JP2008022280A - Imaging apparatus, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply display, in check display just after photographing (called post view or quick view), a difference between a face position intended by a user as an object of focus or exposure, etc. and a face position where focus or exposure or the like is actually performed. <P>SOLUTION: If a face can be detected from a check image, then a detection frame F indicative of its range can be indicated in the check image. It is easily checked whether an image can be photographed in the state where focus or exposure or the like is actually performed at a position intended by a user, by a difference between a face position upon half depression indicated by a bracket B and a face position upon full depression indicated by the frame F. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus having a function of performing automatic focusing, automatic exposure, and the like according to face detection.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, photographing apparatuses having a face detection function are known. In Patent Document 1, an extraction area is configured by selecting a button corresponding to a desired area extraction start point with a numeric keypad operation unit of a videophone terminal, moving by cursor key operation, and enabling position determination by selection again. Create an arbitrary frame.

  In Patent Document 2, in a person recognition device that inputs a face image by a camera, extracts a face from the input face image, and performs recognition, operation guidance is given to the recognition target person at the time of registration and recognition of the recognition target person. Etc. on the display unit that displays the guide line that guides the optimal standing position that changes depending on the height of the person to be recognized, and guides a circular pattern that indicates the position and size of the face of the person to be actually detected Display inside the line.

  In Patent Literature 3, the human eye included in the image data from the imaging unit is detected, information indicating the detected position and size of the eye is output, and the position of the image data to be focused based on the information is disclosed. And a focus frame indicating the size, an in-focus position for each focus frame is detected, and among the detected in-focus positions, an AF control unit that determines an in-focus position used for shooting is provided.

  In Patent Document 4, a subject image is obtained by imaging, and the subject image is displayed on a display screen of a camera. A face frame is displayed so as to surround the detected face image. Automatic focus control and automatic exposure control are performed using the image data in the face frame.

In Patent Document 5, a subject image is obtained by imaging, and the subject image is displayed on a display screen of a camera. A face frame is displayed so as to surround the detected face image. The subject image is shifted so that the center of the detected face image is the center of the display screen, and is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the face image is displayed large, it is easy to confirm the face even when the display screen is small.
JP 11-46355 A JP 2004-151978 A JP 2005-128156 A JP 2005-286940 A JP 2005-318515 A

  By the way, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, when shooting is performed with the face detection mode set, it is difficult to know whether or not the shooting was actually performed with the focus, exposure, etc. taken at the position intended by the user. This is inconvenient when confirming the captured image.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. In a confirmation display immediately after shooting (so-called post view or quick view), the face position intended by the user as a target for focus, exposure, etc. Such inconvenience is improved by displaying the difference from the face position on which the focus or exposure is made in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The present invention relates to a photographing element that receives light incident from a subject via a photographing lens, continuously converts it into a photographing signal, and outputs an image that is obtained by converting the photographing signal output from the photographing element into image data. A data conversion unit, an instruction unit for inputting an acquisition preparation instruction and a recording instruction for image data, and a face detection unit for detecting a face area from image data from the image data conversion unit in response to an acquisition preparation instruction being input to the instruction unit When the recording instruction is input to the adjustment unit and the instruction unit that execute the adjustment process of the photographing condition including at least one of focusing and exposure control for the face area detected by the face detection unit A recording unit that records image data for shooting confirmation, which is a shooting signal output in response to exposure of the shooting element, and is detected from the image data in response to at least an acquisition preparation instruction being input On imaging device including a display unit capable of displaying image data for confirmation image or photographing indicating the position of the face region.

  In this photographing apparatus, the face detection unit detects the face area of the subject based on the image data for photographing confirmation in response to the recording instruction unit accepting the input of the recording instruction, and the face detection unit inputs the recording instruction. Accordingly, when at least one face area is detected from the image data for shooting confirmation, an image showing the position of the face area detected from the image data for shooting confirmation is displayed together with the image data for shooting confirmation. The display control part which controls a part is provided.

  According to the present invention, an image can be taken in a state where the focus or exposure is actually adjusted to the position intended by the user due to the difference between the position of the face when inputting the shooting preparation instruction and the position of the face when inputting the recording instruction. It can be easily confirmed whether or not.

