Abstract:
A method of capturing a color image includes steps of operating a first sensor of a camera to integrate a first charge over a first time interval, operating a second sensor of the camera to integrate a second charge over a second time interval and scanning the first and second sensors to readout the respective first and second charges during a third time interval. The first time interval overlaps the second time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the first time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the second time interval.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The priority benefit of the Jan. 24, 2001 filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/263,528, the Jan. 25, 2001 filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/263,707, and the Apr. 19, 2001 filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/284,697 are hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a color cinematography camera with solid state imaging sensors. In particular, the invention relates to a scanning wheel-type color camera using plural sensors.  
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Color cameras are known. One type of color camera uses a single CCD imaging sensor with a Bayer pattern overlaying color filter. A Bayer pattern overlaying filter uses four sensor elements per pixel. The overlaying color filter, transmits green light into the first and second sensor elements, transmits blue into the third sensor element and transmits red light into the fourth sensor element. The four elements make up one pixel of a digital color camera. This tends to limit the resolution achievable by such color cameras.  
         [0004]     Another type of color camera uses expensive prisms and custom lenses and three CCD imaging sensors. Ordinary spherical objective lenses pass the image light into a prism as converging (not parallel) rays of light. Because of dispersion characteristics that any optical material imparts on light passing through the material, the converging (not parallel) rays of light undergo different dispersions since the different rays of light have different path lengths. This leads to noticeable color distortions. To over come this, known cameras use a more complex color corrected objective lens.  
         [0005]     In  FIG. 29 , known camera  2000  includes lens  2010  to focus an image conjugate through color filter wheel  2050  onto imaging sensor  2040 . Color filter wheel  2050  is divided into three color sectors, each sector representing one-third of a circle. Each sector  2052 ,  2054  and  2056  passes light (i.e., transmits, not reflects) of a different one of the three primary colors (i.e., blue, red and green). A color wheel assembly includes motor  2020  to spin color filter wheel  2050 . To obtain a full color image requires that sensor  2040  form three complete images for each revolution of color filter wheel  2050 . When the camera system requires that moving images be captured at a particular rate, the time available for capture of each color image is just one-third of the frame time. This limits the sensitivity of the camera.  
         [0006]     It should be noted that rotatable color wheels have been used in the projection TV industry (not cameras). For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,868,482 and 6,024,453.  
         [0007]     Interline transfer (ILT) CCD sensors include an electronic shutter function to prevent smear effects. Known cameras require the ILT design to control smear.  
         [0008]     It is desired to control smear and provide near synchronous imaging with a 2-chip frame transfer CCD or full-frame CCD based motion picture camera that will operate within the optical constraints of existing 35 mm motion picture lenses (the focal flange distance restricts the options for placement of the components).  
         [0009]     Advantages of this approach include that the camera does not require an ILT sensor architecture, has higher fill factor, simpler clocking, large die size achieved through stitching not currently believed to be available to ILT designs, and does not require micro-lenses for recovery of fill factor and hence improved MTF (modulation transfer finction).  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     An advantage of the present invention is that color artifacts are minimized. Another advantage is that the color quality of the image is improved.  
         [0011]     These and other advantages are achieved in an a camera that includes a first sensor disposed to image light that propagates along a reflected axis and a second sensor disposed to image light that propagates along a direct axis. The camera further includes a rotatable structure disposed to defme a rotation plane that is oblique to both the reflected axis and the direct axis. The rotatable structure has a first reflection sector, a first opaque sector disposed adjacent to the first reflection section, a first transmission sector disposed adjacent to the first opaque sector, a second reflection sector disposed adjacent to the first transmission sector, and a second transmission sector disposed adjacent to the second reflection sector.  
         [0012]     These and other advantages are also achieved with a method of capturing a color image includes steps of operating a first sensor of a camera to integrate a first charge over a first time interval, operating a second sensor of the camera to integrate a second charge over a second time interval and scanning the first and second sensors to readout the respective first and second charges during a third time interval. The first time interval overlaps the second time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the first time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the second time interval.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The invention will be described in detail in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a camera according to the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a rotatable structure;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of fourth embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a choppered-wheel embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a illustration of a imaging sensor pixel array;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of pixels overlaid with color microfilters;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is an illustration of an opaque reflection sector coated with a color selective coating;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of a transparent reflection sector coated with a color selective coating;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of a transmission sector coated with a color selective coating;  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the rotatable structure having a larger reflection sector;  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the rotatable structure having a larger transmission sector;  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment of the rotatable structure having a larger reflection sector;  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of a ninth embodiment of the rotatable structure having a larger transmission sector;  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a 3-chip camera according to the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 18A  is a schematic diagram of a rotatable structure to be used in the 3-chip camera of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18B  is a front view of the rotatable structures of the 3-chip camera in operation;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 18C and 18D  are plan and sectional views of an alternative embodiment of the rotatable structure of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  is an graphic illustration of obtaining a third color from two selected colors using post-processing  FIG. 20  is a timing diagram of the operation of the first embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a timing diagram of the operation of the second embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a timing diagram of an alternative operation of the second embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is a timing diagram of the operation of the third embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0038]      FIG. 24  is a timing diagram of the operation of the fourth embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0039]      FIG. 25  is a timing diagram of the operation of the fifth embodiment of the rotatable structure;  
         [0040]      FIG. 26  is a timing diagram of the operation of the choppered-wheel;  
         [0041]      FIG. 27  is a timing diagram of the operation of the 3-chip camera;  
         [0042]      FIG. 28  is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0043]      FIG. 29  is a schematic diagram of a known color camera. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     In  FIG. 1 , camera  10  includes lens  12 , first imaging sensor  14 , second imaging sensor  16 , and rotatable structure  100 . First imaging sensor  14  is disposed to receive light that propagates along reflected axis  28  and second imaging sensor  16  is disposed to receive light that propagates along direct axis  26 . Rotatable structure  100  is disposed to define a rotation plane that is oblique to both reflected axis  28  and direct axis  26 . In operation, motor  24  rotates axle  22  that in turn rotates rotatable structure  100 . Lens  12  focuses an image conjugate onto second imaging sensor  16  along direct axis  26  such that second imaging sensor  16  converts the image light into electrical signals. Lens  12  also focuses the image conjugate onto first imaging sensor  14  along reflected axis  28 . The image light through lens  12  along direct axis  26  is reflected from a reflection sector of rotatable structure  100  to propagate along reflected axis  28 . First imaging sensor  14  converts the image light into electrical signals. Rotatable structure  100  is formed as a ring having an inner radius such that the image light focused by lens  12  does not impinge on motor  24  but only on the surface of rotatable structure  100 . Other formations of rotatable structure  100  are also possible that satisfy the need to avoid motor  24 .  
         [0045]     In some variants of the invention, camera  10  also includes first color filter  18  disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first sensor  14 . In other variants of the invention, camera  10  further includes second color filter  20  disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second sensor  16 .  
         [0046]     In one embodiment, the rotatable structure is first structure  110  ( FIG. 2 ) that includes first transmission sector  112 , first reflection sector  114  disposed adjacent to first transmission sector  112 , second transmission sector  116  disposed adjacent to first reflection sector  114 , and second reflection sector  118  disposed adjacent to second transmission sector  116 . First and second transmission sectors  112  and  116  may be gaps (e.g., air-filled) or, in an alternative embodiment, a solid transparent media (e.g., glass or polycarbonate), as indicated in  FIG. 2  by the dashed perimeter line. In some embodiments, each sector subtends one-fourth of a circle. Other embodiments may vary as described further herein.  
         [0047]     In another embodiment, the rotatable structure is second structure  120  ( FIG. 3 ) that includes first reflection sector  122 , first opaque sector  124  disposed adjacent to first reflection sector  122 , and first transmission  126  sector disposed adjacent to first opaque sector  124 . First opaque sector  124  is formed of an absorbing material (e.g., smoked glass, etc.) such that first opaque sector  124  neither reflects nor transmits light. Imaging sensors  14  and  16  are operated with a timing control such that when first opaque sector  124  is positioned at the exit pupil of lens  12 , the charge transfer operation of both imaging sensors  12  and  16  is performed. The length of the arc, or angular extent, of first opaque sector  124  is designed such that imaging sensors  14  and  16  remain in darkness for a time at least as long as is required to affect the transfer of image to the storage areas. Since second structure  120  rotates uniformly at a frame rate, first opaque sector  124  is designed to be large enough to provide blanking over the range of frame rates anticipated for camera  10 .  
         [0048]     The use of first opaque sector  124  with second structure  120  as an opaque shutter has particular advantages. With an opaque shuttered arrangement, imaging sensors  14  and  16  can be of a type referred to as a full-frame, or full-field, sensor. A full-frame sensor includes plural vertical channels over top of which are disposed plural horizontal poly clock lines and at a terminal end of the channels is a horizontal readout register. For example, a full-frame sensor to provide 512 lines by 683 pixels per line requires 683 vertical channels and 3 times 512 horizontal poly clock lines (for a three phase clocking structure). This simple sensor architecture has no electronic shutter capability. Instead, it relies on first opaque sector  124  to provide a shutter function. The full-frame sensors are controlled to collect the image (integrate) over the full time that the image light impinges on first transmission sector  126  and first reflection sector  122 . Then, the full-frame sensors are controlled to shift the collected image down the vertical shift registers defined by the vertical channels and overlying clock lines into and out of the horizontal shift register over the time that the image light impinges on first opaque sector  124 . The full-frame sensors use first opaque sector  124  to freeze the image so it will not smear while the image is being shifted out of the sensors. The full-frame sensor provides a maximum fill factor since it uses none of its topography under a light shield to provide an electronic shutter.  
