JP2005341017A - Camera apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of guiding a photographer to actually photograph an object in a timing when the object photographed repetitively for many times in the past appears in a monitor image by taking into consideration of an actual state wherein the same object is photographed repetitively with high possibility. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 1 particularizes a person frequently photographed many times among people recognized by analyzing a plurality of photographed images for a photographed object candidate this time when a "1; Frequency priority" on an automatic registration menu image is selected in a state that a plurality of photographed images resulting from photographing optional people are recorded and stored on recording media 4, discriminates whether or not the object candidate is included in the monitor image, and guides the photographer to actually photograph this person when the object candidate is included. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device and a program for providing guidance for assisting shooting.

Conventionally, as a camera device, for example, an automatic photographing device is known in which a moving subject is detected and the optical zoom is controlled so that the subject has a predetermined size (see Patent Document 1). There is also known an automatic photographing system that detects the direction and distance of a subject and automatically follows the movement of the subject (see Patent Document 2). There is also known an imaging apparatus that detects the line of sight of a photographer, registers the characteristics of the subject that the photographer has watched, and automatically follows the subject having this characteristic (see Patent Document 3). ).
JP-A-6-133210 JP 7-111161 A JP-A-8-029826

However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above, the subject is automatically detected and automatic photographing is performed.
By the way, in the case of portrait photography, the same subject, such as a family member or acquaintance, is often photographed many times. Even so, if there were many people on the monitor screen, it was often difficult to know where the target was. This is particularly noticeable when zooming in and out. For this reason, while looking away from the viewfinder and looking for the target with the naked eye, there were many cases where a photo opportunity was missed.

  An object of the first invention is to consider the fact that there is a high possibility that the same subject is repeatedly shot, and this subject is actually used at the timing when the subject that has been shot repeatedly in the past appears in the monitor image. It is to be able to guide what to shoot.

  The subject of the second invention is to consider the fact that there is a high possibility that a subject photographed up in the past will be photographed in the past, and this subject is selected at the timing when the subject photographed up in the past appears in the monitor image. It is to be able to guide what to actually shoot.

  The subject of the third invention is that the subject that has recently been photographed is likely to be photographed in succession, and that this subject should be actually photographed when the recently photographed subject appears in the monitor image. It is to be able to guide.

  The subject of the fourth invention is that the actual subject should be actually photographed at the timing when the previously photographed subject appears in the monitor image in consideration of the fact that the same subject is likely to be photographed continuously and repeatedly. Is to be able to guide you.

The invention according to claim 1 (first invention) responds to a photographing operation when a photographing operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual photographing is displayed and output. A camera device that records and saves actual captured images as captured images, and analyzes a plurality of captured images in a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored. Subject candidate specifying means for specifying a subject having a high photographing frequency among the recognized subject portions as the current shooting target candidate, and whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image A determination means for determining whether or not a subject candidate is included by the determination means, and a notification for informing a photographing guide for prompting the subject to be actually photographed Characterized by comprising a stage.
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 12).

The invention described in claim 1 may be as follows.
The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current shooting target candidates in order of frequency of shooting, and the determining means includes any one of the specified plurality of subject candidates in the monitor image. It is discriminate | determined whether it is (Invention of Claim 2).

  When the subject registration mode is designated, there is provided registration means for registering the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means as a reference image for subject recognition by analyzing a plurality of captured images taken in the past. The determining means determines whether or not a subject candidate is included in the monitor image by comparing the reference image with a subject included in the monitor image (the invention according to claim 7). .

  The informing means displays a mark indicating a shooting target at the candidate position in the monitor screen including the subject candidate (the invention according to claim 9).

  Control means for driving and controlling the optical system is provided so that the subject is photographed under optimum photographing conditions in response to the predetermined operation after the notification (the invention according to claim 10).

The invention according to claim 3 (second invention) responds to a photographing operation when a photographing operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual photographing is displayed and output. A camera device that records and saves actual captured images as captured images, and analyzes a plurality of captured images in a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored. Subject candidate specifying means for specifying a subject that has a high occupation ratio in one image among the recognized subject portions as a current photographing target candidate, and subject candidates specified by the subject candidate specifying means are monitor images. A determination means for determining whether or not the subject is included in the image, and that when the determination means determines that the subject candidate is included, the subject should be actually photographed. Characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying to shooting guide.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 3 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 13).

The invention described in claim 3 may be as follows.
The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current photographing target candidates in descending order of the occupation ratio of the subject, and the determining means determines which one of the plurality of specified subject candidates is within the monitor image. (Invention of Claim 4).
Further, the invention described in claim 3 may be the invention described in claims 7, 9, 10 described above.

The invention according to claim 5 (third invention) responds to a photographing operation when a photographing operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual photographing is displayed and output. A camera device that records and saves actual captured images in association with the shooting date and time as captured images, and in a state where a plurality of captured images of arbitrary subjects are recorded and stored. A subject that recognizes each subject by analyzing the completed image and identifies a subject close to the current date and time as a candidate for the current shooting target by comparing the shooting date and time associated with each captured image with the current date and time A candidate specifying means; a determining means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image; and When it is judged that contains the candidate, characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying the photographing guidance prompting that it should actually-captured this subject.
Further, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 5 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 14).

The invention described in claim 5 may be as follows.
The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current shooting target candidates in order from the shooting date and time closest to the current date and time, and the determining means determines which one of the specified subject candidates is within the monitor image. (Invention of Claim 6).
The invention described in claim 5 may be the invention described in claims 7, 9 and 10 described above.

The invention according to claim 8 (fourth invention) responds to a photographing operation when a photographing operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual photographing is displayed and output. A camera device that records and saves actual captured images. When recording and saving a captured image of an arbitrary subject, the subject portion is recognized by analyzing the captured image, and the subject is stored next time. Subject candidate specifying means for specifying as a photographing target candidate, determination means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image, and subject candidates are included by the determination means. When it is determined that the subject is photographed, a notifying unit for notifying photographing guidance that prompts the subject to actually photograph is provided.
Further, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 8 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 15).

The invention described in claim 8 may be as follows.
When a shooting operation is performed with the monitor image temporarily captured before actual shooting being performed, the shot image actually shot in response to this shooting operation is shot in association with the shooting date and time. In the state of being recorded and saved as a completed image, the subject recognition means is included in a plurality of captured images that have been shot and recorded and saved in the normal shooting mode when switching from the normal shooting mode to the shooting assistance mode. Each subject is identified as a candidate for the current photographing target in the order of the photographing date and time (the invention according to claim 11).
The invention described in claim 8 may be the invention described in claims 9 and 10 described above.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention (first invention), a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject are recognized and recorded by analyzing the plurality of photographed images. A subject with a high frequency of shooting is specified as a candidate for the current shooting from each subject portion, and it is determined whether or not the subject candidate is included in the monitor image. Since the subject was guided to actually shoot, the subject that was shot many times in the past can be guided to the actual shooting of the subject at the timing when it appeared in the monitor image, and the photo opportunity The same subject can be repeatedly shot without missing. Note that the subject is not limited to a person, and may be, for example, a pet (hereinafter the same).

  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, a plurality of subjects are specified as current shooting target candidates in order of frequency of shooting, and a plurality of specified Since it is determined whether or not one of the subject candidates is included in the monitor image, even if a plurality of subjects are repeatedly photographed, a plurality of subjects are picked in order of frequency of photographing. It can be specified as the current photographing target candidate, and the actual photographing of the subject can be guided at the timing when any subject appears in the monitor image.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, when a subject registration mode is designated, a plurality of photographed images photographed in the past are analyzed. Whether the subject candidate is included in the monitor image by registering the subject candidate specified by the reference image for subject recognition and comparing the reference image with the subject included in the monitor image. By simply specifying the subject registration mode, it is possible to automatically register reference images based on a plurality of previously taken images and to include subject candidates in the monitor image. It is possible to more accurately determine whether or not it is.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, a mark indicating that the candidate position is a shooting target in the monitor screen including the subject candidate Is displayed, so that the subject position can be checked easily. In this case, if the subject is shown at the edge of the monitor, the camera orientation can be quickly adjusted so that the subject comes to the center of the monitor.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, in addition to the photographing condition in which the subject is optimal in response to a predetermined operation after the notification for guiding the actual photographing is performed. Since the optical system is driven and controlled so as to be photographed at the same time, for example, the subject can always be photographed in an appropriate state by automatically adjusting the optical system such as zoom control and focus control.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 (second invention), it is recognized by analyzing a plurality of photographed images in a state where a plurality of photographed images of arbitrary subjects are recorded and stored. A subject having a high occupancy ratio of a subject in one image is specified as a subject to be photographed from this subject portion, and whether or not this subject candidate is included in the monitor image is determined. If it is included, the shooting guidance prompting that this subject should be actually shot is notified, so that this subject should be actually shot at the timing when the subject that has been shot up in the past appears in the monitor image. Can be taken and the subject photographed in the past can be continuously photographed without missing a photo opportunity.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 3 described above, a plurality of subjects are specified as current photographing target candidates in descending order of occupation ratio, and the plurality of subjects are specified. Since it is determined whether or not any of the subject candidates is included in the monitor image, even when a plurality of subjects are photographed up, a plurality of subjects are selected in descending order of occupation ratio. It can be specified as the current photographing target candidate, and the actual photographing of the subject can be guided at the timing when any subject appears in the monitor image.
The invention according to claim 3 (second invention) also has the same effects as those of the inventions according to claims 7, 9, and 10 described above.

  According to the invention described in claim 5 (third invention), in a state where a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, each subject is analyzed by analyzing the plurality of photographed images. At the same time, by comparing the shooting date and time associated with each captured image with the current date and time, a subject close to the current date and time is identified as the current shooting target candidate, and this subject candidate is included in the monitor image. If a subject candidate is included, a shooting guide that prompts the user to actually shoot the subject is notified, so that a recently taken subject appears at the timing when it appears in the monitor image. Thus, it is possible to guide the subject to be actually photographed, and it is possible to continuously photograph the recently photographed subject without missing a photo opportunity.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to having the same effect as the invention described in claim 5 described above, a plurality of subjects are identified as current shooting target candidates in order of shooting date and time close to the current date and time. Since it is determined whether or not any of the subject candidates is included in the monitor image, even when a plurality of subjects are recently photographed, a plurality of subjects are selected in order of shooting date and time closest to the current date and time. It can be specified as the current photographing target candidate, and the actual photographing of the subject can be guided at the timing when any subject appears in the monitor image.
Note that the invention described in claim 5 (third invention) also has the same effect as the invention described in claims 7, 9, 10 described above.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention (fourth invention), when a captured image obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject is recorded and stored, the subject portion is recognized by analyzing the photographed image, and the subject is detected next time. Because it is determined whether the subject candidate is included in the monitor image, and if the subject candidate is included, it is guided that the subject should be actually photographed. It is possible to guide the subject to be actually photographed at the timing when the previously photographed subject appears in the monitor image, and the same subject can be photographed continuously and repeatedly without missing a photo opportunity.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the above-described eighth aspect of the invention, the photographing operation is performed in a state in which the temporarily captured monitor image is displayed and output before actual photographing is performed. When the camera is switched from the normal shooting mode to the shooting assistance mode in a state where the actually shot image in response to this shooting operation is recorded and saved as a captured image in association with the shooting date and time. Since each subject included in a plurality of captured images recorded and stored in the normal shooting mode is specified as a candidate for the current shooting in the order of the shooting date and time, any subject is selected. The actual photographing of the subject can be guided at the timing when it appears in the monitor image.
The invention according to claim 8 (fourth invention) also has the same effects as those of the inventions according to claims 9 and 10 described above.

