Image processing apparatus and method for performing nonlinear gamma corrections

An image processing apparatus for performing nonlinear gamma corrections to a plurality of image signals for a single picture frame, comprising:

• image signal sampling means for sampling the plurality of image signals of said single picture frame and producing a sampling means output corresponding to the sampled image signals,
• learning type gamma selector means, coupled to said image signal sampling means, for:
• a) establishing, in advance, a nonlinear relation between sampling means outputs under various conditions and a plurality of nonlinear gamma curves;
• b) judging said sampling means output according to said established nonlinear relation;
• and
• c) selecting one of the plurality of nonlinear gamma curves for correction;
• and
• nonlinear gamma correction means, coupled to said learning type gamma selector means, for correcting said plurality of image signals using the selected nonlinear gamma curve.