JP2003333434A - Device and method for picking-up image, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device that can prevent the deterioration of picture qualities while reducing the photographing of dark images causing shutter releasing time lags as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: When no dark image data are required due to a photographing condition, such as the ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, etc., and an environmental condition, such as the ambient temperature, etc., at photographing time, dark fetching is not performed in the courses of both single photographing and consecutive photographing and, when a shutter switch SW1 is pressed, AF operation and AE operation are performed. When another shutter switch SW2 is pressed thereafter, photographing is performed. Then, in the course of development, horizontal dark shading correction is performed by using one-dimensional correction data. The one-dimensional correction data of one horizontal line quantity used at the time of performing the horizontal dark shading correction are generated by calculating the projection of an image obtained through dark photographing and stored in a nonvolatile memory 56 in a production process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup method for picking up / recording / reproducing still images and moving images
The present invention relates to programs and storage media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image pickup apparatus of this type, a memory card having a solid-state memory element is used as a recording medium, and a CC
Imaging devices such as electronic cameras that record and reproduce still images and moving images captured by solid-state imaging devices such as D and CMOS are already on the market.

In this electronic camera, by selecting a photographing mode, a single-shot photographing in which one frame is photographed each time the shutter button is pressed and a continuous photographing in which continuous photographing is performed while the shutter button is continuously pressed You can switch between shooting and shooting.

When a solid-state image pickup device such as CCD or CMOS is used for image pickup, dark image data read after the charge is stored in the same manner as in the main photographing without exposing the image pickup device and the image pickup device is exposed. The dark noise correction process can be performed by performing an arithmetic process using the main captured image data read after the charge is accumulated in the state.

As a result, it is possible to obtain a high-quality image by correcting the captured image data with respect to image quality deterioration such as dark current noise generated in the image pickup device or pixel loss due to minute scratches peculiar to the image pickup device.

In particular, the dark current noise increases as the charge storage time and the temperature of the image pickup element rise, so that a large image quality improving effect can be obtained when exposure is performed for a long time or at a high temperature, and an electronic camera is used. The dark noise correction process is a useful function for users of.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image pickup apparatus such as an electronic camera, when the main shooting is performed after shooting the dark image data, the shooting frame intervals can be made uniform during the continuous shooting. During single shooting, the shutter release time lag increased by the dark image shooting time, and there was a risk of missing a valuable shutter opportunity.

On the other hand, when the dark image data is photographed after the main photographing, the shutter release time lag can be reduced during the single photographing, but the photographing interval between the first frame and the second frame during the continuous photographing is the dark image photographing time. However, there is a problem in that it is not possible to evenly arrange the intervals between the photographed frames.

Further, no consideration has been given to photographing conditions and environmental conditions when the exposure is not performed at a long time or at a high temperature. That is, although there is circuit system noise in addition to dark current noise generated in the image pickup device and image quality deterioration such as pixel loss due to minute scratches unique to the image pickup device, no consideration has been given to this. Here, the circuit system noise is a fixed pattern noise as a dark offset that occurs due to voltage nonuniformity due to the resistance component of the power supply line in the sensor, element variation, and the like.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup method, a program, and a storage medium capable of preventing the deterioration of the image quality while reducing the photographing of the dark image which causes the shutter release time lag as much as possible.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus for recording a picked-up image on a recording medium. And a second image obtained in the second image capturing mode, and an image capturing unit capable of capturing an image in a first image capturing mode for obtaining Correction data storage means for storing correction data for correcting data; selection means for selecting one of the first image data obtained in the first imaging mode and the stored correction data; Using the selected first image data or correction data,
And a correction unit that corrects the second image data obtained in the second imaging mode.

The image pickup method of the present invention is the image pickup method of recording a picked-up image on a recording medium, in which a first image pickup step for obtaining first image data by picking up an image in a non-exposure state and an image pickup in an exposed state. A second imaging step for performing second image data, a correction data storing step for storing correction data for correcting the second image data, the first image data obtained, and A selecting step of selecting one of the stored correction data and a correcting step of correcting the obtained second image data by using the selected first image data or correction data. Is characterized by.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup method, a program and a storage medium of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The imaging device of this embodiment is applied to an electronic camera.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic camera according to the embodiment. In the figure, 100 is an image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function for controlling the exposure amount of the image sensor 14. An image sensor 14 converts an optical image into an electric signal.

The taking lens 31 in the lens unit 300
The light ray incident on 0 is the diaphragm 312 and the lens mount 30.
An image is formed as an optical image on the image sensor 14 guided by the single-lens reflex system through the lenses 6, 106, the mirror 130, and the shutter 12.

Reference numeral 16 is an A / D converter for converting an analog signal output from the image pickup device 14 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 18 is an image sensor 14, an A / D converter 16 and a D / D converter.
A timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22.
The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using image data captured as needed, and the system control circuit 50 causes the exposure (shutter) control unit 4 to operate based on the obtained arithmetic result.
0, and TTL (through-the-lens) AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash light control) processing for controlling the distance measurement control unit 42. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

In this embodiment, since the distance measurement control unit 42 and the photometry control unit 46 are exclusively provided, the system control circuit 50 uses the distance measurement control unit 42 and the photometry control unit 46 to perform AF (automatic). Focus processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash dimming) processing are performed, and AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash dimming) processing are performed using the image processing circuit 20. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which each processing of processing is not performed.

