JP2001094886A - Image pickup device, method for controlling image pickup device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct the imbalance of picture data outputted from plural output terminals of an image pickup(IP) element. SOLUTION: An IP device is provided with an IP part for dividing a subject image into plural IP areas and picking up images of respective IP areas and outputting a signal from respective plural IP areas and a correction means for judging areas having high correlation and areas having low correlation out of plural picture data outputted from respective IP areas and correcting plural picture data by using picture data between areas having high correlation on the basis of the judgement.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup section for picking up an image of a subject by dividing it into a plurality of image pickup areas and outputting image data from each of the plurality of image pickup areas.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image pickup apparatus such as a digital still camera has a configuration as shown in FIG. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG.
The overall control circuit 100 detects a state change of 01 (composed of the main switch and the release switch of the camera), and starts power supply to other circuit blocks.

An image of a subject within a photographing screen is formed on an image sensor 104 through main photographing optical systems 102 and 103, and an electric signal from the image sensor 104 is converted into a CDS / A signal.
A / D conversion means 1 for each pixel in turn via a GC circuit
At 06, it is converted into a predetermined digital signal.

Here, the image pickup device 104 is driven in a predetermined manner by an output of a driver circuit 107 for horizontal drive and vertical drive for each pixel based on a signal from a timing generator 108 which determines the entire drive timing. Generates an image signal output.

Similarly, a CDS which performs analog processing on the output from the image sensor 104 and converts the analog signal to a predetermined signal level
The / AGC circuit 105 and the A / D conversion circuit 106 also operate based on the timing from the timing generator 108.

The output from the A / D conversion circuit 106 is supplied to a memory controller 115 via a selector 109 for selecting a signal based on a signal from the overall control CPU 100.
, And all signal outputs are transferred to the frame memory 116 here. Therefore, in this case, all the pixel data for each photographing frame is temporarily stored in the frame memory 116.
16 write operation.

After the photographing operation is completed, the contents of the frame memory 116 storing the photographing data are transferred to the camera DSP 110 via the selector 109 under the control of the memory controller 115. This camera DSP1
In step 10, each color signal of RGB is generated based on each pixel data of each photographing data stored in the frame memory.

Normally, in a state before photographing, the result is transferred to the video memory 111 periodically (for each frame), so that a finder display or the like is performed through the monitor display means 112.

On the other hand, when the photographer performs the photographing operation by operating the camera operation switch 101, each pixel data of one frame is read out from the frame memory 116 by the control signal from the overall control CPU 100, and After the image processing is performed by the DSP 110, the image processing is temporarily stored in the work memory 113.

Subsequently, the data in the work memory 113 is compressed by the compression / expansion means 114 based on a predetermined compression format, and the result is stored in the external nonvolatile memory 11.
7 (usually using a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory).

On the other hand, when observing the photographed image data, the data compressed and stored in the external memory is expanded to normal data for each photographed pixel through the compression / expansion means 114, and the result is obtained. By transferring the data to the video memory 111, it can be performed through the monitor display means 112.

As described above, in the ordinary image pickup apparatus, the output from the image pickup element 104 is converted into actual image data through the process processing circuit in almost real time, and the result is output to the memory or the monitor circuit. I have.

On the other hand, in the image pickup apparatus as described above, in order to improve the capability of continuous photographing or the like (for example, to obtain a capability close to 10 frames / sec), it is necessary to increase the reading speed from the image pickup device. It is necessary to improve the system including the image sensor such as increasing the speed of writing the image sensor data to a frame memory or the like.

FIG. 6 shows a CCD as one of the improvement methods.
This simply shows a two-output type device structure in which a horizontal CCD is divided into two parts by an image pickup device such as the above.

In the CCD shown in FIG.
The charges generated for each pixel generated at 0 are simultaneously transferred to the vertical CCD unit at a predetermined timing, and the charges of the vertical CCD are transferred to the horizontal CCDs 92 and 93 for each line at the next timing.

Here, the horizontal CCD 92 transfers the charge toward the left amplifier 94 every transfer clock, and the horizontal CCD 93 transfers the charge toward the right amplifier 95 every transfer clock. The captured image data of the CCD is read out by being divided into two right and left parts at the center of the screen.