  If the face detection unit does not detect the face area from the image data for shooting confirmation, the display control unit checks the image indicating the position of the detected face area in response to the acquisition preparation instruction being input. The display unit may be controlled to display together with the image data for use.

  In this way, if a face area is detected when the acquisition preparation instruction is input, the face area when the acquisition preparation instruction is input even if the face is subsequently detected and the face is not detected when the recording instruction is input. The position of can be displayed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the focus adjustment or the like according to the face detection at the time of inputting the acquisition preparation instruction has failed, and the user's anxiety can be resolved.

  A first image that is an image indicating the position of the face area detected in response to the acquisition preparation instruction being input, or an image that indicates the position of the face area detected in response to the input of the recording instruction And a selection unit capable of selecting which of the second images is to be displayed, and the display control unit is configured to confirm whether the first image selected by the selection unit or the second image is to be captured. The display unit may be controlled to display together with the image data.

  In this way, the user can arbitrarily select and display either the first video or the second video. It may be possible to select not to display either the first video or the second video.

  The photographing method according to the present invention includes a step of detecting a face area of a subject based on image data for photographing confirmation when a recording instruction unit receives an input of a recording instruction by a face detection unit, and a face detection unit When at least one face area is detected from the image data for shooting confirmation in response to the input of the recording instruction, an image indicating the position of the face area detected from the image data for shooting confirmation is displayed as image data for shooting confirmation. And controlling the display unit to display it together.

  A program for causing the computer provided in the photographing apparatus to execute the above photographing method is also included in the present invention. This program can be provided by being stored in various recording media such as a flash memory and a memory card, or can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  According to the present invention, an image can be taken in a state where the focus or exposure is actually adjusted to the position intended by the user due to the difference between the position of the face when inputting the shooting preparation instruction and the position of the face when inputting the recording instruction. It can be easily confirmed whether or not.

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

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera (hereinafter abbreviated as a camera) 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  A lens barrel 60 provided in front of the camera 100 includes a photographic lens 101 including a zoom lens 101a and a focus lens 101b, and the focal length is adjusted by moving the zoom lens 101a in the optical axis direction. In addition, focus adjustment is performed by moving the focus lens 101b in the optical axis direction.

  The lens barrel 60 is advanced from the camera body 180 by moving forward and backward between the wide end, which is the shortest focal length position, and the tele end, which is the longest focal length position, from the state where the lens barrel 60 is retracted. Also stored. In this figure, a state in which the lens barrel 60 is retracted into the camera body 180 is shown.

  In addition, the camera 100 creates a state in which the photographing lens 101 is protected by covering the front surface of the photographing lens 101 and blocking the photographing lens 101 and the outside when not photographing, and a lens cover 61 that exposes the photographing lens to the outside when photographing. Is provided.

  The lens cover 61 is configured by a mechanism that can be freely opened and closed. The lens cover 61 covers the front surface of the photographing lens 101 in an open state, and exposes the front surface of the photographing lens 101 to the outside in a closed state. The lens cover 61 is opened / closed in conjunction with the power switch 121 being turned on / off. In this figure, the lens cover 61 is open.

  On the upper surface of the camera 100, a mode dial 123 and a power switch 121 provided with a release switch 104 at the center are provided, and a strobe 105a, an AF auxiliary light lamp 105b, a self-timer lamp 105c, and the like are provided on the front. Has been deployed.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera 100. A zoom switch 127 is provided on the back of the camera 100. When the wide (W) side of the zoom switch 127 is pressed, the lens barrel 60 is extended to the wide end (telephoto) side while being pressed, and when the other side of the tele (T) side is pressed, the lens barrel 60 is being pressed. The lens barrel 60 moves to the tele end (wide angle) side.

  On the back of the camera 100, an image display LCD 102, a cross key 124, an information position designation key 126, and the like are also provided. The cross key 124 is an operation system for setting display brightness adjustment / self-timer / macro shooting / flash shooting on the top, bottom, left and right respectively. As will be described later, by pressing the lower key of the cross key 124, the main CPU 20 can set the self-photographing mode in which the CCD 132 performs the shutter operation after the time measurement of the self-timer circuit 83 is completed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment. The camera 100 is provided with an operation unit 120 for performing various operations when the user uses the camera 100. The operation unit 120 includes a power switch 121 for turning on the power for operating the camera 100, a mode dial 123 for selecting auto shooting, manual shooting, and the like, and setting and selection of various menus or zooming. A cross key 124, a flash emission switch 125, and an information position designation key 126 for executing or canceling the menu selected by the cross key 124 are provided.

