Generation of plural images having m-bit depth per pixel by clipping M-bit segments from mutually different positions in image having N-bit depth per pixel

A method of controlling an image processing apparatus, the method comprising:

• (a) generating a plurality of images having an M-bit depth per pixel by inputting an input image having a bit depth of N bits and clipping M-bit segments from mutually bit different positions, relative to a most significant bit of the N bits, within the N bits;
• (b) generating, by inputting the plurality of images generated in the step (a) into a neural network for an M-bit-depth image, a plurality of output images corresponding to each of the plurality of images being input;
• and
• (c) generating an image having the N-bit depth from the plurality of output images generated in the step (b),
• wherein the M-bit segments include (1) a first M-bit segment whose most significant bit is the most significant bit of the N bits, and (2) a second M-bit segment whose most significant bit is not the most significant bit of the N bits.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program which, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute the steps of a method of controlling an image processing apparatus, the method comprising:

• (a) generating a plurality of images having an M-bit depth per pixel by inputting an input image having a bit depth of N bits and clipping M-bit segments from mutually bit different positions, relative to a most significant bit of the N bits, within the N bits;
• (b) generating, by inputting the plurality of images generated in the step (a) into a neural network for an M-bit-depth image, a plurality of output images corresponding to each of the plurality of images being input;
• and
• (c) generating an image having the N-bit depth from the plurality of output images generated in the step (b),
• wherein the M-bit segments include (1) a first M-bit segment whose most significant bit is the most significant bit of the N bits and (2) a second M-bit segment whose most significant bit is not the most significant bit of the N bits.