Image processing apparatus and method which defines abnormal pixels by reading density signal levels

Abstract

A image processing apparatus includes an image data memory for storing digital image data obtained by photoelectrically detecting light with a CCD to produce analog image data and digitizing the analog pixel data, a window memory for two-dimensionally mapping and storing the digital image data stored in the image data memory, and an abnormal pixel determining section for specifying each pixel in the digital image data stored in the window memory as a subject pixel, reading the density signal level of the subject pixel together with the density signal levels of pixels adjacent to the subject pixel, comparing the density signal level of the subject pixel with the density signal levels of pixels adjacent to the subject pixel and defining the subject pixel as an abnormal pixel when difference between the density signal level of the subject pixel and the density signal levels of pixels adjacent to the subject pixel is greater than a predetermined level. According to the thus constituted image processing apparatus, it is possible remove specific dot-like black pixels and white pixels generated in an image produced based on image data obtained by digitizing analog image data produced using a CCD without affecting the entire image, thereby correcting the image.