Apparatus & methods for creating real-time 3-D images and constructing 3-D models of an object imaged in an optical system

Abstract

Dynamic aperture microscopy in which the portion of an objective aperture that passes light in an optical system that images an object is continuously changed to create motion parallax which continuously changes the angle from which the object is viewed to create a moving 3-D view of the object from which a 3-D model of the object can be constructed that can be seen or measured from any angle.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . In an optical system having an objective aperture for viewing an object the improvement comprising: 
 a shaped light beam continuously passing through a different portion of the objective aperture.    
   
   
       21 . The improvement of claim  13  wherein said shaped light beam is from an array of LEDs.  
   
   
       22 - 38 . (canceled)  
   
   
       39 . In a method of creating a three dimensional model of a three dimensional object using a light microscope having a focal plane the steps comprising: 
 viewing the object with the microscope focal plane at various locations within the object;    for each location of the focal plane within the object, causing the angle of view to continuously change.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the object is composed of a plurality of elements and further comprising the steps of: 
 creating a digitized image of the object at each location of the focal plane;    eliminating from each digitized image those elements that change location with time to create a focal plane specific image.    
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 40  further comprising the step of: 
 combining the focal plane specific images.    
   
   
       42 - 51 . (canceled)