A depth estimation algorithm with a single image

This paper explains the use of a sharpening filter to calculate the depth of an object from a blurred image of it. It presents a technique which is independent of edge orientation. The technique is based on the assumption that a defocused image of an object is the convolution of a sharp image of the same object with a two-dimensional Gaussian function whose spread parameter (SP) is related to the object depth. A sharp image of an object is obtained from a defocused image of the same object by applying sharpening filters. The defocused and sharp images of the object are used to calculate the SP which is then related to the object depth. The paper gives experimental results which show the feasibility of employing sharpening filters for depth computation. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.