JP2007036436A - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of easily photographing an image for face authentication. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus for main photographing recognizes a characteristic part of a human from an image acquired by a CCD 20, calculates a deviation between a prescribed position and the characteristic part in the image, utilizes a camera-shake correction unit 30 to drive the CCD 20 so that the positional relation between the prescribed position and the characteristic part is a prescribed positional relation on the basis of the deviation and thereafter carries out main photographing by using the CCD 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  In recent years, various services digitized by the development of network technology and the like have become widespread, and the need for non-face-to-face personal authentication technology that does not rely on people is increasing. Along with this, research on biometrics authentication technology (biometric authentication technology) for automatically identifying an individual based on a person's biometric features has been actively conducted. Face authentication technology, which is one of biometric authentication technologies, is a non-contact authentication method, and is expected to be applied in various fields such as security by a surveillance camera or image database search using a face as a key.

  Since the face authentication described above is performed by a computer, it is necessary to use a face authentication photograph used for face authentication that has been taken with an accuracy that does not affect the authentication operation of the computer. Therefore, in order to obtain a photograph that does not affect the authentication operation, it is required to capture a face image with an appropriate composition. In particular, it is not easy to shoot a face image with an appropriate composition when shooting a face authentication image using a camera at home or office, etc., rather than having it taken at a specialized camera store. .

  As such a face image photographing technique, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for displaying a standard position of an eye superimposed on a live view image when photographing a face image.

JP 2003-317100 A

  However, with the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, the face position must be adjusted to a predetermined position while viewing a small display screen, and it is difficult to reliably adjust the face position to the predetermined position.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of easily capturing an image for face authentication.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention of claim 1 is an imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus body, an imaging element that acquires an image related to a subject, and the relative position of the imaging element with respect to the imaging apparatus body Driving means for driving the image sensor so as to change the positional relationship; storage means for storing data indicating a predetermined position in the image; recognition means for recognizing a human characteristic part from the image; The relative positional relationship is calculated by the driving unit so that the predetermined position and the characteristic part are in a predetermined positional relation based on the deviation, and a calculating part that calculates a deviation between the predetermined position and the characteristic part. Drive control means for changing, and imaging control for executing a shooting operation for acquiring a shot image by the imaging device in response to the change in the relative positional relationship by the drive means. Characterized in that it comprises a means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the predetermined positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the predetermined position matches the characteristic part.

  Further, the invention of claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mode setting means is set to a face authentication photographing mode for acquiring an image for face authentication in response to a user operation. And, in response to the setting of the face authentication photographing mode by the mode setting means, the recognition of the characteristic part by the recognition means, the calculation of the deviation by the calculation means, and the driving of the imaging device based on the deviation And an activating means for activating a function for executing a series of operations including.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the characteristic part includes an eye.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the characteristic part includes a nose.

  The invention of claim 6 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an exposure control means for controlling exposure, wherein the photographing operation is performed by the driving means. In response to a change in the general positional relationship, the exposure control means sets an exposure condition of a plurality of stages, and includes an operation of acquiring images corresponding to the different exposure conditions of the plurality of stages by the imaging device. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the photographing operation is in response to a change in the relative positional relationship by the driving means, The image processing device includes an operation of acquiring images corresponding to the plurality of different positional relationships by the image sensor while setting the relative positional relationships to a plurality of different positional relationships by the drive control unit.

  The invention of claim 8 is an imaging device, wherein the imaging device main body, an imaging device for acquiring an image relating to a subject, and a relative positional relationship of the imaging device with respect to the imaging device main body are changed. Driving means for driving the image sensor, light projecting means for irradiating the subject with light having a predetermined light beam, recognition means for recognizing a human characteristic part from the image, and the light projecting means Detection means for detecting an irradiation position irradiated with the light, calculation means for calculating a deviation between the irradiation position and the characteristic part in the image, and based on the deviation, the irradiation position and the characteristic part; In response to the change in the relative positional relationship by the drive means, the drive control means for changing the relative positional relationship by the driving means, Characterized in that it comprises an imaging control means for executing a photographing operation for obtaining the captured image by the imaging device.

