JP4671893B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that corrects defective pixels included in an image sensor, for example.

An example of a conventional device of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this prior art, defective pixels of the image sensor are detected based on black image data generated by the image sensor by exposure with the mechanical shutter closed. The coordinate data of the detected defective pixel is temporarily stored in the memory. The defective pixel of the image data representing the object scene is corrected by the median filter process with reference to the coordinate data stored in the memory.
JP 2004-23331 A [H04N 5/335]

  However, in the related art, when a scene with a large luminance change is captured, so-called pixel collapse occurs in the pixel data corresponding to the defective pixel, and the quality of the captured image data decreases.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of improving the quality of captured image data.

  An electronic camera (10) according to the invention of claim 1 has an imaging means (14) having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and creating image data representing an object scene captured by the imaging surface Means (16), holding means (52) for holding pixel information of defective pixels included in a plurality of pixels, and pixel information for holding data values of defective pixels forming image data created by the creating means Correction means for correcting based on (S23), detection means (S21) for detecting data values of peripheral pixels existing around the defective pixel, the data value corrected by the correction means and the data value detected by the detection means A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the difference is within a predetermined range (S27), and a detecting means for detecting a data value of a defective pixel forming the image data created by the creating means when the discrimination result of the discriminating means is positive Detected by A first replacement means (S29) for replacing with a data value, and a data value obtained by correcting the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creating means when the discrimination result of the discrimination means is negative by the correcting means The second replacement means (S31) is provided.

  The imaging means has an imaging surface on which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally. Image data representing the object scene captured on the imaging surface is created by the creating means. In addition, pixel information of defective pixels included in a plurality of pixels is held by a holding unit. The correcting unit corrects the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creating unit based on the pixel information held by the holding unit.

  The detecting means detects data values of peripheral pixels existing around the defective pixel. The determining means determines whether or not the difference between the data value corrected by the correcting means and the data value detected by the detecting means is within a predetermined range.

  The first replacement means replaces the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value detected by the detection means when the discrimination result of the discrimination means is affirmative. When the determination result of the determination unit is negative, the second replacement unit replaces the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation unit with the data value corrected by the correction unit.

  If the corrected defective pixel data value is close to the peripheral pixel data value, the peripheral pixel data value is used for the replacement process. As a result, the sense of incongruity that appears in the defective pixels when an object scene with poor luminance change is photographed can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the corrected defective pixel data value greatly deviates from the peripheral pixel data value, the corrected defective pixel data value is used in the replacement process. This avoids pixel crushing that appears in defective pixels when shooting a scene with a sharp luminance change. Thus, the quality of the captured image data is improved.

  An electronic camera according to a second aspect of the invention is dependent on the first aspect, and the data value detected by the detecting means is a data value that is closest to the data value corrected by the correcting means.

  The electronic camera according to the invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or 2, and further includes a color filter (14f) having a plurality of color elements respectively covering a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of color elements being a plurality of colors. And the color filter that covers the peripheral pixels matches the color of the color filter that covers the defective pixel. Thereby, the predetermined range of the discriminating means is accurately set.

  An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, and the pixel information of the defective pixel held by the holding means is position information indicating a position where the defective pixel appears and brightness of the defective pixel. Brightness information. Thereby, noise included in the image data representing the object scene image is accurately reduced.

  An image processing program according to the invention of claim 5 includes an imaging means (14) having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and a creation means for creating image data representing an object scene captured on the imaging surface ( 16) In the processor (26) of the electronic camera (10) provided with the holding means (52) for holding the pixel information of the defective pixels included in the plurality of pixels, the defective pixels that form the image data created by the creating means Correction step (S23) for correcting the data value based on the pixel information held by the holding means, detection step (S21) for detecting the data value of the peripheral pixels existing around the defective pixel, and the data corrected by the correction step A discriminating step (S27) for discriminating whether or not the difference between the value and the data value detected by the detecting step is within a predetermined range; created by the creating means when the discriminating result of the discriminating step is affirmative First replacement step (S29) for replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data with the data value detected by the detection step, and image data created by the creation means when the discrimination result of the discrimination step is negative Is an image processing program for executing a second replacement step (S31) of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the pixel value with the data value corrected by the correction step.

