JP2009089083A - Age estimation photographing device and age estimation photographing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform photographing by recognizing a change in photographic subject with respect to a notified result after notifying an estimated age to a photographic subject. <P>SOLUTION: An image is acquired while a face and an existence region of a photographic subject are detected from the acquired image so as to execute age estimation of the acquired face. Sex determination is performed from the detected face. When the detected face is female, the estimated age is corrected younger. The estimated age is notified by sound so as to detect a change in photographic subject in the existence region before/after the sound notification. When the change in photographic subject is large, actual photographing is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an age estimation imaging apparatus and an age estimation imaging method, and more particularly to an age estimation imaging apparatus and an age estimation imaging method for notifying a subject of an estimated age and recognizing a change in the subject relative to the notified result.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus that detects a person's face from an image captured by an imaging apparatus and determines age and sex. Patent Document 1 describes an age estimation apparatus that can stably estimate the age of a photographed measurement subject. Various technologies that apply the estimated age and gender information are also disclosed. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which a vehicle occupant's face is imaged to estimate the occupant's age, and the information providing apparatus provides information according to the estimated age. Patent Document 3 describes obtaining data on subsequent development of new products in the field of marketing by obtaining information on gender and age. Patent Document 4 describes fortune telling using a face, It describes application to entertainment such as occupational diagnosis games.
JP 2004-318632 A JP 2004-334799 A JP 2005-165447 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-80057

  However, none of these techniques notify the subject of the estimated age and recognizes the measurement subject's reaction to the notified age. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an age estimation imaging apparatus and an age estimation imaging method for notifying a subject of an estimated age, recognizing a change in the subject with respect to the notified result, and performing imaging. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, an age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, a photographing unit that converts an optical image of a subject received through a photographing lens into an image signal, and a face area of the subject from the image signal. Means for detecting, means for estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject, means for outputting the estimated age by voice, means for detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal, and Means for detecting the amount of change of the subject, and the main photographing is performed when the amount of change of the subject in the existence area is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount before and after the sound output means outputs the sound. And

  Thereby, the change of the subject by notifying the estimated age by voice can be recognized and photographed.

  The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inputting information relating to the subject, and means for calculating an actual age of the subject from the information relating to the subject. The voice output means outputs the calculated actual age together with the estimated age.

  Accordingly, it is possible to recognize and photograph a change in the subject by notifying the actual age together with the estimated age by voice.

The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inputting information relating to the subject, and means for calculating an actual age of the subject from the information relating to the subject. The voice output means outputs the difference between the estimated age and the calculated actual age as a voice, thereby changing the subject by notifying the difference between the estimated age and the actual age by voice. Can be recognized and photographed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 4, a photographing unit that converts an optical image of a subject received through a photographing lens into an image signal, and a face area of the subject from the image signal. Means for detecting, means for estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject, means for selecting an image template or character according to the estimated age, and combining the selected image template or character with the image signal Means for reproducing and displaying the image signal obtained by combining the image template or characters, means for allowing the subject to view the composite image reproduced and displayed on the means for reproducing and displaying, and existence of the subject from the image signal. Means for detecting a region, and means for detecting a change amount of the subject in the existence region, before the subject views the composite image In the change amount of the subject in the presence area and performing the photographing when the predetermined amount or more.

  Thereby, it is possible to recognize and photograph the change of the subject due to notification of the estimated age on the screen display.

  5. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for inputting information relating to the subject and means for calculating the actual age of the subject from the information relating to the subject. The means for selecting an image template or a character according to the method selects an image template or a character according to the difference between the estimated age and the calculated actual age.

  Thereby, it is possible to recognize and shoot a change in the subject by notifying the difference between the estimated age and the actual age on a screen display.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the age estimation photographing apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for outputting the selected character by voice.

  Thereby, not only the notification on the screen display but also the change of the subject due to the notification by voice can be recognized and photographed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the age estimation photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the means for estimating the age of the subject includes means for correcting the estimated age.

  As a result, a younger age than the estimated age can be notified to the subject.

  The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for correcting the estimated age includes means for determining the sex of the subject from the face of the subject, and according to the determined gender. The estimated age is corrected.

