METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGE INFORMATION USING A SINGLE IMAGING PATH

摘要

A method and apparatus for generating three dimensional image information using a single imaging path having an associated field of view is disclosed. The method involves selectively receiving first and second images through respective first and second portions of the single imaging path, the first portion having a first perspective viewpoint within the field of view and the second portion having a second perspective viewpoint within the field of view. The first and second images together are operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of objects within the field of view. The method also involves varying an extent of the first and second portions of the imaging path to cause the first and second perspective viewpoints to change location while receiving the first and second images, the change in perspective viewpoint location providing a corresponding change in the representation of the three dimensional spatial attributes. The method further involves compensating for changes in transmission through the first and second portions of the imaging path such that while varying the extent of the first and second portions, an image intensity associated with each of the first and second images is maintained at a generally uniform image intensity level.