(Example 1)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the digital camera in this embodiment.
This digital camera is a digital still camera capable of capturing moving images or a digital video camera capable of capturing still images, and is a portable camera that is portable. When the digital camera of this embodiment recognizes that a specific person is included in the monitor image by analyzing the temporarily captured monitor image before actual shooting, the actual shooting operation is performed. It is the structure provided with the imaging | photography assistance guidance function which alert | reports.

In consideration of the fact that there is a high possibility that the same person will be repeatedly photographed, this shooting assistance guidance function takes into account this person at the timing when a person who has repeatedly photographed in the past appears in the monitor image. Taking into account the “frequency priority guidance function” that guides shooting and the fact that there is a high possibility that a person who has shot up in the past is likely to be shot in the past, the timing at which a person who has shot up in the past appears in the monitor image Taking into account the fact that this person's actual shooting is “up-priority guidance function” and the fact that a recently shot person is likely to be shot continuously, a recently shot person appears in the monitor image. It has a “nearest priority guidance function” that provides guidance and notification of actual shooting of this person at the timing.
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 still 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 operation of the present embodiment according to the operation procedure shown in FIGS. 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 detachable 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, and a camera photographing unit 7, which are input / output peripheral devices, are connected to the CPU 1 via a bus line. The CPU 1 selects these input / output devices according to an input / output program. Control the operation.
In addition to the shutter button ST and the zoom button WD, the operation unit 5 includes various function buttons such as a mode button MD for switching to a normal mode / personal photography assist mode to be described later. 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 pickup device such as a CCD image sensor, a driving system thereof, and the like. The CPU 1 adjusts and controls the optical zoom function, and the direction of the lens. Adjusts (shooting direction), controls drive control during autofocus, shutter drive control, exposure, white balance, etc. That is, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the camera photographing unit 7. The camera photographing unit 7 includes a photographing lens 71, a photographing control unit 72, and an imaging processing unit 73, and the CPU 1 includes a photographing control unit. The zoom drive control, the focus drive control, the exposure drive control, and the shutter drive control are performed on the 72. Note that the CPU 1 takes a photographed image from the CCD image sensor in the imaging processing unit 73 via the image memory 8 and records and saves it on the recording medium 4.

  The above-described mode button MD is a button for cyclically switching between the normal mode and the person photographing assistance mode, and the “normal mode” is an operation mode for normally photographing a general subject such as a person or a landscape. Further, the “personal shooting assistance mode” is a special shooting mode for operating the above-described shooting assistance guide function. When switching to this "personal photography assist mode", an object recognition image (reference image) for recognizing a person in the captured image can be automatically registered or arbitrarily registered. . That is, a registration mode in which a reference image is arbitrarily registered by analyzing a newly captured image for subject recognition, and a registration mode in which a reference image is automatically registered from a plurality of captured images captured in the normal mode. And have. In this automatic registration mode, registration menus corresponding to the above-mentioned “frequency priority”, “up priority”, and “nearest priority” can be arbitrarily selected.

  When “frequency priority” is selected, the CPU 1 captures a plurality of persons this time in order from the most frequently photographed person parts recognized by analyzing each photographed image photographed in the normal mode. These are specified as target candidates and registered as reference images. In addition, when “up priority” is selected, a plurality of persons are photographed in this order from the person part recognized by analyzing each photographed image in the descending order of the occupation ratio of the person in one image. Identifying them as target candidates, registering them as reference images, and when “Nearest priority” is selected, each person part is recognized by analyzing each captured image, and the shooting date and current date and time are By comparing, a plurality of persons are identified as candidates for the current photographing target in the order from the current date and time, and these are registered as reference images.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the classification table 11 for storing and managing reference images registered as subject candidates by classification (by person).
This classification table 11 has items of “classification number”, “counter value”, “registration candidate image”, and “reference image”, and “classification number” is an automatically generated serial number, and the same person This is person identification information for identifying. The “counter value” indicates the frequency of photographing the same person by analyzing each photographed image photographed in the normal mode, and is a value obtained by counting the number of “registration candidate images” corresponding to the classification. is there. The “registration candidate image” is a collection of images obtained by photographing the same person among the captured images taken in the normal mode as registration candidates, and the “reference image” is the “registration candidate image”. The image for subject recognition is obtained by extracting and registering the best image with good image quality as a representative image by comprehensively judging the face direction, face size, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an image set as a registration candidate image in the classification table 11, and an image set as a registration candidate in the classification table 11 is limited to an image that satisfies a certain condition, In the figure, a circle indicates an image that is a registration candidate, and a cross indicates an image that is not a registration candidate. In this case, the registration candidate condition is a person whose face portion is copied in a size larger than a predetermined size. That is, as shown in (A), if the faces of three people are too small, they are not candidates for registration, but as shown in (B) to (D), the face portion is copied with a size larger than a predetermined size. All of the images that have been made are candidates for registration.

  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. This is the same in other embodiments described later, and in addition to the recording medium, an operation peculiar to this embodiment can be executed using a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium. .

 FIG. 5 to FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing the entire operation of the digital camera that is started when the photographing switch is turned on. First, when the photographing switch is turned on, the CPU 1 initializes the normal mode (step S1 in FIG. 5), acquires a monitor image from the camera photographing unit 7 and sets it in the image memory 8 (step S2). ) And display output on the monitor screen (step S3). Here, the presence / absence of a button operation is checked (step S4), and the process returns to step S2 until a certain button is operated and enters a standby state. When a button operation is detected, the type of the operation button is determined, It is checked whether the mode button MD has been operated (step S5), the zoom button WD has been operated (step S6), and whether the shutter button ST or other buttons have been operated (step S7).