         [0049]     Actually, second imaging sensor  16  (in the direct path) is shuttered when either first opaque sector  124  or first reflection sector  122  blocks light along the direct path. Second imaging sensor  16  may use the time when either or both sectors block light as a time for smear-free readout. First imaging sensor  14  (in the reflection path) may similarly use either or both of first opaque sector  124  or first transmission sector  126  for smear-free readout.  
         [0050]     First transmission sector  126  may be a gap (air-filled) or, in an alternative embodiment, a solid transparent media (e.g., glass or polycarbonate), as indicated in  FIG. 3  by the dashed perimeter line. Second structure  120  may also include counterweights  126  and  128 , which serve to offset the mass distribution differential caused by transmission sector  126  when transmission sector  126  is an air-filled gap, thus preserving dynamic balance in second structure  120 . The dynamic balancing function of second structure  120  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  22  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure. In some embodiments, each sector subtends one-third of a circle. Other embodiments may vary as described further herein.  
         [0000]     Camera with Electronic Shutter  
         [0051]     Camera  10  produces a complete color image by obtaining the image conjugate in a minimum of three colors, e.g., red, blue, and green. The requisite colors may be obtained using a variety of methods, as will be described herein. With reference to first structure  110  ( FIG. 2 ), in operation, the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from at least one of reflection sectors  114  and  118  and the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through at least one of transmission sectors  112  and  116 . In one embodiment, reflection sectors  114  and  118  are mirrored surfaces such that the light that impinges onto first imaging sensor  14  includes the entire spectrum of visible light. Similarly, the light that passes through transmission sectors  112  and  116  and impinges onto second imaging sensor  16  also includes the entire spectrum of visible light.  
         [0052]     In this embodiment, either first imaging sensor  14  or second imaging sensor  16  includes an array  210  of pixel groups  220 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . First pixel group  220  includes a plurality of pixels, e.g., pixels  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 . The pixels are arranged to image a variety of colors by overlaying the pixels with color-specific microfilters, for example, pixel  222  may image the color red with pixel  224  imaging the color blue while pixels  226  and  228  image the color green. The plural pixels of first pixel group  220  include first pixel  222  and first pixel  222  is overlaid with first color microfilter  232  ( FIG. 9 ), thus allowing the imaging sensor to image a particular color.  
         [0053]     In a variation of this embodiment, the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  further include second pixel  224  and second pixel  224  is overlaid with second color microfilter  234 , thus allowing the imaging sensor to image two colors at once. In a further variation of this embodiment, the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  further include third pixel  226  or  228  and third pixel  226  or  228  is overlaid with a third color microfilter, e.g., microfilter  232  or  234 , thus allowing the imaging sensor to image three colors at once. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that overlaying two pixels, e.g., pixels  226  and  228 , with microfilters of the same color may be desirable to improve the response of the imaging sensor to that particular color.  
         [0054]     In the situation where, for example, second imaging sensor  16  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , second imaging sensor  16  is able to image multiple colors, as described previously. Thus, if second imaging sensor  16  is imaging two colors by employing a two-pixel group, each pixel overlaid with a different color microfilter (e.g., red and blue), first imaging sensor  14  need image only the remaining color (e.g., green). Color selection for first imaging sensor  14  may be accomplished using first color filter  18  disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14 . Alternatively, where, for example, first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , thus allowing first imaging sensor  14  to image multiple colors, second imaging sensor  16  need image only the single, remaining color. Color selection for second imaging sensor  16  may be accomplished using second color filter  20  disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0055]     In another embodiment, rather than using external color filters  18  and  20  to perform single color selection, a color selective coating may be employed to achieve the same result. For instance, when second imaging sensor  16  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220  and is imaging two colors, reflection sectors  114  and  118  may be coated with a color selective coating (such coatings as are known in the optics art and are commonly used in high quality photography cameras) to provide the remaining color to first imaging sensor  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  
         [0056]     In  FIG. 10 , reflection sector  242  is formed from an opaque material, such that no light is transmitted through reflection sector  242 , and is coated with color selective coating  244 . Color selective coating  244  selects a desired wavelength, i.e., λ 1 , from the all-band visible light spectrum that impinges on reflection sector  242  and allows only the selected, desired wavelength to be reflected onto first imaging sensor  14 . Non-selected wavelengths are absorbed by the opaque material. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , reflection sector  246  is formed from a transparent material and color selective coating  248  allows all wavelengths except for the desired wavelength to be transmitted through the transparent material of reflection sector  246 . The desired wavelength, λ 1 , is reflected onto first imaging sensor  14 . In this case, second imaging sensor  16  is operated so that no photocharge is being accumulated while reflection sector  246  is in the direct optical path between lens  12  and second imaging sensor  16 . This is commonly done using exposure control gates or by resetting the sensor just before an image is to be collected.  
         [0057]      FIG. 12  illustrates the situation where first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220  and is thus imaging multiple colors. In this case, second imaging sensor  16  need only image one color, thus, transmission sector  252  is coated with a color selective coating. Transmission sector  252  is formed of a transparent material and is coated with color selective coating  254 . Color selective coating  254  selects the desired wavelength, i.e., λ 1 , from the all-band visible light spectrum that impinges on transmission sector  252  and allows only the selected, desired wavelength to be transmitted onto second imaging sensor  16 . Non-selected wavelengths are reflected away from transmission sector  252  and towards first imaging sensor  14  that is operated so that no photocharge is being accumulated while transmission sector  252  is in the direct optical path between lens  12  and second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0058]     As described previously with reference to camera  10  ( FIG. 1 ), first imaging sensor  14  is disposed to image light that propagates along reflected axis  28  and second imaging sensor  16  is disposed to image light that propagates along direct axis  26 . First structure  110  ( FIG. 2 ), which serves as rotatable structure  100 , includes first and second transmission sectors  112  and  116  and first and second reflection sectors  114  and  118 . In operation, the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from at least one of reflection sectors  114  and  118  and the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through at least one of transmission sectors  112  and  116 . In one embodiment, first reflection sector  114  is coated with a first reflection color selective coating, while in another embodiment, first transmission sector  114  is coated with a first transmission color selective coating, where the reflection and transmission color selective coatings select specific color wavelengths, as described previously ( FIGS. 10-12 ).  
         [0059]     In the former embodiment, where first reflection sector  114  is coated with the first reflection color selective coating, second reflection sector is coated with a second reflection color selective coating. Additionally, second color filter  20  may be disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16 . This variation allows camera  10  to image the requisite three colors since first reflection sector  114  reflects a first color (e.g., red), second reflection sector  118  reflects a second color (e.g., blue), and second color filter  20  selects a third color (e.g., green) from the light that passes through transmission sectors  112  and  116 . In a further variation of this embodiment, transmission sectors  112  and  116  are coated with a transmission color selective coating that selects the third color and obviates the need for external second color filter  20 .  
         [0060]     In the latter embodiment, where first transmission sector  112  is coated with the first transmission color selective coating, second transmission sector  116  is coated with a second transmission color selective coating. Additionally, first color filter  18  may be disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14 . This variation allows camera  10  to image the requisite three colors since first transmission sector  112  transmits a first color (e.g., red), second transmission sector  116  transmits a second color (e.g., blue), and first color filter  18  selects a third color (e.g., green) from the light that reflects from reflection sectors  114  and  118 . In a further variation of this embodiment, reflection sectors  114  and  118  are coated with a reflection color selective coating that selects the third color and obviates the need for external first color filter  18 .  
         [0061]     In another embodiment, both first reflection sector  114  and first transmission sector  112  are coated with color selective coatings, with first reflection sector  114  being coated with the first reflection color selective coating and first transmission sector  112  being coated with the first transmission color selective coating. In one variation on this embodiment, second transmission sector  116  is also coated with the first transmission color selective coating, thus allowing only one color to impinge on second imaging sensor  16 . In another variation, second reflection sector  118  is also coated with the first reflection color selective coating, thus allowing only one color to impinge on first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0062]     In a further embodiment, second color filter  20  is disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16  when first reflection sector  114  is coated with the first reflection color selective coating. Alternatively, first color filter  18  is disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14  when first transmission sector  112  is coated with the first transmission color selective coating.  
         [0063]      FIG. 20  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of first rotatable structure  110 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1000  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1050 . The operation of first rotatable structure  110  is separated into eight regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-VIII) that correspond to the sectors of first rotatable structure  110 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1000  and  1050  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of first rotatable structure  110 .  
         [0064]     Region I in timing diagram  1000  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  114  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  114  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As first rotatable structure  110  rotates, first reflection sector  114  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first transmission sector  112  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1000 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  114  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  114  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0065]     Once first transmission sector  112  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1000 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  14  while first transmission sector  112  prevents the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14 . The cycle of charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  is repeated as second reflection sector  118  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light reflects from second reflection sector  118  onto first imaging sensor  14  (regions VI-VI). Charge is again transferred from first imaging sensor  14  once second transmission sector  116  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14  (region VII). The cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  114  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region VIII).  
         [0066]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1050  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  112  (region II) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  112  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region III). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  112  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As first rotatable structure  110  rotates, first transmission sector  112  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while second reflection sector  118  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region IV in timing diagram  1050 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  112  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  112  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  (region IV) and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0067]     Once second reflection sector  118  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto second imaging sensor  16  (region V). Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from second imaging sensor  16  while second reflection sector  118  prevents the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16 . The cycle of charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  is repeated as second transmission sector  116  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light passes through second transmission sector  116  onto second imaging sensor  16  (regions VI-VIII). Charge is again transferred from second imaging sensor  16  once first reflection sector  114  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16  (region I). The cycle begins anew as first transmission sector  112  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region II).  
