Image processing for generating electronic document data in which an object can be searched from an input image

An image processing method, comprising:

• extracting an object area from an input image using an area dividing unit;
• determining an attribute of the object area extracted by the area dividing unit, using a determination unit;
• acquiring a metadata to be associated with the object area extracted by the area dividing unit, using a metadata processing unit;
• generating a transparent graphics description for an object area having an attribute that requires generation of the transparent graphics description, using a graphics description generating unit;
• and
• associating the transparent graphics description generated by the graphics description generating unit with the metadata, and generating an electronic document that includes image data generated based on the input image and the transparent graphics description associated with the metadata, using an electronic document generation unit.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that causes a computer to function as:

• an area dividing unit configured to extract an object area from an input image;
• a determination unit configured to determine an attribute of the object area obtained by the area dividing unit;
• a metadata processing unit configured to acquire a metadata to be associated with the object area obtained by the area dividing unit;
• a graphics description generating unit configured to generate a transparent graphics description for an object area having an attribute that requires generation of the transparent graphics description;
• and
• an electronic document generation unit configured to associate the transparent graphics description generated by the graphics description generating unit with the metadata and generate an electronic document that includes image data generated based on the input image and the transparent graphics description associated with the metadata.