  The invention of claim 9 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the light projecting means includes a light emitting diode.

  The invention of claim 10 is a program for causing the image pickup apparatus to function as the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 by being executed by a computer included in the image pickup apparatus.

  According to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the human feature part is recognized from the image acquired by the image sensor, and the deviation between the predetermined position and the feature part in the image is calculated, and the deviation is calculated. Based on the above, it is possible to easily capture an image for face authentication by adopting a configuration in which the imaging element is driven to perform an imaging operation so that the positional relationship between the predetermined position and the characteristic part becomes the predetermined positional relationship. can do.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the imaging element is driven to perform the photographing operation so that the predetermined position matches the characteristic part in the image. Therefore, the face having the characteristic part captured at the desired position. An image suitable for authentication can be easily obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the mode for acquiring the face authentication image is set by the user's operation, the feature part is recognized from the image and the deviation between the feature part and the predetermined position is calculated. And a function for executing a series of operations including driving of the image sensor in accordance with the shift are activated, so that an image for face authentication can be obtained at a desired timing.

  In addition, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an image suitable for face authentication can be easily obtained because the characteristic part includes eyes.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the characteristic part includes the nose, an image suitable for face authentication can be easily obtained.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the failure in obtaining the face authentication image by obtaining the face authentication images under different exposure conditions in a plurality of stages.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a failure in acquiring an image for face authentication by acquiring an image while adjusting the positional relationship between the characteristic part and the predetermined position to a plurality of different positional relationships. Can be reduced.

  In addition, according to any of claims 8 and 9, the irradiation position and the characteristic portion projected by the light projecting unit in the image by recognizing the human characteristic portion from the image acquired by the image sensor. And adopting a configuration that performs an imaging operation by driving the image sensor so that the positional relationship between the irradiation position and the characteristic portion becomes a predetermined positional relationship based on the deviation. The image for face authentication can be easily taken.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting means including the light emitting diode is configured to project the light onto the subject, so that the irradiation position can be obtained by using the light of the light emitting diode having high directivity. Can be specified reliably.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 10, the same effects as those of the invention described in claims 1 to 9 can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
<Outline of imaging device>
1 and 2 are diagrams showing an external configuration of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front external view of the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. It is a top external view. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device 10 as viewed from the side. The imaging device 10 is configured as a digital still camera. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, three axes of X, Y, and Z are attached in order to clarify the azimuth relationship.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 10 is configured by arranging various parts with respect to the imaging apparatus body 1. For example, on the front side of the imaging device 10, a photographing lens 2 and a grip portion 4 for a user to hold are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the upper surface side of the imaging apparatus 10, a control value setting dial 5 for setting a control value, a mode setting dial 6 for setting a photographing mode, and an exposure A release button 7 for instructing start and / or end and a power button 8 for switching on / off of the power are provided.

  The mode setting dial 6 is rotated by the user to set one of the night view mode, the distant view mode, the portrait mode, the face authentication shooting mode, the sunset view mode, the sport mode, and the macro shooting mode. be able to. The release button 7 is a button that can detect a half-pressed state (state S1) and a fully-pressed state (state S2).

  Further, an external display unit 3 for displaying an image obtained by the imaging element 20 or the like is provided on the back side of the imaging device 10. The external display unit 3 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a CCD image pickup device (hereinafter abbreviated as “CCD”) 20 is disposed inside the photographing lens 2 at a position along the optical axis L of the photographing lens 2. The CCD 20 is configured such that the CCD 20 is driven vertically and horizontally in order to compensate for a relative positional shift between the subject and the imaging device 10 due to camera shake. In addition, as a method for driving the CCD vertically and horizontally in order to correct such camera shake, for example, there is a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-104652.

<Functional configuration of imaging device>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging apparatus 10 mainly includes a CCD 20, a camera shake correction device (actuator) 30, a shake detection unit 40, an amplifier unit 41, a storage unit 60, a shutter mechanism 70, an image signal processing unit 71, and an operation unit. 80, an external display unit 3, and an overall control unit 500.