Further, the distance measurement control unit 42 and the photometry control unit 4
6 is used to perform AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash dimming) processing, and further, the image processing circuit 20 is used to perform AF (autofocus) processing and AE (automatic). It may be configured such that each processing of the exposure) processing and the EF (flash light control) processing is performed.

A memory control circuit 22 includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20,
It controls the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / expansion circuit 32.

The data from the A / D converter 16 is sent to the image display memory 2 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or directly via the memory control circuit 22.
4 or in the memory 30.

Reference numeral 24 is an image display memory, and 26 is a D / A converter. Reference numeral 28 is an image display unit composed of a TFT type LCD. The image data for display written in the image display memory 24 is sent to the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26.
Is displayed in. The image display unit 28 displays the captured image data.
In the case of sequentially displaying with, it is possible to realize an electronic finder function. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and when the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. You can

Reference numeral 30 is a memory for storing the photographed still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Therefore, even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of images can be written in the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area of the system control circuit 50.

32 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
A compression / decompression circuit that compresses and decompresses image data by, for example, reading an image stored in the memory 30 and performing compression processing or decompression processing, and writing the processed data to the memory 30.

A shutter control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 in cooperation with the aperture control unit 340 which controls the aperture 312 based on the photometric information from the photometric control unit 46.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit for performing AF (autofocus) processing, and the photographing lens 3 in the lens unit 300.
The light beam incident on 10 is the diaphragm 312 and the lens mount 30.
6, 106, the mirror 130 and the sub-mirror (not shown) for distance measurement to make the light incident on the single-lens reflex system,
The in-focus state of the image formed as the optical image is measured.

A thermometer 44 detects the ambient temperature in the photographing environment. If the thermometer is inside the image sensor (sensor) 14, it is possible to more accurately predict the dark current of the sensor.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a photometry control unit for performing AE (automatic exposure) processing, which is a diaphragm 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, a mirror 130, and a photometry sub-mirror for a light beam incident on the taking lens 310 in the lens unit 300. The exposure state of the image formed as an optical image is measured by entering the light through a single-lens reflex system (not shown). The photometric control unit 46 also has an EF (flash light adjustment) processing function by cooperating with the flash unit 48. Four
A flash unit 8 has an AF auxiliary light projection function and a flash light control function.

As described above, the system control circuit 50 is based on the calculation result calculated by the image processing circuit 20 using the image data picked up by the image pickup device 14.
It is possible to perform exposure control and AF (autofocus) control using the video TTL method for the exposure (shutter) control unit 40, the aperture control unit 340, and the distance measurement control unit 342.

Further, the measurement result by the distance measurement control unit 42,
By using the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image sensor 14 by the image processing circuit 20, the AF
(Autofocus) control may be performed. Furthermore, the measurement result by the photometric control unit 46 and the image sensor 14
The exposure control may be performed using the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image processing circuit 20.

A system control circuit 50 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100 and incorporates a well-known CPU and the like. Reference numeral 52 is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs and the like for operating the system control circuit 50. Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit having a liquid crystal display device, a speaker and the like for displaying an operation state and a message by characters, images, voices, etc. according to the execution of the program in the system control circuit 50, and an operation unit of the image processing device 100. It is installed in a single place or multiple places in the vicinity where it is easy to see. The display unit 54 is L
It is composed of a combination of a CD, an LED, a sounding element and the like. Further, some functions of the display unit 54 are provided in the optical finder 104.

Of the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, and a remaining number of recordable images. Display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display,
Clock battery remaining amount display, battery remaining amount display, error display, information display with a plurality of digits, display state of the recording media 200 and 210, attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 300, communication I / F operation display, date / time There are a time display and a display showing the connection status with an external computer.

Of the display contents of the display section 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display. , Aperture value display, exposure compensation display, recording medium writing operation display, etc.

Further, among the contents displayed on the display unit 54, L
Examples of what is displayed on the ED or the like are a focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completion display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, and a secondary battery charging display. and so on.

Among the contents displayed on the display unit 54, what is displayed on a lamp or the like is, for example, a self-timer notification lamp or the like. This self-timer notification lamp is AF
It may be shared with auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory in which programs described later are stored, and an EEPROM or the like is used as the non-volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 56 stores various parameters, setting values such as ISO sensitivity, setting modes, and one-dimensional correction data used when performing horizontal dark shading correction. This one-dimensional correction data is
Created and written during reconciliation. As a method of creating the one-dimensional correction data, for example, a method of making a data for one horizontal line by projecting an image obtained by performing dark shooting can be considered.

The correction data may be a dark image captured in the production process as it is as two-dimensional data. However, depending on the image sensor, the fixed pattern noise in the vertical direction is small, and only the correction in the horizontal direction is required.

Here, the cause of the fixed pattern noise is the difference (variation) in the read path where the signal of the pixel section reaches the final output stage when the signal is read from the circuit system of the image sensor.
Is big. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing mixing of fixed pattern noise in the horizontal and vertical directions. The fixed pattern noise in the horizontal direction depends on the difference between the read path of the vertical line a and the read path of the vertical line b in the figure. The fixed pattern noise in the vertical direction depends on the difference between the read path of the horizontal line c and the read path of the horizontal line d in the figure.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the case of an image sensor in which each horizontal line shares a read circuit, and the noise mixed when transferring the signal of each horizontal line to the common read circuit by devising the circuit layout is small, Fixed pattern noise in the vertical direction is small and does not need to be corrected. In an image pickup apparatus using such an image pickup element, fixed pattern noise can be removed by correcting the main image using one-dimensional correction data in the horizontal direction.