  Thereby, it is possible to notify a younger age than the estimated age, particularly to a female subject.

  The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for correcting the estimated age corrects the estimated age according to the gender input by the means for inputting information relating to the subject. It is characterized by that.

  Thereby, it is possible to notify a younger age than the estimated age, particularly to a female subject.

In order to achieve the above object, the age estimation photographing method according to claim 10 includes a photographing step of converting an optical image of a subject received through a photographing lens into an image signal, and a face region of the subject from the image signal. Detecting, estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject,
The step of outputting the estimated age by voice, the step of detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal, and the step of detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area, wherein the step of outputting the voice is voice output. Before and after performing the photographing, the main photographing is performed when the amount of change of the subject in the existence area is a predetermined amount or more.

  Thereby, the change of the subject by notifying the estimated age by voice can be recognized and photographed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the age estimation photographing method according to claim 11 includes a photographing step of converting an optical image of a subject received through a photographing lens into an image signal, and a face area of the subject from the image signal. Detecting, estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject, selecting an image template or character according to the estimated age, and synthesizing the selected image template or character with the image signal. A step of reproducing and displaying an image signal obtained by combining the image template or characters, a step of causing the subject to view the reproduced and synthesized image, and a step of detecting an existence area of the subject from the image signal. Detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area, and the presence or absence of the subject before and after the subject views the composite image Variation of the object in the frequency region and performing the photographing when the predetermined amount or more.

  Thereby, it is possible to recognize and photograph the change of the subject due to notification of the estimated age on the screen display.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an age estimation imaging apparatus and an age estimation imaging method for notifying a subject of an estimated age and recognizing a change in the subject with respect to the notified result to perform imaging.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a first embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.

As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 11, a shutter switch 12, a zoom motor driver 13, a focus motor driver 14, a zoom lens 15, a focus lens 16, a CCD 17, and an A / D converter. 18. Image input controller 19, image signal processing circuit 20, image compression processing circuit 21, display circuit 22, image display device 23, media controller 25, recording medium 26, memory 27, AE / AF detection circuit 29, photographing control circuit 30 , An age / gender detection circuit 31, an audio output device 32, and the like.

  Each unit operates under the control of the CPU 11, and the CPU 11 controls each unit of the digital camera 10 by executing a predetermined control program based on an input from the shutter switch 12.

  The CPU 11 has a built-in program ROM, in which various data necessary for control are recorded in addition to the control program executed by the CPU 11. The CPU 11 controls each part of the digital camera 10 by sequentially executing this control program.

  The shutter switch 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the CPU 11.

  The photographing lens is composed of an AF lens having a zoom function, and includes a zoom lens 15 and a focus lens 16.

  The zoom lens 15 is driven by a zoom lens motor (not shown) driven by a zoom lens motor driver 13 and moves back and forth on the optical axis of the focus lens 16. The CPU 11 controls the movement of the zoom lens 15 by controlling the driving of a zoom lens motor (not shown) via the zoom lens motor driver 13 to perform zooming.

  The focus lens 16 is driven by a focus lens motor (not shown) driven by a focus lens motor driver 14 and moves back and forth on the optical axis of the zoom lens 15. The CPU 11 controls the movement of the focus lens 16 by controlling the drive of a focus lens motor (not shown) via the focus motor driver 14 to perform focusing.

  The CCD 17 is disposed after the focus lens 16 and receives subject light transmitted through the zoom lens 15 and the focus lens 16. As is well known, the CCD 17 has a light receiving surface on which a large number of light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix. The subject light transmitted through the zoom lens 15 and the focus lens 16 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 and converted into an electric signal by each light receiving element.

  The CCD 17 outputs the charge accumulated in each pixel as a serial image signal line by line in synchronization with the vertical transfer clock and the horizontal transfer clock.

  The output of the image signal is started when the digital camera 10 is set to the shooting mode. In other words, when the digital camera 10 is set to the photographing mode, output of an image signal is started to display a through image on the image display device 23. The output of the image signal for the through image is temporarily stopped when the instruction for the main photographing is given, and is started again when the main photographing is finished.

  Further, if necessary at the time of actual shooting, the CPU 11 causes the shooting control circuit 30 to emit light as shooting auxiliary light.

