US 8,896,747 B2 · Depth estimation based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics

Abstract

Embodiments are directed towards performing depth estimation within a digital camera system based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics. After an image is captured, various statistics or focus measure may be calculated using, for example, a high pass filter. Depth is estimated by interpolating the inverse of the statistics for three positions of focus for the image. The inverse of the statistics, St(n), may be 1/St(n), or 1/St2(n), or even 1/StZ(n), where Z≧1. Several approaches to interpolating the inverse values of the statistics to obtain a depth estimate are disclosed, including a general parabolic minimum approach, using a parabolic minimum within a progressive scheme, or within a continuous AF scheme. The depth estimate may then be used for a variety of applications, including automatic focusing, as well as converting 2D images to 3D images.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A processor based method, comprising:

receiving a plurality of image frames from an image sensor;
receiving for each of the plurality of image frames, an image statistic and a focusing position;
calculating for each of the plurality of image statistics, an inverse of each of the statistics;
performing a curve fitting determination using the inverse statistics and focusing positions to locate a minimum location on a curve;
and
selectively employing the minimum location as an estimated depth.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Depth estimation based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics

Life of this patent

Depth estimation based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20