Patent ID: 7382497
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup device which comprises a first layer including a photoelectric conversion unit that generates a first color signal and a second layer including a photoelectric conversion unit that generates a second color signal different in color from the first color signal, the first and second layers being arranged respectively at different depths from the surface of said image pickup device: an illumination unit which illuminates said image pickup device; a control unit which controls a calibration mode to cause said illumination unit to illuminate said image pickup device and obtain correction data from an output level ratio between the first and second color signals generated respectively in the first and second layers of said image pickup device illuminated by said illumination unit; and a correction unit which corrects the output level ratio between the first and second color signals generated respectively in the first and second layers of said image pickup device in a main photographing mode, by using the correction data obtained by said control unit in said calibration mode, wherein said control unit periodically generates the correction data in said calibration mode before said control unit performs the main photographing.