  The image signal output from the CCD 17 is an analog signal, and this analog image signal is taken into the A / D converter 18.

The A / D converter 18 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) and an automatic gain control circuit (AGC). The CDS removes noise contained in the image signal, and the AGC amplifies the noise-removed image signal with a predetermined gain. The A / D converter 18 further converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal having a gradation width of a predetermined bit. This image signal is so-called RAW data, and has a gradation value indicating the density of R, G, and B for each pixel.

  The image input controller 19 has a built-in line buffer having a predetermined capacity, and accumulates an image signal for one frame output from the A / D converter 18. The image signal for one frame accumulated in the image input controller 19 is stored in the memory 27 via the bus 24.

  In addition to the CPU 11, the image input controller 19, and the memory 27, the bus 24 includes an image signal processing circuit 20, an image compression processing circuit 21, a display circuit 22, a media controller 25, an AE / AF detection circuit 29, an imaging control circuit 30, and the like. Are connected to each other via a bus 24 so that information can be transmitted and received between them.

  The image signal for one frame stored in the memory 27 is taken into the image signal processing circuit 20 in dot order (pixel order).

  The image signal processing circuit 20 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signals of R, G, and B colors captured in a dot-sequential manner, and generates an image signal (Y / C) composed of a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb. Signal).

  The AE / AF detection circuit 29 fetches R, G, B image signals stored in the memory 27 via the image input controller 19 in accordance with a command from the CPU 11 and obtains a focus evaluation value necessary for AF (Automatic Focus) control. calculate. The AF detection unit 29 includes a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, a focus region extraction unit that extracts a signal within a predetermined focus region set on the screen, and a focus region An integration unit for integrating the absolute value data is included, and the absolute value data in the focus area integrated by the integration unit is output to the CPU 11 as a focus evaluation value. During the AF control, the CPU 11 searches for a position where the focus evaluation value output from the AE / AF detection unit 29 is maximized, and moves the focus lens 16 to that position, thereby focusing on the main subject. .

  The AE / AF detection circuit 29 fetches R, G, and B image signals stored in the memory 27 via the image input controller 19 in accordance with a command from the CPU 11 and calculates an integrated value necessary for AE control. That is, the AE / AF detection circuit 29 divides the shooting area (one screen) into a plurality of areas, and calculates an integrated value of image signals for each of R, G, and B for each divided area. The calculated integrated value information for each R, G, and B in each divided area is stored in the memory 27.

  The CPU 11 calculates an exposure value from the integrated value calculated by the AE / AF detection circuit 29, and performs exposure setting based on the exposure value. For exposure setting, the aperture value and shutter speed are determined according to a predetermined program diagram.

  The image compression processing circuit 21 performs compression processing of a predetermined format (for example, JPEG) on the image signal (Y / C signal) composed of the input luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb in accordance with a compression command from the CPU 11. Generate compressed image data. Further, in accordance with a decompression command from the CPU 11, the input compressed image data is subjected to decompression processing in a predetermined format to generate uncompressed image data.

The display circuit 22 controls display on the image display device 23 in accordance with a command from the CPU 11. That is, in accordance with a command from the CPU 11, the image signal sequentially input from the memory 27 is converted into a video signal (for example, an NTSC signal, a PAL signal, or a SCAM signal) for display on the image display device 23. Output. Further, if necessary, signals such as characters, figures, symbols and the like to be displayed on the image display device 23 are mixed with the image signals, and predetermined image characters, figures, symbols, etc. are displayed on the image display device 23.

  The media controller 25 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the recording medium 26 in accordance with a command from the CPU 11. The recording medium 26 may be detachable from the camera body such as a memory card, or may be built in the camera body. In the case of detachable, a card slot is provided in the camera body, and the card slot is used by being loaded.

  The age / gender detection circuit 31 detects a face present in the subject and determines the age and gender of the detected face.

  FIG. 2 shows a conceptual diagram of the age / gender detection circuit 31. The age / gender detection circuit 31 receives m images obtained by converting the images obtained from the CCD 17 into different sizes, receives face image data classified by gender (n of 32 × 32 sizes), face angle The estimated age of the subject and the position information of the subject area are finally obtained using the data, age data corresponding to the feature amount in the specific area of the face, the correction value for correcting the estimated age, and the function value of the center distance of the face area as parameters. calculate.

