Patent ID: 6084634
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:a solid-state sensor element for converting an image focused by an optical system and composed of an array of pixels into image data;sensor element drive means selectively operable in a first drive mode for reading at least a large number of pixels of image data out of the solid-state sensor element, and in a second drive mode for reading a second number of selected pixels of image data out of the solid-state sensor element, the second number being smaller than the large number and the selected pixels being suited for foreground scene recognition monitor means employed in the electronic imaging apparatus; andan optical black level correction process changing means for changing a process of detecting an optical black level corresponding to an optical black part of the sensor element and correcting image data according to the detected level, the process being changed according to whether the first drive mode or the second mode is selected by the sensor element drive means, to effect a first correction in the first drive mode and a second correction in the second drive mode, the first correction being achieved on the basis of a presently detected optical black level, and the second correction being achieved by a feedback control based on a difference between a previously detected optical black level and a desired optical black level.