Elemental image array generation algorithm with accurate depth information for integral imaging

In integral imaging, reproducing the depth information of three-dimensional (3D) objects accurately is one of the goals of scientific researchers. Based on the existing research, this paper proposes a new, to the best of our knowledge, elemental image array (EIA) generation algorithm, which does not need to know the depth information of the spatial scene. By dividing the distance between the display lens array (LA) and the synthetic LA equally, and comparing the variance of the pixels corresponding to the partial of the display LA at different positions, it can obtain the depth information of the 3D objects accurately, and then the value of the synthetic pixel can be calculated. Thus, a new EIA with accurate depth information is generated. Finally, the proposed algorithm has been verified in experiments of both virtual objects and real objects.

FIMic: design for ultimate 3D-integral microscopy of in-vivo biological samples

In this work, Fourier integral microscope (FIMic), an ultimate design of 3D-integral microscopy, is presented. By placing a multiplexing microlens array at the aperture stop of the microscope objective of the host microscope, FIMic shows extended depth of field and enhanced lateral resolution in comparison with regular integral microscopy. As FIMic directly produces a set of orthographic views of the 3D-micrometer-sized sample, it is suitable for real-time imaging. Following regular integral-imaging reconstruction algorithms, a 2.75-fold enhanced depth of field and [Formula: see text]-time better spatial resolution in comparison with conventional integral microscopy is reported. Our claims are supported by theoretical analysis and experimental images of a resolution test target, cotton fibers, and in-vivo 3D-imaging of biological specimens.