Abstract: A noise eliminator is provided which can highly compress and store dark current noise components while maintaining characteristics, including many high frequency components. A noise distribution analysis section 10 determines the magnitude distribution of dark current noise components of at least some pixels, and then computes the threshold and typical values for quantization based on this distribution. A quantization section 12 quantizes the dark current noise components based on the computed threshold value, and a memory 14 stores the quantized dark current noise components. An inverse quantization section 16 inversely quantizes the quantized dark current noise components stored in the memory 14 with reference to the typical value computed by the noise distribution analysis section 10. The inversely quantized dark current noise components are supplied to a subtraction section 18, and the subtraction section 18 subtracts the inversely quantized dark current noise components from an image signal.

Abstract: The challenge of the present invention is to suppress a variation in brightness of an image and make a reference value of a black level converge at an appropriate value in a short time. A condition judgment circuit judges whether or not a frame of an amount of change in gains of a variable gain amplifier being equal to or greater than a threshold continues for a predefined frames or more. If a frame of an amount of change in the gains being equal to or greater than the threshold continues for the predefined frames, a black level value of the current frame is set for new black level reference. If not continues for the predetermined number, the previous black level reference value is retained in lieu of correcting the black level.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: imaging means for capturing an image of an object of shooting; defective-position storing means for storing a position of a defective pixel of the imaging means; arraying means for arraying a plurality of pixels in a certain range of the vicinity of a noticed pixel of the image of the object of shooting output by the imaging means; when the noticed pixel is the defective pixel, prediction-pixel obtaining means for obtaining prediction pixels located at relative positions predetermined with respect to the noticed pixel and to be used for correcting the defective pixel out of the arrayed pixels; prediction-coefficient supplying means for supplying prediction coefficients corresponding to the prediction pixels; and calculation means for calculating a correction value of the noticed pixel by the sum of the products of the prediction pixels and the prediction coefficients.

Abstract: A method for compensating pixel values of defective pixels in an image processing system is provided. First, a normal image is captured to obtain the pixel values of a plurality of pixels, and the pixel values of the defective pixels are then marked as a specific pixel value. When the pixel values are to be compensated, the locations of the defective pixels are determined by locating the specific pixel value, and the average values of the neighboring pixels of these defective pixels are calculated and used as the pixel values of these defective pixels, so as to complete a compensation procedure. Besides, the present invention further includes closing the shutter to capture a dark image with similar exposure condition as the normal image does. The compensation procedure is performed after subtracting the dark image from the normal image so that the noise caused by dark current can be eliminated.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, for correcting a cross talk between adjacent pixels, includes: a memory unit for storing a correction parameter for reducing a cross talk signal leaked to an object pixel from an adjacent pixel, the correction parameter corresponding to a position of the object pixel; and a correcting unit for subtracting, based on the correction parameter stored in the memory unit, the cross talk signal from a pixel signal of the solid-state imaging apparatus correspondingly to a position of the pixel, wherein a number of the object pixel is at least two, and the at least two object pixels have different addresses in a horizontal direction, and different addresses in a vertical direction.

Abstract: First pixel data of a pixel of interest is output from a first shift register, while second and third pixel data of neighboring pixels indicative of the same color are output from second and third shift registers, respectively. Differential data between estimated pixel data calculated from the second and third pixel data and the first pixel data is input to a comparator. A threshold value stored in a register is modulated by the estimated pixel data, and is input to the comparator as modulated threshold data. When the comparator judges that the differential data is greater than the modulated threshold data, a selector outputs the estimated pixel data as corrected pixel data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting signal differences between at least two adjacent parts of a radiation-sensitive sensor, each containing a contiguous set of radiation-sensitive sites read out through a respective separate electronic processing mean, by increasing the perimeter of the border between the adjacent parts of the sensor read out through separate electronic processing means and using at least one set of adjacent values from each of the adjacent parts to compute a correction to be applied to a signal read out of at least one of the adjacent parts.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit which causes an image sensor to photoelectrically convert an object image to generate an image signal, a display unit which displays the image signal generated by the image capturing unit, a storage unit which stores foreign substance information that is information about at least the position and size of a foreign substance sticking to the surface of an optical element arranged in front of the image sensor, and a control unit which controls the display unit to display the image signal while superimposing, on it, an image which represents presence of the foreign substance and is generated based on the foreign substance information stored in the storage unit during a live view operation of sequentially displaying, on the display unit, image signals sequentially generated by the image capturing unit.