Usually, the amplifier is built in a CCD device. However, since the amplifiers are located at distant positions in terms of layout, the relative accuracy of both amplifiers does not always match completely. Therefore, when the output after the amplification passes through separate CDS / AGC circuits 96 and 97 for the right and left, respectively, it is adjusted by the external adjustment means 97 and 99 to ensure matching between the left and right outputs.

[0018]

However, as described above, the method of dividing a subject image into a plurality of imaging regions and taking an image and simultaneously reading signals from each of the plurality of imaging regions is advantageous in terms of speed. However, from the viewpoint of matching of output levels, it is clearly disadvantageous compared to the case where there is only one output.

In a conventional manual adjustment method such as a conventional analog adjustment in the CDS / AGC circuit section or a digital adjustment in which both channels are combined with an output after A / D conversion, a considerable amount of time is required in the manufacturing process. Even if we match
Due to the change in the environment, for example, the value of the VR resistor itself changes, and the tendency of the temperature characteristics of the CDS / AGC circuit to completely match the two is extremely low.

Normally, when such a reading method is performed,
If the relative accuracy of the left and right outputs exceeds ± 1%, the imbalance of the boundary will be clearly understood on the screen.

Therefore, in the present invention, in the case of such an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit having a plurality of outputs, attention has been paid to a specific method of how to maintain the relative accuracy of the plurality of outputs.

An object of the present invention is to correct the imbalance of each image data output from a plurality of output terminals of an imaging unit.

[0023]

In order to solve the above problems, as a first means of the present invention, a subject image is divided and photographed by a plurality of imaging regions, and a signal is output from each of the plurality of imaging regions. Determining an area having a high correlation and a low area between a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging areas; An image pickup apparatus comprising: a correction unit that corrects the plurality of image data using the image data.

Also, as a second means, an image pickup section for picking up a subject image by dividing it into a plurality of image pickup areas and outputting a signal from each of the plurality of image pickup areas, and an output section from each of the plurality of image pickup areas. A method of controlling an imaging apparatus having a processing means for processing a plurality of image data obtained, wherein an area having a high correlation between a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging areas and a low area have a low correlation. A control method is provided wherein a region is determined and the plurality of image data is corrected using image data between the regions having a high correlation based on the determination.

[0025] As a third means, an image pickup section which divides a subject image by a plurality of image pickup areas and picks up an image, and outputs a signal from each of the plurality of image pickup areas, and an output section from each of the plurality of image pickup areas. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging apparatus having processing means for processing the plurality of image data, wherein the plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging regions are stored. Determining a region having a high correlation and a region having a low correlation between the two, and correcting the plurality of image data using image data between the regions having a high correlation based on the determination. A storage medium characterized by having a password is provided.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an entire image pickup apparatus for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a CCD or the like having two outputs (CH1 and CH2) which is an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject by dividing it into a plurality of image pickup areas and outputting signals from each of the plurality of image pickup areas. Image sensor 1 operates at a predetermined frequency by being driven by driver means 2,
The image data is output separately for the left and right sides in such a manner that the entire screen is vertically divided into two. TG / SSG3 is a timing generating circuit that outputs a vertical synchronizing signal VD and a horizontal synchronizing signal HD, and simultaneously supplies a timing signal to each circuit block.

The data output from the right half surface of the image sensor 1 is input to the CDS / AGC circuit 5 via the CH1 output, and the output of the CCD or the like is obtained by performing a known method such as correlated double sampling. And an AGC circuit for amplifying the output to a predetermined signal level. By inputting the output after the AGC to the A / D conversion circuit 7, it is converted into a digital signal,
An output CH1 is obtained.

Similarly, the data output from the left half surface of the image sensor is input to the CDS / AGC circuit 4 via the CH2 output, and a similar method such as correlated double sampling is performed. An AGC circuit for removing reset noise and the like included in the output and amplifying the output to a predetermined signal level is operated. The output after AGC is A / D
The signal is converted into a digital signal by
An output CH2 is obtained.

After both left and right outputs from the image pickup device are separately converted into digital data, both outputs are sequentially stored in memories 9 and 11 via memory controllers 8 and 10, respectively.

The image data output from the AD-CH1 and AD-CH2 are simultaneously input to an unbalance amount calculating circuit 18 which is a correcting means for correcting the amount of unbalance between the two image data.