 If the zoom button WD is operated in the normal mode at the initial setting (YES in step S6), the optical zoom drive is controlled in accordance with the zoom-in / zoom-out operation (step S9). When the shutter button is operated (YES in step S7), a captured image at the time of the shutter operation is acquired from the image memory 8 on condition that the normal mode is set, and an orthogonal transform method (discrete cosine) is used. After performing data compression according to the conversion method (step S10), a normal operation of adding the shooting date and time (current date and time) to the compressed image data and recording and saving it on the recording medium 4 is performed (step S11). In addition, when other buttons are operated in the normal mode (NO in step S7), other processes are executed according to the operation buttons (step S12), and the process returns to the monitor image acquisition process (step S2). ). When the mode button MD is operated (YES in step S5), a mode change process for switching from the normal mode to the person photographing assistance mode is performed (step S8).

 Now, in the state where the normal mode is switched to the person photographing assistance mode, it is checked whether or not a target (reference image) as a photographing target is registered in the classification table 11 (step S21 in FIG. 6). Here, if the target has been registered, the person photographing assistance menu is displayed and output (step S22). FIG. 12 shows this person photographing auxiliary menu screen, which displays a message that the target is already registered, and menu items “1: NO” and “2: YES” for inquiring whether additional registration is present. Is displayed and output. Here, when an arbitrary menu is selected (step S23), this selection item is discriminated (step S24). When “2: YES” is selected, a person image (target) registration process (step The process proceeds to S25 to S35) where additional registration of a new person is performed.

 First, prior to the additional registration of a new person, the CPU 1 displays and outputs a person registration menu screen (step S25). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a person registration menu screen, where “1: automatic registration from captured images” and “2: target person shooting” are displayed as menu items indicating the person image registration method. This “1: automatic registration from captured images” is a menu item for specifying a registration mode for automatically registering a person image as a reference image from a plurality of captured images captured in the normal mode, as described above. “2: Shooting of target person” is a menu item indicating a registration mode in which a newly photographed object image is arbitrarily registered as a reference image, and when an arbitrary menu is selected from this person registration menu screen (step S26). This selection item is discriminated (step S27).

 Now, when “2: Shooting the target person” is selected, a guidance image indicating that the registration target person should be shot is displayed (step S28), and then a monitor image is obtained from the camera shooting unit 7. In addition to being set in the image memory 8 (step S29), it is displayed on the monitor screen (step S30). Here, the presence / absence of a button operation is checked (step S31), and the process returns to step S29 until a certain button is operated and enters a standby state. When a button operation is detected, the type of the operation button is determined, It is checked whether the shutter button ST has been operated (step S32) or whether the mode button MD has been operated (step S33).

 Here, when the shutter button ST is operated to instruct the registration of the target, the face portion of the person is specified by analyzing the image in the image memory 8, and the face image is extracted. This is newly registered in the classification table 11 as a reference image (step S34). In this case, a “classification number” for identifying the person is generated and added to the classification table 11 together with the “reference image”. Until the end of registration is instructed by the user (step S35), the process returns to the above-described step S29, and thereafter, the process of registering the photographed person's face image as a reference image for each person is repeated (steps S29 to S35). . When the end of the target registration is instructed (YES in step S35), the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7, but when the mode button MD is operated (YES in step S33), After performing the mode changing process for switching from the person photographing assistance mode to the normal mode (step S36), the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7 and an operation corresponding to the person photographing assistance mode described later is performed.

 On the other hand, when “1: automatic registration from photographed image” is selected on the person registration menu screen (YES in step S27), the process proceeds to step S61 in FIG. 8 to display and output the automatic registration menu screen. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an automatic registration menu screen, which displays menu items of “1: frequency priority”, “2: up priority”, and “3: immediate priority”. If a menu item is arbitrarily selected (step S62), the selected item is determined (step S63). If “1: frequency priority” or “2: priority up” is selected (YES in step S63), one of the captured images captured in the normal mode is read (step S64). The person is recognized by analyzing the image (step S65), and it is determined whether or not the face portion of the person is included (step S66). In this case, the person's face part is recognized by comprehensively judging the entire configuration of the person's face part, each component, arrangement state, color, and the like (hereinafter the same). If the face portion of the person is not included, the process proceeds to step S70 to exclude the image from registration, and the presence / absence of other unread imaged images is checked. Then, the process returns to step S64 to read the photographed image.

 If the face portion of the person is included (YES in step S66), the face size of the person is checked (step S67). That is, the ratio of the human face part in the captured image is calculated, and whether the human face part is equal to or larger than a predetermined size is checked based on whether the occupation ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. If so (YES in step S68), the photographed image is determined as a registration candidate (step S69). In the case of FIG. 4A described above, it is determined that the candidate is not a registration candidate, and the process proceeds to step S70. Thereafter, the process of checking whether or not it becomes a registration candidate while sequentially reading all the captured images is repeated. When reading of all images is completed (NO in step S70), the process proceeds to step S71 in FIG. 9 to check whether there is an image (decision candidate) determined as a registration candidate. If there is no determination candidate, registration is not possible. After the message is displayed and output (step S72), the process proceeds to step S28 in FIG. 6 to display and output a guidance for encouraging the registration target person to shoot. Is registered as a reference image (steps S28 to S35).

 On the other hand, if there is an image determined as a registration candidate (YES in step S71), one of the determination candidates is read out (step S73), and the determination candidate and each registration candidate in the classification table 11 are read. Comparison is performed (step S74). That is, the presence / absence of an image whose face part is characteristically matched is searched by comparing each registration candidate corresponding to the designated classification with the determination candidate while sequentially specifying each classification in the classification table 11. Thus, it is checked whether or not classification can be performed, that is, whether or not an image whose face part is characteristically matched can be searched (step S75), and images of the same person are registered in the classification table 11 as candidates for registration. If it is already set as an image, it is determined that classification can be specified. In this case, the decision candidate is added to the classification as a “registration candidate image” (step S76), and “1” is added to the “counter value” and the value is updated (step S76). Step S77).

