Patent ID: 7809429
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An imaging apparatus configured to operate in a first mode to image a subject as an imaging target and in a second mode to image an inside of a body as the imaging target, comprising: irradiation means for irradiating the body with near-infrared light of a prescribed luminance level; filter means comprising a color filter array including a plurality of units for signal processing, each of the plurality of units including a group of neighboring pixels that include prescribed color pixels for performing color dispersion on visible light reflected by the subject and a near-infrared light pixel for allowing the near-infrared light to pass therethrough; and exposure time adjustment means for adjusting an exposure time of a solid imaging element for performing the color dispersion and photoelectric conversion on a pattern of the near-infrared light and the visible light reflected by the subject, wherein the exposure time adjustment means adjusts the exposure time of the solid imaging element based on the operation mode of the imaging apparatus.