  The CCD 20 is a color image sensor that can obtain an image signal (image) related to a subject by photoelectric conversion by forming an image of light from the subject that is incident through the photographing lens 2. The image is subjected to various processing such as A / D conversion, white balance adjustment, and γ correction in the image signal processing unit 71 and is input to the overall control unit 500. Although the image is obtained by the CCD 20 here, the image may be obtained by using another imaging device in which cells are two-dimensionally arranged such as a CMOS sensor.

  The storage unit 60 stores various data and programs necessary for various functions and control of the imaging apparatus 10. For example, the storage unit 60 stores coordinate data indicating a predetermined position of an image obtained by the CCD 20 (hereinafter also referred to as “predetermined position coordinate data”) and a captured image for use in the face authentication shooting mode described later. Data serving as a reference for recognizing eyes, nose and the like, which are characteristic parts of a human face (hereinafter also referred to as “characteristic part reference data”) is stored in advance.

  The shutter mechanism 70 is configured by a normal mechanical shutter or the like.

  The shake detection unit 40 detects vibration due to camera shake of the imaging device 10. The shake detection unit 40 includes two angular velocity sensors (X sensor and Y sensor). The X sensor detects the angular velocity of rotational vibration (pitching) Pi around the X axis, and the Y sensor detects the Y axis. The angular velocity of rotational vibration (yawing) Ya centering on is detected. A signal (angular velocity signal) indicating two angular velocities detected by the shake detection unit 40 is appropriately amplified by the amplifier unit 41 and input to the overall control unit 500.

  The angular velocity signal input to the overall control unit 500 is output to the camera shake correction device 30 as appropriate. Then, the camera shake correction apparatus 30 realizes correction of shake of the subject image in the image, that is, camera shake correction, by moving the CCD 20 in the respective directions of the X axis and the Z axis according to the two angular velocity signals. . That is, the camera shake correction apparatus 30 drives the CCD 20 along the X and Z axes so as to change the relative positional relationship of the CCD 20 with respect to the imaging apparatus main body 1.

  The operation unit 80 includes various members that receive user operations, such as a control value setting dial 5, a mode setting dial 6, a release button 7, and a power button 8.

  The overall control unit 500 is a microcomputer that mainly includes a CPU or the like and controls the operation of the entire imaging apparatus 10. The overall control unit 500 implements various functions by reading various control programs stored in the storage unit 60, the ROM, or the like. The overall control unit 500 performs various calculations and controls based on various signals transmitted from the operation unit 80 to the overall control unit 500 in response to various operations of the operation unit 80 by the user.

  For example, when the face authentication shooting mode is selected by appropriately rotating the mode setting dial 6 by the user, a signal indicating the selection result is input to the overall control unit 500, and overall control is performed on this. The unit 500 sets the imaging apparatus 10 to the face authentication shooting mode, and activates a function specific to the mode.

  Further, at the time of shooting, the overall control unit 500 performs various image processing such as compression processing on the image signal input from the image signal processing unit 71 and stores the image signal subjected to the image processing in the memory card MC. . Hereinafter, a shooting operation for acquiring an image (captured image) to be stored in the memory card MC is referred to as “main shooting”.

  Further, when any of the shooting modes is set, the overall control unit 500 acquires an image by the CCD 20 every 1/30 seconds, for example, before the main shooting, and causes the external display unit 3 to perform framing. A live view is displayed to reference to do.

  Furthermore, the overall control unit 500 realizes a function related to the face authentication photographing mode for acquiring an image for face authentication.

  The overall control unit 500 realizes various functions such as exposure control.

  Here, functions realized by the overall control unit 500 when the imaging apparatus 10 is set to the face authentication shooting mode will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented by the overall control unit 500 when the imaging apparatus 10 is set to the face authentication shooting mode.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the overall control unit 500 includes a feature part recognition unit 501, a feature part position detection unit 502, a deviation calculation unit 503, a drive control unit 504, and an exposure control unit 505 as functions thereof.

  The feature part recognition unit 501 recognizes a human feature part from the image acquired by the CCD 20. As the human characteristic part, one or more parts such as eyes and nose are targeted.

