Image synthesis apparatus and image synthesis method

Claim 2

An image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images in order to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) storage means for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images, and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) coordinate transformation parameter generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to generate coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (C) image synthesis information generation means for changing said plural coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, by using as a reference the position of any image of said plurality of images, and for furnishing the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; (D) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation means; and (E) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation means, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 3

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said coordinate transformation parameter generation means sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs a position of an arbitrary image of said plurality of images in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding means, said image synthesis processing means collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 4

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said coordinate transformation parameter generation means sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs to position an arbitrary image of said plurality of images in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding means, image information that was previously stored in said storage means is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage means.

Claim 5

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes recording means for recording on a recording medium said image synthesis information that is generated.

Claim 6

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for permitting said storage means, said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, said image synthesis information generation means and said image synthesis processing means to perform processing, and which is so arranged that the processing of said image synthesis apparatus is controlled by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 7

An image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) storage means for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) adjustment information generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) image synthesis information generation means for changing said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and for providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation means; and (E) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, converts said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated by said reference image designation means, and generates the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information.

Claim 8

An image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) storage means for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) adjustment information generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) image synthesis information generation means for changing said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and for providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation means; and (E) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, converts said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated by said reference image designation means, and generates the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information.

Claim 9

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said adjustment information generation means sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding means, said image synthesis processing means collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 10

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said adjustment information generation means sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding means, image information that was previously stored in said storage means is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage means.

Claim 11

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said adjustment information generation means, as arranged, employs said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 12

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said adjustment information generation means, as arranged, generates adjustment information with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 13

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for permitting said storage means, said adjustment information generation means, said image synthesis information generation means and said image synthesis processing means to perform processing, and which is so arranged that the processing of said image synthesis apparatus is controlled by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 14

An image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) storage means for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) adjustment information generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) coordinate transformation parameter generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) image synthesis information generation means for using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and for providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation means; and (F) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, employs, as a reference, said image that is designated by said reference image designation means to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and generates the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 15

An image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) storage means for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) adjustment information generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) coordinate transformation parameter generation means for employing said image information stored in said storage means to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) image synthesis information generation means for using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation means, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and for providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation means; and (F) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, employs, as a reference, said image that is designated by said reference image designation means to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and generates the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 16

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means sequentially generate, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs as a reference an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding means, said image synthesis processing means collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 17

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said image synthesis information generation means includes image synthesis information holding means for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis apparatus is so arranged that said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means sequentially generate, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation means employs as a reference an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation means and said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding means, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding means, image information that was previously stored in said storage means is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage means.

Claim 18

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said adjustment information generation means, as arranged, employs said image information stored in said storage means to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 19

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said adjustment information generation means, as arranged, generates adjustment information with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 20

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 12 , further comprising a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for permitting said storage means, said adjustment information generation means, said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, said image synthesis information generation means and said image synthesis processing means to perform processing, and which is so arranged that the processing of said image synthesis apparatus is controlled by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 21

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images in order to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images, and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) a coordinate transformation parameter generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation step of changing said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, by using as a reference the position of any image of said plurality of images, and of furnishing the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (E) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, are converted by employing, as a reference, a position for, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step, and the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 22

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images in order to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images, and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) a coordinate transformation parameter generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation step of changing said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, by using as a reference the position of any image of said plurality of images, and of furnishing the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (E) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, are converted by employing, as a reference, a position for, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step, and the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 23

An image synthesis method according to claim 18 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, are sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step, a position of an arbitrary image of said plurality of images is employed in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, that at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored at said image synthesis information holding step, said plurality of images are collectively synthesized at said image synthesis processing step in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 24

An image synthesis method according to claim 18 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, are sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step a position of an arbitrary image of said plurality of images is employed in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, that at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored at said image synthesis information holding step, image information that was previously stored at said storage step is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored at said storage step.

Claim 25

An image synthesis method according to claim 18 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes a recording step of recording on a recording medium said image synthesis information that is generated.

