JP2010193423A - Automatic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic imaging apparatus capable of shooting a photograph intended by a photographer when the photographer himself or herself also becomes an object. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic imaging apparatus includes: a face detection part 14 configured to detect a face of a person included in an object; an apparatus operation part 16 configured to instruct a self-timer to start; and a control part 17 configured to measure the distance from the automatic imaging apparatus to the face detected by the face detection part to set a distance range for permitting imaging based on the measured distance, and measure, when a new face is detected by the face detection part after the self-timer is instructed to start by the apparatus operation part, the distance to the new face to cause the automatic imaging apparatus to image it when the measured distance is within the distance range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to a technique for photographing using a self-timer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when using a self-timer, such as when taking a group photo or taking a picture of itself, it is not possible to ask others to take a picture. When the operator of the camera presses the self-timer button after setting the composition, focus, zoom, etc., the shutter is activated after a certain time and shooting is performed.

  In recent years, with the development of image processing technology, a technology for recognizing a person's face present in an image and counting the number of people has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of analyzing image information, extracting a face area from an image area, counting the number of extracted face areas, generating number-of-person information for each image, and storing the information in a recording medium. ing.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for automatically capturing an image when a face image is extracted to acquire the number of subjects, and when the number of subjects to be photographed matches a preset scheduled number of subjects. is doing.

JP 2004-145563 A JP 2007-329602 A

  When taking a group photo using a self-timer, if the timer time (the time from when the shutter is pressed until the camera is activated) is short, the photographer (camera operator) can move to the intended position within that time. There is a possibility that the back view of the operator may be photographed without being able to reach, or may be photographed while being superimposed on a person other than the operator. On the other hand, if the timer time is too long, the process waits until an image is taken after the operator reaches the designated position, that is, until the shutter is activated.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the number of photographed persons is set in advance, and the shutter is operated when the number of photographed persons matches the set number of persons. Let However, since the photographer needs to know the number of photographers accurately and input the number of people into the camera, if the photographer does not know the number of photographers, It is necessary to count. The camera also has a counter circuit for counting the face of the person to be photographed, a comparator for detecting the coincidence between the count value and the number of people scheduled to shoot, a numeric keypad for setting the number of people scheduled to shoot, and a liquid crystal screen for displaying the number of people. The camera needs to be provided on the main body, and the camera becomes expensive.

  In addition, there is a problem that a photograph unintended by the photographer is taken for the following reasons.

(1) When a face is detected while moving to a position intended by the photographer, it is determined that the planned number of photographers has been reached and photographing is performed.

(2) When a third person other than the person included in the subject enters the shooting area in advance, the face is detected, and it is determined that the number of planned shooting persons has been reached and shooting is performed.

  In addition, when the photographer presses the shutter, the camera moves, and there is a possibility that a blurred photograph is taken. On the other hand, there is a method of correcting camera shake by electronic camera shake correction, lens shift system camera shake correction, image sensor shift system camera shake correction, or the like, but sufficient camera shake correction may not be possible depending on the size of camera shake.

  In addition, when it is desired to capture a certain moment of a moving person, the photographer may not be able to capture an intended photograph because the timing at which the photographer presses the shutter is shifted.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic imaging apparatus capable of taking a photograph intended by a photographer when the photographer is also a subject.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an automatic imaging device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an automatic imaging device, wherein a face detection unit that detects a human face included in a subject, a device operation unit that instructs to start a self-timer, After measuring the distance from the automatic image pickup device to the face detected by the face detection unit, setting a distance range for allowing photographing based on the measured distance, and instructing the device operation unit to start a self-timer The control unit that measures the distance to a new face when a new face is detected by the face detection unit, and causes the automatic imaging device to perform shooting when the measured distance is within the distance range It is characterized by providing.
In the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the control unit sets a region range where a new face enters based on the position of the face detected by the face detection unit, and instructs the device operation unit to start a self-timer. Then, when a new face is detected by the face detection unit, photographing is automatically performed when the detected new face is within the region range.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic image pickup device, wherein the automatic image pickup device is detected by a face detection unit that detects a human face included in a subject, a device operation unit that instructs to start a self-timer, and the face detection unit. A face size range that is permitted to be photographed is set based on the face size, and when the face detection unit detects a new face after the device operation unit is instructed to start a self-timer, the detected new face is detected. And a control unit that causes the automatic imaging apparatus to perform photographing when the size of the correct face is within the size range.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic imaging apparatus, comprising: a control unit; an apparatus operation unit configured to input an operation input signal corresponding to the predetermined operation to the control unit when a photographer performs a predetermined operation; A face detection unit for detecting the face of a person included in the subject; and when the operation input is input to the control unit, a first distance from the automatic imaging device to the target included in the subject is measured, and the face detection A distance measuring unit that measures a second distance from the automatic imaging device to the person when the unit detects the face of the person, and the control unit is based on a difference between the first distance and the second distance. Then, the automatic image pickup device is caused to take a picture.

