Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lens having a single imaging path operable to direct light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens. The apparatus also includes a polarizer located proximate the aperture plane, the polarizer including a first portion disposed to transmit light having a first polarization state through a first portion of the single imaging path and a second portion disposed to transmit light having a second polarization state through a second portion of the single imaging path, the first and second portions of the single imaging path providing respective first and second perspective viewpoints within the field of view of the lens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 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. The first and second images together being operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of the objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three dimensional image information using a single imaging path having an associated field of view. Two images are selectively received through respective portions of the single imaging path, each portion having a perspective viewpoint within the field of view. The two images together are operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of objects within the field of view. To create a change in the representation of the three dimensional spatial attributes, an extent of the two portions of the imaging path are varied to cause the perspective viewpoints to change location. While varying the extent of the portions, compensating for changes in transmission allows an image intensity associated with each of the two images to be maintained at a generally uniform image intensity level.