Claim 26

An image synthesis method according to claim 18 , which employs a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for performing processing at said storage step, said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, said image synthesis information generation step and said image synthesis processing step, and which is executed by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 27

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation step of changing said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and of providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (E) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, is converted by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated at the said reference image designation step, and the obtained adjustment information is generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 28

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation step of changing said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and of providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (E) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, is converted by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated at the said reference image designation step, and the obtained adjustment information is generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 29

An image synthesis method according to claim 23 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said adjustment information generation step said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit is sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step, a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, is employed to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, and at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained adjustment information is sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored at said image synthesis information holding step, said plurality of images are collectively synthesized at said image synthesis processing step in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 30

An image synthesis method according to claim 23 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said adjustment information generation step, said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit are sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step, a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, is employed to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, and at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained adjustment information is sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored at said image synthesis information holding step, image information that was previously stored at said storage step is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored at said storage step.

Claim 31

An image synthesis method according to claim 23 , wherein at said adjustment information generation step, as arranged, said image information stored at said storage step is employed to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 32

An image synthesis method according to claim 23 , wherein at said adjustment information generation step, as arranged, adjustment information is generated with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 33

An image synthesis method according to claim 23 , which employs a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for performing the processing at said storage step, said adjustment information generation step, said image synthesis information generation step and said image synthesis processing step, and which is executed by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 34

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) a coordinate transformation parameter generation step for employing said image information stored at said storage step to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) an image synthesis information generation step of using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and of providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (F) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step is employed as a reference to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 35

An image synthesis method, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesized image, comprising: (A) a storage step of selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and of storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation step of employing said image information stored at said storage step to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) a coordinate transformation parameter generation step for employing said image information stored at said storage step to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) an image synthesis information generation step of using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated at said adjustment information generation step, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and of providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated at said image synthesis information generation step; and (F) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step is employed as a reference to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information.

Claim 36

An image synthesis method according to claim 29 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, are sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step, an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, is employed as a reference to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters are sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored at said image synthesis information holding step, said plurality of images are collectively synthesized at said image synthesis processing step in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 37

An image synthesis method according to claim 29 , wherein said image synthesis information generation step includes an image synthesis information holding step of holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis method is so arranged that at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, are sequentially generated for all of said plurality of images, that at said image synthesis information generation step, an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, is employed as a reference to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated at said adjustment information generation step and said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, and at said image synthesis information holding step, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters are sequentially stored as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored at said image synthesis information holding step, image information that was previously stored at said storage step is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored at said storage step.

Claim 38

An image synthesis method according to claim 29 , wherein at said adjustment information generation step, as arranged, said image information stored at said storage step is employed to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 39

An image synthesis method according to claim 29 , wherein at said adjustment information generation step, as arranged, adjustment information is generated with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 40

An image synthesis method according to claim 29 , which employs a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for performing the processing at said storage step, said adjustment information generation step, said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, said image synthesis information generation step and said image synthesis processing step, and which is executed by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 41

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images, and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) a coordinate transformation parameter generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation module for changing said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by using as a reference the position of any image of said plurality of images, and for furnishing the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (E) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 42

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images, and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) a coordinate transformation parameter generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to generate plural coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation module for changing said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by using as a reference the position of any image of said plurality of images, and for furnishing the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (E) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 43

A storage medium according to claim 35 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said coordinate transformation parameter generation module sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs a position of an arbitrary image of said plurality of images in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding module, said image synthesis processing module collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 44

A storage medium according to claim 35 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said coordinate transformation parameter generation module sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said coordinate transformation parameters, used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs to position an arbitrary image of said plurality of images in order to sequentially convert said coordinate transformation parameters that are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding module, image information that was previously stored in said storage module is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage module.

Claim 45

A storage medium according to claim 35 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes a recording module for recording on a recording medium said image synthesis information that is generated.

Claim 46

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation module for changing said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and for providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (E) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information.

Claim 47

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) an image synthesis information generation module for changing said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, by using as a reference the characteristic of any image selected from said plurality of images, and for providing the resultant adjustment information as image synthesis information; (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (E) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, by employing, as a reference, a characteristic for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information.