         [0068]     If first and second reflection sectors  114  and  118  are not completely reflective and if first and second transmission sectors  112  and  116  are not completely transmissive, imaging sensors  14  and  16  are controlled such that neither sensor is capable of integrating charge during the charge transfer phase of their operation. This type of sensor control is called electronic shutter control.  
         [0069]     Furthermore, due to the wedge shape of reflection sectors  114  and  118  and transmission sectors  112  and  116 , the pixels of imaging sensors  14  and  16  disposed along the outer radius of first rotatable structure  110  will be illuminated for a longer period of time than the pixels disposed along the inner radius of first rotatable structure  110 . The resulting image may be adjusted in post-processing to allow for the difference in the amount of charge integrated for different parts of the image. The pixel values can be weighted allow for normalization of the resulting image.  
         [0000]     Camera with Mechanical Shutter  
         [0070]     With reference to second structure  120  ( FIG. 3 ), in operation, the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from first reflection sector  122  and the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through first transmission sector  126 . In one embodiment, reflection sector  122  is a mirrored surface such that the light that impinges onto first imaging sensor  14  includes the entire spectrum of visible light. Similarly, the light that passes through transmission sector  126  and impinges onto second imaging sensor  16  also includes the entire spectrum of visible light.  
         [0071]     In this embodiment, either first imaging sensor  14  or second imaging sensor  16  includes an array  210  of pixel groups, as described previously with reference to  FIG. 8 . First pixel group  220  includes a plurality of pixels, e.g., pixels  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , that are arranged to image a variety of colors by overlaying the pixels with color-specific microfilters. The plural pixels of first pixel group  220  include first pixel  222  and first pixel  222  is overlaid with first color microfilter  232  ( FIG. 9 ), thus allowing the imaging sensor to image a particular color.  
         [0072]     In a variation of this embodiment, the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  further include second pixel  224  and second pixel  224  is overlaid with second color microfilter  234 , thus allowing the imaging sensor to image two colors at once. In a further variation of this embodiment, the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  further include third pixel  226  or  228  and third pixel  226  or  228  is overlaid with a third color microfilter, e.g., microfilter  232  or  234 , thus allowing the imaging sensor to image three colors at once. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that overlaying two pixels, e.g., pixels  226  and  228 , with microfilters of the same color may be desirable to improve the response of the imaging sensor to that particular color.  
         [0073]     In the situation where, for example, second imaging sensor  16  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , second imaging sensor  16  is able to image multiple colors, as described previously. Thus, if second imaging sensor  16  is imaging two colors by employing a two-pixel group, each pixel overlaid with a different color microfilter (e.g., red and blue), first imaging sensor  14  need image only the remaining color (e.g., green). Color selection for first imaging sensor  14  may be accomplished using first color filter  18  disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14 . Alternatively, where, for example, first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , thus allowing first imaging sensor  14  to image multiple colors, second imaging sensor  16  need image only the single, remaining color. Color selection for second imaging sensor  16  may be accomplished using second color filter  20  disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0074]     In another embodiment, rather than using external color filters  18  and  20  to perform single color selection, a color selective coating may be employed to achieve the same result. For instance, when second imaging sensor  16  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220  and is imaging two colors, reflection sector  122  may be coated with a color selective coating to provide the remaining color to first imaging sensor  14  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In the alternative, when first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , first transmission sector  126  is coated with a color selective coating to provide the remaining color to second imaging sensor  16  ( FIG. 12 ).  
         [0075]     As described previously with reference to camera  10  ( FIG. 1 ), first imaging sensor  14  is disposed to image light that propagates along reflected axis  28  and second imaging sensor  16  is disposed to image light that propagates along direct axis  26 . Second structure  120  ( FIG. 3 ), which serves as rotatable structure  100 , includes first reflection sector  122 , first opaque sector  124 , and first transmission sector  126 . In operation, the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from first reflection sectors  122  and the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through first transmission sector  126 . In one embodiment, first reflection sector  122  is coated with a first reflection color selective coating, while in another embodiment, first transmission sector  126  is coated with a first transmission color selective coating, where the reflection and transmission color selective coatings select specific color wavelengths, as described previously ( FIGS. 10-12 ).  
         [0076]     In the former embodiment, where first transmission sector  126  is coated with the first transmission color selective coating, first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220  ( FIG. 8 ). In the latter embodiment, where first reflection sector  122  is coated with the first reflection color selective coating, second imaging sensor  16  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220  ( FIG. 8 ). In either embodiment, first pixel group  220  includes a plurality of pixels, e.g., pixels  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , that are arranged to image a variety of colors by overlaying the pixels with color-specific microfilters. In these embodiments, the imaging sensor is imaging two particular colors, therefore the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  includes first pixel  222  that is overlaid with first color microfilter  232  and second pixel  224  that is overlaid with second color microfilter  234  ( FIG. 9 ). In a variation of these embodiments, the plural pixels of first pixel group  220  further include a third pixel, pixel  226  or  228 , that is overlaid with a third color microfilter (e.g.,  232  or  234 ), thus allowing the imaging sensor to image a third color.  
         [0077]      FIG. 21  illustrates a timing diagram for one embodiment of the operation of second rotatable structure  120 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1100  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1150 . The operation of second rotatable structure  120  is separated into six regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-VI) that correspond to the sectors of second rotatable structure  120 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1100  and  1150  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of second rotatable structure  120 .  
         [0078]     Region I in timing diagram  1100  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  122  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  122  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As second rotatable structure  120  rotates, first reflection sector  122  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first transmission sector  126  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1100 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  122  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  122  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0079]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1150  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  126  (region II) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  126  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region III). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  126  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As second rotatable structure  120  rotates, first transmission sector  126  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first opaque sector  124  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region IV in timing diagram  1150 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  126  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  126  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0080]     Once first opaque sector  124  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , as shown by region V in timing diagram  1150 . Charge is. transferred (Xfer  1 ) from both first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16  while first opaque sector  124  prevents the image light from impinging on the imaging sensors  14  and  16 . The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  122  moves back into the objective path of lens  12 , as shown in region VI in timing diagram  1100 .  
         [0081]     Since first opaque sector  124  is formed of absorbing material, first opaque sector  124  acts as a light shield under which the imaging sensors  14  and  16  can transfer charge without smear. First opaque sector  124  acts as a mechanical shutter, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of first reflection sector  122  and first transmission sector  126  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0082]      FIG. 22  illustrates a timing diagram for another embodiment of the operation of second rotatable structure  120 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1200  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1250 . The operation of second rotatable structure  120  is separated into six regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-VI) that correspond to the sectors of second rotatable structure  120 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1200  and  1250  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of second rotatable structure  120 .  
         [0083]     Region I in timing diagram  1200  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  122  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  122  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As second rotatable structure  120  rotates, first reflection sector  122  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first opaque sector  124  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1200 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  122  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  122  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0084]     Once first opaque sector  124  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1200 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  14  while first opaque sector  124  prevents the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14 . Alternatively, since light does not again impinge on first imaging  14  until first reflection sector  122  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region VI), first imaging sensor  14  has a longer charge transfer cycle (Xfer  2 ), thus allowing first imaging sensor  14  to be a less expensive, lower speed sensor.  
         [0085]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1250  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  126  (region IV) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  126  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region V). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  126  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As second rotatable structure  120  rotates, first transmission sector  126  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first reflection sector  122  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region VI in timing diagram  1250 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  126  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  126  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0086]     Once first reflection sector  122  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown by region I in timing diagram  1250 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from second imaging sensor  16  while first reflection sector  122  prevents the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16 . Alternatively, since light does not again impinge on second imaging  16  until first transmission sector  126  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region IV), second imaging sensor  16  has a longer charge transfer cycle (Xfer  2 ), thus allowing second imaging sensor  16  to be a less expensive, lower speed sensor. The entire cycle begins anew with charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  as first reflection sector  122  moves back into the objective path of lens  12 , as shown in region VI in timing diagram  1200 .  
         [0087]     Since first opaque sector  124  is formed of absorbing material, first opaque sector  124  acts as a light shield under which second imaging sensor  16  can transfer charge without smear. In this embodiment, first reflection sector  122  is made of material that prevents any transmission of image light onto second imaging sensor  16  while first reflection sector  122  is in the objective path of lens  12 . Therefore both first opaque sector  124  and first reflection sector  122  act as mechanical shutters, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of first reflection sector  122  and first transmission sector  126  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0088]     In  FIG. 4 , third structure  130  is a variation of second structure  120  that further includes second reflection sector  138  disposed adjacent to first transmission sector  136  and second transmission sector  140  disposed adjacent to second reflection sector  138 . Third structure  130  may also include counterweight  142 , which serves to offset the mass distribution differential caused by transmission sectors  136  and  140  when transmission sectors  136  and  140  are air-filled gaps, thus preserving dynamic balance in third structure  130 . As noted previously, the dynamic balancing function of third structure  130  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  22  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure. In some embodiments, each sector subtends one-fifth of a circle. Other embodiments may vary as described further herein.  