60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70
Is an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, including switches, dials, touch panels,
It is composed of a single or a combination of pointing and voice recognition devices by line-of-sight detection. Details of these operation units are shown below.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which is an automatic shooting mode, a program shooting mode, a shutter speed priority shooting mode, an aperture priority shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, a portrait shooting mode, and a landscape shooting. It is possible to set by switching each function shooting mode such as mode, close-up shooting mode, sports shooting mode, night view shooting mode, and panorama shooting mode.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch (SW1) which is turned on during the operation of a shutter button (not shown) to perform AF (auto focus) processing and AE (auto exposure).
Processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF
Instruct to start operation of (flash light control) processing.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch (SW2) which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed. The shutter switch (SW2) 64 is an exposure process for writing a signal read from the image pickup device 12 into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22. Image data is read from the memory 30 and compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 32.
00, 201 is instructed to start the operation of a series of processes for recording the image data.

Reference numeral 66 is a reproduction switch, which is used to store an image photographed in the photographing mode in the memory 30 or the recording medium 20.
It is instructed to start the reproducing operation which is read from 0 and 210 and displayed on the image display unit 28.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a single shooting / continuous shooting switch. When the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, a single shooting mode in which one frame is shot and a standby state is set, and a shutter switch SW2.
It is possible to set continuous shooting mode in which continuous shooting is performed while is pressed.

An ISO sensitivity setting switch 69 can set the ISO sensitivity by changing the gain setting in the image pickup device 14 or the image processing circuit 20.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons and a touch panel, which includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button,
Menu move + (plus) button, menu move- (minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image- (minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, panorama mode A selection / switch button that sets selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and playback of images, etc., a determination / execution button that sets determination and execution of various functions when performing shooting and playback of panorama mode, etc. An image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, a quick review ON for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing the image data captured immediately after the image capturing
/ OFF switch, a compression mode switch which is a switch for selecting the compression rate of JPEG compression, or a switch for selecting the CCD RAW mode in which the signal of the image pickup device is directly digitized and recorded on the recording medium, the reproduction mode,
When the playback switch that can set each function mode such as multi-screen playback / erasure mode and PC connection mode, and the shutter switch SW1 are pressed, the autofocus operation is started, and once the focus is achieved, the focus state is maintained continuously. Servo AF that continues autofocus operation while pressing the one-shot AF mode and shutter switch SW1
There is an AF mode setting switch that can set modes and the like.

Further, each of the functions of the plus button and the minus button is equipped with a rotary dial switch, so that it becomes possible to select a numerical value or a function more lightly.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a power switch which can be set to switch between power-on and power-off modes of the image processing apparatus 100. Further, a lens unit 300 connected to the image processing apparatus 100, an external strobe, a recording medium 200,
The power-on and power-off settings of various accessory devices such as 210 can also be switched and set.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control unit, which is a battery detection circuit,
It is composed of a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching blocks to be energized, and the like, detects presence / absence of a battery, a battery type, and a battery remaining amount, and based on the detection result and an instruction of the system control circuit 50. DC-D
The C converter is controlled to supply a required voltage to each unit including a recording medium for a required period.

82 and 84 are connectors, 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a NiCd battery,
The power source unit includes a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery and a Li battery, an AC adapter, and the like.

Reference numerals 90 and 94 are interfaces with recording media such as memory cards and hard disks, 92 and 96 are connectors for connecting with recording media such as memory cards and hard disks, and 98 is recording media 200 and 210 in the connectors 92 and 96. This is a recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit that detects whether or not is attached.

In this embodiment, two systems of interfaces and connectors for mounting the recording medium are provided, but a single interface or connectors of any number may be provided. Further, as interfaces and connectors of different standards, those conforming to standards such as PCMCIA cards and CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) cards may be used.

Further, when the interfaces 90, 94 and the connectors 92, 96 are configured by using those conforming to the standards such as PCMCIA card and CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, LAN card, modem card, USB card , IEEE1394 card, P1
By connecting various communication cards such as communication cards such as 284 cards, SCSI cards, PHS, etc., image data and management information attached to the image data are mutually transferred with other peripheral devices such as computers and printers. It is possible.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which uses a single-lens reflex system to stop light rays incident on the taking lens 310, the diaphragm 312, the lens mounts 306 and 106, and the mirror 13.
It is possible to guide through 0, 132 and form an optical image for display. Accordingly, it is possible to perform shooting using only the optical viewfinder 104 without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display,
Exposure compensation display etc. are provided.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication unit, which is RS232C, U
It has various communication functions such as SB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes a connector for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to another device by the communication unit 110, or an antenna for performing wireless communication.

Reference numeral 120 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to the lens unit 300 in the lens mount 106. 122 is the image processing apparatus 100.
Is a connector for electrically connecting to the lens unit 300. Reference numeral 124 denotes a lens attachment / detachment detection unit that detects whether or not the lens unit 300 is attached to the lens mount 106 and / or the connector 122.

The connector 122 has a function of transmitting control signals, status signals, data signals and the like between the image processing apparatus 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying currents of various voltages. Further, the connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication and the like.

