Array camera imaging system and method

摘要

Aspects of the disclosed technology relate to an imaging system and method in which an array camera is employed along with an image processor to make use of parallax convergence differences in color and luminance between different cameras or groups of cameras within an array camera to provide improved super resolution performance.

主权项

1. An imaging device comprising:
an array camera having at least M×N cameras, where each of M and N is at least two, the array camera producing M×N images, wherein the array camera includes N groups of M cameras; and an image processor operatively coupled to the array camera, the image processor configured to: for each group of M cameras, parallax converge the images from the group of M cameras based on a different predefined offset point within a predefined sampling pattern, producing N group outputs; parallax converge the N group outputs based on the different predefined offset points within the predefined sampling pattern to create a color sub-pixel sampling pattern; parallax converge luminance output of all cameras within the array camera to the predefined sampling pattern to create a luminance sub-pixel sampling pattern; create a super resolution image by:
sampling the color sub-pixel sampling pattern at a first increased resolution;sampling the luminance sub-pixel sampling pattern at a second increased resolution greater than the first increased resolution; andcombining the output from the sampled color sub-pixel sampling pattern and the luminance sub-pixel sampling pattern.