  According to the first invention, when the photographer is also the photographed person, the shutter operates when the photographer enters the predetermined distance range, so that the malfunction and the composition intended by the photographer are eliminated. You can take photos at the timing.

  According to the second invention, when the photographer is also the photographed person, the shutter operates when the photographer enters the predetermined distance range and enters the predetermined area range. It is possible to take a photograph with the composition and timing intended by the photographer, accurately eliminating malfunctions.

  According to the third invention, when the photographer is also the photographed person, the shutter operates when the photographer's face reaches a predetermined size. You can take photos at the timing.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the automatic image pickup device performs shooting based on the first distance from the automatic image pickup device to the object included in the subject and the second distance from the automatic image pickup device to the person, the photographer You can shoot photos without camera shake at the intended composition and timing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, illustrating a specific use condition (the 1). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, illustrating a specific use condition (the 2). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, illustrating a specific use condition (the 3). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the modification of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the other modification of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, exemplifying a specific use condition. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 3 of this invention, illustrating a specific use condition (the 1). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 3 of this invention, exemplifying a specific use condition (the 2). It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 4 of this invention, exemplifying a specific use condition (the 1). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 4 of this invention, illustrating a specific use condition (the 2). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 4 of this invention, exemplifying a specific use condition (the 3). It is a figure which shows the example which starts a still image continuous shooting or a moving image photography automatically, when the subject of photography comes to a photography point with the automatic imaging device which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which still image continuous shooting or moving image shooting is automatically ended when a person to be photographed reaches a shooting stop point in the automatic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the entire imaged range is referred to as a subject. That is, the subject includes a person, an object, a landscape, and the like that are included in the captured range.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This automatic imaging apparatus includes a lens 11, an image input / output unit 12, a memory 13, a face detection unit 14, an image display unit 15, a device operation unit 16, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17, an image processing unit 18, and a data input / output unit. 19 and media 20.

  Among these components, the image input / output unit 12, the memory 13, the face detection unit 14, the CPU 17, the image processing unit 18, and the data input / output unit 19 are connected to each other by a bus 10. In the following description, the image input / output unit 12, the memory 13, the face detection unit 14, the CPU 17, the image processing unit 18, and the data input / output unit 19 are transmitted and received to avoid complicated description. The description that the data to be transmitted via the bus 10 is omitted.

  The lens 11 sends an image in which light from the subject is formed to the image input / output unit 12. The image input / output unit 12 converts the image sent from the lens 11 into an electrical signal, generates image data, and sends the image data to the memory 13, the face detection unit 14, the CPU 17, the image processing unit 18, and the data input / output unit 19. . Further, the image input / output unit 12 combines the image indicated by the image data generated by itself with the mark image representing the face position generated based on the face coordinates (details will be described later) sent from the face detection unit 14. Then, it is sent to the image display unit 15 as display data.

  The memory 13 temporarily stores the image data sent from the image input / output unit 12. The image data stored in the memory 13 is read by the image input / output unit 12, the face detection unit 14, the CPU 17, the image processing unit 18, and the data input / output unit 19 as necessary.

  The face detection unit 14 detects the face of a person included in the subject from the image indicated by the image data sent from the image input / output unit 12, and calculates the coordinates of the detected face part. The coordinates calculated by the face detection unit 14 are sent to the image input / output unit 12 as face coordinates.

  The image display unit 15 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image on a display screen according to display data sent from the image input / output unit 12.

  The device operation unit 16 includes a mode setting button, a self-timer button (both not shown), and the like, and when these buttons are operated, an operation input signal indicating that is input to the CPU 17. For example, when the self-timer mode is set by the mode setting button, the device operating unit 16 sends an operation input signal indicating that to the CPU 17, and when the self-timer button is pressed, Input to the CPU 17.

  The CPU 17 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention and controls the entire automatic imaging apparatus. For example, when an operation input signal indicating that the self-timer button is pressed after an operation input signal indicating that the self-timer mode is set is input from the device operation unit 16, On the other hand, it instructs the detection of a face newly added to the image. Details of processing performed by the CPU 17 will be described later.

  The image processing unit 18 reads image data from the memory 13 in response to an instruction from the CPU 17 and executes image compression processing based on, for example, the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) standard or the GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) standard. . The compressed image data subjected to the image compression processing by the image processing unit 18 is sent to the data input / output unit 19. The data input / output unit 19 sends the compressed image data sent from the image processing unit 18 to the medium 20.

  The medium 20 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SD card, and stores compressed image data sent from the data input / output unit 19.

  Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, focusing on automatic imaging processing for automatically imaging by a self-timer. To do.

  The automatic photographing process is started when the automatic image pickup apparatus is turned on. When the automatic photographing process is started, first, the photographing mode is set (step S11). That is, the photographer operates the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16 to set the photographing mode. Thereby, the device operation unit 16 inputs an operation input signal indicating that the photographing mode is set by the mode setting button to the CPU 17. Thereafter, the CPU 17 operates in the shooting mode.

  Next, the face detection mode is set (step S12). That is, the photographer operates the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16 to set the face detection mode. Thereby, the device operation unit 16 inputs an operation input signal indicating that the face detection mode is set by the mode setting button to the CPU 17. Thereafter, the CPU 17 operates in the face detection mode.

  Next, the face of the input image is detected (step S13). That is, the CPU 17 instructs the face detection unit 14 to detect a face. In response to this instruction, the face detection unit 14 detects the face of the person included in the subject from the image data sent from the image input / output unit 12, calculates the coordinates of the face portion, and uses the image as the face coordinates. The data is sent to the input / output unit 12. The image input / output unit 12 combines the image indicated by the image data generated by itself with the mark image sent from the face detection unit 14 and sends it as display data to the image display unit 15. As a result, an image in which the mark image is superimposed on the image of the face of the person included in the subject is displayed on the screen of the image display unit 15.

  Next, the distance from the automatic imaging device to the person included in the subject is measured (step S14). That is, the CPU 17 drives a focus mechanism (not shown) to focus on the face of the person included in the subject detected in step S13, and based on the state of the focus mechanism at that time, from the automatic imaging device to the person. Measure distance.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the measurement for all the members is completed (step S15). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not distance measurement for all persons included in the subject detected in step S13 is completed. If it is determined in step S15 that all of the measurement has not been completed, the process returns to step S14 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S15 that all the members have been measured, then the self-timer mode is set (step S16). That is, the photographer operates the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16 to set the self-timer mode. As a result, the device operation unit 16 inputs an operation input signal indicating that the self-timer mode has been set by the mode setting button to the CPU 17. Thereafter, the CPU 17 operates in the self-timer mode.

  Next, a distance range in which photographing is permitted is calculated (step S17). That is, the CPU 17 calculates a distance range in which shooting is permitted based on the distance to each person included in the subject obtained by the processes in steps S14 and S15. This distance range can be a predetermined distance before and after the average value of the distance to each person included in the subject. The distance range can also be set manually using the device operation unit 16.

  Next, the self-timer is started (step S18). That is, the photographer presses the self-timer button of the device operation unit 16. Thereby, the device operation unit 16 inputs an operation input signal indicating that the self-timer has been started by operating the self-timer button to the CPU 17. In response to this signal, the CPU 17 starts measuring time.

  Next, it is checked whether a new face has been detected (step S19). That is, the CPU 17 instructs the face detection unit 14 to detect a face. The face detection unit 14 checks whether a face other than the face detected in step S13 has been newly detected from the image data sent from the image input / output unit 12. If a new face is not detected in step S19, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S19 until a new face is detected.

  When a new face is detected in the standby state due to repeated execution of step S19, the distance to the new face is measured (step S20). That is, the CPU 17 drives a focus mechanism (not shown) to focus on the new face detected in step S19, and measures the distance from the automatic imaging device to the new face.

  Next, it is checked whether or not it is within a distance range where photographing is permitted (step S21). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not the distance measured in step S20 is within the distance range permitting photographing calculated in step S17. If it is determined in step S21 that it is not within the distance range where photographing is permitted, the process returns to step S20 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that it is within the distance range where photographing is permitted, it is then checked whether or not the face is stopped (step S22). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not the new face detected in step S19 is stopped by detecting whether or not the face image has moved. If it is determined in step S22 that the face has not stopped, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S22 until the face stops.

  If it is determined that the face has stopped in the standby state due to repeated execution of step S22, then the automatic shooting mode is set (step S23). In other words, the CPU 17 sets the automatic imaging device to an automatic shooting mode in which shooting is performed by automatically operating the shutter. Note that either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter may be used as the shutter. Further, both a mechanical shutter and an electronic shutter may be used.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the designated time has elapsed (step S24). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the automatic shooting mode was set. If it is determined in step S24 that the specified time has not elapsed, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S24 until the specified time has elapsed.

  When it is determined that the specified time has elapsed in the standby state by repeatedly executing Step S24, the shutter is activated and photographing is performed (Step S25). That is, the CPU 17 operates the shutter by driving a shutter mechanism (not shown). Thereby, photographing is performed. Thereafter, the automatic photographing process ends.

  Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus realized by the above-described automatic photographing process will be described with reference to specific usage situations. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operator C is preparing to perform shooting by operating the automatic imaging apparatus 1.