  For example, as for the eye recognition method, the shape, white-eye portion, and black-eye portion can be realized by pattern matching using a standard sample image. Specifically, characteristic part reference data indicating an average eye sample image SG as shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 60 in advance, and pattern matching using this sample image is performed on the image G1. To recognize the image area A1 including the eyes as shown in FIG. The nose can be recognized in the same manner.

  The feature part position detection unit 502 detects coordinates indicating the position of the feature part in the image. Here, the size, the center position, and the position in the image G1 of the image region related to the feature part recognized by the feature part recognition unit 501 are sequentially detected. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the vertical length of the image area A1 including the eyes is detected, and the coordinates of the center position CP are detected as the coordinates indicating the position of the characteristic part.

  Although the center position CP of both eyes is detected here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the center position CP1 of one eye may be detected as the position of the characteristic part.

  The deviation calculation unit 503 calculates the deviation (the direction of deviation and the amount of deviation) between the position of the characteristic part detected by the characteristic part position detection unit 502 and the predetermined position (target position) where the characteristic part should be captured. It is calculated based on the coordinates indicating the position and coordinate data (predetermined position coordinate data) indicating the target position. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when a predetermined position (target position) where both eyes and nose are to be captured is an area surrounded by a broken line PP, the position where both eyes and nose are actually captured (actually) Position) and the target position, and the direction of deviation and the amount of deviation are calculated.

  The drive control unit 504 controls the CCD 20 to be driven based on the shift (shift direction and shift amount) calculated by the shift calculation unit 503 so that the target position matches the actual position in the image. . That is, the CCD 20 is driven so that the relative positional relationship between the imaging apparatus main body 1 and the CCD 20 becomes a predetermined positional relationship. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to obtain an image in which the target position and the actual position match for the eyes and the nose.

  The exposure control unit 505 uses an image acquired by the CCD 20 for use in live view when the state S1 is reached, as in a normal imaging device, and uses an exposure control value (shutter speed, aperture value, sensitivity, etc.). ) And an exposure condition is set based on the exposure control value at the time of actual photographing.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 mainly related to the face authentication shooting mode will be described.

<Operation of imaging device>
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an operation flow related to the face authentication shooting mode of the imaging apparatus 10, FIG. 12 shows an operation flow of mode setting of the face authentication shooting mode, and FIG. 13 shows the face authentication shooting mode. 2 shows an operation flow related to photographing in FIG. Note that these operation flows are realized under the control of the overall control unit 500.

  First, when the power button 8 of the imaging apparatus 10 is appropriately pressed by the user to turn on the power, the operation flow shown in FIG. 12 is started, and the process proceeds to step S1.

  In step S1, the imaging device 10 is activated.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the face authentication photographing mode has been selected by appropriately rotating the mode setting dial 6 by the user. Here, the determination in step S2 is repeated until the face authentication shooting mode is selected, and if the face authentication shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the imaging device 10 is set to the face authentication shooting mode.

  When the face authentication shooting mode is set in this way, the operation flow shown in FIG. 13 is started, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the face authentication shooting mode function (face authentication shooting function) and the function for realizing camera shake correction (camera shake correction function) of the imaging apparatus 10 are activated, that is, activated.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the release button 7 is half-pressed by the user to enter the state S1. Here, the determination in step S12 is repeated until the state becomes S1, and when the state becomes S1, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the feature part recognition unit 501 recognizes a human feature part (for example, eyes or nose) from the image acquired by the CCD 20. At this time, the feature part position detection unit 502 detects coordinates indicating the position of the feature part in the image.

  In step S14, the shift (shift direction) between the position of the feature part detected in step S13 by the shift calculation unit 503 and a predetermined position (target position) where the feature part whose coordinates are stored in the storage unit 60 is to be captured. , The amount of deviation).

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the release button 7 is fully pressed by the user and the state S2 is reached. Here, if it is not in state S2, the process returns to step S12, and if it is in state S2, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, based on the deviation calculated by the deviation calculation unit 503, the target position and the position where both eyes and nose are actually captured in the image (actual position) are matched under the control of the drive control unit 504. Then, the CCD 20 is driven.

