JP2005189087A - Distance measurement equipment and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To measure the real distance to an object to be measured without using a distance sensor while specifying a construct/an add-on /circumferential matter of measurement object as a regular reference object for measuring distances by analyzing a photographed image even if the actual size of the measurement object is unknown. <P>SOLUTION: In the status that a table for the reference object, a table for the add-on, and a table for the circumferential object are prepared, a CPU 1 accepts a monitor image from a camera imaging section 7 of a camera and specifies at least any one among the construct/the add-on/the circumferential matter of the measurement object as a reference object for the distance measurement, and obtains the actual size of the reference object and also measures the image size of the reference object. Furthermore, the CPU 1 calculates the real distance to the regarding reference object based on the real size and image size of the reference object, and calculates the real distance to the measurement object based on the real distance to the reference object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a distance measuring device and a program for measuring a distance to a subject included in a photographed image by analyzing the photographed image.

Conventionally, as a technique for measuring the distance to an object by performing camera shooting, for example, when a car is traveling on a road, a captured image obtained by shooting an object such as a road sign or a traffic light is processed and shot. 2. Description of the Related Art A distance measuring device is known that calculates the distance to an object by referring to the size (angle) of the object on the image and the size of the object stored in advance in the knowledge database. (See Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-219775

 However, in the conventional distance measuring device described above, the distance to the object can be calculated without using a distance sensor, but the size of the measured object is stored in the knowledge database. Therefore, it is necessary to know the actual size of the object in advance, and there is a problem that the objects that can be measured for distance are limited. In other words, only the measurement object whose actual size is stored in the knowledge database is calculated, and the distance to the object is calculated. Therefore, the actual size is stored and managed in association with various measurement objects. This leads to a huge knowledge database.

  It is an object of the present invention to measure the distance of components / accessories / peripherals to be measured by analyzing a captured image without using a distance sensor and without knowing the actual size of the object to be measured. It is to be able to measure the actual distance to the measurement object while specifying it as a standard reference object.

The invention according to claim 1 is a distance measuring device that measures a distance from a subject included in the captured image to a shooting position by analyzing the captured image, and measures the subject included in the captured image. Analyzing the image portion designated as the measurement object in the state where the designation means for designating the object and various objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as standard reference objects for distance measurement Therefore, at least one of a constituent that is a component of the measurement target, an accessory attached to the measurement target, and a peripheral existing around the measurement target is selected. The specifying means for specifying the reference object, the acquiring means for acquiring the actual size of the specified reference object, and the image size of the reference object by measuring the captured image. Calculating the actual distance to the reference object based on the actual size of the reference object and the image size, and calculating the actual distance to the measurement object based on the actual distance of the reference object. And calculating means for calculating.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 1 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 8).

The invention described in claim 1 may be as follows.
The designating unit designates an image portion existing in the central portion as a measurement object by analyzing a photographed image (invention according to claim 2).

  In a state in which various standard objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as reference objects, the specifying means includes the specified measurement object component or accessory or peripheral object and the standard object. By comparing various objects, a characteristically matching object is specified as a reference object (the invention according to claim 3).

  The acquisition means reads and acquires the actual size corresponding to the object specified as the reference object in a state where the actual size is stored and managed corresponding to the standard various objects (claim 4). invention).

  The specifying unit specifies the reference object by sequentially searching the standard various objects according to the priority order of the constituent, accessory, and surrounding objects of the measurement object when specifying the reference object (claim) Item 5).

  When a plurality of reference objects are specified by the specifying means, the calculation means calculates the actual distance for each reference object and the measurement based on each actual distance calculated for each reference object. The optimum actual distance to the object is calculated (the invention according to claim 6).

