An image processing apparatus receives an input image signal and performs
an enhancement process on a high frequency component included in the
input image signal based on a low frequency component of the input image
signal. The apparatus extracts a low frequency component from the input
image signal and combines a step variation component of the input image
signal with the low frequency component to generate a combined wave
component. The apparatus performs an enhancement process on the high
frequency component obtained by removing the combined wave component from
the input image signal.