1. An image processing apparatus for performing image enlargement processing, said image processing apparatus comprising: an edge direction estimation section for estimating edge direction information for a first image area containing a notable pixel; an edge pattern selection section for selecting an edge shape pattern corresponding to the first image area corresponding to an edge direction indicated by the edge direction information based on the edge direction information and a pixel value in the first image area; an image enhancement section for enhancing the pixel value of the first image area; an enlarged image area generation section for generating an enlarged image area by using the edge shape pattern selected by said edge pattern selection section and the pixel value of the first image area enhanced by said image enhancement means; and an image placement section for placing the enlarged image area generated by said enlarged image area generation section according to a predetermined method.