JP2000187723A - Picture processor and picture processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To grasp cloud/rain areas and to recognize the movement on the same screen by synthesizing picture data from a meteorological satellite and data obtained by means of a meteorological radar equipment based on altitudes corresponding to data. SOLUTION: A meteorological satellite picture analysis part 9 obtains the surface temperature of cloud distribution from luminance information for the respective pixels of picture data from a satellite and calculates the altitude of the cloud distribution. A meteorological radar data analysis part 10 processes data of a rainfall amount and wind velocity from the radar for respective altitude faces. Data from the satellite and data from the radar are transferred to picture/data conversion parts 11 and 14 and are converted into the picture of a three-dimensional array and pixel data having luminance information. A data synthesis part 12 develops picture data from the satellite and data for the respective pixels, compares them, adds data from the radar equipment to picture data from the radar base on the result and composites them. A data display part 13 visually displays composited picture data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for combining and displaying, for example, a cloud distribution image transmitted from a weather satellite and an observation data image from a weather radar device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of meteorological observation, cloud distribution image data from meteorological satellites has been used for the purpose of grasping weather conditions over a wide area at time intervals of tens of minutes to several hours. Specifically, from the luminance information of each image unit (here, referred to as a pixel) of the image data, the altitude (cloud top height) and the surface temperature of the target cloud are analyzed. The moving distance and average speed of the target cloud are calculated from two images obtained at intervals in time.

Further, a regional meteorological observation system (AMe)
The data / image is combined with the image data from DAS (AMeDAS) to estimate the actual movement of the rain area due to the movement of the clouds.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional weather image display device. In the apparatus shown in the figure, an image from a meteorological satellite (not shown) is received by an image receiving unit 101 having an antenna 120, and an image analyzing unit 104 sets a range necessary for outputting a predetermined image and outputs an image. A coordinate conversion (conversion for developing a circular image on rectangular coordinates) in a plane of the image, which is necessary for superimposing the topographic map or the like on the image, is performed.

[0005] This coordinate conversion is performed using a known method (for example, a method described in JP-A-6-66955). The converted image is displayed on the image display unit 107.
On the top, it is superimposed and displayed with a topographic map prepared in advance.

On the other hand, a weather radar device is used at intervals of several minutes to several tens of minutes to grasp the amount of rainfall and wind speed in the observation coverage area. This weather radar device is a device that emits radio waves from an antenna to an observation target, and can calculate the amount of rainfall and wind speed in the observation coverage area based on a change in the reflected wave due to the influence of the observation target.

[0007] The reflected wave of the radio wave emitted from the transmitting section 103 including the antenna 130 shown in FIG. Further, the signal processing unit 105 extracts a change in the reflected wave due to the influence of the observation target, and inputs the extracted change to the data processing unit 106 as reception data. In order to display the received data, the data processing unit 106 performs a process of converting the data into rainfall intensity and wind speed, and a coordinate conversion process for superimposing the data on a topographic map. Then, the data display unit 108 visually displays the processing result performed by the data processing unit 106 by superimposing the processing result on a topographic map or the like.

[0008]

However, in the case of combining the above-mentioned cloud distribution image data from a meteorological satellite and AMeDAS data, the combination of the cloud distribution from a high altitude and the actual rainfall distribution on the ground surface is not sufficient. Because, the apparent rain area,
It depends on the difference between the state of the upper layer of the atmosphere and the surface of the earth, the density of observations by AMeDAS (one point every ten and several kilometers), etc.
There is a problem.

The movement of the cloud distribution is described in the second part of the image.
Since only information on the average speed between points can be obtained, the observer must predict the movement of the rain area along with the observation data from ground-based instruments such as radar, and the actual movement of the cloud distribution There is a problem that the speed is strictly different.

