A method of and an apparatus for determining a depth map utilizing a
movable lens and an image sensor are described herein. The depth
information is acquired by moving the lens a short distance and acquiring
multiple images with different blur quantities. An improved method of
simulating gaussian blur and an approximation equation that relates a
known gaussian blur quantity to a known pillbox quantity are used in
conjunction with a non-linear blur difference equation. The blur quantity
difference is able to be calculated and then used to determine the depth
map. Many applications are possible using the method and system described
herein, such as autofocusing, surveillance, robot/computer vision,
autonomous vehicle navigation, multi-dimensional imaging and data
compression.