  In a state where a photographed image including the measurement object is displayed, the actual distance of the measurement object obtained by the calculating means is additionally displayed in the photographed image (the invention according to claim 7).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the state where various objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as standard reference objects for distance measurement, the image portion designated as the measurement object is analyzed. As a result, at least one of the components, accessories, and peripheral objects to be measured is specified as a distance measurement reference object, and then the actual size of the reference object is acquired and the captured image is analyzed. To measure the image size of the reference object, calculate the actual distance to the reference object based on the actual size of the reference object and the image size, and based on the actual distance of the reference object Since the actual distance to the measurement object is calculated, it is possible to analyze the captured image without using a distance sensor and without knowing the actual size of the measurement object. It is possible to measure the actual distance to the object of measurement while identifying construct / appendage / surrounding objects to be measured as a standard reference object for distance measurement I. For example, if the measurement object is a general house and the size of a standard TV antenna that is a standard window frame or accessory is known, the standard size is used as a reference. The actual distance to the house can be measured, and any house can easily measure the actual distance to the house.
In this case, distance measurement can be performed not only at the time of shooting but also at the time of reproduction of an image, so that distance measurement can be freely performed at any time as necessary. Therefore, not only when this distance measuring device is incorporated into a digital camera but also with an image data processing device such as a personal computer, the range of its use can be expanded and it can be used in various applications.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the image portion existing in the central portion is designated as the measurement object by analyzing the photographed image. As a result, the measurement object can be automatically specified by image analysis, a special operation is not required, and the measurement object can be reliably specified.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, in a state where various standard objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as reference objects, Since the standard object is identified by comparing the standard objects with the constituents, accessories, or surrounding objects of the specified measurement object, the reference is determined by image analysis. It is possible to automatically specify an object, no special operation is required, and it is possible to reliably specify a reference object.

In this case, according to the invention described in claim 4, the actual size corresponding to the object specified as the reference object is read out and acquired in a state where the actual size is stored and managed corresponding to various standard objects. As a result, the actual size of the reference object can be automatically acquired.
According to the invention described in claim 5, when the reference object is specified, the standard various objects are sequentially searched according to the priority order of the constituents, accessories, and peripheral objects of the measurement object. Since the object is specified, the reference object can be determined in the order closer to the measurement object, and the distance measurement can be performed more accurately.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, when a plurality of reference objects are specified, the calculation means is provided for each reference object. Since the actual distance is calculated and the optimum actual distance to the measurement object is calculated based on each actual distance calculated for each reference object, the distance measurement can be performed more accurately.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the actual distance of the measurement object is displayed in a state where a photographed image including the measurement object is displayed. Is additionally displayed in the captured image, so that the object to be measured can be seen while confirming the distance in the captured image. In this case, if the measurement distance is displayed in the vicinity of the measurement object, the correspondence between the measurement object and the measurement distance becomes clear.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a digital camera in this embodiment.
This digital camera measures and displays the actual distance to a subject (measuring object) contained in it by analyzing a photographed image (monitor image). In this case, even if the distance sensor is not used and the actual size of the measurement object is not known, the monitor image is analyzed and the component that is a component of the measurement object is attached to the measurement object. Of the attached object and the surrounding objects that exist around the object to be measured, and at least one of them is specified as the reference object, and the actual distance to the object to be measured can be measured. It is.
Before detailed description of the features of this embodiment, the hardware configuration of this embodiment will be described below.

  The CPU 1 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the digital camera in accordance with the operating system and various application software in the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 is a fixed memory such as a hard disk, and has a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area in the storage unit 2 stores an application program for realizing the present embodiment in accordance with the operation procedure shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 described later, and the data storage area stores FIG. 4 described later. Data (reference object table) shown in FIG. 6 are stored. The program and data are loaded into the work memory 3 as necessary, and the data in the work memory 3 is saved in the storage unit 2. The recording medium 4 is a removable memory such as a DVD, and exchanges programs, image data, and the like with the storage unit 2 and the work memory 3.

