Abstract: Provided are a method of determining a brightness value of a target area on an optical image, and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method on a computer. Target brightness values of a plurality of target areas in an optical image are accurately compared with each other by plotting a graph with brightness values depending on positions within a subject.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes illuminating an opaque mask having a plurality of holes formed therein, each hole of the plurality of holes having a predetermined size. The method includes forming a two-dimensional impulse response image of the illuminated opaque mask using a camera module. The method further includes determining at least one optical characteristic of the camera module based on the two-dimensional impulse response image of the illuminated opaque mask.

Abstract: An auto white controlling method and apparatus are provided. The method includes providing a plurality of feature points having color features of an image if the image includes an object having dominant chroma; detecting a first illuminant according to the feature points; calculating a mean chroma of data showing a chroma difference within a threshold value with a chroma of the first illuminant among data constituting the image; and providing a second illuminant by mapping the mean chroma to an illuminant locus. The apparatus includes a feature-analyzing module that provides a plurality of feature points having color features of an image; and an illuminant-detecting module that detects a first illuminant by using the feature points, calculates a mean chroma of data showing the color difference within a threshold value with the chroma of the first illuminant, and provides a second illuminant by mapping the mean chroma to an illuminant locus.

Abstract: An image processing method comprising a step of performing a color interpolation process on image data output from a single-chip color image capturing sensor to calculate color data for each pixel and a step of converting the color data using a predetermined transformation formula and of filtering the converted data, and the transformation formula is replaced based on the magnitude of a color value of the color data. When a color value of a specific color is large, the transformation formula can be appropriately changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lowering of the overall resolution without being affected by the resolution of the color. Further, it is possible to reliably reproduce a smooth and natural edge of an image without adding other processes to the color interpolation process.

Abstract: An imaging unit generates first and second image signals imaged using different exposure time based on a reference read voltage. A synthesis circuit synthesizes the first and second image signals generated by the imaging unit. A detection unit detects luminance information of a specified subject using a synthesized image signal outputting from the synthesis circuit. A controller controls the reference read voltage of the imaging unit, the controller determines a first knee point based on luminance information of a specified subject detected by the detection unit, and controls the first knee point according to the reference read voltage.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a unit to obtain mosaic image data by shooting a subject with use of a color image sensor in which five or more kinds of color filters are arranged in front of an image pickup device; a first interpolator to perform interpolation to color information of a high-definition color filter, in regard to the obtained mosaic image data; and a second interpolator to perform interpolation to color information of a low-definition color filter of which a peak wavelength in spectral transmittance is adjacent to that of the high-definition color filter, by using a result of the interpolation by the first interpolator, wherein the mosaic image data is image data which has one color information for each pixel, and the five or more kinds of color filters include the plural high-definition color filters and the plural low-definition color filters, thereby performing demosaicing without deteriorating definition.

Abstract: A camera device 100 comprises a recording medium 9, an operator input unit 12, and an image synthesis unit 8g. The recording medium 9 stores a plurality of images and a like number of sets of image capturing conditions in associated relationship. The operator input unit 12 issues a command to read a plurality of images from the recording medium 9 and to synthesize the images. The image synthesis unit 8g reads, from the recording medium 9, a plurality of sets of image capturing conditions each associated with a respective one of the images, the command for synthesis of which is issued by the operator input unit 12, processes the remaining one(s) of the plurality of images excluding a particular one image so as to fit the one image in image capturing conditions, and then synthesizes a resulting processed image(s) with the one image.