On the other hand, since the synthesis of data from the weather radar system and the synthesis of AMeDAS data are both synthesis of data close to the ground surface, there is also a problem that the state of clouds that have developed to high altitudes cannot be seen. is there. Therefore, the observer receives the image data from the meteorological satellite and displays the image data (or the photograph output as a printed matter).
And the combined data screen of AMeDAS and the meteorological radar device (or a copy of the screen output as a printed matter), and it is necessary to grasp the entire rain area and estimate the movement based on the comparison.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to conventionally display a cloud distribution image from a weather satellite and data from a weather radar device in different display methods. Are displayed in the same display method.

That is, the present invention combines the image data from the meteorological satellite with the data obtained by the meteorological radar device, and obtains the cloud,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of grasping a rain area and confirming the movement on the same screen.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing image processing for visually displaying weather information, comprising: means for receiving first image data from a weather satellite. Means for receiving the second image data from the weather radar device; and
First conversion means for converting the data in accordance with the data processing unit of the weather radar device; second conversion means for converting the second image data in accordance with the resolution of an image transmitted from the weather satellite; Image processing comprising: synthesizing means for synthesizing data converted by the first and second conversion means on the basis of an altitude corresponding to the data; and display means for visually displaying the synthesized data as the weather information. Provide equipment.

Preferably, the first conversion means obtains temperature information on the surface of the cloud distribution based on the luminance information of the first image data, and converts the first image data into cloud data for each altitude. Convert to distribution image data. Further, the second conversion means processes the data obtained by observing the space in the radar coverage of the weather radar device at a plurality of elevation angles for each of the same elevation planes, thereby converting the second image data. It is converted into cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude.

Preferably, the combining means combines the altitude-specific cloud distribution image data and the second image data. The synthesizing means synthesizes the altitude-specific cloud distribution luminance information image data and the first image data.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for inputting image data from a plurality of weather radar devices, and the second conversion means performs predetermined image conversion processing on the input image data.

Preferably, the first and second converting means and the synthesizing means are arranged in one of the meteorological satellite and the meteorological radar device, and the display means comprises: The weather information corresponding to the first image data and the weather information corresponding to the second image data are displayed in different colors on the same screen.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for performing image processing for visually displaying weather information, comprising: receiving first image data from a weather satellite; Receiving the first,
A first conversion step of converting the image data according to the data processing unit of the weather radar apparatus, and a second conversion step of converting the second image data according to the resolution of an image transmitted from the weather satellite. Conversion step, a synthesis step of synthesizing the data converted in the first and second conversion steps based on an altitude corresponding to the data, and a display step of visually displaying the synthesized data as the weather information An image processing method comprising:

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a meteorological satellite image synthesizing and displaying apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as an apparatus).
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. The device shown in FIG. 1 has an antenna 1 for receiving an image signal as an input unit for a satellite image.
2. Meteorological satellite image analyzer 9, Meteorological radar data analyzer 1.
0 is provided. The weather satellite image analysis unit 9 receives an image signal from a weather satellite (not shown) received by the antenna 1 and performs processing for displaying the image signal as an image.

The image data conversion unit 11 displays the image from the weather satellite on the same map as that of the weather radar device so as to combine the data with the data from the weather radar device described later. Perform necessary coordinate transformation.

The meteorological satellite image analysis unit 9 calculates the surface temperature of the cloud distribution from image data from the meteorological satellite on the basis of luminance information for each pixel. Here, by using the known characteristics of temperature changes when the altitude rises,
The altitude of the cloud distribution is calculated from the surface temperature. The calculated cloud altitude distribution is developed in a storage unit (for example, a memory) (not shown) and stored as a cloud distribution having altitude information.

The meteorological radar data analysis unit 10 calculates the amount of rainfall,
Extract wind speed data. These data are respectively CAPPI (Constant Altitude)
Plane Position Indicato
According to the r) method, the data is processed for each altitude plane and stored in a storage unit (for example, a memory).

The weather radar device for performing three-dimensional observation is a device for automatically changing the elevation angle at which radio waves are emitted and observing the space within the radar coverage area at a plurality of elevation angles. Further, the CAPPI method is a method of processing and displaying data of an observed area for each same altitude plane, and is a known technique in the field of weather radar.

The cloud distribution data from the meteorological satellite is transferred to the image / data converter 11, and the data from the weather radar device is transferred to the image / data converter 14. Each of these image / data converters 11 and 14 performs data format conversion for synthesizing data. The data from the meteorological satellite cannot be combined with the data from the meteorological radar device because the data remains as an image.

On the other hand, data from a weather radar device is stored for each data processing unit (herein referred to as a mesh) unique to the radar, and cannot be combined with an image from a weather satellite. Therefore, the image / data conversion units 11, 1
In (4), it is necessary that the subsequent processing can select (or simultaneously process) the image from the weather satellite and the data from the weather radar device so that they can be used mutually.

Here, the processing in the image / data converter 11 will be described. First, a process performed to convert image data from a meteorological satellite and combine it with data from a meteorological radar device will be described.

The resolution of the image transmitted from the weather satellite is
It is several km directly below the satellite. For images with altitude information,
The above-described coordinate conversion is performed, and the image storage unit (not shown)
Is stored as data represented by a three-dimensional array.
On the other hand, the resolution of the mesh of a weather radar device is several hundred meters to several km, depending on the device.

Therefore, image data from the meteorological satellite is manipulated to match this resolution. That is, a storage location for data equivalent to the mesh of the weather radar device is secured in the storage unit for the image, and the data for the image is developed there. Specifically, image data from meteorological satellites,
Subdivide into meshes for weather radar equipment. By performing such operations, image data represented by a three-dimensional array that matches the radar mesh is configured.

Next, a process for converting data from a weather radar device and synthesizing the data with an image of a weather satellite will be described. As described above, since the mesh of a weather radar device generally has a higher resolution with respect to distance than an image from a weather satellite, the coordinates corresponding to the position of a certain pixel (the coordinates referred to here are , Transformed rectangular coordinates)
To determine whether there is data, and based on that,
Construct data represented by a dimensional array.

Then, in order to perform synthesis with an image from a meteorological satellite, for example, when the observation target is rainfall, the above data is converted into luminance information for each pixel. CA mentioned above
Since the PPI method already has altitude information, luminance information is added to a pixel having data from the altitude and temperature characteristics.

Hereinafter, the synthesizing process in the data synthesizing section 12 of FIG. 1 will be described. First, a process for combining image data from a weather satellite with data from a weather radar device will be described. The data synthesizing unit 12 converts the three-dimensional converted image data obtained by the above-described processing and the data represented by the three-dimensional array of the weather radar device into a storage unit (not shown) for determination. , Memory) and compare.

Normally, the altitude that can be observed by a weather radar device is from the vicinity of the ground surface to over a dozen kilometers, so of the altitude contents, only the altitude contents for which only data of a low altitude weather radar device exists are read. From the altitude at which the image data of the meteorological satellite exists, the two data are compared, and the data from the meteorological satellite is added to the mesh where the data of the meteorological radar device does not exist.

Next, a method of synthesizing data from a weather radar device with an image from a weather satellite will be described. As described above, data from the weather radar device is converted into data for each pixel having luminance information, which is represented in a three-dimensional array. Therefore, the image data from the meteorological satellite and the data for each pixel having the luminance information are developed in a storage unit (not shown) for determination and compared.

Usually, image data obtained by a meteorological satellite is
Since the altitude is at least a dozen kilometers, the above data is compared from the high altitude side, and based on the result, the data from the meteorological radar device is added to the image data from the meteorological satellite.

The data display unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 visually displays the image data synthesized as described above. Here, the hue different from the hue used for data display of the conventional weather radar device is changed from the weather satellite so that the data from the weather radar device can be distinguished from the image data of the synthesized weather satellite. Used for displaying images.