Abstract: Among defective pixels of an image sensor, defective pixels which need to be corrected are determined depending on the type and defect level for individual defective pixels and on image capturing conditions. Depending on the types of the defective pixels, the correspondences between the image capturing conditions and the defect levels of the defective pixels to be corrected are prepared in advance, thereby carrying out appropriate defective pixel correction in view of the fact that the dependence of the abnormal signal output level on the image capturing conditions differs depending on the type of defective pixel.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a defect detection unit detects a defective pixel and a defect level thereof by comparing a maximum pixel value detected at each pixel position of a plurality of images captured via an image taking operation performed a plurality of times by an image sensor with a threshold value for detecting white defective pixels, and/or by comparing a minimum pixel value detected at each pixel position of the plurality of images with a threshold value for detecting black defective pixels. A defective pixel selection unit selects a predetermined plurality of defective pixels with high defect degrees, and registers defect data associated with the predetermined plurality of selected defective pixels in the defect data table. A defect correction unit corrects pixel values of pixels of the image output from the image sensor, in accordance with the defect data registered in the defect data table.

Abstract: In a solid-state image sensor in which a large number of pixel cells each comprised of a combination of a main photosensitive pixel having a relatively large area and a subsidiary photosensitive pixel having a relatively small area are arranged, if the subsidiary photosensitive pixel has a defect for any pixel cell, division photometry data during AE processing is read, and the defective pixel is replaced with a value obtained by dividing the output value of the main photosensitive pixel at the same position by a sensitivity ratio only for a section for which it is determined that the main photosensitive pixel is not saturated. Thus, the pixel value of a defective pixel can be accurately corrected without causing a reduction in resolution sensitivity compared to a conventional method of correcting a defective pixel using surrounding pixel information.

Abstract: A method for checking the functional reliability of an image sensor evaluates statistical fluctuations in the grey-scale values provided by the pixels of the image sensor. An actual noise factor, which is derived for light impinging on the pixels, is evaluated. A pixel failure is assumed if the actual noise factor misses a predetermined criterion defined by a reference noise factor. According to one embodiment, the reference noise factor is a dark noise factor. An electronic camera that operates in accordance with the above-described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has an image pickup device, a defect-information-storing unit that stores defect information relative to a defective pixel in the image pickup element, a compensation-signal-generating unit that generates a compensation signal for each defective pixel, first and second compensation units that compensate for the pixel signal relative to the defective pixel indicated by the defect information with and without applying the compensation signal to the pixel signal, and a compensation-switching unit that switches between a first signal compensated by the first compensation unit and a second signal compensated by the second compensation unit based on a comparison result of a signal level of the compensation signal with a signal level of a predetermined compensation-switching reference signal.

Abstract: A disclosed imaging unit includes an image sensor in which plural light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix; a defective information storage unit configured to hold position information of a defective light receiving element in the image sensor; an imaging region moving unit configured to change an imaging region from a first imaging region corresponding to a desired imaging target region to a second imaging region, wherein the second imaging region is determined in such a manner that a position of a defective pixel corresponding to the defective light receiving element in an image of the second imaging region does not coincide with that in an image of the first imaging region; an imaging control unit configured to control the imaging unit and the imaging region moving unit in such a manner that a first imaging operation of picking up the image of the first imaging region and a second imaging operation of picking up the image of the second imaging region are performed in a single imaging operation; an

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting a microarray comprises an image sensor for imaging the microarray, a moving means for moving the image sensor relative to the microarray, a memory for memorizing the position of a defective picture element on the image sensor, and a controlling means which determines an overlap state of an imaging area of the defective picture element on reaction areas on the microarray and controls the moving means based on the result of the determination.

