Patent · US Active

Four-dimensional polynomial model for depth estimation based on two-picture matching

US8045046B1 · kind B1 · utility

5Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

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Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 13, 2010
Grant dateOct 25, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 18, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04N23/6811
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Camera depth estimation is performed in response to picture matching based on blur difference computed between images captured at different focal positions. A blur difference model is stored in the camera based on characterization of the camera with a series of matching curves in which blur difference varies depending on the focal length, aperture, subject distance, and lens focus position. A four-dimensional polynomial model is created to fit the matching curves for use in estimating subject distance. During operation, images are captured for use in estimating subject distance. Motion compensation is applied and blur difference is determined. Blur difference is utilized in the polynomial model to estimate subject distance. Subject distance estimates can be output or utilized within an auto focus process to provide accurate focus adjustments.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.