 Further, if images of the same person are not set as registration candidate images in the classification table 11, it is determined that classification cannot be specified. In this case, after the new classification number is generated, a new record including the new classification number and the counter initial value “1” is set in the classification table 11 (step S78), and the decision candidate is set to the “registration candidate image” of the new record. Is set (step S79). Hereinafter, until all the determination candidates are read (step S80), the process of setting the registration candidate images in the classification table 11 is repeated. As shown in FIG. 4C, when two or more human faces having a predetermined size or larger are included in the image determined as the registration candidate, A process of setting each person as a “registration candidate image” is performed.

 When the process for setting the decision candidate as the registration candidate image is completed, it is checked whether “1: Frequency priority” is selected or “2: Up priority” is selected on the automatic registration menu screen (step S1). S81), when “1: Frequency priority” is selected, the “counter value” in the classification table 11 is referred to, and the “counter value” is selected from the top five categories (persons) (step S82). In addition, when “2: Up priority” is selected, an image with a large face part is identified while comparing “registration candidate images” of each category, and the top five classifications (persons) in descending order of face up Is selected (step S83). Then, for each selected category, the “registration candidate images” are compared with each other to comprehensively determine the face orientation, face size, etc., and extract the best image with good image quality as a representative image. Is registered as a reference image in the classification table 11 in association with the classification (step S84). Note that all classification records for which reference images are not registered are deleted from the classification table 11 as unnecessary records (step S85). After the reference image is registered in this way, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7 and an operation according to a person photographing assistance mode described later is performed.

 On the other hand, when “3: Nearest priority” is selected on the automatic registration menu screen (NO in step S63 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG. 11, and each photographed image photographed in the normal mode is displayed. Are read in the order of the shooting date and time, and the image is analyzed to recognize the person (step S111), and it is determined whether or not the face portion of the person is included (step S112). If the face portion of the person is not included, the process proceeds to step S117 to exclude the image from registration, and if there is an unread captured image, and if there is another captured image. Returning to step S110, the captured image is read out.

 If the human face portion is included, the ratio of the human face portion in the captured image is calculated, and the human face portion is equal to or larger than the predetermined size based on whether the occupation ratio is a predetermined value or more. (Step S113), if it is larger than the predetermined size (YES in step S114), the photographed image is determined as a reference image and registered in the classification table 11 (step S115). In this case, a newly generated classification number is added to the registered reference image and registered in the classification table 11. Then, the registration number of reference images is counted, and it is checked whether or not a predetermined maximum registration value “5” has been reached (step S116). If the registration number is less than “5”, the process proceeds to step S117. Check for unread images.

 Thereafter, the above operation is repeated until the number of registrations reaches “5” or until all images are read out. Here, when reading of all images is completed before the number of registrations reaches “5”, the presence or absence of an image registered as a reference image is checked (step S118). If no image is registered, After the registration impossible message is displayed and output (step S119), the process proceeds to step S28 in FIG. 6 to display and output a guidance prompting the user to shoot the registration target person. Thereafter, the registration target person is shot as described above. Processing for registering the captured image as a reference image is executed (steps S28 to S35). If the number of registrations reaches “5” (YES in step S116) or if a reference image is registered (YES in step S118), the process moves to step S41 in FIG. The operation according to is performed.

 When registration of the reference image is completed in this way, an operation corresponding to the person photographing assistance mode shown in FIG. 7 is started. First, a monitor image is acquired from the camera photographing unit 7 and set in the image memory 8 (step S41), and is displayed on the monitor screen (step S42). Then, the face portion of the person is specified by analyzing the image in the image memory 8 at this time (step S43), and it is determined whether or not the face portion of the person is included in the image in the image memory 8 (step S43). Step S44). Here, when a face portion of a person is included, this face image is extracted, and any one of registered face images (reference images) is designated, and the extracted face image is designated as a reference. By comparing with the image (step S46), it is determined whether or not they are characteristically matched (step S47). In this case, when comparing the extracted image (face image) and each reference image (face image), after correcting the face direction and size of the image, the face outline, eyes, mouth, nose, forehead, etc. In addition to individually comparing the shape, position, size, hairstyle, presence / absence and type of glasses, etc., image comparison is performed by comprehensively comparing them (hereinafter the same)

 As a result, if the two do not characteristically match (NO in step S47), the presence / absence of another undesignated reference image is checked (step S48). If there is, the next undesignated reference image is designated. Later, the extracted image and the designated image are compared (step S46). If none of the reference images match (YES in step S48), the person cannot be specified, and the process proceeds to the next step S49, where another person is added to the image in the image memory 8. Is included, and if another person is included, the process returns to step S46 to identify the person. If there is no other person in the image memory 8 (NO in step S49), the presence or absence of any button operation is checked (step S45), and the process returns to step S41 until the button operation is performed and the person specifying process is repeated.

 As a result of the image comparison, if the person can be identified by matching any reference image (YES in step S47), the process proceeds to step S91 and subsequent steps in FIG. A process for driving and controlling the optical zoom is performed so that the image becomes the optimum size for still image shooting. First, the CPU 1 blinks and displays the entire display monitor to notify that effect (step S91), and causes the target mark to be displayed and output at a position corresponding to the matched person portion in the monitor screen (step S92). Then, an automatic lock necessity menu is displayed and output (step S93). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing this automatic lock necessity menu screen, in which a message indicating that a registered person is in the monitor is displayed, and whether or not to shoot with automatic lock is displayed. Menu items for inquiring in the NO format are displayed.

 This "automatic lock shooting" automatically adjusts the optical zoom so that a specific person is in an optimal state for still image shooting when the specific person is not shot in a predetermined appropriate state in the monitor image. It shows that a person is photographed with the zoom magnification and focus fixed at that time. Now, when an arbitrary menu item is selected and specified (step S94), the selected menu item is discriminated (step S95), and when the menu item “YES” for shooting with automatic lock is selected, a specific person is selected. The optical zoom is automatically adjusted so that the face portion has a predetermined size, that is, an optimal state for still image shooting, and the zoom magnification after adjustment is fixed (step S96). In this case, focusing is also performed during the automatic adjustment of the optical zoom, but with the focus at that time locked (step S97), the CPU 1 fixes the image in the image memory 8 (step S98), and the monitor. It is displayed (step S99). Thereafter, whether or not the shutter button ST is operated is checked (step S100).

