JP4897036B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for increasing the resolution of a video, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of switching a high resolution level.

  In recent years, the fusion of PC (Personal Computer) and television has progressed, and there is an opportunity to view various videos on a high-resolution display of so-called HD (High Definition) size, such as high-definition broadcasting, which exceeds the SD (Standard Definition) size. is increasing.

  However, a video broadcast on an SD TV or a video recorded on a DVD has a low resolution, and when a user views a video of HD size (especially 1920 × 1080 so-called full HD size), The image needs to be converted to high resolution. In this regard, conventionally, image resolution has been increased by linear interpolation or cubic convolution interpolation of image pixel values, but there has been a problem that a sharp image cannot be obtained. .

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the image is decompressed and at the same time, a pixel having a high frequency component is interpolated between pixels of the image generated by the decompression process to obtain a sharp high-resolution image. Research on super-resolution technology that can be performed is performed (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-067110 A JP 2008-146190 A

  According to the super-resolution technology, the sharpness of the image is increased, so that the user can enjoy a sharp image and a clear image. However, the above-mentioned video is provided by various means such as BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcast, CS (Communications Satellite) broadcast, terrestrial digital broadcast, terrestrial analog broadcast, and the Internet, and the amount of information of the provided video is also large. Wide range. Therefore, the user can enjoy a clearer video by switching the level indicating the strength of the super-resolution processing (hereinafter referred to as a super-resolution level) according to the provided video. There is a problem that it is complicated for the user and a complicated operation has to be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of easily switching the image quality processing level for the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives a first-resolution video signal, and performs image quality processing including sharpening processing on the first-resolution video signal. A level storage means for storing the image quality processing level indicating the image and the video mode in association with each other, a designation receiving means for accepting designation of the video mode by a user operation, and an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode Switching means for switching to image quality, and image quality processing means for performing the image quality processing at the switched image quality processing level, wherein the level storage means stores a plurality of the video modes, and stores the plurality of stored video modes. Each of them stores a plurality of the image quality processing levels, and the designation receiving means selects one of the plurality of image quality processing levels by a user operation. The switching means is configured to switch to an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode, which is a level designated from among the plurality of image quality processing levels. .

  Also, the image processing method according to the present invention corresponds to an image quality processing level and an image mode indicating the strength of image quality processing including a sharpening process for the first resolution image signal when a first resolution image signal is input. The level storage means stores a plurality of the video modes, and the level storage means stores the plurality of image quality processing levels in each of the stored video modes. A designation receiving unit that receives designation of the video mode by a user operation, and a switching step in which the switching unit switches to an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode. And an image quality processing step for performing the image quality processing at the switched image quality processing level. The step accepts designation of any one of the plurality of image quality processing levels by a user operation, and the switching step is a level designated from the plurality of image quality processing levels, Switching to an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode is characterized.

  According to the present invention, the video mode and the image quality processing level are stored in association with each other, and the video is processed according to the video mode designated by the user, so that the user can easily switch the image quality processing level. There is an effect that can be done.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main process part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen regarding the image | video adjustment displayed by OSD on a display part by operation of an operation part. It is a figure which shows the example of the specific screen of the super-resolution adjustment shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between video mode and a super-resolution level. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the high resolution part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure in the case of switching and performing the super-resolution process concerning this Embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus and an image processing method according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system of the image display apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image display device 100 includes a video signal input unit 11, a main processing unit 12, a resolution increasing unit 13 corresponding to the image processing device, a moving image improvement processing unit 14, and a display processing unit. 15, a display unit 16, an audio processing unit 17, and an audio output unit 18.

  The video signal input unit 11 is a part to which a video signal to be displayed is input. The video signal input unit 11 is connected to a digital broadcast receiving unit 111, an IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) signal processing unit 112, and an IP network such as the Internet. An Internet signal processing unit 113 that receives data to be transmitted and an external input unit 114 that receives an analog signal input are provided. Here, the “video signal” is a concept including an audio signal in addition to an image signal composed of a still image or a moving image.

  The digital broadcast receiver 111 includes a digital antenna 1111 for receiving digital broadcasts such as BS, CS, and terrestrial waves, a digital tuner 1112 for selecting digital broadcasts, and demodulating the digital broadcasts as digital video signals. And a digital signal demodulating unit 1113 for outputting to the main processing unit 12.

  The IPTV signal processing unit 112 receives an IP broadcast transmitted via a dedicated IP network, and outputs it to the main processing unit 12 as a digital video signal.

