JP2014033332A - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method which allow for easy remote control.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 1 comprises an imaging unit 102, a microphone detection image processing unit 110, a face detection processing unit 111, and a pan/tilt drive unit 107. The imaging unit 102 generates image data. The microphone detection image processing unit 110 detects the position of a microphone device 9 in the image data. The face detection processing unit 111 determines a face detection region in the image data on the basis of the detection result of the microphone detection image processing unit 110, and detects a face region included in the face detection region. The pan/tilt drive unit 107 executes pan/tilt operation on the basis of the detection result of the face detection processing part 111.

Description

  The present invention relates to imaging and an imaging method.

  In recent years, programs produced by a small number of people have become widespread, as represented by online distribution programs. In such a program produced by a small number of people, a mode in which a moderator (reporter) also serves as a camera is used.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a microphone device having an operation button for remotely operating a camera and a monitor for displaying a captured image. As a result, the presenter can confirm the imaging screen while performing an interview and remotely control the camera (pan tilt, zoom, etc.).

JP 2009-27626 A

  However, in the microphone device described in Patent Document 1, the presenter needs to check the monitor while performing an interview and operate the camera using the operation buttons so that the captured image has a desired angle of view. . Therefore, the moderator must perform a plurality of operations such as interview, monitor confirmation, and camera operation in conjunction with each other. As a result, skilled techniques are required, and there is a problem that photographing is difficult.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method that can be easily remotely controlled.

An imaging apparatus (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit (102) that generates image data by imaging processing, and an object position detection unit that detects a position of the object having a specific shape in the image data. Based on the detection results of the (microphone detection image processing unit 110) and the object position detection means (microphone detection image processing unit 110), a face detection area in the image data is set, and the face included in the face detection area Face detection means (111) for detecting a region, and pan / tilt drive means (107) for executing a pan / tilt operation based on the detection result of the face detection means (111). With such a configuration, the image pickup apparatus 1 can realize a pan-tilt operation only by the moderator directing an object such as a microphone device toward the guest. As a result, the camera can be easily remotely controlled.
The imaging apparatus (1) further includes object direction detection means (microphone detection image processing unit 110) for detecting the direction of the object in the image data, and the face detection means (111) includes the object position. The face detection area in the image data may be determined based on detection results of the detection unit (microphone detection image processing unit 110) and the object direction detection unit (microphone detection image processing unit 110).
In the imaging apparatus (1), the face detection unit (111) may set an area above the object in the image data as the face detection area.
In the imaging apparatus (1), the face detection unit (111) uses, as the face detection area, an area above the object and on the direction side according to the direction of the object in the image data. It may be set.
In the imaging apparatus (1), the object position detection unit (microphone detection image processing unit 110) detects the movement of the object in the image data, and the object is moving in the image data. The pan / tilt driving means (107) may execute a pan / tilt operation so that the object is located at the center of the image data.
In the imaging device (1), when the object does not move in the image data, the face detection means (111) determines the face detection area and determines the face area included in the face detection area. Then, the pan / tilt driving means (107) may perform a pan / tilt operation so that the detected face area is located at the center of the image data.
In the imaging apparatus (1), the face detection unit (111) detects the position of the detected face area in the image data, and determines the position of the object in the image data from the position of the face area in the image data. You may further provide the 1st view angle change means (camera drive part 108) which changes the view angle of the said image data based on the distance to a position.
In the imaging apparatus (1), when the object is not detected in the image data by the object position detection unit (microphone detection image processing unit 110), the detection result of the posture detection unit of the object is obtained. Based on this, a second angle of view changing means (camera driving unit 108) for changing the angle of view of the image data may be further provided.
In the imaging device (1), the object may be a microphone device (9).
An imaging method according to an aspect of the present invention generates image data by imaging processing, detects a position of an object having a specific shape in the image data, and based on the detected position of the object, the image A face detection area in the data is determined, a face area included in the face detection area is detected, and a pan / tilt operation is executed based on the detected position of the face area.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method that can be easily remotely operated.

1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a microphone device according to a first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a shooting situation according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a face detection area setting method according to the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a face detection area setting method according to the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a face detection area setting method according to the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a face detection area setting method according to the first exemplary embodiment; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a zoom operation according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a zoom operation according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a zoom operation according to the second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a microphone device according to a third exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a digital camera that can capture moving images and still images. A block diagram of the imaging apparatus 1 is shown in FIG.

