Hat Tip: Imaging Resource
Panasonic has patented a new sensor that adds the ability to capture light field information to current digital camera sensor technology.
The sensors used in modern digital cameras record the intensity of light falling on a particular point (the sensor).
A light-field sensor records the direction and intensity of light passing-through that point. It's the ability to record direction information that sets a light-field sensor apart from the current digital camera sensor.
The ability to capture directional information means that images captured using light-field sensors can be used in ways that standard digital images can't be used. The information allows computer software to determine a subject's distance from the camera. This information can be used to create a 3-D model or to manipulate the image in a way that normal images can't be manipulated.
Among other things, software can be used to refocus the image. No more images ruined due to out-of-focus subject matter.
Scientific American has a short video on How Light Field Cameras Work.
The best part of the Panasonic patent? The light-field sensor covered by it can be used in any camera using a digital sensor.
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