Method of and apparatus for generating a depth map utilized in autofocusing

A method of determining depth information comprising:

• a. receiving a first image signal with a first blur quantity at an image sensor after the first image signal passes through a lens at a first position;
• b. receiving a second image signal with a second blur quantity at the image sensor after the second image signal passes through the lens at a second position;
• c. computing a non-linear blur difference using the first blur quantity and the second blur quantity;
• and
• d. generating a depth map from the non-linear blur difference.

A method calculating depth information comprising:

• a. simulating a gaussian blur quantity using a convolution kernel;
• b. relating the gaussian blur quantity to a pillbox blur quantity;
• c. computing a non-linear blur difference;
• and
• d. generating a depth map from the non-linear blur difference.

A capture and display device comprising:

• a. a lens for receiving an image signal;
• b. an image sensor for receiving the received image signal, wherein one or more of the lens and the image sensor are movable in relation to each other;
• and
• c. a program coupled to the image sensor for determining depth information by using a first blur quantity and a second blur quantity to determine a non-linear blur difference.

An apparatus for determining depth information comprising:

• a. a lens for receiving an image signal;
• b. an image sensor for receiving the received image signal, wherein one or more of the lens and the image sensor are movable in relation to each other;
• and
• c. a processing module coupled to the image sensor for determining depth information by using a first blur quantity and a second blur quantity to determine a non-linear blur difference, wherein a gaussian blur is simulated.