Most 3D pictures and videos are constructed from 2D frames. The quality of such simulated images is usually far from satisfactory.
In view of this, PolyU has developed a 3D imaging system with an internal reflection unit and a sensor that is divided into nine parts. When attached to a plenoptic camera, the system can capture nine images of an object onto different parts of the sensor in a single shot. Each of the nine images records a slightly different perspective of the scene and its depth map information, which can be used to generate a high quality 3D image or video through image processing.
This system can solve the problem of image distortion caused by insufficient light and insufficient resolution with wide applications in mobile phones, tablet computers, high-precision shape detection devices, ultra-high pixel professional photographic equipment and satellite space cameras etc.
