Patent ID: 7483063
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image defect correction apparatus that processes luminance signals output from two-dimensionally arranged light-sensitive elements via a plurality of vertical charge coupled devices and a horizontal charge coupled device in a predetermined order, and outputs image information, the image defect correction apparatus comprising: a recording unit operable to record therein an X address for identifying a correction-target vertical line of pixels that corresponds to a vertical charge coupled device in which a point defect exists; a correction value calculating unit operable to calculate a correction value from values of (i) a luminance signal corresponding to at least one pixel at a predetermined position on the correction-target vertical line identified by the recorded X address and (ii) a luminance signal corresponding to at least one pixel at a predetermined position on another vertical line that is not a correction target; and a correcting unit operable to correct values of luminance signals corresponding to the correction-target vertical line, based on the calculated correction value, wherein the correction value calculating unit calculates, as the correction value, a difference between (a) any of (i) a value of a luminance signal corresponding to a position on the correction-target vertical line within a vertical light-shielded area that is outside an effective pixel area, (ii) a value of a luminance signal corresponding to a position on the correction-target vertical line within a vertical dummy area that does not have any light-sensitive element, and (iii) a value obtained by performing a calculation using values of (iii-1) the luminance signal corresponding to a position on the correction-target vertical line within the vertical light-shielded area, and (iii-2) the luminance signal corresponding to a position on the correction-target vertical line within the vertical dummy area, and (b) any of (iv) a value of a luminance signal corresponding to a position on another vertical line, that is not a correction target, within the vertical light-shielded area, (v) a value of a luminance signal corresponding to a position on another vertical line, that is not a correction target, within the vertical dummy area, and (vi) a value obtained by performing a calculation using values of (vi-1) the luminance signal corresponding to a position on another vertical line within the vertical light-shielded area and (vi-2) the luminance signal corresponding to a position on another vertical line within the vertical dummy area.