Method for generating virtual viewpoint image and image processing apparatus

An image processing apparatus, comprising:

• one or more memories storing instructions;
• and
• one or more processors executing the instruction to:
• generate foreground image data representing a foreground object region in an image captured by an image capturing apparatus;
• obtain, from another image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus, foreground image data generated by said another image processing apparatus and representing a foreground object region in an image captured by said another image capturing apparatus;
• and
• transmit the generated foreground image data representing the foreground object region in the image captured by the image capturing apparatus and the foreground image data obtained from said another image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus to an image generating apparatus which generates a virtual viewpoint image and which is connected to the image processing apparatus.

A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, the method comprising:

• generating foreground image data representing a foreground object region in an image captured by an image capturing apparatus;
• obtaining, from another image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus, foreground image data generated by said another image processing apparatus and representing a foreground object region in an image captured by said another image capturing apparatus;
• and
• transmitting the generated foreground image data representing the foreground object region in the image captured by the image capturing apparatus and the foreground image data obtained from the other image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus to an image generating apparatus which generates a virtual viewpoint image and which is connected to the image processing apparatus.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling an image processing apparatus, the method comprising:

• generating foreground image data representing a foreground object region in an image captured by an image capturing apparatus;
• obtaining, from another image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus, foreground image data generated by said another image processing apparatus and representing a foreground object region in an image captured by said another image capturing apparatus;
• and
• transmitting the generated foreground image data representing the foreground object region in the image captured by the image capturing apparatus and the foreground image data obtained from the other image processing apparatus which is connected to the image processing apparatus to an image generating apparatus which generates a virtual viewpoint image and which is connected to the image processing apparatus.