  On the other hand, an operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a camera photographing unit 7, and an image memory 8 which are input / output peripheral devices are connected to the CPU 1 via a bus line, and the CPU 1 inputs these according to an input / output program. Controls the operation of the output device. The operation unit 5 has various function buttons such as a shutter button, a mode button for switching to a shooting mode / playback mode, a distance measurement button for instructing start of distance measurement, and the operation signal is given to the CPU 1. The display unit 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel, and is used as a monitor screen / finder screen / image reproduction screen. The camera photographing unit 7 includes a photographing lens, a lens / mirror block such as a mirror, an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, a driving system thereof, and the like, and sequentially transfers the photographed image to the image memory 8 for each photographing. Adjusts and controls the shooting direction and zoom mechanism, controls drive during autofocus, shutter drive control, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, etc., and captures captured images.

The CPU 1 measures and displays the actual distance to the subject included in the monitor image by activating the distance measurement function when the distance measurement button is operated in the shooting mode.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when measuring an actual distance to a house in a monitor image taken with a general house as a subject, the CPU 1 analyzes the monitor image to determine the subject (general house). Although the measurement object A is automatically specified, the subject image located at the center of the monitor image is automatically specified as the measurement object. A component (for example, a veranda, an entrance door, a window frame, etc.) that is a component of the house A, an accessory attached to the house A (for example, a TV antenna), At least one of peripheral objects (for example, passengers) arranged in the vicinity (near) is automatically specified as a reference object. At that time, automatic identification of the reference object is performed according to the priority order of the components, accessories, and peripheral objects. In the illustrated example, the case where the components (veranda, entrance door, window frame) B, C, and D are specified as the reference objects is illustrated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing various parameters used in calculating and measuring the actual distance from the photographing position (lens position) to the measurement object.
In the figure, “f1” indicates the focal length of the lens, “J1” indicates the actual size of the reference object, “G1” indicates the image size of the reference object, and “L” indicates the reference object from the lens position. The actual distance is shown. Here, in the state where the measurement object (house) A and the reference objects (veranda, entrance door, window frame) B, C, and D are automatically designated in the monitor image, the CPU 1 After obtaining the actual size “J1” and measuring the image size “G1” of the reference object B, the reference object is based on the actual size “J1”, the image size “G1”, and the focal length “f1” of the lens. The actual distance “L” to the object B is calculated.

  Similarly, after acquiring the actual size “J1” of the reference object C and measuring the image size “G1” of the reference object C, the actual size “J1”, the image size “G1”, and the focal length of the lens are measured. Based on “f1”, an actual distance “L” to the reference object C is calculated. Further, after obtaining the actual size “J1” of the reference object D and measuring the image size “G1” of the reference object D, the actual size “J1”, the image size “G1”, and the focal length “of the lens” Based on “f1”, an actual distance “L” to the reference object D is calculated. Then, an average value of each actual distance “L” calculated corresponding to the reference objects B, C, and D is calculated, and this average value is calculated as an actual distance X to the measurement object (house) A (see FIG. 2). Is calculated as

4 to 6 are diagrams showing the contents of the reference target tables 11 to 13.
The reference target tables 11 to 13 store and manage the image data as “reference target images” for each of various standard objects whose actual sizes are known, and store and manage the “real sizes”. ing. Here, the “reference target image” is a captured image obtained by arbitrarily capturing and registering an object whose standard size is known in advance, and the “real size” is the “vertical dimension”, “horizontal dimension”, and depth dimension of the reference target. ”Or any one of them. FIG. 4 shows a reference object table 11 corresponding to an object that is a component of the measurement object, FIG. 5 shows an reference object table 12 corresponding to an attachment attached to the measurement object, and FIG. The reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object arranged around the measurement target object is shown.

  The reference object table 11 corresponding to an object stores and manages its “reference object image” and “actual size” for each object that is a component of the measurement object. As illustrated in FIG. The components when the measurement object is a building are “window frame A”, “window frame B”, “tile”, “door”, and so on. The reference object table 12 corresponding to an accessory stores and manages the “reference object image” and “actual size” for each accessory attached to the measurement object. As illustrated in FIG. The accessories when the object to be measured is a building are “antenna”, “parabolic antenna”, “air conditioner A”, “air conditioner B”. The reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object stores and manages the “reference object image” and “actual size” for each peripheral object arranged around the measurement object. As illustrated in FIG. Included as accessories are "human", "pigeon", "sparrow", "bench", "small passenger", "light car". The “actual size” of the reference object indicates the size of the standard product or the average size.