  The operator C operates the mode setting button 2 of the device operation unit 16 of the automatic imaging device 1 to set the automatic imaging device 1 to the shooting mode and to the face detection mode. As a result, the faces of the persons A and B are detected, and the face portions of the persons A and B are surrounded and displayed on the display screen 3 of the image display unit 15. With this display, the operator C can confirm that face detection has been performed.

  When the face is detected, the faces of the person A and the person B are sequentially focused, and the distances from the automatic imaging apparatus 1 to the person A and the person B are measured. Thereafter, the operator C sets the self-timer mode. By setting the self-timer mode, the distance range for entering the automatic shooting mode, in other words, the distance range for allowing the shooting, is calculated based on the distance from the automatic imaging device 1 to the person A and the person B. . Thereafter, the operator C determines the composition to be photographed, presses the self-timer button 5, and moves to the vicinity of the person A and the person B.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a new face is detected and a distance is measured when the operator C moves to the vicinity of the person A and the person B and is included in the subject. When the operator C moves to the side of the person A and the person B, the automatic imaging apparatus 1 newly detects the face of the operator C. As a result, the face portion of the operator C is displayed on the display screen 3 surrounded by the mark image 4. When the detection of a new face is completed, the operator C is focused on the face of the operator C, and the distance from the automatic imaging device 1 to the operator C is measured. As shown in FIG. 4, the operator C is not in the automatic shooting mode at this point because the operator C is outside the distance range in which shooting is permitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the automatic photographing mode is set when the operator C moves to a distance range in which photographing is permitted. When the distance from the automatic imaging apparatus 1 to the operator C is within the distance range in which the distances from the person A and the person B are permitted to be photographed, the automatic photographing mode is set. Operates and shoots.

  As described above, according to the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the photographer is also a subject, the shutter operates when the photographer is within the distance range permitted for photographing. Thus, malfunctions can be eliminated, and a photograph can be taken with the composition and timing intended by the photographer.

  Note that the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above registers the photographer's face image in the memory 13 in advance and has a face recognition function in the CPU 17 so that the newly detected face image is stored in the memory 13. When the face image matches the registered face image, it can be modified so that the automatic shooting mode is set. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an automatic photographing process of the automatic imaging apparatus according to this modification.

  This automatic photographing process is configured by adding step S31 between step S19 and step S20 in the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S31, it is checked whether the faces match. Specifically, the CPU 17 compares the image sent from the image input / output unit 12 with the photographer's face image stored in the memory 13 using the face recognition function. If it is determined in step S31 that the faces do not match, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S31 until the faces match. If it is determined that the faces match in the standby state due to repeated execution of step S31, the process proceeds to step S20.

  According to this modification, after the self-timer is started, in addition to the above-described condition that the photographer falls within the distance range permitted for photographing, the photographer's face can be recognized as a registered face. In this case, since the automatic shooting mode is set, malfunction can be prevented, and shooting with the composition and timing intended by the photographer can be performed more reliably.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a display device 6 made of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic imaging device 1, and the display device 6 is turned on when the automatic photographing mode is set. You can also. Further, for example, a speaker 7 is provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic image pickup apparatus 1, and when the automatic photographing mode is set, the speaker 7 can notify that effect. According to these configurations, the person to be photographed can confirm that the automatic photographing mode has been set, so that the timing at which the shutter operates can be predicted.

  The automatic image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention further satisfies the conditions for automatically shooting by the automatic image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment (conditions that the photographer is within the distance range permitted for shooting). A condition that a new face has entered a predetermined area range is added. The configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following, the same reference numerals used in FIG. 2 are used for the steps for performing the same or equivalent processing as the automatic photographing processing (see the flowchart shown in FIG. 2) executed by the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. The description will be simplified with reference numerals.

  First, since the processing from step S11 to step S17 is the same as that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an area range in which a new face enters is calculated (step S41). That is, the CPU 17 calculates a region range in which a new face (photographer's face) is predicted to enter based on the face position on the image detected in step S13. This area range may be a space that exists between or on both sides of the person. Although the region range is configured to be automatically calculated, it can be manually set using the device operation unit 16. In this case, the area setting mode can be turned on by operating the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16 to select the automatic area specifying mode or the photographer input mode. When the photographer input mode is selected, the area range is manually input.

  Next, the processes from step S18 to step S21 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, if it is determined in step S21 that the distance is within the range where photography is permitted, it is then checked whether the face is within the area range (step S42). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not the new face detected in step S19 is within the area range calculated in step S41. If it is determined in step S42 that the face does not fall within the area range, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S42 until a new face falls within the area range.

  If it is determined that the face has entered the region range in the standby state by the repeated execution of step S42, the process of step S22 is performed.

