passed through the array of optical elements.