Depth and angular resolution in plenoptic cameras

We present a model-based approach to extract the depth and angular resolution in a plenoptic camera. Obtained results for the depth and angular resolution are validated against Ze-max ray tracing results. The provided model-based approach gives the location and number of the resolvable depth planes in a plenoptic camera as well as the angular resolution with regards to disparity in pixels. The provided model-based approach is straightforward compared to practical measurements and can reflect on the plenoptic camera parameters such as the microlens f-number in contrast with the principal-ray-model approach. Easy and accurate quantification of different resolution terms forms the basis for designing the capturing setup and choosing a reasonable system configuration for plenoptic cameras. Results from this work will accelerate customization of the plenoptic cameras for particular applications without the need for expensive measurements.