Abstract: In an image processing apparatus performing synthetic processing on N number of images (where N is an integer of two or larger) being captured from a same photographic scene under mutually different exposure conditions to generate a synthetic image with a higher dynamic range than the N number of images, obtaining the N number of images, and performing low-pass processing on at least one image among the N number of images to generate a low-pass image. Then, a weighting amount in the synthetic processing is decided based on the low-pass image, and the synthetic processing is performed on the N number of images according to the decided weighting amount to generate the synthetic image. Accordingly, a natural synthetic image with fewer changes in contrast, hue, and chroma is generated in a simple configuration when generating the synthetic image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup unit generating image data, a selecting unit selecting any one of a first photographic mode that does not correct dark area gradation of the image data and a second photographic mode that corrects the dark area gradation of the image data, a gradation conversion processing unit performing a gradation conversion processing according to a first input-output characteristic when the first photographic mode is selected, and performing a gradation conversion processing according to a second input-output characteristic different from the first input-output characteristic when the second photographic mode is selected, and a correcting unit performing a correction of improving lightness of the dark area gradation of the image data when the second photographic mode is selected. Therefore, when correction of the dark area gradation is performed, the lightness of the whole image can be maintained while the contrast of a highlight area is improved.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an image processing program causing a computer to execute an image processing on image data to be processed, the image processing program including an obtaining step obtaining the image data, a gradation conversion processing step performing gradation conversion processing on the image data at an intermediate part of gradation according to input/output characteristics having characteristics to which characteristics to reduce a contrast are added, and a correcting step making a correction to enhance a local contrast indicative of contrast at a local part of an image for the image data subjected to the gradation conversion processing by using a gain curve in which a degree of enhancement changes in accordance with luminance information of a pixel to be processed, and thus, bright and dark part gradations are improved while suppressing a change in a hue and color saturation as well as maintaining an apparent contrast.

Abstract: An obtaining unit obtains image data. An image processing unit performs, on the image data, image processing including gradation conversion processing according to an input/output characteristic defined by a gradation curve formed only of an exponential component represented by y=k·xn, where x is an input, y is an output, and k, n are coefficients. A calculating unit performs calculation for correction to improve lightness of dark area gradation of the image data. A correcting unit performs correction to improve lightness of the dark area gradation of the image data on which the image processing is performed by the image processing unit based on a calculation result of the calculating unit. Accordingly, image processing capable of generating a preferred image can be performed when various types of image processing are performed before and after compression of the dark area gradation.

Abstract: Image processing capable of improving bright and dark part gradation is performed while maintaining apparent contrast by providing an imaging unit generating image data, a selecting unit selecting either a first mode not performing a correction on a dark part gradation of the image data or a second mode performing the correction, a gradation conversion processing unit performing gradation conversion processing according to a first characteristic when the first mode is selected and performing the gradation conversion processing according to a second characteristic which includes a characteristic achieving, for a same input level, an output level lower than the first characteristic and includes a characteristic changing contrast when the second mode is selected, and a correcting unit performing the correction to improve a lightness in the dark part gradation of the image data according to the second characteristic by the gradation conversion processing unit when the second mode is selected.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit, a generating unit, a detecting unit, and a calculating unit. The image capturing unit captures an image of a subject to generate image data. The generating unit generates a blurred image from the image data. The detecting unit detects a main subject area included in the image data. The calculating unit calculates an evaluation value regarding a brightness based on an image of the main subject area among the blurred image, and calculates an improvement amount of lightness used for performing a correction on dark part gradation of the image data generated by the image capturing unit based on the evaluation value being calculated. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the exposure and correct the dark part gradation optimally both for a main subject portion and a background portion.

