JP2009071480A - Imaging device, imaging method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device, an imaging method, and a program which can detect face area of a photographing object at photographing, associate the photographed image information with the detected face area information, and store them in a database. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging device is offered provided with an imaging unit which performs imaging; a face detection unit which detects the facial region of a photographing object out of images photographed by the imaging unit; an internal memory which can store a database that records image information photographed by the imaging unit with the facial region information detected by the face detection unit, while associating them with each other in units of images; a database recording unit which associates the image information photographed by the imaging unit with the face area information detected by the face detection unit and stores them in the database; and an image recording unit which records the images photographed by the imaging unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, and a program.

  In recent years, digital cameras, digital video cameras such as “Handycam” for which the applicant has a trademark right, and mobile phones with a digital camera function, take still images or moving images. An apparatus having an imaging function is widely used. Since the imaging function is provided in a portable device such as a mobile phone, for example, the frequency with which the user performs imaging increases and the number of images to be captured also increases. In addition, the storage capacity of the recording medium that stores the captured image is also increasing, and more images can be stored in one recording medium.

  A user who uses the apparatus as described above may be immersed in memories of the scene at the time of shooting by confirming the captured still image or moving image at a later date (for example, the same day, several days later, or several years later). it can. In addition, in the process of confirming the captured still image or moving image, the user finds a specific image such as an image in which the subject is smiling from the captured still image or moving image. It is also possible to extract images.

  However, as the amount of captured still images and moving images increases, the time required for the user to check increases, and even if the user takes time to check, the confirmed still images and moving images Thus, a desired image is not always obtained.

  Under such circumstances, a technique for searching for a predetermined image from a plurality of captured images has been developed. As a technique for facilitating a search by performing face detection on each of a plurality of images stored after imaging and storing the images and information obtained by face detection in association with each other, for example, Patent Document 1 Can be mentioned.

JP 2007-41987

  However, conventional techniques for performing face detection on each of a plurality of images stored after imaging and storing the images and information obtained by face detection in association with each other include images supplied from external devices and self Regardless of which device has been captured and recorded, such as an image that has already been stored in the device, an image that has already been captured and recorded is the target of processing. In other words, the conventional technique for associating and storing images and information obtained by face detection targets images that have already been captured and recorded, and therefore, processing that is separate from a series of processing related to imaging is performed. Otherwise, the image and information obtained by face detection cannot be stored in association with each other. Therefore, for example, the user separately performs a predetermined operation (for example, selection of an image stored in the user's own device or input of an image from an external device) for associating the image with information obtained by face detection. This must be done and may impose an excessive burden on the user.

  In addition, the conventional technique for storing an image and information obtained by face detection in association with each other uses an already captured and recorded image as a processing target. For example, an image captured by a user at the time of imaging is intentionally used. Even if it is desired to be grouped, information obtained at the time of imaging cannot be stored in association with an image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to detect the face area of a subject at the time of imaging, and to correspond the information of the captured image and the information of the detected face area. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program that can be stored in a database.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that performs imaging, a face detection unit that detects a face area of a subject from images captured by the imaging unit, and the imaging An internal memory capable of storing a database in which information on an image captured by the image capturing unit and information on a face area detected by the face detecting unit are recorded in association with each image, and information on an image captured by the image capturing unit There is provided an imaging apparatus including a database recording unit that records information in the database in association with face area information detected by the face detection unit, and an image recording unit that records an image captured by the imaging unit.

  The imaging apparatus can include an imaging unit, a face detection unit, an internal memory, a database recording unit, and an image recording unit. The imaging unit can generate an image by imaging. The face detection unit can detect the face area of the subject included in the image captured by the imaging unit, and can acquire information on the face area based on the detected face area. The internal memory can store, for example, a database in which information on images captured by the imaging unit and information on face areas detected by the face detection unit are recorded in association with each image. The database recording unit can record the information of the image captured by the imaging unit and the information of the face area detected by the face detection unit in association with the database stored in the internal memory. The image recording unit can record an image captured by the imaging unit on a recording medium. With this configuration, it is possible to detect the face area of the subject at the time of imaging, and store the captured image information and the detected face area information in association with each other in the database.

  The storage unit further includes an external memory storage unit that stores a removable external memory, wherein the database recording unit identifies the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit, and stores a database for each identified external memory. You may create in the said internal memory.

  With this configuration, even when the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit is replaced, information on the captured image is stored in the database corresponding to the external memory in which the image captured in the imaging unit is recorded. And the information of the detected face area can be recorded in association with each other. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent unintended destruction of the database such as, for example, damage to the database due to removal of the external memory during recording in the database.

  The database recording unit records information on an image captured by the imaging unit and information on a face area detected by the face detection unit in a database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit. The image recording unit may record the image in the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit.

  With this configuration, even when the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit is replaced, information on the captured image is stored in the database corresponding to the external memory in which the image captured in the imaging unit is recorded. And the information of the detected face area can be recorded in association with each other.

  Further, the database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit is read out from the database stored in the internal memory, and the image based on the condition relating to the image information and / or the face area information is read. You may further provide the play list production | generation part which produces | generates a play list.

  With such a configuration, information on an image satisfying a predetermined condition is extracted from information recorded in the database to generate a playlist, and an image stored on the recording medium is selectively selected based on the generated playlist. Can be read out, reproduced and displayed.