  The operation of the age / gender detection circuit 31 will be described. First, an image for estimating the age is input. Resizes the input image so that the resolution is different, and prepares m images. Then, the face of the subject is detected by the following method.

  1. From each entire resized image, one or more matching regions are extracted from a plurality of face image data (32 × 32 size) prepared in advance.

  2. Select the resized image with the largest number of extracted areas, enlarge / reduce the extracted area in the selected resized image to the size corresponding to the image before the resize, and the resulting area is the face of the subject Identify and detect as.

  3. At the same time, the detected face angle with respect to the image is specified. Here, the front face is set to 0 degree, and the angle is increased in the direction of rotating counterclockwise. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing detected face angles.

  For the face area of the subject obtained in this way, for example, age is determined based on shadows and shapes in specific areas of the face such as wrinkles in the corners of the eyes, slack in the chin, wrinkles under the eyes, wrinkles in the forehead and hair presume. Specifically, feature values such as edge enhancement values and color information in a specific area of the face are calculated, and the age corresponding to the calculated feature value is selected from age data corresponding to the feature value prepared in advance. Estimate as the age of the subject.

  Next, the gender of the subject is determined from the gender of the face image data matched with the face area of the subject when face detection is performed. Here, when there are a plurality of matched image data and both men and women exist, the genders of the image data are listed, and the many listed genders are determined as the gender of the subject.

  Then, the estimated age is corrected as follows for the determined sex of the subject.

  1. If the subject's gender is male, the estimated age is not corrected.

  2. When the subject's gender is female, the estimated age is multiplied by A as the correction value to correct the estimated age. Here, the correction value A is set to A <1 (A = about 0.8 as a guideline), and is corrected to make the estimated age younger.

  In the present invention, the method for estimating age and gender is not limited to the method described above. For example, the age and sex may be estimated using face dictionary data.

  Further, the subject area is set by the following method.

  1. When there are a plurality of subjects and the distance connecting the centers of the detected face regions is equal to or less than the threshold value, the face region is set as the subject region. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a subject image when the face region is set as the subject region.

  2. In cases other than the above, first, the face area is enlarged so that one side of the area is about the shoulder width of the subject. FIG. 5A shows a detected face area with a dotted line, and an enlarged area of the face area with a one-dot broken line. Then, the enlarged area is multiplied by B in the direction corresponding to the detected face angle (the direction from the face to the body) (B = 1 to 5 as a size that fits within the screen as a guide) and set as the subject area To do. FIG. 5B shows a region obtained by enlarging the face region by a one-dot broken line, and a magnified subject region by a solid line.

  Thus, the age / sex detection circuit 31 calculates the estimated age of the subject and the position information of the subject area.

  The audio output device 32 notifies the subject by outputting the estimated subject age determined by the age / gender detection circuit 31 by audio.

  The imaging control circuit 30 detects a change in the subject before and after the audio output of the audio output device 32, and controls to perform the main imaging when there is a change. FIG. 6 shows a conceptual diagram of the imaging control circuit 30. The image capturing control circuit 30 receives an image at the time of age estimation, an image after the estimated age is output as audio, and position information of the subject area, and inputs a threshold value for the number of matching pixels for the subject area and the number of matching pixels for the facial feature portion. Shooting control information for performing actual shooting is output using the threshold value as a parameter.

  The operation of the imaging control circuit 30 will be described. The imaging control circuit 30 acquires an image from the CCD 17 after notifying the subject of the age estimated by the audio output device 32 by voice. Then, the image at the time of age estimation is compared with the image after the age has been notified, the subject change is recognized by the following method, and the subject is actually photographed.

  1. If the number of matched pixels in the subject area is less than or equal to the threshold value, the subject is recognized as having changed, and the subject is actually photographed.

  2. When the number of matched pixels in the subject area exceeds the threshold value, the subject area is set as the detected face area, and facial feature parts (for example, the periphery of the eyes and mouth) are compared. If the number of pixels matched in the facial feature portion is less than or equal to the threshold, the subject is recognized as having changed and the subject is photographed. On the other hand, when the number of matched pixels in the facial feature exceeds the threshold, it is recognized that the subject has not changed, and the subject is not photographed.

