Smart image sensor for high speed in-focus detection

We propose a smart image sensor for the detection of an in-focus position using multiple focus images. This smart image sensor can generate an all-in-focus image by detecting an in-focus position, pixel by pixel. It can be also applied to the estimation of the distance between the sensor and objects. A prototype of 64/spl times/64 pixels has been fabricated. The proposed sensor can operate at more than 1500 fps, therefore it can be expected that the system is able to generate all-in-focus images at a full frame rate or faster speed.