Since the memory controllers 8 and 10 can continuously read and write to the memories 9 and 11 in a normal time sharing manner, the outputs from the image pickup device are written to the memory at different timings. It is possible to read the written data in the order of writing.

First, for the output on the CH1 side of the image sensor 1, data is continuously read from the memory 11 under the control of the memory controller 10 and input to the gain adjustment circuit 13. Here, the other input of the gain adjustment circuit 13 is connected to a predetermined gain output GN1 calculated and set by the unbalance amount calculation circuit 18, and multiplies both signals inside the gain adjustment circuit 13.

Next, the output of the gain adjustment circuit 13 is input to the offset adjustment circuit 15. Here, the other input of the offset adjustment circuit 15 is provided with a predetermined value calculated and set by the unbalance amount calculation circuit 18. The gain output OF1 is connected, and the two signals are added inside the offset adjustment circuit 15.

Similarly, for the output of the image sensor 1 on the CH2 side, data is continuously read from the memory 9 under the control of the memory controller 8, and the gain adjustment circuit 1
Input to 2. Here, a predetermined gain output GN2 calculated and set by the unbalance amount calculation circuit 18 is connected to the other input of the gain adjustment circuit 12, and the two signals are added inside the gain adjustment circuit 12.

Next, the output of the gain adjustment circuit 12 is input to the offset adjustment circuit 14, where the other input of the offset adjustment circuit 14 is provided with a predetermined value calculated and set by the unbalance amount calculation circuit 18. Offset output OF
2 is connected, and both signals are added inside the offset adjustment circuit 14.

As described above, the unbalance amount of the two image data is adjusted by the gain adjustment circuit and the offset adjustment circuit which are adjustment means for adjusting based on the correction amount calculated by the unbalance amount calculation circuit. Here, the adjustment of the unbalance amount may be performed by either the gain adjustment or the offset adjustment depending on the case.

In this manner, the image data output in which the amount of imbalance generated between the two outputs is adjusted is converted into one image data by the image synthesizing circuit 16 (the left and right outputs are converted into one image data).
Output), and the next color processing circuit 17 performs predetermined color processing (color interpolation processing, γ conversion, etc.).

Next, a specific configuration of the unbalance amount calculating circuit 18 will be described with reference to the configuration shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, first, the operation circuits 30 to 37 are designated by the function selection circuit 46. This function selection circuit can select a plurality of arithmetic circuits for each of the left and right outputs. The types of arithmetic circuits include an average value calculation circuit, a maximum value calculation circuit, a minimum value calculation circuit, a variance value calculation circuit, a standard deviation value calculation circuit, an average deviation value calculation circuit, a slope value calculation circuit, a difference maximum value calculation circuit, and a difference. A minimum value calculation circuit, a difference maximum value calculation circuit, a difference average value calculation circuit, and the like can be considered. These arithmetic circuits calculate a statistic for each of the left and right output data. AD-CH1 and AD-CH2 output from the A / D conversion circuit are input to the plurality of arithmetic circuits selected by the function selection circuit 46.

At this time, for each of the arithmetic circuits selected by the function selecting circuit 46, a predetermined area for calculating the unbalance amount in the image data is selected by the area selecting circuit 45. This region selection circuit 45 is provided in FIG.
Based on the VD / HD signal from the TG / SSG3 shown in the above, the effective range of the data for each pixel output from the image sensor 1 is determined, and the timing for permitting the input signal to be operated by each arithmetic circuit is determined. Set. FIG. 3 shows an example of a selection method of the area selection circuit. In FIG. 3, a portion from the vicinity of the right and left borders of the image data to the left and right specific positions in the horizontal direction is designated. Further, a set 60 of pixels having an R / G / G / B color filter array is defined as one cell, and a vertical position y
Consider continuous areas c (y) and d (y) from the left and right boundaries to the designated position in the horizontal direction. A correlation is determined for a set of c (y) and d (y) for an arbitrary vertical position y. The area setting circuit is a unit pixel set 6
Specify only pixels with a specific color filter in 0,
It is possible to specify the combination. The region selection circuit 45 may be capable of selecting a different region for each arithmetic circuit.

Next, the memory controller 38 temporarily stores, in the memory 39, the operation data for AD-CH1 calculated by the operation circuits 30 to 37.

