Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a digital camera includes: a digital imaging array including a plurality of pixels, and image processing circuitry to process the digital pixel output signals produced by the imaging array. The imaging processing circuitry is adapted to process saturated digital pixel output signals differently from non-saturated digital pixel output signals. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, at least one integrated circuit includes image processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is adapted to process digital pixel output signals produced by a digital imaging array. The image processing circuitry is further adapted to process saturated digital pixel output signals differently from non-saturated digital pixel output signals.

Abstract: Elimination of dark fixed pattern noise (DFPN) for tethered CMOS sensor-based digital video cameras is supported by supplying and maintaining a host-based dark image cache. Since the camera is tethered to a host computer system such as a PC, it takes advantage of the storage and processing capabilities of the host to manage the cache. By using a dark image cache for updating of the currently applicable dark image for DFPN cancellation processing, operation of the camera shutter for acquiring dark images is dramatically reduced, thereby using less system resources such as power, and increasing the MTBF of the electromechanical devices such as the camera shutter and associated controls. Dark images are obtained at different integration, gain, and temperature operating characteristics of the camera and stored in the cache. The cached dark images are referenced on the host according to a fixed, predetermined dark column of data in video frames generated by the CMOS sensor image array of the camera.