Image processing apparatus with variable clamping
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Image processing apparatus for processing an input analog image signal, comprising:
- a) gain control means for controlling a level of the input analog image signal;
b) A/D conversion means for converting the analog image signal output from said gain control means into a digital image signal; and
c) modifying means for modifying a level of said digital image signal by using a reference signal, said modifying means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and the reference signal, said modifying means varying a level of the reference signal and a level of said gain control means, said modifying means varying the level of the reference signal in accordance with the level of said gain control means, said modifying means being capable of modifying said digital image signal level irrespective of the digital image signal.
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Abstract
Image processing apparatus wherein the level of an input analog picture signal from an imaging device is controlled by gain control circuitry, and the gain-controlled analog signal is then converted into a digital signal. Feedback clamping is performed by generating an error signal by subtracting a target value from the digital signal, and then adding the error signal to the gain-controlled analog signal. Correct clamping is made possible by allowing the target value to be varied based upon the gain set by the gain control means.
45 Citations
40 Claims
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1. Image processing apparatus for processing an input analog image signal, comprising:
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a) gain control means for controlling a level of the input analog image signal; b) A/D conversion means for converting the analog image signal output from said gain control means into a digital image signal; and c) modifying means for modifying a level of said digital image signal by using a reference signal, said modifying means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and the reference signal, said modifying means varying a level of the reference signal and a level of said gain control means, said modifying means varying the level of the reference signal in accordance with the level of said gain control means, said modifying means being capable of modifying said digital image signal level irrespective of the digital image signal.
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2. An imaging apparatus, comprising:
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a) imaging means for converting object light into an analog image signal; b) gain control means, coupled to said imaging means, for controlling the level of the analog image signal output from said imaging means; c) A/D conversion means, coupled to said gain control means, for converting the analog image signal output from said gain control means into a digital image signal; d) processing means, coupled to said gain control means, for obtaining a difference between adding a reference signal and said digital image signal output from said A/D conversion means; and e) control means, coupled to said processing means and to said gain control means, for controlling the level of said reference signal in accordance with the gain of said gain control means, and for controlling the gain of said gain control means. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. Image processing apparatus for processing an input analog image signal, comprising:
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a) gain control means for controlling the level of the input analog image signal; b) A/D conversion means for converting the analog image signal output from said gain control means into a digital image signal; c) processing means for processing the digital image signal and a reference signal; and d) adding means for adding an error signal which corresponds to the signal output from said processing means to said analog image signal output from said gain control means, said processing means varying the level of the reference signal in accordance with the gain of said gain control means. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A signal processing apparatus, comprising:
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a) gain control means for controlling a level of a received analog image signal, and for converting the received analog image signal into a digital image signal; and b) modifying means for modifying a level of the digital image signal by using a reference signal, said modifying means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and the reference signal, said modifying means varying a level of the reference signal according to the level set by said gain control means, said modifying means being capable of modifying the level of the digital image signal irrespective of the digital image signal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A signal processing apparatus, comprising:
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a) gain control means for controlling a level of a received analog image signal, and for converting the received analog image signal into a digital image signal; and b) modifying means for modifying a level of the digital image signal by using a reference signal, said modifying means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and the reference signal, said modifying means varying a level of the reference signal and a level of said gain control means,, said modifying means being capable of modifying the level of the digital image signal irrespective of the digital image signal. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A signal processing apparatus, comprising:
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(a) gain control means for controlling a level of a received analog image signal, and for converting the received analog image signal into a digital image signal; and (b) modifying means for modifying a level of the digital image signal by using a reference signal, said modifying means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and the reference signal, said modifying means varying a level of the reference signal and a level of said gain control means, said modifying means includes a control means for controlling the level of the reference signal according to the level of said gain control means, said modifying means being capable of modifying the level of the digital image signal irrespective of the digital image signal.
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31. A signal processing apparatus, comprising:
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a) first level adjusting means for controlling a level of a received analog image signal, and for converting the analog image signal into a digital image signal; b) second level adjusting means for adjusting a level of the digital image signal, said second level adjusting means including subtracting means for obtaining a difference between the digital image signal and a reference signal; and c) control means for controlling said first and second level adjusting means, said control means being capable of controlling an operation of said second level adjusting means irrespective of the digital image signal. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification