Image processing apparatus

An image processing method for an image processing apparatus that generates an output image having a resolution the same as or higher than that of the original image, the image processing method comprising the steps of:

• converting the resolution of the original image into the same resolution as the output image so as to generate an output resolution image;
• converting the resolution of the original image into a resolution different from that of the output image so as to generate an intermediate resolution image;
• detecting a plurality of similar areas, in a block in the intermediate resolution image corresponding to a predetermined partial area in the output resolution image, that resemble the partial area, and generating similarity information including a position of each of the plurality of similar areas in the intermediate resolution image and a weight of the position;
• generating a texture image by combining high-frequency components of the intermediate resolution image at the position indicated in the similarity information in accordance with the weight indicated in the similarity information;
• and
• blending the output resolution image and the texture image so as to generate output image.

A program for an image processing apparatus that generates an output image having a resolution the same as or higher than that of the original image, the program causing a computer to execute a process, the process comprising the steps of:

• converting the resolution of the original image into the same resolution as the output image so as to generate an output resolution image;
• converting the resolution of the original image into a resolution different from that of the output image so as to generate an intermediate resolution image;
• detecting a plurality of similar areas, in a block in the intermediate resolution image corresponding to a predetermined partial area in the output resolution image, that resemble the partial area, and generating similarity information including a position of each of the plurality of similar areas in the intermediate resolution image and a weight of the position;
• generating a texture image by combining high-frequency components of the intermediate resolution image at the position indicated in the similarity information in accordance with the weight indicated in the similarity information;
• and
• blending the output resolution image and the texture image so as to generate output image.

An image processing apparatus for generating an output image having a resolution the same as or higher than that of the original image, the image processing apparatus comprising:

• a first image converting section for converting the resolution of the original image into the same resolution as the output image so as to generate an output resolution image;
• a second image converting section for converting the resolution of the original image into a resolution different from that of the output image so as to generate an intermediate resolution image;
• a similarity information generating section for detecting a plurality of similar areas, in a block in the intermediate resolution image corresponding to a predetermined partial area in the output resolution image, that resemble the partial area, and for generating similarity information including a position of each of the plurality of similar areas in the intermediate resolution image and a weight of the position;
• a texture generating section for generating a texture image by combining high-frequency components of the intermediate resolution image at the position indicated in the similarity information in accordance with the weight indicated in the similarity information;
• and
• a texture blending section for blending the output resolution image and the texture image so as to generate output image.