  In addition, the camera 100 is provided with an image display LCD 102 for displaying captured images, reproduced images, and the like, and an operation LCD display 103 for assisting operations.

  The camera 100 is provided with a release switch 104. The release switch 104 transmits a shooting start instruction to the main CPU 20. In the camera 100, switching between photographing and reproduction can be freely performed on a predetermined menu screen. Further, the camera 100 is provided with a flash light emitting device having an AF auxiliary light lamp 105b composed of a light emitting diode (LED) for irradiating a subject with a light projection spot during contrast AF, and a strobe 105a that emits flash light.

  In addition, the camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101, a diaphragm 131, and a CCD sensor 132 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD 132) that is an imaging device that converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens 101 and the diaphragm 131 into an analog image signal. For short). The CCD 132 generates an image signal by accumulating charges generated by subject light irradiated on the CCD 132 for a variable charge accumulation time (exposure period). The CCD 132 sequentially outputs image signals for each frame at a timing synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal VD output from the CG unit 136.

  When the CCD 132 is used as the image sensor, an optical low-pass filter 132a that removes unnecessary high-frequency components in the incident light is disposed in order to prevent the generation of color false signals and moire fringes. In addition, an infrared cut filter 132b that absorbs or reflects infrared light in incident light and corrects a sensitivity characteristic unique to the CCD sensor 132 having high sensitivity in a long wavelength region is provided. The specific arrangement of the optical low-pass filter 132a and the infrared cut filter 132b is not particularly limited.

  The camera 100 also adjusts the white balance of the subject image represented by the analog image signal from the CCD sensor 132 and adjusts the slope (γ) of the straight line in the gradation characteristics of the subject image, and further amplifies the analog image signal. A white balance / γ processing unit 133 including an amplifier with a variable gain is provided.

  Further, the camera 100 includes an A / D converter 134 that A / D converts an analog signal from the white balance / γ processing unit 133 into digital R, G, B image data, and an A / D converter 134. A buffer memory 135 for storing R, G, B image data is provided.

  The R, G, B image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 134 is also input to the AF detection unit 150. The AF detection unit 150 averages the R, G, B image data for each predetermined divided area of the screen and for each same color component, and further integrates the R, G, B image data of all areas for each frame. Average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are calculated. The integrated average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are used as the amounts of R, G, and B visible light received.

  However, the R, G, and B visible light receiving amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib can be detected by a light receiving sensor (not shown) other than the CCD 132 that has sensitivity to the R, G, and B visible lights, respectively. is there.

  Further, the camera 100 includes a CG (clock generator) unit 136, a photometry / ranging CPU 137, a charge / light emission control unit 138, a communication control unit 139, a YC processing unit 140, and a power supply battery 68. It has been.

  The CG unit 136 includes a vertical synchronization signal VD for driving the CCD sensor 132, a drive signal including a high-speed sweep pulse P, a control signal for controlling the white balance / γ processing unit 133, the A / D conversion unit 134, and communication control. A control signal for controlling the unit 139 is output. Further, a control signal from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 is input to the CG unit 136.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 for adjusting the aperture to drive the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, and the aperture 131, respectively, thereby driving the distance to the subject. Is calculated (ranging), and the CG unit 136 and the charge / light emission control unit 138 are controlled. Driving of the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 is controlled by the motor driver 62, and a control command for the motor driver 62 is sent from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 or the main CPU 20.

  The driving source of the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, the stop 131, and the AF auxiliary light irradiation angle is not necessarily limited to various motors such as the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the stop motor 112. It may be.

  The CPU 137 for photometry / ranging is based on image data (through image) obtained periodically (every 1/30 seconds to 1/60 seconds) by the CCD 132 when the release switch 104 is half-pressed (S1 is turned on). Measure the brightness of the subject (calculate EV value).

  That is, the AE calculation unit 151 integrates the R, G, and B image signals output from the A / D conversion unit 134 and provides the integrated values to the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 detects the average brightness (subject brightness) of the subject based on the integrated value input from the AE calculation unit 151, and calculates an exposure value (EV value) suitable for photographing.

