A true three dimensional camera is described here, that without using the stereoscopic effect can measure the distance from each pixel to the point on the object that is in focus at the pixel. It is useful for providing detailed range information for guiding autonomous vehicles and general robotic vision. It is conventionally assumed that humans have three dimensional vision because each object is observed from a slightly different direction with each eye. That is, humans have stereoscopic vision. This is true. However, there is another mechanism in animal eyes that also contributes to three dimensional vision. The Depth Perception Camera described here also uses this mechanism. The Depth Perception Camera can be be constructed by conventional semiconductor device fabrication technology. It can also be constructed using a three dimensioal printer that can handle differently doped semiconductors.

Date Published: 15 October 2014
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 9202, Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V, 92020Z (15 October 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2062709

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9202:
Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V
Alex A. Kazemi; Bernard C. Kress; Edgar A. Mendoza, Editor(s)