Patent Publication Number: US-2022239914-A1

Title: Information processing device, imaging device, information processing method, and program

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates to an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing method, and a program, and particularly relates to an information processing device, an imaging device, an information processing method, and a program that reproduce quantization precision of a digital signal. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of generating a digital signal having high quantization precision (quantization bit depth) from a digital signal having low quantization precision. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Document 
     
         
         Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4192900 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, in Patent Document  1 , an appropriate digital signal having high quantization precision is not always obtained from a digital signal having low quantization precision. 
     The present technology has been made in view of such a circumstance, and, in particular, an object thereof is to generate an appropriate digital signal having high quantization precision from a digital signal having low quantization precision. 
     Solutions to Problems 
     An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present technology is an information processing device including: a high-precision component extraction unit that acquires, as an unprocessed signal, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal; and a quantization precision reproduction unit that acquires, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     In the information processing device according to the first aspect of the present technology, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision is acquired as an unprocessed signal, and high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal is extracted from the unprocessed signal. Then, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision is acquired as a processed signal, and a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information is generated. 
     An imaging device according to the present technology is an imaging device including: an image sensor unit that photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject and outputs a digital signal of an image signal indicating the optical image; a high-precision component extraction unit that acquires, as an unprocessed signal, the digital signal output from the image sensor unit, not subjected to predetermined signal processing, and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal; and a quantization precision reproduction unit that acquires, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     In the imaging device according to the present technology, an optical image of a subject is photoelectrically converted to output a digital signal of an image signal indicating the optical image, then the digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision is acquired as an unprocessed signal, and high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal is extracted from the unprocessed signal. A digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision is acquired as a processed signal, and a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information is generated. 
     An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present technology is an information processing method, in which an information processing device includes a high-precision component extraction unit, and a recording unit, the high-precision component extraction unit acquires, as an unprocessed signal, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal, and the recording unit records, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and also records the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     In the information processing method according to the second aspect of the present technology, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision is acquired as an unprocessed signal, and high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal is extracted from the unprocessed signal. Then, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision is recorded as a processed signal, and the high-precision component information is also recorded. 
     An information processing device according to a third aspect of the present technology is an information processing device including a quantization precision reproduction unit that, on the basis of high-precision component information regarding signal components included in an unprocessed signal that is an M bit length digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing, a processed signal that is an M-L bit length digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal, and an M bit length high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal, generates a reproduction signal that is an M bit length digital signal in which quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to an M bit length. 
     An information processing method according to the third aspect of the present technology is an information processing method, in which an information processing device includes a quantization precision reproduction unit, and, on the basis of high-precision component information regarding signal components included in an unprocessed signal that is an M bit length digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing, a processed signal that is an M-L bit length digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal, and an M bit length high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal, the quantization precision reproduction unit generates a reproduction signal that is an M bit length digital signal in which quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to an M bit length. 
     In the information processing device and information processing method according to the third aspect of the present technology, on the basis of high-precision component information regarding signal components included in an unprocessed signal that is an M bit length digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing, a processed signal that is an M-L bit length digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal, and an M bit length high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal, a reproduction signal that is an M bit length digital signal in which quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to an M bit length is generated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of an information processing device to which the present technology is applied. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a low-precision processing unit and an information processing device. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applicable. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device that does not include a low-precision processing unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a high-precision component extraction unit and a quantization precision reproduction unit of an information processing device. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a low-precision processing unit and the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of a high-precision component extraction unit and a quantization precision reproduction unit of an information processing device. 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a low-precision processing unit and the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 22  illustrates details of processing performed by the information processing device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second embodiment of an information processing device. 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a third embodiment of an information processing device. 
         FIG. 25  is a block diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an imaging device. 
         FIG. 26  is a block diagram illustrating a third configuration example of an imaging device. 
         FIG. 27  is a block diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of an imaging device. 
         FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an information processing device (including a recording unit) and a low-precision processing unit of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reproduction device. 
         FIG. 30  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a quantization precision reproduction unit of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes a series of processing by a program. 
     
    
    
     MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     &lt;&lt; Information Processing Device to which Present Technology Is Applied&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of an information processing device to which the present technology is applied. 
     In  FIG. 1 , a low-precision processing unit  2  performs predetermined signal processing on a digital signal (unprocessed signal) having first quantization precision supplied from a pre-processing unit (not illustrated) and outputs a digital signal (processed signal) having second quantization precision lower than the first quantization precision as a result of the signal processing. The processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2  is not limited to a specific type of processing. 
     Further, the quantization precision of the digital signal is represented by a quantization bit depth of the digital signal, and the quantization precision increases as the quantization bit depth of the digital signal increases, whereas the quantization precision decreases as the quantization bit depth of the digital signal decreases. 
     Herein, the quantization bit depth of the unprocessed signal to be supplied to the low-precision processing unit  2  is set to M bits (M represents an integer of  2  or more), and the quantization bit depth of the processed signal to be output from the low-precision processing unit  2  is set to M-L bits (L represents an integer of  1  or more and less than M). Further, the quantization bit depth will be referred to as “bit length”, and, for example, a digital signal having the quantization bit depth of M bits will be referred to as “M bit length digital signal”. 
     &lt;Information Processing Device  10 &gt; 
     An information processing device  10  is provided so as to acquire the unprocessed signal to be supplied to the low-precision processing unit  2  and the processed signal to be output from the low-precision processing unit  2 . 
     The information processing device  10  includes a high-precision component extraction unit  12  and a quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . Note that the low-precision processing unit  2  may also be a component of the information processing device  10 . 
     &lt;High-Precision Component Extraction Unit  12 &gt; 
     The high-precision component extraction unit  12  acquires the same signal as the M bit length unprocessed signal supplied from the pre-processing unit to the low-precision processing unit  2 . The high-precision component extraction unit  12  may acquire the unprocessed signal through a supply path branching off from a supply path of the unprocessed signal from the pre-processing unit to the low-precision processing unit  2  or may directly acquire the same signal as the unprocessed signal from the pre-processing unit. 
     The high-precision component extraction unit  12  extracts high-precision component information from the acquired unprocessed signal and supplies the extracted high-precision component information to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . 
     The high-precision component information refers to information regarding a signal component included in the unprocessed signal, in other words, information regarding a waveform of the unprocessed signal. More specifically, the high-precision component information refers to information regarding a signal component that appears in the unprocessed signal having first quantization precision (M bit length) because data of least significant L bits that disappears in the digital signal having the second quantization precision (M-L bit length) exists. &lt;Quantization Precision Reproduction Unit  14 &gt; 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  acquires the M-L bit length processed signal output from the low-precision processing unit  2 . Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  generates a digital signal (reproduction signal) in which the quantization precision of the processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  is reproduced from the M-L bit length to the M bit length on the basis of the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  supplies the generated M bit length reproduction signal to a post-processing unit (not illustrated). 
     The information processing device  10  of  FIG. 1  can acquire the high-precision component information from the unprocessed signal not processed yet in the low-precision processing unit  2  and having high quantization precision and use the high-precision component information in the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 , thereby enabling high-precision quantization precision reproduction (reduction in quantization error) that cannot be conventionally realized. 
     That is, by using the high-precision component information, the information processing device  10  can not only increase the quantization precision of the processed signal but also generate an appropriate reproduction signal having a reduced quantization error. In other words, an M bit length processed signal, which is generated on the assumption that the quantization precision is not reduced in the low-precision processing unit  2 , is generated as the reproduction signal. 
     &lt;&lt;Information Processing Procedure&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2  and the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In step S 10 , the low-precision processing unit  2  and the high-precision component extraction unit  12  take in an M bit length unprocessed signal from the pre-processing unit. The processing proceeds from step S 10  to steps S 12  and S 14 . 
     In step S 12 , the high-precision component extraction unit  12  extracts high-precision component information from the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 10 . The high-precision component extraction unit  12  supplies the extracted high-precision component information to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The processing proceeds from step S 12  to step S 16 . 
     Meanwhile, in step S 14 , the low-precision processing unit  2  performs predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 10  and supplies an M-L bit length processed signal to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The processing proceeds from step S 14  to step S 16 . 
     In step S 16 , the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 14  is reproduced (restored) to the M bit length on the basis of the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12  in step S 12 . Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  supplies the generated M bit length reproduction signal to the post-processing unit. Thereafter, the processing returns from step S 16  to step S 10 , and the processing in steps S 10  to S 16  is repeated. 
     &lt;&lt; Configuration Example of Imaging Device to Which Present Technology is Applicable&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applicable. 
     In  FIG. 3 , an imaging device  20  includes a lens  22 , an image sensor unit  24 , a signal processing unit  26 , a gamma correction unit  32 , and an output processing unit  34 . 
     &lt;Lens  22 &gt; 
     The lens  22  collects light entering the lens  22  on the image sensor unit  24  to form an optical image of a subject. 
     &lt;Image Sensor Unit  24 &gt; 
     The image sensor unit  24  includes a solid-state imaging element (not illustrated) and causes the solid-state imaging element to photoelectrically convert the optical image of the subject formed by the lens  22 , thereby generating an image signal indicating the optical image of the subject. Further, the image sensor unit  24  includes an A/D converter (not illustrated) and converts the image signal from an analog signal to an N bit length (N is an integer of 1 or more) digital signal. Then, the image sensor unit  24  supplies the image signal converted into the N bit length digital signal to the signal processing unit  26 . 
     Note that the lens  22  and the image sensor unit  24  are not limited to specific configurations. The solid-state imaging element of the image sensor unit  24  may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charged coupled device (CCD) image sensor and is not limited to a specific type. Further, the image sensor unit  24  may include a single solid-state imaging element having an imaging surface provided with a color filter or may include, for example, a plurality of solid-state imaging elements for R, G, and B, respectively. Further, the image signal output from the image sensor unit  24  may be a moving image signal or a still image signal. 
     &lt;Signal Processing Unit  26 &gt;The signal processing unit  26  includes a high-precision processing unit  28  and a low-precision processing unit  30 . 
     The high-precision processing unit  28  is a processing unit (circuit) having higher quantization precision than the low-precision processing unit  30 . The quantization precision of the processing unit indicates the quantization precision (quantization bit depth) of a digital signal output by the processing unit. 
     The high-precision processing unit  28  has the quantization precision of an M bit length (M is an integer of N or more) with respect to the N bit length image signal supplied from the image sensor unit  24  and performs signal processing having the quantization precision of the M bit length on the image signal as high-quality processing. 
     Meanwhile, the low-precision processing unit  30  has lower quantization precision than the high-precision processing unit  28  and has the quantization precision of an M-L bit length (L is an integer of 1 or more and less than M). The low-precision processing unit  30  corresponds to the low-precision processing unit  2  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The high-precision processing unit  28  performs signal processing having the quantization precision of M bit length on the N bit length image signal supplied from the image sensor unit  24  and supplies the M bit length image signal to the low-precision processing unit  30  as a result of the signal processing. 
     The low-precision processing unit  30  performs predetermined signal processing on the M bit length image signal supplied from the high-precision processing unit  28  and supplies the M-L bit length image signal to the gamma correction unit  32  as a result of the signal processing. 
     Herein, the high-precision processing unit  28  performs basic signal processing (image processing) regarding characteristics of the image sensor unit  24 , such as white balance adjustment, sensitivity adjustment, and color adjustment, for example. 
     Meanwhile, the low-precision processing unit  30  performs signal processing (image processing) that is not performed by the high-precision processing unit  28 , such as resolution conversion, color conversion, noise reduction, and enhancement, for example. Note that the low-precision processing unit  30  performs the signal processing while prioritizing reduction of power consumption and acceleration of processing over quality. Further, the low-precision processing unit  30  can be provided as an external signal processing unit connected to the imaging device  20  via a cable or the like. 
     &lt;Gamma Correction Unit  32 &gt; 
     The gamma correction unit  32  corrects a grayscale characteristic so that the M-L bit length image signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  30  has an inverse characteristic of a gamma characteristic of an output device such as a monitor or printer. Then, the gamma correction unit  32  supplies the corrected M-L bit length image signal to the output processing unit  34 . 
     &lt;Output Processing Unit  34 &gt; 
     The output processing unit  34  converts the M-L bit length image signal supplied from the gamma correction unit  32  into an output signal in a final signal output format and supplies the converted output signal to the output device (not illustrated). 
     &lt;Comparison with Imaging Device that Does Not Include Low-Precision Processing Unit  30 &gt; 
     Herein,  FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device  21  in which the signal processing unit  26  does not include the low-precision processing unit  30  in the imaging device  20  of  FIG. 3 . Note that, in  FIG. 4 , parts corresponding to the parts of the imaging device  20  in  FIG. 3  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in a case where the signal processing unit  26  does not include the low-precision processing unit  30 , the high-precision processing unit  28  further performs the signal processing in the low-precision processing unit  30 , and an M bit length image signal is supplied from the signal processing unit  26  to the gamma correction unit  32 . 
     Then, the gamma correction unit  32  performs gamma correction on the M bit length image signal supplied from the signal processing unit  26  and supplies the corrected M bit length image signal to the output processing unit  34 . 
     The output processing unit  34  converts the M bit length image signal supplied from the gamma correction unit  32  into an output signal in a predetermined format and supplies the converted output signal to the output device. 
     In a case where the signal processing unit  26  does not include the low-precision processing unit  30  as in the imaging device  21  of  FIG. 4 , the output processing unit  34  generates an output signal to be supplied to the output device on the basis of the M bit length image signal. 
     Meanwhile, in a case where the signal processing unit  26  includes the low-precision processing unit  30  as in the imaging device  20  of  FIG. 3 , the output processing unit  34  generates an output signal to be supplied to the output device on the basis of the M-L bit length image signal. Therefore, in a case where the signal processing unit  26  includes the low-precision processing unit  30 , reduction in the quantization precision of the image signal may adversely affect an output result of the output device (may reduce image quality), as compared with a case where the signal processing unit  26  does not include the low-precision processing unit  30 . 
     For example, in a case where a signal is greatly amplified by gain adjustment or gamma correction, data of least significant bits is increased to most significant bits. As a result, a signal having an insufficient grayscale is obtained. 
     Therefore, in a case where the signal processing unit  26  includes the low-precision processing unit  30  as in the imaging device  20  of  FIG. 3 , the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 1  is applicable to the imaging device  20 . By applying the information processing device  10  to the imaging device  20 , it is possible to reproduce the quantization precision of the M-L bit length image signal output from the low-precision processing unit  30  to the quantization precision of the M bit length. This makes it possible to reduce the adverse effect on the output result caused by the reduction in the quantization precision because of the low-precision processing unit  30 . 
     &lt;&lt; First Configuration Example of Imaging Device to which Present Technology is Applied&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied. 
     That is,  FIG. 5  illustrates a configuration example of an imaging device  11  to which the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 1  is applied to the imaging device  20  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Note that, in  FIG. 5 , parts corresponding to the parts of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 1  and the imaging device  20  in  FIG. 3  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the low-precision processing unit  30  in the signal processing unit  26  corresponds to the low-precision processing unit  2  of  FIG. 1 . 
     &lt;High-Precision Component Extraction Unit  12 &gt; 
     The high-precision component extraction unit  12  of the information processing device  10  acquires an M bit length image signal supplied from the high-precision processing unit  28  to the low-precision processing unit  30  as an unprocessed signal. 
     Then, the high-precision component extraction unit  12  extracts high-precision component information from the acquired M bit length unprocessed signal and supplies the extracted high-precision component information to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . 
     &lt;Quantization Precision Reproduction Unit  14 &gt; 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  acquires an M-L bit length image signal output from the low-precision processing unit  30  as a processed signal. 
     Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  generates an image signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced from the M-L bit length to the M bit length on the basis of the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  supplies the generated M bit length image signal to the gamma correction unit  32  as a reproduction signal. 
     According to the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 5 , the M-L bit length image signal (processed signal) output from the low-precision processing unit  30  is formed into the M bit length image signal (reproduction signal) by the information processing device  10 . That is, the reproduction signal having the same quantization precision as the unprocessed signal output from the high-precision processing unit  28  is restored. Therefore, even in a case where the imaging device  20  includes the low-precision processing unit  30 , the adverse effects such as reduction in image quality in the output device are reduced. 
     Further, because the low-precision processing unit can be used as a part of a system, improvement in flexibility of system construction by a user and optimization of cost can be expected. Further, by using an existing low-precision processing unit instead of waiting for development of a new device or the like, it is possible to early operate the system or put the system on the market, thereby contributing to development of the industry. 
     &lt;&lt; Specific Configuration Example of Information processing device  10 &gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 1 . 
     Note that the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  in  FIG. 5  are configured as in  FIG. 6 . Further, for example, an image signal output by the high-precision processing unit  28  of  FIG. 5  is employed as an unprocessed signal having M bits. 
     &lt;High-Precision Component Extraction Unit  12 &gt; 
     The high-precision component extraction unit  12  includes a high-frequency component extraction unit  40 . The high-frequency component extraction unit  40  acquires an M bit length unprocessed signal to be supplied to the low-precision processing unit  2 . 
     Then, the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  extracts high-frequency components from the acquired M bit length unprocessed signal and supplies the extracted high-frequency components to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  as the high-precision component information. 
     &lt;Quantization Precision Reproduction Unit  14 &gt; 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  includes a low-frequency component extraction unit  42  and an α blending unit  44 . 
     The low-frequency component extraction unit  42  acquires an M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . 
     Then, the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  extracts low-frequency components from the acquired M-L bit length processed signal and supplies the extracted low-frequency components to the a blending unit  44  as an M bit length digital signal (precision reproduction signal). The M bit length precision reproduction signal is a high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal and having high quantization precision. 
     Note that the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  generates the M bit length precision reproduction signal by adding L bits as least significant bits of the M-L bit length processed signal to generate an M bit length processed signal and performing processing of extracting low-frequency components from the M bit length processed signal. However, the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  may generate a processed signal having a quantization bit depth greater than the M bit length and perform the processing of extracting low-frequency components or may generate a precision reproduction signal having a quantization bit depth greater than the M bit length. 
     The a blending unit  44  takes in (a signal level of) the processed signal A supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2 , (a signal level of) the precision reproduction signal B supplied from the low-frequency component extraction unit  42 , and (a signal level of) the high-frequency components α supplied from the high-frequency component extraction unit  40 . 
     Then, the α blending unit  44  calculates (generates) (a sample value of) a reproduction signal O by Expression (1) below in which the high-frequency components α serve as a blending coefficient (combination ratio) of α blending (combination). 
         O=A·α+B ·(1−α)   (1)
 
     According to Expression (1) described above, the a blending unit  44  outputs an M bit length reproduction signal having, as a sample value, the value O calculated for each sample value A of the processed signal. 
     Herein, the processed signal A has low quantization precision but contains a large number of high-frequency components. In a case where the unprocessed signal does not have a smooth gradation signal waveform, that is, in a case where the unprocessed signal contains a large number of high-frequency components, it is desirable to use a large number of processed signals A in order to calculate the reproduction signal O. 
     Meanwhile, the precision reproduction signal B is a signal in which the high-frequency components are attenuated. In a case where the unprocessed signal has a smooth gradation signal waveform, it is desirable to use a large number of precision reproduction signals B in order to calculate the reproduction signal O. 
     Therefore, in a case where the high-frequency components α of the unprocessed signal are small, that is, in a case where a change amount of the unprocessed signal is small, the α blending unit  44  increases a proportion of the precision reproduction signals B in the reproduction signal O and actively performs precision reproduction. Meanwhile, in a case where the high-frequency components α of the unprocessed signal are large, that is, in a case where the change amount of the unprocessed signal is large, the a blending unit  44  increases a proportion of the processed signals A in the reproduction signal O, thereby restraining deterioration of the reproduction signal O caused by attenuation of the high-frequency components. 
     &lt;&lt;Information Processing Procedure&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2  and the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 6 . 
     In step S 20 , the low-precision processing unit  2  and the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  take in an M bit length unprocessed signal from the pre-processing unit (e.g., the high-precision processing unit  28  in  FIG. 5 ). The processing proceeds from step S 20  to steps S 22  and S 24 . 
     In step S 22 , the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  extracts high-frequency components from the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 20 . The high-frequency component extraction unit  40  supplies the extracted high-frequency components (high-precision component information) to the α blending unit  44  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The processing proceeds from step S 22  to step S 28 . 
     Meanwhile, in step S 24 , the low-precision processing unit  2  performs predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 20  and supplies an M-L bit length processed signal to the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  and the a blending unit  44  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The processing proceeds from step S 24  to step S 26 . 
     In step S 26 , the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  extracts M bit length low-frequency components from the M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 24 . The low-frequency component extraction unit  42  supplies the extracted low-frequency components to the α blending unit  44  as an M bit length precision reproduction signal. The processing proceeds from step S 26  to step S 28 . 
     In step S 28 , the a blending unit  44  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  calculates Expression (1) by using the high-frequency components a supplied from the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  in step S 22 , the M-L bit length processed signal A supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 24 , and the precision reproduction signal B supplied from the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  in step S 26 , thereby calculating a reproduction signal O. Thus, the M bit length reproduction signal O is generated. 
     The a blending unit  44  supplies the generated M bit length reproduction signal O to the post-processing unit (e.g., the gamma correction unit  32  in  FIG. 5 ). Then, the processing returns from step S 28  to step S 20 , and the processing in steps S 20  to S 28  is repeated. 
     &lt;&lt; Details of Processing&gt;&gt; 
     Next, the processing in the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 6  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 14 . 
     In  FIGS. 8 to 14 , each horizontal axis represents time, and each vertical axis represents a signal level. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an analog signal that has not yet been converted into a digital signal and serves as an unprocessed signal to be supplied to the low-precision processing unit  2 . In the analog signal of  FIG. 8 , the signal level increases linearly in a period a and increases stepwise in a period b. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the unprocessed signal serving as an M bit length digital signal into which the analog signal of  FIG. 8  is converted. In  FIG. 9 , as well as in  FIG. 8 , there is a clear difference between a waveform in the period a and a waveform in the period b in the quantization precision of the M bit length. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an M-L bit length processed signal obtained by subjecting the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9  to the signal processing in the low-precision processing unit  2 . Note that, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that there is no change in the waveforms due to the signal processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2 . In  FIG. 10 , both the waveform in the period a and the waveform in the period b of the processed signal are stepwise waveforms due to reduction in the quantization precision from the M bit length to the M-L bit length. Thus, the difference between the waveform in the period a and the waveform in the period b is unclear. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a reproduction signal obtained in a case where the quantization precision of the processed signal in  FIG. 10  is reproduced from the M-L bit length to the M bit length without applying the present technology. In  FIG. 11 , in a case where the present technology is not applied, the quantization precision is reproduced by, for example, linear interpolation only on the basis of information included in the processed signal of  FIG. 10 , and therefore substantially the same waveforms are reproduced (generated) in the period a and the period b as the reproduction signal of  FIG. 11 . The waveform in the period a and the waveform in the period b of the reproduction signal is supposed to be different as in the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9 . Therefore, the reproduction signal of  FIG. 11  is not appropriate. Further, although the quantization precision of the processed signal of  FIG. 10  is increased from the M-L bit length to the M bit length, the reproduction signal of  FIG. 11  is not an appropriate reproduction signal having a reduced quantization error. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates high-frequency components extracted by the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  from the M bit length unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9 . According to the high-frequency components of  FIG. 12 , there is a small number of high-frequency components of the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9  in the period a, and therefore the signal level of the high-frequency components indicates a substantially constant value and a substantially zero value. 
     Meanwhile, there are a large number of high-frequency components in a stepwise part of the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9  in the period b of  FIG. 12 , and therefore the signal level of the high-frequency components greatly fluctuates. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates M bit length low-frequency components (precision reproduction signal) extracted by the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  from the M-L bit length processed signal of  FIG. 10 . 
     Herein, there will be described the meaning of Expression (1) described above (O=A·α+B·(1−α)) used for calculating the reproduction signal O in the α blending unit  44 . The α blending unit  44  takes in (the signal level of) the M-L bit length processed signal A of  FIG. 10 , (the signal level of) the precision reproduction signal B of  FIG. 13 , and (the signal level of) the high-frequency components α of the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 12 . 
     At this time, low-frequency components of the reproduction signal O is the precision reproduction signal B serving as low-frequency components of the processed signal. 
     Meanwhile, it is estimated that high-frequency components of the reproduction signal O are proportional to a difference (A−B) between the processed signal A and the precision reproduction signal B and are also proportional to the high-frequency components α of the unprocessed signal. Thus, the high-frequency components thereof are (A−B)·α. 
     Then, the reproduction signal O is obtained by adding the precision reproduction signal B serving as the low-frequency components of the reproduction signal O and the high-frequency components (A−B)·α of the reproduction signal O. Thus, O=B+(A−B)·α=A·α+B·(1−α) is satisfied, and therefore Expression (1) described above is derived. 
     Therefore, Expression (1) means that the reproduction signal O is calculated by adding the low-frequency components (precision reproduction signal) B and the high-frequency components (B−A)·α of the reproduction signal O. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the reproduction signal O output from the α blending unit  44  with respect to the processed signal A of  FIG. 10 , the high-frequency components α of  FIG. 12 , and the precision reproduction signal B of  FIG. 13 . The reproduction signal O of  FIG. 14  in the period a substantially matches the precision reproduction signal B in the period a of  FIG. 13  and also substantially matches the unprocessed signal in the period a of  FIG. 9 . This result is caused by the following facts: the unprocessed signal in the period a of  FIG. 9  has a linear waveform; and the high-frequency components α in the period a of  FIG. 12  have a substantially zero value. 
     Meanwhile, the reproduction signal O of  FIG. 14  in the period b substantially matches the unprocessed signal in the period b of  FIG. 9 . This result is caused by a fact that, because a large number of high-frequency components α exist in the period b of  FIG. 12 , the stepwise waveform of the unprocessed signal in the period b of  FIG. 9  is reflected when the reproduction signal O is calculated by Expression (1) described above. 
     As described above, the reproduction signal O of  FIG. 14  output from the α blending unit  44  has waveforms in which the waveforms in the periods a and b of the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 9  are reflected. Thus, the reproduction signal O is an appropriate reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is increased and the quantization error is reduced. 
     Note that the high-frequency components extracted by the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  are not directly set as the a value in the a blending unit  44 , and instead a value obtained by adjusting a magnitude of the high-frequency components may be set as the α value. 
     &lt;&lt; Another Specific Configuration Example of Information Processing Device  10 &gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 1 . 
     Note that the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  in  FIG. 5  are configured as in  FIG. 15 . Further, for example, an image signal output by the high-precision processing unit  28  of  FIG. 5  is employed as an unprocessed signal having M bits. 
     &lt;High-Precision Component Extraction Unit  12 &gt; 
     The high-precision component extraction unit  12  includes a rounding unit  50 , a subtraction unit  52 , and a division unit  54 . 
     The rounding unit  50  acquires an M bit length unprocessed signal supplied from the pre-processing unit to the low-precision processing unit  2 . 
     Then, the rounding unit  50  removes least significant L bits of the acquired M bit length unprocessed signal, thereby generating an M-L bit length digital signal (reference signal). 
     The rounding unit  50  supplies the generated M-L bit length reference signal to the subtraction unit  52  and the division unit  54 . The M-L bit length reference signal indicates a digital signal obtained by reducing the quantization precision of the M bit length unprocessed signal to the M-L bit length. 
     The subtraction unit  52  subtracts (a signal level of) the M-L bit length reference signal supplied from the rounding unit  50  from (a signal level of) the M bit length unprocessed signal to be supplied to the low-precision processing unit  2 , thereby calculating a difference between the unprocessed signal and the reference signal. 
     Then, the subtraction unit  52  supplies the calculated difference to the division unit  54  as an M bit length digital signal. The difference indicates an error occurring when the quantization precision of the unprocessed signal is reduced from the M bit length to the M-L bit length. 
     The division unit  54  acquires the reference signal (signal level) B from the rounding unit  50  and acquires the difference (signal level) A from the subtraction unit  52 . 
     Then, the division unit  54  divides the difference A by the reference signal B, thereby generating an M bit length ratio signal indicating a ratio of the difference A to the reference signal B. 
     The division unit  54  supplies the generated ratio signal to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  as the high-precision component information. The ratio signal supplied from the division unit  54  to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  is a signal corresponding to the high-frequency components α supplied from the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
     Note that, because the division unit  54  obtains the ratio signal (normalizes the difference), even in a case where the processed signal is greatly changed from the unprocessed signal by gain calculation or the like in the low-precision processing unit  2 , it is possible to generate a more accurate reproduction signal that is not affected by such a great change. 
     Further, a reason why the difference A is divided not by the unprocessed signal but by the reference signal B in the division unit  54  is that, because the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  reproduces the quantization precision on the basis of the M-L bit length processed signal, the division unit  54  performs normalization also by using a signal rounded to the M-L bit length and can therefore generate an accurate reproduction signal. 
     &lt;Quantization Precision Reproduction Unit  14 &gt; 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  includes a multiplication unit  56 , an adjustment processing unit  58 , and an addition unit  60 . 
     The multiplication unit  56  multiplies the processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  by the ratio signal supplied from the division unit  54 , thereby generating an M bit length high-precision signal in which a minute change of the unprocessed signal is reflected. 
     Then, the multiplication unit  56  supplies the generated high-precision signal to the adjustment processing unit  58 . 
     The adjustment processing unit  58  performs adjustment processing such as gain adjustment, offset, and filtering on the M bit length high-precision signal supplied from the multiplication unit  56  and supplies the M bit length high-precision signal subjected to the adjustment processing to the addition unit  60 . Note that the adjustment processing unit  58  may not be provided, and the high-precision signal may be directly supplied from the multiplication unit  56  to the addition unit  60 . Further, the M bit length high-precision signal supplied from the multiplication unit  56  to the addition unit  60  is a signal (high-precision digital signal) generated from the processed signal and having high quantization precision and is a signal corresponding to the precision reproduction signal B serving as the high-precision digital signal supplied from the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  to the a blending unit  44  in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
     The addition unit  60  adds (combines) the M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  and the M bit length high-precision signal supplied from the adjustment processing unit  58 , thereby generating an M bit length reproduction signal. 
     Then, the addition unit  60  outputs the generated M bit length reproduction signal to the post-processing unit. Note that the processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  to the addition unit  60 , the high-precision signal supplied from the multiplication unit  56  to the addition unit  60 , and the ratio signal supplied from the division unit  54  to the multiplication unit  56  correspond to the processed signal A supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  to the α blending unit  44 , the precision reproduction signal B supplied from the low-frequency component extraction unit  42  to the α blending unit  44 , and the high-frequency components α supplied from the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  to the α blending unit  44 , respectively, in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . Therefore, the multiplication unit  56  and the addition unit  60  are processing units corresponding to the a blending unit  44  in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
     &lt;&lt;Information Processing Procedure&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2  and the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 15 . 
     In step S 40 , the low-precision processing unit  2  and the rounding unit  50  and the subtraction unit  52  of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  take in an M bit length digital signal (unprocessed signal) from the pre-processing unit. The processing proceeds from step S 40  to steps S 42  and S 48 . 
     In step S 42 , the rounding unit  50  of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  performs rounding for removing least significant L bits from the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 40 , thereby generating an M-L bit length reference signal. Then, the rounding unit  50  supplies the generated reference signal to the subtraction unit  52  and the division unit  54 . The processing proceeds from step S 42  to step S 44 . 
     In step S 44 , the subtraction unit  52  of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  subtracts the reference signal supplied from the rounding unit  50  in step S 42  from the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 40 , thereby calculating a difference between the unprocessed signal and the reference signal. Then, the subtraction unit  52  supplies the calculated difference to the division unit  54 . The processing proceeds from step S 44  to step S 46 . 
     In step S 46 , the division unit  54  of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  divides the difference supplied from the subtraction unit  52  in step 
     S 44  by the reference signal supplied from the rounding unit  50  in step S 42 , thereby generating an M bit length ratio signal. Then, the division unit  54  supplies the generated ratio signal to the multiplication unit  56  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  as the high-precision component information. The processing proceeds from step S 46  to step S 50 . 
     Meanwhile, in step S 48 , the low-precision processing unit  2  performs predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 40  and supplies an M-L bit length processed signal indicating a processing result to the multiplication unit  56  and the addition unit  60  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The processing proceeds from step S 48  to step S 50 . 
     In step S 50 , the multiplication unit  56  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  multiplies the processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 48  by the ratio signal supplied from the division unit  54  in step S 46 , thereby generating an M bit length high-precision signal. Then, the multiplication unit  56  supplies the generated high-precision signal to the adjustment processing unit  58 . The processing proceeds from step S 50  to step S 52 . 
     In step S 52 , the adjustment processing unit  58  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  performs predetermined adjustment processing on the M bit length high-precision signal supplied from the multiplication unit  56  in step S 50  and supplies the M bit length high-precision signal subjected to the adjustment processing to the addition unit  60 . The processing proceeds from step S 52  to step S 54 . 
     In step S 54 , the addition unit  60  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  adds the M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 48  and the M bit length high-precision signal supplied from the adjustment processing unit  58  in step S 52 . The addition unit  60  generates an M bit length reproduction signal by the addition and outputs the reproduction signal to the post-processing unit. Then, the processing returns from step S 54  to step S 40 , and the processing in steps S 40  to S 54  is repeated. 
     &lt;&lt; Details of Processing&gt;&gt; 
     Next, the processing in the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 15  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 22 . 
     In  FIGS. 17 to 22 , each horizontal axis represents time, and each vertical axis represents a signal level. 
       FIG. 17 , as well as  FIG. 9 , illustrates an unprocessed signal serving as an M bit length digital signal into which the analog signal of  FIG. 8  is converted. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a reference signal generated by the rounding unit  50  of  FIG. 15  from the unprocessed signal of  FIG. 17 . Further, the reference signal of  FIG. 18  corresponds to the M-L bit length processed signal subjected to the signal processing in the low-precision processing unit  2  and then output from the low-precision processing unit  2 . Note that, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that there is no change in the waveforms due to the signal processing performed by the low-precision processing unit  2 . In  FIG. 18 , both the waveform in the period a and the waveform in the period b of the processed signal are stepwise waveforms due to reduction in the quantization precision from the M bit length to the M-L bit length. Thus, a difference between the waveform in the period a and the waveform in the period b is unclear. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a difference between the unprocessed signal and the reference signal calculated by the subtraction unit  52 . In  FIG. 19 , signal components that disappear from the unprocessed signal due to the reduction in the quantization precision of the unprocessed signal from the M bit length to the M-L bit length are extracted. In the period a, because the quantization precision of the unprocessed signal is reduced from the M bit length to the M-L bits, the waveform of the unprocessed signal changes from a linear waveform to a stepwise waveform, and thus a sawtooth waveform appears. Meanwhile, in the period b, even in a case where the quantization precision of the unprocessed signal is reduced from the M bit length to the M-L bits, the waveform of the unprocessed signal does not substantially change and therefore indicates a substantially zero value. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a ratio signal output from the division unit  54 . In the ratio signal of  FIG. 20 , the reference signal (see  FIG. 18 ) gradually increases stepwise in the period a, and therefore the sawtooth waveform of the difference in the period a of  FIG. 19  decreases stepwise for each wave. Meanwhile, in the ratio signal of  FIG. 20 , because the difference is substantially zero in the period b of  FIG. 19 , the ratio signal is also substantially zero in the period b of  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates the high-precision signal calculated by the multiplication unit  56  of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The high-precision signal of  FIG. 21  has the same waveform as the signal indicating the difference of  FIG. 19 . This result is obtained because the reference signal generated by the rounding unit  50  and the processed signal generated by the low-precision processing unit  2  in  FIG. 18  have the same waveform. In a case where the waveform of the processed signal is different from that of the reference signal due to the signal processing in the low-precision processing unit  2 , the waveform of the high-precision signal in  FIG. 21  is also different from that of the difference in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the reproduction signal generated by the addition unit  60 . Note that an influence of the processing performed by the adjustment processing unit  58  is not considered. A waveform of the reproduction signal in  FIG. 22  substantially matches the waveform of the unprocessed signal in  FIG. 17 , and therefore a processed signal (substantially) similar to a signal obtained in a case where the processing in the low-precision processing unit  2  is performed by using the M bit length, instead of using the reduced M-L bit length, is reproduced. That is, the reproduction signal generated by the addition unit  60  and output from the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  is an appropriate reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is increased and the quantization error is reduced. 
     &lt;&lt; Second Embodiment of Information Processing Device&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 23  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second embodiment of an information processing device to which the present technology is applied. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 23 , parts corresponding to the parts of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     The information processing device  10  of  FIG. 23  includes the high-precision component extraction unit  12 , the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 , and a noise reduction unit  70 . Therefore, the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 23  is the same as that of  FIG. 1  in that the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  are provided. However, the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 23  is different from that of  FIG. 1  in that the noise reduction unit  70  is newly provided. 
     In  FIG. 23 , the noise reduction unit  70  is arranged before the high-precision component extraction unit  12  of the information processing device  10 . 
     The noise reduction unit  70  acquires an M bit length unprocessed signal supplied from the pre-processing unit to the low-precision processing unit  2 . 
     Then, the noise reduction unit  70  removes noise included in the acquired unprocessed signal by using a median filter or the like and supplies a digital signal from which the noise has been removed to the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . 
     According to the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 23 , even in a case where the unprocessed signal includes noise, the noise is removed by the noise reduction unit  70 . Therefore, accurate high-precision component information is extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . 
     &lt;&lt; Third Embodiment of Information Processing Device&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 24  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a third embodiment of an information processing device to which the present technology is applied. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 24 , parts corresponding to the parts of the information processing device  10  in  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be omitted. 
     The information processing device  10  of  FIG. 24  includes the high-precision component extraction unit  12 , an adjustment unit  13 , and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . Therefore, the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 24  is the same as that of  FIG. 1  in that the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  are provided. However, the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 24  is different from that of  FIG. 1  in that the adjustment unit  13  is newly provided. 
     In  FIG. 24 , the adjustment unit  13  is provided between the high-precision component extraction unit  12  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . 
     High-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit  12  is supplied to the adjustment unit  13 . The adjustment unit  13  adjusts a magnitude of high-frequency components and a ratio signal of an unprocessed signal serving as the supplied high-precision component information and supplies the adjusted high-precision component information to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . 
     The adjustment unit  13  performs gain adjustment at a predetermined magnification on the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . Alternatively, the adjustment unit  13  performs normalization processing on the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12  so that the high-precision component information has a signal level falling within a predetermined range. The magnification in the gain adjustment may be a predetermined value or may be a value that can be appropriately set and changed by the user. The range for the normalization may be a range between a predetermined upper limit value and a predetermined lower limit value or may be a range between an upper limit value and a lower limit value that can be appropriately set and changed by the user. 
     Because the adjustment unit  13  is provided, it is possible to adjust a ratio of contribution of the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit  12  to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . Further, for example, in the information processing device  10  of  FIG. 6 , it is possible to adjust a magnitude of the high-frequency components supplied as the high-precision component information from the high-frequency component extraction unit  40  to the a blending unit  44 . 
     &lt;&lt; Second Configuration Example of Imaging Device&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 25  is a block diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 25 , parts corresponding to the parts of the imaging device  11  in  FIG. 5  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     The imaging device  11  of  FIG. 25  includes the information processing device  10 , the lens  22 , the image sensor unit  24 , the signal processing unit  26 , and the output processing unit  34 . Further, the signal processing unit  26  includes the high-precision processing unit  28 , the low-precision processing unit  30 , and the gamma correction unit  32 . Therefore, the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 25  is the same as that of  FIG. 5  in that the information processing device  10 , the lens  22 , the image sensor unit  24 , and the signal processing unit  26  are provided and in that the signal processing unit  26  includes the high-precision processing unit  28  and the low-precision processing unit  30 . However, the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 25  is different from that of  FIG. 5  in that the gamma correction unit  32  is provided in the signal processing unit  26  instead of in the imaging device  11 . 
     In  FIG. 25 , the gamma correction unit  32  is arranged after the low-precision processing unit  30  of the signal processing unit  26 , and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  is arranged after the gamma correction unit  32 . 
     An M-L bit length image signal (processed signal) subjected to the signal processing by the low-precision processing unit  30  is supplied to the gamma correction unit  32 . 
     The gamma correction unit  32  performs gamma correction processing on the processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  30  and supplies an M-L bit length digital signal (processed signal) to the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  as a processing result. 
