Depth estimation and image recovery using broadband, incoherent illumination with engineered point spread functions

The use of complementary engineered point spread functions is proposed for the joint tasks of depth estimation and image recovery over an extended depth of field. A digital imaging system with a dynamically adjustable pupil is demonstrated experimentally. The implementation of a broadband, passive camera is demonstrated with a fractional ranging error of 4/10(4) at a working distance of 1 m. Once the depth and brightness information of a scene are obtained, a synthetic camera is defined and images rendered computationally to emphasize particular features such as image focusing at different depths. (c) 2012 Optical Society of America