  Then, based on the obtained EV value, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 determines the exposure value including the aperture value (F value) of the aperture 131 and the shutter speed of the electronic shutter or mechanical shutter of the CCD 132 according to a predetermined program diagram. Determine (AE operation).

  When the release switch 104 is fully pressed (S2 is turned on), the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives the aperture 131 based on the determined aperture value, controls the aperture diameter of the aperture 131, and determines the determined shutter speed. Based on the above, the charge accumulation time in the CCD 132 is controlled via the CG 136.

  The AE operation includes an aperture priority AE, a shutter speed priority AE, a program AE, etc. In any case, the subject brightness is measured, and an exposure value determined based on the photometric value of the subject brightness, that is, an aperture value and a shutter. By taking a picture in combination with the speed, control is performed so that an image is taken with an appropriate exposure amount, and it is possible to save troublesome determination of exposure.

  The AF detection unit 150 extracts image data corresponding to the detection range selected by the photometry / ranging CPU 137 from the A / D conversion unit 134. The method of detecting the focal position is performed using the feature that the high frequency component of the image data has the maximum amplitude at the in-focus position. The AF detection unit 150 calculates an amplitude value by integrating the high-frequency component of the extracted image data for one field period. The AF detector 150 is configured such that the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives and controls the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b within the movable range, that is, between the end point (INF point) on the infinity side and the end point (NEAR point) on the near side. When the maximum amplitude is detected, the detection value is transmitted to the photometry / ranging CPU 137 when the maximum amplitude is detected.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 obtains this detection value and issues a command to the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to the corresponding in-focus position. The focus motor 111 moves the focus lens 101b to the in-focus position in accordance with a command from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 (AF operation).

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 is connected to the release switch 104 through inter-CPU communication with the main CPU 20, and the in-focus position is detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed by the user. Further, a zoom motor 111 is connected to the photometry / ranging CPU 137, and when the main CPU 20 obtains a zoom command in the TELE direction or WIDE direction from the user by the zoom switch 127, the zoom motor 111 is used. By driving the motor 110, the zoom lens 101a is moved between the WIDE end and the TELE end.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 is supplied with electric power from the power supply battery 68 in order to cause the strobe 105a to emit light, and charges a flash light emitting capacitor (not shown) or controls light emission of the strobe 105a.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 sends various signals such as charging start of the power supply battery 68, a half-press / full-press operation signal of the release switch 104, and signals indicating the light emission amount and the light emission timing to the main CPU 20 and the photometry / ranging CPU 137. Is supplied to the self-timer lamp (tally lamp) 105c and the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b, and control is performed so that a desired light emission amount can be obtained at a desired timing.

  Note that the self-timer lamp 105c may be constituted by an LED, or may be made common with the LED constituting the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b.

  A self-timer circuit 83 is connected to the main CPU 20. When the self-photographing mode is set, the main CPU 20 measures time based on the full-press signal of the release switch 104. During this timing, the main CPU 20 causes the self-timer lamp 105c to blink while gradually increasing the blinking speed in accordance with the remaining time via the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The self-timer circuit 83 inputs a timing completion signal to the main CPU 20 after timing is completed. The main CPU 20 causes the CCD 132 to perform a shutter operation based on the timing completion signal.

  The communication control unit 139 includes a communication port 107. The communication control unit 139 outputs an image signal of a subject photographed by the camera 100 to an external device such as a personal computer equipped with a USB terminal. In addition, by inputting an image signal from such an external device to the camera 100, data communication with the external device is performed. The camera 100 also has a function of simulating the function of switching to ISO sensitivity 80, 100, 200, 400, 1600, etc. of a normal camera that takes a photograph on a roll-shaped photographic film, and has an ISO sensitivity of 400 or more. When switched, the high-sensitivity mode is set in which the amplification factor of the amplifier of the white balance / γ processing unit 133 is set to a high amplification factor exceeding a predetermined amplification factor. The communication control unit 139 stops communication with the external device during shooting in the high sensitivity mode.

  The camera 100 also includes a compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and an I / F unit 144. The compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 reads and compresses the image data stored in the buffer memory 135 via the bus line 142 and stores the image data in the memory card 200 via the I / F unit 144. In addition, the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 extracts an identification number (ID) unique to the memory card 200 and reads the image data stored in the memory card 200 when reading the image data stored in the memory card 200. Are decompressed and stored in the buffer memory 135.

