Image generating apparatus, image generating method, and image generating program

An image generating method, comprising:

• a step in which a computer inputs data on a defocused image group constituted by a plurality of images acquired by imaging an object for a plurality of times while changing a focal position in an optical axis direction of an imaging optical system;
• and
• a computing step in which the computer acquires data on a filter to be used from a storage unit, which stores data on a plurality of filters generated on the basis of a three-dimensional blur function for approximating a blur characteristic of the imaging optical system, and generates a new image by applying the filter to the defocused image group, wherein
• when a first element of a first filter out of the plurality of filters is symmetrical or anti-symmetrical with a second element that is included in the first filter or a second filter, which is different from the first filter, the storage unit does not store the data on the first element of the first filter, and in the computing step, the data on the first element of the first filter is generated on the basis of data on the second element, which is stored in the storage unit, when the first filter is used.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer to execute:

• a step of inputting data on a defocused image group constituted by a plurality of images acquired by imaging an object for a plurality of times while changing a focal position in an optical axis direction of an imaging optical system;
• and
• a computing step of acquiring data on a filter to be used from a storage unit storing data on a plurality of filters generated on the basis of a three-dimensional blur function for approximating a blur characteristic of the imaging optical system, and generating a new image by applying the filter to the defocused image group, wherein
• when a first element of a first filter out of the plurality of filters is symmetrical or anti-symmetrical with a second element included in the first filter or a second filter, which is different from the first filter, the storage unit does not store the data on the first element of the first filter, and in the computing step, the data on the first element of the first filter is generated on the basis of data on the second element, which is stored in the storage unit, when the first filter is used.