Image processing apparatus and method

An image processing method, comprising:

• inputting an image of a target object;
• storing information representing a shape of a three-dimensional model and three-dimensional positions of a plurality of reference feature points on the three-dimensional model;
• extracting a plurality of feature points, which relate to the target object and correspond to the plurality of reference feature points, from the input image;
• setting target areas, related to the reference feature points, on the three-dimensional model;
• calculating, based on the extracted feature points and the reference feature points relating to the target areas, a correspondence relationship between two-dimensional positions of the input image and three-dimensional positions of the target areas, for each target area;
• and
• determining, based on the correspondence relationship between the target areas and the input image, determines a correspondence relationship between three-dimensional positions of the three-dimensional model, which correspond to the target areas, and the two-dimensional position of the input image.

A program stored in a computer readable medium, causing a computer to perform:

• inputting function which inputs an image of a target object;
• storing information representing a shape of a three-dimensional model, and three-dimensional positions of a plurality of reference feature points on the three-dimensional model;
• extracting a plurality of feature points, which relate to the target object and correspond to the plurality of reference feature points, from the input image;
• setting target areas, related to the reference feature points, on the three-dimensional model;
• calculating, based on the extracted feature points and the reference feature points relating to the target areas, obtains a correspondence relationship between two-dimensional positions of the input image and three-dimensional positions of the target areas, for each target area;
• and
• determining, based on the correspondence relationship between the target areas and the input image, determines a correspondence relationship between three-dimensional positions of the three-dimensional model, which correspond to the target areas, and the two-dimensional position of the input image.