Patent ID: 7557841
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An imaging apparatus that detects pixel defect of an imaging element comprising: an imaging element; an imaging optical system configured to input an image of an object to the imaging element; an imaging light-shielding section to shield the imaging element from light emitted from the imaging optical system; a defect data detection section to detect pixel defect data concerning the imaging element on the basis of dark outputs from the imaging element obtained when the imaging light-shielding section shields the imaging element from the light emitted from the imaging optical system; a reliability determination section to determine reliability of the defect data detected by the defect data detection section on the basis of a comparison result between a mean level of the dark outputs of pixels located in a predetermined area of the imaging element and a predetermined determination criterion level; and a control section to stop detection of defect data by the defect data detection section if the reliability determination section determines that the reliability of the detected defect data is insufficient.