Next, age estimation photographing in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment.

  First, an image signal is acquired (step S1). As described above, when the digital camera 10 is set to the shooting mode, output of an image signal is started to display a through image. An image signal of this through image is acquired and the following processing is performed.

  Next, face detection is performed from the acquired image signal to determine whether or not a face has been detected (step S2). As described above, face detection is performed by the age / sex detection circuit 31. If no face is detected, the process ends.

  When a face is detected, age estimation (step S3) and sex determination (step S4) are performed for the detected face. These processes are also performed by the age / sex detection circuit 31. When a plurality of faces are detected, age estimation and gender determination are performed for each detected face.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the detected face is determined to be female (step S5). As described above, when it is determined that the woman is female, the estimated age is corrected (step S6). The determination of whether or not it is determined to be a woman is also performed for each detected face when a plurality of faces are detected. Here, when it is determined that it is a male, the age is not corrected, but the process of correcting the age may be performed even for a male.

  Next, it is determined whether there are a plurality of subjects and the distance between the centers of the face detection areas is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S7). As described above, when this condition is met, the face detection area is set as the subject area (step S8). If not applicable, the enlarged area is set as the subject area (step S9).

  When the subject area is set, the voice output device 32 notifies the person who is the subject of the estimated age (in the case of a woman, the age corrected after the estimation) by voice (step S10). When a plurality of faces are detected, notification is made in order from the end. For example, “Left, ○, middle, ○, right, ○” is notified.

  After the sound notification, the image signal of the through image is acquired again. Further, the imaging control circuit 30 performs pixel-by-pixel comparison on the subject region of the image acquired here and the image at the time of age estimation (step S11), and whether or not the number of matched pixels in the subject region is equal to or less than a threshold value. A determination is made (step S12). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13).

  When the number of matched pixels in the subject area exceeds the threshold, the comparison range is limited to the face detection area (step S14), and it is determined whether the number of matched pixels in the face detection area before and after the voice notification is equal to or less than the threshold. Is performed (step S15). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13). If the number of matched pixels in the face detection area also exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is no change in the subject, and the process ends without performing shooting (step S16). When a plurality of faces are detected, the notified change in the subject is detected each time the estimated age is notified, and shooting is performed when there is a change.

  In this way, the subject's age is estimated, the estimated age is notified to the subject, a change in the subject after the notification is detected, and shooting is performed when the subject changes, so that the response of the notified subject is detected. It becomes possible to shoot.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The block diagram shown in FIG. 1 is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 in that an image template / character composition processing circuit 33 is provided, and the sound output device 32 receives sound data from the image template / character composition processing circuit 33. The image template / character combination processing circuit 33 is a circuit for combining an image template or characters with a photographed image. In addition, the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that only the image display device 23 is directed toward the subject by rotation.

  FIG. 9 shows a conceptual diagram of the image template / character composition processing circuit 33. The image template / character composition processing circuit 33 receives the image obtained from the CCD 17 and the estimated age, selects an image template or character corresponding to the estimated age from the stored image template and characters, and inputs the input image. To synthesize. The combining position is around the face area of the detected subject. FIG. 11 shows a case where the estimated age of the person 41 is 15 years old and the estimated age of the person 42 is 22 years old, which is an image template 43 corresponding to the estimated age 10 to 19 years. It is a figure which shows the example which synthesize | combined "youthful !!!!" which is the character 44 corresponding to the estimated age of 20-25 years old.

  Next, age estimation photographing in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the age / gender detection circuit 31 performs face detection from the acquired image signal of the through image and determines whether or not a face has been detected (steps S1 and S2). When a face is detected, age estimation (step S3) and sex determination (step S4) are performed for the detected face. When it is determined that the detected face is a woman, correction is performed to make the estimated age younger (steps S5 and S6). Further, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of subjects and the distance between the centers of the face detection regions is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (step S7), and an appropriate subject region is set (steps S8 and S9).

  When the subject area is set, an image template or a character of the estimated age is selected for each detected face (step S21). The selected image template or character is combined with the image whose age has been estimated (step S22). As described above, the image composition is performed by the image template / character composition processing circuit 33.