  The Y / C signal stored in the buffer memory 135 is compressed in accordance with a predetermined format by the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143, and then the removable medium such as the memory card 200 or the hard disk (HDD) 75 via the I / F 144. Are recorded in a predetermined format (for example, an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file). Data recording to the hard disk (HDD) 75 or reading of data from the hard disk (HDD) 75 is controlled by the hard disk controller 74 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 20.

  The camera 100 includes a main CPU 20, an EEPROM 146, a YC / RGB conversion unit 147, and a display driver 148. The main CPU 20 controls the entire camera 100. The EEPROM 146 stores solid data and programs unique to the camera 100. The YC / RGB conversion unit 147 converts the color video signal YC generated by the YC processing unit 140 into RGB signals of three colors, and outputs them to the image display LCD 102 via the display driver 148.

  In addition, the camera 100 has a configuration in which an AC adapter 48 for obtaining power from an AC power supply and a power supply battery 68 are detachable. The power battery 68 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a lithium ion battery. The power supply battery 68 may be a single-use primary battery such as a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The power supply battery 68 is electrically connected to each circuit of the camera 100 by being loaded into a battery storage chamber (not shown).

  When the AC adapter 48 is loaded in the camera 100 and power is supplied from the AC power source to the camera 100 via the AC adapter 48, the power supply battery 68 is preferential even if it is loaded in the battery storage chamber. The power output from the AC adapter 48 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. If the AC adapter 48 is not loaded and the power battery 68 is loaded in the battery storage chamber, the power output from the power battery 68 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. Is done.

  Although not shown, the camera 100 is provided with a backup battery separately from the power supply battery 68 housed in the battery housing chamber. For example, a dedicated secondary battery is used as the built-in backup battery and is charged by the power supply battery 68. The backup battery supplies power to the basic functions of the camera 100 when the power battery 68 is not loaded in the battery storage chamber, such as when the power battery 68 is replaced or removed.

  That is, when the power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is stopped, the backup battery is connected to the RTC 15 or the like by a switching circuit (not shown) and supplies power to these circuits. As a result, as long as the backup battery 29 does not reach the end of its life, power supply continues to the basic functions such as the RTC 15 without interruption.

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 is a chip dedicated to timekeeping, and continuously operates by receiving power supply from the backup battery even when power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is turned off.

  The image display LCD 102 is provided with a backlight 70 that illuminates the transmissive or transflective liquid crystal panel 71 from the back side. In the power saving mode, the main CPU 20 determines the brightness of the backlight 70 ( Brightness) is controlled through the backlight driver 72, and the power consumption of the backlight 70 is reduced. In the power saving mode, the information position designation key 126 of the operation unit 120 is pressed to display a menu screen on the image display LCD 102, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the menu screen so that on / off can be set. It has become.

  FIG. 4 conceptually shows a program executed by the main CPU 20 according to the first embodiment in a block diagram. The main CPU 20 reads the face detection unit 20a, the imaging control unit 20b, and the display control unit 20c, which are programs stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the EEPROM 146 and the hard disk 75, to the RAM 145 and executes them. These are sometimes simply called a program.

  The face detection unit 20 a detects a face area, which is an area including a human face portion, from a through image sequentially stored in the buffer memory 135 or an image on the memory card 200. As a method for detecting a face region, for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-101579 by the present applicant can be applied.

  This technology determines whether or not the hue of each pixel of the captured image is included in the skin color range and divides it into a skin color region and a non-skin color region, and detects edges in the image to detect each pixel in the image. The location is classified as an edge portion or a non-edge portion. Then, an area surrounded by pixels that are located in the skin color area and classified as a non-edge part and surrounded by pixels that are determined to be edge parts is extracted as a face candidate area, and the extracted face candidate area becomes a human face. It is determined whether the region is a corresponding region, and is detected as a face region based on the determination result. In addition to this, a face region can also be detected by a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-209683 and 2002-199221.

  The imaging control unit 20b executes an imaging process described later.