Abstract: In a solid-state image pickup device, it is difficult to match an optimum incidence angle corresponding to an image height of a pixel array region with light incidence characteristics of a camera lens, thereby causing image quality deterioration due to sensitivity shading. Respective microlenses are disposed in a two-dimensional manner, i.e., in a row and a column directions. In particular, the microlenses are disposed such that each side of a disposition region where the microlenses are disposed has a concave curve with respect to a line connecting adjacent vertexes of the disposition region. In other words, a distance AH (AV) between center points of a pair of facing sides of the disposition region is set to be smaller than a distance BH (BV) between neighboring vertexes of the disposition region.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image obtaining unit that obtains an image captured with an image sensor; and a defect information generating unit that generates defect information indicating a defect within the image having been obtained, based upon a value at a target pixel and an average value of a plurality of pixel values corresponding to pixels present within a predetermined range containing the target pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is configured to include a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to perform a control operation to divide, into first data and second data, correction data which is used to correct a defective pixel signal included in an image signal representing one shot image, to transfer the first data from the first storage unit to the second storage unit before starting to shoot an image, and to transfer the second data from the first storage unit to the second storage unit after starting to shoot an image.

Abstract: First pixel data of a pixel of interest is output from a first shift register, while second and third pixel data of neighboring pixels indicative of the same color are output from second and third shift registers, respectively. Differential data between estimated pixel data calculated from the second and third pixel data and the first pixel data is input to a comparator. A threshold value stored in a register is modulated by the estimated pixel data, and is input to the comparator as modulated threshold data. When the comparator judges that the differential data is greater than the modulated threshold data, a selector outputs the estimated pixel data as corrected pixel data.

Abstract: A programmable pattern-matching device is provided that may perform bad pixel correction and image sharpening and smoothing (noise removal). Soft edges of an image are identified and adaptively sharpened. Soft edges are identified by subtracting adjacent pixel values along a diagonal, row and/or column, generating a pixel string pattern based on the pixel value differences, and comparing the pixel string pattern to predefined string patterns indicative of a soft edge. Similarly, hard edges are identified by comparing the pixel string pattern to predefined string patterns indicative of a hard edge, which are then excluded from a low pass filter applied to smooth the image in order to reduce image noise. Bad photosensors of an image sensor are detected by subtracting a pixel value for a first photosensor from its surrounding photosensors to obtain a pixel string pattern that is then compared to predefined string patterns indicative of a bad pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus selects a correction method of a defective pixel in accordance with the type of the defective pixel. The image processing apparatus includes an imaging device consisting of a plurality of pixels, a storage device for storing a captured image output from the imaging device, a first correction processing device for correcting a defective pixel in the captured image based on first corrective data containing address information of a defective pixel in the imaging device in accordance with input of a signal output from the defective pixel in the imaging device, and a second correction processing device for correcting the defective pixel in the captured image stored in the storage device based on second corrective data containing address information of a defective pixel in the imaging device.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a first storage unit for storing a first correction data for correcting a defective pixel signal outputted from a defective pixel of an image sensor, a detecting unit for detecting a defective pixel signal outputted from a defective pixel of the image sensor in accordance with a designation set by a user, a creating unit for creating a second correction data based on the defective pixel signal detected by the detecting unit, a determination unit for determining whether the second correction data is used with the first correction data, in accordance with a designation set by a user; and a correction unit for correcting a pixel signal output from the image sensor in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and corresponding devices for effecting such methods that permit integrated circuits, sensors, chips or dies to be identified. Imperfections or irregularities in pixels or memory cells are used to generate identification codes for integrated circuits, sensors, chips or dies. Addresses or data locations of selected defective pixels or memory cells may be used to generate such identification codes.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an image sensing apparatus which can shorten the time required for the creation of correction data by reducing the amount of data used for the creation of correction data. In order to achieve the above object, an image sensing apparatus according to this invention includes a plurality of pixels, a first calculating unit which creates correction data by performing computation using signals which are acquired by image sensing in an unexposed state and smaller in number than said plurality of pixels, and a second calculating unit which corrects image data of the plurality of pixels, acquired by image sensing in an exposed state, by using the correction data.