  Also, when the menu item “NO” that does not require automatic lock shooting is selected (NO in step S95), whether or not the shutter button ST is operated is checked (step S100). Here, when the shutter button ST is operated, the image in the image memory 8 is subjected to data compression in accordance with the orthogonal transformation method (step S101), and the compressed image is recorded and stored in the recording medium 4 ( Step S102), the process returns to Step S41 of FIG. If the shutter button ST is not operated, the optical zoom and focus are released (step S103), and then the process returns to step S41 in FIG. 7 and the monitor image from the camera photographing unit 7 is set in the image memory 8. The above-described person specifying process is repeated.

 Here, when a person cannot be specified or when all persons can be specified, when any button is operated (YES in step S45 in FIG. 7), the type of the operation button To determine whether the mode button MD has been operated (step S50), the zoom button WD has been operated (step S51), and whether the shutter button ST or other buttons have been operated (step S52). Now, when the person cannot be specified in the person photographing assistance mode, when the zoom button WD and the shutter button ST are operated, the same processing as in the normal mode described above is performed.

 That is, when the zoom button WD is operated (YES in step S51), the optical zoom drive is controlled according to the zoom-in / zoom-out operation (step S53), and when the shutter button is operated ( (YES in step S52), the photographed image at the time of shutter operation is acquired from the image memory 8 and data compression is performed according to the orthogonal transformation method (step S54), and then this compressed image is recorded and stored in the recording medium 4 (step S55) When another button is operated (NO in step S52), another process is executed according to the operation button (step S56). And it returns to step S41 and a person specific process is performed continuously. When the mode button MD is operated (YES in step S50), after performing a mode change process for switching from the person photographing assistance mode to the normal mode (step S57), the process returns to step S2 in FIG. Note that when the person photographing assist mode is switched to the normal mode, the contents of the classification table 11 are all cleared (step S58).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the CPU 1 performs “1: frequency priority” on the automatic registration menu screen in a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary person are recorded and stored in the recording medium 4. Is selected, a person with high shooting frequency is identified as a candidate for the current shooting target from among the persons recognized by analyzing the plurality of shot images, and the subject candidate is included in the monitor image. If the subject candidate is included, the actual shooting of this person is guided, so a person who has repeatedly shot in the past appears in the monitor image. It is possible to guide the actual shooting of this person at the timing, and the same person can be repeatedly shot without missing a photo opportunity.
In this case, since the CPU 1 specifies a plurality of persons as the current shooting target candidates in the order of shooting frequency, the CPU 1 guides the actual shooting of the person at the timing when any person appears in the monitor image. be able to.

In addition, when “2: Up priority” on the automatic registration menu screen is selected, the face portion of a person occupies one image from among the persons recognized by analyzing a plurality of captured images. A person with a high occupation ratio is identified as a candidate for the current photographing target, and whether or not the subject candidate is included in the monitor image is determined. If the subject candidate is included, actual photographing of the person is guided. Therefore, it is possible to guide that a person who has been photographed up in the past should actually be photographed at the timing when the person appears in the monitor image.
In this case, since a plurality of persons are specified as candidates for the current photographing target in descending order of the occupation ratio of the person's face part, the actual photographing of this person at the timing when any person appears in the monitor image. Can be guided.

When “3: Nearest priority” on the automatic registration menu screen is selected, each person is recognized by analyzing a plurality of captured images, and the photographing associated with each captured image is performed. By comparing the date and time with the current date and time, a person close to the current date and time is identified as a candidate for the current photographing, and it is determined whether or not this subject candidate is included in the monitor image. For example, since this person's actual photographing is guided, it is possible to guide that this person should be actually photographed at the timing when the recently photographed person appears in the monitor image.
In this case, since a plurality of persons are specified as candidates for the current shooting target in order of shooting date and time closest to the current date and time, actual shooting of this person is guided when any person appears in the monitor image. be able to.

  When the person automatic registration mode is designated, subject candidates specified by analyzing a plurality of captured images taken in the past are registered as reference images, and are included in the reference image and the monitor image. Since it is determined whether or not a subject candidate is included in the monitor image by comparing with a person, simply specifying the person automatic registration mode allows a plurality of previously captured images to be captured. Based on this, it is possible to automatically register the reference image, and more accurately determine whether or not the subject candidate is included in the monitor image.

Since the CPU 1 displays the target mark at the position of the subject candidate in the monitor screen, the CPU 1 can check the position of the person. In this case, if a person is shown at the edge of the monitor, the direction of the camera can be quickly adjusted so that the person is in the center of the monitor. In addition, the optical system is driven and controlled so that a person is photographed under optimum photographing conditions when “YES” is selected on the automatic lock necessity menu screen displayed after notifying the actual photographing of the person. Because of this, it is possible to always shoot a person in an appropriate state.
(Example 2)

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment described above, this selection menu is selected when any one of “1: Frequency priority”, “2: Up priority”, and “3: Latest priority” is selected on the automatic registration menu screen. The person specified according to the above is specified as a subject candidate, and when this person appears in the monitor image, actual shooting of this person is guided, but in this second embodiment, the same person In consideration of the fact that there is a high possibility of continuous repeated shooting, this person's actual shooting is guided when the previously shot person appears in the monitor image. That is, when recording and saving a photographed image, the person part is recognized by analyzing the photographed image, the person is specified as a candidate for the next photographing target, and whether the subject candidate is included in the monitor image. If the subject candidate is included, this person's actual photographing is guided.
Here, the same or the same names in both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the features of the second embodiment. .