  In addition, an operation unit may be further provided that can input conditions relating to the image information and / or the face area information to the playlist generation unit.

  With this configuration, the user can selectively display a desired image.

  In addition, an image reproducing unit may be provided that reads out and reproduces an image from the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit based on the generation list generated by the reproduction list generation unit.

  With such a configuration, based on a reproduction list generated by extracting information on an image satisfying a predetermined condition from information recorded in a database, an image stored in a recording medium is selectively read out and reproduced and displayed. Can be made.

  The image capturing unit may further include a group setting unit that measures an image capturing interval and groups information of images recorded in the database when the image capturing interval exceeds a predetermined time interval.

  With this configuration, for example, images captured by a user at a specific event can be automatically grouped, so that it is possible to save the user from performing operations for grouping.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging method in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that performs imaging and an internal memory that can store a database, the imaging step And detecting the face area of the subject from the images captured in the imaging step, the information of the image captured in the imaging step, and the face area detected in the step of detecting the face area There is provided an imaging method including the steps of recording the information in the database in association with each other, and recording the image captured in the imaging step.

  By using such a method, it is possible to detect the face area of the subject at the time of imaging and store the information of the captured image and the information of the detected face area in association with each other in the database.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that can be used for an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that performs imaging and an internal memory that can store a database. The step of detecting, the step of detecting the face area of the subject from the images captured in the step of capturing, the information of the image captured in the step of capturing, and the step of detecting the face area There is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a step of recording in the database in association with face area information and a step of recording an image captured in the imaging step.

  With such a program, the face area of the subject can be detected at the time of imaging, and the information of the captured image and the information of the detected face area can be associated with each other and stored in the database.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a face area of a subject at the time of imaging, and store information on the captured image and information on the detected face area in association with each other in the database.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention is described as recording an image obtained by imaging. However, the image recorded by the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a still image. It may be a moving image (so-called video). The image pickup apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has a recording function of recording sound, and can also record sound together with image pickup.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 102, an internal memory 104, an external memory storage unit 106, a face detection unit 108, a database recording unit 110, an image recording unit 112, and a group setting unit 114. A reproduction list generation unit 116, an image reproduction unit 118, a display unit 120, and an operation unit 122.

  The imaging apparatus 100 is configured by an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or the like, and performs a variety of arithmetic processing using a control program or the like to control the entire imaging apparatus 100, and a control unit (not shown). A ROM (Read Only Memory; not shown) in which control data such as a program and calculation parameters used by a program used by a RAM (Random) that is temporarily stored is a program executed by a control unit (not shown). An access memory (not shown) and a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with an external device (not shown) may be provided. For example, the imaging apparatus 100 can connect the constituent elements with a bus as a data transmission path.

  The imaging apparatus 100 and an external apparatus (not shown) may be physically connected via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, an IEEE 1394 standard terminal, or the like, or a WUSB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus). ) Or IEEE 802.11 (also referred to as “Wi-Fi”) or the like. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 and an external device (not shown) can be connected via a network, for example. As the network, for example, a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless network such as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) using MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output), or a TCP Internet (Internet) using a communication protocol such as / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) may be mentioned, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the communication unit (not shown) can have an interface corresponding to the connection form with the external device (not shown).

[Hardware Configuration Example of Imaging Device 100]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a lens / imaging device 150, a signal processing circuit 152, an MPU 154, a ROM 156, a RAM 158, a recording medium 160, an input / output interface 162, an operation input device 164, A display device 166, a communication interface 168, and a slot 170 can be provided. In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 can connect each component with a bus 172 as a data transmission path, for example.

  The lens / imaging device 150 and the signal processing circuit 152 can function as the imaging unit 102. The lens / imaging device 150 can be configured by an image sensor using a plurality of imaging devices such as a lens (Lens) of an optical system and a charge coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), for example. The signal processing circuit 152 includes, for example, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), converts an analog signal generated by the image sensor into a digital signal (image data), and performs various signal processing. be able to. Examples of signal processing performed by the signal processing circuit 152 include White Balance correction processing, interpolation processing, color tone correction processing, gamma correction processing, YCbCr conversion processing, edge enhancement processing, and Jpeg coding processing. I can't. Here, the white balance correction processing is performed by, for example, applying a preset gain for each color of RGB (Red Green Blue) to RAW image data (image before signal processing) and corresponding to each pixel. This is a process of amplifying the pixel value to be performed. The interpolation process is, for example, a process for creating RGB of all pixels from the Bayer array. The color tone correction process is, for example, a process for correcting the color tone of an image. The gamma correction process is, for example, a process for nonlinearly converting RGB signals to ensure visual linearity. The YCbCr conversion process is a process of converting RGB into YCbCr based on a predetermined conversion formula, for example. Here, Y represents luminance, Cb represents color difference (chrominance), and Cr represents color difference (chrominance). The edge enhancement process is, for example, a process for enhancing the density of an image by detecting an edge part from the image and increasing the luminance of the detected edge part. The Jpeg coding process is a process for converting an image into an image file in Jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

  Further, the signal processing circuit 152 performs compression processing on the signal-processed image data and records the image data on various recording media (for example, the internal memory 104 and the external memory 180), or reads images read from the various recording media. Data can be decompressed and displayed on the display device 166 (display unit 120).