         [0089]     In one embodiment, first reflection sector  132  is coated with a first reflection color selective coating, while in another embodiment, first transmission sector  136  is coated with a first transmission color selective coating, where the reflection and transmission color selective coatings select specific color wavelengths, as described previously ( FIGS. 10-12 ). In the former embodiment, where first reflection sector  132  is coated with the first reflection color selective coating, second reflection sector  142  is coated with a second reflection color selective coating. Additionally, second color filter  20  may be disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16 . This variation allows camera  10  to image the requisite three colors since first reflection sector  132  reflects a first color (e.g., red), second reflection sector  138  reflects a second color (e.g., blue), and second color filter  20  selects a third color (e.g., green) from the light that passes through transmission sectors  136  and  140 . In a further variation of this embodiment, transmission sectors  136  and  140  are coated with a transmission color selective coating that selects the third color and obviates the need for external second color filter  20 .  
         [0090]     In the latter embodiment, where first transmission sector  136  is coated with the first transmission color selective coating, second transmission sector  140  is coated with a second transmission color selective coating. Additionally, first color filter  18  may be disposed along the reflected axis between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14 . This variation allows camera  10  to image the requisite three colors since first transmission sector  136  transmits a first color (e.g., red), second transmission sector  140  transmits a second color (e.g., blue), and first color filter  18  selects a third color (e.g., green) from the light that reflects from reflection sectors  132  and  138 . In a further variation of this embodiment, reflection sectors  132  and  138  are coated with a reflection color selective coating that selects the third color and obviates the need for external first color filter  18 .  
         [0091]     In another embodiment, both first reflection sector  132  and first transmission sector  136  are coated with color selective coatings, with first reflection sector  132  being coated with the first reflection color selective coating and first transmission sector  136  being coated with the first transmission color selective coating. In one variation on this embodiment, second transmission sector  140  is also coated with the first transmission color selective coating, thus allowing only one color to impinge on second imaging sensor  16 . In another variation, second reflection sector  138  is also coated with the first reflection color selective coating, thus allowing only one color to impinge on first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0092]     In a further embodiment, second color filter  20  is disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16  when first reflection sector  132  is coated with the first reflection color selective coating. Alternatively, first color filter  18  is disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging  14  sensor when first transmission sector  136  is coated with the first transmission color selective coating.  
         [0093]      FIG. 23  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of third rotatable structure  130 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1300  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1350 . The operation of third rotatable structure  130  is separated into ten regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-X) that correspond to the sectors of third rotatable structure  130 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1300  and  1350  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of third rotatable structure  130 .  
         [0094]     Region I in timing diagram  1300  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  132  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  132  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As third rotatable structure  130  rotates, first reflection sector  132  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first opaque sector  134  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1300 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  132  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  132  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0095]     Once first opaque sector  134  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1300 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  14  while first opaque sector  134  prevents the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0096]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1350  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  136  (region IV) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  136  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region V). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  136  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As third rotatable structure  130  rotates, first transmission sector  136  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while second reflection sector  138  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region VI in timing diagram  1350 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  136  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  136  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0097]     Once second reflection sector  138  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown by region VII in timing diagram  1350 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from second imaging sensor  16  while first reflection sector  132  prevents the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0098]     The cycle of charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  is repeated as second reflection sector  138  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light reflects from second reflection sector  138  onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown in regions VI-VIII in timing diagram  1300 . Charge is again transferred from first imaging sensor  14  once second transmission sector  140  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14  (region IX).  
         [0099]     The cycle of charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  is repeated as second transmission sector  140  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light passes through second transmission sector  140  onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown in regions VIII-X in timing diagram  1350 . Charge is again transferred from second imaging sensor  16  once first reflection sector  132  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16  (region I). The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  132  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region X).  
         [0100]     Since first opaque sector  134  is formed of absorbing material, first opaque sector  134  acts as a light shield under which second imaging sensor  16  can transfer charge without smear. In this embodiment, first and second reflection sectors  132  and  138  are made of material that prevents any transmission of image light onto second imaging sensor  16  while the reflection sectors  132  and  138  are in the objective path of lens  12 . Therefore both first opaque sector  134  and the reflection sectors  132  and  138  act as mechanical shutters, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of first reflection sector  132  and first transmission sector  136  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0101]     In  FIG. 5 , fourth structure  150  is another variation of second structure  120  that further includes second opaque sector  158  disposed adjacent to first transmission sector  156 , second reflection sector  160  disposed adjacent to second opaque sector  158 , and third opaque sector  162  disposed adjacent to second reflection sector  160 . Fourth structure  150  may also include counterweights  164  and  165 , which serve to offset the mass distribution differential caused by first transmission sector  156  when first transmission sector  156  is an air-filled gap, thus preserving dynamic balance in fourth structure  150 . As noted previously, the dynamic balancing function of fourth structure  150  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  22  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure. In some embodiments, each sector subtends one-sixth of a circle. Other embodiments may vary as described further herein. In operation, the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through first transmission sector  156  and the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from reflection sectors  152  and  160 .  
         [0102]      FIG. 24  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of fourth rotatable structure  150 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1400  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1450 . The operation of fourth rotatable structure  150  is separated into twelve regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-XII) that correspond to the sectors of fourth rotatable structure  150 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1400  and  1450  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of fourth rotatable structure  150 .  
         [0103]     Region I in timing diagram  1400  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  152  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  152  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As fourth rotatable structure  150  rotates, first reflection sector  152  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first opaque sector  154  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1400 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  152  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  152  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0104]     Once first opaque sector  154  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1400 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  14  while first opaque sector  154  prevents the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0105]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1450  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  156  (region IV) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  156  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region V). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  156  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As fourth rotatable structure  150  rotates, first transmission sector  156  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while second opaque sector  158  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region VI in timing diagram  1450 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  156  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  156  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0106]     Once second opaque sector  158  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown by region VII in timing diagram  1450 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from second imaging sensor  16  while second reflection sector  158  prevents the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0107]     The cycle of charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  is repeated as second reflection sector  160  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light reflects from second reflection sector  160  onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown in regions VIII-X in timing diagram  1400 . Charge is again transferred from first imaging sensor  14  once third opaque sector  162  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14  (region XI). The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  152  moves back into the objective path of lens  12  (region XII).  
         [0108]     Since first, second, and third opaque sectors  154 ,  158 , and  162  are formed of absorbing material, the opaque sectors  154 ,  158 , and  162  act as a light shield under which first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16  can transfer charge without smear. The opaque sectors  154 ,  158 , and  162  act as mechanical shutters, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of the reflection sectors  152  and  160  and first transmission sector  156  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0109]     In  FIG. 6 , fifth structure  170  is a further variation of second structure  120  that further includes second opaque sector  178  disposed adjacent to first transmission sector  176 , second transmission sector  180  disposed adjacent to second opaque sector  178 , and third opaque sector  182  disposed adjacent to second transmission sector  180 . Fifth structure  170  may also include counterweight  184 , which serves to offset the mass distribution differential caused by transmission sectors  176  and  180  when transmission sectors  176  and  180  are air-filled gap, thus preserving dynamic balance in fifth structure  170 . As noted previously, the dynamic balancing function of fifth structure  170  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  22  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure. In some embodiments, each sector subtends one-sixth of a circle. Other embodiments may vary as described further herein. In operation, the light that propagates along direct axis  26  passes through transmission sectors  176  and  180  and the light that propagates along reflected axis  28  is reflected from first reflection sector  172 .  
         [0110]      FIG. 25  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of fifth rotatable structure  170 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1500  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1550 . The operation of fifth rotatable structure  170  is separated into twelve regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-XII) that correspond to the sectors of fifth rotatable structure  170 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1500  and  1550  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of fifth rotatable structure  170 .  
         [0111]     Region I in timing diagram  1500  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  172  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  172  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As fifth rotatable structure  170  rotates, first reflection sector  172  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while first opaque sector  174  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1500 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  14  only while first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  begins as first reflection sector  172  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first reflection sector  172  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0112]     Once first opaque sector  174  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  14 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1500 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  14  while first opaque sector  174  prevents the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0113]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1550  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of first transmission sector  176  (region IV) until the image light passes through a central area of first transmission sector  176  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region V). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through first transmission sector  176  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As fifth rotatable structure  170  rotates, first transmission sector  176  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while second opaque sector  178  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region VI in timing diagram  1550 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  16  only while second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  begins as first transmission sector  176  moves into the objective path of lens  12  and continues as first transmission sector  176  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0114]     Once second opaque sector  178  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown by region VII in timing diagram  1550 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from second imaging sensor  16  while second reflection sector  158  prevents the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0115]     The cycle of charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  is repeated as second transmission sector  180  moves into and out of the objective path of lens  12  and the image light reflects from second transmission sector  180  onto second imaging sensor  16 , as shown in regions VIII-X in timing diagram  1550 . Charge is again transferred from second imaging sensor  16  once third opaque sector  182  is completely in the objective path of lens  12 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on second imaging sensor  16  (region XI). The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  172  moves back into the objective path of lens  12 , as shown in region XII in timing diagram  1500 .  
         [0116]     Since first, second, and third opaque sectors  174 ,  178 , and  182  are formed of absorbing material, the opaque sectors  174 ,  178 , and  182  act as a light shield under which first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16  can transfer charge without smear. The opaque sectors  174 ,  178 , and  182  act as mechanical shutters, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of the reflection sectors  152  and  160  and first transmission sector  176  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0000]     Color Post-Processing  
         [0117]     As mentioned previously, a minimum of three colors (red, blue, and green) are necessary to create a color image. It is not necessary, however, to overlay the imaging sensors with a microfiltered array, to employ color selective coatings, or a combination of both to obtain these three colors directly. Rather, it is possible to obtain only two color images and an all-band image and use a post-processing procedure to obtain the third color.  