Abstract: A scene-based non-uniformity correction method employing local constant statistics for eliminating fixed pattern noise in a video comprising a plurality of images is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing an initial gain image, an initial offset image, a predetermined pyramid level, and a filter of a predetermined level; setting one of the plurality of input images to the current image; calculating a temporary true scene image for the current image based on the initial gain image and the initial offset image; accumulating a temporal mean image and a temporal standard deviation image based on the calculated temporary true scene image; setting another of the plurality of images to the current image and repeating the setting, calculating, and accumulating steps until substantially all of the images of the plurality of images have been processed, otherwise further perform the steps of calculating a Gaussian mean image based on the accumulated temporal mean and calculating a Gaussian gain image based on the

Abstract: First pixel data of a pixel of interest is output from a first shift register, while second and third pixel data of neighboring pixels indicative of the same color are output from second and third shift registers, respectively. Differential data between estimated pixel data calculated from the second and third pixel data and the first pixel data is input to a comparator. A threshold value stored in a register is modulated by the estimated pixel data, and is input to the comparator as modulated threshold data. When the comparator judges that the differential data is greater than the modulated threshold data, a selector outputs the estimated pixel data as corrected pixel data.

Abstract: An automated RAW image processing method and system are disclosed. A RAW image and metadata related to the RAW image are obtained from a digital camera or other source. The RAW image and the related metadata are automatically processed using an Operating System service of a processing device to produce a resulting image in an absolute color space. The resulting image is then made available to an application program executing on the processing device through an application program interface with the Operating System service.

Abstract: A deficiency candidate detection circuit detects a deficient pixel candidate by comparing the image signal of a target pixel with the image signals of peripheral pixels, and address information of the deficient pixel candidate is stored in a position memory circuit. A deficiency determining circuit repeats the determination of a deficient pixel a number of times based on the address information stored in the position memory circuit, and determines address information of a deficient pixel from the continuity of the determination results. A deficiency registering circuit registers the determined address information in the position memory circuit. A deficiency correction circuit corrects the image signal of the deficient pixel according to the registered address information of the deficient pixel.

Abstract: Described is a device (e.g., a cell phone incorporating a digital camera) that incorporates a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process image data in order to increase the quality of a rendered image. The processing power provided by a GPU means that, for example, an unacceptable pixel value (e.g., a pixel value associated with a malfunctioning or dead detector element) can be identified and replaced with a new value that is determined by averaging other pixel values. Also, for example, the device can be calibrated against benchmark data to generate correction factors for each detector element. The correction factors can be applied to the image data on a per-pixel basis. If the device is also adapted to record and/or play digital audio files, the audio performance of the device can be calibrated to determine correction factors for a range of audio frequencies.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor array is labelled by accumulating charge, preferably charge from a dark current, in at least a portion of the sensor array and reading out the accumulated charge to form an image to determine locations of atypical pixels in the portion of the sensor array. A signature of the sensor array is generated from the locations of atypical pixels and stored. The array is subsequently identified by re-accumulating charge in the portion of the array to form a signature based on the atypical pixels for comparison with the stored signature.

Abstract: A deficiency candidate detection circuit detects a deficient pixel candidate by comparing the image signal of a target pixel with the image signals of peripheral pixels, and address information of the deficient pixel candidate is stored in a position memory circuit. A deficiency determining circuit repeats the determination of a deficient pixel a number of times based on the address information stored in the position memory circuit, and determines address information of a deficient pixel from the continuity of the determination results. A deficiency registering circuit registers the determined address information in the position memory circuit. A deficiency correction circuit corrects the image signal of the deficient pixel according to the registered address information of the deficient pixel.

Abstract: The technique of the invention accurately detects a pixel defect in an image taken by an imaging device, such as a digital still camera. The image processing flow of the invention maps luminance data to respective pixels of a specified pixel array and computes a difference between the luminance data of each target pixel and an average value of the luminance data of four adjoining pixels on the top, bottom, left, and right of the target pixel. The presence or the absence of any pixel defect is detected according to the computed difference. The luminance data of an identified defective pixel detected as the pixel defect is corrected with the luminance data of adjoining pixels on the top, bottom, left, and right of the identified defective pixel.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a first storage unit for storing a first correction data for correcting a defective pixel signal outputted from a defective pixel of an image sensor, a detecting unit for detecting a defective pixel signal outputted from a defective pixel of the image sensor in accordance with a designation set by a user, a creating unit for creating a second correction data based on the defective pixel signal detected by the detecting unit, a determination unit for determining whether the second correction data is used with the first correction data, in accordance with a designation set by a user; and a correction unit for correcting a pixel signal output from the image sensor in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus performs predetermined signal processing on an image signal output from an image sensor having a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a direction along a row and a direction along a column. The signal processing apparatus comprises: a storage unit that stores characteristic information indicating characteristics of signal component mix in each pixel from adjacent pixels according to the pixel position in the pixel array of the image sensor; and a correction unit that calculates a correction coefficient according to the position of a pixel for correction in the pixel array from the characteristic information, and corrects an output image signal of the pixel for correction based on an output image signal of adjacent pixels of the pixel for correction and the calculated correction coefficient.

