Most 3D imaging requires cameras with multiple lenses, but an Italian firm has discovered a way to allow a single lens to see three dimensional images using pulsed laser energy.

The camera can see using light pulses that reflect off an object similar to sonar, using a CMOS sensor to collect the light as it returns. These aren’t movie, or even still photo quality images, but the potential is there for devices to help the handicapped, or for interactive gaming. Details are sketchy of course, since this is a prototype, but it’ll be interesting to see where the technology goes.

[via Gizmag]