A generalized depth estimation algorithm with a single image

A depth estimation algorithm proposed by A.P. Pentland (1987) is generalized. In the proposed algorithm, the raw image data in the vicinity of the edge is used to estimate the depth from defocus. Since no differentiation operation on the image data is required before the optimization process, the method is less sensitive to the noise disturbance of measurements. Furthermore, the edge orientation that was critical in Pentland's approach will not be required in the case. This algorithm is then applied to synthetic images containing various amounts of noise to test its performance. Experimental results indicate that the depth estimation errors are kept within 5% of true values on the average when it is applied to real images