Claim 48

A storage medium according to claim 39 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said adjustment information generation module sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding module, said image synthesis processing module collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 49

A storage medium according to claim 39 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said adjustment information generation module sequentially generates, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs a position for an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained adjustment information as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding module, image information that was previously stored in said storage module is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage module.

Claim 50

A storage medium according to claim 39 , wherein said adjustment information generation module, as arranged, employs said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 51

A storage medium according to claim 39 , wherein said adjustment information generation module, as arranged, generates adjustment information with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 52

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) a coordinate transformation parameter generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to generate coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) an image synthesis information generation module for using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and for providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (F) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation module, employs, as a reference, said image that is designated by said reference image designation module to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and generates the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 53

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to synthesize a plurality of images and to generate a synthesized image, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) a storage module for selecting from a plurality of images to be synthesized, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images and for storing image information for the selected images; (B) an adjustment information generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image; (C) a coordinate transformation parameter generation module for employing said image information stored in said storage module to generate coordinate transformation parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for said selected images before said selected images are synthesized to obtain a single image; (D) an image synthesis information generation module for using as a reference any image selected from said plurality of images to change said adjustment information, which is generated by said adjustment information generation module, and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and for providing, as image synthesis information, the resultant adjustment information and the resultant coordinate transformation parameters; (E) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information generated by said image synthesis information generation module; and (F) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation module, employs, as a reference, said image that is designated by said reference image designation module to convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and generates the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information.

Claim 54

A storage medium according to claim 44 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module sequentially generate, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs as a reference an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, when said image synthesis information for all of said plurality of images has been stored in said image synthesis information holding module, said image synthesis processing module collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said image synthesis information.

Claim 55

A storage medium according to claim 44 , wherein said image synthesis information generation module includes an image synthesis information holding module for holding said image synthesis information that is generated; and wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium is so arranged that said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module sequentially generate, for all of said plurality of images, said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters used for said image synthesis unit, that said image synthesis information generation module employs as a reference an arbitrary image, selected from among said plurality of images, to sequentially convert said adjustment information and said coordinate transformation parameters, which are respectively generated by said adjustment information generation module and said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, and sequentially stores, in said image synthesis information holding module, the obtained adjustment information and coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and that, each time said image synthesis information is stored in said image synthesis information holding module, image information that was previously stored in said storage module is abandoned and image information for the next selected image is stored in said storage module.

Claim 56

A storage medium according to claim 44 , wherein said adjustment information generation module, as arranged, employs said image information stored in said storage module to adjust the characteristics of said selected images before synthesizing said selected images and obtaining a single image.

Claim 57

A storage medium according to claim 44 , wherein said adjustment information generation module, as arranged, generates adjustment information with which to obtain intermediate characteristics for said selected images.

Claim 58

An image synthesis apparatus, for generating a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images, each of which share an overlapping portion with at least one other of those images, comprising: (A) arrangement destination means for designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) parameter generation means for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and for generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation means, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; and (D) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation means, wherein said parameter generation means includes: image selection means for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and parameter calculation means for calculating parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed by said image synthesis processing means, said image selection means employs said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and said parameter calculation means calculates said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, and wherein said image synthesis processing means synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter calculation means.

Claim 59

An image synthesis apparatus, for generating a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images, each of which share an overlapping portion with at least one other of those images, comprising: (A) arrangement destination means for designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) parameter generation means for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and for generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) reference image designation means for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein said image synthesis information generation means, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation means, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation means, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; and (D) image synthesis processing means for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation means, wherein said parameter generation means includes: image selection means for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and parameter calculation means for calculating parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed by said image synthesis processing means, said image selection means employs said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and said parameter calculation means calculates said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, and wherein said image synthesis processing means synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter calculation means.

Claim 60

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , wherein said arrangement designation means designates an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged vertically or horizontally, or an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged two-dimensionally.

Claim 61

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , further comprising manual parameter setting means, for manually setting parameters used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of overlapping portions of images selected from among said plurality of images, wherein, when said parameters are set by said manual parameter setting means, said image synthesis processing means synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters.