Reference numerals 130 and 132 denote mirrors, which guide the light rays incident on the taking lens 310 to the optical finder 104 by the single-lens reflex system. The mirror 132 may have either a quick return mirror configuration or a half mirror configuration.

Reference numeral 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 has a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 for connecting with the image processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 210 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk like the recording medium 200. Recording medium 21
Reference numeral 0 has a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 216 for connecting with the image processing apparatus 100.

Reference numeral 300 denotes an interchangeable lens type lens unit. A lens mount 306 mechanically connects the lens unit 300 to the image processing apparatus 100. The lens mount 306 includes various functions for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the image processing apparatus 100.

Reference numeral 310 is a taking lens, and 312 is a diaphragm. Reference numeral 320 denotes an interface for connecting the lens unit 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 in the lens mount 306. A connector 322 electrically connects the lens unit 300 to the image processing apparatus 100.

The connector 322 has a function of transmitting control signals, status signals, data signals and the like between the image processing apparatus 100 and the lens unit 300, and is supplied with various currents or has a function of supplying currents. Further, the connector 322 may be configured to transmit not only electric signals but also optical signals, audio signals, and the like.

Reference numeral 340 denotes a shutter control unit 40 which controls the shutter 12 based on the photometric information from the photometric control unit 46.
It is a diaphragm control unit that controls the diaphragm 312 in cooperation with. A distance measurement control unit 342 controls focusing of the taking lens 310. A zoom control unit 344 controls zooming of the taking lens 310. A lens system control circuit 350 controls the entire lens unit 300. The lens system control circuit 350 is a memory for storing constants for operation, variables, programs, etc., identification information such as a number unique to the lens unit 300, management information,
It also has a function of a non-volatile memory that holds functional information such as an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, a focal length, and current and past set values.

The operation of the electronic camera having the above configuration will be described. 3, 4 and 5 show the image processing apparatus 10.
It is a flow chart which shows the photography operation processing procedure of 0. This processing program is stored in a storage medium such as the non-volatile memory 56, loaded into the memory 52, and executed by the CPU in the system control circuit 50.

Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables and the like, and performs necessary predetermined initialization for each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S101). The system control unit 50 determines the setting position of the power switch 72, and determines whether the power switch 72 is set to power OFF (step S102).

When the power switch 72 is set to the power OFF state, the display of each display unit is changed to the end state, and the necessary parameters including the flag and the control variable, the set value and the setting mode are stored in the non-volatile memory 56. Record and power control unit 8
After performing a predetermined termination process such as cutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28 by 0 (step S103), the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when the power switch 72 is set to power ON, the system control circuit 50 causes the power control unit 8 to operate.
Based on 0, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the power source 86 such as a battery or the operating condition has a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S104). If you determine that there is a problem,
After a predetermined warning is given by displaying an image or outputting a sound on the display unit 54 (step S105), the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply 86 has no problem, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial switch 60 and the mode dial switch 60.
It is determined whether or not is set to the shooting mode (step S106). When the mode dial switch 60 is set to any other mode, the system control circuit 50
Executes the process according to the selected mode (step S
107) and returns to the process of step S102 after execution.

On the other hand, when the mode dial switch 60 is set to the photographing mode, the recording media 200, 201
The recording media 200, 20
The acquisition of the management information of the image data recorded in No. 1 and the operation states of the recording media 200 and 201 indicate the image processing apparatus 100.
Of the image data, especially the operation of recording / reproducing the image data to / from the recording medium is discriminated (step S10).
8). If it is determined that there is a problem, a predetermined warning is given by displaying an image or outputting sound on the display unit 54 (step S105), and then the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that there is no problem, the system control circuit 50 checks the selection state of the single / continuous shooting switch 68 for selecting single / continuous shooting (step S109). When single shooting is selected, the single shooting / continuous shooting flag is set to single shooting (step S1).
10) If continuous shooting is selected, the single shooting / continuous shooting flag is set to continuous shooting (step S111). With the single-shot / continuous-shooting switch 68, when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, a single-shot mode in which one frame is shot and the standby state is set, and continuous shooting is performed while the shutter switch SW2 is pressed. It is possible to arbitrarily switch between the modes and set. The state of the single-shot / continuous-shot flag is set to the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory
Memorized in.

The system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 to display various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 by image and sound (step S112). Here, when the image display switch of the image display unit 28 is ON, the image display unit 28 may be used to display various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 by an image or a sound.

It is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (step S113). If the shutter switch SW1 is not pressed, the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, when the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 310 on the subject, and performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter speed. A photometric process is performed (step S114). In the photometric processing, the flash is set if necessary. Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing will be described later.

After that, the set sensitivity of the camera is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not the sensitivity set by the ISO sensitivity setting switch 69 is less than ISO800 (step S).
115). The reason for this determination is that when the ISO is less than 800, the exposure amount is small, so that the dark current noise generated in the image pickup device and the image quality deterioration due to the pixel loss due to minute scratches unique to the image pickup device are conspicuous. In this embodiment,
Although ISO800 is used, it goes without saying that ISO1600 may be used. Then, if it is ISO 800 or more, the process proceeds to step S119, while if it is less than ISO 800, it is further determined whether or not the set sensitivity is less than ISO 400 (step S116).