     As in  FIG. 5 , the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  reproduces the quantization precision of the processed signal supplied from the gamma correction unit  32  to an M bit length, thereby generating an M bit length reproduction signal. Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  supplies the generated reproduction signal to the output processing unit  34 . 
     In the gamma correction, gain-up is generally performed in particular in a region having a low signal level, and therefore data of least significant bits is increased to most significant bits. Thus, a grayscale of an image tends to be insufficient, and reduction in the quantization precision tends to be visually recognized from the image. As to the above point, the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  reproduces the quantization precision to the M bit length with respect to the image signal subjected to the gamma correction, thereby improving signal quality and solving the insufficiency of the grayscale of the image. 
     &lt;&lt; Third Configuration Example of Imaging Device&gt;&gt; 
     In the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 5 , the gamma correction unit  32  and the output processing unit  34  are arranged after the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10 . However, a destination to which a reproduction signal generated by the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  is supplied is not limited to a specific processing unit. 
       FIG. 26  is a block diagram illustrating a third configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 26 , parts corresponding to the parts of the imaging device  11  in  FIG. 5  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     The imaging device  11  of  FIG. 26  includes the information processing device  10 , the lens  22 , the image sensor unit  24 , the signal processing unit  26 , and a recording unit  80 . Therefore, the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 26  is the same as that of  FIG. 5  in that the information processing device  10 , the lens  22 , the image sensor unit  24 , and the signal processing unit  26  are provided. However, the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 26  is different from that of  FIG. 5  in that the gamma correction unit  32  and the output processing unit  34  are not provided and the recording unit  80  is newly provided. 
     As compared with the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 5 , the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 26  does not include the gamma correction unit  32  or the output processing unit  34  of  FIG. 5  and includes the recording unit  80  arranged after the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 . The quantization precision reproduction unit  14  supplies the generated reproduction signal to the recording unit  80  and causes the recording unit  80  to record the reproduction signal (on a recording medium (not illustrated)). Note that a configuration in which a reproduction signal is recorded in the recording unit can be employed not only in the imaging device  20  but also in the information processing device  10 . 
     &lt;&lt; Fourth Configuration Example of Imaging Device&gt;&gt; 
     In the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 26 , a reproduction signal supplied from the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  of the information processing device  10  is recorded in the recording unit  80 . However, an M-L bit length processed signal output from the low-precision processing unit  30  and high-precision component information of the high-precision component extraction unit  12  may be recorded in the recording unit  80 . 
       FIG. 27  is a block diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 27 , parts corresponding to the parts of the imaging device  11  in  FIG. 26  are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. 
     In  FIG. 27 , the information processing device  10  does not include the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  and includes only the high-precision component extraction unit  12 . Then, the M-L bit length processed signal output from the low-precision processing unit  30  and the high-precision component information output from the high-precision component extraction unit  12  are recorded in the recording unit  80 . Note that the recording unit  80  may be a component of the information processing device  10 . 
     Note that a greater amount of information can be reduced in a case where the processed signal and the high-precision component information are recorded in the recording unit  80  as in  FIG. 27  than in a case where the reproduction signal is recorded as in  FIG. 26 . Because the amount of information recorded in the recording unit  80  is reduced, it is possible to store information for a long time in the same storage medium. 
       FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device  10  and the low-precision processing unit  30  in a case where the recording unit  80  of  FIG. 27  is a component of the information processing device  10 . 
     In step S 70 , the low-precision processing unit  30  and the high-precision component extraction unit  12  take in an M bit length unprocessed signal from the pre-processing unit (e.g., the high-precision processing unit  28  in  FIG. 27 ). The processing proceeds from step S 70  to steps S 72  and S 74 . 
     In step S 72 , the high-precision component extraction unit  12  extracts high-precision component information from the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 70 . The high-precision component extraction unit  12  supplies the extracted high-precision component information to the recording unit  80 . The processing proceeds from step S 72  to step S 76 . 
     Meanwhile, in step S 74 , the low-precision processing unit  30  performs predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal taken in in step S 70  and supplies an M-L bit length processed signal to the recording unit  80 . The processing proceeds from step S 74  to step S 76 . 
     In step S 76 , the recording unit  80  records the high-precision component information supplied from the high-precision component extraction unit  12  in step S 72  and the M-L bit length processed signal supplied from the low-precision processing unit  2  in step S 44  on the recording medium while associating the high-precision component information with the M-L bit length processed signal. The processing returns from step S 76  to step S 70 , and the processing in steps S 70  to S 76  is repeated. 
     &lt;&lt; Configuration Example of Reproduction device&gt;&gt; 
       FIG. 29  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reproduction device to which the present technology is applied. 
     A reproduction device  100  includes a quantization precision reproduction unit  114 , a gamma correction unit  132 , and an output processing unit  134 . The quantization precision reproduction unit  114 , the gamma correction unit  132 , and the output processing unit  134  perform similar processing to that of the quantization precision reproduction unit  14 , the gamma correction unit  32 , and the output processing unit  34  of  FIG. 5 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 29 , an M-L bit length processed signal and high-precision component information are recorded in the recording unit  180  as well as in the recording unit  80  of  FIG. 27 . 
     The quantization precision reproduction unit  114  reads the M-L bit length processed signal and the high-precision component information recorded in the recording unit  180 . Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  reproduces the quantization precision of the M-L bit length processed signal to an M bit length on the basis of the high-precision component information and supplies an M bit length reproduction signal to the gamma correction unit  132 . 
     The configurations of  FIGS. 27 and 29  can be employed in the information processing device  10 . 
     Further, the reproduction device  100  of  FIG. 29  can be provided in the imaging device  11  of  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 30  is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  of  FIG. 29 . 
     In step S 80 , the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  reads an M-L bit length processed signal and high-precision component information recorded in the recording unit  180 . The processing proceeds from step S 80  to step S 82 . 
     In step S 82 , the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the M-L bit length processed signal read from the recording unit  180  in step S 80  is reproduced (restored) to the M bit length on the basis of the high-precision component information read from the recording unit  180  in step S 80 . Then, the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  supplies the generated M bit length reproduction signal to the post-processing unit (e.g., the gamma correction unit  132  in  FIG. 29 ). Thereafter, the processing returns to step S 80 , and the processing in steps S 80  and S 82  is repeated. 
     &lt;Other Embodiments&gt; 
     The present technology is applicable to all information processing devices and information processing methods that process image signals, audio signals, measurement signals, and the like. 
     &lt;Program&gt; 
     Further, part of or the entire series of processing of the information processing device  10 , the high-precision component extraction unit  12 , and the quantization precision reproduction unit  14  in  FIG. 1  and the quantization precision reproduction unit  114  in Fig.  29  can be executed by hardware or software. In a case where the series of processing is executed by software, a program forming the software is installed in a computer. Herein, examples of the computer include a computer built in dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs, and the like. 
       FIG. 31  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes the series of processing described above by a program. A central processing unit (CPU)  201 , a read only memory (ROM)  202 , a random access memory (RAM)  203 , and a bus  204  are connected to each other in the computer. 
     The bus  204  is further connected to an input/output interface  205 . The input/output interface  205  is connected to an input unit  206 , an output unit  207 , a storage unit  208 , a communication unit  209 , and a drive  210 . 
     The input unit  206  includes a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and the like. The output unit  207  includes a display, speaker, and the like. The storage unit  208  includes a hard disk, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit  209  includes a network interface and the like. The drive  210  drives a removable medium  211  such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. 
     In the computer configured as described above, the series of processing described above is performed by, for example, the CPU  201  loading a program stored in the storage unit  208  into the RAM  203  via the input/output interface  205  and the bus  204  and executing the program. 
     The program executed by the computer (CPU  201 ) can be provided by, for example, being recorded on the removable medium  211  as a package medium or the like. Further, the program can be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. 
     In the computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit  208  via the input/output interface  205  by attaching the removable medium  211  to the drive  210 . Further, the program can also be installed in the storage unit  208  by being received by the communication unit  209  via the wired or wireless transmission medium. Further, the program can be installed in the ROM  202  or the storage unit  208  in advance. 
     Note that the program executed by the computer may be a program in which the processing is performed in time series in the order described in the present specification, or may be a program in which the processing is performed in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. 
     Note that the present technology can also have the following configurations. 
     &lt;1&gt; An information processing device including: 
     a high-precision component extraction unit that acquires, as an unprocessed signal, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal; and 
     a quantization precision reproduction unit that acquires, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     &lt;2&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;1&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision component extraction unit extracts high-frequency components of the unprocessed signal as the high-precision component information, and 
     the quantization precision reproduction unit includes 
     a low-frequency component extraction unit that extracts low-frequency components of the processed signal as a precision reproduction signal, and 
     a blending unit that combines the precision reproduction signal extracted by the low-frequency component extraction unit and the processed signal at a ratio based on the high-frequency components extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit to generate the reproduction signal. 
     &lt;3&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;1&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision component extraction unit generates the digital signal having the second quantization precision from the unprocessed signal as a reference signal and extracts a ratio of a difference between the unprocessed signal and the reference signal to the reference signal as the high-precision component, and 
     the quantization precision reproduction unit combines a high-precision signal obtained by multiplying the processed signal by the ratio and the processed signal to generate the reproduction signal. 
     &lt;4&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;1&gt; to &lt;3&gt;, further including an adjustment unit that adjusts the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     &lt;5&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;1&gt;to &lt;4&gt;, further including a noise reduction unit that removes noise from the unprocessed signal acquired by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     &lt;6&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;1&gt; to &lt;5&gt;, further including a low-precision processing unit that performs the predetermined signal processing on the digital signal having the first quantization precision. 
     &lt;7&gt; An imaging device including: 
     an image sensor unit that photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject and outputs a digital signal of an image signal indicating the optical image; 
     a high-precision component extraction unit that acquires, as an unprocessed signal, the digital signal output from the image sensor unit, not subjected to predetermined signal processing, and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal; and 
     a quantization precision reproduction unit that acquires, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and generates a reproduction signal in which the quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to the first quantization precision on the basis of the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     &lt;8&gt; An information processing method, in which 
     an information processing device includes 
     a high-precision component extraction unit, and 
     a recording unit, 
     the high-precision component extraction unit acquires, as an unprocessed signal, a digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing and having first quantization precision and extracts, from the unprocessed signal, high-precision component information regarding signal components included in the unprocessed signal, and 
     the recording unit records, as a processed signal, a digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal and having second quantization precision reduced from the first quantization precision and also records the high-precision component information extracted by the high-precision component extraction unit. 
     &lt;9&gt; An information processing device including: 
     a quantization precision reproduction unit that, on the basis of high-precision component information regarding signal components included in an unprocessed signal that is an M bit length digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing, a processed signal that is an M-L bit length digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal, and an M bit length high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal, generates a reproduction signal that is an M bit length digital signal in which quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to an M bit length. 
     &lt;10&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;9&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision digital signal is low-frequency components of the processed signal. 
     &lt;11&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;9&gt; or &lt;10&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision component information indicates high-frequency components of the unprocessed signal. 
     &lt;12&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;9&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision digital signal is an M bit length high-precision signal generated on the basis of the processed signal and the high-precision component information. 
     &lt;13&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;12&gt;, in which 
     the high-precision component information indicates a ratio of a difference between the unprocessed signal and a reference signal to the reference signal, the reference signal serving as the M-L bit length digital signal generated from the unprocessed signal. 
     &lt;14&gt; The information processing device according to &lt;11&gt;, in which 
     the quantization precision reproduction unit combines the high-precision digital signal and the processed signal at a ratio based on the high-frequency components of the unprocessed signal to generate the reproduction signal. 
     &lt;15&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;9&gt; to &lt;14&gt;, further including 
     a high-precision component extraction unit that extracts the high-precision component information from the unprocessed signal. 
     &lt;16&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;9&gt; to &lt;15&gt;, further including 
     a processing unit that generates the high-precision digital signal from the processed signal. 
     &lt;17&gt; The information processing device according to any one of &lt;9&gt; to &lt;16&gt;, further including 
     a low-precision processing unit that performs the predetermined signal processing on the M bit length unprocessed signal to generate the M-L bit length processed signal. 
     &lt;18&gt; An information processing method, in which 
     an information processing device includes 
     a quantization precision reproduction unit, and 
     on the basis of high-precision component information regarding signal components included in an unprocessed signal that is an M bit length digital signal not subjected to predetermined signal processing, a processed signal that is an M-L bit length digital signal obtained by performing the predetermined signal processing on the unprocessed signal, and an M bit length high-precision digital signal generated from the processed signal, the quantization precision reproduction unit generates a reproduction signal that is an M bit length digital signal in which quantization precision of the processed signal is reproduced to an M bit length. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           2  Low-precision processing unit 
           10  Information processing device 
           11  Imaging device 
           12  High-precision component extraction unit 
           13  Adjustment unit 
           14 ,  114  Quantization precision reproduction unit 
           18  Low-precision processing unit 
           20  Imaging device 
           22  Lens 
           24  Image sensor unit 
           26  Signal processing unit 
           28  High-precision processing unit 
           30  Low-precision processing unit 
           32 ,  132  Gamma correction unit 
           34 ,  134  Output processing unit 
           40  High-frequency component extraction unit 
           42  Low-frequency component extraction unit 
           44  α blending unit 
           50  Rounding unit 
           52  Subtraction unit 
           54  Division unit 
           56  Multiplication unit 
           58  Adjustment processing unit 
           60  Addition unit 
           70  Noise reduction unit 
           80  Recording unit 
           100  Reproduction device 
           180  Recording unit