Abstract: An adjustment amount of a brightness level is determined for each pixel of an image based on the value of each pixel of a luminance distribution image which represents the distribution of luminance of the image. A portion contributing to adjustment of brightness and a portion contributing to adjustment of saturation are determined for each pixel of the image so that the sum thereof is equal to the adjustment amount of the brightness level. Then, an adjustment value of saturation, which is obtained by weighting the value of each pixel in the image based on the portion contributing to saturation, and an adjustment value of brightness, which is obtained by weighting the value of each pixel in the luminance distribution image, which corresponds to each pixel of the image, based on the portion contributing to brightness are added to the value of each pixel of the image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an imaging function having an imaging section configured such that a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, images a subject; a detecting function for detecting whether the imaging apparatus including the imaging section is held vertically or horizontally; a readout function for reading out the pixels information of the plurality of the pixels from the imaging section; a first readout controlling function for controlling a readout process of the pixel information executed by the readout function, in accordance with a detection result from the detecting section; a calculating function for calculating an auto-focus evaluation value in accordance with the pixel information read out by the first readout controlling function; and a focusing function for focusing in accordance with the auto-focus evaluation value calculated by the calculating function.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, a light guide mechanism, and a signal processing unit. The imaging device converts light incident on a photoelectric conversion portion of the imaging device into electric signals. The light guide mechanism, arranged adjacent to the photoelectric conversion portion of the imaging device, includes a plurality of apertures that guide light from a subject to the photoelectric conversion portion of the imaging device. The signal processing unit performs desired signal processing on the electric signals output from the imaging device on the basis of subject information units derived from the light guided onto the photoelectric conversion portion of the imaging device through the apertures.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for carrying out signal processing on an input image signal and to output the result includes first correction processing means for carrying out correction processing dependent on pixels on the input image signal, second correction processing means for carrying out correction processing independent from pixels on a supplied image signal, synchronization processing means for generating RGB signals that represent a captured image and has matching spatial phases based on a supplied image signal, conversion means for carrying out at least processing for generating a luminance signal and a color signal based on a supplied image signal, and first resolution conversion means for converting a captured image into an image having the same resolution as an output image. The first resolution conversion means is provided downstream of the first correction processing means and upstream of the conversion means.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for processing sequences of video images involve receiving, on a computer, data corresponding to a sequence of video images detected by an image sensor. The received data is processed using a graphics processor to adjust one or more visual characteristics of the video images corresponding to the received data. The received data can include video data defining pixel values and ancillary data relating to settings on the image sensor. The video data can be processed in accordance with ancillary data to adjust the visual characteristics, which can include filtering the images, blending images, and/or other processing operations.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus executes a plurality of tone corrections respectively suited to different luminance distributions of images. The image sensing apparatus analyzes a luminance distribution of sensed image data, selects, based on an analysis result, at least one of a first tone correction which suppresses luminance saturation of image data, a second tone correction which converts luminance values of all luminance regions so that a maximum luminance value of sensed image data becomes a largest possible luminance value of the image data, and a third tone correction which multiplies a luminance value of a low-luminance region, which is set in advance, of sensed image data by a gain larger than gains of other luminance regions, as a tone correction to be implemented for sensed image data, and limits, when a correction based on the second tone correction is selected, implementation of a correction based on the third tone correction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (30) for generating an image with high resolution over a diffraction limit includes: an image input unit (101) which receives red image data and green image data which represent images of an object by red light and green light, respectively, and a blue image data which represents an image of the object by blue light having a wavelength shorter than those of the red and the green light; and an image processing unit (103) which corrects the red and the green image data by adding thereon a spatial high frequency component contained in the blue image data, and the image input unit (101) receives, as the blue image data, image data which is generated by light receiving elements provided at intervals shorter than a size of a smallest area that the red and the green light can converge.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise in an image comprises decomposing the image to generate wavelet coefficients at different scales. The wavelet coefficients are then modified based on the energy of the wavelet coefficients at the different scales. The image is reconstructed based on the modified wavelet coefficients.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus and a control method capable of obtaining an image with a wide dynamic range, without using a special image sensor. An amount of dynamic range enhancement for lessening an amount of blown-out highlights of an image is determined based on the amount of blown-out highlights. An image with enhanced dynamic range is then obtained, by performing image capture at a sensitivity that has been lessened based on the amount of dynamic range enhancement, and correcting a drop in brightness of the captured image due to the lessened sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus capable of photographing an image of which an ISO sensitivity-to-noise ratio is improved by adjusting a size of the image to be photographed in low light conditions, and a method of controlling the digital image processing apparatus. The method includes the operations of receiving an input image; measuring input brightness of the input image; determining whether the input brightness is lower than an appropriate brightness; and generating an intermediate image by reducing a size of the input image by using an add mode for each pixel if the input brightness is lower than the appropriate brightness.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus determines a scene of a captured image, and, depending on the scene determination result, performs image capture with an expanded dynamic range, or performs a dynamic range contraction process based on the captured image. In the case of executing the dynamic range expansion process, the image capturing apparatus performs image capture at a decreased ISO speed, and performs tone correction for compensating the decrease in ISO speed with respect to the captured image. The image capturing apparatus is thereby capable of performing image capture with a dynamic range that takes into consideration the subject and the scene.

Abstract: Effects due to user operation are reduced in scene discrimination. In an image pickup apparatus, when performing scene discrimination based on information that includes detected movement of a subject and vibration of the image pickup apparatus, and an picked up image, the degree to which one of the movement of the subject and the vibration of the image pickup apparatus while an operating instruction is being received from a user contributes to scene discrimination is restricted.

Abstract: Receiving an instruction from a user to start sensing a still image, an image sensing apparatus performs scene determination based on an evaluation value of scene determination from an image sensed immediately after the luminance of the image converges to a predetermined range of a target luminance. The image sensing apparatus can accurately determine a scene of the image even the image sensor with a narrow dynamic range.

Abstract: An image processing system combining images includes: a first communication terminal device (e.g., cellular phone) issuing a request for image composition and notifying address information of an acceptor of image provision; a second communication terminal device accepting the request of the image provision and transmitting an image (e g., cellular phone); and an image processing server receiving the request for the image composition from the first communication terminal device to register the notified address information, transmitting an inquiry about the image provision to the second communication terminal device with the use of the address information, receiving images and image control information transmitted from the communication terminal devices, creating a composite image with the use of the images, and adjusting the composite image based on the image control information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that performs noise reduction processing to image signals comprises a separation and extraction unit that separates a present image signal into a luminance signal and a color signal and extracts regions having a predetermined size sequentially, a representative luminance calculation unit that calculates a representative luminance value, a representative hue calculation unit that calculates a representative hue value of the region, a color noise estimation unit that estimates a color noise amount based upon the representative luminance value and the representative hue value, a differential color signal calculation unit that calculates a differential color signal from the color signal of the region and a color signal of a past region after noise reduction processing and a color noise reduction unit that performs color noise reduction processing to the color signal of the region based upon the color noise amount and the differential color signal.

Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention includes a normal operation period and a focusing operation period; a CCD (102) able to mix image signals of a plurality of pixels and read the mixed image signals; an AFE (103) that converts the image signals to image data; a signal processing unit (104b) that converts the image data to display data; an LCD (107) that displays the display data; and a pixel mixing control unit (104c) that changes a read frame rate and pixel mixing number of the CCD (102). The pixel mixing control unit (104c) performs control so that in the focusing operation period, the image signals are read from the CCD (102) at a higher read frame rate than in the normal operation period, and performs control so that in the focusing operation period, the image signals are read from the CCD (102) at a larger pixel mixing number than in the normal operation period.

Abstract: Plural areas defined by contours in a through image (live view image) are previously set as object segments whose luminance levels are to be altered. When a user touches a point within an object segment seen in the through image displayed on a touch panel LCD 12, a gamma curve is changed to alter a luminance level of the object segment including the touched point. This arrangement allows the user to make more bright the whole of the object segment simply by touching a point within the object segment, and also to select any segment of an object as the object segment whose luminance level is to be altered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tone-conversion device for converting a tone of an image having an achromatic signal and a chromatic signal, and it includes the following components: a signal extracting unit defining an achromatic signal of a first pixel or a second pixel from plural pixels as an achromatic signal value, the second pixel being in an immediate neighborhood; a neighborhood processing unit generating a local signal of the first pixel according to the achromatic signal and the chromatic signal of a third pixel contained in the neighborhood area which is larger than the second pixel; a gain determining unit determining a conversion gain for the first pixel according to the achromatic signal value and the local signal; and a tone conversion unit performing tone conversion by multiplying the signal component of the first pixel by the conversion gain.