  The display control unit 20c displays character and symbol information such as a shutter speed, an aperture value, the number of images that can be shot, the date and time of shooting, a warning message, and a graphical user interface (GUI) on the OSD signal generation circuit 148a built in the driver 148. Send a command to generate a signal to do. The signal output from the OSD signal generation circuit 148 a is mixed with the image signal from the YC / RGB conversion unit 147 as necessary and supplied to the liquid crystal panel 71. As a result, a combined image in which characters and the like are combined with the through image and the reproduced image is displayed.

  Hereinafter, the flow of photographing processing executed by the CPU 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process starts in conjunction with the “face detection mode” being turned on by the operation unit 120.

  In S <b> 1, the display control unit 20 c starts displaying a through image on the LCD 102.

  In S2, the imaging control unit 20b detects a half-press signal of the release switch 104, and proceeds to S3 in response to the detection.

  In S3, the face detection unit 20a performs face detection from the through image in response to detection of the half-press signal. The imaging control unit 20b determines whether or not the face detection unit 20a has been able to detect a face. If the face detection unit 20a has been able to detect a face, S4, if face detection cannot be performed Shifts to S5. Note that the reason why face detection cannot be performed is that the face does not exist in the angle of view, or even if it exists, it faces sideways.

  In S4, the face detection unit 20a notifies the display control unit 20c of the face range detected from the through image. The display control unit 20c may be represented by various graphics (hereinafter, “first detection frame”) such as a bracket B indicating the detected face range based on the face range notified from the face detection unit 20a. The OSD signal generation circuit 148a is controlled so as to synthesize and display the video signal of) on the through image.

  In S5, the face detection unit 20a stops face detection and continues to display a through image.

  In S6, the imaging control unit 20b detects a full press signal of the release switch 104, and proceeds to S7 in response to the detection. If the full press signal is not detected, the process returns to S3. It should be noted that the display position of the first detection frame may follow the actual range of the face when half-pressed by repeating the operations S3 to S6, but details are omitted.

  In S7, the imaging control unit 20b performs an AF / AE / AWB (auto white balance) adjustment operation on the face area detected by the face detection unit 20a in S3, and the focus position and exposure value obtained by this operation are calculated. Lock it. The photographing control unit 20b immediately causes the CCD 132 to perform a shutter operation after the AF / AE operation is completed, acquires a confirmation image (an image used for so-called post view or quick view), and stores it in the buffer memory 135. The confirmation image may be stored in the memory card 200 after being compressed in a predetermined compression format.

  Further, the face detection unit 20a performs face detection from the confirmation image acquired when the release switch 104 is fully pressed.

  Note that during the period from detection of the full-press signal of the release switch 104 to the end of acquisition of the confirmation image, display of the through image may be stopped (so-called blackout), or through may be acquired immediately before detection of the full-press signal. The image may be displayed (so-called freeze display).

  In S8, the photographing control unit 20b determines whether or not the face detection unit 20a can detect the face from the confirmation image. If the face is detected, S9. If the face cannot be detected, The process proceeds to S10.

  In S9, the face detection unit 20a notifies the display control unit 20c of the face range detected from the confirmation image.

  The display control unit 20c displays the confirmation image acquired in the buffer memory 135 or the like. In addition, the display control unit 20c, based on the face range in the confirmation image notified from the face detection unit 20a, includes a frame F and other graphics (hereinafter referred to as “second detection frame”) surrounding the detected face. The OSD signal generation circuit 148a is controlled so as to synthesize and display the video signal on the through image.

  In S10, the display control unit 20c displays the confirmation image acquired in the buffer memory 135 or the like. The display of the second detection frame is not particularly performed.

  In S100, the acquired confirmation image is stored in the memory card 200 (or HDD 75) as a recording image. When the storage is completed, the process returns to S1, and the display of the through image is started again. Alternatively, the image acquisition operation may be terminated, and various image processing such as enlargement processing of a part of the confirmation image may be performed.

  As described above, in this processing, the face detection is performed when the release switch 104 is half-pressed, and not only the bracket B indicating the resulting face range is displayed, but also the confirmation switch after the release switch 104 is fully pressed. Face detection is performed again on the image, and a frame F indicating the face range obtained as a result is displayed.

  FIG. 6 shows a through image display and a confirmation image displayed by the above processing. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a through image and bracket B when the release switch 104 is half-pressed, and FIG. 6B shows that the release switch 104 is not fully changed after the half-press and the angle of view is not substantially changed. FIG. 6C shows a confirmation image and a frame F acquired when the release switch 104 is fully pressed while the angle of view is not substantially moved in the half-pressed state. 6D is a through image when the angle of view changes after half-pressing and then the release switch 104 is fully pressed. FIG. 6E shows the angle of view changing after half-pressing. The confirmation image and the frame F obtained when the release switch 104 is fully pressed after that.