  An image processing method according to the invention of claim 6 includes an imaging means (14) having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and a creation means for creating image data representing an object scene captured on the imaging surface ( 16) An operation control method for an electronic camera (10) having a holding means (52) for holding pixel information of defective pixels included in a plurality of pixels, and forming defective image data created by the creating means Correction step (S23) for correcting the data value based on the pixel information held by the holding means, detection step (S21) for detecting data values of peripheral pixels existing around the defective pixel, and correction step A determination step (S27) for determining whether or not the difference between the data value and the data value detected by the detection step is within a predetermined range, created by the creation means when the determination result of the determination step is affirmative First replacement step (S29) for replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data with the data value detected by the detection step, and the image data created by the creation means when the discrimination result of the discrimination step is negative This is an image processing method including a second replacement step (S31) of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the pixel value with the data value corrected by the correction step.

  In the fifth and sixth aspects, similarly to the first aspect, if the corrected defective pixel data value is close to the peripheral pixel data value, the peripheral pixel data value is used for the replacement process. As a result, the sense of incongruity that appears in the defective pixels when an object scene with poor luminance change is photographed can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the corrected defective pixel data value greatly deviates from the peripheral pixel data value, the corrected defective pixel data value is used in the replacement process. This avoids pixel crushing that appears in defective pixels when shooting a scene with a sharp luminance change. Thus, the quality of the captured image data is improved.

  According to the present invention, if the corrected defective pixel data value is close to the peripheral pixel data value, the peripheral pixel data value is used for the replacement process. As a result, the sense of incongruity that appears in the defective pixels when an object scene with poor luminance change is photographed can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the corrected defective pixel data value greatly deviates from the peripheral pixel data value, the corrected defective pixel data value is used in the replacement process. This avoids pixel crushing that appears in defective pixels when shooting a scene with a sharp luminance change. Thus, the quality of the captured image data is improved.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a digital camera (electronic camera) 10 of this embodiment includes an optical lens 12. The optical image of the object scene is irradiated to the light receiving surface, that is, the imaging surface of the CCD imager 14 through the optical lens 12.

  The imaging surface is covered by a primary color Bayer array color filter 14f (see FIG. 2). The plurality of filter elements constituting the color filter 14f respectively correspond to the plurality of light receiving elements forming the imaging surface. Therefore, the amount of charge generated in each light receiving element reflects one of the light amounts of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). The light receiving element is defined as “pixel”.

  The plurality of pixels forming the imaging surface are divided by normal pixels and defective pixels. The defective pixel has a highly sensitive defective pixel that outputs a maximum amount of charge compared to a normal pixel and a highly sensitive defective pixel that outputs a minimum amount of charge compared to a normal pixel.

  When the power is turned on, a defective pixel information reading process and a through image process are executed. Specifically, the CPU 26 first reads out defective pixel information stored in the flash memory 52 via the bus B1.

  The defective pixel information includes position information Adr and luminance ratio Drate of a plurality of defective pixels included in the CCD imager 14, and is stored in a table 26t (see FIG. 3) formed in the CPU 26. The position information Adr represents the position of the defective pixel, and the defective pixel ratio Drate represents the ratio of the charge amount output from the defective pixel to the average value of the charge amount output from the normal pixel.

  Subsequently, the CPU 26 connects the switches SW1 and SW2 to the terminals T1 and T3, respectively, instructs the timing generator (TG) / signal generator (SG) 18 to repeat the pre-exposure and thinning-out reading, and writes the memory control circuit 38. The destination is set in the through image area 40a of the SDRAM 40.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the SDRAM 40 has a through image area 40a, a raw image area 40b, a work area 40c, and a compressed image area 40d. The through image area 40a is used after the power is turned on, the raw image area 40b is used after a recording operation, that is, a full pressing operation by the shutter button 54, and the work area 40c is used during pixel correction processing (described later). The compressed image area 40d is used during JPEG compression processing (described later).

  Returning to FIG. 1, the TG / SG 18 generates a vertical synchronization signal Vsync every 1/30 seconds, and provides a plurality of timing signals synchronized therewith to the CCD imager 14 and the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16. The imaging surface is subjected to pre-exposure every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated, and the charge generated on the imaging surface is subjected to thinning readout by raster scanning. The low-resolution raw image signal formed by the read charges has a frame rate of 30 fps.

  The CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 subjects the raw image signal output from the horizontal transfer register 14h formed in the CCD imager 14 to a series of processes of correlated double sampling, gain adjustment, and A / D conversion. Outputs some raw image data. The raw image data output from the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 is given to the signal processing circuit 20 via the switches SW1 and SW2.

  The signal processing circuit 20 performs processing such as white balance adjustment, color separation, and YUV conversion on the given raw image data, and YUV format image data generated thereby is subjected to memory control via the buffer circuit 22 and the bus B1. The data is supplied to the circuit 38 and written into the through image area 40 a of the SDRAM 40 by the memory control circuit 38.

  The video encoder 44 reads out the image data thus stored in the SDRAM 40 through the memory control circuit 38. The read image data is supplied to the video encoder 44 through the bus B1 and the buffer circuit 42, and converted into an NTSC composite video signal. The converted composite video signal is applied to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 46, and as a result, a through image representing the object scene is reproduced on the LCD 46.

  The luminance evaluation circuit 24 evaluates the luminance of the object scene every 1/30 seconds based on the Y data among the YUV format image data generated by the signal processing circuit 20. The evaluation result, that is, the luminance evaluation value is used for the through image AE processing by the CPU 26. The CPU 26 calculates the optimum exposure time based on the luminance evaluation value, and instructs the TG / SG 18 to perform pre-exposure processing according to the calculated optimum exposure time. As a result, the brightness of the through image displayed on the LCD 46 is appropriately adjusted.

  When the shutter button 54 is half-pressed, the CPU 26 executes a recording AE process. The pre-exposure time of the CCD imager 14 is adjusted more strictly based on the above-described luminance evaluation value. The optimum exposure time set in the TG / SG 18 by the recording AE process is not changed as long as the shutter button 54 is half-pressed.

  When the shutter button 54 is fully pressed, the photographing process is executed. Specifically, the CPU 26 connects the switches SW1 and SW2 to the terminals T2 and T4, instructs the TG / SG 18 to execute main exposure and all-pixel reading according to the optimum exposure time, and controls the change of the write setting. Command circuit 38. By changing the writing setting, the raw image area 40b (see FIG. 4) is set as the writing destination.

  The TG / SG 18 performs a main exposure on the CCD imager 14 according to the optimum exposure time calculated by the recording AE process, and reads out all of the generated charges in a raster scanning manner. At this time, the imaging surface is scanned in an interlaced manner. A raw image signal having a high pixel number formed by all charges is output from the CCD imager 14 over a period of two fields (= 1/30 seconds * 2).

  The raw image signal of each field output from the CCD imager 14 is subjected to the same processing as described above by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 and converted into raw image data. The converted raw image data is given to the buffer circuit 28 via the switch SW1, and then written to the raw image area 40b of the SDRAM 40 via the bus B1 and the memory control circuit 38.

  When raw image data is stored in the raw image area 40b, pixel correction processing is executed. Specifically, the CPU 26 first generates a raw image from the defective pixel luminance value DEFECT and the peripheral eight pixel luminance values Round [0] to Round [7] based on the defective pixel position information Adr registered in the table 26t. Detect from data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the surrounding 8 pixels is covered with a filter element having the same color as the color of the filter element covering the defective pixel. By paying attention to the same color in this way, the defective pixel is accurately corrected.

  Returning to FIG. 1, next, the CPU 26 corrects the luminance value DEFECT according to the defective pixel ratio Drate of the defective pixels registered in the table 26t, and calculates the estimated luminance value Dguess of the luminance value DEFECT.

  Subsequently, the CPU 26 selects an approximate luminance value Dnearest that is most approximate to the estimated luminance value Dgues from the read luminance values Dround [0] to Dround [7], and the selected approximate luminance value Dnearest is within a predetermined range. It is determined whether or not.

  If the determination result is affirmative, it is determined that the defective pixel is a pixel existing in the low-frequency image region, and the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel is replaced with the approximate luminance value Dnearest. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling that appears in the defective pixel is suppressed.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, it is determined that the defective pixel is a pixel present in the high-frequency image region, and the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel is replaced with the estimated luminance value Dguess. As a result, so-called pixel collapse is avoided in the pixel data corresponding to the defective pixel.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 6A, the luminance value DEFECT at which a defective pixel outputs a maximum amount of charge compared to a normal pixel is reduced to an estimated luminance value Dguess indicated by hatching by correction processing. . If the difference between the brightness value Dround [4] approximated to the estimated brightness value Dguess, that is, the approximate brightness value Dnearest and the estimated brightness value Dguess is within the predetermined range, the brightness value DEFECT is the approximate brightness as shown in FIG. It is replaced by the luminance value Round [4] selected as the value Dnearest.

  With reference to FIG. 7A, a luminance value DEFECT that causes a defective pixel to output a minimal amount of charge compared to a normal pixel is amplified to an estimated luminance value Dguess indicated by hatching by correction processing. If the luminance value Dround [3] that approximates the estimated luminance value Dguess, that is, the difference between the approximate luminance value Dnearest and the estimated luminance value Dguess is outside the predetermined range, the luminance value DEFECT is estimated as shown in FIG. Replaced by the luminance value Dguess.

  The above-described processing is continued until the correction processing for all defective pixels is completed, and the work area 40c of the SDRAM 40 is used.

  When the pixel correction processing of the raw image data is completed, the CPU 26 gives an instruction to the signal processing circuit 20, the JPEG encoder 34, the memory control circuit 38, and the I / F circuit 48 in order to execute the recording processing. The signal processing circuit 20 reads the raw image data stored in the raw image area 40b through the memory control circuit 38 in a progressive scanning manner. The read raw image data is given to the signal processing circuit 20 through the bus B1, the buffer circuit 30, and the switch SW2, and is converted into YUV format image data. The converted image data is applied to the memory control circuit 38 via the buffer circuit 22 and the bus B1, and is written into the SDRAM 40 by the memory control circuit 38.

  When the switches SW1 and SW2 are connected to the terminals T1 and T3, respectively, the raw image data output from the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 is given to the signal processing circuit 20. On the other hand, when the switches SW1 and SW2 are connected to the terminals T2 and T4, the raw image data output from the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 is applied to the SDRAM 40 through the buffer circuit 28, the bus B1 and the memory control circuit 38. It is done.

  The JPEG encoder 34 reads out the image data stored in the raw image area 40b through the memory control circuit 38. The read image data is given to the JPEG encoder 34 through the bus B1 and the buffer circuit 32, and subjected to JPEG compression. The compressed image data generated thereby is applied to the memory control circuit 38 via the buffer circuit 36 and the bus B1, and is thereby written in the compressed image area 40d (see FIG. 4) of the SDRAM 40. The I / F circuit 48 reads the compressed image data stored in the compressed image area 40d through the memory control circuit 38, and records the read compressed image data on the recording medium 50 in a file format.

  Note that the recording medium 50 is detachable, and can be accessed by the CPU 26 when mounted in a slot (not shown).

  As described above, the CCD imager 14 has an imaging surface on which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. Raw image data representing the scene captured on the imaging surface is created by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16. Further, defective pixel information of defective pixels included in a plurality of pixels is held by the flash memory 52. The CPU 26 corrects the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel forming the raw image data created by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 based on the defective pixel information held by the flash memory 52.

  The CPU 26 detects the luminance values Darond [0] to Dround [7] of the peripheral eight pixels existing around the defective pixel, and the difference between the corrected estimated luminance value Dguess and the detected approximate luminance value Dnearest is a predetermined range. It is determined whether or not it is within.

  When the determination result is affirmative, the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel forming the raw image data created by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 is replaced with the detected approximate luminance value Dnearest. When the determination result is negative, the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel forming the raw image data created by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 16 is replaced with the corrected estimated luminance value Dguess.

  If the estimated brightness value Dguess of the corrected defective pixel is close to the approximate brightness value Dnearest of the surrounding 8 pixels, the approximate brightness value Dnearest of the surrounding 8 pixels is used for the replacement process. As a result, the sense of incongruity that appears in the defective pixels when an object scene with poor luminance change is photographed can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the estimated luminance value Dguess of the corrected defective pixel is significantly different from the approximate luminance value Dnearest of the surrounding eight pixels, the corrected estimated luminance value Dguess of the defective pixel is used for the replacement process. This avoids pixel crushing that appears in defective pixels when shooting a scene with a sharp luminance change.

  When the CPU 26 is set to the photographing mode by a key input device (not shown), specifically, the CPU 26 performs processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the program corresponding to this flowchart is stored in the flash memory 52.

  Referring to FIG. 8, defective pixel information is read from flash memory 52 in step S1. In step S3, through image processing is executed. As a result, a through image representing the object scene is reproduced on the LCD 46.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 54 has been half-pressed. If the determination result is negative, through image AE processing is executed in step S7. As a result, the brightness of the through image displayed on the LCD 46 is appropriately adjusted. If the determination result is affirmative, a recording AE process is executed in step S9. As a result, the adjustment is made more strictly based on the luminance evaluation value fetched from the luminance evaluation circuit 24.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 54 has been fully pressed. If the determination result is negative, it is determined in step S13 whether or not the shutter button 54 has been released. When the shutter button 54 is released, the process returns to step S3, and when the shutter button 54 is held, the process returns to step S11.

  When the shutter button 54 is fully pressed, shooting processing is executed in step S15. When the raw image data is stored in the SDRAM 40, pixel correction processing is executed in step S17. When the defective pixel correction process is completed, a recording process is executed in step S19. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S3. As a result, compressed image data representing the object scene image at the time when the shutter button 54 is fully pressed is recorded in the recording medium 50 in a file format.

  The pixel correction process in step S17 is executed according to a subroutine shown in FIG. In step S21, based on the position information Adr of the defective pixel registered in the table 26t, the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel and the luminance values Round [0] to Round [7] of the surrounding eight pixels are detected from the raw image data.

In step S23, correction processing is executed. Specifically, the calculation result obtained by using Equation 1 is stored in the estimated luminance value Dguess, and the process proceeds to step S25.
[Equation 1]
Dguess = DEFECT / Drate
In step S25, the approximate luminance value Dnearest that is most approximate to the estimated luminance value Dguess is selected from the read luminance values Dround [0] to Dround [7]. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the selected approximate luminance value Dnearest falls within a predetermined range. This predetermined range indicates from a value obtained by multiplying the estimated luminance value Dguess by the constant K1 to a value obtained by multiplying the estimated luminance value Dguess by the constant K2. Each of the constant K1 and the constant K2 is a rational number exceeding “0”, and the constant K2 exceeds the constant K1.

  If the approximate brightness value Dnearest is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the defective pixel is a pixel existing in the low-frequency image region, and the brightness value DEFECT of the defective pixel is replaced with the approximate brightness value Dnearest in step S29. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling that appears in the defective pixel is suppressed.

  On the other hand, if the approximate luminance value Dnearest is outside the predetermined range, it is determined that the defective pixel is a pixel existing in the high-frequency image region, and the luminance value DEFECT of the defective pixel in step S31 is replaced with the estimated luminance value Dguess. As a result, pixel collapse of the image data corresponding to the defective pixel is avoided.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not all defective pixels have been corrected. If the determination result is negative, the process returns to step S21. If the determination result is affirmative, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine.

  In this embodiment, the predetermined range has been described as being set by a numerical value obtained by multiplying the estimated luminance value Dguess by the constant K1 and a numerical value obtained by multiplying the estimated luminance value Dguess by the constant K2. Not exclusively. For example, the other predetermined range may be set from a value obtained by multiplying the approximate brightness value Dnearest by the constant K3 to a value obtained by multiplying the approximate brightness value Dnearest by the constant K4. Each of the constant K3 and the constant K4 is a rational number exceeding “0”, and the constant K4 exceeds the constant K3.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the imaging surface of the CCD imager applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the table 26t formed in CPU26 applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the memory mapping of SDRAM40 applied to FIG. 1 Example. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the defect pixel contained in the CCD imager 14 applied to FIG. 1 Example, and this peripheral pixel. (A) is an illustrative view showing an example of luminance values of defective pixels and peripheral 8 pixels detected by the CPU 26, and (B) is a luminance value of peripheral 8 pixels detected by the CPU 26 and correction processing by the CPU 26. It is an illustration figure which shows an example with the estimated luminance value of the defective pixel made. (A) is an illustrative view showing another example of luminance values of defective pixels and peripheral 8 pixels detected by the CPU 26, and (B) is a luminance value of peripheral pixels detected by the CPU 26 and correction processing by the CPU 26. It is an illustration figure which shows an example with the estimated brightness | luminance value of the defective pixel to which it was given. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU26 applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU26 applied to the FIG. 1 Example.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Digital camera 14 ... CCD imager 16 ... CDS / AGC / AD
52 ... Flash memory

Claims (6)

Imaging means having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged;
Creating means for creating image data representing an object scene captured on the imaging surface;
Holding means for holding pixel information of defective pixels included in the plurality of pixels;
Correction means for correcting the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means based on the pixel information held by the holding means;
Detecting means for detecting data values of peripheral pixels existing around the defective pixel;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the difference between the data value corrected by the correcting means and the data value detected by the detecting means is within a predetermined range;
First replacement means for replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value detected by the detection means when the discrimination result of the discrimination means is affirmative; and An electronic apparatus comprising: a second replacement unit that replaces a data value of the defective pixel that forms the image data created by the creation unit with a data value corrected by the correction unit when a determination result of the determination unit is negative; camera.   2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the data value detected by the detecting means is a data value that is closest to the data value corrected by the correcting means.   A color filter having a plurality of color elements covering each of the plurality of pixels; each of the plurality of color elements having one of a plurality of colors; The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera matches a color of a color filter covering a defective pixel.   The pixel information of the defective pixel held by the holding unit includes position information indicating a position where the defective pixel appears and brightness information indicating the brightness of the defective pixel. The electronic camera described. Imaging means having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, creating means for creating image data representing an object scene captured on the imaging surface, pixel information of defective pixels included in the plurality of pixels To a processor of an electronic camera provided with holding means for holding,
A correction step of correcting the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creating unit based on the pixel information held by the holding unit;
A detection step of detecting data values of peripheral pixels present around the defective pixel;
A determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the data value corrected by the correction step and the data value detected by the detection step is within a predetermined range;
A first replacement step of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value detected by the detection step when the determination result of the determination step is affirmative; and In order to execute a second replacement step of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value corrected by the correction step when the determination result of the determination step is negative Image processing program. Imaging means having an imaging surface in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, creating means for creating image data representing an object scene captured on the imaging surface, pixel information of defective pixels included in the plurality of pixels An image processing method of an electronic camera comprising a holding means for holding,
A correction step of correcting the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creating unit based on the pixel information held by the holding unit;
A detection step of detecting data values of peripheral pixels present around the defective pixel;
A determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the data value corrected by the correction step and the data value detected by the detection step is within a predetermined range;
A first replacement step of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value detected by the detection step when the discrimination result of the discrimination step is affirmative; and An image comprising a second replacement step of replacing the data value of the defective pixel forming the image data created by the creation means with the data value corrected by the correction step when the determination result of the determination step is negative; Processing method.

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