<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform recognition with high precision from an arbitrary number of images by using a general camera by three-dimensional model creation using three-dimensional shape information. <P>SOLUTION: This image recognition apparatus includes: an image input unit 12 for inputting an objective image; an object detection unit 14 for detecting an object from the inputted images; a model creating unit 16 for creating the three-dimensional model using the detected object and the preliminarily held three-dimensional shape information; a pattern creation unit 18 for creating a pattern image from a three-dimensional face model; a feature extraction unit 20 for extracting a feature quantity used for recognition from the generated pattern image; and a similarity degree calculation unit 24 for calculating a similarity degree to a previously registered registration dictionary 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT 
IMAGE RECOGNITION APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM