JPH10285343A - Image-processing unit and image-processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize image reading, in which actual reading resolution is improved even under the restrictions that quantity of electric charges stored in a photoelectric conversion element within a prescribed time are not decreased, the reading accuracy is not deteriorated, the luminous quantity of a light source is not increased and the size of the photoelectric conversion element is not decreased. SOLUTION: An image read means 2 is configured by arranging pluralities of linear sensors 21, 22, each including a photoelectric conversion element array consisting of pluralities of photoelectric conversion elements which are arranged on a line in a direction X at a pitch R are placed side by side, while being deviated by a pitch of R/2 in the direction X. The linear sensors 21, 22 are moved in a direction Y relative to a read original, and read signals by the photoelectric conversion elements of the linear sensors 21, 22 at each corresponding position in the direction Y are obtained by using a delay circuit 25. An arithmetic processing circuit 26 applies an arithmetic operation to the read signals by using a proper algorithm, to obtain the signals of the estimated read pixels whose pitch is R/2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing technique, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for reading an image at a high resolution using a simple reading means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art
In a general method of reading an image on a read document, a photoelectric conversion element array in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a main scanning direction is moved relatively to the read document in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. By outputting read electrical signals from the photoelectric conversion element array at predetermined time intervals, read image information is obtained as corresponding to a set of pixels obtained by decomposing the image of the read document into an XY matrix. In such image reading, the resolution in the main scanning direction is determined by the size of the photoelectric conversion elements in the photoelectric conversion element row and the arrangement pitch thereof. From the viewpoint of improving the resolution, it is desirable to reduce the size of the photoelectric conversion elements as much as possible and to reduce the arrangement pitch thereof as much as possible.

However, when the size of the photoelectric conversion element is reduced, the amount of electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element within a certain period of time is reduced, and the reading accuracy is reduced. There are problems that the scanning speed has to be reduced and that the light amount of the illumination light source has to be increased and the life of the illumination light source is shortened. Therefore, there is a limit in reducing the size of the photoelectric conversion elements and the arrangement pitch thereof.

In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 57-141178 discloses that a plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays are arranged in parallel with each other at an appropriate interval in the sub-scanning direction. The photoelectric conversion element arrays are shifted from each other by an appropriate distance in the main scanning direction, and the read electric signals at the same sub-scanning direction position read by the plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays are combined, so that the apparent appearance in the main scanning direction is obtained. It has been proposed to reduce the photoelectric conversion element array pitch.

[0005] However, the technique described in this prior art document has the following disadvantages: (1) Although the apparent photoelectric conversion element arrangement pitch is reduced, each pixel is set to be adjacent pixels. It is set to overlap. Therefore, the read electric signal of each pixel also includes the image information of the adjacent pixel, and the actual resolution does not improve as the apparent photoelectric conversion element array pitch in the main scanning direction is reduced.

(2) Further, in order to prevent the read electrical signal of each pixel from including image information of an adjacent pixel, each photoelectric conversion element is provided with an aperture mask for limiting a light receiving area.
However, in this case, as described above, the amount of charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element within a certain period of time is reduced, and there arises a problem that the scanning speed must be reduced in order to perform good reading.

[0007] Similar techniques are disclosed in JP-A-2-94986, JP-A-3-99574, and JP-A-5-1677.
No. 74 and JP-A-8-9115 are also disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems and the disadvantages of the related art, and reduces the reading accuracy without reducing the amount of electric charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element within a predetermined time. It is an object of the present invention to realize an image reading that can improve the actual reading resolution even under the constraint that the size of the photoelectric conversion element is not reduced so as not to increase the light amount of the illumination light source without increasing. Things.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a photoelectric conversion element array in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a line in a first direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch. Are arranged in parallel with each other and displaced in the first direction (preferably a distance smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch), and Driving means for moving in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch, based on a read signal of a photoelectric conversion element of each photoelectric conversion element row at a position corresponding to the second direction. And an arithmetic processing means for calculating the signal values of the assumed read pixels arranged at the pitch by an arithmetic operation.

In one aspect of the present invention, the image reading means has two photoelectric conversion element arrays, and the two photoelectric conversion element arrays have a half of the predetermined arrangement pitch in the first direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and the pitch of assumed read pixels in the arithmetic processing unit is １ ／ of the predetermined arrangement pitch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a read signal of the photoelectric conversion element of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows is output as a time-series signal, and the read signal of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows at a corresponding position in the second direction is output. There is provided delay means for performing an appropriate delay process on an output of an appropriate photoelectric conversion element row so as to superimpose read signals before inputting the output to the arithmetic processing means.

In one aspect of the present invention, a light-shielding mask is provided in a region of the photoelectric conversion elements of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows that protrudes from a region in the first direction corresponding to the width of the read document. .

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a row in a first direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch are arranged in parallel with each other. A plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the first direction (preferably, a distance smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch), and the plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows cross the first direction relatively to a read original. In the direction of
A read signal of the photoelectric conversion element of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows at a corresponding position with respect to the direction, and calculating a signal value of an assumed read pixel arranged at a pitch smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch. Image processing method is provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two photoelectric conversion element rows are prepared, and these two photoelectric conversion element rows are arranged in the first direction with a distance of 1/2 of the predetermined arrangement pitch. Then, the pitch of the assumed read pixels is set to の of the predetermined arrangement pitch.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism portion thereof.

In the present embodiment, the image reading means 2 includes a first linear sensor (including a photoelectric conversion element array) 21 and a second linear sensor (including a photoelectric conversion element array) 22. In the first linear sensor 21, N photoelectric conversion elements 21-1 to 21 -N each having a square shape of R in the X direction and the Y direction are arranged in the X direction at a pitch of approximately R. In the second linear sensor 22, N photoelectric conversion elements 22-1 to 22-N each having a square shape of R in the X direction and the Y direction are arranged in the X direction at a pitch of approximately R. I have. As shown, the first photoelectric conversion element 21-1 of the first linear sensor 21 is connected to the first photoelectric conversion element 22-1 of the second linear sensor 22.
1 are arranged at a distance of R / 2 in the X direction. The photoelectric conversion element of the first linear sensor 21 and the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor 22 are displaced from each other by a distance L in the Y direction. The X direction is the main scanning direction,
The Y direction is the sub-scanning direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading means 2 is attached to a belt 6 wound around two rollers 4 and 5, and a rotation driving means (not shown) connected to the rollers 4. By rotating the roller according to
Can be moved in any direction. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 8 denotes a read document arranged in the XY plane in parallel with the image reading means 2, and the read document 8 is placed on a document table 10 made of transparent glass or the like. Although not shown, an illumination light source for illuminating the read original is attached to, for example, a belt 6 below the original platen 10 so that the image reading unit 2
And are arranged in parallel.

In FIG. 1, W indicates a reading width of the image reading means 2. The reading width is equal to the dimension of the photoelectric conversion element array in the X direction of the second linear sensor 22. In the first linear sensor 21, the mask 12 is attached so that light does not enter a portion deviating from the left side of the reading width W in FIG. 1 (that is, a left half of the first photoelectric conversion element 21-1). In FIG. 1, the right end of the reading width W
Nth photoelectric conversion element 22-N of the linear sensor 22
There is no photoelectric conversion element of the first linear sensor 21 corresponding to the right half of.

While moving the image reading means 2 at a speed V in the Y direction by the rollers 4, 5 and the belt 6, read electric signals are output from the first linear sensor 21 and the second linear sensor 22 at appropriate time intervals. Let it. The output of the first linear sensor 21 is output in time series from the read signal of the first photoelectric conversion element 21-1 to the read signal of the Nth photoelectric conversion element 21-N. The output of the second linear sensor 22 is also output in time series from the read signal of the first photoelectric conversion element 22-1 to the read signal of the Nth photoelectric conversion element 22-N. These first linear sensor 21 and second linear sensor 21
Are output from the output processing means 2
It is processed by 3 and 24 and converted into a voltage signal. In these output processing means 23 and 24, correction processing is performed so that the light input to the photoelectric conversion element and the output from the photoelectric conversion element have a linear relationship.

