Depth of field reduction for miniature-camera imaging

This thesis investigates the reduction of depth-of- field for miniature camera systems, such as the ones embedded in smartphones. The work on digital shallow depth-of- field is already mature and implemented in most modern phones in the form of image processing algorithms. Yet, little research has been performed to provide optical design solutions for depth-of- field management. This thesis proposes a theoretical framework for the understanding of depth-of-fi eld in the particular case of miniature cameras and two practical solutions to reduce the depth of eld. The fi rst one is an apodization phase-mask designed in order to achieve depth super-resolution with about 20% lobe width reduction. The second one is an f/1.0 and an f/1.4 lens. Both solutions are presented and compared. Finally, some preliminary work is presented on how image processing could further improve the hardware contribution of this thesis.

Funder

Science Foundation Ireland

Publisher

NUI Galway

Collections

University of Galway Theses (PhD Theses)