3D imaging apparatus

A 3D imaging apparatus comprising:

• a first imaging unit configured to capture an object to generate a base image to be used for obtaining a first range image which shows a three-dimensional character of the object in an image;
• a second imaging unit located separately from the first imaging unit and configured to capture the object to generate a reference image to be used for obtaining the first range image;
• a corresponding pixel searching unit configured to search for corresponding pixels between the base image and the reference image;
• a first range image generating unit configured to generate the first range image by calculating a disparity based on the corresponding pixels;
• a light source for emitting to the object infrared light whose intensity is modulated;
• and
• a synchronization signal supplying unit configured to supply the first imaging unit with a synchronization signal synchronized with the modulated intensity,
• wherein the first imaging unit is further configured to generate a second range image by receiving a reflected light based on the synchronization signal, the reflected light being the infrared light reflected off the object, and the second range image including range information on a range between a point of reflection off the object and the first imaging unit,
• each of the first range image and the second range image is an image which shows a distance between the first imaging unit and the object, and
• lines of sight are aligned on the same axis with each other between the first range image and the second range image.