Next, the correction data presentation circuit 42 reads out the operation data for AD-CH2 and the operation data for AD-CH1 from the memories 39 and 41 via the memory controllers 38 and 40, and executes the operation data processing as will be described later. AD-CH
Then, the gain correction data GN2 and the offset correction data OF2 are calculated. Similarly, the correction data calculation circuit 43 outputs the operation data for AD-CH2 and AD-CH1 via the memory controllers 38 and 40.
Is read from the memories 39 and 41, and gain correction data GN2 and offset correction data OF2 for AD-CH1 are calculated by a method described later. Here, two outputs AD-CH1 and AD-CH2
Since it is sufficient to correct one of the outputs in order to achieve an imbalance between the two, the correction data G of the AD-CH2
Correction data G of N2 ・ OF2 or AD-CH1
Either N1 or OF1 may be fixed data.

Next, an example of an algorithm for correcting the imbalance amount will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the continuous fishing season c (y), c as shown in FIG.
A luminance value is determined for (y), and a correlation calculation of two outputs is performed using the determination result. However, the captured image includes various patterns, and if a simple correlation operation is performed on all the continuous areas c (y) and d (y) at all the vertical positions y, the calculation is performed up to an area having low correlation. As a result, there is a possibility that the calculated imbalance amount is far from the actual deviation amount. As a method of solving this problem, there is a method of performing a correlation operation by focusing only on a region having high correlation. The region having high correlation may be a region in which the luminance is uniform and there is no luminance unevenness near the boundary. For example, in the case where the sky portion without clouds comes to the boundary in the landscape photograph image, the portion is considered to have high correlation between the two outputs. Conversely, when an image of a building shows a boundary between the building and the sky near the boundary between the two outputs, the correlation between the two outputs is considered to be low.
Specifically, as a method of judging a region having a high correlation and a region having a low correlation, a method of judging a luminance, a method of judging a color tone, a method of judging a frequency and the like can be considered.

In this embodiment, steps 51 to 51 in FIG.
At 53, the correlation is determined. First, in step 51, the luminance between the two outputs is determined, and a portion where the luminance is significantly different between left and right is determined to have low correlation. Here, regions c (y) and d at an arbitrary vertical position y in FIG.
In (y), the average value of the image data is calculated. When the calculation result is significantly different between c (y) and d (y) using this result as luminance, it is determined that the image data at c (y) and d (y) have low correlation. At this time, a threshold value is required to determine the difference in luminance. If the threshold value is a linear function of the luminance value in consideration of the gain deviation amount and the offset deviation amount in advance, a portion having low correlation is determined with high accuracy. There are things you can do.

Next, in step 52, the color tone between the two outputs is determined, and it is determined that the portion where the color tone is different between the left and right has low correlation. As in step 51, the average value of the image data for each color filter is calculated in the regions c (y) and d (y) at an arbitrary vertical position y. Furthermore, the calculation results of c (y) and d (y) are compared for each color filter, and if they are significantly different, it is determined that the image data of c (y) and d (y) have low correlation. When the threshold value of the determination criterion is a linear function of the luminance value of each color filter, a portion having low correlation can be determined with high accuracy.

Next, in step 53, the frequency is determined, and where there are many high frequency components, the correlation is determined to be low. Here, an area c at an arbitrary vertical position y
In (y), the average value y of the image data is calculated, Y is the luminance data in the continuous area c (y), n is the number of the luminance data, and in the area c (y), σ ² = Σ ( The variance value σ ² is calculated by the following formula: Y−y) ² / n. Similarly, the continuous area d
In (y), the variance value is calculated. If the variance is extremely large, the image data in the areas c (y) and d (y) contain many high-frequency components, so that it is determined that the correlation is low. Since the variance value tends to increase as the average luminance value increases, a portion having low correlation can be accurately determined by setting the determination threshold as a linear function of the average luminance value. As a method of determining the frequency, in addition to the method of calculating the variance, a maximum value, a minimum value, an average deviation value, a standard deviation value, a difference maximum value, a difference minimum value, and a difference average value are obtained. The frequency can be determined in the same manner by combining them. Here, the standard deviation is represented by the square root of the variance. When the data is Y, the number is n, and the average of the data is y, the average deviation σ is σ = Σ | Y−y | / n The difference maximum value, difference minimum value, and difference average value represent the maximum value, minimum value, and average value of the absolute value of the difference between the data at adjacent positions.