  In this case, the CPU 1 automatically designates the reference object by analyzing the measurement object and its peripheral portion in the monitor image. At that time, the CPU 1 is registered in the reference object tables 11 to 13. An image portion of a subject that characteristically matches any of a plurality of types of “reference objects” is automatically designated as a reference object. In addition, when the CPU 1 automatically designates the reference object, as described above, the CPU 1 sequentially searches the reference object tables 11 to 13 in accordance with the priority order of the constituents, accessories, and peripheral objects of the measurement object. In this case, the actual size associated with the reference object is read from the table.

  Next, the operation concept of the digital camera in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. In addition, the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially executed. In other words, in addition to the recording medium, the program / data supplied externally via the transmission medium can be used to execute the operation specific to this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the overall operation of the digital camera, which starts executing in response to power-on.
First, in a state where the photographing mode is set (step A1), the CPU 1 sequentially captures monitor images (step A2) and displays them as moving images on the monitor screen (step A3). In this state, the presence / absence of button operation is checked (step A4). If no button is operated (NO in step A4), the monitor image capturing is resumed (step A2), but now the shutter button is operated. When this happens (step A5), the captured image at that time is recorded and saved as an image file (step A6), and then the process returns to capturing the monitor image (step A2).

 On the other hand, when the shooting mode is switched to the playback mode (step A7), a playback process is performed in which the recorded images are played back and displayed sequentially while selecting and specifying the recorded images in the forward / reverse directions according to the user instruction (step A8). Thereafter, when the playback mode is switched to the shooting mode (step A9), the process returns to the process of capturing the monitor image (step A2). Here, when the distance measurement button is operated in the shooting mode (step A10), the measurement object in the monitor image is specified, and the actual distance from the shooting position (lens position) to the measurement object is measured. The process proceeds to the distance measurement process (step A11).

FIGS. 8 to 9 are flowcharts detailing the distance measurement process executed in response to the operation of the distance measurement button in the shooting mode.
First, the CPU 1 obtains a monitor image after displaying a measurement start screen that displays precautions regarding photographing of the measurement object (message indicating that the measurement object is centered and the shutter operation is performed) (step B1). Display on the monitor (step B2). In this state, the presence or absence of the shutter button is checked (step B3), and if there is no shutter operation, the process returns to step B2, but when the shutter operation is performed, the current monitor image is fixedly displayed (step B4), The subject image located at the center of the fixed monitor image is specified as the measurement object (step B5). In the case of FIG. 2, a general house is automatically specified as the measurement object A.

 Then, by analyzing the measurement object in the monitor image, an image portion that is each component is extracted, and the reference object table 11 corresponding to the component is searched based on each extracted image (component). Each extracted image (component) and each reference target image are sequentially compared (step B6). In the example of FIG. 2, “veranda”, “entrance door”, and “window frame” are extracted as the constituents of the measurement object (general house) A, respectively. Then, it is checked whether the extracted image is characteristically matched with any of the reference target images (step B7). It identifies as a target object (step B8). In this case, “veranda”, “entrance door”, and “window frame” are specified as reference objects.

 On the other hand, as a result of searching the reference object table 11 corresponding to the component, if there is no characteristically matching one (NO in step B7), the measurement object in the monitor image is analyzed and attached thereto. The image portion of each attached accessory is extracted and the reference object table 12 corresponding to the accessory is searched based on each extracted image (attached), and each extracted image (attached) and each reference object are searched. The images are sequentially compared (step B9). In the example of FIG. 2, “TV antenna” is extracted as an accessory attached to the measurement object (general house) A. Then, it is checked whether the extracted image is characteristically matched with any of the reference target images (step B10). It specifies as a target object (step B11). In this case, “TV antenna” is specified as the reference object.

