Apparatus and method for providing 3-dimensional around view

A three-dimensional (3D) around view providing method of providing a 3D around view through a user interface module included in a vehicle, the 3D around view providing method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of images through an image pickup unit;
• acquiring a plurality of depth maps corresponding to the plurality of images;
• minimizing a depth difference between a first boundary region of a first depth map and a second boundary region of a second depth map, the first boundary region and the second boundary region being boundary regions in which the first depth map and the second depth map, which are adjacent to each other among the plurality of depth maps, overlap;
• acquiring a first around view depth map with the minimized depth difference between the first boundary region and the second boundary region;
• restoring a 3D around view image for the plurality of images by using the first around view depth map;
• and
• displaying the 3D around view image.

A computer-readable recording medium for recording a program to provide a three-dimensional (3D) around view to a user of a vehicle, the computer-readable recording medium comprising:

• a first means configured to receive a plurality of images through an image pickup unit;
• a second means configured to acquire a plurality of depth maps corresponding to the plurality of images;
• a third means configured to minimize a depth difference between a first boundary region of a first depth map and a second boundary region of a second depth map, the first boundary region and the second boundary region being boundary regions in which the first depth map and the second depth map, which are adjacent to each other among the plurality of depth maps, overlap;
• a fourth means configured to acquire an around view depth map with the minimized depth difference between the first boundary region and the second boundary region;
• a fifth means configured to restore a 3D around view image for the plurality of images by using the around view depth map;
• and
• a sixth means configured to display the 3D around view image.