A 3-dimensional image is generated from an input 2-dimensional image based
upon illuminative characteristics of the input image by filtering the
2-dimensional input image with filters of different orientations,
outputting base shading images corresponding to the filters, extracting
positive pixel values for each base shading image, calculating a
difference between the pixel values of the input image and the extracted
positive pixel values, calculating a median value of the calculated
difference, selecting the filter to output a base shading image of
smallest median, outputting a shading image by filtering the input image
with the selected filter, combining the input image with the shading
image and outputting the 3-dimensional image based upon the combined
image. A previously selected filter for a preceding image can be
considered when selecting a filter for a current image, enabling
generation of 3-dimensional moving pictures.