Hybrid Light Field Imaging for Improved Spatial Resolution and Depth Range
This addresses the problem of limited applicability and depth estimation accuracy for users of light field imaging, though it appears incremental as it builds on existing camera technologies.
The paper tackles the low spatial resolution and narrow baseline limitations of micro-lens array-based light field cameras by proposing a hybrid stereo imaging system that combines a light field camera with a regular camera, resulting in improved spatial resolution and depth range while preserving light field capabilities.
Light field imaging involves capturing both angular and spatial distribution of light; it enables new capabilities, such as post-capture digital refocusing, camera aperture adjustment, perspective shift, and depth estimation. Micro-lens array (MLA) based light field cameras provide a cost-effective approach to light field imaging. There are two main limitations of MLA-based light field cameras: low spatial resolution and narrow baseline. While low spatial resolution limits the general purpose use and applicability of light field cameras, narrow baseline limits the depth estimation range and accuracy. In this paper, we present a hybrid stereo imaging system that includes a light field camera and a regular camera. The hybrid system addresses both spatial resolution and narrow baseline issues of the MLA-based light field cameras while preserving light field imaging capabilities.