That is, the image data from the weather satellite
By superimposing and displaying high-altitude wind speed data from the weather radar device, the moving speed of clouds at the time of receiving a weather satellite image is represented. It is needless to say that the data display unit 13 can display only the image from the conventional weather satellite and the data from the weather radar device alone.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an image synthesizing process executed in the apparatus according to the present embodiment. This process is executed according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). In step S1 in the figure, after receiving the image data from the weather satellite and the weather radar device, they are transferred to the respective image / data conversion units described above. In step S2, coordinate conversion is performed on the image data from the meteorological satellite. In the following step S3, three-dimensional array data relating to weather satellites (hereinafter referred to as data 1)
Is stored in a predetermined storage unit.

In step S4, a storage location for data equivalent to the mesh of the weather radar is secured in the storage unit as described above, and the data 1 is developed there. That is, an operation of subdividing image data from a weather satellite into a mesh of a weather radar is performed.

On the other hand, in step S5, data from the weather radar device is converted, and in step S6, data of a three-dimensional array related to the weather radar device (hereinafter referred to as data 2).
Is configured. In step S7, the data 1 and 2 are combined in order to correct the image data of the meteorological satellite with the data from the meteorological radar device at the same altitude. That is, a process of combining image data from a weather satellite with data from a weather radar device and a process of combining data from a weather radar device with an image from a weather satellite are executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in order to correct the image data of the weather satellite with the data from the weather radar device of the same altitude, the image data received from the weather satellite and the stereoscopic image data are corrected. By synthesizing data from the meteorological radar device that is observing and displaying it visually, the cloud distribution at high altitude immediately after receiving the image from the meteorological satellite and the observation result by the meteorological radar device in the vicinity are obtained. It is possible to observe at the same time.

Further, by synthesizing the image data from the meteorological satellite and the data from the meteorological radar device, the movement of the cloud distribution can be observed only by using two temporally separated images. The conventional problem was solved, and one screen immediately after receiving the meteorological satellite image showed the cloud distribution, its moving direction,
It is easy to grasp the moving speed.

Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image synthesis processing display device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a device) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the apparatus shown in the figure, the data processing unit 28 is provided with the function of the image / data conversion unit according to the first embodiment, which is processed by predetermined software.

The operation of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. The antenna 21 and the image receiving unit 23
Image data from a meteorological satellite (not shown) is transmitted to an image analysis unit 2
At 6, the coordinate transformation (same as the above-mentioned conventional transformation method) is performed. On the other hand, data from a weather radar device (not shown) is received by the antenna 22 and the reception unit 24, and is converted into weather data by the signal processing unit 27.

As described above, the data processing section 28 is provided with the function of the image / data conversion section according to the first embodiment, so that the image processing section 28 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Perform processing. Therefore, the description of the processing is omitted here. Then, the data / image display unit 29
The data processed by the data processing unit 28 is visually displayed.

As described above, the image / data conversion function is concentrated in the data processing unit, and the image data from the meteorological satellite is combined with the data from the meteorological radar device, so that the facility efficiency is improved. The cloud distribution immediately after receiving the image from the meteorological satellite and the observation result by the meteorological radar device in the vicinity can be observed simultaneously.

Embodiment 3 Hereinafter, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image synthesis processing display apparatus (hereinafter, simply referred to as an apparatus) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the apparatus shown in the figure, the same components as those of the apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In this apparatus, the antennas 31 to 33 and the data processing units A of a plurality of weather radar devices are used to obtain data in a range larger than the area covered by a single weather radar device.
To C (41 to 43) are input to the weather radar data analyzer 10. The weather radar data analyzer 10 synthesizes the data. And
The image / data conversion unit 14 performs the same conversion as the coordinate conversion according to the first embodiment, and inputs the converted data to the data synthesis unit 12.