  The MPU 154 can function as a control unit that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100. The MPU 154 can function as, for example, the face detection unit 108, the database recording unit 110, the image recording unit 112, the group setting unit 114, the playlist generation unit 116, and the image playback unit 118. The ROM 156 can store control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the MPU 154, and the RAM 158 can temporarily store programs executed by the MPU 154. The recording medium 160 can function as the internal memory 104 of the imaging apparatus 100, and can store, for example, applications and data used in the imaging apparatus 100, a database described later, and the like. Here, as the recording medium 160, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, flash memory, MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), FeRAM Non-volatile memory such as (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) and PRAM (Phase change Random Access Memory) can be mentioned, but is not limited to the above.

  The input / output interface 162 is also called an operation input device 164 such as a keyboard or a mouse, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (organic ElectroLuminescence display), or an OLED display (Organic Light Emitting Diode display). Display device 166 can be connected. Here, examples of the input / output interface 162 include a USB terminal and an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, but are not limited thereto. The operation input device 164 is provided on the imaging apparatus 100 such as buttons, direction keys, a rotary selector such as a jog dial, or a combination thereof, and is connected to the input / output interface 162 inside the imaging apparatus 100. You can also.

  The communication interface 168 is an interface for performing communication with an external device, and examples thereof include a LAN terminal, an infrared port, an IEEE 802.11 port, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

  The slot 170 has an insertion port for a removable external memory, and can function as the external memory storage unit 106 that stores the external memory in a removable manner. Here, examples of the external memory inserted and stored in the slot 170 include a memory stick and an SD memory card, but are not limited thereto. The slot 170 may be a multi-slot corresponding to a plurality of external memory standards.

  The imaging apparatus 100 detects a face area (face area) of a subject at the time of imaging with a hardware configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2, and stores information on the captured image and information on the detected face area in association with each other. can do. In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 can search for a captured image based on the captured image information stored in association with the detected face area information with the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. it can. Needless to say, the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.

  With reference to FIG. 1 again, each component of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described. The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, a lens and an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS, and can capture an image, and an image can be obtained by imaging (hereinafter, an image obtained by imaging in the imaging unit 102 is “imaging”. Image "). Here, as the captured image, for example, an image (still image) recorded in a still image format such as JPEG or bitmap, WMV (Windows Media Video), H.264, or the like. Examples include, but are not limited to, images (moving images) recorded in a moving image format such as H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC (H.264 / Moving Picture Experts Group phase-4 Advanced Video Coding).

  In addition, the imaging unit 102 can perform imaging in accordance with an imaging command from the operation unit 122, for example. However, the imaging unit 102 is not limited to the above, and a predetermined time or after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the imaging command. Imaging can also be performed automatically.

  The internal memory 104 is a storage unit included in the imaging apparatus 100. The internal memory 104 includes a database described later, various applications (not shown) used in the imaging apparatus 100, and data (not shown) used in each part of the imaging apparatus 100. ) Or various data and software such as captured images can be stored. For example, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the databases A130, B132,... Are stored in the internal memory 104.

  The databases A130, B132,... Stored in the internal memory 104 are image search databases created for each recording medium on which captured images are recorded, for example. In each of the databases A130, B132,..., For example, information on the image captured by the imaging unit 102 and information on the face of the subject (face area information) detected by the face detection unit 108 to be described later are stored for each image. Correspondingly recorded. Further, in the databases A130, B132,..., Search auxiliary information for assisting a search used for searching for images may be further recorded.

  Here, the information of the image captured by the imaging unit 102 is information (or information added at the time of imaging by the imaging unit 102 or a control unit (not shown)) obtained at the time of imaging by the imaging unit 102. Examples of image information include, but are not limited to, file name information for identifying a captured image, information for specifying the date and time of image capture, and the like.

  The information related to the face of the subject (face area information) is information generated based on the area (face area) including the face portion of the subject specified by the face detection unit 108. Examples of information relating to the face of the subject (facial region information) include information on the number of subjects included in the captured image, information for classifying the subject (for example, information for classifying men and women, adults, children, and the like), subject (For example, the number of smiling subjects, the number of crying subjects, etc.), but is not limited to the above.

  The search auxiliary information is information that is a condition for searching for an image that can be set at the time of imaging and / or after the image is recorded. As the search auxiliary information, for example, information related to grouping of images (for example, when the user intentionally groups images captured at the time of image capturing, or when the image capturing apparatus 100 automatically groups images captured at the time of image capturing) (for example, And the like, and information for identifying a favorite image designated by the user using the operation unit 122, but are not limited thereto.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the database according to the embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the database A130. Referring to FIG. 3, the database according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the following information (a) to (h), for example. Note that the information included in the database according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following information (a) to (h), for example, information on a place where an image (image data) is recorded (for example, which Address information such as whether it is recorded in a folder). Needless to say, the database structure of the database according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to FIG.
(A) “File name” for identifying each captured image
(B) “Date” that defines the date on which each captured image was captured
(C) “Face” that defines the number of faces of the subject included in each captured image
(D) “Children” that define the number of children among subjects included in each captured image
(E) “Smile” that defines the number of subjects whose facial expressions are smiling among subjects included in each captured image
(F) “Favorite” as a flag for determining a favorite captured image designated by the user
(G) “Group” that defines a group to which each captured image belongs.
(H) "Group name" indicating the name given to the group in (g) above

  Here, in the database shown in FIG. 3, the information (a) and (b) corresponds to image information, and the information (c) to (e) are information related to the face of the subject (face region information). Information). The information (f) to (h) can be used as search auxiliary information.

