Compound camera and methods for implementing auto-focus, depth-of-field and high-resolution functions

A method comprising:

• receiving image data of an object;
• and
• generating an enhanced virtual image using the image data by:
• generating a first component virtual image at a first depth plane;
• generating a second component virtual image at a second depth plane;
• selecting pixels from the first component virtual image that have less blur than corresponding pixels from the second component virtual image;
• selecting pixels from the second component virtual image that have less blur than corresponding pixels from the first component virtual image;
• and
• inserting the selected pixels from the first and second component virtual images into the enhanced virtual image.

Software stored on a non-transitory medium such that when executed by a processor is configured to:

• generate a first component virtual image at a first depth plane and a second component virtual image at a second depth plane using image data, the image data comprising image data of an object from a plurality of component cameras;
• select pixels from the first component virtual image that have less blur than corresponding pixels from the second component virtual image;
• select pixels from the second component virtual image that have less blur than corresponding pixels from the first component virtual image;
• and
• insert the selected pixels from the first and second component virtual images into an enhanced virtual image.