On the other hand, the antenna 1 and the weather satellite image analysis unit 9
The image received from the meteorological satellite (not shown) is subjected to the same conversion as the coordinate conversion according to the first embodiment in the image data converter 11 and is input to the data synthesizer 12. Then, the data display unit 13 receives the input from the image data conversion units 11 and 14, respectively,
The data synthesized in 2 is visually displayed as synthesized image data in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

The weather radar data analyzer 10 shown in FIG.
The data may be input from a plurality of weather radar devices or data obtained by combining data from a plurality of weather radar devices.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the data received by the data processing units of a plurality of weather radar devices are combined and visually displayed, so that the coverage area of a single weather radar device is increased. Based on the data in a larger range, the movement of the cloud distribution and the observation results in the vicinity can be accurately captured.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Means for receiving the first image data from the weather satellite, means for receiving the second image data from the weather radar device, and first means for converting the first image data in accordance with the data processing unit of the weather radar device Conversion means, second conversion means for converting the second image data according to the resolution of the image transmitted from the meteorological satellite, and data converted by the first and second conversion means into the data. Providing a combination means for combining based on the corresponding altitude and a display means for visually displaying the combined data as weather information, a weather radar device for information that cannot be read from an image sent from a weather satellite. In addition to being able to supplement information,
As a result, it is possible to simultaneously observe the cloud distribution at a high altitude immediately after receiving the image from the meteorological satellite and the observation result by the meteorological radar device in the vicinity.

Further, the first conversion means obtains temperature information on the surface of the cloud distribution based on the luminance information of the first image data, so that the first image data can be converted into the cloud distribution image data for each altitude. The data obtained by observing the space within the radar coverage area of the weather radar device at a plurality of elevation angles by the second conversion means is processed for each of the same elevation planes. Image data can be converted into cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude.

By combining the cloud distribution image data for each altitude and the second image data, or combining the cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude and the first image data, Cloud distribution, its moving direction, and its moving speed can be easily grasped on one screen immediately after receiving the weather satellite image.

Further, there is provided a means for inputting image data from a plurality of weather radar devices, and the second conversion means performs a predetermined image conversion process on the input image data to thereby provide a single weather radar device. Based on the data in a range larger than the area covered by, the movement of the cloud distribution and the observation results in the vicinity can be accurately captured.

Further, by arranging the first and second converting means and the synthesizing means in one of the meteorological satellite and the meteorological radar device, it is possible to improve facility efficiency.

The display means displays the weather information corresponding to the first image data and the weather information corresponding to the second image data in different colors on the same screen, so that the cloud distribution and the vicinity thereof are displayed. Observation results by the meteorological radar device can be clearly distinguished and observed.

Further, in an image processing method for performing image processing for visually displaying weather information, a first method is provided from a weather satellite.
Receiving the second image data from the weather radar device, and converting the first image data according to the data processing unit of the weather radar device. And the second image data,
A second conversion step of performing conversion in accordance with the resolution of an image transmitted from the weather satellite, and a synthesis step of combining data converted in the first and second conversion steps based on an altitude corresponding to the data. Process and a display step of visually displaying the combined data as the weather information, the image information sent from the weather satellite can be supplemented with information from the weather radar device, It is possible to simultaneously observe the high-altitude cloud distribution immediately after image reception and the results of observation by a weather radar device in the vicinity.

In the first conversion step, the temperature information of the cloud distribution surface is obtained based on the luminance information of the first image data. In the second conversion step, data obtained by observing the space in the radar coverage area of the weather radar device at a plurality of elevation angles is processed for each of the same elevation planes. Can be easily converted to cloud distribution luminance information image data.

Further, since the combining step combines the cloud distribution image data for each altitude and the second image data, or combines the cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude and the first image data, Cloud distribution, its moving direction, and its moving speed can be easily grasped on one screen immediately after receiving the weather satellite image.

