Abstract: A depth estimation apparatus including: an imaging device which generates a first image signal and a second image signal by imaging an object at different phases; a storage unit configured to store model data defining a relationship between (i) lens blur and phase difference of the object in images and (ii) position of the object in the images in the depth axis; and a detecting unit configured to detect a position of the object in the depth axis from the first image signal and the second image signal, using the model data, wherein a phase difference between the first image signal and the second image signal is smaller than or equal to 15% in terms of a base line length.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining orientation of a digital image comprises extracting features of the digital image and processing the extracted features using diverse classifiers to determine orientation of the digital image based on the combined output of the diverse classifiers.