  The Internet signal processing unit 113 receives data (still images and moving images) transmitted via an IP network such as the Internet and outputs the data to the main processing unit 12 as a digital video signal.

  The external input unit 114 includes an analog antenna 1141 for receiving an analog broadcast, an analog tuner 1142 for selecting the analog broadcast, and performs signal processing such as A / D conversion on the analog signal to obtain a digital video signal. An external input signal processing unit 1143 for outputting to the main processing unit 12. The external input signal processing unit 1143 has a terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external device such as a game machine, a PC (Personal Computer), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) player, and the like, via the input terminal. Signal processing is also performed on an analog signal input from an external device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the main processing unit 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the main processing unit 12 includes an operation receiving unit 121, a switching unit 122, a control unit 123, and a flash memory 19.

  As will be described later, the operation receiving unit 121 designates a video mode indicating the clearness of displaying a video signal designated by the remote controller serving as the operation unit 200 on the display unit 16 (hereinafter referred to as a designation signal). ) And output to the switching unit 122.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the user presses a setting button or the like (not shown) related to video display adjustment on the operation unit 200 to set, for example, color temperature related to white balance adjustment, gamma correction, or the like. Along with various parameters such as parameters, a detailed adjustment screen including an “super resolution adjustment” menu for adjusting the super resolution level indicating the strength of the super resolution is displayed on an OSD (On Screen Display). As will be described later, this super-resolution level ranks the strength of super-resolution conversion processing from level 1 to level 5 so that the user does not have to specify complicated super-resolution parameters. It is a thing.

  Further, when the “super resolution adjustment” menu on the detailed adjustment screen displayed on the OSD is selected, a “super resolution level adjustment screen” is displayed as shown in FIG. 4, and the user further presses the setting button described above. Select the video mode. Here, “Auto”, “Mode 1”, “Mode 2”, “Mode 3”, and “Off” are provided as menus for super-resolution processing. “Auto” may be automatically switched to any of modes 1 to 3 in accordance with the input video signal, or the parameter characteristics of the super-resolution processing may be automatically changed separately from modes 1 to 3. Good.

  Specifically, for example, the mode is switched to modes 1 to 3 according to the information amount (bit rate, resolution) of the video signal, the amount of noise, or the parameters of the super-resolution processing are automatically changed. “Mode 1” is a mode that assumes super-resolution processing for clear and clean images with low compression and high bit rate and less noise, and weakens super-resolution processing compared to other modes.

  “Mode 3” is a mode that assumes super-resolution processing for an image with high compression / low bit rate and relatively noisy, and applies super-resolution processing to a higher level than other modes. “Mode 2” is a mode that assumes an intermediate between Mode 1 and Mode 3 (medium compression / middle bit rate and standard video). “Off” is a mode in which super-resolution processing is not performed. Therefore, by switching between Off and other modes, the user can realize the effect of the super-resolution processing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when a video mode is selected, a selection screen for selecting a super-resolution level corresponding to the selected video mode is displayed. Thus, the user can set the super-resolution level corresponding to each video mode by a simple button operation. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the user selects “mode 2” as the video mode and sets the super-resolution level to “level 2”.

  In addition, since there is a human preference for the video, it can be set to perform super-resolution processing contrary to the present embodiment. That is, in “mode 1”, super-resolution processing may be applied more strongly than in other modes, and in “mode 3”, it may be applied more strongly than in other modes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the relationship between the video mode and the super-resolution level is set according to each video mode. That is, as the video mode changes from mode 1 to mode 2 →..., The super-resolution level and video mode are associated so that the super-resolution level also increases the output of the high-frequency component of the video signal. . In this way, by setting the super-resolution level according to each video mode, the user can set the super-resolution level in detail. Note that the video mode and super-resolution level associated in this way are stored in a recording medium such as the flash memory 19.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when the switching unit 122 receives the video signals from the digital signal demodulation unit 1113, the IPTV signal processing unit 112, the Internet signal processing unit 113, and the external input signal processing unit 1143, the designation received by the operation receiving unit 121 is received. The type of video mode corresponding to the signal (for example, mode 2) and the super resolution level (for example, level 2) are identified and output to the control unit 123, and the type of video mode and the super resolution level are flashed. Write to memory 19.

  The control unit 123 separates the video signal into an image signal and an audio signal, outputs an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing to the high resolution unit 13, and outputs the audio signal to the audio processing unit 17.

  Here, the image processing performed by the control unit 123 includes scaling processing for converting the resolution of the input image signal into a predetermined resolution (for example, 1280 × 720).

