Contrast Optical now has two patents pending for high-resolution multiple imaging systems titled as follows:

• Multiple image camera and lens system suitable for high-resolution digital imaging and cinematography


• Method and apparatus for producing multiple high-resolution images using a single imaging lens system

Our multiple-imaging camera/lens systems are useful in fields such as multi-spectral imaging, imaging polarimetry, multi-focus imaging, and high dynamic range cinematography. The revolutionary design methods we have devised allow multiple images to be captured simultaneously, along the exact same boresight axis, with sub-pixel registration possible between the multiple images. Our camera systems will make possible entirely new methods of film-making and data acquisition.

For multi-spectral imaging our cameras provide exact registration, pixel-by-pixel, across the entire sensor array. Previous attempts at simultaneous multi-spectral imaging systems all fell short, because they relied on splitting an aperture in a sub-optimal manner, resulting in images that did not match up pixel-by-pixel. We have devised a way to split an imaging system's aperture in such a way that each image is absolutely, positively identical in every way.

For High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) our camera systems split the aperture in way that is extremely efficient -- practically no light is wasted at all. Our HDRI systems also provide exact, pixel-by-pixel registration between the simultaneously-captured multiple images. In addition, our gen-locked images are captured with the exact same exposure time and framerate. We can provide an HDRI system with as little as zero f/stops difference between images all the way up to over 13 f/stops difference (that's a light-level change of 10,000x) between images!

We've started production on our first prototype HDRI camera system in our new facility, dubbed CODElab. Watch here for news on the prototype's development, as well as sample images and movie clips.

Contact us to see how our new HDRI camera can help you.