Whole beam image splitting system
OwnerMichael D. Tocciinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical except for different focuses.
Claims9
A method of creating multiple images, the method comprising the steps of:
- splitting an image-forming optical beam into a first reflected beam portion and a first transmitted beam portion using a first non-polarizing whole beam beamsplitter;
- subsequently splitting the first reflected beam portion or the first transmitted beam portion into a second reflected beam portion and a second transmitted beam portion using a second non-polarizing whole beam beamsplitter;
- the first beamsplitter subsequently splitting the second reflected beam portion into a third reflected beam portion and a third transmitted beam portion;
- and
- forming a plurality of images on separate optical detectors from at least some of the beam portions;
- wherein each beamsplitter produces a reflected beam portion and a transmitted beam portion which are substantially identical.
An apparatus for creating multiple images, the apparatus comprising:
- a first non-polarizing whole beam beamsplitter oriented at a forty-five degree angle to an optical axis of an image forming beam, said first beamsplitter forming a first reflected beam portion and a first transmitted beam portion;
- a second non-polarizing whole beam beamsplitter for subsequently splitting the first reflected beam portion or the first transmitted beam portion into a second reflected beam portion and a second transmitted beam portion, said second beamsplitter is oriented at a forty-five degree angle to said first beamsplitter;
- and
- a plurality of separate optical detectors for imaging at least some of the plurality of beam portions;
- wherein each said beamsplitter produces a reflected beam portion and a transmitted beam portion which are substantially identical.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.