  In step S17, actual shooting for acquiring a shot image to be stored in the memory card MC is performed, and the operation flow is ended.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment recognizes a human characteristic part from an image acquired by the CCD 20 at the time of actual imaging. Then, the deviation between the predetermined position and the characteristic part in the image is calculated, and based on the deviation, the CCD 20 is driven so that the positional relation between the predetermined position and the characteristic part becomes the predetermined positional relation, and then the actual photographing is performed. Perform the action. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to capture a facial feature part at a position suitable for face authentication, so that an image for face authentication can be easily taken.

  In addition, since the relative positional relationship between the predetermined position and the characteristic part is changed so that the predetermined position and the characteristic part coincide with each other in the image, an image suitable for face authentication in which the characteristic part is captured at the predetermined position can be obtained. Can be easily obtained.

  Further, when the face authentication photographing mode for acquiring an image for face authentication is set by the turning operation of the mode setting dial 6 by the user, the feature part is recognized from the image, and the deviation between the feature part and the predetermined position is calculated. , And a face authentication photographing function for executing a series of operations including driving of the CCD 20 according to the deviation is activated. Therefore, an image for face authentication can be obtained at a desired timing according to a user operation.

  In addition, since the characteristic part that is an object for calculating the deviation from the predetermined position includes eyes and nose that appropriately indicate the position of the face, an image suitable for face authentication can be easily obtained.

Second Embodiment
In the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment, the deviation between the predetermined position in the image and the human characteristic part is calculated, and based on the deviation, the positional relationship between the predetermined position and the characteristic part becomes the predetermined positional relation. The CCD 20 was driven to perform a photographing operation. On the other hand, in the imaging apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, a predetermined light projecting unit projects a subject, and is based on a deviation amount between a position (irradiation position) designated by the light projecting and a human characteristic part. The imaging operation is performed by driving the CCD 20 so that the positional relationship between the irradiation position and the characteristic portion becomes a predetermined positional relationship.

  Hereinafter, the imaging apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the imaging apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  14 and 15 are diagrams showing an external configuration of an imaging apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a front external view of the imaging apparatus 10A, and FIG. It is a top external view.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the imaging apparatus 10 </ b> A, the light projecting unit 9 that emits light rays substantially parallel to the optical axis of the photographing lens 2 is compared with the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. It is provided on the front side of the apparatus 10A.

  The light projecting unit 9 is configured by a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, and irradiates the subject with light having a predetermined light beam along the optical axis of the photographing lens 2, that is, the photographing direction.

  Note that devices other than LEDs may be applied to the light projecting unit 9, but a device that emits light with high directivity, such as an LED, is used as the light projecting unit 9 so that the position of light projected on the subject is clear. It is preferable to apply.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the imaging device 10 </ b> A according to the second embodiment, a light projecting unit 9 is added to the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented by the overall control unit 500 when the imaging apparatus 10A is set to the face authentication shooting mode.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, in the imaging device 10A according to the second embodiment, the deviation calculation unit 503 is a deviation calculation unit 503A having a different function compared to the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment. In addition, an irradiation position detection unit 506 is added. Moreover, the imaging apparatus 10 </ b> A is different in that the predetermined position coordinate data is not stored in the storage unit 60.

  The irradiation position detection unit 506 detects the position (irradiation position) where the light is projected onto the subject by the light projecting unit 9, that is, the coordinates indicating the irradiation position, using the image acquired by the CCD 20.

  The deviation calculation unit 503A is configured to detect the position of the feature part detected by the feature part position detection unit 502 and the irradiation detected by the irradiation position detection unit 506 based on the coordinates indicating the position of the feature part and the coordinates of the irradiation position. Deviation from the position (direction of deviation, amount of deviation) is calculated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the position of the feature part in the image detected by the feature part recognition unit 501 and the feature part position detection unit 502 by the same method as in the first embodiment by the deviation calculation unit 503A (here, The center position CP2) of both eyes and the irradiation position LP detected by the irradiation position detector 506 are detected. Then, the drive control unit 504 drives the CCD 20 by a direction and an amount corresponding to the deviation between the irradiation position and the position of the characteristic part based on the deviation (the direction of deviation and the amount of deviation) calculated by the deviation calculation unit 503A. To control. That is, the CCD 20 is driven so that the relative positional relationship between the irradiation position and the position of the characteristic part becomes a predetermined positional relationship. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to obtain an image in which the eyes (here, the center positions of both eyes) come to a predetermined position indicated by the light emitted from the light projecting unit 9. .