  As described above, the flash memory 19 stores the type of video mode received by the operation receiving unit 121 from the operation unit 200 and the type and super-resolution level in association with each other. Next, the resolution increasing unit 13 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the resolution increasing unit 13 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the high resolution unit 13 includes a preprocessing unit 131, a super resolution conversion processing unit 132, a post processing unit 133, and an EEPROM memory 20.

  The preprocessing unit 131 performs image processing (hereinafter referred to as preprocessing) such as interlace / progressive conversion processing and noise reduction processing for removing noise on the image signal input from the main processing unit 12. The completed video signal is output to the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132. Further, the preprocessing unit 131 outputs the video mode type and super-resolution level received from the main processing unit 12 to the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 described later. Note that the signals regarding the type of video mode and the super-resolution level may be input from the main processing unit 12 to the super-resolution processing unit 132 without passing through the pre-processing unit 131.

  Specifically, as the interlace / progressive conversion process, the preprocessing unit 131 detects the motion of the image in the input image signal and determines a still image and a moving image. Interpolation processing is performed, and when it is determined as a moving image, interpolation processing for the moving image is performed.

  In addition, the pre-processing unit 131 performs noise reduction processing such as image contour correction in an image signal, reduction of image blur and glare, correction for suppressing excessive equalization (high frequency emphasis), and when the camera moves in the horizontal direction. Processes such as blurring improvement.

  The super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 performs image processing (hereinafter referred to as “super-resolution conversion processing”) for increasing the resolution of the low-resolution frame input from the pre-processing unit 131, thereby obtaining a high resolution of HD size. Frame of the moving image data (hereinafter referred to as “high resolution frame”) is generated and output to the post-processing unit 133.

  Here, the super-resolution conversion processing is a sharpening that restores a high-resolution image signal that is the second resolution by estimating the original pixel value from the low-resolution image signal that is the first resolution and increasing the number of pixels. Means processing. Here, the original pixel value is, for example, an image of the same subject as that obtained when a low-resolution (first resolution) image signal is obtained with a camera having the number of pixels of the high-resolution (second resolution) image signal. It refers to the value of each pixel of the image signal that is sometimes obtained.

  Also, “estimate and increase pixels” means to capture the image features and use the image features that are correlated to estimate the original pixel value from the surrounding (within the same frame or between frames) image This means increasing the number of pixels. For the super-resolution conversion processing, it is possible to use a publicly known / public technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-310837, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-98803, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-188680, and the like. As a technique for the super-resolution conversion processing of the present embodiment, for example, a technique for restoring an image having a frequency component higher than the Nyquist frequency determined by the sampling period of the input image is used.

  For example, when using the super-resolution conversion process disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-310837, the change pattern of the pixel value in the target image area including the target pixel in the frame for each of a plurality of medium resolution frames. Select a plurality of corresponding points corresponding to a plurality of target image areas closest to the reference frame from the reference frame, set the sample value of the luminance at the corresponding point to the pixel value of the target pixel corresponding to the corresponding point, and Calculating a pixel value of a high-resolution frame corresponding to the reference frame, which is a high-resolution frame having a number of pixels larger than the number of pixels of the reference frame, based on the size of the sample value and the arrangement of a plurality of corresponding points. Thus, the original pixel value is estimated from the low resolution image signal and the number of pixels is increased to restore the high resolution image signal.

  In addition, when using the super-resolution conversion process using self-congruent position search in the same frame image disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-98803, the error of each pixel in the search area of the medium resolution frame is compared. The minimum first pixel position is calculated, and based on the first pixel position and the first error, the second pixel position around the first pixel, and the second error, The position where the error is minimized is calculated with decimal precision. Then, a decimal precision vector with this position as the end point and the target pixel as the start point is calculated, and an extrapolation vector of the decimal precision vector with the pixel on the screen not included in the search region as the end point is calculated using the decimal precision vector. calculate. Then, based on the decimal precision vector, the extrapolation vector, and the pixel value acquired from the image signal, the pixel value of the high-resolution image having a larger number of pixels than the number of pixels included in the image signal is calculated. By performing such processing, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 restores the high-resolution image signal by estimating the original pixel value from the low-resolution image signal and increasing the number of pixels.

  Also, a super-resolution conversion process using mapping between a plurality of frame images disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-188680 can be used.

  However, the method of the super resolution conversion processing in the super resolution conversion processing unit 132 is not limited to the above, and a high resolution image is obtained by estimating the original pixel value from the low resolution image signal and increasing the number of pixels. Any technique can be applied as long as the process restores the signal.