  Since the processing from step S22 to step S25 is the same as that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus realized by the above-described automatic photographing process will be described with reference to specific usage situations. The operation until face detection is performed is the same as that of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  When the face is detected, the operator C operates the mode setting button 2 of the device operation unit 16 of the automatic imaging apparatus 1 to turn on the area designation mode and selects the automatic area designation mode or the photographer input mode. . When the photographer input mode is selected, the area range is manually input. Thereafter, the operator C sets the self-timer mode. When the self-timer mode is set, automatic photographing is performed when a newly detected face enters the area range. Thereafter, the operator C presses the self-timer button 5 and moves to the vicinity of the person A and the person B.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the operator C moves between the person A and the person B and is included in the subject. When the operator C presses the self-timer button 5 and moves to the vicinity of the person A and the person B, the automatic imaging device 1 newly detects the face of the operator C. As a result, the face portion of the operator C is displayed on the display screen 3 surrounded by the mark image 4.

  When the face of the operator C enters the region range 8, the automatic shooting mode is set, and after a predetermined time elapses, the shutter is activated to perform shooting. In the example shown in FIG. Since the selected face (indicated by the mark image 4) is not within the region range, the automatic photographing mode is not set. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the automatic shooting mode due to a third party's reflection or the like, or shooting with a composition unintended by the operator C.

  As described above, according to the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the photographer is also a subject, in addition to the photographer entering the predetermined distance range, the predetermined area range is further included. Since the shutter is activated when the camera enters, it is possible to eliminate the malfunction more accurately than the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and it is possible to take a photograph with the composition and timing intended by the photographer.

  Note that the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment registers the image of the photographer's face in the memory 13 in advance and has a face recognition function in the CPU 17 as in the modification of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. In addition, when the newly detected face image matches the face image registered in the memory 13, the automatic shooting mode can be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a display device 6 made of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic imaging device 1, and the display device 6 is turned on when the automatic photographing mode is set. You can also. Further, for example, a speaker 7 is provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic image pickup apparatus 1, and when the automatic photographing mode is set, the speaker 7 can notify that effect.

  The automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention automatically performs shooting when the size of the face of a person included in the subject reaches a predetermined size. The configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following, the same reference numerals used in FIG. 2 are used for the steps for performing the same or equivalent processing as the automatic photographing processing (see the flowchart shown in FIG. 2) executed by the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. The description will be simplified with reference numerals.
First, since the processing from step S11 to step S13 is the same as that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the automatic size is designated (step S51). That is, it is checked whether or not the automatic size measurement mode is set by operating the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16. If it is determined in step S51 that the automatic size has been designated, the size of the face detected in step S13 is measured (step S52). That is, the CPU 17 measures the size of the face in the image detected in step S13. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S54.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the automatic size is not designated, the size input by the photographer is acquired (step S53). That is, the CPU 17 acquires the size input by the photographer operating the mode setting button of the device operation unit 16. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S54, the designated size of the face is determined. That is, the CPU 17 determines the size measured in step S52 or the size input in step S53 as the “face specified size”.

  Since the processes in steps S16, S18, and S19 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  If a new face is detected in the standby state due to repeated execution of step S19, it is then checked whether the face has reached a specified size (step S55). That is, the CPU 17 checks whether or not the face size detected in step S19 has reached the designated size determined in step S54.

  If it is determined in step S55 that the face is not the specified size, the process waits while repeatedly executing step S55 until the face reaches the specified size. If it is determined that the face has reached the specified size in the standby state due to repeated execution of step S55, it is then checked whether the face is stopped (step S22).

  Since the processing from step S22 to step S25 is the same as that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus realized by the above-described automatic photographing process will be described with reference to specific usage situations. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operator C is preparing to take a picture by operating the automatic imaging apparatus 1 to determine the composition.

  The operator C operates the mode setting button 2 of the automatic imaging device 1 to set the automatic imaging device 1 to the shooting mode and set the automatic imaging device 1 to the face detection mode. Thereby, the faces of the person A and the person B are detected, and the face parts of the person A and the person B on the display screen 3 of the image display unit 15 are surrounded and displayed by the mark image 4. With this display, the operator C can confirm that face detection has been performed.

  When the face is detected, the operator C operates the mode setting button 2 of the automatic imaging device 1 to turn on the face size designation mode and selects the automatic size measurement mode or the photographer input mode. When the photographer input mode is selected, the face size range is input. In this state, the operator C sets the self-timer mode. When the self-timer mode is set, automatic shooting is performed when a newly detected face reaches a specified size. Thereafter, the operator C presses the self-timer button 5 and moves to the vicinity of the person A and the person B.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operator C moves to the side of the person A and the person B and is included in the subject. When the operator C presses the self-timer button 5 and then moves to the side of the person A and the person B, the automatic imaging device 1 detects the face of the new operator C. As a result, the face portion of the operator C is displayed on the display screen 3 surrounded by the mark image 4.

