Patent ID: 8154620
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging element constituted by a great number of first light receiving elements and second light receiving elements that photoelectrically convert light from subjects, which are capable of being controlled so as to be driven independently from each other and are arranged in a predetermined arrangement; imaging means, for independently controlling the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements to drive the imaging element; image signal processing means, for obtaining image signals based on the output of at least one of the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements and for generating image data from the image signals; photometry means, for measuring the photometric values of the subjects; imaging condition determining means, for determining imaging conditions including exposure and dynamic range values, based on the results of measurement of the photometric values by the photometry means; judging means, for judging whether flash is to be emitted toward the subjects, based on the results of measurement of the photometric values by the photometry means; imaging method selecting means, for selecting a first imaging method, in which the imaging means performs imaging with different exposures for the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements and the image signal processing means processes image signals formed based on the outputs of the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements that have performed imaging with different exposures to obtain image data in the case that the judging means judges not to emit flash toward the subjects, and a second imaging method, in which the imaging means performs imaging with the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements at the same exposure time at an underexposure at a step number based on the determined value of the dynamic range and the image signal processing means administers gradation correcting processes on image signals formed based on the outputs of the first light receiving elements and the second light receiving elements that perform underexposure imaging to obtain image data, in the case that the judging means judges to emit flash toward the subjects; and control means, for driving the imaging element and the image signal processing means according to the imaging method selected by the imaging method selecting means.