         [0118]     For example, in an alternative embodiment with reference to first structure  110  ( FIG. 2 ), first imaging sensor  14  includes array  210  of pixel groups  220 , where first pixel group  220  includes only first pixel  222  and second pixel  224 , which are overlaid with first color microfilter  232  and second color microfilter  234  ( FIG. 9 ). In this case, first imaging sensor  14  only images two colors. To obtain the third color, either: (1) transmission sectors  112  and  116  might be overlaid with a color selective filter or (2) color filter  20  might be placed in the direct path, along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0119]     However, in this alternative embodiment, the third color is obtained without imposing such mechanical strictures.  FIG. 19  illustrates a method for obtaining the third color through post-processing. If no coatings are placed on transmission sectors  112  and/or  116  and color filter  20  is not used, second imaging sensor  16  will receive the all-band (to which the sensor responds) visible light spectrum (A) that passes through transmission sectors  112  and  116 , denoted by reference numeral  500 . Sensor  16  converts the all-band image light into corresponding all-band electrical image data.  
         [0120]     The two microfilters overlying first imaging sensor  14 , in this example, pass through to a first imaging sensor  14  the two spectra (B), denoted by reference numerals  510  and  512 . Spectra  510  and  512  are converted by first imaging sensor  14  into electrical image data. The selected two-color spectra (B) ( 510 ,  512 ) is subtracted in post-processing electronics from all-band spectrum  500  through post-processing to obtain the third spectra (A-B), denoted by reference numeral  520 . In the post-processing electronics, the all-band image  500  is represented by an array of pixel values that are output from sensor  16 . In the post-processing electronics, a first selected spectra  510  is represented by another array of pixel values that are interpolated from corresponding pixels output from sensor  14 , and a second selected spectra  512  is represented by a third array of pixel values that are interpolated from corresponding pixels output from sensor  14 . The second array (corresponding to spectrum  510 ) and the third array (corresponding to spectrum  512 ) are subtracted from the first array (corresponding to the all-band spectrum  500 ), on a pixel by pixel basis, to provide the array corresponding to the third spectral component  520 . This method can be employed in any of the situations described herein where all-band spectrum  500  is received by one imaging sensor and selected spectra  510  and  512  are received by the other imaging sensor.  
         [0000]     Choppered-Wheel  
         [0121]     In another embodiment, camera  10  is a 2-chip cinematography camera that employs two sensors, for example, a color and monochrome sensor positioned at the respective focal planes of an optical system ( FIG. 1 ). That might be accomplished by positioning a sensor, e.g., second imaging sensor  16 , in the film plane, along direct axis  26 , and another sensor, e.g., first imaging sensor  14 , at the plane of the viewfinder, along reflected axis  28 , of a traditional 35 mm film based motion picture camera.  
         [0122]     In a traditional film based cinematography camera there is only one image capture area—the film plane. In this case, a rotating mirror is used to shutter the film during film transport between frames, and at the same time, to divert the image to a ground glass viewfinder. When the rotating mirror is located at the exit pupil of lens  12 , the image is reflected onto the ground glass viewfinder while the film in the film gate is being moved to a new position. Then, when the rotating mirror moves away from the exit pupil of lens  12 , the image is projected through the mirror onto the film which had been first positioned in the film gate and then second brought to a stop to be not moving during exposure to light.  
         [0123]     In the present embodiment, the sensors will convert the variations in light intensity to electrical signals in each of many pixels. In a CCD type sensor, the signal charge captured by the pixels is transferred through other light sensitive pixels before they reach a storage area or a readout device on the sensor. Thus, it is important that this transfer take place in darkness. If these light sensitive pixels are illuminated during the transfer, the signal will be contaminated by additional “smear” signal charge. To avoid image smear, the sensors must not be illuminated during transfer of the image from the sensor image area to the storage or readout area.  
         [0124]     In a 2-chip camera employing two image sensors, the traditional method as used in 35 mm film based cameras could be used to prevent smear. For example, the electronic image is read out from one sensor (e.g., sensor  14 ,  FIG. 1 ) while it is in darkness and the image light passes to the other sensor and an image is being collected in the other sensor (e.g., sensor  16 ). However, the two sensors would not be exposed simultaneously, and a lack of simultaneous exposure could lead to undesirable artifacts in the video images as viewed later.  
         [0125]     Alternatively, a beam splitter could be used to split the light between the two sensors and allow them to be exposed simultaneously. However, there would be no shutter action. Image smear would not be prevented unless a technology, such as used in interline transfer sensors, were to be used. Such ILT sensors reduce the fill factor and reduce sensor sensitivity. The use of both a rotating mirror and a beam splitter is precluded for geometrical reasons when the use of existing industry standard optical components (e.g., film gate and lenses for industry standard cinematography cameras) is desired. In a 2-chip camera, it is desirable to employ a methodology that prevents image smear and allows simultaneous image capture by two sensors through the same objective lens.  
         [0126]      FIG. 7  illustrates a choppered-wheel rotatable structure that allows a time average simultaneous exposure of the two image sensors using a novel segmented rotating mirror. Choppered-wheel  190  is a variation of second structure  120  that further includes second reflection sector  198  as in structure  130  ( FIG. 4 ) disposed adjacent to first transmission sector  196  and second transmission sector  200  disposed adjacent to second reflection sector  198 . Additionally, choppered-wheel  190  may further include third reflection sector  202  disposed adjacent to second transmission sector  200  and third transmission sector  204  disposed adjacent to third reflection sector  202  as in structure  190  ( FIG. 7 ). In other embodiments, additional alternating reflection and transmission sectors might be used. Choppered-wheel  190  is designed such that the sum of the angular extents of the sectors for all the reflection sectors (e.g.,  192 ,  198 , and  202 ) is made equal to the angular extent of the sectors for all the transmission sectors (e.g.,  196 ,  200 , and  204 ) when the total exposure for both imaging sensors  14  and  16  is to be equal.  
         [0127]     In a variant embodiment, when one sensor has an overlying color filter array ( FIG. 8 ) or an intervening external color filter (e.g., color filters  18  or  20 ) which reduces the total amount of light reaching the sensor, an improvement in the total system dynamic range may be achieved by increasing the relative exposure for the sensor that has filter losses relative to the sensor that does not. The ratio of their exposures is determined such as to optimize the system dynamic range. In this case, choppered-wheel  190  is designed such that the ratio of the sum of the angular extents of the sectors for all the reflection sectors (e.g.,  192 ,  198 , and  202 ) to the sum of the angular extents of the sectors for all the transmission sectors (e.g.,  196 ,  200 , and  204 ) will be equal to the ratio of the desired exposures of the two sensors.  
         [0128]     Choppered-wheel  190  may also include counterweights  206  and  207 , which serve to offset the mass distribution differential caused by the transmission sectors  196 ,  200 , and  204  when the transmission sectors are air-filled gaps, thus preserving dynamic balance in choppered-wheel  190 . Where further transmission sectors are included, the counterweight location is adjusted as necessary to preserve dynamic balance in choppered-wheel  190 . As noted previously, the dynamic balancing function of choppered-wheel  190  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  22  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure.  
         [0129]     In operation, the light entering lens  12  will be directed by the reflection sectors (e.g.,  192 ,  198 , and  202 ) to first imaging sensor  14  to the exclusion of second imaging sensor  16 . Likewise, the light allowed to pass through the transmission sectors (e.g.,  196 ,  200 , and  204 ) to second imaging sensor  16  will not be detected by first imaging sensor  14 . First opaque sector  194  acts as a shutter that prevents light from reaching either imaging sensors. The physical geometry (i.e.,  FIG. 1 ) enabling this operation is preferably made to be the same as used in a traditional 35 mm film based cinematography camera.  
         [0130]     Imaging sensors  14  and  16  are operated with timing control such that when first opaque sector  194  is positioned at the exit pupil of lens  12 , the charge transfer operation of both imaging sensors  14  and  16  is performed. The angular extent of this region of the structure  190  is designed such that the imaging sensors remain in darkness for a time at least as long as required to affect the transfer of an image to storage areas of sensors  14  and  16  or transfer out through a readout register. The wheel rotates uniformly at the frame rate. First opaque sector  194  must be large enough to provide blanking over the range of frame rates anticipated for camera  10 .  
         [0131]     Imaging sensors  14  and  16  are further operated with timing control such that the two sensors are integrating signal charge once per rotation of choppered-wheel structure  190  and will receive light from the scene that is divided into a number of discrete intervals by the segments of choppered-wheel  190 . The net result of the rotation of the choppered-wheel structure  190  is to ensure that during integration, the imaging sensors achieve a time averaged near simultaneous capture of the image. For example, the image will be projected alternately onto first imaging sensor  14  and then onto second imaging sensor  16  as many times as the reflection and transmission sectors provide (e.g., three times in  FIG. 7 ). Note that the center of exposure of all transmission sectors in  FIG. 7  is the center of second transmission sector  200 . The center of the exposure of all refection sectors in  FIG. 7  is the center of third reflection sector  202 . Thus, the center of the exposure of sensors  14  and  16  are separated by the time it takes to rotate through the angular extent of about one sector. A structure  190  having additional choppered sectors will have exposure time centers even closer.  
         [0132]     A variant design (not shown) omits first opaque sector  194 . Instead, each imaging sensor is read out in darkness during the last segment of the revolution of choppered-wheel  190  in which the other imaging sensor is illuminated. In this variant, the image information from the first imaging sensor  14  to be read out is then buffered in an internal light shielded memory or in an external memory. The memory buffered image is then read out concurrently with the non-memory buffered image from second imaging sensor  16  so that the same pixel in each image is fed to further processing concurrently.  