<Configuration of Imaging Device 1>
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 1 includes a lens unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an audio input unit 103, an audio circuit 104, an audio signal receiving unit 105, a receiving circuit 106, and a pan / tilt driving unit 107. A camera driving unit 108, a controller 109, a microphone detection image processing unit 110, a face detection processing unit 111, and a recording / reproducing unit 112.

  The lens unit 101 includes a plurality of lenses such as a zoom lens and a focus lens, and guides light to the imaging unit 102. The imaging unit 102 includes an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The imaging unit 102 performs an imaging process, and generates image data based on the light that has passed through the lens unit 101. The imaging unit 102 outputs the generated image data to the recording / reproducing unit 112.

  The voice input unit 103 is a microphone, for example, and picks up sounds around the imaging apparatus 1. The voice input unit 103 converts the collected voice into an analog voice signal and outputs the analog voice signal to the voice circuit 104.

  The audio circuit 104 amplifies the audio signal input from the audio input unit 103 and performs A / D conversion. As a result, the audio circuit 104 converts the amplified analog audio signal into digital audio data. The audio circuit 104 outputs the converted digital audio data to the recording / reproducing unit 112.

  The audio signal receiving unit 105 receives an audio signal transmitted from the microphone device. The audio signal receiving unit 105 performs communication processing conforming to a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi. This enables communication with the microphone device. The audio signal receiving unit 105 outputs the received audio signal to the receiving circuit 106. The receiving circuit 106 outputs the audio signal input from the audio signal receiving unit 105 to the recording / reproducing unit 112.

  The pan / tilt driving unit 107 drives a motor (not shown) provided on the imaging device 1 or the pan / tilt head in response to a control signal from the controller 109. Thereby, the imaging device 1 realizes a pan / tilt operation.

  The camera driving unit 108 drives a zoom actuator and a focus actuator (not shown) provided in the imaging device 1 in accordance with a control signal from the controller 109. Accordingly, the zoom lens and the focus lens included in the lens unit 101 move along the optical axis. In addition, the camera driving unit 108 drives an aperture actuator (not shown) to adjust the aperture.

  The controller 109 is composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit including a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area, and the like, and performs imaging processing, display of various images, and the like. The overall processing of the imaging device 1 is controlled.

  Specifically, the controller 109 outputs a control signal instructing the pan / tilt driving unit 107 to perform a pan / tilt operation based on detection results of the microphone detection image processing unit 110 and the face detection processing unit 111. Further, the controller 109 outputs a control signal instructing the zoom tele operation to the camera driving unit 108 based on the detection results of the microphone detection image processing unit 110 and the face detection processing unit 111.

  The microphone detection image processing unit 110 (object position detection unit, object direction detection unit) detects a microphone device included in the image data input from the imaging unit 102. Specifically, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 detects the microphone device in the image data using image processing based on the characteristics (shape, color, etc.) of the microphone device set in advance. Since the microphone device is detected using image processing, it is preferable that the microphone device has a (characteristic) shape or color that is easy to detect.

  In addition, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 acquires the coordinates of the microphone device in the image data. The coordinates of the microphone device are, for example, center coordinates of the microphone device, and are coordinates expressed by an x coordinate and ay coordinate. Furthermore, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 detects the orientation of the microphone device. At this time, the direction of the microphone device means a direction according to the directivity of the microphone device or a direction from the handle toward the sound collecting unit if the microphone device has a handle. The microphone detection image processing unit 110 outputs the acquired coordinates and orientation of the microphone device to the face detection processing unit 111 and the controller 109.

  Furthermore, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 detects the movement of the microphone device. For example, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 compares the coordinates of the microphone device every several frames, and the microphone device is moved when the coordinates of the microphone device have moved a predetermined distance from several frames before. judge.

  The face detection processing unit 111 sets a face detection area in which face detection is performed based on the position and orientation of the microphone device in the image data. Then, the face detection processing unit 111 detects a human face existing in the face detection area. The face detection processing unit 111 outputs the detection result to the controller 109. Note that the face detection method by the face detection processing unit 111 is not particularly limited, and a known face detection method can be used.

  The recording / reproducing unit 112 stores the image data input from the imaging unit 102 together with the digital audio data input from the audio circuit 104 in a memory (not shown).

<Configuration of Microphone Device 9>
The configuration of the microphone device according to the present embodiment will be described. A block diagram of the microphone device 9 is shown in FIG. The microphone device 9 includes an audio input unit 91, a transmission circuit 92, and an audio signal transmission unit 93.

  The voice input unit 91 is a microphone, for example, and picks up sounds around the imaging apparatus 1. The voice input unit 91 converts the collected voice into an analog voice signal and outputs the analog voice signal to the transmission circuit 92.

  The transmission circuit 92 converts the audio signal input from the audio input unit 91 into a radio signal. The audio signal transmission unit 93 includes an antenna and transmits the radio wave signal converted by the transmission circuit 92 to the imaging device 1. Thus, the microphone device 9 according to the present embodiment is a general microphone device that does not have operation buttons, posture detection means, and the like.

<Operation of Imaging Device 1>
Next, an operation example of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, the imaging | photography condition (positional relationship of the imaging device 1, the chairperson 200, and the guest 300) in this Embodiment is shown in FIG. The presenter 200 interviews the microphone device 9 toward the guest 300. There is no cameraman operating the imaging device 1 in the vicinity of the imaging device 1. The imaging device 1 automatically performs a pan / tilt operation based on the position and orientation of the microphone device 9 held by the presenter 200, the face detection result, and the like. In FIG. 4, the imaging apparatus 1 is mounted on a pan / tilt head 400 that can be pan-tilted, but the imaging apparatus 1 itself may be provided with a mechanism that can perform a pan-tilt operation.

  First, the imaging device 1 performs an imaging process (step S101). As a result, the imaging unit 102 generates image data. The imaging unit 102 may start the imaging process with an operation button, a self-timer, or the like provided in the imaging apparatus 1, or may start the imaging process in response to audio input from the microphone device 9.

  When the imaging process is started, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 performs the microphone detection process on the image data generated by the imaging process of the imaging unit 102 (step S102). That is, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 determines whether or not the microphone device 9 is included in the image data. When the microphone device 9 is not detected (step S103: No), the microphone detection image processing unit 110 continues the microphone detection process (step S102).

  When the microphone device 9 is detected (step S103: Yes), the microphone detection image processing unit 110 determines whether or not the microphone device 9 is moving (step S104).

  When the microphone device 9 is moving (step S104: Yes), the imaging device 1 performs a pan / tilt operation so that the microphone device 9 comes to the center of the image data (step S105). Specifically, the controller 109 performs a pan / tilt operation on the pan / tilt driving unit 107 based on the coordinates of the microphone device 9 input from the microphone detection image processing unit 110 so that the coordinates of the microphone device 9 come to the center of the image data. A control signal for executing is output. As a result, the microphone device 9 moves to the center of the image data. That is, the imaging device 1 performs a pan / tilt operation so as to track the moving microphone device 9. Note that the coordinates of the microphone device 9 and the center coordinates of the image data need not exactly match. The coordinates of the microphone device 9 need only be included in a predetermined area including the center of the image data.

  When the microphone device 9 is not moving (step S104: No), the face detection processing unit 111 determines the face detection area in the image data based on the position and direction of the microphone device 9 input from the microphone detection image processing unit 110. Is set (step S106).

  The face detection processing unit 111 performs face detection processing in the set face detection area (step S107). When a human face is detected in the face detection area (step S108: Yes), the face detection processing unit 111 outputs the detection result to the controller 109. Specifically, the face detection processing unit 111 outputs detected face coordinates (for example, face center coordinates) in the image data to the controller 109.

  Here, setting of the face detection area (step S106) and face detection processing (step S107) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are images captured by the imaging apparatus 1. FIG.

  First, the face detection processing unit 111 acquires the position 901 of the microphone device 9 and the direction 902 of the microphone device 9 from the microphone detection image processing unit 110 (see FIG. 5). The position 901 of the microphone device 9 can be expressed using, for example, the center coordinates of the microphone device 9. Further, the direction 902 of the microphone device 9 can be expressed by using, for example, the inclination angle of the microphone device 9 when the upward direction of the image data is 0 degree. Then, the face detection processing unit 111 sets a region extending from the position 901 of the microphone device 9 in the direction 902 of the microphone device 9 as the face detection region 903. The face detection area 903 extends from the position 901 of the microphone device 9 toward the direction 902 of the microphone device 9 so that the spread angle 904 is 90 degrees or less. For example, the face detection area 903 is an area where the spread angle 904 is 30 degrees with the direction 902 of the microphone device 9 as the central axis.

  Of course, the shape of the face detection area 903 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. For example, the face detection processing unit 111 may set the face detection area 903 based only on the position 901 of the microphone device 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a region above the position 901 of the microphone device 9 may be a face detection region 903. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the face detection processing unit 111 is above the position 901 of the microphone device 9 and on the direction side of the microphone device 9 from the position 901 of the microphone device 9 (the inclination direction side of the microphone device 9). ) Rectangular area may be set as the face detection area 903.

  Then, the face detection processing unit 111 detects a face area included in the face detection area. The face area is an area that is presumed to be a human face from the image data, and means an area indicated by a face detection frame 905 in FIG. As described above, by limiting the area where face detection is performed in the image data, it is possible to speed up the face detection process and reduce the processing load of the face detection processing unit 111. Note that as the face detection area 903 is narrowed, the speed of the face detection process can be increased. On the other hand, the wider the face detection area 903, the more reliably the face area can be detected. Further, the face detection processing unit 111 may start the face detection process from the position of the microphone device 9 and perform the face detection process toward the end of the image data. Since there is a face in the vicinity of the microphone device 9 during the interview, the face detection processing unit 111 starts the face detection processing from the microphone device 9, so that the speed of the face detection processing can be further increased.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, when a face is detected in the face detection area (step S <b> 108: Yes), the controller 109 causes the pan / tilt driving unit 107 to execute a pan / tilt operation based on the detection result of the face detection processing unit 111. (Step S109). Specifically, the controller 109 causes the pan / tilt driving unit 107 to execute a pan / tilt operation so that the center coordinates of the detected face area are positioned at the center of the image data. Thereby, the imaging unit 102 can capture image data centered on the guest 300.

  On the other hand, when a face is not detected in the face detection area (step S108: No), the process returns to step S104, and the microphone detection image processing unit 110 determines whether or not the microphone device 9 is moving.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 detects the position of the microphone device 9 in the image data. The face detection processing unit 111 sets a face detection area in the image data based on the position of the microphone device 9 and detects a face area included in the face detection area. Then, the pan / tilt driving unit 107 performs a pan / tilt operation based on the detection result of the face detection unit. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 1 can detect the guest's face and realize a pan-tilt operation according to the detection result simply by pointing the microphone device 9 to the guest for the interview by the presenter. As a result, the presenter does not need to perform monitor confirmation or camera operation, and can easily remotely operate the imaging apparatus 1.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the imaging apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the operations of the controller 109 and the camera driving unit 108 are different from those of the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those of the imaging apparatus 1, description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The controller 109 controls the camera driving unit 108 (first and second field angle changing means) to perform a zoom operation or a tele operation based on the distance between the face area in the image data and the microphone device 9. Is output.

<Operation of Imaging Device 2>
Next, an operation example of the imaging apparatus 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. Since the face detection process of the guest 300 is performed and the detected face moves to the center of the image data (step S101 to step S109 in FIG. 3), the process is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus will be described. Is omitted. 10 to 12 are diagrams for explaining changes in captured image data.

  The controller 109 acquires a distance between the center coordinates of the face area in the image data and the position 901 of the microphone device 9 (hereinafter referred to as a microphone distance 906) in a state where the face area is located at the center of the image data (step S201). ). The microphone distance 906 can be calculated if the center coordinates 301 of the face area of the guest 300 and the position 901 of the microphone device 9 are obtained (see FIG. 10).

  The controller 109 compares the acquired microphone distance 906 with a preset distance (step S202). When the acquired microphone distance 906 is shorter than the preset distance (step S203: Yes), the controller 109 outputs a control signal for causing the camera driving unit 108 to perform a zoom operation. As a result, the camera driving unit 108 performs a zoom operation. The distance set in advance is a distance set in advance by the user and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the preset distance may be a value having a predetermined range instead of a single value.

  Specifically, in FIG. 10, the microphone distance 906 is longer than a preset distance. At this time, it is assumed that the chairperson 200 brings the microphone device 9 close to the face of the guest 300. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the microphone distance 906 is shortened and becomes shorter than a preset distance.

  Then, the controller 109 determines that the acquired microphone distance 906 is shorter than a preset distance. Then, the camera driving unit 108 is instructed to perform a zoom operation so that the microphone distance 906 is equal to or greater than a preset distance.

  The camera drive unit 108 performs a zoom operation. Then, the controller 109 acquires the microphone distance 906 again (step S201). If the controller 109 determines that the microphone distance 906 is greater than or equal to a preset distance (step S203: No), the controller 109 stops the zoom operation of the camera drive unit 108. Thereby, image data in which the face of the guest 300 is zoomed is generated (see FIG. 12).

  As described above, according to the configuration of the imaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the controller 109 acquires the distance between the detected face and the microphone device 9. Then, the controller 109 instructs the camera driving unit 108 to execute a zoom operation based on the acquired microphone distance. Thereby, the zoom operation can be realized without providing the microphone device 9 with a special configuration such as an operation button. In addition, the moderator 200 can realize the zoom operation only by bringing the microphone device 9 close to the face of the guest 300 to be enlarged. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 1 can be easily operated remotely.

  In the above description, the case where the camera driving unit 108 performs the zoom operation has been described, but the same applies to the case where the camera driving unit 108 performs the tele operation.

  For example, when the microphone distance 906 is longer than a preset distance, the controller 109 outputs a control signal that causes the camera driving unit 108 to perform a tele operation. Thereby, the camera drive unit 108 performs a tele operation.

<Embodiment 3>
Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the imaging apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the microphone device 9 according to the present embodiment.

  The imaging device 3 includes an attitude information receiving unit 113 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The posture information receiving unit 113 receives posture information transmitted from the microphone device 9 and outputs the posture information to the controller 109.

  The microphone device 9 includes an attitude detection unit 94 and an attitude information transmission unit 95 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The posture detection unit 94 is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and is a sensor that can detect the posture of the microphone device 9. Note that the sensor used in the posture detection unit 94 only needs to be able to detect a change in the posture of the microphone device 9, and may not necessarily be able to detect the current posture (tilt angle or the like) of the microphone device 9 in detail. The posture detection unit 94 outputs the detection result to the posture information transmission unit 95.

  The posture information transmission unit 95 transmits the detection result input from the posture detection unit 94 to the imaging device. The detection result (posture information) may be information indicating the posture of the microphone device 9 such as an inclination angle of the microphone device 9, or may be information indicating only the presence or absence of a change in the posture of the microphone device 9.

<Operation of Imaging Device 3 and Microphone Device 9>
Next, an operation example of the imaging device 3 and the microphone device 9 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 16 to 18 are diagrams for describing changes in captured image data. FIG. 16 shows a state after the pan / tilt operation is performed so that the face of the guest 300 is positioned at the center of the image data in step S109 of the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the microphone device 9 is out of the angle of view (see the broken line portion in FIG. 16).

  In the state of FIG. 16, the microphone device 9 and the microphone detection image processing unit 110 cannot detect the movement of the microphone device 9 using image processing. At this time, when the posture of the microphone device 9 changes, the posture detection unit 94 of the microphone device 9 detects that the posture of the microphone device 9 has changed. Then, posture detection unit 94 outputs the detection result to posture information transmission unit 95. The posture information transmission unit 95 outputs the detection result input from the posture detection unit 94 to the imaging device 3.

  The posture information receiving unit 113 of the imaging device 3 receives the detection result (posture information) and outputs it to the controller 109. Based on the detection result, the controller 109 determines whether or not the posture of the microphone device 9 has changed (step S301). When the posture of the microphone device 9 has not changed (step S301: No), the controller 109 maintains the current state where the face is located at the center of the image data.

  On the other hand, when the posture of the microphone device 9 has changed (step S301: Yes), the microphone detection image processing unit performs microphone detection processing (step S302). That is, it is determined whether or not the microphone device 9 is included in the image data.

  When the microphone device 9 is included in the image data (step S303: Yes), the controller 109 outputs a control signal to the pan / tilt driving unit 107 so that the position of the microphone device 9 is located at the center of the image data. (Step S304). Thereby, the object located at the center of the image data changes from the face to the microphone device 9.

  When the microphone device 9 is not included in the image data (step S303: No), the imaging device 3 widens the angle of view of the image to be captured (step S305). Specifically, the controller 109 outputs a control signal that causes the camera driving unit 108 to perform a tele operation. As a result, the angle of view widens and the microphone device 9 is included in the image data (see FIG. 17).

  Then, the microphone detection image processing unit 110 performs detection processing of the microphone device 9 again (step S302). When the microphone device 9 is detected (step S303: Yes), the controller 109 outputs a control signal to the pan / tilt driving unit 107 so that the microphone device 9 becomes the center of the image data (step S304). As a result, the microphone device 9 comes to the center of the image (see FIG. 18).

  Thereafter, the imaging apparatus 3 may perform, for example, step S104 and subsequent steps in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Specifically, when the microphone device 9 is stopped (step S104: No), the face detection processing unit 111 sets a face detection range based on the position and direction of the microphone device 9 (step S106). Then, the controller 109 may control the pan / tilt driving unit 107 so that the face included in the face detection range (the face of the presenter 200 in FIG. 18) comes to the center of the image data.

  As described above, the microphone device 9 according to the present embodiment includes the posture detection unit 94 that detects the posture of the microphone device 9. In addition, the imaging device 3 includes a posture information receiving unit 113 that receives posture information of the microphone device 9. Further, the controller 109 controls the camera driving unit 108 based on the received attitude information of the microphone device 9. Thereby, even if it is a case where the microphone apparatus 9 deviates from the angle of view, the microphone apparatus 9 can be tracked according to the change in the attitude of the microphone apparatus 9. As a result, even if the microphone device 9 is not necessarily included in the image, the presenter 200 can remotely operate the imaging device 1 and can improve the degree of freedom of the angle of view for photographing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed and combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the microphone device is used as the predetermined object, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a pointing stick or the hands of a presenter.

  Further, the processing of the imaging apparatus can be executed by a computer program stored in a ROM or the like of the main processor. In the above-described example, a program including a group of instructions for causing a computer (processor) to perform each process is stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Can be supplied to. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)) are included. The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

1-3 Imaging device 9 Microphone device 91 Audio input unit 92 Transmission circuit 93 Audio signal transmission unit 94 Attitude detection unit 95 Attitude information transmission unit 101 Lens unit 102 Imaging unit 103 Audio input unit 104 Audio circuit 105 Audio signal reception unit 106 Reception circuit 107 Pan / tilt driving unit 108 Camera driving unit 109 Controller 110 Microphone detection image processing unit 111 Face detection processing unit 112 Recording / reproducing unit 113 Posture information receiving unit 200 Chairperson 300 Guest

Claims (10)

Imaging means for generating image data by imaging processing;
An object position detecting means for detecting a position of the object having a specific shape in the image data;
A face detection means for setting a face detection area in the image data based on a detection result of the object position detection means and detecting a face area included in the face detection area;
Pan / tilt driving means for performing a pan / tilt operation based on the detection result of the face detecting means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: An object direction detecting means for detecting the direction of the object in the image data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the face detection unit determines the face detection region in the image data based on detection results of the object position detection unit and the object direction detection unit.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the face detection unit sets an area above the object in the image data as the face detection area.   3. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein the face detection unit sets, in the image data, an area above the object and a direction side according to the direction of the object as the face detection area. apparatus. The object position detecting means detects movement of the object in the image data;
5. The pan / tilt drive unit performs a pan / tilt operation so that the object is positioned at the center of the image data when the object is moving in the image data. 6. The imaging device described. When the object does not move in the image data, the face detection means determines the face detection area, detects the face area included in the face detection area,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pan / tilt driving unit performs a pan / tilt operation so that the detected face area is positioned at a center of the image data. The face detection means detects a position of the detected face area in the image data;
7. A first angle-of-view changing unit that changes the angle of view of the image data based on a distance from the position of the face area in the image data to the position of the object in the image data. The imaging device according to any one of the above.   When the object is not detected in the image data by the object position detection means, a second image for changing the angle of view of the image data based on the detection result of the attitude detection means of the object. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a corner changing unit.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the object is a microphone device. Generate image data by imaging processing,
Detecting a position in the image data of an object having a specific shape;
Based on the detected position of the object, determine a face detection area in the image data, detect a face area included in the face detection area,
An imaging method for performing a pan / tilt operation based on the detected position of the face region.

Images