Missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained such that the mean value of
a plurality of pixels constituting a group of pixels including a missing
pixel is equal to the mean value of a plurality of pixels constituting a
group of pixels not including the missing pixel. For example,
missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained by (1) obtaining a sum (SL)
of the values of pixels other than the missing pixel (L) in the k pixels
constituting the group (LC) of pixels including the missing pixel, (2)
obtaining a sum (SA) of the values of k pixels constituting a group (NA)
of pixels not including the missing pixel, and (3) taking the difference
between these sums. This makes it possible to reduce interpolation error
when a highly periodic image with missing pixels is interpolated.