  The internal memory 104 can store a database as shown in FIG. 3 for each recording medium on which captured images are recorded. Here, each database stored for each recording medium can be uniquely identified by database identification information such as a unique name given when the database is created. Here, the unique name given to each database is the same as the identification information stored in the external memory to identify the external memory, such as the serial number indicating the product name or manufacturing number of the external memory. It can be.

  Examples of the internal memory 104 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM and a flash memory, but are not limited thereto.

  With reference to FIG. 1 again, each component of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described. The external memory storage unit 106 has an insertion port for an external memory, and can store the external memory in a detachable manner. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the external memory 180 is stored in the external memory storage unit 106. FIG. 1 shows an example in which one external memory 180 is stored in the external memory storage unit 106, but the external memory storage unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. External memory can also be stored.

[External memory 180]
The external memory 180 is a recording medium that is detachably stored in the imaging apparatus 100 and can store various data. The imaging apparatus 100 can record image data representing each captured image captured by the imaging unit 102 in an external memory 180 stored in the external memory storage unit 106. FIG. 1 shows an example in which image data A184, B186, C188,... Are recorded in the external memory 180. Further, the external memory 180 can store identification information 182 for identifying the external memory 180 such as a serial number indicating a product name or a manufacturing number, for example.

  The imaging apparatus 100 can identify the stored external memory by reading the identification information from each external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106. Therefore, for example, the imaging apparatus 100 can create a database for each identified external memory in the internal memory 104 and record various types of information in the created database. The creation of the database and the recording of information in the database will be described later.

  The face detection unit 108 detects the face of the subject, for example, by performing the following processes [1-1] and [1-2], and transmits information based on the detection result to the database recording unit 110 described later. be able to.

[1-1] Identification of Face Area The face detection unit 108 detects the face of the subject from the captured image, and specifies an area including the face portion of the subject (hereinafter referred to as “face area”). Here, the face area of the subject can be specified by, for example, detecting feature points such as eyes, nose, and mouth, or detecting areas similar to the luminance distribution and structure pattern of the face. It goes without saying that the means for specifying the face area of the subject according to the embodiment is not limited to the above. Note that data related to specifying a face area in the face detection unit 108, such as face luminance distribution and structure pattern data, can be stored in the internal memory 104, for example, but is not limited to the above. It can also be acquired from an external device (for example, a server (Server) connected via a base station) via a communication unit (not shown) included in.

  When the captured image is a moving image, the face detection unit 108 detects the moving object by taking a difference from the previous frame, and identifies the head from the moving object. Thus, the face area can be specified.

[1-2] Generation and Transmission of Face Area Information The face detection unit 108 analyzes each face area specified from the captured image, and obtains information obtained as a result of the analysis (hereinafter, “face area information”). Can be transmitted to the database recording unit 110 described later.

  Here, as the face area information, for example, (1) information on the number of subjects included in the captured image, (2) information on the number of children included in the captured image (and / or information on the number of adults), for example. (3) Information on facial expressions such as smiles, etc., but is not limited to the above. The face detection unit 108 can generate the information (1) using, for example, the number of identified face regions. Further, the face detection unit 108 determines a child or an adult from, for example, the positional relationship between the skeleton and the feature points such as eyes, nose, and mouth detected from the face region, and uses the information of (2) above. Can be generated. Furthermore, the face detection unit 108 can determine the facial expression from the relative positions of feature points such as eyes, nose, and mouth detected from the face area, for example, and generate the information (3). Needless to say, the method of generating information (1) to (3) in the face detection unit 108 is not limited to the above. The data for various determinations necessary for generating the information (1) to (3) can be held in the internal memory 104, for example. However, the data is not limited to the above, and for example, communication included in the imaging apparatus 100 It can also be acquired from an external device via a unit (not shown).

  The database recording unit 110 can create a database and record information in the created database, for example, by the following processes [2-1] and [2-2].

[2-1] Creation of Database The database recording unit 110 can create a database for each external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 and store the database in the internal memory 104.

[Database creation method]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the database creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The database recording unit 110 determines whether or not an external memory has been inserted into the external memory storage unit 106 (S100). The determination in step S100 can be performed, for example, when the external memory storage unit 106 includes a detection sensor that detects the external memory and the database recording unit 110 detects a detection signal from the detection sensor. I can't.

  If it is determined in step S100 that no external memory is inserted in the external memory storage unit 106, the database recording unit 110 does not proceed until it is determined that the external memory is inserted in the external memory storage unit 106. .

  If it is determined in step S100 that an external memory has been inserted into the external memory storage unit 106, the database recording unit 110 reads identification information from the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 (S102).

  When the identification information is read in step S102, the database recording unit 110 determines whether or not a database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 is stored in the internal memory 104 (S104). The determination in step S104 can be made by, for example, determining whether there is a database whose identification information matches the identification information read in step S102 and the database stored in the internal memory 104. .