Abstract: A white-balance imaging apparatus includes a first gradation converting unit performing gradation conversion depending on each pixel value of an original image, a second gradation converting unit performing gradation conversion based on pixel values within a predetermined range from each pixel of the original image, a selecting unit selecting a gradation conversion mode, and a determining unit determining second gradation conversion parameters for use by the second gradation converting unit, according to the selected gradation conversion mode, and determining at least one of first gradation conversion parameters for use by the first gradation converting unit and an exposure amount in an exposure amount adjusting part which can adjust the exposure amount, according to the selected gradation conversion mode. Therefore, it is possible to correct the dark area gradation of an image while maintaining brightness of the whole image, and to realize preferable gradation conversion.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photometry unit dividing a subject into a plurality of regions and performing a photometry, a first calculating unit calculating a first control value based on a photometry result of the photometry unit, a comparing unit comparing the first control value with a maximum value of photometry values in the plurality of regions, a second calculating unit correcting the first control value depending on a comparison result by the comparing unit to calculate a second control value, an image pickup unit picking up an image of the subject according to the second control value and generates an image data, and a third calculating unit calculating a lightness improvement amount for a correction of dark area gradation of the image data depending on the comparison result. Therefore, optimum exposure adjustment and correction of dark area gradation can be performed depending on the subject.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus performing synthetic processing on N number of images (where N is an integer of two or larger) being captured from a same photographic scene under mutually different exposure conditions to generate a synthetic image with a higher dynamic range than the N number of images, obtaining the N number of images, and performing low-pass processing on at least one image among the N number of images to generate a low-pass image. Then, a weighting amount in the synthetic processing is decided based on the low-pass image, and the synthetic processing is performed on the N number of images according to the decided weighting amount to generate the synthetic image. Accordingly, a natural synthetic image with fewer changes in contrast, hue, and chroma is generated in a simple configuration when generating the synthetic image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photometry section, an exposure calculating section, an imaging section, and an image processing section. The photometry section performs the photometry of a subject. The exposure calculating section sets exposure conditions based on a photometry result of the photometry section. The imaging section images the subject in accordance with the exposure conditions to generate image data. The image processing section is capable of performing the image correction to perform improvement of luminosity for the dark region, on the image data generated in the imaging section. In the above described configuration, the exposure calculating section determines exposure conditions according to correction setting of the image correction in the image processing section.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an image processing program causing a computer to execute an image processing on image data to be processed, the image processing program including an obtaining step obtaining the image data, a gradation conversion processing step performing gradation conversion processing on the image data at an intermediate part of gradation according to input/output characteristics having characteristics to which characteristics to reduce a contrast are added, and a correcting step making a correction to enhance a local contrast indicative of contrast at a local part of an image for the image data subjected to the gradation conversion processing by using a gain curve in which a degree of enhancement changes in accordance with luminance information of a pixel to be processed, and thus, bright and dark part gradations are improved while suppressing a change in a hue and color saturation as well as maintaining an apparent contrast.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input section, an adjusting section, and a correcting section. The input section acquires image data and information about subject condition at the time of photographing the image data. The adjusting section determines a brightness enhancement amount of dark area gradation of the image data, depending on the subject condition at the time of photographing. The correcting section performs image correction of brightness enhancement on the dark area gradation of the image data according to the brightness enhancement amount determined by the adjusting section.

Abstract: Image processing capable of improving bright and dark part gradation is performed while maintaining apparent contrast by providing an imaging unit generating image data, a selecting unit selecting either a first mode not performing a correction on a dark part gradation of the image data or a second mode performing the correction, a gradation conversion processing unit performing gradation conversion processing according to a first characteristic when the first mode is selected and performing the gradation conversion processing according to a second characteristic which includes a characteristic achieving, for a same input level, an output level lower than the first characteristic and includes a characteristic changing contrast when the second mode is selected, and a correcting unit performing the correction to improve a lightness in the dark part gradation of the image data according to the second characteristic by the gradation conversion processing unit when the second mode is selected.

