Patent ID: 6819488
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: G02B,H04N

Abstract:
An instrument for generation of three-dimensional images using a single lens comprising:a) a first inner pair of mirrors in front of the lens wherein said first inner pair of mirrors is joined along an optical axis of the lens such that a reflecting surface of said first inner pair of mirrors creates an angle less or equal to 90Â°; b) a second inner pair of mirrors in front of the lens wherein said second inner pair of mirrors is joined along the optical axis of the lens such that a reflecting surface of said second inner pair of mirrors creates an angle greater or equal to 120Â°; c) an outer pair of mirrors, aligned such that an image reflecting from the outer pair of mirrors is reflected onto the first pair of inner mirrors; and d) a housing enclosing both inner pairs of mirrors and the outer pair of mirrors such that said housing allows the instrument to rotate, said housing being rotatable at least 180Â° along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, to at least three rotational positions, such that: in a first position the first inner pair and second inner pair of mirrors are out of a field of view of the lens, such that a two-dimensional image is created by the lens, in a second position the first inner pair of mirrors faces the lens such that a forward three-dimensional image is created, and in a third position the second inner pair of mirrors faces the lens such that a backward three-dimensional model is created.