FIGS. 16 and 17 are flow charts showing the features of the second embodiment. Of FIGS. 5 to 11 described above, FIG. 16 is a flow chart replacing FIG. 6, and FIG. 17 is a flow chart replacing FIG. FIG. 5, FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 are flowcharts, and are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the following description will focus on the features of the second embodiment.
First, when the CPU 1 is switched from the normal mode to the person photographing assistance mode (step S8 in FIG. 5), the CPU 1 proceeds to step S120 in FIG. 16, and each photographed image photographed in the normal mode is displayed with its photographing date and time. After reading out in the new order, person recognition is performed by analyzing this image (step S121), and it is determined whether or not the face portion of the person is included (step S122).

 If the face portion of the person is not included, the process returns to step S120 to exclude the image from registration, and other captured images are read. If the face portion of the person is included, this The size of the person's face is checked (step S123). That is, the ratio of the human face part in the captured image is calculated, and whether the human face part is equal to or larger than a predetermined size is checked based on whether the occupation ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. If it is the size (YES in step S124), the photographed image is registered in the classification table 11 as a reference image (step S125). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41 and subsequent steps in FIG. 7, and it is checked whether or not a registered person of the reference image appears in the monitor image.

 If a registered person appears in the monitor image (YES in step S47 in FIG. 7), the process proceeds to step S130 and subsequent steps in FIG. 17, and processing corresponding to steps S91 to S99 in FIG. Is performed (steps S130 to S138). That is, the entire display monitor is blinked (step S130), the target mark is displayed and output at a position corresponding to the matched person portion on the monitor screen (step S131), and the automatic lock necessity menu is displayed and output. (Step S132).

 When an arbitrary menu item is selected on the automatic lock necessity menu screen (step S133), the selected menu item is discriminated (step S134), and the menu item “YES” for photographing with automatic lock is selected. In this case, the optical zoom is automatically adjusted so that the face portion of the specific person has a predetermined size, and the adjusted zoom magnification is fixed (step S135). In this case, focusing is also performed during the automatic adjustment of the optical zoom, but with the focus at that time locked (step S136), the image in the image memory 8 is fixed (step S137) and displayed on the monitor (step S137). Step S138). Thereafter, whether or not the shutter button ST has been operated is checked (step S139).

  Also, when the menu item “NO” that does not require automatic lock shooting is selected (NO in step S134), it is checked whether or not the shutter button ST is operated (step S139). Here, when the shutter button ST is operated, the image in the image memory 8 is compressed (step S140), and the compressed image is recorded and stored in the recording medium 4 (step S141). After recording and saving the photographed image in this manner, in the second embodiment, the image in the image memory 8 is registered in the classification table 11 as a reference image (step S142). That is, in order to specify the person who has taken this time as a candidate for the next shooting target, the image in the image memory 8 is registered in the classification table 11 as a reference image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41 and subsequent steps in FIG. 7, and it is checked whether or not a registered person of the reference image appears in the monitor image.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the CPU 1 recognizes the person portion by analyzing the photographed image when recording and saving the photographed image, and specifies the person as a candidate for the next photographing target. It is determined whether or not the subject candidate is included in the monitor image, and if the subject candidate is included, the actual shooting of this person is guided, so that the person photographed last time appears in the monitor image. At this timing, it is possible to guide the actual shooting of this person, and it is possible to continuously and repeatedly shoot the same person without missing a photo opportunity.
In this case, when switching from the normal mode to the person shooting assistance mode, each captured image shot in the normal mode is identified as a candidate for the current shooting target in order of shooting date and time. When any person appears in the monitor image, actual shooting of the person can be guided.

 In the first and second embodiments described above, as a guide for prompting the photographing operation, the entire display monitor is blinked and a target mark is displayed and output at the person position in the monitor screen. Notification may be made by a method such as changing the value, generating and outputting a voice message, or driving a vibration motor. Further, the subject is not limited to a person but may be a pet or the like.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the optical zoom is driven to automatically change the photographing magnification. However, as the optical system drive control, the direction of the lens is driven to automatically change the photographing direction. It is also possible to change the exposure or to automatically change the exposure by controlling the aperture. Further, the digital camera may be a digital video camera capable of taking a still image or a digital still camera capable of taking a moving image.

  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, which is recognized by analyzing a plurality of captured images in a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored. In addition, a function for identifying a subject with a high shooting frequency among the subjects as a candidate for the current photographing target, a function for determining whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image, and a subject candidate are included. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for realizing a function and a function for notifying a photographing guide that prompts the user to actually photograph the subject when the subject is determined to be photographed. May be.

  In addition, a recording medium having a computer readable program code is recognized by analyzing a plurality of captured images in a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored. A function that identifies a subject that has a high occupancy ratio in one image among the subjects as a current photographing target candidate and a function that determines whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image And a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for realizing a function of notifying a photographing guide that prompts the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that a subject candidate is included May be provided.

  In addition, in a recording medium having a computer-readable program code, in which a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, each of the subjects is analyzed by analyzing the plurality of photographed images. And a function for specifying a subject close to the current date and time as a current shooting target candidate by comparing the shooting date and time associated with each captured image and the current date and time. A function for determining whether or not an image is included in an image and a function for notifying a shooting guide that prompts an actual shooting of the subject when it is determined that the subject candidate is included are realized. It is also possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for recording is recorded.

  In addition, a recording medium having a program code that can be read by a computer, and when recording and saving a photographed image of an arbitrary subject, the subject portion is recognized by analyzing the photographed image, and the subject is When it is determined that a subject candidate is included by the function for specifying the next candidate for photographing, a function for determining whether or not the specified subject candidate is included in the monitor image, and this determining means In addition, a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for realizing a function of notifying photographing guidance that prompts the subject to be actually photographed may be provided.

