A storage picture generating unit (191) weight-adds an input picture and a storage picture to reduce the noise in a still picture portion. An area extraction unit (193) extracts a class tap from the input picture, while extracting a block from each of the input picture and the storage picture. A feature value detection unit (194) detects the dynamic range and the results of the waveform analysis from the class tap, while detecting the still/moving information of the subject pixel from the block. A class code detection unit (195) generates a class code which is based on the feature value. A table (196) outputs to an estimation calculating unit (198) sets of the prediction coefficients held by the table and which are associated with the class code. An area extraction unit (197) extracts prediction taps from the input picture and the storage picture. Using the sets of the prediction coefficients and the pixel information from the area extraction unit (197), the estimation calculating unit (198) sequentially generates pixel values y of an output picture.