  Next, instead of displaying a normal live view image, an image template or an image obtained by combining characters is displayed on the image display device 23 (step S23). Then, the image display device 23 displaying the synthesized image is rotated so that the person who is the subject can browse (step S24). Note that the composite image may be displayed on another display device by short-range communication or the like instead of the image display device 23 of the digital camera 10, and the subject may view it.

  Further, it is determined whether or not characters are synthesized in the synthesized image (step S25). If the characters are synthesized, the voice output device 32 notifies the subject of the synthesized characters by voice (step S25). Step S26).

In this manner, the synthesized image is browsed by the subject, and the image signal of the through image is acquired again. The imaging control circuit 30 compares the image and the subject region of the image at the time of age estimation for each pixel (step S11), and determines whether or not the number of matched pixels in the subject region is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S11). S12). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13).

  When the number of matched pixels in the subject area exceeds the threshold, the comparison range is limited to the face detection area (step S14), and it is determined whether the number of matched pixels in the face detection area before and after the voice notification is equal to or less than the threshold. Is performed (step S15). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13). If the number of matched pixels in the face detection area also exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is no change in the subject, and the process ends without performing shooting (step S16). It should be noted that the displayed image template or characters may be combined with the actually captured image and recorded.

  In this way, the age of the subject is estimated, an image template or character suitable for the estimated age is combined with the image, the subject is browsed, a change in the subject after browsing is detected, and shooting is performed when the subject changes By doing so, it is possible to capture the reaction of the subject viewing the composite image.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the third embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. 1 is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 in that an information input controller 34 is provided. The information input controller 34 is a circuit for displaying information on the image display device 23 and processing the input information in order to allow the user to input subject information.

  FIG. 13 shows a conceptual diagram of the age / gender detection circuit 31 and the information input controller 34. The information input controller 34 receives input of subject information and outputs it to the age / gender detection circuit 31. The age / sex detection circuit 31 uses the information input from the information input controller 34 to estimate age and sex. The information that the information input controller 34 accepts input includes the date of photographing, as well as the date of birth and sex of the subject. Note that the shooting date may be acquired from calendar information built in the digital camera 10.

  Next, age estimation photographing in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the flowchart of FIG. 10, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As in the past, an image signal of the through image is acquired (step S1). Next, subject information is input (step S31). The subject information is displayed on the image display device 23 to prompt input, and the user inputs the information using an operation member such as a cross key (not shown) according to this instruction. The image display device 23 may be configured as a touch panel, and input may be performed using this touch panel.

  When the input of the subject information is completed, the age / gender detection circuit 31 performs face detection from the image acquired in step S1, and determines whether or not a face has been detected (step S2). If a face is detected, the age is estimated for the detected face (step S3). Here, in step S31, it is determined whether or not gender is input as subject information (step S32). If gender is not input, determination of gender is performed (step S4). Next, it is determined whether or not the determined gender is female (step S5). Here, when sex is input, the input sex information is used. When it is determined that the detected face is a woman, the estimated age is corrected (step S6). Further, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of subjects and the distance between the centers of the face detection regions is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (step S7), and an appropriate subject region is set (steps S8 and S9).

  After the subject area is set, it is determined whether or not a date of birth and a shooting date are input in step S31 (step S33). If it is not input, the estimated age (in the case of a woman, the age corrected after estimation) is notified to the person who is the subject by voice as in the first embodiment (step S10). When the date of birth and the date of photographing are input, the actual age is acquired from these information (step S34), and the age estimated as the actual age is notified by voice (step S35). Note that the difference between the actual age and the estimated age may be notified.

  After the notification of age, the image signal of the through image is acquired again. The imaging control circuit 30 compares the image and the subject region of the image at the time of age estimation for each pixel (step S11), and determines whether or not the number of matched pixels in the subject region is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S11). S12). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13).

  When the number of matched pixels in the subject area exceeds the threshold, the comparison range is limited to the face detection area (step S14), and it is determined whether the number of matched pixels in the face detection area before and after the voice notification is equal to or less than the threshold. Is performed (step S15). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13). If the number of matched pixels in the face detection area also exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is no change in the subject, and the process ends without performing shooting (step S16).