  If it is determined in step S104 that the database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 is not stored in the internal memory 104, the database recording unit 110 stores the database corresponding to the external memory. A new one is created in the internal memory 104 (S106). Then, the database recording unit 110 checks the database created in step S106 (S108). Here, the database recording unit 110 can create a database whose structure is defined in advance based on database creation information that defines the structure of the database in a database language such as SQL, for example. The database creation information may be stored in, for example, the storage unit included in the database recording unit 110. Examples of the storage means included in the database recording unit 110 include, but are not limited to, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory. Note that the database creation information is stored in the internal memory 104 and can be appropriately read out by the database recording unit 110.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 is stored in the internal memory 104, the database recording unit 110 stores the database corresponding to the external memory. Is checked (S108).

  Based on the result checked in step S108, the database recording unit 110 determines whether or not the database is normal (S110). If it is determined in step S110 that the database is not normal, the database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 is recreated (S112). And the database recording part 110 performs the process from step S108 again.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the database is normal, the database recording unit 110 ends the process related to database creation.

  The database recording unit 110 can create a database for each external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 in the internal memory 104 by using, for example, the method shown in FIG. Further, the database recording unit 110 creates a database in the internal memory 104, so that it is possible to prevent unintended destruction of the database, for example, the database is broken by removing the external memory 180 during recording in the database. .

[2-2] Recording Information to Database The database recording unit 110 associates image information acquired from the image capturing unit 102 with face area information transmitted from the face detection unit 108 for each captured image. The data is recorded in a database corresponding to the external memory 180 stored in the external memory storage unit 106. Here, the database recorded by the database recording unit 110 can be identified by, for example, reading the identification information 182 from the external memory 180 stored in the external memory storage unit 106 by the database recording unit 110.

  Further, the database recording unit 110 stores search auxiliary information in the database based on various instructions such as a group setting instruction transmitted from the group setting unit 114 (to be described later), a group setting instruction transmitted from the operation unit 122, and a favorite setting instruction. Can also be recorded.

  For example, when the database recording unit 110 performs the processes [2-1] and [2-2] described above, the imaging apparatus 100 creates a database for each recording medium in the internal memory 104, and creates the created database. Various information can be recorded. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 100 can store a database as shown in FIG. 3 in the internal memory 104, for example.

  The group setting unit 114 measures the imaging interval in the imaging unit 102, and when the imaging interval exceeds a predetermined time interval, generates a group setting instruction for grouping image information recorded in the database, It can be transmitted to the database recording unit 110. When the group setting unit 114 transmits a group setting instruction to the database recording unit 110, for example, the image information can be grouped as shown in the item “group” in FIG.

[How to group image information]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for grouping image information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The group setting unit 114 starts grouping (S200). Here, the group setting unit 114 performs, for example, the first imaging after the power of the imaging device 100 is turned on or a grouping process start instruction from the operation unit 122 by a user input as a trigger in the process of step S200. However, the present invention is not limited to the above.

  When grouping is started in step S200, the group setting unit 114 initializes the elapsed time count (S202), and then counts the elapsed time (S204). The elapsed time in step S204 is continuously counted until the initialization process in step S202 and the grouping end process in step S210 are performed. Here, the count information of the elapsed time may be recorded and held in the storage unit, for example, by the group setting unit 114 having a storage unit. Here, as the storage means included in the group setting unit 114 that stores the elapsed time count information, for example, a volatile memory (volatile memory) such as an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Needless to say, the count information of the elapsed time may be recorded in the internal memory 104, for example.

  When the elapsed time is counted in step S204, the group setting unit 114 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the elapsed time was started (S206). Here, the information of the predetermined time used for the determination in step S206 can be held in the storage unit, for example, by the group setting unit 114 including a storage unit. Here, examples of the storage unit included in the group setting unit 114 that stores information of the predetermined time include a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM and a flash memory, but are not limited thereto. Note that the information on the predetermined time is stored in the internal memory 104 and can be appropriately read out by the group setting unit 114. Moreover, although the information of the said predetermined time can be made into the fixed value prescribed | regulated previously, it is not restricted above. For example, the information of the predetermined time may be a value that can be appropriately changed according to a user input using the operation unit 122.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the group setting unit 114 determines whether or not imaging has been performed in the imaging unit 102 (S208). If it is determined in step S208 that imaging has not been performed, the group setting unit 114 continues counting elapsed time (S204). If it is determined in step S208 that imaging has been performed, the group setting unit 114 initializes the elapsed time count (S202), and again counts the elapsed time (S204).

  If it is determined in step S206 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the group setting unit 114 stops counting the elapsed time (S210). When the elapsed time count is stopped in step S210, the group setting unit 114 groups the images captured from the start of grouping in step S200 to the stop of the elapsed time count in step 210. An instruction is generated (S212). Then, the group setting unit 114 transmits the generated group setting instruction to the database recording unit 110. The database recording unit 110 records group information in the database based on the transmitted group setting instruction (S214).

  The group setting unit 114 can generate a group setting instruction for grouping image information recorded in the database by using the method shown in FIG. 5, and can transmit the group setting instruction to the database recording unit 110. . Further, the database recording unit 110 can group the information of the images recorded in the database based on the transmitted group setting instruction. The image information grouping method according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the method shown in FIG. For example, when a grouping processing stop instruction is transmitted from the operation unit 122 to the group setting unit 114 by user input, the imaging apparatus 100 may stop the processing related to grouping and not perform grouping. it can.

