High resolution 3D image processing apparatus and method thereof

A method for operating an image processing apparatus, comprising:

• generating, by an image sensor comprising a depth-image pixel array, a first set of input information representing a first depth image and a second set of input information representing a second depth image;
• outputting, from a mode control circuit, a mode signal indicating one of a plurality of operation modes of the image processing apparatus to a calculation circuit, wherein indicating one of the plurality of operation modes is configured to save power or enhance image quality;
• determining, by the calculation circuit, a first weighting value associated with the first depth image and a second weighting value associated with the second depth image based on the mode signal;
• and
• generating, based on the first and the second sets of input information and the first and the second weighting values, an output information representing an output depth image.

A system comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory;
• an input/output module;
• a communication component;
• and
• an image processing apparatus, comprising:
• an image sensor comprising a depth-image pixel array, the image sensor being configured to generate a first set of input information representing a first depth image and a second set of input information representing a second depth image;
• a mode control circuit configured to generate a mode signal indicating a selection of one of a plurality of operation modes of the image processing apparatus, wherein selecting one of the plurality of operation modes is configured to save power or enhance image quality;
• and
• a calculating circuit coupled to the mode control circuit and configured to:
• receive the mode signal;
• determine, based on the mode signal, a first weighting value associated with the first depth image and a second weighting value associated with the second depth image;
• and
• generate, based on the first and the second sets of input information and the first and the second weighting values, an output information representing an output depth image.