Patent ID: 6771312
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image processing apparatus structured to pick up moving images of at least two screens such that the quantity of exposure is changed, synthesize picked up image data of at least two screens having the different quantities of exposure, compress the dynamic range of the synthesized image data to correspond to the dynamic range of an output apparatus and output the image, said image processing apparatus comprising:compression coefficient calculating means for calculating a first compression coefficient for performing compression of the dynamic range of synthesized image data; calculated compression-coefficient storage means for storing the first compression coefficient obtained by said compression coefficient calculating means; compression coefficient storage means for previously storing a second compression coefficient to be adaptable to a case where change in the brightness of an image exceeds a predetermined range when a moving image is picked up; compression coefficient output switch means for switching and outputting the first compression coefficient stored in said calculated compression coefficient storage means in a case where the change in the brightness of the image when the moving image is picked up is included in said predetermined range and switching and outputting the second compression coefficient stored in said compression coefficient storage means in a case where the change in the brightness of the image when the moving image is picked up exceeds said predetermined range; and compressing means for compressing the dynamic range of image data obtained by synthesizing the images of at least two screens having different quantities of exposure in accordance with the compression coefficient output from said compression coefficient output switch means.