Abstract: Circuitry for reducing fixed pattern noise in an image processing system with a 4-T (4 transistors) pixel and a method thereof is proposed. The image processing system includes two voltage sources, two current sources, a 4-T pixel, a second portion of a linearized source follower, a ping pong memory, a PGA, and auto-zero circuitry. By coupling the auto-zero circuitry to the PGA, an open loop is formed to clamp the output of an op amp of the PGA to a stable reference when resetting the PGA so as to remove DC offsets at the output terminal of the op amp.

Abstract: A defective pixel detecting device determining defective pixels as correction targets in an imaging device that produces image signals is provided, and the device includes: defect information storage configured to store priority of defective pixels to be corrected; a defective pixel detector configured to detect defective pixels by comparing levels of imaging signals from the imaging device with a predetermined detection level; a priority setter configured to set priority of the detected defective pixels, based on the levels of the imaging signals of the defective pixels detected by the defective pixel detector; and a correction target determiner configured to newly determine defective pixels to be corrected based on the priority of the defective pixels out of the defective pixels that are currently detected by the defective pixel detector and the defective pixels to be corrected stored in the defect information storage, determining priority of the newly determined defective pixels to be corrected, and storin

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor including a first pixel group used for generating an image signal by photoelectrically converting an object image and a second pixel group configured to receive a light flux that has passed through divided areas of the exit pupil, a memory unit configured to store information about whether a defective pixel exists in any pixel included in the second pixel group, a control unit configured to execute calculation including combination processing on output signals of the second pixel group existing in a predetermined area, and a controller configured to control a shooting operation according to a result of the calculation by the calculation unit. The calculation unit is configured, if a defective pixel whose information is stored on the memory unit exists in the combination processing, to execute the calculation by using the output signals of the second pixel group.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for processing a dead pixel, more specifically to a method and an apparatus thereof for detecting and compensating a dead pixel that can maintain a good image quality by reducing image distortion and deterioration. With the present invention, the distortion of an image, caused by erroneously classifying a normal pixel of an inputted image as a dead pixel, is significantly reduced, thereby improving the quality of a processed image. Moreover, based on the characteristics of the inputted image, the algorithm and accuracy of detecting a dead pixel can be adjusted.

Abstract: A defect pixel detection apparatus includes an image sensor which includes an effective pixel configured to have a photoelectric conversion element and an output unit configured to output a pixel signal generated by the photoelectric conversion element, a first reference pixel configured to have the same pixel configuration as the effective pixel and be optically shielded, and a second reference pixel configured to have a pixel configuration different from that of the effective pixel, a defect level acquiring unit configured to acquire a defect level of a target pixel in the image sensor, and a defect pixel determination unit configured to determine whether the target pixel is a defect pixel by comparing a defect level of the target pixel with a defect detection threshold according to a type of the pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an optical system having distortion aberration characteristics for expanding a central part and compressing a peripheral part of an image plane; an image sensor for photodetecting an optical image via the optical system, converting the optical image to image signals, and outputting the image signals; a correction coefficient output circuit for outputting a correction coefficient for correcting the image signal with respect to a defect pixel of the image sensor, wherein the correction coefficient is determined based on the distortion aberration characteristics and a position of a peripheral pixel around the defect pixel; and a correction value computing circuit for computing a correction value with respect to the image signal of the defect pixel, based on the image signal of the peripheral pixel and the correction coefficient.

Abstract: Location information representing the location of a defective pixel in an image pickup device and pixel defect level information representing the pixel defect level of the defective pixel are stored beforehand in a memory. The defect level of the defective pixel is determined after shipment of the image pickup device, and the pixel defect information is updated based on the defect determination result. If a new defective pixel is detected at a location different from the location of the defective pixel with the pixel defect information stored in the memory, the pixel defect information of that defective pixel is added. If a defective pixel is detected at the same location as the defective pixel with the pixel defect information stored in the memory, and if the defect level of the detected defective pixel is worse than the original defect level, the defect level of the defective pixel is updated.

