Researchers have developed a camera that uses a thin microlens array and new image processing algorithms to capture 3D information about objects in a scene with a single exposure. The camera could be useful for a variety of applications such as industrial part inspection, gesture recognition and collecting data for 3D display systems. Researchers consider their camera lensless because it replaces the bulk lenses used in conventional cameras with a thin, lightweight microlens array made of flexible polymer.
Because each microlens can observe objects from different viewing angles, it can accomplish complex imaging tasks such as acquiring 3D information from objects partially obscured by objects closer to the camera. The camera learns from existing data how to digitally reconstruct a 3D scene, therefore it can produce 3D images in real time. This 3D camera could be used to give robots 3D vision as well as provide content for 3D displays used in gaming, entertainment or many other applications.
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