After performing the above processing, step 5
The position where the correlation is not determined to be low in 4 is considered to be the position where the correlation between the left and right screens is high. Above,
Although the judgment of the luminance, the color tone, and the frequency is made as the judgment of the correlation, any one or two judgments may be made.

Next, at step 55, correction data is calculated so as to correct the unbalance of the two outputs by performing the following correlation operation only on the lines considered to have high correlation between the left and right screens.

For only the position y considered to be highly correlated, the luminance data G _L (y), R _L (y), B _L (y) for AD-CH1 for each color filter, and AD-C
Luminance data G _R for _{H1 (y), R R (} y), B R
When using ^{(y), Σ (GN1 *} G R (y) + OF1-GN2 * G L (y) -O
F2) ² + Σ (GN1 ^* _RR (y) + OF1-GN2 ^* _RL
^{(Y) -OF2) 2 + Σ} (GN1 * B R (y) + OF1-
_{^{GN2 * B L (y) -OF2}} ) calculating a value taking the sum by squaring the difference between the luminance values of the left and right for each color filter ² becomes equation. By obtaining a combination of the gain correction data GN1 and GN2 and the offset correction data OF1 and OF2 such that the value of this equation takes the minimum value, the output levels between the two outputs are matched.
Correction data for AD-CH1 and AD-CH2 can be calculated. Here, the imbalance of both outputs can be corrected by fixing one of them and adjusting the other to that, so that GN1 · OF1 or GN2
-OF2 may be fixed data. When only the offset error and the gain error are corrected, the gain correction amount and the offset correction amount can be fixed data.

Next, at step 56, the correction data GN1, GN2, and OF1 calculated by the above method are obtained.
By performing gain correction and offset correction on the entire left and right image data using the OF2 and OF2, the imbalance of the two outputs can be accurately corrected.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an algorithm for describing the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the entire imaging apparatus and the specific configuration of the unbalance amount calculation circuit are described in the first section.
This is the same as the embodiment. Also, as in the first embodiment, consider the area shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the gain correction amount and the offset correction amount are separately calculated. The imbalance between the left and right screens in the black part depends almost exclusively on the offset error, and it is more accurate to calculate only the offset correction amount in this way than to calculate the gain correction amount and the offset correction amount simultaneously. Therefore, only the black portion of the image, that is, the region where the luminance value is near zero is determined in step 58, and the offset correction amount is calculated in step 60 from the result.

Next, the luminance judgment, color tone judgment, and high frequency judgment in steps 51 to 53 are the same as in the first embodiment.

Next, in step 62, the overexposed portion is determined. Overexposure is an extremely high luminance portion such as a spot portion in a subject, and the amount of imbalance may be different from other portions because data is saturated. Therefore, it is considered that the correlation between the two outputs is low.

Next, in steps 63 to 65, 67, and 70, the correlation calculation to be executed is classified depending on whether the amount of the portion determined to have high correlation or the offset correction amount has been calculated. . First, in step 63, it is determined whether or not a portion having a high correlation has a sufficient size for obtaining an accurate unbalance amount in the correlation calculation. If it is sufficient, the correlation calculation is performed. Considers that the need for imbalance correction is low due to low correlation. Also, in step 64, it is determined whether the portion having a high correlation is only a black portion. If so, as in step 63, the two outputs are originally regarded as having a low correlation. Then, in step 67, if the offset correction amount has been calculated, control is performed so that only the offset error is corrected. If not, step 70 is performed.
Thus, the gain correction amount and the offset correction amount are determined so that the imbalance correction is not performed. Next, when the portion determined to be highly correlated with the two outputs satisfies the conditions necessary for the correlation calculation, it is determined in step 65 whether the offset correction amount has been calculated. Here, if the offset correction amount has been calculated, only the gain correction amount is calculated by the correlation calculation in step 66; otherwise, both the offset correction amount and the gain correction amount are calculated by the correlation calculation in step 69. .

Next, at step 56, as in the first embodiment, two steps are performed based on the calculated imbalance amount.
The imbalance between the outputs is corrected, whereby the imbalance between the two outputs can be accurately corrected.

In Embodiment 1 or 2 described above, the image sensor 1 and other unbalance amount calculation circuits and the overall control C
PU or the like may be formed on a separate semiconductor substrate.
It may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by a MOS process or the like.