The output from the output processing means 23 to the first linear sensor 21 is supplied by a delay circuit 25 for a predetermined time T.
(= L / V). The output of the delay circuit 25 is input to the arithmetic processing circuit 26. On the other hand, the output from the output processing means 24 to the second linear sensor 22 is also input to the arithmetic processing circuit 26. In the arithmetic processing circuit 26, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed based on the inputs from the delay circuit 25 and the output processing means 24, and an image signal for one line in the X direction (corresponding to a certain position in the sub-scanning direction). Image signal) is output. The image signals for one line are stored in a storage unit (not shown), and all the image signals sequentially read out at the predetermined time T are combined to correspond to the image (original image) of the read original 8. A read image can be obtained.

Next, the operation executed in the operation processing circuit 26 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
Is a photoelectric conversion element of the first linear sensor 21 (each photoelectric conversion element is simply indicated by the number 1 for the first photoelectric conversion element,...)
.. The Nth element is simply indicated by a number N) and the photoelectric conversion elements of the second linear sensor 22 (each photoelectric conversion element is indicated by the number 1 for the first element,...) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence relationship between an N-th pixel and a pixel (assumed read pixel) of an image signal for one line;

A signal value corresponding to the x-th photoelectric conversion element x of the first linear sensor 21 output from the delay circuit 25 is represented by A [1, x], and the second signal output from the output processing means 24 X-th photoelectric conversion element x of linear sensor 22
Is defined as A [2, x]. Here, x is a positive integer from 1 to N. Then, the assumed read pixel signal value of the image signal for one line output from the arithmetic processing circuit 26 is set to B [X]. In the present embodiment, X is a positive integer from 1 to 2N.

As shown in FIG. 3, the 2m-th pixel signal value B [2m] of the output image signal is obtained by calculating the (m + 1) -th photoelectric conversion element (m +
It is a signal output value corresponding to the left half area of 1), and also a signal output value corresponding to the right half area of the m-th photoelectric conversion element m of the second linear sensor 22. Also, the (2m-1) -th pixel signal value B [2m
-1] is a signal output value corresponding to the right half area of the m-th photoelectric conversion element m of the first linear sensor 21, and the signal output value of the m-th photoelectric conversion element m of the second linear sensor 22. It is also a signal output value corresponding to the left half area. Also, the (2m + 1) -th pixel signal value B of the output image signal
[2m + 1] is the (m +
The signal output value corresponds to the right half area of the (1) th photoelectric conversion element (m + 1), and corresponds to the left half area of the (m + 1) th photoelectric conversion element (m + 1) of the second linear sensor 22. Signal output value. Here, m is a positive integer from 1 to N.

The arithmetic processing means 26 determines B [X] using the following algorithm: (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] × 2 (B) When X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = 2 × A [2, m] −B [X−1] (c) X = 2m−1 (where, When 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = 2 × A [1, m] −B [X−1], or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1, 1] (b) When X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = A [2, m] −B [X−1] (c) X = 2m−1 (where, In the case of 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = A [1, m] −B [X−1].

This algorithm is the first algorithm shown in FIG.
It will be understood that this is based on the correspondence between the photoelectric conversion element of the linear sensor 21, the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor 22, and the assumed pixel of the image signal for one line.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a resolution equivalent to that obtained when the reading width is divided into 2N pixels in the main scanning direction and the reading is performed (effective number of pixels is 2N) can be obtained. In addition, the size of the pixels actually read by the line sensors 21 and 22 (split into N pixels in the main scanning direction) depends on the main scanning direction of the pixels obtained by dividing the reading width into 2N pixels in the main scanning direction. Since it is twice the size, the actual reading resolution can be achieved without reducing the amount of charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element within a certain period of time, without reducing the reading accuracy, and without increasing the light amount of the illumination light source. Can be improved.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram partially showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a photoelectric conversion element of the first linear sensor. (The m-th photoelectric conversion element is simply indicated by a number m) and the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor (each photoelectric conversion element is simply indicated by a number m)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram partially showing a correspondence relationship between assumed pixels of an image signal for one line and an image signal of one line. In these drawings, members having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The configuration of the apparatus according to the present embodiment does not use a mask, but uses the first linear sensor 21 and the second linear sensor 2.
2 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the arrangement of the photoelectric conversion elements is formed with an arrangement pitch P larger than the dimension R of the photoelectric conversion elements in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the light receiving area of each photoelectric conversion element is S, and the first linear sensor 21 and the second linear sensor 22
Let D be the area of the overlap region between the photoelectric conversion elements that occurs in the X direction. The adjustment coefficient is C.

The arithmetic processing means 26 determines B [X] using the following algorithm: (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b ) X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × A [1,
m]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (where 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × A [2, m−
1]).

Here, the adjustment coefficient C is expressed as B [2 ≦ X ≦ 2 when A [1,1] is used as B [X = 1].
N] is a coefficient for adjusting the value of N], for example, C = 1 /
(SD).

This algorithm is the first algorithm shown in FIG.
It will be understood that this is based on the correspondence between the photoelectric conversion element of the linear sensor 21, the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor 22, and the assumed pixel of the image signal for one line.

Instead of this algorithm, the following algorithm can be used: (a) For X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N, B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−
1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (where 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X−
1]).

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 6 shows the photoelectric conversion elements of the first linear sensor of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. m), the photoelectric conversion elements of the second linear sensor (each m-th photoelectric conversion element is simply indicated by a number m), and the assumed pixel of the image signal for one line. It is a schematic diagram partially shown. In these drawings, members having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, as the signal value of each assumed pixel of the image signal, a signal value corresponding to the region between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements of the first linear sensor and the region between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements of the second linear sensor is adopted. doing.

The arithmetic processing means 26 determines B [X] using the following algorithm: (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b ) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × A [1, m])
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × A) [2, m-
1] −D × A [2, m]).

This algorithm is the first algorithm shown in FIG.
It will be understood that this is based on the correspondence between the photoelectric conversion element of the linear sensor 21, the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor 22, and the assumed pixel of the image signal for one line.

Instead of this algorithm, the following algorithm can be used: (a) For X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N, B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−1]
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X-1]
-DxA [2, m]).

When using this algorithm,
If the sensitivity of the photoelectric conversion element is high, the value of D can be reduced.

The following algorithm can be used instead of this algorithm. Here, C and C 'are coefficients for adjustment, and here, for example, C = / 1 (S-2
D) and C ′ = 1 / (SD): (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = C ′ × (S × A [1,1] −D × A
[2, 1]) (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−1]
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X-1]
-DxA [2, m]).

The reading of a single-color image has been described above. In the case of reading a color image, the same operation may be performed for each of the three colors.

In the above embodiment, two linear sensors are used, but three or more linear sensors are used.
Based on the correspondence between the photoelectric conversion elements of these linear sensors and the assumed pixels of the image signal for one line, a read image signal is obtained in the same manner by using an appropriate algorithm in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Can be.

In the above embodiment, the reading original is fixedly arranged and the image reading means is moved. However, the same operation and effect can be obtained even if the image reading means is fixed and the reading original is moved. Can be.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows are arranged adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction, and the photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a state shifted from each other in the main scanning direction. The image reading is performed, and the information of the original image at the corresponding sub-scanning position is calculated in an appropriate procedure as a signal of an assumed pixel having a pitch smaller than the photoelectric conversion element array pitch in the main scanning direction of the photoelectric conversion element row. A read image signal can be obtained with a resolution substantially smaller than the arrangement pitch of the photoelectric conversion elements constituting the photoelectric conversion element row.

Thus, even if there are restrictions on the spatial arrangement and dimensions of the photoelectric conversion elements, they can be compensated for and the reading resolution can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a photoelectric conversion element of a first linear sensor, a photoelectric conversion element of a second linear sensor, and an assumed pixel of an image signal for one line in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a schematic diagram which shows a correspondence relationship.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram partially showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a photoelectric conversion element of a first linear sensor, a photoelectric conversion element of a second linear sensor, and assumed pixels of an image signal for one line in a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which partially shows a correspondence relationship.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the photoelectric conversion element of the first linear sensor, the photoelectric conversion element of the second linear sensor, and the assumed pixel of an image signal for one line in the third embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which partially shows a correspondence relationship.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Image reading means 4, 5 Roller 6 Belt 8 Document to be read 10 Platen 12 Mask 21 First linear sensor 22 Second linear sensor 21-1 to 21-N Photoelectric conversion element 22-1 to 22-N Photoelectric conversion element 23, 24 output processing means 25 delay circuit 26 arithmetic processing circuit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a first direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch are arranged in parallel with each other and shifted in the first direction. Image reading means, driving means for moving the image reading means in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the read document, and each of the photoelectric devices at a position corresponding to the second direction. An arithmetic processing means for calculating a signal value of an assumed read pixel arranged at a pitch smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch based on a read signal of the photoelectric conversion element of the conversion element row. Processing equipment. 2. The image reading means has two photoelectric conversion element rows, and these two photoelectric conversion element rows are arranged in the first direction so as to be shifted by a distance of 1/2 of the predetermined arrangement pitch. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and a pitch of the assumed read pixels in the arithmetic processing unit is の of the predetermined arrangement pitch. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The read signals of the photoelectric conversion elements of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows are output as a time-series signal, and the read signals of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows at the corresponding positions in the second direction are superimposed. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a delay unit that performs an appropriate delay process on the output of the appropriate photoelectric conversion element array before inputting the output to the arithmetic processing unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. The photoelectric conversion element of each of the photoelectric conversion element rows is provided with a light-shielding mask in a region protruding from a reading range of the image reading means in the first direction. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a row in a first direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch are arranged in parallel with each other and shifted in the first direction, A plurality of photoelectric conversion element arrays are moved in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the read original, and photoelectric conversion of each photoelectric conversion element array at a position corresponding to the second direction is performed. An image processing method comprising: obtaining a read signal of an element; and calculating a signal value of an assumed read pixel arranged at a pitch smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch by calculation. 6. A method according to claim 6, further comprising: preparing two photoelectric conversion element rows, disposing these two photoelectric conversion element rows in the first direction at a distance of の of the predetermined arrangement pitch, and 6. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the pitch is set to 1/2 of the predetermined arrangement pitch. 7. An x-th one of the photoelectric conversion element arrays.
A signal value corresponding to the photoelectric conversion element x is A [1, x], and a signal value corresponding to the other x-th photoelectric conversion element x in the photoelectric conversion element row is A [2, x]. (X is a positive integer from 1 to N), and the signal value of the assumed read pixel is B [X] (X is a positive integer from 1 to 2N),
Only the first photoelectric conversion element in one of the photoelectric conversion element rows partially protrudes from the reading range of the image reading means in the first direction, and the protruding photoelectric conversion element portion is provided with a light shielding mask. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein: (a) when X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [ 1,1] × 2 (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = 2 × A [2, m] −B [X−1] (c) X = 2 m −1 (where 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = 2 × A [1, m] −B [X−1], or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1 ] = A [1,1] (b) When X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = A [2, m] −B [X−1] (c) X = 2m -1 (where In <m ≦ N), B [X] = A [1, m] -B [X-1]. 8. The x-th one of the photoelectric conversion element arrays.
A signal value corresponding to the photoelectric conversion element x is A [1, x], and a signal value corresponding to the other x-th photoelectric conversion element x in the photoelectric conversion element row is A [2, x]. (X is a positive integer from 1 to N), and the signal value of the assumed read pixel is B [X] (X is a positive integer from 1 to 2N),
7. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein the calculation is performed using the following algorithm using C and C ′ as adjustment coefficients: (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × A [1,
m]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (where 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × A [2, m−
1]) or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−
1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (where 1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X−
1]) or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × A [1, m]
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × A) [2, m-
1] −D × A [2, m]) or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = A [1,1] (b) X = 2m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N ), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−1]
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X-1]
−D × A [2, m]) or (a) When X = 1, B [X = 1] = C ′ × (S × A [1,1] −D × A
[2, 1]) (b) When X = 2 m (where 1 ≦ m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [2, m] −D × B [X−1]
−D × A [1, m + 1]) (c) When X = 2m−1 (1 <m ≦ N), B [X] = C × (S × A [1, m] −D × B [X-1]
-DxA [2, m]).