Image processing apparatus and control method thereof

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• an area extraction unit configured to extract a reference area from image data;
• an extraction unit configured to extract a plurality of small sections which may overlap and arrange the plurality of small sections such that for every first small section,
• there is a second small section that is different from the first small section and symmetrical to the first small section with respect to a center pixel of the reference area in the horizontal direction,
• there is a third small section that is that is different from the first and second small sections and symmetrical to the first small section with respect to the center pixel in the vertical direction, and
• there is a fourth small section that is different from the first through third small sections and is symmetrical to the first small section with respect to the center pixel in a rotational direction;
• a pattern determination unit configured to compare image data included in the reference area with
• a predetermined first pattern,
• a second pattern that is symmetrical in a horizontal direction to the first pattern,
• a third pattern that is symmetrical in a vertical direction to the first pattern, and
• a fourth pattern that is symmetrical in a rotational direction to the first pattern;
• a determination unit configured to determine whether the result of the comparison by said pattern determination unit corresponding to each of the first through fourth patterns satisfies a predetermined condition;
• and
• a correction processing unit configured to perform smoothing on the center pixel of the reference area in a case in which it is determined by said determination unit that the result satisfies the predetermined condition.