 As a result of searching the reference object table 12 corresponding to the accessory, if there is no characteristically matching one (NO in step B10), the surroundings of the measurement object in the monitor image are analyzed by analyzing the surroundings. Extract the image part of each peripheral object that is placed, and search the reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object based on each extracted image (peripheral object), and sequentially compare each extracted image and each reference object image (Step B12). In the example of FIG. 2, “passenger” is extracted as a peripheral object arranged around the measurement object (general house) A. Then, it is checked whether or not the extracted image characteristically matches any of the reference target images (step B13). It identifies as a target object (step B14). In this case, “passenger” is specified as the reference object.

 In addition, as a result of sequentially searching the reference object table 11 corresponding to an object, the reference object table 12 corresponding to an accessory, and the reference object table 13 corresponding to a peripheral object as described above, all the tables characteristically match. Is not present (NO in step B13), a message indicating that measurement is not possible is displayed (step B15), and after the fixed display of the monitor image is canceled (step B16), the normal state is restored. If the object can be specified, the process proceeds to a process of calculating and measuring the actual distance to the measurement object.

 First, the CPU 1 designates one of the reference objects identified as described above (step B17 in FIG. 9), and then analyzes the designated reference object in the monitor image to obtain the image. The size “G1” is measured (step B18). The image size “G1” is a size on an image sensor such as a CCD, and per one dot in the vertical direction based on the horizontal / vertical dimensions of the entire effective area and the horizontal / vertical dot size of the entire effective area. Dimension (vertical pitch) / dimension per dot (horizontal pitch) in the horizontal direction, and converted into size information based on this dot pitch (hereinafter the same). Next, the CPU 1 reads out and acquires the actual size “J1” from the table in which the designated reference object is stored and managed among the reference object tables 11 to 13 (step B19).

Thus, when the image size G1 of the reference object and the actual size J1 thereof are obtained, a calculation process for obtaining the actual distance L to the reference object is performed using these values as parameters (step B20). In this case, assuming that the focal length of the lens is “f1”, the actual distance L to the reference object is calculated according to the following equation.
L = J1 / G1 * f1
The actual distance L to the reference object calculated in this way is a value obtained by multiplying the ratio of the image size G1 and the actual size J1 of the reference object by the focal length f1 of the lens, and the calculated value is approximately. It becomes the value of. This calculation result (actual distance) is temporarily held in a result table (not shown) in the work memory 3 (step B21).

 Thereafter, the above-described actual distance calculation process is repeated while designating all the reference objects one by one (Steps B17 to B22). In the example of FIG. 2, in a state where the components “veranda”, “entrance door”, and “window frame” that constitute the measurement object (general house) A are specified as reference objects, After calculating the actual distance L to the veranda B by designating “veranda” as the reference object B, the actual distance L to the entrance door C is calculated by designating “entrance door” as the reference object C; The process of designating “window frame” as the reference object D, calculating the actual distance L to the window frame D, and setting each calculation result in the result table in the work memory 3 is repeated.

 When all the reference objects have been specified in this way, the CPU 1 reads the actual distance of each reference object set in the result table in the work memory 3 and calculates the average value thereof (step B23). This average value is obtained as the actual distance to the measurement object. Thereby, in the example of FIG. 2, the actual distance X to the general house A is obtained. Then, the actual distance to the measurement object is additionally displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the lower right) in the monitor image (step B24). In this state, whether or not the return key is operated is checked (step B25). If the return key is operated, the fixed display of the monitor image is canceled and the normal state is returned in response to this (step B26).

