Dynamic gamma correction apparatus

Abstract

An appropriate correction quantity is obtained for a video luminance signal on an individual video basis with a characteristic value, like the maximum or average value, of the luminance signal taken into account, thereby performing gray scale correction more effectively. A dynamic gamma correction apparatus for performing a correction on a video luminance signal includes: a correction start point control section for obtaining a correction start point, which is a lower limit of a given correction range, in accordance with a characteristic value of the luminance signal; a gamma correction quantity calculating section for obtaining a provisional correction quantity for the luminance signal to be corrected using the correction start point and the luminance signal; a gamma correction gain control section for obtaining a gain for the provisional correction quantity in accordance with the characteristic value of the luminance signal; a multiplier for obtaining a product of the provisional correction quantity and the gain as a gamma correction quantity; and an adder for obtaining a sum of the luminance signal and the gamma correction quantity and outputting the sum. The correction start point and the gain for the provisional correction quantity are controllable in accordance with the characteristic value of the luminance signal. Thus, an appropriate gamma correction quantity can be obtained as a final correction quantity.