Abstract: An improved non-uniform sensitivity correction algorithm for use in an imager device (e.g., a CMOS APS). The algorithm provides zones having flexible boundaries which can be reconfigured depending upon the type of lens being used in a given application. Each pixel within each zone is multiplied by a correction factor dependent upon the particular zone while the pixel is being read out from the array. The amount of sensitivity adjustment required for a given pixel depends on the type of lens being used, and the same correction unit can be used with multiple lenses where the zone boundaries and the correction factors are adjusted for each lens. In addition, the algorithm makes adjustments to the zone boundaries based upon a misalignment between the centers of the lens being used and the APS array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting defective pixel signals, wherein pixel signals are corrected in accordance with correction information associated with operating conditions under which an image is acquired. A method for acquiring and storing correction information in an imager device is also provided.

Abstract: An image-capturing system diagnostic device includes: an image acquisition unit that obtains an image; and a monitoring unit that monitors a quantity of foreign matter present in an optical path by generating defect information indicating a defect at pixels caused by the foreign matter in the optical path based upon the image obtained by the image acquisition unit and calculating an areal ratio of defective pixels in the image based upon the defect information having been generated and issues a warning for a photographer if the areal ratio of the defective pixels exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: When charges Q (x, y) transferred from an image inputting device 1 are to be converted into first signal intensities S? (x, y) and signal processing is to be performed for the first signal intensity S? (x, y) of a particular pixel, a maximum value Smax, a minimum value Smin and an average value Save are calculated from signal intensities S? (x?1, y) and S? (x+1, y) at adjacent pixels. When S? (x, y)>Smax×A is satisfied, it is determined that the signal intensity S (x, y) at the particular pixel=Save×C (where A and C are coefficients), whereas when S? (x, y)<Smin×B is satisfied, it is determined that the signal intensity S (x, y)=Save×D (where B and D are coefficients), and processing is performed so as to obtain an appropriate intensity S (x, y). This makes it possible to accurately judge a defective pixel attributable to dirt adhering to a pixel array of the image inputting device, a crystal defect, etc., and compensate a defect in an image caused by the defective pixel.

Abstract: A pixel position corresponding to dust present on an image sensor and its optical system is detected from a dust detection sensed image. It is checked for a normally sensed image obtained by normal image sensing whether each pixel data is data at the pixel position corresponding to dust. Data at the pixel position corresponding to dust undergoes a correction process. An image sensing apparatus capable of suppressing the influence of dust on a sensed image even if dust attaches to the image sensor or its optical system can be realized.

Abstract: This invention is directed to imaging methods and systems for flexibly addressing and processing imaging pixel sensor elements. A novel architecture is described which allows for a highly integrated, low cost imager with high speed performance and good image quality. The imaging system provides on-the-fly color interpolation, color compensation (also called color correction, color maximization or white balance) and/or fixed pattern noise reduction. The hardware and/or software related to on-the-fly color interpolation, color compensation and/or fixed pattern noise reduction may be provided on-chip.

Abstract: A method and system for programming, calibrating and driving a light emitting device display is provided. The system may include extracting a time dependent parameter of a pixel for calibration.

Abstract: The pattern defect inspection apparatus is operable to detect defects by comparing a detection image, which is obtained through scanning by an image sensor those patterns that have the identical shape and are continuously disposed on the object under tested at equal intervals in row and column directions, with a reference image obtained by scanning neighboring identical shape patterns in the row and column directions. This apparatus has a unit for generating an average reference image by statistical computation processing from the images of identical shape patterns lying next to the detection image including at least eight nearest chips on the up-and-down and right-and-left sides and at diagonal positions with the detection image being intermediately situated. The apparatus also includes a unit that detects a defect by comparing the detection image to the average reference image thus generated.

Abstract: An image-capturing system diagnostic device includes: an image acquisition unit that obtains an image; and a monitoring unit that monitors a quantity of foreign matter present in an optical path by generating defect information indicating a defect at pixels caused by the foreign matter in the optical path based upon the image obtained by the image acquisition unit and calculating an areal ratio of defective pixels in the image based upon the defect information having been generated and issues a warning for a photographer if the areal ratio of the defective pixels exceeds a predetermined value.