         [0133]     In alternative embodiments, the light reflected to first imaging sensor  14  is imaged as a monochrome image or a microfiltered pixel array color image ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). In array  210  pattern, four pixels ( 222 ,  224 ,  226 , and  228 ) in a rectangular group  220  are imaged together. For example, one pixel is covered with a red microfilter; another pixel is covered with a blue microfilter; and the last two pixels are covered with green microfilters. Alternative filter color selections might be chosen.  
         [0134]     In a modified array  210  pattern in one of imaging sensor  14  or  16 , two pixels in pixel group  220  are covered with microfilters. For example, one pixel is covered with a red microfilter, and the other pixel is covered with a blue microfilter. The other of imaging sensor  14  or  16  images either the third color (e.g., green) or all-band spectra from which the third color can be derived. The outputs from imaging sensors  14  and  16  either provide three colors or are processed to regenerate a three color image. For example, brightness is sensed by second imaging sensor  16  two colors are sensed by the two-color microfilters of first imaging sensor  14 . The third color is developed from processing brightness using second imaging sensor  16  and the two colors from first imaging sensor  14 . Variants may be made using different ways to reconstruct the primary colors.  
         [0135]     A special coating (e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) may be applied to the reflection sectors of choppered-wheel  190  to filter out undesired wavelengths. For example, the removal of near IR wavelengths to improve color fidelity when first imaging sensor  14  employs color filters which may have transmission in the near IR, as is a good case for monolithic filters.  
         [0136]      FIG. 26  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of choppered-wheel  190 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  14  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1600  and timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  16  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1650 . The operation of choppered-wheel  190  is separated into fourteen regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-XIV) that correspond to the sectors of choppered-wheel  190 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1600  and  1650  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of choppered-wheel  190 .  
         [0137]     Region I in timing diagram  1600  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  192  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  14  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  14  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  192  onto first imaging sensor  14 . As choppered-wheel  190  rotates, first reflection sector  192  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while third transmission sector  204  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  14  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1600 . In the present embodiment, the imaging sensors  14  and  16  are operated to accumulate photo charge over a time period that extends over multiple reflection and transmission sectors (bracket  3 ). First imaging sensor  14  is operated to accumulate photo charge over regions I-X and XIV of timing diagram  1600 . Second imaging sensor  16  is operated to accumulate photo charge over regions II-XI of timing diagram  1650 . However, due to the design of choppered-wheel  190 , first imaging sensor  14  actually converts light to electrical signal (accumulated in the sensor) over only regions I-II, IV-VI, VIII-X and XIV of timing diagram  1600 . During regions III and VII, first imaging sensor  14  is in darkness inside of the camera body. During regions I, V and IX, first imaging sensor  14  is fully illuminated, and during regions II, IV, VI, VIII, X and XIV, first imaging sensor  14  is partially illuminated. The center of region V is the center of the exposure interval of first imaging sensor  14 .  
         [0138]     Similarly for second imaging sensor  16 , timing diagram  1650  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of third transmission sector  204  (region II) until the image light passes through a central area of third transmission sector  204  such that every pixel on second imaging sensor  16  is illuminated (region III). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  16  while the image light passes through third transmission sector  204  onto second imaging sensor  16 . As choppered-wheel  190  rotates, third transmission sector  204  moves out of the objective path of lens  12  while third reflection sector  202  moves into the objective path of lens  12 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  16  are illuminated, as shown by region IV in timing diagram  1650 . Due to the design of choppered-wheel  190 , second imaging sensor  16  actually converts light to electrical signal (accumulated in the sensor) over only regions II-IV, VI-VIII and X-XII of timing diagram  1650 . During regions V and IX, second imaging sensor  16  is in darkness inside of the camera body. During regions III, VII and XI, second imaging sensor  16  is fully illuminated, and during regions II, IV, VI, VIII, X and XII, second imaging sensor  16  is partially illuminated. The center of region VII is the center of the exposure interval of second imaging sensor  16 .  
         [0139]     Thus, the difference in the center of the exposure intervals of first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16  is the time between the center of region V (timing diagram  1600 ) and the center of region VII (timing diagram  1650 ). Choppered-wheel  190  may be designed to include many more chopped sectors to narrow the time difference between the centers of the exposures of first and second imaging sensor  14  and  16  to minimized any artifacts that may be caused by differences in exposure times.  
         [0140]     Once first opaque sector  194  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  12 , the image light no longer reflects onto first and second imaging sensor  14  and  16 , as shown by region XIII in timing diagrams  1600  and  1650 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from both first and second imaging sensors  14  and  16  while first opaque sector  194  prevents the image light from impinging on the imaging sensors  14  and  16 . The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  192  moves back into the objective path of lens  12 , as shown in region XIV in timing diagram  1600 .  
         [0141]     Since first opaque sector  194  is formed of absorbing material, first opaque sector  194  acts as a light shield under which the imaging sensors  14  and  16  can transfer charge without smear. First opaque sector  194  acts as a mechanical shutter, thus allowing the imaging sensors  14  and  16  to be full-frame transfer type sensors that lack electronic shutter capabilities. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the wedge shape of first reflection sector  192  and first transmission sector  196  necessitates the adjustment of the resulting image either in post-processing or by using weighted pixel values.  
         [0000]     Improved Blue/Green Response  
         [0142]     In general, the physics of many solid state sensors (CCD or CMOS) of the preferred type causes the sensor to be more sensitive to red light than to blue light. Short wavelengths, such as blue and ultraviolet, are attenuated quickly in upper layers of poly-crystalline silicon that are frequently used in photogates of a frame transfer sensor. Similarly, the human eye is more sensitive to green light, which lies in the middle of the visible light spectrum, than to any other wavelength, or color, of visible light. Therefore, in many applications, it is desirable to make a camera that is more sensitive to at least one of blue and green light in order to satisfy these two considerations and/or that adjusts color sensitivities to match the color response of the intended display (e.g., computer monitor, television, projector).  
         [0143]     In  FIG. 13 , sixth structure  300  is a variation of first structure  110  in which first reflection sector  304  and second reflection sector  308  are each characterized by a corresponding angular extent and the angular extent of first reflection sector  304  is unequal to the angular extent of second reflection sector  308 . To compensate for the unequal size of the segments, sixth structure  300  may include counterweight  309  to preserve the dynamic balance of sixth structure  300 , as described previously. In this embodiment, first reflection sector  304  includes a coating to reflect a first color and second reflection sector  308  includes a coating to reflect a second color ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The angular extent of first reflection sector  304  is greater than the angular extent of second reflection sector  308  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a response sensitivity of first imaging sensor  14  to the first color as compared to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0144]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  304  would be coated to reflect the color blue while second reflection sector  308  is coated to reflect either red or green, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the human observational sensitivity of the image produced by first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  304  would be coated to reflect the color green while second reflection sector  308  is coated to reflect either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the colors red or blue.  
         [0145]     In  FIG. 14 , seventh structure  310  is a variation of first structure  110  in which first transmission sector  312  and second transmission sector  316  are each characterized by a corresponding angular extent and the angular extent of first transmission sector  312  is unequal to the angular extent of second transmission sector  316 . To compensate for the unequal size of the segments, seventh structure  310  may include counterweights  320  and  321  to preserve the dynamic balance of seventh structure  310 , as described previously. In this embodiment, first transmission sector  312  includes a coating to pass a first color and second transmission sector  316  includes a coating to pass a second color ( FIG. 12 ). The angular extent of first transmission sector  312  is greater than the angular extent of second transmission sector  316  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a response sensitivity of second imaging sensor  16  to the first color as compared to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0146]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  312  would be coated to pass the color blue while second transmission sector  316  is coated to pass either red or green, thus increasing the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the human observational sensitivity of the image produced by second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  312  would be coated to pass the color green while second transmission sector  316  is coated to pass either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the colors red or blue.  
         [0147]      FIGS. 13 and 14  also illustrate the situation where first reflection sector  304  or  314  and first transmission sector  302  or  316  are each characterized by a corresponding angular extent and the angular extent of first reflection sector  304  or  314  is unequal to the angular extent of first transmission sector  302  or  316 . Where the desire is to improve the response of first imaging sensor  14  ( FIG. 13 ), the larger first reflection sector  304  includes a coating to reflect a first color and first transmission sector  302  includes a coating to pass a second color. The angular extent of first reflection sector  304  is greater than the angular extent of first transmission sector  302  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a first response sensitivity of first imaging sensor  14  to the first color as compared to a second response sensitivity of second imaging sensor  16  to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0148]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  304  would be coated to reflect the color blue while first transmission sector  302  is coated to pass either red or green, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the human observational sensitivity of the image produced by first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  304  would be coated to reflect the color green while first transmission sector  302  is coated to pass either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the colors red or blue.  
         [0149]     Similarly, where the desire is to improve the response of second imaging sensor  16  ( FIG. 14 ), the larger first transmission sector  302  includes a coating to pass a first color and first reflection sector  304  includes a coating to reflect a second color. The angular extent of first transmission sector  302  is greater than the angular extent of first reflection sector  304  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a first response sensitivity of second imaging sensor  16  to the first color as compared to a second response sensitivity of first imaging sensor  14  to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0150]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  302  would be coated to pass the color blue while first reflection sector  304  is coated to reflect either red or green, thus increasing the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the human observational sensitivity of the image produced by second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  302  would be coated to pass the color green while first reflection sector  304  is coated to reflect either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the colors red or blue.  