The block diagram which showed the outline | summary of the whole structure of a digital camera. The figure which showed the detailed structure of the camera imaging | photography part 7. FIG. The figure which showed the content of the classification table 11 which memorize | stores and manages the reference image registered as a subject candidate according to classification (by person). The figure for demonstrating the image set as a registration candidate image in the table 11 classified by classification. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the digital camera started when a photography switch is turned on. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the digital camera following FIG. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the digital camera following FIG. The flowchart which showed the whole operation | movement of the digital camera following FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the digital camera following FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the digital camera following FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the digital camera following FIG. The figure which showed the person photographing auxiliary menu screen. The figure which showed the person registration menu screen. The figure which showed the automatic registration menu screen. The figure which showed the automatic lock necessity menu screen. FIG. 7 is a flowchart in place of FIG. 6 in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart in place of FIG. 10 in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 Storage Unit 4 Recording Media 5 Operation Unit 6 Display Unit 7 Camera Shooting Unit 8 Image Memory 11 Classification Table 72 Shooting Control Unit 73 Imaging Processing Unit ST Shutter Button WD Zoom Button MD Mode Button

Claims (15)

A camera that records and saves a captured image as a captured image in response to a shooting operation when a shooting operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual shooting is displayed and output A device,
In the state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and saved, a subject that is frequently photographed is selected from the subject portions recognized by analyzing the plurality of captured images. Subject candidate specifying means for specifying as a candidate;
Determining means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image;
Informing means for informing photographing guidance for prompting the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that the subject candidate is included by the determining means;
A camera apparatus comprising: The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current shooting target candidates in order of frequency of shooting,
The determining unit determines whether any of the plurality of identified subject candidates is included in the monitor image;
2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camera device is configured as described above. A camera that records and saves a captured image as a captured image in response to a shooting operation when a shooting operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before actual shooting is displayed and output A device,
In a state where a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, the occupation ratio of the subject in one image among the respective subject portions recognized by analyzing the plurality of photographed images is A subject candidate specifying means for specifying a high subject as a candidate for the current photographing;
Determining means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image;
Informing means for informing photographing guidance for prompting the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that the subject candidate is included by the determining means;
A camera apparatus comprising: The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current photographing target candidates in descending order of occupation ratio of the subject,
The determining unit determines whether any of the plurality of identified subject candidates is included in the monitor image;
The camera apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the camera apparatus is configured as described above. When a shooting operation is performed with the monitor image temporarily captured before actual shooting being performed, the shot image actually shot in response to this shooting operation is shot in association with the shooting date and time. A camera device for recording and saving as a completed image,
In a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, each subject is recognized by analyzing the plurality of captured images, and the shooting date and time associated with each captured image A subject candidate specifying means for specifying a subject close to the current date and time as a current shooting target candidate by comparing the current date and time,
Determining means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image;
Informing means for informing photographing guidance for prompting the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that the subject candidate is included by the determining means;
A camera apparatus comprising: The subject candidate specifying means specifies a plurality of subjects as the current shooting target candidates in order from the shooting date and time closer to the current date and time,
The determining unit determines whether any of the plurality of identified subject candidates is included in the monitor image;
6. The camera apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the camera apparatus is configured as described above. When the subject registration mode is designated, there is provided registration means for registering the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means as a reference image for subject recognition by analyzing a plurality of captured images taken in the past. ,
The determining means determines whether or not a subject candidate is included in the monitor image by comparing the reference image and a subject included in the monitor image;
6. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camera device is configured as described above. A camera device that records and saves a photographed image in response to a photographing operation when a photographing operation is performed in a state where a monitor image temporarily captured before the actual photographing is displayed and output. ,
A subject candidate specifying means for recognizing a subject portion by analyzing the captured image when recording and saving a photographed image of an arbitrary subject, and identifying the subject as a next subject to be photographed;
Determining means for determining whether or not the subject candidate specified by the subject candidate specifying means is included in the monitor image;
Informing means for informing photographing guidance for prompting the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that the subject candidate is included by the determining means;
A camera apparatus comprising: The notification means displays a mark indicating that it is a shooting target at the candidate position in a monitor screen including a subject candidate.
9. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camera device is configured as described above.   9. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls driving of the optical system so that the subject is photographed under an optimum photographing condition in response to the predetermined operation after the notification. Any one of the camera devices. When a shooting operation is performed with the monitor image temporarily captured before actual shooting being performed, the shot image actually shot in response to this shooting operation is shot in association with the shooting date and time. In the state of being recorded and saved as a completed image, the subject recognition means is included in a plurality of captured images that have been shot and recorded and saved in the normal shooting mode when switching from the normal shooting mode to the shooting assistance mode. Each subject is identified as a candidate for the current shooting in the order of the shooting date and time,
The camera apparatus according to claim 8, which is configured as described above. Against the computer,
In a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and saved, a subject that is frequently photographed among the subjects recognized by analyzing the plurality of captured images is selected as a candidate for this imaging target. With the function identified as
A function for determining whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image;
A function for notifying a shooting guide that prompts the subject to be actually shot when it is determined that a subject candidate is included;
A program to realize Against the computer,
In a state where a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, the occupation ratio occupied by the subject in one image is high among the respective subjects recognized by analyzing the plurality of photographed images. A function to identify the subject as a candidate for the current shooting,
A function for determining whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image;
A function for notifying a shooting guide that prompts the subject to be actually shot when it is determined that a subject candidate is included;
A program to realize Against the computer,
In a state where a plurality of captured images of an arbitrary subject are recorded and stored, each subject is recognized by analyzing the plurality of captured images, and the shooting date and time associated with each captured image A function that identifies a subject close to the current date and time as a candidate for the current shooting by comparing the current date and time,
A function for determining whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image;
A function for notifying a shooting guide that prompts the subject to be actually shot when it is determined that a subject candidate is included;
A program to realize Against the computer,
When recording and saving a photographed image of an arbitrary subject, a function of recognizing the subject portion by analyzing the photographed image and specifying the subject as a candidate for the next photographing target;
A function for determining whether or not the identified subject candidate is included in the monitor image;
A function for notifying a photographing guide that prompts the subject to be actually photographed when it is determined that the subject candidate is included by the determining unit;
A program to realize

Images