Abstract: An obtaining unit obtains image data. An image processing unit performs, on the image data, image processing including gradation conversion processing according to an input/output characteristic defined by a gradation curve formed only of an exponential component represented by y=k·xn, where x is an input, y is an output, and k, n are coefficients. A calculating unit performs calculation for correction to improve lightness of dark area gradation of the image data. A correcting unit performs correction to improve lightness of the dark area gradation of the image data on which the image processing is performed by the image processing unit based on a calculation result of the calculating unit. Accordingly, image processing capable of generating a preferred image can be performed when various types of image processing are performed before and after compression of the dark area gradation.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a selecting part selecting a first mode where correction of dark area gradation is not performed or a second mode where the correction is performed, and a correcting part performing the correction of improving lightness of dark area gradation of an image data when the second mode is selected; wherein an exposure calculating part calculates a brightness value for exposure control by calculating at least one of the maximum brightness value, the average brightness value, and a central part brightness value based on an output of a photometry part and by adding results by weighting addition; and determines a correction value by adding the results by weighting addition and corrects the brightness value for exposure control based on the correction value if the second mode is selected. Therefore, optimum exposure adjustment that depends on the correction can be performed.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit, a generating unit, a detecting unit, and a calculating unit. The image capturing unit captures an image of a subject to generate image data. The generating unit generates a blurred image from the image data. The detecting unit detects a main subject area included in the image data. The calculating unit calculates an evaluation value regarding a brightness based on an image of the main subject area among the blurred image, and calculates an improvement amount of lightness used for performing a correction on dark part gradation of the image data generated by the image capturing unit based on the evaluation value being calculated. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the exposure and correct the dark part gradation optimally both for a main subject portion and a background portion.

Abstract: A digital still camera according to the present invention can obtain an image with appropriate brightness easily without an increase in memory capacity. The digital still camera of the present invention includes: an image-capturing unit which captures a field of object to generate an image; a photometry unit which measures a luminance of a predetermined area of the field of object; a calculating unit which calculates a ratio between a luminance value of a portion of the image captured according to the luminance measured by the photometry unit, and a target luminance value of the predetermined area, the portion corresponding to the predetermined area; and a correcting unit which corrects the image generated by the image-capturing unit according to the ratio.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a photometry unit dividing a subject into a plurality of regions and performing a photometry, a first calculating unit calculating a first control value based on a photometry result of the photometry unit, a comparing unit comparing the first control value with a maximum value of photometry values in the plurality of regions, a second calculating unit correcting the first control value depending on a comparison result by the comparing unit to calculate a second control value, an image pickup unit picking up an image of the subject according to the second control value and generates an image data, and a third calculating unit calculating a lightness improvement amount for a correction of dark area gradation of the image data depending on the comparison result. Therefore, optimum exposure adjustment and correction of dark area gradation can be performed depending on the subject.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a selecting part selecting a first mode where correction of dark area gradation is not performed or a second mode where the correction is performed, and a correcting part performing the correction of improving lightness of dark area gradation of an image data when the second mode is selected; wherein an exposure calculating part calculates a brightness value for exposure control by calculating at least one of the maximum brightness value, the average brightness value, and a central part brightness value based on an output of a photometry part and by adding results by weighting addition; and determines a correction value by adding the results by weighting addition and corrects the brightness value for exposure control based on the correction value if the second mode is selected. Therefore, optimum exposure adjustment that depends on the correction can be performed.

Abstract: A white-balance imaging apparatus includes a first gradation converting unit performing gradation conversion depending on each pixel value of an original image, a second gradation converting unit performing gradation conversion based on pixel values within a predetermined range from each pixel of the original image, a selecting unit selecting a gradation conversion mode, and a determining unit determining second gradation conversion parameters for use by the second gradation converting unit, according to the selected gradation conversion mode, and determining at least one of first gradation conversion parameters for use by the first gradation converting unit and an exposure amount in an exposure amount adjusting part which can adjust the exposure amount, according to the selected gradation conversion mode. Therefore, it is possible to correct the dark area gradation of an image while maintaining brightness of the whole image, and to realize preferable gradation conversion.