         [0151]     In  FIG. 15 , eighth structure  330  is a variation of second structure  120  in which first reflection sector  332  and first transmission sector  336  are each characterized by a corresponding angular extent and the angular extent of first reflection sector  332  is unequal to the angular extent of first transmission sector  336 . To compensate for weight loss when first transmission sector  336  is an air-filled gap, eighth structure  330  may include counterweights  338  and  339  to preserve the dynamic balance of eighth structure  330 , as described previously.  
         [0152]     In this embodiment, second imaging sensor  16  includes an array  210  of pixel groups  220  ( FIG. 8 ). First pixel group  220  includes a plurality of pixels, e.g., pixels  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , which are arranged to image a variety of colors by overlaying the pixels with color-specific microfilters, as described previously. The plural pixels of first pixel group  220  includes a first pixel  222  and the first pixel  222  is overlaid with first color microfilter  232  ( FIG. 9 ), thus allowing second imaging sensor  16  to image a particular color. First reflection sector  332  includes a coating to reflect a first color and first color microfilter  232  selects a second color. Alternatively, first color filter  18  is disposed along reflected axis  28  between rotatable structure  100  and first imaging sensor  14  ( FIG. 1 ) to image the first color, obviating the need for the reflection coating. The angular extent of first reflection sector  332  is greater than the angular extent of first transmission sector  336  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a first response sensitivity of first imaging sensor  14  to the first color as compared to a second response sensitivity of second imaging sensor  16  to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0153]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  332  would be coated to reflect the color blue while microfiltered pixel array  210  overlaying second imaging sensor  16  selects either red or green, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the sensitivity to be comparable to human observational sensitivity of the image produced by first imaging sensor  14 , the larger first reflection sector  332  would be coated to reflect the color green while microfiltered pixel array  210  overlaying second imaging sensor  16  selects either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the colors red or blue. In other embodiments, microfiltered pixel array  210  overlying second imaging sensor  16  may select two colors, e.g., red and green or red and blue.  
         [0154]     In  FIG. 16 , ninth structure  340  is a variation of second structure  120  in which first reflection sector  342  and first transmission sector  346  are each characterized by a corresponding angular extent and the angular extent of the angular extent of first reflection sector  342  is unequal to the angular extent of first transmission sector  346 . To compensate for weight loss when first transmission sector  340  is an air-filled gap, ninth structure  340  may include counterweights  348  and  349  to preserve the dynamic balance of ninth structure  340 , as described previously.  
         [0155]     In this embodiment, first imaging sensor  14  includes an array  210  of pixel groups  220  ( FIG. 8 ). First pixel group  220  includes a plurality of pixels, e.g., pixels  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , which are arranged to image a variety of colors by overlaying the pixels with color-specific microfilters, as described previously. The plural pixels of first pixel group  220  includes a first pixel  222  and the first pixel  222  is overlaid with first color microfilter  232  ( FIG. 9 ), thus allowing first imaging sensor  14  to image a particular color. First transmission sector  346  includes a coating to pass a first color and first color microfilter  232  selects a second color. Alternatively, second color filter  20  is disposed along direct axis  26  between rotatable structure  100  and second imaging sensor  16  ( FIG. 1 ) to image the first color, obviating the need for the transmission coating. The angular extent of first transmission sector  346  is greater than the angular extent of first reflection sector  342  by an amount sufficient to compensate for differences in a first response sensitivity of second imaging sensor  16  to the first color as compared to a second response sensitivity of first imaging sensor  14  to the second color, an ocular sensitivity of a human observer to the first color as compared to the second color, or possibly both.  
         [0156]     Therefore, if the desire is to improve the blue response of second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  346  would be coated to pass the color blue while microfiltered pixel array  210  overlaying first imaging sensor  14  selects either red or green, thus increasing the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the color blue with respect to the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the colors red or green. Similarly, if the desire is to improve the human observational sensitivity of the image produced by second imaging sensor  16 , the larger first transmission sector  346  would be coated to pass the color green while microfiltered pixel array  210  overlaying first imaging sensor  14  selects either red or blue, thus increasing the time over which second imaging sensor  16  accumulates charge for the color green with respect to the time over which first imaging sensor  14  accumulates charge for the colors red or blue. In other embodiments, microfiltered pixel array  210  overlying first imaging sensor  14  may select two colors, e.g., red and green or red and blue.  
         [0000]     3-Chip Camera  
         [0157]     In  FIG. 17 , 3-chip camera  400  includes lens  402 , first imaging sensor  404 , second imaging sensor  406 , third imaging sensor  408 , first rotatable structure  430 , and second rotatable structure  440 . First imaging sensor  402  is disposed to image light that propagates along first reflected axis  425 , second imaging sensor  406  is disposed to image light that propagates along second reflected axis  426 , and third imaging sensor  408  is disposed to image light that propagates along direct axis  424 . First rotatable structure  430  is disposed to define a first rotation plane that is oblique to first reflected axis  425  and direct axis  424 . Second rotatable structure  440  is disposed to define a second rotation plane that is oblique to second reflected axis  426  and direct axis  424 .  
         [0158]     In operation, first motor  418  rotates first axle  416  that in turn rotates first rotatable structure  430 , and second motor  422  rotates second axle  420  that in turn rotates second rotatable structure  440 . Lens  402  focuses an image conjugate onto third imaging sensor  408  along direct axis  424  such that third imaging sensor  408  converts the image light into electrical signals. Lens  402  also focuses the image conjugate onto first imaging sensor  404  along first reflected axis  425 . The image light through lens  402  along direct axis  424  is reflected from a reflection sector of first rotatable structure  430  to propagate along first reflected axis  425 . First imaging sensor  404  converts the image light into electrical signals. Lens  402  further focuses the image conjugate onto second imaging sensor  406  along second reflected axis  426 . The image light through lens  402  along direct axis  424  is reflected from a reflection sector of second rotatable structure  440  to propagate along second reflected axis  426 . Second imaging sensor  406  converts the image light into electrical signals. First and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  are formed having an inner radius such that the image light focused by lens  402  does not impinge on either first motor  418  or second motor  422  but only on the surface of rotatable structures  430  and  440 . Other formations of first and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  are also possible that satisfy the need to avoid first and second motors  418  and  422 .  
         [0159]     In some variants of the invention, camera  400  also includes first color filter  410  disposed along first reflected axis  425  between first rotatable structure  430  and first imaging sensor  404 . In other variants of the invention, camera  400  further includes second color filter  412  disposed along second reflected axis  426  between second rotatable structure  440  and second imaging sensor  406 . In further variants of the inventions, camera  400  additionally includes third color filter  414  disposed along direct axis  424  between first and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  and third imaging sensor  408 .  
         [0160]     First and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  are represented as rotatable structure  450  ( FIG. 18A ) that includes first reflection sector  452  and “air-filled” first transmission sector  454  disposed adjacent to first reflection sector  452 . First transmission sector  454  is a gap (i.e., air-filled), as indicated by reference numeral  454 . By making first transmission sector  454  a gap, first and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  can be positioned and phased such that the reflection sectors of rotatable structures  430  and  440  do not collide as rotatable structures  430  and  440  are being rotated. Rotatable structure  450  also includes counterweight  456 , which serves to offset the mass distribution differential caused by first transmission sector  454  being an air-filled gap, thus preserving dynamic balance in rotatable structure  450 . The dynamic balancing function of rotatable structure  450  may be achieved by other means, for example, relocating the placement of axle attachment point  416  or  420  to create a dynamically balanced rotatable structure.  
         [0161]     Preferably, first reflection sector  452  of rotatable structures  430  and  440  covers one-third of a circle and is coated such that rotatable structures  430  and  440  each reflect a respective color (e.g., one rotatable structure reflects blue and the other reflects red). Alternatively, color filters  410 ,  412 , and  414  may be used to select the appropriate color to impinge on imaging sensors  404 ,  406 , and  408 . A motor control unit controls the motor speed and phase so that rotatable structures  430  and  440  do not collide, and in fact, so that there exists a time when neither rotatable structure is positioned at the exit pupil of lens  402  so as to interrupt the direct light path through lens  402  and onto third imaging sensor  408 .  
         [0162]      FIG. 18B  shows a front view (as seen from lens  402 ) of the preferred overlap positioning of superimposed rotatable structures  430  and  440  during operation of the 3-chip camera  400 . A motor control unit controls the motor speed and phase of motors  418  and  422  so that during a first third of a revolution, imaging light of a first color is reflected from first reflection sector  452  onto first imaging sensor  404 . During the next one-sixth of the revolution, first and second transmission sector  454  overlap and allow imaging light of a second color to be reflected onto third imaging sensor  408 . During the next one-third of the revolution, imaging light of a third color is reflected from second reflection sector  452 ′ onto second imaging sensor  406 . During the last one-sixth of the revolution, imaging light of the second color passes again through first and second transmission sector  454  onto third imaging sensor  408 . An advantage of 3-chip camera  400  is that the imaging light passes through nothing but air, or third color filter  414 , while passing from lens  402  to third imaging sensor  408 . High quality color images are obtained. When the imaging light must pass through some substrate material, e.g., a glass transmission sector some attenuation and/or distortion might be present. Although the scenario described above presumes that the overlapping transmission sector regions are each one-sixth of a circle, other variations are possible and will not effect the operation of the 3-chip camera  400 .  