Further, the method further comprises a step of inputting image data from a plurality of weather radar devices, and the second conversion step performs a predetermined image conversion process on the input image data, so that a single weather radar device is used. In comparison with the case of performing the above, the movement of the cloud distribution and the observation results in the vicinity thereof can be grasped with high accuracy based on the data in a large range.

Then, the processing relating to the first and second conversion steps and the synthesizing step is executed by being concentrated on one of the meteorological satellite and the meteorological radar device, thereby eliminating unnecessary dispersion in the processing. Efficient image processing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a weather satellite image synthesis processing display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an image combining process performed by the device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image synthesis processing display device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image synthesis processing display device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional weather image display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 21, 22, 31, 33, 33, 120, 130 antenna, 9 weather satellite image analysis unit, 10 weather radar data analysis unit, 11 image / data conversion unit, 12 data synthesis unit, 13, 108: data display unit, 23: image receiving unit, 24: receiving unit, 26, 104: image analyzing unit, 27,
105: signal processing unit, 28, 106: data processing unit, 2
9 data / image display unit, 41 to 43 data processing unit A
To C, 107: Image display unit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for performing image processing for visually displaying weather information, comprising: means for receiving first image data from a weather satellite; and means for receiving second image data from a weather radar device. A first conversion unit that converts the first image data in accordance with a data processing unit of the weather radar apparatus; and converts the second image data in accordance with a resolution of an image transmitted from the weather satellite. A second conversion unit for converting; a synthesizing unit for synthesizing the data converted by the first and second conversion units based on an altitude corresponding to the data; and the synthesized data being visible as the weather information. An image processing apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying. 2. The first conversion means obtains temperature information on a cloud distribution surface based on luminance information of the first image data, and converts the first image data into altitude-specific cloud distributions. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is converted into image data. 3. The second conversion means processes the data obtained by observing the space within the radar coverage area of the weather radar device at a plurality of elevation angles for each of the same elevation planes, thereby obtaining the second conversion data. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is converted into altitude-specific cloud distribution luminance information image data. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the synthesizing unit synthesizes the altitude-specific cloud distribution image data and the second image data. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the synthesizing unit synthesizes the altitude-specific cloud distribution luminance information image data and the first image data. 6. The apparatus further comprises means for inputting image data from a plurality of weather radar devices, wherein said second conversion means comprises:
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined image conversion process is performed on the input image data. 7. The image according to claim 1, wherein said first and second conversion means and said synthesizing means are arranged in a concentrated manner on one of said weather satellite and said weather radar device. Processing equipment. 8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays weather information corresponding to the first image data and weather information corresponding to the second image data in different colors on the same screen. Item 2. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1. 9. An image processing method for performing image processing for visually displaying weather information, comprising: a step of receiving first image data from a weather satellite; and a step of receiving second image data from a weather radar device. A first conversion step of converting the first image data according to a data processing unit of the weather radar device; and converting the second image data to a resolution of an image transmitted from the weather satellite. A second conversion step of converting; a synthesis step of synthesizing the data converted in the first and second conversion steps based on an altitude corresponding to the data; and a visualization of the synthesized data as the weather information. And a display step of displaying. 10. The first conversion step obtains temperature information on a cloud distribution surface based on luminance information of the first image data, and converts the first image data into cloud distributions for different altitudes. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the image data is converted into image data. 11. The second conversion step is to process data obtained by observing the space in the radar coverage area of the weather radar device at a plurality of elevation angles for each of the same elevation planes,
10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the image data is converted into cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude. 12. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein in the combining step, the cloud distribution image data for each altitude is combined with the second image data. 13. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the combining step combines the cloud distribution luminance information image data for each altitude and the first image data. 14. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a step of inputting image data from a plurality of weather radar devices, wherein said second conversion step performs a predetermined image conversion process on the input image data. 9. The image processing method according to 9. 15. The processing according to claim 9, wherein the processing relating to the first and second conversion steps and the synthesizing step are performed in one of the meteorological satellite and the meteorological radar device. Image processing method.