  In addition, when the pre-processing unit 131 receives the image signal after the noise reduction processing or the like is performed, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 performs super-resolution conversion processing according to the type of video mode and the super-resolution level. Specifically, for example, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 acquires super-resolution parameters corresponding to the type of video mode and the super-resolution level from the EEPROM memory 20 described later.

  Here, the super resolution parameter is a numerical expression of the strength of the super resolution conversion process. For example, the number of high-frequency component pixels to be inserted between pixels and the ratio of high-frequency component pixels to the pixel to be inserted is high, that is, the larger the numerical value of the super-resolution parameter, the higher the sharpening gain and the stronger the super-resolution conversion processing. This can be appropriately set according to the super-resolution processing method. The super-resolution parameter shown in FIG. 5 indicates the ratio of high-frequency component pixels inserted between pixels with respect to the total number of pixels, where 100 is the case where super-resolution processing is performed on all pixels. As described above, by storing the index for performing the super-resolution processing in the parameter format, even if the specification change occurs in the super-resolution processing standard, it is possible to easily and quickly cope with the specification change. .

  The super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 performs the above-described super-resolution processing according to the acquired super-resolution parameter, and outputs the image signal subjected to the super-resolution processing to a post-processing unit 133 described later. Subsequently, the post-processing unit 133 will be described.

  The post-processing unit 133 performs image correction processing (hereinafter referred to as post-processing) such as gamma correction and white balance adjustment on the image signal input from the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132, and causes the moving image improvement processing unit 14 to perform image correction processing. Output. Next, returning to FIG. 1, the moving image improvement processing unit 14 will be described.

  The moving image improvement processing unit 14 performs double speed processing on the image signal received from the post-processing unit 133. Specifically, by performing processing to convert the frame rate of a video signal transmitted at 60 fps (Frame Per Second) to 120 fps, video blurring in moving parts such as horizontal, vertical, diagonal directions and rotating subjects is reduced. In addition, noise is also effectively suppressed, and flowing telop and fast-moving sports scenes are clearly displayed. Then, the frame rate converted image signal is output to the display processing unit 15.

  In addition, as an interpolation process, an interpolation frame image according to a generally performed frame image interpolation method such as an interpolation generation processing method based on motion vector detection by a block matching method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-35404 is used. Can be generated and interpolated. Furthermore, the number of interpolated frame images can be arbitrarily determined.

  The display processing unit 15 includes a driver or the like for outputting an image signal to the display unit 16, and causes the display unit 16 to display the image signal received from the moving image improvement processing unit 14. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 200, a detailed adjustment screen related to video display is displayed on an OSD (On Screen Display).

  The display unit 16 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a plasma panel, and an SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) panel, and displays a screen of an image signal controlled by the display processing unit 15. .

  As described above, the EEPROM memory 20 stores the super resolution parameter in association with the super resolution level.

  The operation unit 200 includes a remote operation device such as a remote controller, and transmits a designation signal to the main processing unit 12 when the user designates a video mode.

  Subsequently, an execution process performed in the above-described image display apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the image display apparatus 100 performs super-resolution conversion processing at a super-resolution level corresponding to a video mode when a video mode is designated by the user. In the following description, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the user first designates the video mode and then obtains the super-resolution parameter of the super-resolution level corresponding to the first designated video mode. However, even in the middle of each process, the video mode can be appropriately designated by an interrupt signal.

  As shown in the figure, the switching unit 122 of the main processing unit 12 identifies the set video mode (step S601).

  The switching unit 122 transmits an image signal together with the acquired video mode to the high resolution unit 13, and the preprocessing unit 131 performs image processing such as interlace / progressive conversion processing and noise reduction processing, thereby The image signal together with the resolution level is output to the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 (step S602). Note that the signals regarding the type of video mode and the super-resolution level may be input from the main processing unit 12 to the super-resolution processing unit 132 without passing through the pre-processing unit 131.

  Thereafter, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 acquires super-resolution parameters of the super-resolution level corresponding to the video mode and the super-resolution level from the EEPROM 20 (step S603).

  Then, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 performs super-resolution processing at a super-resolution level according to the acquired super-resolution parameter on the image signal (step S604). Thereafter, the super-resolution conversion processing unit 132 outputs the image signal subjected to the super-resolution processing to the post-processing unit 133, and the post-processing unit 133 performs correction processing such as gamma correction and white balance adjustment, and the moving image improvement processing unit 14 (step S605). Thereafter, the image signal is displayed on the display unit 16 via the display processing unit 15.

  As described above, the switching unit 122 of the main processing unit 12 acquires the super-resolution parameter of the super-resolution level corresponding to the video mode designated by the user and performs the super-resolution conversion process. The resolution level can be easily set. In addition, since the “Auto” mode is provided, the user can enjoy the video by the super-resolution processing optimally automatically adjusted. In addition, since a plurality of modes such as modes 1 to 3 and Off are provided, it is possible to enjoy a video on which a user's favorite super-resolution processing has been performed according to the type of video.

  In the above-described embodiment, the super-resolution level is stored in association with the video mode indicating the sharpness of the video signal. For example, the type of the video signal (for example, BS broadcast or CS broadcast is provided). The super-resolution level is set according to the frequency of the video signal) and the type of program (for example, sports program, movie, etc.), and the super-resolution conversion is performed using the super-resolution parameter according to the set super-resolution level. It is also possible to perform processing.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus 100 such as a digital TV having a display unit 16, a display processing unit 15, an audio output unit 18, and an audio processing unit 17 is given. As described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a tuner, a set top box, or the like that does not include the display unit 16, the display processing unit 15, the audio output unit 18, and the audio processing unit 17. .

  As described above, the image processing apparatus and the image processing method according to the present invention are useful for increasing the resolution of a video, and are particularly suitable for techniques for switching the level of super-resolution processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image display apparatus 11 Video signal input part 12 Main processing part 13 High resolution part 14 Movie improvement processing part 15 Display processing part 16 Display part 17 Audio | voice processing part 18 Audio | voice output part 19 Flash memory 20 EEPROM memory 111 Digital broadcast receiving part 112 IPTV signal processing unit 113 Internet signal processing unit 114 External input unit 121 Operation receiving unit 122 Switching unit 123 Control unit 131 Preprocessing unit 132 Super-resolution conversion processing unit 133 Post processing unit 200 Operation unit (remote controller)
1111 Digital antenna 1112 Digital tuner 1113 Digital signal demodulator 1141 Analog antenna 1142 Analog tuner 1143 External input signal processor

Claims (10)

The first resolution video signal is input,
Level storage means for storing the image quality processing level indicating the strength of image quality processing including the sharpening processing for the video signal of the first resolution and the video mode in association with each other;
Designation accepting means for accepting designation of the video mode by a user operation;
Switching means for switching to an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode;
Image quality processing means for performing the image quality processing at the switched image quality processing level;
With
The level storage means stores a plurality of the video modes, and stores a plurality of the image quality processing levels in each of the stored plurality of video modes,
The designation accepting unit accepts designation of any one of the plurality of image quality processing levels by a user operation,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is configured to switch to an image quality processing level that is designated from among the plurality of image quality processing levels and corresponds to the designated video mode. The image quality processing includes resolution conversion processing for generating a video signal having a second resolution higher than the first resolution,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the level to a level designated from among a plurality of resolution conversion processing levels and corresponding to the designated video mode.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the resolution conversion process includes a super-resolution process for generating a video signal having a second resolution higher than the first resolution by using a super-resolution technique. The resolution conversion processing level indicates a ratio of high-frequency component pixels to pixels to be inserted in the super-resolution processing.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The level storage means stores the video mode and the resolution conversion processing level in association with each other so that the output of the video signal of the second resolution has a higher frequency as the super-resolution processing becomes stronger.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. Display means for displaying the video signal of the second resolution;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: Display control means for displaying the video mode and the image quality processing level on the display means by OSD (On Screen Display);
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: Level storage means for receiving an image signal of the first resolution and storing an image quality processing level indicating the strength of image quality processing including a sharpening process for the image signal of the first resolution in association with the image mode; Level storage means is an image processing method performed by an image processing apparatus that stores a plurality of the video modes, and stores a plurality of the image quality processing levels in each of the stored plurality of video modes,
A designation accepting step for accepting designation of the video mode by a user operation;
A switching step for switching to an image quality processing level corresponding to the designated video mode;
An image quality processing means for performing the image quality processing of the switched image quality processing level;
Including
The designation receiving step accepts designation of any one of the plurality of image quality processing levels by a user operation,
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the switching step switches to an image quality processing level that is designated from among the plurality of image quality processing levels and corresponds to the designated video mode. The image quality processing includes resolution conversion processing for generating a video signal having a second resolution higher than the first resolution,
9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein, in the switching step, switching is performed to a level designated from among a plurality of resolution conversion processing levels and corresponding to the designated video mode.   The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the resolution conversion process includes a super-resolution process that generates a video signal having a second resolution higher than the first resolution by using a super-resolution technique.

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