Claim 62

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , wherein, in accordance with said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means, said parameter generation means automatically and collectively generates said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of said overlapping portions of said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis processing means, as arranged, collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters that are automatically generated by said parameter generation means.

Claim 63

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , wherein said parameter generation means includes: image selection means for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and parameter manual setting means for manually setting parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed by said image synthesis processing means, said image selection means employs said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and said parameter manual setting means manually sets said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection means, and wherein said image synthesis processing means synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters set by said parameter manual setting means.

Claim 64

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , further comprising display means for displaying images, said image synthesis apparatus being so arranged that, when said parameters are to be generated by said parameter generation means, said display means provides a screen on which are displayed two or more adjacent images that are selected, as an image synthesis unit, from among said plurality of images.

Claim 65

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , further comprising display means for displaying images, said image synthesis apparatus being so arranged that, when said plurality of images are to be synthesized by said image synthesis processing means, two or more adjacent images, which are selected as an image synthesis unit from among said plurality of images, are synthesized in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation means, and the obtained synthesized image is displayed on said screen of said display means.

Claim 66

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 55 , wherein said display means is so arranged as to provide said screen on which an overlapping portion of said plurality of images that constitute said synthesized image is displayed as a transparent image.

Claim 67

An image synthesis apparatus according to claim 49 , further comprising a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for permitting said arrangement designation means, said parameter generation means and said image synthesis processing means to perform processing, and which is so arranged that the processing of said image synthesis apparatus is controlled by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 68

An image synthesis method, for generating a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images, each of which share an overlapping portion with at least one other of those images, comprising: (A) an arrangement destination step of designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) a parameter generation step of employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and of generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, are converted by employing, as a reference, a position for, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step, and the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information; and (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated at said parameter generation step.

Claim 69

An image synthesis method, for generating a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images, each of which share an overlapping portion with at least one other of those images, comprising: (A) an arrangement destination step of designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) a parameter generation step of employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and of generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) a reference image designation step of designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, wherein at said image synthesis information generation step, said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated at said coordinate transformation parameter generation step, are converted by employing, as a reference, a position for, said image that is designated at said reference image designation step, and the obtained coordinate transformation parameters are generated as image synthesis information; and (D) an image synthesis processing step of synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated at said parameter generation step.

Claim 70

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , wherein at said arrangement designation step, designated is an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged vertically or horizontally, or an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged two-dimensionally.

Claim 71

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , further comprising a manual parameter setting step of manually setting parameters used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of overlapping portions of images selected from among said plurality of images, wherein, when said parameters are set at said manual parameter setting step, said plurality of images are synthesized at said image synthesis processing step in accordance with said parameters.

Claim 72

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , wherein, in accordance with said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step, said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of said overlapping portions of said plurality of images are automatically and collectively generated at said parameter generation step, and wherein at said image synthesis processing step, as arranged, said plurality of images are collectively synthesized in accordance with said parameters that are automatically generated at said parameter generation step.

Claim 73

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , wherein said parameter generation step includes: an image selection step of employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and a parameter calculation step of calculating parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected at said image selection step, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed at said image synthesis processing step, at said image selection step, said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation means is employed to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and at said parameter calculation step, said parameters are calculated that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected at said image selection step, and wherein at said image synthesis processing step, said plurality of images are synthesized in accordance with said parameters generated at said parameter calculation step.

Claim 74

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , wherein said parameter generation step includes: an image selection step of employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and a manual parameter setting step of manually setting parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected at said image selection step, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed at said image synthesis processing step, at said image selection step, said arrangement for said plurality of images designated at said arrangement designation step is employed to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and at said manual parameter setting step, said parameters are manually set that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected at said image selection step, and wherein at said image synthesis processing step, said plurality of images are synthesized in accordance with said parameters set at said manual parameter setting step.

Claim 75

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , further comprising a display step of displaying images, said image synthesis method being so arranged that, when said parameters are to be generated at said parameter generation step, at said display step provided is a screen on which are displayed two or more adjacent images that are selected, as an image synthesis unit, from among said plurality of images.

