Depth estimation based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics
First Claim
1. 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 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
25 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. An image system, comprising:
-
an image sensor device that is configured to receive image frames; and one or more circuits having a plurality of components thereon operating to perform a plurality of actions, including; receiving for each of a 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. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A non-transitory storage device having stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable instructions that when installed on a digital camera performs actions, comprising:
-
receiving a plurality of image frames from an image sensor; receiving for each of the plurality of image frames, a 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. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification