JP2012100193A - Imaging device, and control method and program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to photograph a desired picture by photographing on condition that the registered number of subjects are detected at a position designated by the user within a picture frame.SOLUTION: The number of subjects is set to a partial display area of image data displayed by a live view function accepted in accordance with user's operation. Image data obtained by photographing is analyzed and the number of subjects included in the partial display area is identified. Then, it is determined whether the set number of subjects and the identified number of subjects match. On condition that both of the numbers match, image data obtained by photographing is recorded on a recording medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that automatically performs imaging on the condition that the number of registered subjects is detected at a designated position, and a control method and program thereof.

  In general, an imaging device having a self-timer function for automatically releasing a shutter after a predetermined time (timer time) from an instruction by a photographer is used. The self-timer function is often used when a photographer himself / herself is photographed as a subject.

  However, conventionally, since the photographer himself / herself has taken a self-timer photographing instruction to the imaging device, the photographer himself / herself is photographed as a subject, so that the timer time has elapsed and the shutter is automatically released. It was cut off.

  In this way, if the photographer is automatically released on the way to the shooting location, the photographer will take a bad photo such as the back of the photographer, and easily take a good photo. Is difficult.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, in the shooting with the self-timer, the number of subjects is registered in the imaging device in advance, and the shutter is lowered when the number of registered subjects is detected after the self-timer operation is started. It is described that.

JP, 2004-336265, A JP, 2009-060379, A

  However, using the above-described conventional technique, it is possible to take a picture when the number of registered subjects is detected, but the subject is within the photo frame of the display image displayed by the imaging device using the live view function. As long as the number of registered persons appears, the shutter is lowered, and it is difficult to easily take a photograph desired by the user.

  In this way, conventionally, if the number of registered subjects is detected within the frame of the display image displayed by the camera, the shutter will go down. For example, three people are arranged in the center of the photo frame. Even if the photographer wants to take a picture, the photographer will not be able to see the registered subject from his / her slanted face or temporarily turned around while he / she goes to the shooting location (the center in the photo frame). If eyes are detected for the number of people, they will be taken at the time they are detected (only the photographer's face appears at the end of the frame, etc.). It was difficult to do.

  In addition, it is conceivable to take a picture after a predetermined time after detecting the number of eyes of the subject. In such a case, for example, a predetermined time after the face (eyes) of the photographer turned around is detected. There may be a case where the photographer is not facing the camera (imaging device) at the time of shooting.

  In addition, for example, when a user wants to take a picture in which a human is placed as a subject on the right side of a photo frame and a dolphin flying on the left side is placed as a subject, conventionally, a photograph with such a composition is easily taken. It was difficult.

  In this way, when it is desired to include an animal other than a human being as a subject in a photograph, it is slow to take a picture after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the subject entering the photo frame, as in the case of a human being. It was difficult to take the desired photo easily.

  It is an object of the present invention to easily take a photograph desired by a user by photographing on the condition that the number of subjects registered in advance is detected at a position designated by the user in a photo frame. It is to provide a mechanism.

  The present invention is an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that captures a subject input through an imaging optical system, and that has a live view function for sequentially displaying image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit on a display device. In accordance with the operation of the user, a receiving unit that receives designation of a part of the display area of the image data displayed by the live view function, and the number of subjects with respect to the partial display area received by the receiving unit First setting means for setting, and first data for identifying the number of subjects included in the partial display area received by the receiving means by analyzing image data obtained by photographing with the imaging means It is determined whether the number of subjects set by the specifying unit and the first setting unit matches the number of subjects specified by the first specifying unit. The first determination means and the first determination means determine that the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification means. And recording control means for recording image data obtained by being imaged by the imaging means on a recording medium.

  In addition, the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject input through an imaging optical system, and has a live view function that sequentially displays on a display device image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit. An apparatus control method, wherein an accepting unit of the imaging device accepts designation of a part of a display area of image data displayed by the live view function in accordance with a user operation; A setting unit sets the number of subjects for the partial display area received in the receiving step, and an image data obtained by the specifying unit of the imaging device being photographed by the imaging unit is analyzed. Thus, the specifying step of specifying the number of subjects included in the partial display area received in the receiving step and the determination unit of the imaging device A determination step of determining whether or not the number of subjects set in the setting step matches the number of subjects specified in the specifying step, and the recording control means of the imaging device includes the determination step, On the condition that it is determined that the number of subjects set in the setting step matches the number of subjects specified in the specifying step, the image data obtained by being photographed by the imaging unit is recorded on a recording medium. And a recording control step for recording.

  In addition, the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject input through an imaging optical system, and has a live view function that sequentially displays on a display device image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit. A program executable by the apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus is received by a receiving unit that receives designation of a part of a display area of the image data displayed by the live view function according to a user operation, and the receiving unit The setting means for setting the number of subjects for the partial display area and the image data obtained by being photographed by the imaging means are included in the partial display area received by the reception means. A specifying means for specifying the number of subjects, a number of subjects set by the setting means, a number of subjects specified by the specifying means, On condition that the number of subjects set by the setting means and the number of subjects specified by the specifying means are determined by the determining means for determining whether or not they match, and the number of subjects specified by the specifying means , And functioning as a recording control means for recording image data obtained by photographing by the imaging means on a recording medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily shoot a photograph desired by the user by performing shooting on the condition that the number of subjects registered in advance is detected at a position designated by the user in the photo frame. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital camera (imaging device) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the function with which the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1 is provided. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging method selection screen 500 displayed on the display unit 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic shooting setting screen 600 displayed on the display unit 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 in step S304. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of automatic shooting setting information 700 stored in a storage unit 107 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 and automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 stored in the storage unit 107. FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame setting screen 800 ((A), (B)) displayed on the display unit 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame setting information stored in a storage unit 107 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a third imaging control process procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera (imaging device) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an imaging lens including an aperture mechanism that forms an optical image of a subject on the imaging element 103. The imaging lens 101 is a component of the imaging optical system.

  The imaging optical system includes an imaging lens, a zoom lens that can change the focal length of the imaging lens, and the like, and is disposed on the front surface of the camera housing 100. Note that a lens barrier unit that opens and closes the optical path of the imaging lens may be provided on the front surface of the imaging optical system in accordance with the power supply state (that is, ON or OFF) of the camera body unit 100.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a lens driving unit that controls the imaging lens 101 such as a focus lens and a diaphragm based on control by the control / calculation unit 108.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a shutter that blocks incident light that has passed through the imaging lens 101 and controls the exposure time.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a shutter drive unit that drives the shutter described above based on control by the overall control / calculation unit 108.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes an image pickup element in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged to convert and capture an optical image of a subject formed by the image pickup lens 101 into an electrical image signal. The image sensor 103 of the present embodiment is formed by, for example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an image signal processing unit that performs various processes on the image signal output from the image sensor 103.

  The imaging signal processing unit 104 performs various processing such as amplification processing of an image signal output from the imaging element 103, A / D conversion processing for converting from analog to digital, and defect correction for digital data after A / D conversion. Perform correction processing.

  Further, the imaging signal processing unit 104 performs development processing for converting digital data into image data, compression processing for compressing image data, or the like.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a control / arithmetic unit that comprehensively controls various arithmetic processes and the entire imaging apparatus (camera) 100.

  Reference numeral 107 has both functions of a memory for temporarily storing image data and the like and a memory for storing various adjustment values and programs for executing various controls by the control / arithmetic unit 108. It is a storage unit.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a detachable recording medium comprising a semiconductor memory or the like for recording various data such as image data. The recording medium 109 can record image data and the like obtained by photographing, and can read image data and the like according to control by the control / calculation unit 108.

  A display unit 110 displays captured still images and moving images, various setting screens, and the like. Reference numeral 110 denotes a touch panel in which a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a position input device such as a touch pad are combined. In the present embodiment, a touch panel is described as an example of means for accepting input by the user, but a physical operation button provided on the camera may be used.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes an external interface (I / F) unit for communicating with an external device 116 such as a computer.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a switch (SW) detection unit that detects operations such as a shooting start instruction and a mode change performed by the photographer on the imaging apparatus (camera) 100.

  The focus adjustment control and the exposure amount control are performed by the lens driving unit 105 and the shutter driving unit 106 based on output signals from the focus measurement unit 113 that checks the in-focus state of the subject and the photometry unit 114 that measures the luminance of the subject. It is controlled by the control / arithmetic unit 108.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a data transmission path. Each device (control / arithmetic unit 108, imaging element 103, imaging signal processing unit 104, lens driving unit 105, shutter driving unit 106, storage unit 107, recording medium 109, display unit 110 is illustrated. , External interface (I / F) unit 111, switch (SW) detection unit 112, focus measurement unit 113, photometry unit 114, etc.) can be transmitted and received.

  Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes the imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes an imaging unit that captures a subject input via the imaging optical system.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a live view unit that sequentially displays image data captured by the imaging unit 201 on the display unit 110.
Reference numeral 203 denotes a reception unit that receives designation of a part of the display area of the image data displayed by the live view unit in accordance with a user operation.
Reference numeral 210 denotes a first setting unit that sets the number of subjects for the partial display area received by the receiving unit 203.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a first identification unit that identifies the number of subjects included in the partial display area received by the reception unit 203 by analyzing image data obtained by being captured by the imaging unit 201.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a first determination unit that determines whether the number of subjects set by the first setting unit 210 matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification unit 204.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a condition that the first determination unit 205 determines that the number of subjects set by the first setting unit 210 matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification unit 204. A recording control unit that records image data obtained by being imaged by the imaging unit 201 on a recording medium.
A second setting unit 210 sets the number of subjects for the image data displayed by the live view unit.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a second specifying unit that specifies the number of subjects included in the image data displayed by the live view unit by analyzing the image data obtained by the image pickup unit.
A second determination unit 208 determines whether the number of subjects set by the second setting unit matches the number of subjects specified by the second specification unit.
Reference numeral 209 denotes a stationary determination unit that determines whether the subject imaged by the imaging unit 201 is stationary.
Next, a first imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG.

  The processing procedure from step S301 to step S315 illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed and realized by the control / calculation unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 100.

  First, the imaging apparatus 100 (also referred to as a camera) is turned on and activated in accordance with a user (photographer) instruction (step S301). When the power supply of the imaging apparatus 100 is activated, a live view function is executed in which image data obtained by imaging a subject input via the imaging optical system is sequentially displayed on the display unit (display apparatus) 110.

When the power supply of the imaging apparatus 100 is activated, the photographing method selection screen 500 (FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 110 (step S302).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographing method selection screen 500 displayed on the display unit 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG.

On the shooting method selection screen 500, as shown in FIG. 5, a normal shooting button 501 and an automatic shooting button 502 are displayed. The user looks at the shooting method selection screen 500 and presses the normal shooting button 501 for normal shooting, and presses the automatic shooting button 502 for automatic shooting.

  Then, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether the user has pressed the normal shooting button 501 or the automatic shooting button 502 (step S303), and determines that the automatic shooting button 502 has been pressed. (Step S303: YES), the automatic shooting setting screen 600 (FIG. 6) is displayed on the display unit 110 (Step S304). On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal shooting button 501 has been pressed (step S303: NO), the process proceeds to step S315.

  In step S315, the control / calculation unit 108 receives a shooting instruction from the user, and when the switch (SW) detection unit 112 detects the instruction, the process proceeds to step S1013 in FIG.

  In step S1013 in FIG. 10, a shooting process is performed (shooting is performed), and image data obtained by shooting is recorded in the recording medium 109. That is, the imaging unit 201 releases the shutter in step S1013 and records the obtained image data on the recording medium 109 as image data of a photograph.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the automatic shooting setting screen 600 displayed on the display unit 110 of the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1 in step S304.

  The content displayed on the automatic shooting setting screen 600 is the content of the automatic shooting setting information 700 stored in the storage unit 107.

  That is, in step S304, the control / calculation unit 108 acquires the automatic shooting setting information 700 stored in the storage unit 107, and displays the setting contents of the acquired automatic shooting setting information 700 on the automatic shooting setting screen 600.

  The automatic shooting setting screen 600 (FIG. 6) displayed here is a setting screen for accepting setting of conditions for determining the timing for automatic shooting.

  Next, the automatic shooting setting information 700 (FIG. 7) will be described below.

  Reference numeral 700 in FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of automatic shooting setting information stored in the storage unit 107 of the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG. That is, the automatic shooting setting information 700 is default setting information in which a condition for determining the timing for automatically shooting is set.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic shooting setting information includes “number of persons to be shot”, “forced shooting”, “shooting waiting time”, “waiting MAX time”, “forced shooting time”, “still determination”, “ Setting items of “the maximum number of times of stillness determination”, “cancellation time”, “frame match rate”, and “frame setting information” are set.

  In the “number of subjects to be photographed”, the number of subjects in the frame detected by the image sensor 103 is set. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, one person is set as the number of shooting targets.

  In “forced shooting”, whether or not to force shooting is set. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, it is set not to perform forced photographing. That is, “0” indicates that forced shooting is not performed, and “1” indicates that forced shooting is performed.

  The value “1” of “forced shooting” in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is an application example of forced shooting information.

  In the “shooting waiting time”, the time from when the set number of shooting targets is detected and shooting is performed, and after the set number of shooting targets is detected and the subject is determined to be stationary, The time to do is set. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, it is set to 2 seconds.

  In the “photographing waiting MAX time”, a time until forced photographing is set when forced photographing is performed without detecting the number of subjects to be photographed immediately before photographing is set. That is, a time period from when it is determined that the number of subjects to be photographed cannot be detected immediately before photographing until when forced photographing is performed is set.

  In the “forced shooting time”, a time until the forced shooting is performed when an instruction to start automatic shooting is input from the user and the number of shooting targets is not detected is set. That is, the time from the start instruction of automatic shooting by the user until the number of shooting targets cannot be detected and forced shooting is performed is set.

  In “Stillness determination”, whether or not the subject is stationary is determined by determining whether the subject is moving away from or approaching the camera according to the camera's autofocus servo operation. No is set. Here, “0” indicates that stillness determination is not performed, and “1” indicates that stillness determination is performed. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, “0” is set, which indicates that the stillness determination is not performed.

  In “Maximum number of stillness determinations”, the maximum number of times that stillness determination is performed is set. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, the maximum number of times that stillness determination is performed is set to 6 times.

  In the “cancel time”, a time until the automatic photographing process is stopped without satisfying the conditions for performing the automatic photographing is set. In the example of FIG. 7, it is set to 10 seconds.

  In the “frame match rate”, a match rate indicating how much the composition shown in the frame setting information (FIG. 9) described later and the composition imaged through the imaging optical system match is set. ing.

  That is, as a condition for releasing the shutter, the match rate between the composition shown in frame setting information (FIG. 9) described later and the composition imaged through the imaging optical system is set to “frame match rate”.

  In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, it is set to 80%. In other words, the “frame match rate” of 700 indicates that when the match rate between the composition shown in frame setting information (FIG. 9) described later and the composition imaged through the imaging optical system exceeds 80%, It is defined to release the shutter.

In the “frame setting information”, data including frame setting information shown in FIG. 9 described later is set. The frame setting information is information input and set by the user via the frame setting screen shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frame setting information (900A, 900B).
“Frame setting information” will be described later.

  This completes the explanation of the automatic shooting setting information 700 (FIG. 7).

  Next, when the automatic shooting setting screen 600 is displayed in step S304, the control / calculation unit 108 determines the timing of automatic shooting that is input by the user via the automatic shooting setting screen 600. A condition (setting information) is received (step S305).

  The automatic shooting setting screen 600 has a pull-down 601 for selecting and inputting “number of persons to be shot”, a radio button 602 for selecting and inputting “forced shooting”, and a pull-down 603 for selecting and inputting “waiting time for shooting”. A pull-down 604 for selecting and inputting “waiting MAX time”, a pull-down 605 for selecting and inputting “forced shooting time”, a radio button 606 for selecting whether or not to perform “still determination”, and “still determination” A pull-down 607 for selecting and inputting a “maximum number of times”, a pull-down 608 for selecting and inputting a “cancel time”, a pull-down 612 for selecting and inputting a “frame match rate”, a save button 609, a temporary save button 610, and a normal shooting button 611 and a frame button 613 are displayed.

  By the user via the automatic shooting setting screen 600, the “number of subjects”, “forced shooting”, “shooting waiting time”, “shooting MAX time”, “forced shooting time”, “stillness determination”, “stillness determination” The setting information of “maximum number of times”, “cancellation time”, and “frame match rate” is input, and one of the save button 609, temporary save button 610, normal shooting button 611, and frame button 613 is pressed.

  Next, when receiving input of setting information by the user via the automatic shooting setting screen, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether the user has pressed the save button 609 (step S306). If it is determined that the user has pressed the save button 609 (step S306: YES), the automatic shooting setting information 700 stored in the storage unit 107 is input by the user via the automatic shooting setting screen 600. In addition to updating to the setting information, the frame setting information 900A input by the user via a frame setting screen (FIG. 8A) to be described later is updated and registered as “frame setting information” of the automatic shooting setting information 700 ( Step S307). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has not pressed the save button 609 (step S306: NO), it is determined whether or not the temporary save button 610 has been pressed (step S308).

  If it is determined that the temporary save button 610 has been pressed, automatic shooting that is automatic shooting setting information that temporarily applies the setting information input in step S305 and the frame setting information input in step S313. It is stored (registered) in the storage unit 107 as temporary setting information 701 (step S309).

  Here, the frame setting information input in step S 313 is stored in “frame setting information” of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701. For example, the frame setting information 900B input via the frame setting screen (B) is stored in “frame setting information” of the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701.

  701 in FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in the storage unit 107.

  The automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 has the same setting items as the automatic shooting setting information 700 and is stored as setting information temporarily applied to automatic shooting. Therefore, when the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is stored in the storage unit, the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is temporarily applied to the automatic shooting instead of the automatic shooting setting information 700.

  If it is determined in step S308 that the temporary save button 610 has not been pressed (NO), it is determined whether or not the frame button 613 has been pressed (step S311).

If it is determined in step S311 that the frame button 613 has been pressed (YES), the frame setting screen (FIG. 8) is displayed (step S312), and input of frame setting information is accepted by the user (step S313). ).
FIG. 8 shows an example of the frame setting screen 800 ((A), (B)).
Reference numeral 806 denotes a display area for displaying an image obtained through the imaging optical system.

  In addition, when the display area 806 is touched by the user, another area in the display area 806 can be designated and input. Further, the size of the area input here can be changed by the user's designation.

  Then, it is possible to set an attribute in another area in the display area 806 that is input according to a user input instruction. Here, as attributes, it is possible to set the types of subjects such as humans 801, animals (dolphins 802, dogs 804, cats 805), and fireworks 803 in other areas in the display area 806.

  In the example of FIG. 8A, a person is input as an attribute in each of the other areas (806, 807) in the display area 806, which is input according to a user input instruction. Reference numerals 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805 are buttons, and the attribute of the button selected by the user is set in another area in the display area 806 input by the user.

  For example, an arbitrary position in the display area 806 is touched by the user, another area 806 is designated and input at the arbitrary position in the display area 806, and immediately after that, the user touches the human button 801. In the input area 806, human attributes and the number of humans can be input.

  That is, by inputting another area 806 at the arbitrary position in the display area 806 by the user's operation and touching the human button 801 once, the human attribute and the number of persons (one person) are displayed in the area 806. ) Is set. In addition, when the human button 801 is touched three times, the human attribute and the number of humans (three persons) are set in the area 806, and the number of persons touching the human button 801 is set in the area 806. be able to. Similarly, for the other buttons (802, 803, 804, 805), the number of subjects is set in the other area in the display area 806, which is input according to the user's input instruction for the number of touched buttons. be able to.

  In the example of the frame setting screen (A) in FIG. 8, a person is input as an attribute in each of the area 806 (selection area) and the area 807 (selection area), and the number of subjects (here, humans) is Two people and one person are entered.

  In the example of the frame setting screen (B) in FIG. 8, humans, humans, and dolphins are input as attributes in the area 806 (selected area), area 807 (selected area), and area 809 (selected area), respectively. In the following description, it is assumed that the number of subjects (here, humans, humans, dolphins) is input as two, one, and one.

  The frame setting information that receives an input in step S313 includes coordinates for specifying a selection area in the area 806 selected (touched) by the user, attributes set in the selection area, and the subject of the attribute. Information including numbers.

  When the input of frame setting information is accepted in step S313 and the registration button 808 is pressed by a user operation, the control / calculation unit 108 returns the process to step S304 and displays the automatic shooting setting screen. Further, until the registration button 808 is pressed by a user operation (step S314: NO), the frame setting screen of FIG. 8 is displayed (step S312), and the input of the frame setting information is accepted (step S313).

  If it is determined in step S314 that the registration button has been pressed and the process proceeds to step S304, and if the save button 609 is pressed in step S306 (step S306: YES), setting information (automatic shooting setting information) in step S307 In the update process, the frame setting information received in step S313 is registered in “frame setting information” of the automatic shooting setting information 700.

  Here, the frame setting information input via the frame setting screen (FIG. 8A) is indicated by 900A in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frame setting information.

  900A in FIG. 9 indicates the frame setting information input via the frame setting screen (FIG. 8A). The frame setting information includes selection areas, attributes, and the number of subjects as setting items.

  In the example of the frame setting information 900A, the coordinates for specifying the selection area (rectangular area) 806 include the coordinates of the upper left vertex (1, 5) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex (7, 10) of the square. It is. In the area specified from the coordinates (1, 5) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (7, 10) of the lower right vertex, humans are set as attributes, and the number of subjects (humans) is two. Is set.

  Further, in the frame setting information 900A, as coordinates for specifying the selection area (rectangular area) 807, the coordinates of the upper left vertex (8, 5) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex (14, 10) are specified. include. In the area specified from the coordinates (8, 5) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (14, 10) of the lower right vertex, a person is set as an attribute, and the number of subjects (humans) is one. Is set.

  900B in FIG. 9 indicates frame setting information input via the frame setting screen (FIG. 8B).

  In the example of the frame setting information 900B, the coordinates for specifying the selection area (rectangular area) 806 include the coordinates of the upper left vertex (1, 5) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex (7, 10) of the square. It is. In the area specified from the coordinates (1, 5) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (7, 10) of the lower right vertex, humans are set as attributes, and the number of subjects (humans) is two. Is set.

  Further, in the frame setting information 900B, as coordinates for specifying the selection area (rectangular area) 807, the coordinates of the upper left vertex (8, 5) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex (14, 10) are specified. include. In the area specified from the coordinates (8, 5) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (14, 10) of the lower right vertex, a person is set as an attribute, and the number of subjects (humans) is one. Is set.

  Also, in the frame setting information 900B, as coordinates for specifying the selection area (rectangular area) 809, the coordinates (15, 2) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (25, 15) of the lower right vertex of the quadrilateral. include. In the area specified from the coordinates (15, 2) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (25, 15) of the lower right vertex, a dolphin (animal) is set as an attribute, and the number of subjects (dolphins) is 1. It is set to be a cat.

  If it is determined in step S314 that the registration button has been pressed and the process proceeds to step S304, the save button 609 is not pressed in step S306 (step S306: NO), and the temporary save button 610 is pressed (step S308). : YES), in the setting information (automatic shooting temporary setting information) registration process in step S309, the frame setting information received in step S313 is registered in “frame setting information” of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701.

  In the example of 701, the frame setting information 900B input via the frame setting screen 800 (B) is registered in the frame setting information of the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701.

  If it is determined in step S311 that the frame button 613 has not been pressed and the normal shooting button 611 has been pressed (NO in step S311), the control / calculation unit 108 moves the process to step S315, and issues a shooting instruction by the user. Is executed (shooting is performed), and image data obtained by shooting is recorded on the recording medium 109 (step S1013 in FIG. 10).

  When the automatic shooting setting information 700 is stored in step S307 or the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is stored in step S309, the control / calculation unit 108 receives a shooting instruction from the user (step S310).

  In step S310, the control / calculation unit 108 receives an (automatic) shooting instruction from the user, and when the switch (SW) detection unit 112 detects the instruction, the process proceeds to step S401 in FIG.

  Next, a second imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG.

  The processing procedure from step S401 to step S423 illustrated in FIG. 4 is executed and realized by the control / calculation unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 100.

  In order to facilitate the description in the present embodiment, the case where the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 is set in step S309 will be described.

  In step S401, the control / calculation unit 108 starts a self-timer upon receiving an automatic shooting instruction in step S310 of FIG. 3 (starts time measurement after the shooting instruction is given).

  Then, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether or not a value of one or more persons is set in the “number of persons to be photographed” in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 (step S402).

  When it is determined that the number of shooting targets is not set (the number of shooting targets is 0) (step S402: NO), the control / calculation unit 108 shifts the processing to step S416. The process after step S416 will be described later.

  When it is determined that one or more subjects are set (step S402: YES), the control / calculation unit 108 detects the eyes of the subject in the image data taken via the imaging optical system. Equally, the number of people in the (photo) frame 806 is specified (step S403).

  As a method for specifying the number of people in the frame 806, it is possible to recognize the faces in the frame 806 by analyzing the image data in the frame 806 and specify the number of faces as the number of people.

  As a method for recognizing the face, any method may be used as long as it uses a known technique such as recognizing from the positional relationship of eyes and nose.

  Then, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether or not the number of subjects identified in step S403 matches the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S404).

  When it is determined that the number of subjects identified in step S403 matches the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S404: YES), the control / calculation unit 108 automatically It is determined whether or not a person is set in the attribute in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) of the temporary shooting setting information 701 (step S405).

  On the other hand, the control / calculation unit 108 determines that the number of subjects specified in step S403 does not match the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S404: NO). ), The process proceeds to step S418. The processing after step S418 will be described later.

  If the control / calculation unit 108 determines that a person is set in the attribute in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) of the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 (step S405: YES), the attribute A selection area in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) in which a person is set is specified. In the example of 900B, from the coordinates (1, 5) of the upper left vertex, the coordinates (7, 10) of the lower right vertex, the selection area 806, the coordinates (8, 5) of the upper left vertex, and the coordinates of the lower right vertex. The selection area 807 is specified from (14, 10).

  Then, the number of subjects in each selection area (806, 807) is acquired from the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9), and it is determined whether or not the number of acquired subjects is included in each selection area ( Step S406).

  For example, referring to the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9), there are two subjects in the selection area 806 (the coordinates (1, 5) of the upper left vertex and the coordinates (7, 10) of the lower right vertex). In the selection area 807 (the coordinates of the upper left vertex (8, 5), the coordinates of the lower right vertex (14, 10)), the number of subjects is set to one. Two people, whether or not one person is included in the selection area 807, by analyzing the number of faces (number of subjects) in each selection area from the image data photographed through the imaging optical system ,judge.

  Here, when it is determined that two persons have been detected in the selection area 806 and one person has been detected in the selection area 807 by analyzing the image data photographed via the imaging optical system (step). S407: YES), the shooting timer is started (step S408). In step S408, the shooting timer determines that the number of subjects in each selection area specified in step S406 matches the number of subjects corresponding to each selection area defined in the frame setting information in step S407. The measurement of time after being started is started.

  If it is determined in step S405 that no person is set in the attribute in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (NO), the control / calculation unit 108 performs processing. The process proceeds to S408, and the shooting timer is started.

  When the photographing timer is started in step S408, the control / calculation unit 108 sets whether the value of the stillness determination in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 is set to “0” (not determined as stationary) or “1” (determined as stationary). ) Is set (step S409). That is, it is determined from the value of the setting item for stillness determination in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 whether or not the setting is for determining stillness.

  If it is determined that the setting is not to determine stillness (step S409: NO), the current time measured by the shooting timer has exceeded the shooting waiting time set in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701. It is determined whether or not (step S412).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting is still determination (step S409: YES), whether or not the subject (person) whose attribute of the frame setting information 900B is detected in each human selection region is still. Is determined (step S410).

  Whether or not the subject is stationary in step S410 can be determined by determining whether or not the autofocus servo is moving. In other words, if the servo is in focus adjustment to focus on the subject with autofocus, it is determined that the subject is moving, the subject is in focus and the servo is not moving (focus adjustment is in progress). If not, it is determined that the subject is stationary. Here, although it is determined by the servo of the imaging device whether the subject is stationary, it may be determined using other known techniques.

  If it is determined in step S410 that the subject is not stationary (step S410: NO), the stationary determination count (the number determined NO in step S410) is incremented (step S413). Then, it is determined whether or not the incremented stillness determination count is equal to or greater than the maximum stillness determination count set in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (step S414).

  If it is determined in step S414 that the number of times of stillness determination is not greater than or equal to the maximum number of times of stillness determination (step S414: NO), the process proceeds to step S410.

  If it is determined that the number of still determinations is equal to or greater than the maximum number of still determinations (step S414: YES), the forced shooting value set in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is “0” (not forced shooting). It is determined whether it is set to “1” (forced shooting) (step S415).

  If it is determined that the setting is not for forced shooting (step S415: NO), the process proceeds to step S1012 in FIG. 10 to cancel the automatic shooting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting is for forced shooting (step S415: YES), the process proceeds to step S1001 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S410 that the subject is stationary (step S410: YES), the shooting timer time started in step S408 is reset (returned to 0 seconds), and a new shooting timer is started ( Step S411). That is, time measurement is started after it is determined in step S410 that the subject is stationary.

  If the shooting timer is newly started in step S411, or if it is determined not to determine stillness in step S409 (step S409: NO), the current time measured by the shooting timer is the automatic shooting temporary setting information. It is determined whether or not the photographing waiting time set in 701 has elapsed (step S412).

  If it is determined that the current time measured by the shooting timer has not exceeded the shooting waiting time (step S412: NO), the process proceeds to step S409. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time measured by the shooting timer has exceeded the shooting waiting time (step S412: YES), the process proceeds to step S1001 in FIG. 10, and step S403 is performed. Similarly, the number of subjects in the image data photographed via the imaging optical system is specified again (step S1001).

  When it is determined in step S402 that the “number of subjects to be photographed” of the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 is not set (the number of subjects to be photographed is zero) (step S402: NO), the control / calculation unit 108 performs processing. Goes to step S416.

  That is, in step S402, the fact that the “number of subjects to be photographed” is not set means that no attribute is set for the attributes in all the selection areas in the frame 806.

  Here, a case will be described as an example in which all human records are deleted in the frame setting information 900B in FIG. 9 and only records in which the attribute is a dolphin are set in the frame setting information 900B.

  In step S416, the frame setting information 900B is referenced to specify a selection area whose attribute is other than human. That is, in the example of 900B, as a selection area other than a human, a selection area having an attribute of a dolphin, an upper left vertex coordinate of (15, 2), and a lower right vertex coordinate of (25, 15) is specified. The

  Then, it is determined by analyzing whether or not there is one dolphin in the selected area where the coordinates of the upper left vertex are (15, 2) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex are (25, 15). That is, whether or not the image data 806 photographed via the imaging optical system and displayed on the display unit 110 matches the frame setting information (one dolphin (attribute) (number of subjects) in the selected area). Determine whether.

  Specifically, in the image data 806 photographed through the imaging optical system, within the selection area 809 where the coordinates of the upper left vertex are (15, 2) and the coordinates of the lower right vertex are (25, 15). Analysis is performed to obtain the characteristics of the subject (information for identifying the subject). Then, the characteristics of the subject and the characteristics of the dolphins (information for identifying the dolphins) stored in advance in the storage unit 107 are compared to determine whether the subject in the selection area 809 is a dolphin. . Similarly, when a plurality of subjects (dolphins) are set in the selection area 809, it is determined whether or not each subject is a dolphin.

  Here, as a result of comparison between the characteristics of the subject (information for identifying the subject) and the characteristics of the dolphin (information for identifying the dolphin) stored in advance in the storage unit 107, the matching rate is Calculate how much. Here, the ratio of the number of coincidence between the feature of the subject (information for identifying the subject) and the feature of the dolphin (information for identifying the dolphin) is used as the match rate. Of course, the match rate may be calculated by other methods.

  When it is determined that the calculated match rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined match rate, it is determined that the subject (for example, a dolphin) exists in the selection area 809.

  As described above, in step S416, the image data in the selection area 809 is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not the type of subject set in the “attribute” of the frame setting information is included in the selection area 809. . When the selection area 809 includes subjects of the type set in the “attribute” of the frame setting information, the number of subjects is the same as the number set in the “number of subjects” of the frame setting information. Determine if it exists.

  As described above, in step S416, the image data in the selection area 809 is analyzed, and the type of subject set in the “attribute” of the frame setting information is the number set in the “number of subjects” of the frame setting information. It is determined whether or not only exists.

  Next, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether or not there is a subject with an attribute not set in the frame setting information in an area other than the selection area 809 in the frame 806. Here, the processing other than the selected region to be processed in step S416 is set as the processing target, and processing similar to the processing in step S416 is performed to determine whether or not there is a subject with an attribute not set in the frame setting information. judge.

Then, the control / calculation unit 108 calculates a frame match rate indicating how much the entire frame 809 matches the composition of the frame 809 indicated by the frame setting information.
Here, an example of a method for calculating the frame match rate will be described.

  In the example of the frame setting information 900 </ b> B described here, one dolphin is drawn so as to fit in the selection area 809, and other areas of the selection area 809 in the frame 806 have types of attributes that can be set as attributes. When the subject is not drawn, the frame match rate is 100%.

  However, even if the selection area 809 set in the frame setting information includes subjects with the set attributes as many as the number of the set subjects, the subject from the selection area 809 If it is protruding, calculate the area that protrudes and calculate how much the area protrudes from the area in the frame 806. The rate can be calculated.

  For example, the frame match rate can be calculated by calculating 100− (area where the subject protrudes from the selection area 809 set in the frame setting information / area of the frame 806) × 100.

In addition, when a subject of a type that can be set as an attribute is drawn in an area other than the selection area 809 in the frame 806, the object protrudes from the selection area 809 set in 100- (frame setting information). The frame match rate can be calculated by calculating (area + area of subject of type that can be set as attribute / area of frame 806) × 100 in an area other than area + selected area 809. Of course, other methods may be used for calculating the frame match rate.
In step S417, it is determined whether the calculated match rate is equal to or higher than the frame match rate (80%) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701.

  If it is determined in step S417 that the calculated match rate is equal to or higher than the frame match rate (80%) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (YES), the process proceeds to step S1013 in FIG. I do. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated match rate is not equal to or higher than the frame match rate (80%) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (NO), the process proceeds to step S421.

  In step S421, it is determined whether the value of forced shooting in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is set to “0” (not forcibly shooting) or “1” (forcibly shooting). That is, it is determined from the value of the forced shooting setting item in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 whether the setting is for forced shooting.

  When it is determined that the setting is for forced shooting (when the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 1) (step S421: YES), the current time measured by the self-timer is set to automatic shooting temporary setting. It is determined whether or not the compulsory shooting time set in the information 701 has elapsed (step S422). If it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has exceeded the forced shooting time (step S422: YES), the process proceeds to step S1013 in FIG. 10, and shooting is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S422 that the current time measured by the self-timer has not passed the forced shooting time (step S422: NO), the process proceeds to step S423.

  If it is determined in step S421 that the setting is not for forced shooting (the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 0) (step S421: NO), the current time measured by the self-timer is: It is determined whether or not the cancellation time set in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 has elapsed (step S423).

  If it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has exceeded the cancel time (step S423: YES), the process proceeds to step S1012 in FIG. The automatic photographing process is canceled) (step S1012).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has not passed the cancel time (step S423: NO), the process proceeds to step S416.

  Next, if it is determined in step S404 that the number of subjects specified in step S403 does not match the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (NO), or step S407. When it is determined that the number of persons set in the setting area is not detected in the selection area in which the person is set as the attribute in the frame setting information (NO) (in this example, in the selection area 806) The process after step S418 executed when two persons are detected and it is determined that one person is not detected in the selection area 807 will be described.

  In step S418, it is determined whether the value of forced shooting in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is set to “0” (not forcibly shooting) or “1” (forcibly shooting). That is, it is determined from the value of the forced shooting setting item in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 whether the setting is for forced shooting.

  When it is determined that the setting is for forced shooting (when the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 1) (step S418: YES), the current time measured by the self-timer is set to automatic shooting temporary setting. It is determined whether or not the compulsory shooting time set in the information 701 has elapsed (step S419). If it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has exceeded the forced shooting time (step S419: YES), the process proceeds to step S1013 in FIG. 10, and shooting is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S419 that the current time measured by the self-timer has not passed the forced shooting time (step S419: NO), the process proceeds to step S403.

  If it is determined in step S418 that the setting is not for forced shooting (when the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 0) (step S418: NO), the current time measured by the self-timer is: It is determined whether or not the cancel time set in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 has elapsed (step S420).

  If it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has exceeded the cancel time (step S420: YES), the process proceeds to step S1012 in FIG. The automatic photographing process is canceled) (step S1012).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has not elapsed beyond the cancel time (step S420: NO), the process proceeds to step S403.

  The imaging control processing procedure in FIG. 4 has been described above.

  Next, a third imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging device 100 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third imaging control processing procedure executed by the imaging apparatus 100 in FIG.

  The processing procedure from step S1001 to step S1013 shown in FIG. 10 is executed and implemented by the control / calculation unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 100.

  After executing the process in step S415 shown in FIG. 4 or the process in step S412, the process in step S1001 is executed.

  First, in step S1001, the number of subjects in the (photo) frame 806 is specified by detecting the eyes of the subject in the image data 806 taken through the imaging optical system again, as in the process of step S403. To do.

  Then, the control / calculation unit 108 determines whether or not the number of subjects identified in step S1001 matches the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S1002).

  If it is determined that the number of subjects identified in step S1001 matches the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic shooting temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S1002: YES), the frame of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is displayed. It is determined whether or not a person is set as an attribute in the setting information (900B in FIG. 9) (step S1003).

  On the other hand, the control / calculation unit 108 determines that the number of subjects identified in step S1001 does not match the number of subjects to be photographed in the automatic photographing temporary setting information stored in step S309 (step S1002: NO). ), The process proceeds to step S1008.

If it is determined in step S1003 that a person is set in the attribute in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (YES), the imaging optical is performed in the same manner as the processing in step S405. The image data 806 photographed via the system is analyzed (step S1004), the selection area in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) in which a person is set in the attribute is specified, and the specified selection is performed. The number of subjects in the area (806, 807) is acquired from the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9), and the specified number in the image data 806 in which the acquired number of subjects are photographed via the imaging optical system It is determined whether it is included in each selected area (step S1005).
That is, it is determined whether or not the image data 806 photographed via the imaging optical system matches information (conditions) set in the frame setting information.

  When it is determined in step 1005 that they match (when it is determined that the number of acquired subjects is included in the specified selection area) (step S1005: YES), the process is performed in step S1006. Migrate to On the other hand, when it is determined that they do not match (when it is determined that the number of acquired subjects is not included in the specified selection area) (step S1005: NO), the process returns to step S1001.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that no person is set in the attribute in the frame setting information (900B in FIG. 9) of the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1006.

  In step S1006, similar to the processing in step S416 described above, image data in a selected area (for example, area 809) whose attribute is not human is analyzed. In step S1007, as a result of the analysis, the type of the subject set in the “attribute” of the selected area of the frame setting information is set in the “number of objects” of the frame setting information in the selected area. It is determined whether or not there are numbers.

  When it is determined that there are as many types of subjects set in the “attribute” of the selected region of the frame setting information as the number of subjects set in the frame setting information in the selected region. (Step S1007: YES) The process proceeds to step S1013 to perform shooting. On the other hand, when it is determined that there are not as many types of subjects set in the “attribute” of the selected region of the frame setting information as the number of subjects set in the frame setting information in the selected region (Step S1007: NO), the process proceeds to step S1001.

  Next, processing after step S1008 will be described.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether the value of forced shooting in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 is set to “0” (not forcibly shooting) or “1” (forcibly shooting) (step S1008). ). That is, it is determined from the value of the forced shooting setting item in the automatic shooting temporary setting information 701 whether the setting is for forced shooting.

  When it is determined that the setting is for forced shooting (when the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 1) (step S1008: YES), a forced timer is started. That is, in step S1002, time measurement is started after it is determined that the number of identified subjects does not match the number of subjects to be photographed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the current time measured by the forced timer has exceeded the photographing standby MAX time set in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 (step S1010).

  If it is determined in step S1010 that the current time measured by the forced timer has exceeded the shooting-waiting MAX time (step S1010: YES), the process proceeds to step S1013 to perform shooting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1010 that the current time measured by the forced timer has not exceeded the shooting standby MAX time (step S1010: NO), the process proceeds to step S1001, and the subject The process of detecting the number of people is performed.

  If it is determined in step S1008 that the setting is not for forced shooting (the value of the setting item for forced shooting is 0) (step S1008: NO), the current time measured by the self-timer is: It is determined whether or not the cancellation time set in the automatic photographing temporary setting information 701 has elapsed (step S1011).

  If it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has exceeded the cancel time (step S1011: YES), the process proceeds to step S1012 to cancel automatic shooting (automatic shooting). Cancel processing) (step S1012).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time measured by the self-timer has not passed the cancellation time (step S1011: NO), the process proceeds to step S1001 to detect the number of subjects. Do.

  When shooting is performed in step S1013 or when shooting is canceled in step S1012, the self-timer, shooting timer, and forced timer are stopped, and the time (value) counted and measured by each timer is reset to zero. The process is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a photograph desired by the user can be obtained by shooting on the condition that the number of subjects registered in advance is detected at a position designated by the user in the photo frame. Can be easily photographed.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program executable by the apparatus, a storage medium, or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in. That is, the present invention can be applied not only as an imaging apparatus but also as an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Imaging lens 102 Shutter 103 Imaging element 104 Imaging signal processing part 105 Lens drive part 106 Shutter drive part 107 Storage part 108 Control / calculation part 109 Recording medium 110 Display part 111 External interface (I / F) part 112 Switch ( SW) detection unit 113 focusing measurement unit 114 photometry unit 115 transmission path 116 external device

Claims (11)

An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging unit that captures a subject input via an imaging optical system, and having a live view function for sequentially displaying image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit on a display device,
Accepting means for accepting designation of a part of the display area of the image data displayed by the live view function according to a user operation;
First setting means for setting the number of subjects for the partial display area received by the receiving means;
First specifying means for specifying the number of subjects included in the partial display area received by the receiving means by analyzing image data obtained by being photographed by the imaging means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification means;
The imaging is performed on the condition that the first determination unit determines that the number of subjects set by the first setting unit matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification unit. Recording control means for recording image data obtained by being photographed by the means on a recording medium;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A second setting means for setting the number of subjects for the image data displayed by the live view function;
Second specifying means for specifying the number of subjects included in the image data displayed by the live view function by analyzing image data obtained by being imaged by the imaging means;
Second determination means for determining whether the number of subjects set by the second setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the second specification means;
Further comprising
The recording control means is further determined by the first determination means that the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification means. In addition, on the condition that the second determination unit determines that the number of subjects set by the second setting unit matches the number of subjects specified by the second specification unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data obtained by photographing by the image pickup means is recorded on a recording medium.   The recording control means, when a predetermined time has passed since it was determined that the number of subjects set by the first setting means and the number of subjects specified by the first specifying means match. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data obtained by being picked up by the image pickup unit is recorded on a recording medium.   The recording control means determines that the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specifying means, and the second setting means Image data obtained by photographing by the imaging means when a predetermined time elapses after it is determined that the set number of subjects and the number of subjects specified by the second specifying means match. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image is recorded on a recording medium. The first setting means further sets a non-human type subject as an attribute for the partial display area received by the receiving means,
The recording control means, after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the number of subjects set by the second setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the second specifying means, When the subject having the attribute set by the first setting unit is detected in the partial display area received by the receiving unit, the image data obtained by photographing by the imaging unit is recorded on a recording medium. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein Among the plurality of partial display areas received by the reception unit, a human subject is set as an attribute in one partial display area by the first setting unit, and a person is not a human as an attribute in the other partial display areas. When the subject is set by the first setting unit, the first determination unit targets one partial display area in which a human subject is set as an attribute by the first setting unit. Determining whether the number of subjects specified by the first specifying means matches the number of subjects set by the first setting means;
The recording control means is set by the first determination means by the first determination means and the number of subjects specified by the first specification means for the one partial display area. When a non-human subject is detected as an attribute set in the other partial display area by the first setting unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since it is determined that the number of subjects matches, 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data obtained by being picked up by the image pickup means is recorded on a recording medium. When a predetermined time elapses after the first determination means determines that the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specification means The first specifying unit further specifies the number of subjects by analyzing the image data captured by the imaging unit again,
The first determination unit further determines whether the number of subjects identified again by the first identification unit matches the number of subjects set by the first setting unit,
The recording control means, when the first determination means determines that the number of subjects specified again by the first specification means matches the number of subjects set by the first setting means The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image data picked up by the image pickup means is recorded on a recording medium. Still further comprising stationary determination means for determining whether the subject imaged by the imaging means is stationary,
The recording control means is determined by the first determination means that the number of subjects set by the first setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the first specifying means, and 8. The image data picked up by the image pickup means is recorded on a recording medium when a predetermined time has passed since the subject determination means determined that the subject is still. The imaging apparatus of Claim 1. The first setting means further sets forced photographing information indicating that photographing is forced,
The recording control means may further include the number of subjects and the first number of subjects for which forced shooting information has been set by the first setting means and the first determination means has been specified again by the first specifying means. If it is determined that the number of subjects set by the setting means does not match, the image data picked up by the image pickup means when a predetermined time from when it is determined not to match until forced shooting is elapsed The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the image is recorded on a recording medium. An image pickup apparatus control method comprising an image pickup means for picking up a subject input via an image pickup optical system, and having a live view function for sequentially displaying image data obtained by the image pickup means on the display apparatus. And
An accepting step in which the accepting unit of the imaging device accepts designation of a part of the display area of the image data displayed by the live view function according to a user operation;
A setting step in which the setting unit of the imaging apparatus sets the number of subjects for the partial display area received in the reception step;
A specifying step of specifying the number of subjects included in the partial display area received in the receiving step by analyzing image data obtained by the specifying unit of the imaging device being photographed by the imaging unit;
A determination step of determining whether the number of subjects set in the setting step matches the number of subjects specified in the specifying step;
On the condition that the recording control means of the imaging apparatus determines in the determination step that the number of subjects set in the setting step matches the number of subjects specified in the specifying step. A recording control step of recording image data obtained by photographing by means on a recording medium;
An image pickup apparatus control method comprising: A program that includes an imaging unit that captures a subject input via an imaging optical system, and that can be executed by the imaging device having a live view function for sequentially displaying image data obtained by capturing by the imaging unit on a display device Because
The imaging device;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a part of the display area of the image data displayed by the live view function according to a user operation;
Setting means for setting the number of subjects for the partial display area received by the receiving means;
A specifying unit that specifies the number of subjects included in the partial display area received by the receiving unit by analyzing image data obtained by being captured by the imaging unit;
Determination means for determining whether the number of subjects set by the setting means matches the number of subjects specified by the specifying means;
Obtained by photographing by the imaging unit on the condition that the determination unit determines that the number of subjects set by the setting unit matches the number of subjects specified by the specifying unit. A program that functions as a recording control unit that records image data on a recording medium.

Images