Arbitrarily-controllable programmable aperture light field cameras : design theory, and applications to image deconvolution & 3-dimensional scanning

Abstract

This thesis describes a new class of programmable-aperture light field cameras based on an all-digital, grayscale aperture. A number of prototypes utilizing this arbitrarily-controllable programmable aperture (ACPA) light field technology are presented. This new method of capturing light field data lends itself to an improved deconvolution technique dubbed "Programmable Deconvolution," as well as to 3D scanning and super-resolution imaging. The use & performance of ACPA cameras in these applications is explored both in theory and with experimental results. Additionally, a framework for ACPA camera design for optimal 3D scanning is described.