  When the size of the face of the operator C becomes a designated size manually input or a designated size calculated from the face size of the person A or the person B, the automatic shooting mode is set, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, In the example shown in FIG. 12, since the newly detected face (indicated by the mark image 4) is not the specified size, the automatic shooting mode is set. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malfunction that the automatic shooting mode is entered when a third party such as a passerby is captured, or a malfunction that the photographer enters the automatic shooting mode while moving to the shooting location.

  As described above, according to the automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the photographer is also the photographed person, the shutter operates when the photographer's face becomes a predetermined size. A malfunction can be eliminated and a photograph can be taken with the composition and timing intended by the photographer.

  The function of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, that is, the condition that the automatic imaging mode is entered when entering a new area range is added to the condition for the automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment to be in the automatic shooting mode. You can also.

  The automatic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment registers a photographer's face image in the memory 13 in advance and has a face recognition function in the CPU 17 as in the modification of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. In addition, when the newly detected face image matches the face image registered in the memory 13, the automatic shooting mode can be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a display device 6 made of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic imaging device 1, and the display device 6 is turned on when the automatic photographing mode is set. It can be configured as follows. Further, for example, a speaker 7 may be provided on the same side as the lens 11 of the automatic imaging apparatus 1 so that when the automatic photographing mode is set, the speaker 7 notifies the fact.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This automatic imaging apparatus includes a camera unit 11a, an image input / output unit 12, a memory 13, a face recognition unit 21, an image display unit 15, a device operation unit 16a, a CPU 17 having a distance calculation unit 17a, an image processing unit 18, and a data input / output. A unit 19 and a medium 20 are provided.

  The automatic imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is included in the subject after measuring the first distance (reference distance) from the automatic imaging apparatus to the target by focusing on an arbitrary target. When the second distance from the automatic imaging apparatus to the person is measured by detecting the face of the person and focusing on the face of the person included in the subject, and the second distance becomes the first distance The camera automatically starts shooting.

  In FIG. 1, the device operation unit 16 a controls operation of devices such as a button for recording the setting of the automatic shooting mode and the distance from the shooting point to the object. Specifically, the device operation unit 16a includes a mode setting button, a self-timer button (all of which are not shown), a distance determination button 9, and the like, and an operation indicating that when these buttons are operated. An input signal is input to the CPU 17. For example, when the self-timer mode is set by the mode setting button, the device operation unit 16a sends an operation input signal indicating that to the CPU 17, and when the self-timer button is pressed, the device operation unit 16a generates an operation input signal indicating that effect. Input to the CPU 17.

  Further, when the distance determination button 9 is pressed, the device operation unit 16a inputs an operation input signal indicating that to the CPU 17. When an operation input signal indicating that the distance determination button 9 has been pressed is input, the distance calculation unit 17a causes the distance from the automatic imaging device 1 to a point that is in focus when the distance determination button 9 is pressed. Is measured based on the state of a focus mechanism (not shown), and the CPU 17 records information on the distance in the memory 13a.

  The camera unit 11 a sends an image formed by imaging light from the subject to the image input / output unit 12. The image input / output unit 12 generates an image data by converting an image from the camera unit 11a into an electrical signal, and outputs the image data to the memory 13a, the face recognition unit 21, the image display unit 15, the distance calculation unit 17a, and the image processing unit 18. To do.

  The camera unit 11a focuses on an object existing at a point where shooting is desired. The distance calculation unit 17a measures the distance from the automatic imaging device to the object focused by the camera unit 11a. The memory 13a records the distance A from the automatic imaging device measured by the distance calculation unit 17a to the object.

  The face recognition unit 21 recognizes the face of a person included in the subject to be photographed with respect to the image indicated by the image data sent from the image input / output unit 12. The camera unit 11a focuses on the face of a person included in the subject recognized by the face recognition unit 21. The distance calculation unit 17a measures a distance B from the automatic imaging apparatus to a person included in the subject focused by the camera unit 11a.

  The distance calculation unit 17a compares the distance A to the object recorded in the memory 13a with the distance B to the person included in the subject. If the two distances match, the distance calculation unit 17a performs image processing on the match signal. To the unit 18. When the coincidence signal is input from the distance calculation unit 17 a, the image processing unit 18 performs an encoding process on the input image data and records it on the medium 20 via the data output unit 19.