  As shown in FIG. 6E, if a face can be detected from the confirmation image, a detection frame F indicating the range can be shown in the confirmation image, and the position of the face when half-pressed indicated by the bracket B And the position of the face when fully pressed indicated by the frame F, that is, the distance from the bracket B to the frame F, the image is actually focused and exposed at the position intended by the user. It can be easily confirmed whether or not the image has been taken.

  In the processing of the present embodiment, the actual face range in the confirmation image can be shown regardless of whether or not the angle of view changes after the release switch 104 is pressed halfway.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of photographing processing according to the preferred second embodiment of the present invention. In this process, a process is performed in consideration of the case where a face is not detected even if face detection is attempted when the release switch 104 is fully pressed.

  S11 to S17 are the same as S1 to S7 in the first embodiment, respectively.

  In S18, a frame F indicating the range of the face detected in S13, that is, the range of the face that could be detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed or thereafter is displayed.

  FIG. 8 shows a through image display and a confirmation image displayed by the above processing. Specifically, FIG. 8A shows a through image and bracket B when the release switch 104 is half-pressed, and FIG. 8B shows the release switch 104 fully pressed with the subject's face facing front. FIG. 8C shows a confirmation image and a frame F acquired with the subject's face facing front, and FIG. 8D shows the subject's face facing sideways. FIG. 8 (e) shows the confirmation obtained when the release switch 104 is fully pressed with the face of the subject facing sideways when the release switch 104 is fully pressed in the state. And frame F.

  As shown in FIG. 8E, in this process, when the subject is facing sideways and the face cannot be detected, a detection frame F indicating the face range detected after the half-pressing detection of the release switch 104 is displayed. indicate.

  In this way, even when face detection cannot be performed at the time of full press detection, the detection frame is displayed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that AF / AE according to face detection has failed. The anxiety can be resolved.

<Third Embodiment>
Allows the user to arbitrarily select whether to display the range of the face detected at the time of deviation, as the detection frame, of the face detection at the time of half-press detection of the release switch 104 or the face detection at the time of full-press detection. May be.

  For example, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed in response to a “menu screen display” instruction input to the operation unit 120. When the “post view detection frame setting” item is selected on this menu screen, the screen changes to a “post view detection frame setting screen” as shown in FIG.

  In the “post-view detection frame setting screen” shown in FIG. 9B, “release half-press information” item Z1, “release full-press information” item Z2, and “OFF” item Z3 are displayed. By operating the operation unit 120, any one of the items Z1 to Z3 can be arbitrarily selected.

  If “Face Detection Mode” is not selected, the “Post View Detection Frame Setting” item is an unnecessary function. If “Face Detection Mode” is not turned on, “ The “post-view detection frame setting” item may be deleted or the character brightness may be reduced to make the selection invalid.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a photographing process according to the preferred third embodiment of the present invention. In this process, depending on which of these items Z1 to Z3 is selected, the face range indicated by the detection frame changes when the release switch 104 is half-pressed or when it is fully pressed. .

  S21 to S27 are the same as S1 to S7 in the first embodiment, respectively.

  In S28, it is determined whether or not the “release half-press information” item Z1 is selected on the “post-view detection frame setting screen”. If the item Z1 is selected, S29 and the item Z1 are selected. If not, the process proceeds to S30.

  In S29, as in S18 of the second embodiment, a detection frame indicating the range of the face that can be detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed or after that is displayed.

  In S30, it is determined whether or not the “release full press information” item Z2 is selected. If the item Z2 is selected, S31 is selected, and if the item Z1 is not selected (that is, the “OFF” item Z3 is selected). If selected), the process proceeds to S32.

  In S31, as in S9 of the first embodiment, a detection frame indicating the range of the face that can be detected when the release switch 104 is fully pressed or after that is displayed.

  In S32, as in S10 of the first embodiment, the display control unit 20c displays the confirmation image acquired in the buffer memory 135 or the like. The detection frame is not particularly displayed.

