Range imaging system with multiplexed structured light by direct space encoding

Since practical multiplexed structured light systems currently available use plural light patterns or different illumination conditions to ensure a high reliability, their fast performance is impaired. This paper describes a fast, highly reliable range imaging system with a multiplexed structured light system that uses a direct space encoding approach while using only a single light pattern. Unlike a conventional encoding approach, the proposed approach is unique in that it encodes object space through the use of a special optical system which consists of field stops, plural lenses, and shield masks, rather than a light pattern. The theoretical considerations and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective for a highly reliable, fast, accurate range imaging system.