Next, the operation of the automatic imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the photographer turns on the automatic imaging apparatus and then sets the automatic shooting mode (step S61). Next, the photographer points the automatic image pickup device toward the object so that the object existing at the point to be imaged is displayed at the center of the display screen (liquid crystal screen) 3 of the automatic image pickup device. The camera unit 11a focuses on the object existing at the point where the photographing is desired (step S62). At this point, the person to be photographed does not exist at the point at which photographing is desired. The person to be photographed approaches the object to be focused at the time of photographing.

  By focusing on the object, the distance calculation unit 17a measures the distance A from the automatic imaging device to the object (step S63). When the photographer presses the distance determination button 9, the CPU 17 stores the distance A in the memory 13a. (Step S64).

  Next, the photographer points the automatic imaging device toward the person who wants to shoot and recognizes the face registered in the automatic imaging device in advance by the face recognition unit 21 (step S65).

  Next, the camera unit 11a focuses on the recognized face (step S66), and the distance calculation unit 17a measures the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person to be photographed (step S67). At this time, since the distance A from the automatic imaging device to the object of the photographing point and the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person to be photographed are not the same value, photographing is not performed.

  Next, the person to be imaged moves toward the object, and when the person to be imaged reaches the position of the object, that is, the distance A from the automatic imaging device to the object and the object to be imaged from the automatic imaging device. When the distance B to the person coincides (YES in step S68), the shutter is automatically activated and photographing is performed (step S69).

  When the person to be photographed is moving, the face recognition unit 21 always recognizes the face of the person to be photographed, tracks the face of the person to be photographed, and until the person to be photographed is photographed, the distance calculator 17a. Continues to measure the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person to be imaged (steps S65 to S69).

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, when the difference between the distance A from the automatic imaging device to the object and the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person to be photographed is zero, that is, the distance A and the distance B are equal. In this case, shooting is performed.

  For example, the image may be taken when the difference between the distance A and the distance B reaches a predetermined value α (α> 0). That is, it is also possible to take a picture when a person to be photographed approaches the object with a certain range. Also, from that point on, it is possible to start continuous shooting of still images (hereinafter referred to as continuous shooting) and a moving image.

  Next, as an example of the operation of the automatic imaging device realized by the above-described automatic photographing process, an example of reliably photographing a scene where a person to be photographed finishes at the time of athletic competition using FIG. 15 to FIG. 17. explain.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, the photographer points the automatic imaging apparatus 1 at the photographing point and focuses on the goal tape 31 that is an object. At this time, the focus 32 is automatically focused on the goal tape 31 by aligning the mark 32 at the center of the display screen (liquid crystal screen) 3 of the automatic imaging device 1 with the goal tape 31. When the goal tape 31 is focused, the distance A from the automatic imaging device 1 to the goal tape 31 is measured by the distance calculation unit 17a, and when the distance determination button 9 is pressed, information on the distance A is stored in the memory 13a. To be recorded.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the photographer points the automatic imaging apparatus 1 at the person 34 to be photographed on the start line. The face recognition unit 21 recognizes the face of the person to be photographed 34 registered in advance, and displays a mark 35 on the display screen 3 that surrounds the face of the person to be photographed with a frame. The face of the person 34 to be photographed is automatically focused, and the distance calculation unit 17a measures the distance B from the automatic imaging device 1 to the person 34 to be photographed. At this time, the relationship of distance A <distance B is established.

  While the person 34 to be imaged starts and moves to the goal line 31, the photographer points the automatic imaging device 1 toward the person 34 to be imaged, and the distance calculation unit 17 a always starts from the automatic imaging device 1. The distance B to the person 34 is measured, and the distance B is updated.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the person 34 to be photographed reaches the goal line 31, that is, the distance A from the automatic imaging device 1 to the goal line 31 and the distance B from the automatic imaging device 1 to the person 34 to be photographed. Are equal to each other, the shutter is automatically actuated and photographing is performed, and the scene where the person 34 to be photographed finishes can be reliably photographed.

  As described above, according to the automatic imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, focus is performed on an object to which the person 34 to be imaged approaches in the composition to be imaged, and from the automatic imaging apparatus to the object. Measure the distance and record the distance. The face of the person 34 to be photographed recognized by the face recognition unit 21 is focused, and the distance from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be photographed is measured. The distance is always measured by continuously focusing on the moving person 34 to be photographed, and when the distance coincides with the distance to the object, that is, when the person 34 to be photographed approaches the object, the image is automatically photographed. Therefore, the photograph intended by the photographer can be taken clearly and reliably. Therefore, it is possible to perform shooting with less camera shake with the composition and timing intended by the photographer on the moving person 34 to be photographed.

  Next, an automatic imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the object 31 is focused, the distance A from the automatic imaging device to the object 31 is measured by the distance calculation unit 17a, and then the face of the person 34 to be imaged is focused. The distance calculation unit 17a measures the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be imaged.