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the state where the reference object table 11 corresponding to the object, the reference object table 12 corresponding to the accessory, and the reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object are prepared, the CPU 1 After analyzing the image portion automatically specified as the measurement object in step 1, at least one of the constituent / attachment / peripheral object of the measurement target is specified as the distance measurement reference object, and then the reference object The actual size of the object is acquired, the image size of the reference object is measured, and the actual distance to the reference object is calculated based on the actual size of the reference object and the image size. Since the actual distance to the measurement object is calculated based on the actual distance of the object, it is possible to calculate the actual distance of the measurement object without using a distance sensor. Even if the noise is unknown, the actual distance to the measurement object is measured while identifying the component / attachment / peripheral object of the measurement object as a standard reference object for distance measurement by analyzing the monitor image be able to.

In this case, the reference object table 11 corresponding to the component, the reference object table 12 corresponding to the accessory, and the reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object have their actual sizes corresponding to various standard objects whose actual sizes are known. Since storage management is performed, the CPU 1 can read out and acquire the actual size corresponding to the object specified as the reference object, and can automatically acquire the actual size of the reference object.
Further, when specifying the reference object, the reference object table 11 corresponding to the object, the reference object table 12 corresponding to the object, and the reference corresponding to the object according to the priority order of the component, accessory, and surrounding object of the measurement object Since the reference object is specified by sequentially searching the object table 13, the reference object can be determined in the order closest to the measurement object, and the distance measurement can be performed more accurately.

When a plurality of reference objects are specified, the CPU 1 calculates the actual distance for each reference object, and the optimum actual distance to the measurement object based on each actual distance calculated for each reference object. Since the distance is calculated, the distance measurement can be performed more accurately.
In addition, while the monitor image including the measurement object is displayed, the actual distance of the measurement object is additionally displayed in the monitor image, so the distance is confirmed in the monitor image. The measurement object can be seen. In this case, if the measurement distance is displayed in the vicinity of the measurement object, the correspondence between the measurement object and the measurement distance becomes clear.

 In the above-described embodiment, the measurement object is automatically specified by analyzing the monitor image. However, the photographer may arbitrarily specify the measurement object on the monitor screen. In this case, when an arbitrary position is touch-designated (point designation) on a monitor screen with a touch panel, the measurement object may be specified in consideration of the continuity of the image at the designated point. . Further, when a touch designation is made on an arbitrary measurement object, if the touch designation is made along the outline, the measurement object can be easily specified.

 In addition, when recording and saving a captured image in response to a shutter operation, if the actual distance to the object to be measured is also recorded and saved, the actual distance associated with the captured image at the time of image reproduction can be obtained. It can be read and displayed. Further, for each captured image, the actual distance is added in association with the object to be measured and stored in a recording medium, and the recording medium is inserted into an image data processing apparatus such as a personal computer for image reproduction. Then, the actual distance of the measurement object can be displayed for each captured image.

 In the embodiment described above, a plurality of types of reference object images are arbitrarily registered in the reference object table 11 corresponding to the component, the reference object table 12 corresponding to the accessory, and the reference object table 13 corresponding to the peripheral object. Instead of registering the image itself, characteristic information of this comparison criterion (for example, a rectangle or an aspect ratio in the case of a window frame) may be registered. Further, the contents of the reference object tables 11 to 13 may be set and registered at the time of product purchase, and the user may additionally register an arbitrary reference object and its actual size as necessary. .

In the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera is shown. However, it may be incorporated in an image data processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a camera-equipped mobile phone or a portable information device, and for various applications. It can be used. For example, after shooting at a construction site, civil engineering site, etc., when checking the status of the site while reproducing the image at the company, the actual distance of each part is measured and displayed based on each captured image Also good.
In addition, this distance measuring device is not limited to a stand-alone type, and each component is physically separated into two or more casings, wired transmission paths such as communication lines and cables, or radio waves such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared rays. A distributed system that transmits and receives data via a transmission path may be used.

