Patent ID: 7551212
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an imaging device configured to convert an optical image of an object into an electrical signal; an optical black level extraction unit configured to extract an optical black level included in an image signal obtained by photoelectric conversion by the imaging device; a blanking level extraction unit configured to extract a blanking level in a blanking period of the image signal; an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality of the optical black level; and a clamp unit configured to clamp the optical black level to a first target value at a normal time when the abnormality is not detected by the abnormality detection unit, and to clamp the optical black level to a second target value at an abnormal time when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit; wherein the clamp unit comprises: