PIXEL DEFECT COMPENSATING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF COMPENSATING PIXEL DEFECT

A value of CCD signal of a specific pixel and a maximum value of CCD signals of neighboring pixels, which are presented in a neighboring area of the specific pixel and are a same color component as that of the specific pixel, are extracted. In case that a value of subtracting the maximum value of CCD signals of neighboring pixels from the value of CCD signal of the specific pixel exceeds a predetermined value, it is discriminated that a pixel of white defect is presented in the specific pixel and the pixel of white defect is compensated by replacing the value of CCD signal of the specific pixel with the maximum value. In case that a value of subtracting the maximum value of CCD signals of neighboring pixels from the value of CCD signal of the specific pixel does not exceed a predetermined value, it is discriminated that a pixel of white defect is not presented in the specific pixel and the pixel of white defect is compensated by outputting the value of CCD signal of the specific pixel as it is.