  On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a RAM card, etc.) on which program codes for executing the above-described units are recorded may be provided to the computer. That is, a recording medium having a computer readable program code, and a function for designating a subject included in a captured image as a measurement target, and various objects whose actual sizes are known are standard for distance measurement. A component that is a component of the measurement object and attached to the measurement object by analyzing the image portion designated as the measurement object in a state where it is stored and managed as a typical reference object A function to specify at least one of the attached accessories and the peripheral objects existing around the measurement object as a reference object, and a function to acquire the actual size of the specified reference object The function of measuring the image size of the reference object by analyzing the captured image, and the actual size of the reference object and the image size A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for calculating a real distance to the quasi-object and a function for calculating the actual distance to the measurement object based on the real distance of the reference object May be provided.

The block diagram which showed the basic component of the digital camera. The figure for demonstrating the case where the actual distance to a house is measured by analyzing this monitor image in the monitor image image | photographed as a measuring object. The figure which showed the various parameters used when calculating and measuring the real distance from a photographing position (lens position) to a measuring object. The figure which showed the content of the reference | standard object table 11 corresponding to a structure. The figure which showed the content of the reference | standard object table 12 corresponding to an accessory. The figure which showed the content of the reference | standard object table 13 corresponding to a peripheral thing. The flowchart which showed the outline | summary of the whole operation | movement of the digital camera started execution according to power activation. 7 is a flowchart detailing distance measurement processing executed in response to an operation of a distance measurement button in a shooting mode. The flowchart which showed the distance measurement process following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 storage unit 4 recording medium 5 operation unit 6 display unit 7 camera photographing unit 8 image memory 11 reference object table corresponding to component 12 reference object table corresponding to accessory 13 reference object table corresponding to peripheral object A measurement objects B and C , D, reference object

Claims (8)

A distance measuring device that measures a distance to a subject included in a captured image by analyzing the captured image,
A designation means for designating a subject included in the captured image as a measurement object;
In a state where various objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as standard reference objects for distance measurement, the components of the measurement object are analyzed by analyzing the image portion designated as the measurement object. A specifying means for identifying at least one of the component, the accessory attached to the measurement object, and the peripheral object existing around the measurement object as a reference object ,
Obtaining means for obtaining the actual size of the identified reference object;
Measuring means for measuring the image size of the reference object by analyzing the captured image;
Calculating means for calculating an actual distance to the reference object based on the actual size of the reference object and the image size, and calculating an actual distance to the measurement object based on the actual distance of the reference object; ,
A distance measuring device comprising: The designation means designates an image portion existing in the center portion by analyzing a captured image as a measurement object,
2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. In a state in which various standard objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as reference objects, the specifying means includes the specified measurement object component or accessory or peripheral object and the standard object. Identifying a reference object that matches characteristically by comparing various objects,
2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. In a state where the actual size is stored and managed corresponding to the standard various objects, the acquisition unit reads and acquires the actual size corresponding to the object specified as the reference object.
The distance measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. The specifying means specifies the reference object by sequentially searching the standard various objects according to the priority order of the constituents, accessories, and surrounding objects of the measurement object when specifying the reference object.
The distance measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. When a plurality of reference objects are specified by the specifying means, the calculation means calculates the actual distance for each reference object and the measurement based on each actual distance calculated for each reference object. Calculate the optimal actual distance to the object,
2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. In a state where a captured image including the measurement object is displayed, the actual distance of the measurement object obtained by the calculation unit is additionally displayed in the captured image.
2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring device is configured as described above. Against the computer,
A function for specifying a subject included in a captured image as a measurement object;
In a state where various objects whose actual sizes are known are stored and managed as standard reference objects for distance measurement, the components of the measurement object are analyzed by analyzing the image portion designated as the measurement object. A component that is attached to the measurement object, and a peripheral object that exists around the measurement object, and a function that identifies at least one of them as a reference object,
A function to obtain the actual size of the identified reference object;
A function to measure the image size of the reference object by analyzing the captured image;
Calculating the actual distance to the reference object based on the actual size of the reference object and its image size, and the function of calculating the actual distance to the measurement object based on the actual distance of the reference object;
A program to realize

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