A pixel-based depth estimation algorithm and its hardware implementation for 4-D light field data

In this paper, we propose a hardware-compatible depth estimation algorithm for 4-D light field data. Compared to previous sub-image-based approaches, the proposed pixel-based method can provide depth maps with higher resolution since multiple disparity numbers can be assigned to different objects sharing the same sub-image. We also implement a hardware accelerator based on the proposed algorithm using TSMC 90 nm technology. With the adoption of modified raster scan, new data input sequence, and pipelining technology, the ASIC can operate up to 100 MHz with the power consumption of 105.7 mW. It takes only 0.02954 sec to complete the depth estimation procedure, where 270X speed-up is achieved when compared to the C++ version.