  A new passive approach called Generalized Scene Reconstruction (GSR) enables
"generalized scenes" to be effectively reconstructed. Generalized scenes are
defined to be "boundless" spaces that include non-Lambertian, partially
transmissive, textureless and finely-structured matter. A new data structure
called a plenoptic octree is introduced to enable efficient (database-like)
light and matter field reconstruction in devices such as mobile phones,
augmented reality (AR) glasses and drones. To satisfy threshold requirements
for GSR accuracy, scenes are represented as systems of partially polarized
light, radiometrically interacting with matter. To demonstrate GSR, a prototype
imaging polarimeter is used to reconstruct (in generalized light fields) highly
reflective, hail-damaged automobile body panels. Follow-on GSR experiments are
described.
