In step ST61, the prediction selector generates a differential image. The prediction selector 43 generates a differential image representing the difference between the original image and the filtered original image using a median filter of 3×3 pixels, for example, and then goes to step ST62.
In step ST62, the prediction selector calculates a maximum luminance as an image feature quantity. The prediction selector 43 calculates a maximum luminance in an image of 4×4 pixels in the differential image generated in step ST61, and then goes to step ST63.
In step ST63, the prediction selector calculates a maximum color difference as an image feature quantity. The prediction selector 43 calculates a maximum color difference in the image of 4×4 pixels used in step ST62, and then goes to step ST64.
In step ST64, the prediction selector determines whether or not the maximum luminance is equal to or larger than a threshold value Thc. If the maximum luminance calculated in step ST62 is equal to or larger than the threshold value Thc, then the prediction selector 43 goes to step ST65. If the maximum luminance is not equal to or larger than the threshold value Thc, then the prediction selector 43 goes to step ST67.