  Next, the CPU 17 and the image processing unit 18 automatically start still image continuous shooting when the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be photographed becomes the distance (A + α). Here, α> 0. Alternatively, when the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be photographed becomes the distance (A + α), the moving image photographing may be automatically started.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 17 and the image processing unit 18 automatically stop still image continuous shooting when the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be photographed becomes a distance (A−β). . Here, β> 0. Alternatively, when the distance B from the automatic imaging device to the person 34 to be photographed becomes the distance (A−β), the moving image photographing may be automatically stopped.

  The automatic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment does not need to operate the automatic imaging apparatus when starting still image continuous shooting or moving image shooting. And at the same time, it is possible to shoot still images or moving images without camera shake.

  Furthermore, the present invention can automatically perform still image shooting during moving image shooting. For example, the CPU 17 and the image processing unit 18 start moving image shooting from a point where the person 34 to be shot is on the start line, and when the distance B becomes the distance (A + α) during moving image shooting, the still image sequence is automatically performed. When a picture is taken or the distance B becomes the distance A, a still picture can be automatically taken.

  Conventionally, in order to perform still image shooting at the same time as moving image shooting, a button for operating a shutter has to be pressed when shooting a still image. For this reason, not only a still image but also a video including a camera shake is recorded in the memory due to the camera shake generated at that time.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, since there is no operation of pressing the shutter during moving image shooting, it is possible to record still images and moving images without camera shake.

  The present invention is applicable to a camera that is required to avoid failure when shooting using a self-timer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic imaging device 2 Mode setting button 3 Display screen 4 Mark image 5 Self-timer button 6 Display device 7 Speaker 8 Area | region range 11 Lens 12 Image input / output part 13, 13a Memory 14 Face detection part 15 Image display part 16, 16a Device operation Part 17 CPU
18 Image processing unit 19 Data input / output unit 20 Media 21 Face recognition unit 31 Goal tape 32, 35 Mark 34 Person to be photographed

Claims (12)

In automatic imaging equipment,
A face detection unit for detecting a human face included in the subject;
A device operation unit for instructing the start of the self-timer;
After measuring the distance from the automatic image pickup device to the face detected by the face detection unit, setting a distance range for allowing photographing based on the measured distance, and instructing the device operation unit to start a self-timer The control unit that measures the distance to a new face when a new face is detected by the face detection unit, and causes the automatic imaging device to perform shooting when the measured distance is within the distance range When,
An automatic imaging apparatus comprising:   The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance range is manually set by the device operation unit.   The control unit sets an area range in which a new face enters based on the face position detected by the face detection unit, and after the start of a self-timer is instructed by the device operation unit, the face detection unit newly sets the area range. 3. The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a new face is detected, photographing is automatically performed when the detected new face is within the region range.   The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the area range is manually set by the device operation unit. In automatic imaging equipment,
A face detection unit for detecting a human face included in the subject;
A device operation unit for instructing the start of the self-timer;
Based on the size of the face detected by the face detection unit, a face size range that allows photographing is set, and after the start of the self-timer is instructed by the device operation unit, the face detection unit detects a new face. A control unit that causes the automatic imaging device to perform shooting when the size of the detected new face is within the size range;
An automatic imaging apparatus comprising:   6. The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the size range is manually set by the device operation unit. It has a memory to register face images in advance,
7. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the automatic imaging apparatus to perform shooting when a new face matches an image of a face registered in the memory. 8. The automatic imaging apparatus according to item 1.   The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further causes the automatic imaging apparatus to perform imaging when a new face stops. In automatic imaging equipment,
A control unit;
When the photographer performs a predetermined operation, a device operation unit that inputs an operation input signal corresponding to the predetermined operation to the control unit;
A face detection unit for detecting a human face included in the subject;
When the operation input is input to the control unit, a first distance from the automatic imaging device to an object included in the subject is measured, and when the face detection unit detects the face of the person, the automatic imaging device A distance measuring unit for measuring a second distance to a person,
The control unit causes the automatic imaging apparatus to perform imaging based on a difference between the first distance and the second distance.   The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit causes the automatic imaging apparatus to take a still image when a difference between the first distance and the second distance reaches a predetermined value.   When the value obtained by subtracting the first distance from the second distance reaches a first predetermined value, the control unit causes the automatic imaging apparatus to start continuous shooting of a still image, and the second distance is calculated from the first distance. The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the subtracted value reaches a second predetermined value, continuous shooting of the still image is stopped.   When the value obtained by subtracting the first distance from the second distance reaches a first predetermined value, the control unit causes the automatic imaging apparatus to start moving image shooting, and a value obtained by subtracting the second distance from the first distance. The automatic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the value reaches a second predetermined value, the moving image shooting is stopped.

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