         [0163]     In an alternative embodiment, first and second rotatable structures  430  and  440  include an integral counterweight formed with the reflection sector ( FIG. 18C ). Rotatable structure  460  is machined to include reflection sector  462 , “air-filled” gap transmission sector  464 , and integral counterbalance  466 . In  FIG. 18D  integral rotatable structure  460  is coupled through axle  416  to motor  418 . In one variation, reflection sector  462  and integral counterbalance  466  are formed from a metal slug which is either milled or broached to the shape of structure  460  and so as to include axle hole  416 . A portion of the integral structure is then milled or broached to thin the portion and form reflection sector  462  into a thinner thickness (see  FIG. 18D ). The metal sector that forms reflection sector  462  is then polished and plated to a flat reflection surface. The thickness of reflection sector  462  and the thickness of integral counterbalance  466  are designed to maintain dynamic balance in rotatable structure  460  about axle  416 .  
         [0164]     In another variation, reflection sector  462  may be formed of thinner stock (of a material such as glass, plastic, or metal) and thicker (D shaped) portions are bonded to the thinner stock at bonding surfaces  467  to form counterbalance portion  466 . The thickness of reflection sector  462  and the thickness of bonded counterbalance  466  are designed to maintain dynamic balance in rotatable structure  460  about axle  416 .  
         [0165]      FIG. 27  illustrates a timing diagram for the operation of the 3-chip camera  400 . Timing for the operation of first imaging sensor  404  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1700 , timing for the operation of second imaging sensor  406  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1730 , and timing for the operation of third imaging sensor  408  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1760 . The operation of first rotatable structure  110  is separated into eight regions (denoted by Roman numerals I-VIII) that correspond to the sectors of first rotatable structure  110 . The vertical axes in timing diagrams  1700 ,  1730 , and  1760  represents the number of pixels illuminated in first, second, and third imaging sensors  404 ,  406 , and  408 , respectively. The horizontal axes represents the time, or phase, of the rotation of first and second rotatable structures  430  and  440 .  
         [0166]     Region I in timing diagram  1700  shows the charge integration in first imaging sensor  404  while the image light reflects from a central area of first reflection sector  452  such that every pixel on first imaging sensor  404  is illuminated. Charge is integrated in first imaging sensor  404  while the image light reflects from first reflection sector  452  onto first imaging sensor  404 . As the rotatable structures  430  and  440  rotate, first reflection sector  452  moves out of the objective path of lens  402  while “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  moves into the objective path of lens  402 . Fewer pixels of first imaging sensor  404  are illuminated, as shown by region II in timing diagram  1700 , as first reflection sector  452  moves out of the objective path. In one embodiment, charge integrates in first imaging sensor  404  only while first imaging sensor  404  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in first imaging sensor  404  begins as first reflection sector  452  moves into the objective path of lens  402  and continues as first reflection sector  452  moves out of the objective path of lens  402  and fewer pixels in first imaging sensor  404  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0167]     Once “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  has moved completely into the objective path of lens  402 , the image light no longer reflects onto first imaging sensor  404 , as shown by region III in timing diagram  1700 . Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from first imaging sensor  404  while “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  passes the image to the third imaging sensor or second reflection sector  452 ′ of the second rotatable structure  440  reflects light to the second imaging sensor so as to prevent the image light from impinging on first imaging sensor  404 .  
         [0168]     Timing diagram  1760  shows the charge integration in third imaging sensor  408  while the image light passes through an increasing portion of “air filled” gap transmission sector  454  (region II) until the image light passes through a central area of “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  such that approximately half the total number of pixels on second imaging sensor  406  are illuminated (region III). Charge is integrated in third imaging sensor  408  while the image light passes through “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  onto third imaging sensor  408 . As the rotatable structures  430  and  440  rotate, “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  moves out of the objective path of lens  402  while second reflection sector  452 ′ moves into the objective path of lens  402 . Fewer pixels of third imaging sensor  408  are illuminated, as shown by region IV in timing diagram  1760 , as second reflection sector  452 ′ moves into the objective path. In one embodiment, charge integrates in third imaging sensor  408  only while third imaging sensor  408  is maximally illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in third imaging sensor  408  begins as “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  moves into the objective path of lens  402  and continues as “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454  moves out of the objective path of lens  402  (region IV) and fewer pixels in third imaging sensor  408  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0169]     Once second reflection sector  452 ′ has moved completely into the objective path of lens  402 , the image light no longer reflects onto third imaging sensor  408  (region V). Charge is transferred (Xfer  1 ) from third imaging sensor  408  while second reflection sector  452 ′ prevents the image light from impinging on third imaging sensor  408 .  
         [0170]     Timing diagram  1730  shows the charge integration in second imaging sensor  406  while the image light reflects from an increasing portion of second reflection sector  452 ′ (region IV) until the image light reflects from a central area of second reflection sector  452 ′ such that approximately half the total number of pixels on second imaging sensor  406  are illuminated (region III). Charge is integrated in second imaging sensor  406  while the image light reflects from second reflection sector  452 ′ onto second imaging sensor  406 . As the rotatable structures  430  and  440  rotate, second reflection sector  452 ′ moves out of the objective path of lens  402  while “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454 ′ moves into the objective path of lens  402 . Fewer pixels of second imaging sensor  406  are illuminated, as shown by region VI in timing diagram  1730 . In one embodiment, charge integrates in second imaging sensor  406  only while second imaging sensor  406  is fully illuminated (bracket  1 ). In an alternative embodiment, charge integration in second imaging sensor  406  begins as second reflection sector  452 ′ moves into the objective path of lens  402  and continues as second reflection sector  452 ′ moves out of the objective path of lens  402  and fewer pixels in second imaging sensor  406  are illuminated (bracket  2 ).  
         [0171]     The cycle of charge integration in third imaging sensor  408  is repeated as “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454 ′ moves into and out of the objective path of lens  402  and the image light passes through “air-filled” gap transmission sector  454 ′ onto third imaging sensor  408  (regions VI-VIII). Charge is again transferred from third imaging sensor  408  once first reflection sector  452  is completely in the objective path of lens  402 , thus preventing the image light from impinging on third imaging sensor  408  (region I). The entire cycle begins anew as first reflection sector  452  moves back into the objective path of lens  402  (region I in timing diagram  1700 ).  
         [0172]     If first and second reflection sectors  452  and  452 ′ are not completely reflective and if “air-filled” gap transmission sectors  454  and  454 ′ are not completely transmissive, imaging sensors  404 ,  406 , and  408  may include electronic shutter control such that neither sensor is capable of integrating charge during the charge transfer phase of their operation in order to avoid smear artifacts.  
         [0173]     Furthermore, due to the wedge shape of reflection sectors  452  and  452 ′ and “air-filled” gap transmission sectors  454  and  454 ′, the pixels of imaging sensors  404 ,  406 , and  408  disposed along the outer radius of the rotatable structures  430  and  440  will be illuminated for a longer period of time than the pixels disposed along the inner radius of the rotatable structures  430  and  440 . The resulting image may be adjusted in post-processing to allow for the difference in the amount of charge integrated for different parts of the image. The pixel values can be weighted allow for normalization of the resulting image.  
         [0174]     In  FIG. 28  (a variant of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ), camera  2100  includes a lens generally disposed at plane  2101  but focusable to a location at  2104 , first imaging sensor  2114 , second imaging sensor  2116 , and rotatable structure  2200 . First imaging sensor  2114  is disposed to receive light that propagates along reflected axis  2128  and second imaging sensor  2116  is disposed to receive light that propagates along direct axis  2126 . Rotatable structure  2200  is disposed to define a rotation plane that is oblique to both reflected axis  2128  and direct axis  2126 . In operation, motor  2124  rotates axle  2122  that in turn rotates rotatable structure  2200 . The lens at plane  2102  focuses an image conjugate onto second imaging sensor  2116  along direct axis  2126  such that second imaging sensor  2116  converts the image light into electrical signals. This focal length, denoted  2101 A, is about 52 millimeters in this example. The lens at plane  2102  also focuses the image conjugate onto first imaging sensor  2114  along reflected axis  2128 . The image light through the lens along direct axis  2126  is reflected from a reflection sector of rotatable structure  2200  to propagate along reflected axis  2128 . First imaging sensor  2114  converts the image light into electrical signals. Rotatable structure  2200  is formed as a ring having an inner radius such that the image light focused by the lens does not impinge on motor  2124  but only on the surface of rotatable structure  2200 .  
         [0175]     In camera  2100  of  FIG. 28 , light may be focused by the lens in the region between angles  2105  and  2106 . An image center point is defined at the intersection of reflected axis  2128  (with centerline label) and direct axis  2126  (with centerline label), or at distance  2101 B, about 39 millimeters behind plane  2102  in this example. Light is focused by the lens through the area between angle  2105  and  2106 . In this example, the angle between angle  2105  and direct axis  2126  is 45 degrees, and the angle between direct axis  2126  and angle  2106  is also 45 degrees. However, in this example, the plane of rotation of rotatable structure  2200  and angle  2106  is 2.5 degrees. This tends to avoid certain reflection issues in the camera. Sensor  2114  is disposed perpendicular to reflection axis  2128 , and therefore, sensor  2114  is canted by angle  2109  (5 degrees in this example) with respect to direct axis  2126 . The image conjugate is focused through aperture  2110  that is comparable to the vertical aperture used in 35 millimeter film cinematography.  
         [0176]     Second sensor  2116  is mounted in package  2117  and covered with a transparent window. Distance  2119  between the transparent window outer surface and the sensor top surface is about 1.8 millimeters in this example. Similarly, first sensor  2114  is mounted in package  2115  and covered with a transparent window.  
         [0177]     Having described preferred embodiments of a novel chopped color camera with solid state imaging sensors (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0178]     Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.