  By including the group setting unit 114, the imaging apparatus 100 can automatically group images when the imaging interval exceeds a predetermined time. By automatically grouping images, for example, images captured at a specific event such as a sea bath or a party can be grouped for each event.

  With reference to FIG. 1 again, each component of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described. The playlist generation unit 116 searches, for example, a database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 stored in the internal memory 104 in accordance with a search condition transmitted from the operation unit 122 by a user input. Then, a playlist can be generated based on the search result. Here, the playlist generation unit 116 searches using, for example, identification information read from the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit 106 and database identification information stored in the internal memory 104. Database can be specified. Also, the playlist generation unit 116 may create a playlist in which information such as a file name for identifying an image and a location (for example, address information) where the image is recorded is recorded for each image. Needless to say, the information included in the playlist is not limited to the above. In addition, examples of the search condition include an imaging date, an image of a person as an object, an image of a child, an image of an object with a specific expression, and the like. Not limited.

  Also, the playlist generation unit 116 can transmit the created playlist to the display unit 120 and display an image based on the playlist. Note that the playlist generation unit 116 is not limited to transmitting the created playlist to the display unit 120, and can display the contents of the playlist on the display unit 120, for example. In the above case, the playlist generation unit 116 may process the playlist into display data, for example.

  The image playback unit 118 reads out and plays back image data from the external memory 180 stored in the external memory storage unit 106 based on the playlist generated by the playlist generation unit 116, and displays it on the display unit 120 in various display formats. Can be displayed. Here, examples of the display format that the image playback unit 118 displays on the display unit 120 based on the playback list include a thumbnail format and a slideshow format, but are not limited thereto. Further, the image reproduction unit 118 is not limited to reproducing an image based on the reproduction list generated by the reproduction list generation unit 116. For example, the image reproduction unit 118 selectively reproduces and displays an image selected by the user using the operation unit 122. It can also be made.

[Example of playback based on playlist]
6 to 10 are explanatory diagrams showing first to fifth reproduction examples reproduced based on the reproduction list according to the embodiment of the present invention, and show examples displayed on the display unit 120. FIG. Here, FIG. 6 shows a reproduction example when “date” is designated as a search condition, and FIG. 7 shows a reproduction example when “person” is designated as a search condition. FIG. 8 shows a reproduction example when “child” is designated as a search condition, and FIG. 9 shows a reproduction example when “smile” is designated as a search condition. Further, FIG. 10 shows a reproduction example when a plurality of search conditions “child” and “smile” are designated. 6 to 10 show examples in which the image playback unit 118 displays in thumbnail format based on the playback list, but playback examples according to the embodiment of the present invention are limited to FIGS. 6 to 10. It goes without saying that there is nothing.

[1] When “date” is specified as a search condition (FIG. 6)
When “August 1, 2007” is designated as a search condition, the playlist generation unit 116 creates a database (stored in the external memory storage unit 106) stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search condition. The database corresponding to the external memory 180 is searched. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, referring to the database A130 shown in FIG. 3, records with file names “070.jpg”, “071.jpg”, “072.jpg”, etc. that match “August 1, 2007” Will be extracted as a record matching the above and recorded in the reproduction list.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. At this time, the image reproduction unit 118 can generate a thumbnail image from the read image and display the generated thumbnail image. The image reproduction unit 118 can generate a thumbnail image by resizing the image read from the external memory 180, for example, but the method for generating the thumbnail image is not limited to the above.

  Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the imaging apparatus 100 can display an image that matches the designated search condition “date” in a thumbnail format.

[2] When “person” is specified as a search condition (FIG. 7)
When “person” is designated as the search condition, the playlist generation unit 116 searches the database stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search condition. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, referring to the database A130 shown in FIG. 3, a record in which the item “face” has a value of 1 or more is extracted as a record that matches the search condition and recorded in the reproduction list.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the imaging apparatus 100 can display an image that matches the designated search condition “person” in a thumbnail format.

[3] When “Children” is specified as a search condition (FIG. 8)
When “child” is designated as the search condition, the playlist generation unit 116 searches the database stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search condition. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, referring to the database A130 shown in FIG. 3, a record in which the item “child” has a value of 1 or more is extracted as a record that matches the search condition and recorded in the reproduction list.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the imaging apparatus 100 can display an image that matches the designated search condition “children” in a thumbnail format.

[4] When “smile” is specified as a search condition (FIG. 9)
When “smile” is designated as the search condition, the playlist generation unit 116 searches the database stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search condition. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, referring to the database A 130 shown in FIG. 3, a record in which the item “smile” has a value of 1 or more is extracted as a record that matches the search condition and recorded in the reproduction list.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the imaging apparatus 100 can display an image that matches the designated search condition “smile” in a thumbnail format.

[5] When “children” and “smile” are specified as search conditions (FIG. 10)
When a plurality of search conditions “child” and “smile” are designated, the playlist generation unit 116 searches the database stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search conditions. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, referring to the database A 130 shown in FIG. 3, a record in which the item “child” has a value of 1 or more and the item “smile” has a value of 1 or more is extracted as a record that matches the search condition. It will be recorded in the playlist.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the imaging apparatus 100 can display images that match specified search conditions “children” and “smiles” in a thumbnail format.

