Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information is disclosed. The method involves directing light captured within the field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens, receiving the captured light at a spatial discriminator located proximate the aperture plane, the discriminator including a first portion disposed to transmit light having a first optical state through a first portion of the single imaging path and a second portion disposed to transmit light having a second optical state through a second portion of the single imaging path. The first and second portions of the single imaging path provide respective first and second perspective viewpoints within the field of view of the lens for forming respective first and second images at an image sensor disposed at an image plane of the lens.

Abstract: 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.