If the ISO is less than 400, step S
On the other hand, if it is ISO 400 or more, it is determined whether the ambient temperature Temp measured by the thermometer 44 is less than 28 ° C. (step S11).
7). If the temperature is lower than 28 ° C., the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if the temperature is 28 ° C. or higher, it is determined whether the shutter time Tv is less than 1 second (step S1).
18). If it is less than 1 second, the process proceeds to step S122, while if it is 1 second or more, step S11.
Then, the processing shifts to No. 9.

Incidentally, in the condition judgment of steps S116 to S118, the values of ISO400, 28 ° C., and 1 second are set as the threshold values, but depending on the characteristics of the image pickup device 14, they may be appropriate values. Of course, it is also good.

Here, since the dark current noise increases as the charge storage time and the temperature of the image pickup element rise, when performing exposure for a long time or exposure at a high temperature, the correction data stored in advance can be used for correction. Instead, it must be corrected by blackout.

Therefore, steps S116 to S118
If neither of the conditions is satisfied, the blacking flag is set to the value 1 (step S119). And single shot /
The setting state of the continuous shooting flag is checked (step S120).
If single shooting is set, dark capture is performed after the end of actual shooting, and thus the process directly proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, when continuous shooting is set, after dark capture for blacking is performed (step S121),
Then, the process proceeds to step S124. By performing a correction calculation process using the dark image data captured by the dark capture process, the captured image is against image quality deterioration such as dark current noise generated in the image sensor 14 or pixel loss due to scratches specific to the image sensor 14. The data can be corrected. The dark capture process will be described later.

Further, in the processing of steps S116 to S118, if any one of the conditions is satisfied, horizontal dark shading correction is performed without performing blackening.
Clear the black flag to a value of 0 (step S122),
The correction data is expanded (step S123). The state of the blacking flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In step S123, the system control circuit 50 uses 1 for horizontal dark shading correction.
The dimension correction data is read from the non-volatile memory 56, and the one-dimensional data is repeatedly developed in the predetermined area of the memory 30 in the vertical direction by the same number of lines as the actual image. After the expansion of the correction data is completed, the process proceeds to step S124. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing correction of the main image by blacking or horizontal dark shading correction data.

Then, it is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (step S124). If the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed, it is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 is released (step S12).
5) The steps S124 and S125 are repeated until the shutter switch SW1 is released or the shutter switch SW2 is pressed. If the shutter switch SW1 is released in step S125, step S1
The processing moves to 02.

On the other hand, when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed in step S124, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the memory 30 has an image storage buffer area capable of storing captured image data (step S12).
6). When it is determined that there is no new image data storable area in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, after a predetermined warning is given by displaying an image or outputting sound on the display unit 54 (step S127), The process returns to step S102.

For example, immediately after the maximum number of continuous shots that can be stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 has been performed, the storage mediums 200 and 210 are read out from the memory 30.
The first image to be written to the storage medium 200, 21
This is the case where 0 is unrecorded and one empty area cannot be secured in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30.

When the photographed image data is compressed and then stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30,
Considering that the amount of image data after compression differs depending on the setting of the compression mode, it is determined whether or not the storable area is on the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 in step S12.
It will be judged in the process of 6.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S126 that there is an image storage buffer area in the memory 30 in which the captured image data can be stored, the system control circuit 50 captures the image pickup signal accumulated for a predetermined time and the image pickup device 14 An image captured in a predetermined area of the memory 30 through the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter 16 through the memory control circuit 22. A shooting process for writing data is executed (step S128). Details of this shooting process will be described later.

When the photographing process of step S128 is completed,
The system control circuit 50 confirms the state of the blacking flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (step S129). If the blackout flag is not set to the value 1, the process proceeds to step S132. On the other hand, when the black pull flag is set to the value 1, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the single shooting / continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (step S130), and continuous shooting is set. If so, step S1
The process moves to 32.

As described above, when the continuous shooting is set in step S130, since the dark capture processing has already been performed in step S121 prior to the execution of the continuous shooting, the dark capture processing in step S131. The developing process can be executed without performing (step S132), and the continuous shooting frame intervals can be made substantially constant.

On the other hand, when the single shot is set in step S130, the system control circuit 50 accumulates the noise components such as the dark current of the image pickup device 14 in the state where the shutter 12 is closed for the same time as the main photographing, and the accumulation is performed. A dark capture process for reading the finished noise image signal is performed (step S131), and the process proceeds to step S132.

The system control circuit 50 reads out a part of the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 and performs a WB (white balance) integral calculation process necessary for performing a developing process. OB (optical black) integration calculation processing is performed, and the calculation result is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Then, the system control circuit 50 uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to read the photographed image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and to read out the internal memory of the system control circuit 50. Alternatively, using the calculation result stored in the memory 52, the AWB
Various development processes including (auto white balance) process, gamma conversion process, and color conversion process are performed (step S13).
2).

In the developing process, the horizontal dark shading correction data developed in step S123 or the dark image data captured in the dark capturing process is used to perform the subtraction process to cancel the dark current noise of the image sensor 14 and the like. Processing is also performed.

As described above, when the correction calculation process is performed using the horizontal dark shading correction data, the image sensor 1
The image quality deterioration due to the horizontal dark current noise and the fixed pattern noise generated in 4 can be corrected without performing the dark capturing process of the captured image. In addition, when the correction calculation process is performed using the dark image data captured in the dark capture process, not only horizontal dark current noise and fixed pattern noise generated in the image sensor 14 but also pixel loss due to flaws specific to the image sensor 14 are caused. It is possible to correct captured image data for image quality deterioration that has a two-dimensional factor such as.