[6] When “Group” is Designated as a Search Condition As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, “date”, “person”, “child”, By specifying a search condition for each “smile” or a combination of the above, an image that matches the search condition can be displayed in a thumbnail format. However, the search condition according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the imaging apparatus 100 can also use the group information automatically set by the group setting unit 114 as a search condition.

  When “group” is designated as the search condition, the playlist generation unit 116 searches the database stored in the internal memory 104 based on the search condition. Then, the playlist generation unit 116 extracts records that match the search conditions and registers them in the playlist. For example, when the group “AY” is designated as the search condition, referring to the database A130 shown in FIG. 3, the file names “070.jpg”, “071.jpg”, “072.jpg” that match the group “AY”. The records “,...” Are extracted as records that match the search condition and recorded in the reproduction list.

  Further, the image reproduction unit 118 reads out an image corresponding to the image recorded in the reproduction list from the external memory 180 based on the reproduction list, and reproduces and displays the read image. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 100 can display images that match the designated search condition group “AY” in thumbnail format. For example, the display unit 120 displays a screen similar to FIG. Become. In the above description, an example in which “group” is specified as a search condition has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and for example, the item “group name” illustrated in FIG. 3 may be specified.

  As described above, since the imaging apparatus 100 can use the group information automatically set by the group setting unit 114 as a search condition, the imaging apparatus 100 selectively selects an image captured in a specific event. Can be displayed.

  With reference to FIG. 1 again, each component of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described. The display unit 120 is a display unit included in the imaging apparatus 100. For example, the display unit 120 reproduces the image reproduction unit 118 based on the reproduction list as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 or a control unit (not shown). Various screens such as an operation screen for operating the operation unit 122 to be operated can be displayed. Here, examples of the display unit 120 include an LCD and an organic EL display, but are not limited thereto.

  The operation unit 122 is an operation unit of the imaging apparatus 100 that allows a user to perform a predetermined operation. For example, the user performs an imaging operation, a search condition designation operation, or a display format change operation from a thumbnail format to a slideshow format. Various setting operations of the imaging apparatus 100 can be performed. By including the operation unit 122 in the imaging apparatus 100, the user can cause the imaging apparatus 100 to perform an operation desired by the user, such as imaging, image display, or setting of the imaging apparatus. Here, examples of the operation unit 122 include an operation input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. The operation unit 122 may be an integral part of the display unit 120, such as a touch screen.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention detects the face area of the subject at the time of imaging, and associates the information of the captured image with the information of the detected face area, and the database for each recording medium. Can be memorized. By recording the above information in the database, the imaging apparatus 100 extracts image information satisfying a predetermined condition from the information recorded in the database to generate a playlist, and based on the generated playlist. Thus, an image stored in a recording medium (for example, the external memory 180 or the internal memory 104) can be selectively read out and reproduced and displayed. Therefore, even if a large amount of image data is stored in the recording medium, the imaging apparatus 100 can minimize the number of times of reading an image from the recording medium (the number of accesses to the recording medium) An image desired by the user can be reproduced and displayed.

  In addition, since the imaging apparatus 100 can record information in the database during a series of processes related to imaging, the process for recording information in the database is related to imaging, as in a device using a conventional technique. There is no need to perform the process separately. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 100 does not require the user to perform a predetermined operation for associating the image and the information obtained by the face detection, unlike the apparatus using the conventional technology, thereby reducing the load on the user. be able to.

  In addition, since the imaging apparatus 100 can record information in the database during a series of processes related to imaging, for example, the captured images are automatically grouped (album setting) using the imaging interval as a trigger. Can do. By using the imaging interval as a trigger, for example, images captured by a user at a specific event can be automatically grouped, so that the user can save time and effort for grouping.

  Furthermore, since the imaging apparatus 100 can record information in a database in a series of processes related to imaging, unlike an apparatus using a conventional technique that uses an already captured and recorded image as a processing target, Information obtained at the time of imaging (for example, the above search auxiliary information such as group information when the user intentionally designates grouping or group information automatically grouped with the imaging interval as a trigger) and an image And can be stored in the database.

  Further, although the imaging apparatus 100 has been described as an embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, a digital camera, “Handycam” for which the applicant has trademark rights Digital video cameras, portable communication devices such as mobile phones having digital camera functions, portable game machines such as PlayStation Portable (registered trademark) that can additionally have digital camera functions, UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal) It can be applied to computers such as Computer.

(Program according to an embodiment of the present invention)
A program for causing the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention to function as a computer detects a face area of a subject at the time of imaging, and associates information on the captured image with information on the detected face area in a database. Can be remembered.

  Further, a program for causing the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention to function as a computer extracts information on an image satisfying a predetermined condition from information recorded in a database, generates a playlist, and generates Based on the reproduced list, the image stored in the recording medium can be selectively read out and reproduced and displayed.

(Imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention)
Next, an imaging method in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an imaging method in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging device 100 generates image data by imaging (S300).

  When image data is generated in step S300, the imaging apparatus 100 performs face detection using the captured image data, and acquires face area information (S302).

