Method of and apparatus for generating a depth map utilized in autofocusing
US7711201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B13/30
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of and an apparatus for determining a depth map utilizing a movable lens and an image sensor are described herein. The depth information is acquired by moving the lens a short distance and acquiring multiple images with different blur quantities. An improved method of simulating gaussian blur and an approximation equation that relates a known gaussian blur quantity to a known pillbox quantity are used in conjunction with a non-linear blur difference equation. The blur quantity difference is able to be calculated and then used to determine the depth map. Many applications are possible using the method and system described herein, such as autofocusing, surveillance, robot/computer vision, autonomous vehicle navigation, multi-dimensional imaging and data compression.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.