Light field image capture device having 2D image capture mode

摘要

A dual-mode light field camera or plenoptic camera is enabled to perform both 3D light field imaging and conventional high-resolution 2D imaging, depending on the selected mode. In particular, an active system is provided that enables the microlenses to be optically or effectively turned on or turned off, allowing the camera to selectively operate as a 2D imaging camera or a 3D light field camera.

主权项

1. An image capture device having at least two imaging modes, comprising:
an image sensor, configured to capture image data; a main lens, configured to direct incoming light toward the image sensor, along an optical path; a microlens array, positioned within the optical path between the main lens and image sensor, wherein the microlens array is capable of being selectively enabled and disabled; a cavity adjacent to the microlens array; and an enabling/disabling mechanism, configured to change the imaging mode of the image capture device by performing at least one of:
selectively causing the microlens array to be disabled by moving an index matching medium to the cavity, the index matching medium having an index of refraction matching that of the microlens array so as to cause the microlens array to become optically transparent while the microlens array remains within the optical path; andselectively causing the microlens array to be enabled by moving the index matching medium out of the cavity so as to cause the microlens array to become optically effective.