  When face detection is performed and face area information is acquired in step S302, the imaging apparatus 100 records image data on a recording medium (S304), and records the image information and face area information in association with each other in the database. (S306).

  By using the imaging method illustrated in FIG. 11, the imaging apparatus 100 can detect the face area of the subject at the time of imaging, and store the captured image information and the detected face area information in association with each other in the database. it can. FIG. 11 shows a method of recording image data on a recording medium and then recording it in a database. However, the imaging method according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and for example, image data is recorded after being recorded in the database. You may record on a recording medium.

(Reproduction method using a database according to an embodiment of the present invention)
Next, a reproduction method using a database in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction method using a database in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 100 determines whether a search condition is specified (S400). Here, the search condition can be specified by the user using the operation unit 122, for example, and the imaging apparatus 100 can perform the determination in step S400 based on a signal according to a user operation from the operation unit 122. .

  If it is not determined in step S400 that the search condition has been specified, the imaging apparatus 100 does not proceed until it is determined that the search condition has been specified.

  If it is determined in step S400 that the search condition is specified, the imaging apparatus 100 searches the database based on the search condition (S402). Here, the imaging apparatus 100 can select a database corresponding to a recording medium (for example, the external memory 180) on which an image to be reproduced and displayed is recorded as a database to be searched in step S402. Further, the imaging apparatus 100 can also convert the search condition specified in step S400 into a database language such as SQL, for example.

  In accordance with the database search result in step S402, the imaging apparatus 100 generates a reproduction list (S404). The imaging apparatus 100 reads out the image data from the recording medium based on the reproduction list generated in step S404 (S406), and reproduces and displays the read out image data (S408). Here, for example, the imaging apparatus 100 may display images in a thumbnail format in which a list of read images is displayed, or display images in a slide show format in which the read images are sequentially displayed. Although it can be displayed, it is not limited to the above.

  By using the reproduction method using the database shown in FIG. 12, the imaging apparatus 100 generates the reproduction list by extracting the information of the image satisfying the predetermined condition from the information recorded in the database. Based on the reproduction list, images stored in the recording medium can be selectively read out and reproduced and displayed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, the imaging apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes the face detection unit 108 to detect the face area of the subject at the time of imaging, and stores the captured image information and the detected face area information in association with each other in the database. Although the configuration is shown, the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention further acquires information such as color information and luminance information of image data at the time of imaging, and acquires information on the captured image and information on the face area and / or acquired information. It can also be stored in the database in association. Even with the above-described configuration, information can be recorded in the database during a series of processes related to imaging, and thus the same effects as those of the imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be achieved.

  The configuration described above shows an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and naturally belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the database which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the database creation method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for grouping image information according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st reproduction example reproduced | regenerated based on the play list which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd reproduction example reproduced | regenerated based on the play list which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd reproduction example reproduced | regenerated based on the play list which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th reproduction example reproduced | regenerated based on the play list which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 5th example of reproduction | regeneration reproduced | regenerated based on the play list which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the imaging method in the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reproducing | regenerating method using the database in the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 102 Imaging part 104 Internal memory 106 External memory storage part 108 Face detection part 110 Database recording part 112 Image recording part 114 Group setting part 116 Play list production | generation part 118 Image reproduction part 120 Display part 122 Operation part

Claims (9)

An imaging unit for imaging;
A face detection unit that detects a face area of a subject from an image captured by the imaging unit;
An internal memory capable of storing a database in which information on an image captured by the imaging unit and information on a face area detected by the face detection unit are recorded in association with each image;
A database recording unit that records information on the image captured by the imaging unit and information on the face area detected by the face detection unit in association with each other;
An image recording unit for recording an image captured by the imaging unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: It further includes an external memory storage unit for storing a removable external memory,
The database recording unit according to claim 1, wherein the database recording unit identifies the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit, and creates a database for each identified external memory in the internal memory. Imaging device. The database recording unit records information on an image captured by the imaging unit and information on a face area detected by the face detection unit in a database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image recording unit records the image in the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit.   A database corresponding to the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit is read from the database stored in the internal memory, and an image reproduction list based on the conditions relating to the image information and / or the face area information The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a playlist generation unit that generates   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an operation unit capable of inputting conditions relating to the image information and / or the face area information to the playlist generation unit.   5. The image reproduction unit according to claim 4, further comprising an image reproduction unit that reads and reproduces an image from the external memory stored in the external memory storage unit based on the generation list generated by the reproduction list generation unit. The imaging device described.   The apparatus further comprises a group setting unit that measures an imaging interval in the imaging unit and groups information of images recorded in the database when the imaging interval exceeds a predetermined time interval. The imaging device described in 1. An imaging method in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that performs imaging and an internal memory that can store a database, wherein:
Imaging step;
Detecting the face area of the subject from the images captured in the imaging step;
Recording the information on the image captured in the imaging step and the information on the face area detected in the step of detecting the face area in association with each other;
Recording the image captured in the imaging step;
The imaging method characterized by having. A program that can be used for an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that performs imaging and an internal memory that can store a database.
Imaging step;
Detecting a face area of a subject from the image captured in the imaging step;
Recording the information on the image captured in the imaging step and the information on the face area detected in the step of detecting the face area in association with each other;
Recording the image captured in the imaging step;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

Images