The system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and performs the image compression processing according to the set mode by the compression / expansion circuit 32.
Then, the image data that has been photographed and has been subjected to a series of processing is written in the empty image portion of the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 (step S133).

Then, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and the interfaces 90, 94 and the connector 9 are read.
A recording process of writing the read image data into the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card or a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card via 2, 96 is started (step S134). This recording start process is executed for each new image data that has been photographed and has been subjected to a series of processes in the empty image portion of the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, each time the image data is newly written.

While the image data is being written to the recording mediums 200 and 201, a recording medium writing operation display such as blinking of an LED is displayed on the display section 54 to indicate that the writing operation is being performed. .

Further, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (step S135). If the shutter switch SW1 is released, the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, when the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, the state of the single shooting / continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is determined (step S136), and single shooting is set. If so, the process returns to step S135, and the current process is repeated until the shutter switch SW1 is released. On the other hand, if the continuous shooting is set, step S
The process returns to step 124 to prepare for the next shooting. This allows
A series of processing related to shooting ends.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the distance measuring / photometric processing procedure in step S114. In the distance measurement / photometry processing, various signals are exchanged between the system control circuit 50 and the diaphragm control unit 340 or the distance measurement control unit 342 by using the interface 120, the connector 122, the connector 322, the interface 320, and the lens system control circuit 350. Done through.

The system control circuit 50 includes the image sensor 14,
By using the distance measurement control unit 42 and the distance measurement control unit 342, the AF
(Autofocus) processing is started (step S20).
1).

The system control circuit 50 uses the photographing lens 31.
A ray incident on the aperture 0 is stopped by the diaphragm 312 and the lens mount 30.
6, 106, a mirror 130, and a sub-mirror (not shown) for distance measurement to make the light incident on the distance measurement control unit 42, thereby determining the in-focus state of the image formed as an optical image,
The distance measurement control unit 34 continues until the distance measurement (AF) is determined to be in focus.
2 is used to drive the taking lens 310, and AF control is performed to detect the in-focus state using the distance measurement control unit 42 (steps S202 and S203).

When the distance measurement (AF) is determined to be in focus in step S203, the system control circuit 50 determines and determines the in-focus distance measurement point from the plurality of distance measurement points in the photographing screen. The distance measurement data and / or the setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 together with the distance measurement point data (step S204).

Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 starts the AE (automatic exposure) process using the photometric control unit 46 (step S205). The system control circuit 50 causes the light beam that has entered the photographing lens 310 to enter the photometric control unit 46 via the diaphragm 312, the lens mounts 306 and 106, the mirrors 130 and 132, and the photometric lens (not shown). The exposure state of the image formed as an optical image is measured, and photometric processing is performed using the exposure (shutter) control unit 40 until the exposure (AE) is determined to be appropriate (steps S206 and S207).

If the exposure (AE) is determined to be proper in step S207, the system control circuit 50 stores the photometric data and / or the setting parameter in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (step S207A). ).

The system control circuit 50 determines the aperture value (Av value) and the shutter speed (according to the exposure (AE) result detected by the photometric processing in step S206 and the photographing mode set by the mode dial switch 60. T
v value) is determined.

Here, the determined shutter speed (Tv
Value), the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14
The charge accumulation time is determined, and the photographing process and the dark capture process are performed with the same determined charge accumulation time.

Based on the measurement data obtained by the photometric processing in step S206, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is required (step S208). If a flash is required, the flash flag is set, The flash unit 48 is charged until the charging is completed (steps S209 and S210). Then, when the charging of the flash unit 48 is completed, the present process is ended and the process returns to the main process.

8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the photographing processing procedure in step S128. In this photographing process, the system control circuit 50 and the aperture control unit 340
Alternatively, various signals are exchanged with the distance measurement control unit 342 via the interface 120, the connector 122, the connector 322, the interface 320, and the lens system control circuit 350.

The system control circuit 50 moves the mirror 130 to the mirror-up position by a mirror driving section (not shown) (step S301), and the system control circuit 50
According to the photometric data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52, the diaphragm control unit 340 drives the diaphragm 312 to a predetermined diaphragm value (step S302).

After performing the charge clearing operation of the image sensor 14 (step S303), the system control circuit 50 starts the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (step S304), and opens the shutter 12 by the shutter controller 40 (step S304). (S305), the exposure of the image sensor 14 is started (step S306).

Then, it is judged from the flash flag whether the flash unit 48 is necessary (step S30).
7) If necessary, the flash unit 48 is caused to emit light (step S308).

The system control circuit 50 waits for the exposure of the image pickup device 14 to end according to the photometric data (step S3).
09), when the exposure is completed, the shutter 12 is closed by the shutter controller 40 (step S310), and the exposure of the image sensor 14 is completed.

The system control circuit 50 includes a diaphragm control unit 34.
The aperture 312 is driven to the open aperture value by 0 (step S311), and the mirror 130 is moved to the mirror-down position by the mirror drive unit (not shown) (step S312).

It is determined whether or not the set charge accumulation time has elapsed (step S313). If the set charge accumulation time has elapsed, the system control circuit 50 terminates the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (step S314). ), A charge signal is read from the image sensor 14, and the memory 30 is read via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. The photographed image data is written in the predetermined area (step S315). When the series of processes is completed, this process is completed and the main process is resumed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the dark capture processing procedure in steps S121 and S131. The system control circuit 50 uses the image sensor 1
After performing the charge clearing operation of step 4 (step S401),
The charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 is started with the shutter 12 closed (step S402).