Abstract: The multi-band image photographing method and apparatus photograph a subject by dividing a photographing wavelength region into plural bands and obtain spectral images of the subject corresponding to the respective divided plural bands. The method and apparatus detect a sensitivity balance among the respective plural bands from photographing data of each of the spectral images obtained by preliminary photographing performed prior to main photographing, determine photographing conditions for the respective plural bands based upon the detected sensitivity balance, and perform the main photographing in accordance with the determined photographing conditions to photograph a multi-band image. The program is used to cause a computer to execute this method or part thereof.

Abstract: In an image processing system, the imager gain and the exposure time are adjusted based on a predefined stepping sequence using a stepping table designed to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio in the image. This is achieved by providing a stepping sequence with each step having the largest suitable integration time (exposure) and an appropriate amplifier and digital gain setting, while achieving an equal relative percentage change in image brightness between adjacent sequence steps. The size of the executed AE steps is proportional to the distance between a current image luminance and the target luminance. This is achieved by the capability to skip one or more steps in the stepping sequence, if appropriate, for each relevant executed step, with the number of skipped steps, if any, being proportional to the magnitude of the deviation from the target brightness.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of gamma correction, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for varying a gamma curve according to a brightness level of a detected image signal to adaptively perform gamma correction, in a digital image processor. The gamma correction apparatus in the digital image processor includes a brightness level detector detecting a brightness level from an image signal generated by capturing an image, a gamma curve calculator moving a start point and/or an end point of an existing gamma curve for correcting an input brightness level to a predetermined output brightness level, according to the detected brightness level, and calculating a new gamma curve, and a gamma corrector correcting an input brightness level of the image signal using the new gamma curve, and outputting the corrected brightness level.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a luminance value calculation unit configured to calculate a luminance average value and a luminance peak value from an image obtained by image-capturing for each of frames formed by dividing one screen, a first calculation unit configured to combine the luminance average value and the luminance peak value obtained for each of the frames, a second calculation unit configured to calculate an average value of composite values equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value among composite values obtained by the first calculation unit, and a setting unit configured to set knee strength based on the average value of the composite values obtained by the second calculation unit.

Abstract: A method, system and device for enhancing detail in areas of saturated color in an image are described. As areas of saturated color are detected in an image the opponent color channel is used to calculate a factor to apply to the original pixel value. By calculating this factor to adjust the pixel values of the image detail may be enhanced in the color saturated areas. A user supplied value may also be included to control the amount of automatic adjustment to the pixel values.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a number of light sources, a camera, a processor and a platen. As an object is moved over the platen each of the light sources illuminates the platen sequentially, with the principal axis of illumination of each light source intersecting the plane of the platen at a different place. The camera captures a series of images of the object, each captured image corresponding to the illumination of the platen by a different light source. The processor then generates a composite image from the series of images that compensates for the reflection of light from the platen associated with the principal axis of illumination.

Abstract: A digital image capture device and a brightness correction method thereof are described. The digital image capture device is adapted to correct the brightness value of a shot object in a digital image through the compensation of a strobe during shooting. The method includes setting a shooting magnification of the digital image capture device to the shot object; capturing a pre-shot image at least including the image of the shot object; triggering a strobe to emit a main flash onto the shot object, so as to shoot a digital image; setting a plurality of light measuring areas in the digital image; calculating a corresponding object distance of the shot object from each of the light measuring areas; establishing a shading table according to each of the object distances; and loading the shading table to adjust the brightness value of each of the light measuring areas in the digital image.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for displaying luminance. The method includes displaying luminance information corresponding to horizontal and vertical axes of an image. Accordingly, the total luminance of the image and luminance information on positions and regions of the image can be detected intuitively.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: an imaging unit taking a subject image focused by an imaging optical system; a digital signal processing unit generating image data of the subject image taken by the imaging unit and luminance data thereof; an input/output unit inputting and outputting data; a focus evaluation value generating unit generating a focus evaluation value of the subject image based on the luminance data outputted from the digital signal processing unit and outputting the focus evaluation value from the input/output unit; and an imaging drive unit starting an imaging operation by the imaging unit when an imaging instruction signal is inputted from the input/output unit, and outputting an imaging-end timing signal from the input/output unit when the imaging operation is completed.

