Depth estimation based on interpolation of inverse focus statistics
First Claim
1. A method for estimating a depth for a plurality of image frames, comprising:
- receiving image data corresponding to the plurality of the image frames based on varying a camera focus position to a plurality of predefined focusing positions;
selecting a subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions that are noncontiguous;
calculating statistics based at least in part on the image data at the subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions; and
estimating the depth based at least in part on a minimum of inverse values of the calculated statistics.
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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.
29 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for estimating a depth for a plurality of image frames, comprising:
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receiving image data corresponding to the plurality of the image frames based on varying a camera focus position to a plurality of predefined focusing positions; selecting a subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions that are noncontiguous; calculating statistics based at least in part on the image data at the subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions; and estimating the depth based at least in part on a minimum of inverse values of the calculated statistics. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 21)
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7. A device for estimating a depth for a plurality of image frames, comprising:
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a processor configured to receive image data corresponding to the plurality of the image frames based on varying a camera focus position to a plurality of predefined focusing positions; the processor configured to select a subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions that are noncontiguous; the processor configured to calculate statistics based at least in part on the image data at the subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions; and the processor configured to estimate the depth based at least in part on a minimum of inverse values of the calculated statistics. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22)
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13. An apparatus for estimating a depth for a plurality of image frames, comprising:
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means for receiving image data corresponding to the plurality of the image frames based on varying a camera focus position to a plurality of predefined focusing positions; means for selecting a subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions that are noncontiguous; means for calculating statistics based at least in part on the image data at the subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions; and means for estimating the depth based at least in part on a minimum of inverse values of the calculated statistics. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23)
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19. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to perform a process comprising:
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receiving image data corresponding to a plurality of image frames based on varying a camera focus position to a plurality of predefined focusing positions; selecting a subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions that are noncontiguous; calculating statistics based at least in part on the image data at the subset of the plurality of the predefined focusing positions; and estimating the depth based at least in part on a minimum of inverse values of the calculated statistics. - View Dependent Claims (20, 24)
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Specification