  In this way, the actual age is calculated based on the input information, the subject's age is estimated, the subject's estimated age and actual age are notified, and the subject's change after notification is detected, and the subject's change In this case, it is possible to photograph the reaction of the notified subject by photographing.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the fourth embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. 8 is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 8 in that an information input controller 34 and a birth date database 35 are provided. The information input controller 34 is a circuit for inputting subject information, and the date of birth database 15 is a database in which names and dates of birth are registered, and outputs the date of birth by designating the name. can do.

  FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of the image template / character composition processing circuit 33 according to the present embodiment. The image template / character composition processing circuit 33 receives the subject information obtained from the information input controller 34 in addition to the image obtained from the CCD 17 and the estimated age, and inputs an image template or character corresponding to the estimated age and actual age. Is selected and combined with the input image. The combining position is around the face area of the detected subject.

  Next, age estimation photographing in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the flowchart of FIG. 10, FIG. 14, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As in the past, an image signal of a through image is acquired (step S1), and subject information is input (step S31).

When the input of the subject information is completed, the age / gender detection circuit 31 performs face detection from the image acquired in step S1, and determines whether or not a face has been detected (step S2). If a face is detected, the age is estimated for the detected face (step S3). Here, in step S31, it is determined whether or not gender is input as subject information (step S32). If gender is not input, determination of gender is performed (step S4). Next, it is determined whether or not the determined gender is female (step S5). Here, when sex is input, the input sex information is used. When it is determined that the detected face is a woman, the estimated age is corrected (step S6). Further, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of subjects and the distance between the centers of the face detection regions is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (step S7), and an appropriate subject region is set (steps S8 and S9).

  After the subject area is set, it is determined whether or not the shooting date is included in the subject information input in step S31 (step S41). If not included, the estimated age is notified to the person who is the subject by voice (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11. If the input subject information includes the shooting date, it is further determined whether or not the input subject information includes the date of birth (step S42). If it is included, the process proceeds to step S34.

  If the input subject information does not include the date of birth, it is further determined whether or not a name is included (step S43). If neither the date of birth nor the name is entered, the process proceeds to step S10. If the name is entered, the date of birth corresponding to the name is acquired from the date of birth database 35 (step S44).

  Next, the actual age is acquired from the shooting date and the date of birth (step S34), and it is determined whether or not the estimated age is equal to or less than the actual age (step S45). If the actual age is larger, the estimated age is notified by voice (step S35), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  If the estimated age is smaller, an image template or character corresponding to the difference between the estimated age and the actual age is selected (step S21), and the selected image template or character is combined with the image for which the age has been estimated ( Step S22). FIG. 18 shows that when the difference between the estimated age and the actual age of the person 45 is 2 years old and the difference between the estimated age and the actual age of the person 46 is 7 years old, the difference between the estimated age and the actual age is 1 to 5 years old. The figure which shows the example which synthesize | combined the "multiple note mark" which is the image template 47 corresponding to the case of ", and the character 48 corresponding to the case where the difference of an estimated age and real age is 6-10 years old" It is. As shown in the figure, when a face is detected at a vertical angle, an image template or a character is synthesized in accordance with the face orientation. The person who is the subject browses the image synthesized in this way (step S24).

  Further, it is determined whether or not characters are synthesized in the synthesized image (step S25). If the characters are synthesized, the voice output device 32 notifies the subject of the synthesized characters by voice (step S25). Step S26).

  After notifying the estimated age by voice in step S10, or by notifying the estimated age and actual age by voice in step S35, or after viewing the synthesized image in step S24, or after notifying the synthesized characters by voice in step S26, and again through Get the image signal of the image. The imaging control circuit 30 compares the image and the subject region of the image at the time of age estimation for each pixel (step S11), and determines whether or not the number of matched pixels in the subject region is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S11). S12). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13).

When the number of matched pixels in the subject area exceeds the threshold, the comparison range is limited to the face detection area (step S14), and it is determined whether the number of matched pixels in the face detection area before and after the voice notification is equal to or less than the threshold. Is performed (step S15). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the subject has changed, and actual photographing is performed (step S13). If the number of matched pixels in the face detection area also exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is no change in the subject, and the process ends without performing shooting (step S16).

