Apparatus and method for capturing still images and video using coded lens imaging techniques

Abstract

An apparatus for capturing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a coded lens array including a plurality of lenses arranged in a coded pattern and with opaque material blocking array elements that do not contain lenses; and a light-sensitive semiconductor sensor coupled to the coded lens array and positioned at a specified distance behind the coded lens array, the light-sensitive sensor configured to sense light transmitted through the lenses in the coded lens array.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for three-dimensional motion capture comprising:
 a plurality of objects in motion that emit or reflect electromagnetic radiation (EMR);   a receiver that receives the emitted or reflected EMR from the plurality of objects; and   the system resolves ambiguities in identifying two or more of the plurality of objects by using the received EMR to determine the distance between the receiver and at least one object.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of objects are markers or distinctive markings placed on performers. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the receiver is a camera. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the system utilizes the distance between the receiver and at least one object to resolve ambiguities in determining the position of at least one object among the plurality of objects. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 1  where the system correlates the positions of the plurality of markers at a first time interval with the positions of the plurality of markers in a second time interval to track the motions of the plurality of markers between the time intervals. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 1  further wherein the EMR is a wavelength that is visible to the human eye. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 1  further wherein the EMR is a wavelength that is not visible to the human eye. 
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the EMR is infrared (IR) radiation. 
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the EMR is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the EMR is X-ray radiation. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the EMR is radiation at a single frequency. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein the EMR is radiation at multiple frequencies. 
     
     
         13 . A method for three-dimensional motion capture comprising:
 a plurality of objects in motion emitting or reflecting electromagnetic radiation (EMR);   a receiver receiving the emitted or reflected EMR from the plurality of objects; and   the receiver resolving ambiguities in identifying two or more of the plurality of objects by using the received EMR to determine the distance between the receiver and at least one object.   
     
     
         14 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the plurality of objects are markers or distinctive markings placed on performers. 
     
     
         15 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the receiver is a camera. 
     
     
         16 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the receiver utilizes the distance between the receiver and at least one object to resolve ambiguities in determining the position of at least one object among the plurality of objects. 
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 13  where the receiver correlates the positions of the plurality of markers at a first time interval with the positions of the plurality of markers in a second time interval to track the motions of the plurality of markers between the time intervals. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 13  further wherein the EMR is a wavelength that is visible to the human eye. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 13  further wherein the EMR is a wavelength that is not visible to the human eye. 
     
     
         20 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the EMR is infrared (IR) radiation. 
     
     
         21 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the EMR is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 
     
     
         22 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the EMR is X-ray radiation. 
     
     
         23 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the EMR is radiation at a single frequency. 
     
     
         24 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein the EMR is radiation at multiple frequencies.