Abstract: A method automatically corrects dust artifact within image acquired by a system including a digital acquisition device including a lens assembly and a translucent lens cap. Multiple original digital images are acquired with the digital acquisition device. Probabilities that certain pixels correspond to dust artifact regions within the images are determined based at least in part on a comparison of suspected dust artifact regions within two or more of the images. Probable dust artifact regions are associated with extracted parameter values relating to the lens assembly when the images were acquired, A statistical dust map is formed including mapped dust regions based on the determining and associating. Pixels corresponding to correlated dust artifact regions are corrected within further digitally-acquired images based on the associated statistical dust map.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for estimating noise determination criteria in an image sensor. The method includes calculating a color characteristic value for each of a plurality blocks constituting an input image, comparing the color characteristic value of a first block among the blocks with a initial noise criterion, sorting the color characteristic value of the first block as a first group of a color characteristic class and accumulating a result of the comparing into the first group, and modifying the initial noise criterion using a result of the accumulating and calculating a first group noise criterion to be applied to corresponding blocks belonging to the sorted first group of the color characteristic class.

Abstract: The invention relates to matrix image sensors, and it relates more particularly to a method for correcting the fixed spatial noise of the matrix. The signal (Sij,n) obtained from each pixel (Pij) during a large number of successive images is collected; for each pixel, an approximate value (Mij) of an average of the signal obtained from the pixel during this large number of images is determined; the signal obtained from each pixel is corrected by adding to it the difference between a reference average value (M0) and the approximate average value. The approximate average is obtained by determining high and low limit values taken by the signal obtained from the pixel during the large number of images, and by calculating a median between these high and low limit values.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image signal processing method for performing independent, optimized color corrections with respect to a plurality of subjects of an image, which require color corrections, and a digital image signal processing apparatus operating according to the digital image signal processing method. The method includes: inputting an image including a plurality of subjects which require different types of color corrections; detecting an area of each of the subjects; forming a color distribution using image information of the areas of the subjects; classifying the color distribution into a plurality of color areas; and performing corresponding color corrections with respect to corresponding color areas. For this purpose, a color distribution of subjects, which are to be corrected, is formed and then classified into a plurality of color areas. Corresponding color corrections are performed with respect to the color areas using color information of the color areas.

Abstract: A video display device includes a brightness range specifying unit configured to specify a range of brightness values for highlight, a signal processing unit configured to detect signals relevant to an area other than an area in the brightness range specified by the brightness range specifying unit from input video signals, suppress color components of the detected signals, and not suppress color components of signals relevant to the area in the specified brightness range, and a display unit configured to display video based on the video signals processed by the signal processing unit, the unit being capable of performing color display.

Abstract: A storage section (101) stores a digital value. A compensation section (102) controls an offset value of an amplifier circuit (2) according to the digital value stored in the storage section (101). A determination section (103) determines whether the voltage value of an output signal (S2) from the amplifier circuit (2) is higher or lower than a reference voltage value. An adjustment section (104) adds a positive value to the digital value in the storage section (101) if the number of times the voltage value of the output signal is determined higher than the reference voltage value among k determination results by the determination section (103) is greater than the number of times the voltage value of the output signal is determined lower than the reference voltage value.

Abstract: A filter section performs color carrier component removal and high-frequency level correction according to color image signal data, and a correction section performs edge enhancement correction. By these operations, luminance signal data is obtained. The characteristics of the filter section are established adaptively in accordance with the luminance signal level of low spatial frequency components in the color image signal data, the luminance signal edge level in the color image signal data, whether or not a predetermined color is exhibited in the color image signal data, a color difference edge level in the color image signal data, or whether or not the RGB data reaches the saturation level in the color image signal data.