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow according to the face authentication shooting mode of the imaging apparatus 10A. This operation flow is realized under the control of the overall control unit 500. Then, as in the first embodiment, when the face authentication shooting mode is set by the operation flow as shown in FIG. 12, the operation flow shown in FIG. 20 is started and the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21 and step S22, processing similar to that in step S11 and step S12 in FIG. 13 is performed.

  In step S23, the LED constituting the light projecting unit 9 is turned on and the subject is irradiated with light.

  In step S24, processing similar to that in step S13 in FIG. 13 is performed.

  In step S <b> 25, the irradiation position detection unit 506 detects the irradiation position on the subject irradiated with light by the light projecting unit 9. The LED is turned off in response to detection of the irradiation position.

  In step S26, the deviation calculation unit 503A calculates the deviation (the direction of deviation and the amount of deviation) between the position of the characteristic part detected in step S24 and the irradiation position detected in step S25.

  In step S27, processing similar to that in step S15 in FIG. 13 is performed. Here, if it is not in state S2, the process returns to step S22, and if it is in state S2, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the control of the drive control unit 504 drives the CCD 20 based on the deviation calculated by the deviation calculation unit 503A so that the irradiation position matches the position of the characteristic part.

  In step S29, processing similar to that in step S17 in FIG. 13 is performed, and this operation flow ends.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, a human characteristic part (here, eyes) is recognized from an image acquired by the CCD 20 in actual imaging. Then, a deviation between the irradiation position LP designated by the light projecting unit 9 and the characteristic part in the image is calculated, and based on the deviation, the positional relation between the irradiation position LP and the characteristic part becomes a predetermined positional relation. After the CCD 20 is driven, a photographing operation is performed. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to capture a facial feature part at a position suitable for face authentication, so that an image for face authentication can be easily taken.

  In addition, the configuration in which light is projected onto the subject by the light projecting unit 9 configured using light emitting diodes allows the irradiation position to be reliably specified by using light from the light emitting diodes having high directivity. .

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content demonstrated above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given focusing on the operation in the face authentication shooting mode, but even when the face recognition shooting mode is set, the camera shake is corrected while appropriately driving the CCD 20 by the camera shake correction function. Anyway.

  However, the user may take a picture while holding the imaging devices 10 and 10A in this case, but in that case, camera shake occurs, and a certain drive range of the CCD 20 is required for camera shake correction. Therefore, when the camera is fixed to a tripod or the like, there is a margin in the drive range of the CCD 20, and for example, there is an advantage that the driveable range of the CCD 20 can be made relatively small.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the face authentication shooting mode, one main shooting was performed in response to the detection of the state S2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the exposure that the overall control unit 500 has as a function It is also possible to acquire captured images under each exposure condition successively in time sequence while setting the parameter defining the exposure condition to a plurality of different values by the control unit.

  Here, examples of the parameters for setting the exposure conditions set to different values in a plurality of stages include a shutter speed and an aperture value. In other words, for example, with the exposure control value determined using live view as a reference value, additional shooting is performed at a shutter speed that is decreased and increased by a predetermined time while fixing exposure conditions other than the shutter speed. Also good.

  With such a configuration, even if various shooting environments such as lighting conditions and the contrast between the background and the subject change, the shot images are acquired under the multiple exposure conditions, so that an image suitable for face authentication can be obtained. The probability of being able to be increased. Therefore, failure in acquiring an image for face authentication can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CCD 20 is driven so that a desired position (for example, a target position) in the image matches a position (actual position) where both eyes and nose are actually captured. Although the actual photographing is performed once, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CCD 20 may be driven up and down and left and right by a predetermined distance to perform the actual photographing.

  In other words, in response to the change in the relative positional relationship of the CCD 20 with respect to the imaging device main body 1, the drive control unit 504 sequentially converts the relative positional relationship of the CCD 20 with respect to the imaging device main body 1 into a plurality of different positional relationships in time sequence. The images corresponding to the plurality of different positional relationships may be acquired by the CCD 20.