  In other words, from the “postview detection frame setting screen”, the user should display the detection frame indicating the detected face range at any time of face detection at the time of half-press detection or face detection at the time of full-press detection. Can be arbitrarily selected by the user. For example, if it is desired to know the position of face detection when half-press is detected, the “release half-press information” item Z1 may be selected. Alternatively, if it is desired to know the position of face detection at the time of full press detection, the “release full press information” item Z2 may be selected. Alternatively, if the display of the detection frame itself seems to be troublesome, the “OFF” item Z3 may be selected.

Front view of digital camera Rear view of digital camera Block diagram of digital camera The figure which showed notionally the program which the main CPU which concerns on 1st Embodiment performs The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image displayed by the imaging | photography process which concerns on 1st Embodiment, a bracket, and a frame The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image displayed by the imaging | photography process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, a bracket, and a frame The figure which shows an example of a menu screen and a postview detection frame setting screen The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

20: main CPU, 20a: face detection unit, 20b: photographing control unit, 20c: display control unit, 83: self-timer circuit, 101: photographing lens, 105c: self-timer lamp, 132: CCD, 134: A / D conversion Section, 150: AF detection section, 151: AE calculation section

Claims (5)

An imaging element that receives light incident from a subject via a photographic lens, continuously converts it into a photographic signal and outputs it, and an image data converter that converts the photographic signal output from the imaging element into image data and outputs the image data An instruction unit for inputting an acquisition preparation instruction and a recording instruction for the image data, and face detection for detecting a face area from the image data from the image data conversion unit in response to the acquisition preparation instruction being input to the instruction unit The recording instruction is input to the adjustment unit that executes adjustment processing of photographing conditions including at least one of focusing and exposure control for the face area detected by the face detection unit, and the instruction unit A recording unit for recording image data for shooting confirmation, which is a shooting signal output from the shooting element in response to exposure of the shooting element, and at least the acquisition preparation instruction A photographing apparatus including a display unit capable of displaying image data for position confirmation image or the shooting showing a detected face region from the image data in response to that is,
The face detection unit detects a face area of the subject based on the image data for shooting confirmation in response to the recording instruction unit receiving an input of the recording instruction,
When the face detection unit detects at least one face area from the image data for shooting confirmation in response to the input of the recording instruction, an image showing the position of the face area detected from the image data for shooting confirmation is displayed. A photographing apparatus comprising: a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the image together with the image data for photographing confirmation.   The display control unit, when the face detection unit does not detect a face region from the image data for shooting confirmation, an image indicating the position of the face region detected in response to the acquisition preparation instruction being input The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled to display the image together with the image data for capturing confirmation. The first image, which is an image showing the position of the face area detected in response to the input of the acquisition preparation instruction, or the position of the face area detected in response to the input of the recording instruction A selection unit capable of selecting which of the second images to be displayed is to be displayed;
The display control unit controls the display unit to display either the first video or the second video selected by the selection unit together with the image data for shooting confirmation. The imaging device according to 2. An imaging element that receives light incident from a subject via a photographic lens, continuously converts it into a photographic signal and outputs it, and an image data converter that converts the photographic signal output from the imaging element into image data and outputs the image data An instruction unit for inputting an acquisition preparation instruction and a recording instruction for the image data, and face detection for detecting a face area from the image data from the image data conversion unit in response to the acquisition preparation instruction being input to the instruction unit The recording instruction is input to the adjustment unit that executes adjustment processing of photographing conditions including at least one of focusing and exposure control for the face area detected by the face detection unit, and the instruction unit A recording unit for recording image data for shooting confirmation, which is a shooting signal output from the shooting element in response to exposure of the shooting element, and at least the acquisition preparation instruction An imaging method in an imaging apparatus comprising a display unit capable of displaying a video indicating a position of a face area detected from the image data in response to the image data, the image data for shooting confirmation, and other video. ,
Detecting the face area of the subject based on the image data for shooting confirmation in response to the recording instruction unit receiving an input of the recording instruction by the face detection unit;
When the face detection unit detects at least one face area from the image data for shooting confirmation in response to the input of the recording instruction, an image showing the position of the face area detected from the image data for shooting confirmation is displayed. Controlling the display unit to display together with the image data for shooting confirmation;
Including shooting method.   A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer provided in an imaging apparatus to execute the imaging method according to claim 4.

Images