Abstract: In a noise reduction apparatus or method, at least one of a luminance noise estimate value estimating a luminance noise of a target pixel and a chrominance noise estimate value estimating a chrominance noise of the target pixel is estimated in accordance with an average of luminance signals allocated to a first set of pixels including the target pixel. A noise reduction is performed to a selected one of the luminance noise and the chrominance noise one target pixel by one target pixel based on a corresponding one of a first set of information including the average of luminance signals and the luminance noise estimate value and a second set of information including an average of chrominance signals and the chrominance noise estimate value, the average of chrominance signals being allocated to a second set of pixels including the target pixel.

Abstract: In an embodiment, computational complexity of estimating the actual illuminant of a scene is reduced by examining only a subset of the pixel values generated for a received image frame. In another embodiment, number of rotations of color values is minimized by selecting an area which contains the color cue values of a color in an original/unrotated coordinate space and has boundaries which parallel the axis of the original coordinate space, and rotating a color value only if the color value is within the selected area. In another embodiment, such an area is used in conjunction with a histogram-based approach to determine the actual illuminant.

Abstract: An image of a subject is focused on an image pickup device through a zoom lens and a diaphragm. The image focused on the image pickup device is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal. The electric signal as a picture signal is supplied to an amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit amplifies the supplied picture signal. The amplified picture signal is digitized by an A/D converter. The digitized picture signal is supplied to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit performs a clamping process, a color signal process, a luminance signal process, and other processes such as contour compensation, defect compensation, and white balance compensation. A camera CPU controls the zoom lens through a lens driving circuit, controls the image pickup device through a timing generating circuit, and controls an auxiliary lighting portion 7. A signal received from an operating portion is supplied to the camera CPU.

Abstract: An example embodiment may include a system and method for correcting luminance disturbances in an imaging device. The example method can detect a luminance level disturbance in the output of an imager and provide a signal to a digital signal processor (DSP) that a luminance disturbance was detected, before the DSP begins processing the output of the imager. The DSP can then correct or adjust the resulting output to compensate for the luminance disturbance.

Abstract: In a solid-state image pickup apparatus, a preliminary pickup circuit performs, during preliminary pickup, divided photometry on a photometry signal outputted from the primary cells of photo-sensors, determines an exposure condition in which photometry data in all divided blocks do not exceed the saturation maximum value of the primary cells, and calculates the individual photometry data tints under the above exposure condition. During actual pickup, a shading corrector included in an image processing circuit divides subsidiary image data in the same manner as during the divided photometry, calculates shading correction gains in accordance with the photometry data tints and those of the subsidiary image data, and interpolates the shading correction gains in accordance with the pixel for thereby executing color shading correction on the subsidiary image data.

Abstract: The present invention is an image processing apparatus for processing an image data using an image file which includes the image data and image processing control information to be used for processing the image data. The apparatus comprises an automatic picture quality adjuster configured to automatically regulate lightness of the image data according to lightness of a whole image expressed by the image data and an adjustment degree determiner configured to determine a degree of the auto adjustment based on the image processing control information.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object to obtain an image signal, a detection unit configured to set a detection area in a captured image based on the image signal obtained by the imaging unit and calculate a detection value from an image signal in the detection area, an exposure adjustment unit configured to perform exposure adjustment, a control unit configured to control the exposure adjustment unit so that the detection value becomes equal to a predetermined value, and a presentation-image detecting unit configured to detect a presentation image presented by an image presentation device from the captured image on the basis of a difference in luminance in the captured image. When the presentation-image detecting unit detects the presentation image, the detection unit sets the detection area in a location different from a location of the detected presentation image.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an imager unit, a control unit, a brightness correction determiner unit, and a corrector unit. The imager unit images a picture. The control unit obtains, from the imager unit, data of the imaged picture and an imaging condition applied to the picture. The brightness correction determiner unit compares the obtained imaging condition with a threshold and determines whether or not to correct brightness of the data of the imaged picture. In response to the determination by the determiner unit to correct the brightness, The corrector unit corrects the data of the imaged picture so that the brightness of the imaged picture is increased in accordance with a brightness correction function.