Claim 76

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , further comprising a display step of displaying images, said image synthesis method being so arranged that, when said plurality of images are to be synthesized at said image synthesis processing step, two or more adjacent images, which are selected as an image synthesis unit from among said plurality of images, are synthesized in accordance with said parameters generated at said parameter generation step, and the obtained synthesized image is displayed on said screen at said display step.

Claim 77

An image synthesis method according to claim 65 , wherein said display step is so arranged as to provide said screen on which an overlapping portion of said plurality of images that constitute said synthesized image is displayed as a transparent image.

Claim 78

An image synthesis method according to claim 58 , which employs a memory medium that is readable by a computer in which is stored a program for performing the processing at said arrangement designation step, said parameter generation step and said image synthesis processing step, and which is controlled by said computer that is operated by said program stored in said memory medium.

Claim 79

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer, in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to generate a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images that share an overlapping portion of at least one of those images, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) an arrangement destination module for designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) a parameter generation module for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and for generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; and (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation module.

Claim 80

A storage medium, which is readable by a computer, in which is stored an image synthesis program that when executed performs image synthesis processing to generate a synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images that share an overlapping portion of at least one of those images, said image synthesis program comprising: (A) an arrangement destination module for designating an arrangement for said plurality of images to be synthesized; (B) a parameter generation module for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select from said plurality of images, as an image synthesis unit, two or more images lying adjacent to each other, and for generating parameters that are used to establish, for each of said selected images, a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said selected images; (C) a reference image designation module for designating as a reference an image selected from among said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis information generation module, converts said coordinate transformation parameters, which are generated by said coordinate transformation parameter generation module, by employing, as a reference, a position for said image that is designated by said reference image designation module, and generates the obtained coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information; and (D) an image synthesis processing module for synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation module.

Claim 81

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said arrangement designation module designates an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged vertically or horizontally, or an arrangement wherein said plurality of images are arranged two-dimensionally.

Claim 82

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium further comprises a manual parameter setting module, for manually setting parameters used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of overlapping portions of images selected from among said plurality of images, and wherein, when said parameters are set by said manual parameter setting module, said image synthesis processing module synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters.

Claim 83

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein, in accordance with said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module, said parameter generation module automatically and collectively generates said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship that enables the matching of said overlapping portions of said plurality of images, and wherein said image synthesis processing module, as arranged, collectively synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters that are automatically generated by said parameter generation module.

Claim 84

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said parameter generation module includes: an image selection module for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and a parameter calculation module for calculating parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection module, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed by said image synthesis processing module, said image selection module employs said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and said parameter calculation module calculates said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection module, and wherein said image synthesis processing module synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter calculation module.

Claim 85

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said parameter generation module includes: an image selection module for employing said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other; and a parameter manual setting module for manually setting parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection module, wherein, to retry synthesis for said plurality of images performed by said image synthesis processing module, said image selection module employs said arrangement for said plurality of images designated by said arrangement designation module to select, from among said plurality of images, two or more arbitrary images that are adjacent to each other, and said parameter manual setting module manually sets said parameters that are used to establish a positional relationship for matching said overlapping portions of said images selected by said image selection module, and wherein said image synthesis processing module synthesizes said plurality of images in accordance with said parameters set by said parameter manual setting module.

Claim 86

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium further comprises a display module for displaying images, and wherein said image synthesis program is so arranged that, when said parameters are to be generated by said parameter generation module, said display module provides a screen on which are displayed two or more adjacent images that are selected, as an image synthesis unit, from among said plurality of images.

Claim 87

A storage medium according to claim 68 , wherein said image synthesis program stored in said storage medium further comprises a display module for displaying images, and wherein said image synthesis program is so arranged that, when said plurality of images are to be synthesized by said image synthesis processing module, two or more adjacent images, which are selected as an image synthesis unit from among said plurality of images, are synthesized in accordance with said parameters generated by said parameter generation module, and the obtained synthesized image is displayed on said screen of said display module.

Claim 88

A storage medium according to claim 75 , wherein said display module is so arranged as to provide said screen on which an overlapping portion of said plurality of images that constitute said synthesized image is displayed as a transparent image.