It is determined whether or not the set predetermined charge accumulation time has elapsed (step S403). When the charge accumulation time has elapsed, the system control circuit 50 causes the image sensor 14
After the end of the charge accumulation (step S404), the charge signal is read out from the image sensor 14 and is read through the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16. The image data (dark image data) is written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 (step S405). The dark image data is used when the developing process is performed in a state where the image capturing process is first performed and the captured image data is read from the image sensor 14 and written in the memory 30.

By performing development processing using this dark captured data, the captured image data is corrected against dark current noise generated in the image sensor 14 and image quality deterioration such as pixel loss due to scratches specific to the image sensor 14. It is possible to After this, this processing is terminated and returns to the main processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of the photographing operation of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the black pull flag is set, in single-shot photography, when the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, AF (auto focus) operation and AE (auto exposure) operation are performed. When the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, a dark capture is performed after shooting. In continuous shooting, the shutter switch SW
When 1 is pressed, AF (autofocus) operation, AE
After performing (automatic exposure) operation, perform dark capture,
When the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, continuous shooting is performed during that time.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the black pull flag is not set and horizontal dark shading correction is performed, dark capture is not performed in either single-shot shooting or continuous shooting. , Shutter switch S
When W1 is pressed, AF (autofocus) operation, A
After performing E (automatic exposure) operation, shutter switch SW
When 2 is pressed, shooting is performed.

As described above, in the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment,
When the pre-stored horizontal dark shading correction data is selected for correction, it is not necessary to shoot the dark image data, so the shutter release time lag can be reduced, and the release time lag allows the photographer to miss the shutter opportunity. Disappear.

Further, noise such as fixed pattern noise corresponding to the circuit system noise of the image pickup device, which does not change depending on the photographing condition or the environmental condition, can be corrected by the correction data stored in advance. Data such as dark current noise generated in the image sensor and noise that is converted in quantity depending on the shooting conditions and environmental conditions such as image deterioration such as pixel loss due to minute scratches specific to the image sensor are stored in advance. However, in some cases, the amount of correction cannot be completely corrected. Therefore, in order to correct such noise, the amount to be corrected is stored in advance depending on shooting conditions such as ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, and environmental conditions such as ambient temperature. If it is expected that the horizontal dark shading correction data is significantly different from the existing horizontal dark shading correction data, perform dark capture processing and use the obtained dark image data. By performing the correction, it is possible to prevent the image quality.

Further, when using an image pickup device in which fixed pattern noise in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is small and correction is unnecessary, the correction data stored in advance is, for example, one-dimensional horizontal dark shading correction data. By doing so, the processing becomes simple and at the same time, the memory for storing the correction data can be reduced.

The above is a description of the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions shown in the claims or the configurations of the embodiments are not limited thereto. Any structure can be applied as long as it can achieve the function it has.

For example, in the above embodiment, when performing horizontal dark shading correction, the correction data is stored in the memory 30.
However, it is also possible to perform correction so as to sequentially subtract the correction data from the main image while taking in the image data from the image sensor 14 without performing this expansion processing.

In the present embodiment, the horizontal dark shading correction data expansion processing (S123) is performed after the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, but the correction data is expanded when the power of the camera is turned on. May be.

Further, although the correction data are horizontal one-dimensional data, they may be vertical one-dimensional data or two-dimensional data. Even if the data of the entire two-dimensional image is not used, as shown in FIG.
Both one-dimensional data of each vertical direction are stored,
In the correction data expansion processing (S123), the horizontal direction 1
When the dimensional data is developed, vertical one-dimensional data is used to adjust the correction amount for each line, whereby dark shading in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be corrected.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing correction of a main image using one-dimensional data in both vertical and horizontal directions. In this case, even if the vertical direction is not stored as one-dimensional correction data, it is stored as a mathematical expression, and when the horizontal one-dimensional data is developed, this mathematical expression is applied to apply the darkness in the vertical direction. The shading may be corrected.

In the above embodiment, the correction data is
Non-volatile memory 5 created during adjustment in the production process
Although it is stored in No. 6, it may be created and stored by a user or the like performing projection calculation of an image obtained by performing dark shooting at an arbitrary time.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the single shooting / continuous shooting is switched by using the single shooting / continuous shooting switch 68 has been described. However, the single shooting / continuous shooting is selected according to the operation mode selection in the mode dial 60. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the copying is switched.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the charge accumulation time of the main photographing process and the charge accumulation time of the dark capture process are equalized has been described, but a range in which sufficient data can be obtained to correct dark current noise and the like. The charge storage time may be within the range, and may be different charge accumulation times.

Further, since the photographing operation cannot be performed during the dark capture processing operation of steps S121 and S131, the display unit 54 and / or the image display unit 2
8 may notify an image or sound indicating that the image processing apparatus 100 is in a busy state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the mirror 130 is moved to the mirror up position and the mirror down position to perform the photographing operation has been described. However, the mirror 130 is configured as a half mirror so that the photographing operation can be performed without moving. It may be performed.

Further, the recording media 200 and 210 are PCs.
Not only memory cards such as MCIA cards and compact flash (registered trademark), hard disks, etc., but also micro DAT, magneto-optical disks, optical disks such as CD-R and CD-RW, and phase change optical disks such as DVD. May be. Furthermore, the recording media 200 and 210 may be a composite media in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. In this case, a part of the composite medium may be detachable.