(Other Embodiments) Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including a single device can be used. (For example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) on which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
Needless to say, this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by the computer executing the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention,
After adjusting the output level among multiple outputs in the manufacturing process, it is possible to accurately correct the output imbalance that fluctuates due to environmental changes, aging, etc., and see discontinuities such as steps that appear on the shooting screen It is possible to eliminate it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the entire hardware of an imaging apparatus according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific circuit configuration of an unbalance amount correction circuit according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a region for calculating an unbalance amount according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific flowchart according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of an imaging unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conventional imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image sensor 12, 13 Gain adjustment circuit 14, 15 Offset adjustment circuit 16 Image synthesis circuit 18 Unbalance amount calculation circuit 42, 43 Correction data calculation circuit 45 Area selection circuit

Claims (21)

[Claims] An imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject by dividing the image into a plurality of imaging regions and outputting a signal from each of the plurality of imaging regions; and a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging regions. Correction means for judging a high correlation area and a low correlation area between the data and correcting the plurality of image data using the image data between the high correlation areas based on the judgment. Imaging device having the same. 2. The correction means for calculating a correction amount for correcting the plurality of image data using image data between the highly correlated areas based on the determination. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data calculator. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said correcting means includes an area selecting means for selecting a predetermined area used for performing correction from among the plurality of image data. The imaging device according to claim 2. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting means for performing at least one of a gain adjustment and an offset adjustment on said plurality of image data based on an output of said correction data calculating means. 3. The imaging device according to 2. 5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image synthesizing unit that synthesizes the plurality of image data corrected by the correction unit. 6. The plurality of image data in order to judge a high correlation area and a low correlation area among a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging areas. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to perform determination using any one of luminance, color tone, and frequency component of the image. 7. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit captures the subject image by dividing the image into right and left, and outputs signals from a left-side divided region and a right-side divided region from the imaging unit in both left and right directions. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: 8. An image pickup unit that divides a subject image by a plurality of image pickup areas and picks up an image, and outputs a signal from each of the plurality of image pickup areas, and a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of image pickup areas. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having processing means for processing data, wherein a high correlation area and a low correlation area between a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging areas are determined; A control method comprising: correcting the plurality of image data using image data between the highly correlated areas based on the determination. 9. A correction amount for correcting said plurality of image data using image data between said highly correlated areas based on said determination. 9. The control method of the imaging device according to 8. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined area used for performing a correction is selected from the plurality of image data. How to control the device. 11. The control method according to claim 9, wherein at least one of gain adjustment and offset adjustment is performed on the plurality of image data based on the correction amount. 12. The image data according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of corrected image data are obtained.
The control method of an imaging device according to item 10. 13. A method for determining a region having a high correlation and a region having a low correlation between a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging regions, the luminance of the plurality of image data,
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the determination is performed using one of a color tone and a frequency component. 14. The imaging unit captures an image of a subject by dividing the image into left and right parts. Signals of a left-side divided area and a right-side divided area are output from the imaging unit in both left and right directions. Any one of claims 8 to 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The control method of an imaging device according to item 10. 15. An image pickup section for dividing a subject image by a plurality of image pickup areas to pick up an image, and outputting a signal from each of the plurality of image pickup areas, and a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of image pickup areas. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging apparatus having processing means for processing data, wherein a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging regions has a high correlation. Determining a region and a low region; and correcting the plurality of image data using image data between the highly correlated regions based on the determination. Storage medium. 16. A code for calculating a correction amount for correcting the plurality of image data using image data between the highly correlated areas based on the determination. The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein: 17. A code for a step of selecting a predetermined area used for correction from among the plurality of image data.
17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising:
The storage medium according to claim 1. 18. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of performing at least one of a gain adjustment and an offset adjustment on the plurality of image data based on the correction amount.
7. The storage medium according to 6. 19. A method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of synthesizing said plurality of corrected image data.
The storage medium according to claim 18. 20. A method for judging a region having a high correlation and a region having a low correlation between a plurality of image data output from each of the plurality of imaging regions, the luminance of the plurality of image data,
20. The storage medium according to claim 15, further comprising a code for a step of making a determination using any one of a color tone and a frequency component. 21. The image pickup section picks up an image of a subject image by dividing the image into left and right parts. Signals of a left-side divided area and a right-side divided area are output from the image pickup part in both left and right directions. The storage medium according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized by: