Image processing method and apparatus therefor

Claim 1

An image processing method executing: image input processing for inputting a still image train obtained by photographing an object while time-serially changing a visual point position and direction; reference image determination processing for determining one image of the still image train input by the image input processing as a reference image; specific point selection processing for selecting, as specific points, identical points photographed in two adjoining images of images constituting the still image train; first procedure derivation processing for deriving a procedure for coordinate-transforming one of the adjoining images to the other image so that the specific points selected in the specific point selection processing match each other between the adjoining images; second procedure derivation processing for deriving a procedure for coordinate-transforming the specific points transformed by the procedure derived by the first procedure derivation processing onto a two-dimensional coordinate system identical to a two-dimensional coordinate system of the reference image; division processing for dividing a two-dimensional space to which the reference image belongs into a plurality of domains in correspondence with the specific points transformed by the procedure derived by the second procedure derivation processing; coordinate transformation processing for coordinate-transforming the images of the still image train onto the two-dimensional space to which the reference image belongs; and wide angle image production processing for producing a single image as a whole by inserting coordinate information of each of the images coordinate-transformed onto the two-dimensional space to which the reference image belongs into each of the divided domains divided in correspondence with the specific points of the images.