Image signal processing unit and method

Abstract

A pixel signal processing unit and a pixel signal processing method are provided, which are capable of obtaining color level signals for pixel signals which differ in sensitivity between colors, the color level signals making full use of the dynamic range. For processing the pixel signals provided by the color pixels of an image device, there are provided a first amplifier, a second amplifier and a computing unit. The first amplifier sets a first amplification factor for the pixel signals for each color pixel to adjust the sensitivities of the color pixels. The second amplifier amplifies the pixel signals, whose sensitivities have been adjusted, with a second amplification factor. The second amplification factor allows the color level signal having the maximum signal intensity in the pixel signals which have been adjusted in sensitivity and output from the first amplifier to have a signal intensity equivalent to the dynamic range of image processing performed in a latter stage. The computing unit subtracts a black level signal component from each of the pixel signals amplified by the second amplifier. After adjusting the sensitivities which differ between colors, the color level signals can be amplified up to the dynamic range of the image processing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.