  In this way, the actual age is calculated based on the input information, the age of the subject is estimated, an image template or a character corresponding to the difference between the estimated age and the actual age is combined with the image, and the subject is browsed. It is possible to capture the reaction of the viewed subject by detecting a later change in the subject and capturing an image when the subject changes.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a first embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the age / gender detection circuit 31. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing detected face angles. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a subject image when the face region is set as the subject region. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a subject image when an enlarged region is set as a subject region. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the imaging control circuit 30. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the second embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of the image template / character composition processing circuit 33. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an image template and characters are combined with an image. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the third embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the age / gender detection circuit 31 and the information input controller 34. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the fourth embodiment of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of the image template / character composition processing circuit 33 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of age estimation photographing of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an image template and characters are combined with an image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... Shutter switch, 17 ... CCD, 23 ... Image display device, 30 ... Shooting control circuit, 31 ... Age / gender detection circuit, 32 ... Audio output device, 33 ... Image template / character Composition processing circuit, 34 ... information input controller, 35 ... birth date database, 41, 42, 45, 46 ... person, 43, 47 ... image template, 44, 48 ... character

Claims (11)

Photographing means for converting an optical image of a subject received through the photographing lens into an image signal;
Means for detecting a face area of the subject from the image signal;
Means for estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject;
Means for outputting the estimated age by voice;
Means for detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal;
Means for detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area,
An age-estimated photographing apparatus that performs main photographing when the amount of change of the subject in the existence area is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount before and after the sound outputting means performs sound output. Means for inputting information about the subject;
Means for calculating the actual age of the subject from information on the subject,
2. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for outputting the estimated age by voice outputs the calculated actual age together with the estimated age. Means for inputting information about the subject;
Means for calculating the actual age of the subject from information on the subject,
2. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for outputting the estimated age by voice outputs a difference between the estimated age and the calculated actual age. Photographing means for converting an optical image of a subject received through the photographing lens into an image signal;
Means for detecting a face area of the subject from the image signal;
Means for estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject;
Means for selecting an image template or characters according to the estimated age;
Means for synthesizing the selected image template or character with the image signal;
Means for reproducing and displaying an image signal obtained by combining the image template or characters;
Means for causing the subject to view a composite image reproduced and displayed on the means for reproducing and displaying;
Means for detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal;
Means for detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area,
An age-estimating photographing apparatus that performs main photographing when a change amount of the subject in the existence area is a predetermined amount or more before and after the subject views the composite image. Means for inputting information about the subject;
Means for calculating the actual age of the subject from information on the subject,
5. The age estimation according to claim 4, wherein the means for selecting an image template or a character corresponding to the estimated age selects an image template or a character corresponding to a difference between the estimated age and the calculated actual age. Shooting device.   6. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for outputting the selected character by voice.   7. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for estimating the age of the subject includes means for correcting the estimated age.   8. The age estimation according to claim 7, wherein the means for correcting the estimated age comprises means for determining the sex of the subject from the face of the subject, and corrects the estimated age according to the determined sex. Shooting device. 8. The age estimation photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for correcting the estimated age corrects the estimated age according to the gender inputted by the means for inputting information on the subject. A photographing process for converting an optical image of a subject received through the photographing lens into an image signal;
Detecting a face area of the subject from the image signal;
Estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject;
Outputting the estimated age by voice;
Detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal;
Detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area,
An age-estimated photographing method, wherein the main photographing is performed when the amount of change of the subject in the existence area is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount before and after the sound outputting step performs the sound outputting. A photographing process for converting an optical image of a subject received through the photographing lens into an image signal;
Detecting a face area of the subject from the image signal;
Estimating the age of the subject from the face area of the subject;
Selecting an image template or characters according to the estimated age;
Synthesizing the selected image template or character with the image signal;
Replaying and displaying an image signal obtained by combining the image template or characters;
A step of causing the subject to view the composite image that has been reproduced and displayed;
Detecting the presence area of the subject from the image signal;
Detecting the amount of change of the subject in the presence area,
An age-estimated photographing method characterized in that a main photographing is performed before and after the subject browses the composite image and the amount of change of the subject in the existence region is a predetermined amount or more.

Images