An image processing apparatus is configured so that a combination of the processes that are performed is set for each of unit cycles (according to the value of a counter) in accordance with priorities individually set for the processes, and image processing is performed in a fundamental cycle that is constituted of six unit cycles. A face direction determination process, a line-of-sight direction determination process, a blink detection process, a dozing determination process, and a consciousness deterioration level determination process are selectively performed depending on the value of the counter, which varies from 1 to 6. According to the image processing apparatus, it is possible to more efficiently perform image processing that involves a plurality of processes.