  With such a configuration, even if the relative positional relationship between the imaging devices 10 and 10A and the subject changes due to camera shake or the like, the CCD 20 is driven by a predetermined distance and each captured image is acquired. The probability that an image suitable for face authentication can be obtained increases. Therefore, failure in acquiring an image for face authentication can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment described above, the light emitting diode is used for the light projecting unit 9, but the light emitting diode is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined position on the subject is irradiated using a flash or the like. May be.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the imaging device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure which concerns on face authentication imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which shows the sample image for pattern matching. It is a figure for demonstrating recognition of a characteristic part. It is a figure explaining the detection of the center point of the image area | region which caught the characteristic site | part. It is a figure explaining the detection of the center point of the image area | region which caught the characteristic site | part. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a characteristic part is made to correspond to a predetermined position. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a characteristic part is made to correspond to a predetermined position. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure which concerns on face authentication imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a characteristic part is made to correspond to a predetermined position. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that a characteristic part is made to correspond to a predetermined position. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device main body 6 Mode setting dial 7 Release button 9 Light projection part 10,10A Imaging device 60 Storage part 500 Overall control part 501 Feature part recognition part 502 Feature part position detection part 503,503A Deviation calculation part 504 Drive control part 505 Exposure Control unit 506 Irradiation position detection unit

Claims (10)

An imaging device,
An imaging device body;
An image sensor for acquiring an image relating to a subject;
Driving means for driving the image sensor so as to change a relative positional relationship of the image sensor with respect to the image pickup apparatus body;
Storage means for storing data indicating a predetermined position in the image;
Recognizing means for recognizing a human characteristic part from the image;
Calculating means for calculating a deviation between the predetermined position and the characteristic part in the image;
Drive control means for changing the relative positional relationship by the driving means so that the predetermined position and the characteristic part are in a predetermined positional relation based on the deviation;
In response to the change of the relative positional relationship by the driving means, an imaging control means for executing a photographing operation for acquiring a photographed image by the imaging element;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The predetermined positional relationship is
An image pickup apparatus having a positional relationship in which the predetermined position and the characteristic part coincide with each other. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Mode setting means for setting a face authentication shooting mode for acquiring an image for face authentication in response to a user operation;
In response to the setting of the face authentication photographing mode by the mode setting means, recognition of the characteristic part by the recognition means, calculation of the deviation by the calculation means, and driving of the imaging element based on the deviation An activating means for activating a function for executing a series of operations including:
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An imaging apparatus, wherein the characteristic part includes an eye. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An imaging apparatus, wherein the characteristic part includes a nose. An imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Exposure control means for controlling exposure;
Further comprising
The shooting operation is
In response to the change of the relative positional relationship by the driving means, the exposure control means sets the different exposure conditions in a plurality of stages, and images corresponding to the different exposure conditions in the plurality of stages by the imaging device. An imaging device including an operation of acquiring. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The shooting operation is
In response to the change of the relative positional relationship by the driving means, the drive control means sets the relative positional relationship to a plurality of different positional relationships, and respectively corresponds to the plurality of different positional relationships. The imaging device characterized by including the operation of acquiring the image by the imaging device. An imaging device,
An imaging device body;
An image sensor for acquiring an image relating to a subject;
Drive means for driving the image sensor so as to change a relative positional relationship of the image sensor with respect to the image pickup apparatus body;
A light projecting means for irradiating the subject with light having a predetermined luminous flux;
Recognizing means for recognizing a human characteristic part from the image;
Detecting means for detecting an irradiation position at which the light is irradiated on the subject by the light projecting means;
Calculating means for calculating a deviation between the irradiation position and the characteristic part in the image;
Drive control means for changing the relative positional relationship by the driving means so that the irradiation position and the characteristic part have a predetermined positional relation based on the deviation;
In response to the change of the relative positional relationship by the driving means, an imaging control means for executing a photographing operation for acquiring a photographed image by the imaging element;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The light projecting means
An imaging device comprising a light emitting diode. A program for causing the imaging device to function as the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when executed by a computer included in the imaging device.

Images