Patent ID: 8040404
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup section of a plural channel output type configured to output signals individually corresponding to divisional regions of an image pickup device; a plurality of signal processing sections configured to individually receive the output signals of the plural channels of said image pickup device as inputs thereto to produce digital data corresponding to pixel values, and a digital signal processing section configured to receive the pixel value data produced by said signal processing sections as inputs thereto to execute an image correction process, said digital signal processing section being configured to receive, in the image correction process for the divisional regions, correction parameters individually corresponding to the divisional regions to carry out image correction, each of the correction parameters being a sum value of (a) a clamp level value corresponding to that one of the divisional regions which is an object of correction, and (b) a difference value between the clamp level value corresponding to the divisional region which is the object of correction and a target black level, said digital signal processing section being further configured to determine black levels based on the correction parameters inputted thereto and execute image correction with reference to the determined black levels.