Image processing apparatus, image processing method and digital still camera

A digital still camera, comprising:

• an imaging device;
• and
• an image processing apparatus for generating a luminance signal and color difference signals based on pixel data which is input from the imaging device, wherein:
• the imaging device includes a plurality of light receiving sections arranged in rows and columns;
• the plurality of light receiving sections each include a color filter;
• and
• the image processing apparatus comprises:
• a horizontal direction interpolation section for performing data interpolation in a horizontal direction using a plurality of pieces of pixel data adjacent to a first pixel position in the horizontal direction to generate a first color signal;
• a line memory section for storing the first color signal in units of a plurality of lines;
• a vertical direction interpolation section for performing data interpolation in a vertical direction using a plurality of pieces of pixel data, among pieces of data output from the line memory section, adjacent to a second pixel position in the vertical direction to generate a second color signal;
• and
• a luminance and color difference signal generation section for generating a luminance signal and color difference signals based on the second color signal.

An image processing method for generating a luminance signal and color difference signals based on pixel data which is input from an imaging device, wherein:

• the imaging device includes a plurality of light receiving sections arranged in rows and columns;
• the plurality of light receiving sections each include a color filter;
• and
• the image processing method comprises:
• a first step of performing data interpolation in a horizontal direction using a plurality of pieces of pixel data adjacent to a first pixel position in the horizontal direction to generate a first color signal;
• a second step of storing the first color signal in units of a plurality of lines;
• a third step of performing data interpolation in a vertical direction using a plurality of pieces of pixel data, among pieces of data represented by the first color signal, adjacent to a second pixel position in the vertical direction to generate a second color signal;
• and
• a fourth step of generating a luminance signal and color difference signals based on the second color signal.