In the above embodiment, the recording media 200, 21
Although 0 is separated from the image processing apparatus 100 and can be arbitrarily connected, any or all of the recording media may be fixed to the image processing apparatus 100. In addition, in the image processing apparatus 100, the recording medium 200,
210 may be configured to be connectable with an arbitrary number of single or plural.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying the program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to the system or the apparatus. In this case, the program code itself realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the program itself and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

In the above embodiment, FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 and FIG.
The program code shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is stored in the ROM which is a storage medium. The storage medium for supplying the program code is not limited to the ROM, but may be a flexible disk, a hard disk, a non-volatile memory card, or the like.

[0132]

According to the present invention, when the pre-stored correction data is selected and the correction is performed, it is not necessary to photograph the dark image data, so that the shutter release time lag can be reduced, and the photographing is performed by the release time lag. Will never miss a photo opportunity.

If it is expected that the amount to be corrected is significantly different from the correction data stored in advance, depending on the shooting conditions such as ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, and environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, the first image pickup is performed. By performing the correction using the dark image data obtained in the mode, it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

Furthermore, by using the one-dimensional correction data as the correction data stored in advance, the processing becomes simple, and at the same time, the memory for storing the correction data can be reduced.

As described above, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality while reducing the photographing of the dark image which causes the shutter release time lag as much as possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing mixing of fixed pattern noise in horizontal and vertical directions.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation processing procedure of the image processing apparatus 100.

4 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation processing procedure of the image processing apparatus 100 following FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation processing procedure of the image processing apparatus 100, which is subsequent to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing correction of a main image by blacking or horizontal dark shading correction data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a distance measurement / photometry processing procedure in step S114.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a shooting processing procedure in step S128.

9 is a flowchart showing a shooting processing procedure in step S128 following FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a dark capture processing procedure in steps S121 and S131.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a shooting operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing correction of a main image using one-dimensional data in both vertical and horizontal directions.

[Explanation of symbols]

14 Image sensor 44 thermometer 50 system control circuit 56 Non-volatile memory 60 mode dial 62 Shutter switch SW1 64 shutter switch SW2 69 ISO sensitivity setting switch 100 image processing device

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus for recording a photographed image on a recording medium, wherein first image data is obtained by performing image pickup in a non-exposure state.
And an image capturing unit capable of capturing an image in the second image capturing mode by capturing in the image capturing mode and the exposure state, and correcting the second image data obtained in the second image capturing mode. Correction data storage means for storing correction data for storing, selection means for selecting one of the first image data obtained in the first imaging mode and the stored correction data, and the selected An image pickup apparatus comprising: a correction unit that corrects the second image data obtained in the second image pickup mode by using the first image data or the correction data. 2. The correction data is used in a production process.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is stored in the correction data storage unit. 3. The image pickup means includes an image pickup device, and the first image data obtained in the first image pickup mode is dark current noise data of the image pickup device and is obtained in the second image pickup mode. The second image data is
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction data is captured image data picked up by the image pickup element, and the correction data is fixed pattern noise corresponding to a circuit system noise of the image pickup element. 4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit makes a selection based on a photographing condition and an environmental condition. 5. The photographing conditions are shutter speed and I
The imaging device according to claim 4, further comprising SO sensitivity. 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the environmental condition includes ambient temperature. 7. The correction data is the first image data obtained in the first imaging mode, or data obtained by calculation based on the first image data. Item 3. The image pickup device according to item 3. 8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the correction data is one-dimensional correction data obtained from the first image data. 9. The one-dimensional correction data is horizontal data obtained by projecting an image data obtained in the first imaging mode in a vertical direction. Imaging device. 10. An imaging method for recording a captured image on a recording medium, the first image data being obtained by performing imaging in a non-exposure state.
Image pickup step, a second image pickup step of obtaining image data by performing image pickup in an exposure state, a correction data storage step of storing correction data for correcting the second image data, A selecting step of selecting one of the obtained first image data and the stored correction data; and using the selected first image data or correction data, the obtained second image And a correction step of correcting data. 11. The correction data storage step is performed in a production step of an image pickup device.
The imaging method described in 0. 12. The first image data is dark current noise data of an image sensor, the second image data is captured image data captured by the image sensor, and the correction data is the image data. 11. The imaging method according to claim 10, which is fixed pattern noise corresponding to circuit noise of the imaging device. 13. The imaging method according to claim 10, wherein in the selecting step, the selection is performed based on a shooting condition and an environmental condition. 14. The imaging method according to claim 13, wherein the shooting conditions include shutter speed and ISO sensitivity. 15. The imaging method according to claim 13, wherein the environmental condition includes ambient temperature. 16. The correction data is the first image data obtained in the first imaging mode, or data obtained by calculation based on the first image data. Item 12. The imaging method according to item 12. 17. The image pickup method according to claim 16, wherein the correction data is one-dimensional correction data obtained from the first image data. 18. The one-dimensional correction data is the first
18. The image pickup method according to claim 17, wherein the image data is horizontal data obtained by projecting image data obtained in the image pickup mode in the vertical direction. 19. A storage medium holding a computer-readable program code for implementing the imaging method according to any one of claims 10 to 18. 20. A program having a computer-readable program code for realizing the imaging method according to claim 10.