Plural pieces of frame data are generated and held based on image data
obtained by capturing images while moving a plurality of capture devices
for capturing images in different directions. A frame data group
containing consecutive pieces of frame data determined to have been
captured at practically the same position can be extracted from the
plural pieces of held frame data. Frame data is deleted from the
extracted frame data such that one piece of frame data can exist as the
data captured at one position. Thus, when the frame data corresponding to
a plurality of positions on a map is stored, thinned frame data is stored
after being associated with the corresponding position on the map.
Therefore, when virtual space in a walk-through system is designed using
an IBR technology, panoramic images for reproduction of the virtual space
can be efficiently generated and held.