Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, and image processing method

An image capturing apparatus comprising:

• an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images;
• at least one memory configured to store instructions;
• and
• at least one processor connected to the at least one memory and configured to execute the instructions to:
• determine an alignment coefficient between the plurality of images;
• cut out background images and foreground images from the plurality of images;
• store a plurality of foreground images cut out from the plurality of images and the alignment coefficient calculated from the image prior to cutout of each foreground image, the plurality of foreground images being stored in association with the alignment coefficients;
• and
• generate a background combined image by combining background images cut out from the plurality of images,
• wherein the at least one processor executes further instruction to select one of the stored plurality of foreground images based on designation of a position in the background combined image, determine an alignment coefficient of the selected foreground image by using the alignment coefficient stored in association with the selected foreground image, and combine the selected foreground image and the background combined image by using the alignment coefficient of the selected foreground image.

A method for image processing comprising:

• determining an alignment coefficient between the plurality of images;
• cutting out background images and foreground images from the plurality of images;
• storing a plurality of foreground images cut out from the plurality of images and the alignment coefficient calculated from the image prior to cutout of each foreground image, the plurality of foreground images being stored in association with the alignment coefficients;
• generating a background combined image by combining background images cut out from the plurality of images;
• selecting one of the plurality of foreground images stored by the storing based on designation of a position in the background combined image;
• determining an alignment coefficient of the selected foreground image by using the alignment coefficient associated with the selected foreground image and stored by the storing;
• and
• combining the selected foreground image and the background combined image by using the alignment coefficient of the selected foreground image.