JP4337699B2 - Imaging apparatus and imaging support method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to imaging, and more particularly, to an imaging device that captures an image by an operator's operation and a method for supporting imaging by the imager.

Japanese Patent No. 3034244 is cited as a prior patent document for determining the composition of image data. This prior patent document discloses a technique for determining the composition of image data based on composition information stored in a database in advance and extracting a subject from the image data.

Prior patent literatures that give advice regarding composition of image data when an imager uses an imaging device to capture images include Japanese Patent No. 3421238, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-244800, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-338955. Is mentioned. These prior patent documents disclose techniques for determining the composition of image data and giving advice before an imager takes an image. However, this assumes that image data with an inappropriate composition is a failure for the photographer, and gives advice before imaging so as not to fail.

Japanese Patent No. 3034244 Japanese Patent No. 3421238 JP 2000-244800 A JP 2003-338955 A

I often go to a holiday destination with a camera (imaging device) and take a picture (image data) of a person against the background of a landscape or a building. At this time, not only where and in what size the person is placed, but also how the background is cut out greatly affects the appearance of the photograph.

For example, a line that obliquely crosses from the near side to the other side in the composition of the photograph has an effect of making the photograph feel the depth (see the second image data shown in FIG. 1). However, if this line is hidden by a person, it will result in a flat impression where the depth cannot be felt. Similarly, when taking a picture of a person against the background of a large building, the person on the subject side and the camera (or the photographer who captures the person with the camera) move away from the building, so that a large building is evenly distributed. Can be put in the photo. At this time, not only buildings but also trees and other things with different colors and shapes are incorporated into the photograph, and it becomes an extraordinary photograph that is rich in change. Furthermore, when taking a picture of a person against a background of a tall building, the person should be captured from a low angle. In addition, when taking an image from a low angle (more specifically, a height lower than the line of sight of the subject person), the person's eyes tend to be lowered, so that a picture can be taken with a natural and soft expression.

Prior patent documents such as Japanese Patent No. 3421238, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-244800, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-338955 have techniques for judging the composition of a photograph and giving advice before the photographer takes a photograph. It is disclosed. However, in the techniques disclosed in these patent documents, it is assumed that a photograph with an inappropriate composition is a failure for the photographer, and advice is given before taking a photograph so as not to fail. In other words, for example, by moving the subject person or the photographer using the instruction information output by voice from the camera, a photograph with a better composition can be taken without failure.

However, even if the instruction information is favorable advice (such as taking pictures with a better composition), the psychological resistance (disgust) ) Was felt by people.

However, people are not basically rejecting advice from the imaging device. I just don't feel like something is being done by an instruction from the imaging device. In other words, if you are convinced, you can accept the advice. Therefore, it can be said that it is necessary not only to give advice as in the case of the conventional imaging apparatus but also to convince the other party (giving advice). In other words, it can be said that the difference between whether the favorable advice is favorably received or whether the favorable advice is rejected due to disgust depends on whether or not the other party can agree with the advice.

The advice information output so far from the imaging device is for preventing wasteful image data from being taken. When trying to capture wasteful image data, the advice information is captured as if to prevent the act. It was output to the person. It is a mistake in the first place to try to stop the imaging action of the photographer, assuming that image data with poor composition / non-optimal composition is wasted. A digital imaging device such as a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone that captures an image captures image data in a storage means (memory) built in the imaging device. This means that the image can be taken many times by simply erasing the memory. This is an advantage greatly different from an imaging apparatus using a film (photosensitive material) as a storage means, and there is no way to make use of this advantage.

In other words, if it is to obtain the satisfaction of the photographer, there has been no conventional technique that allows one or two pieces of image data to be taken without stinging. Even if it is favorable advice, if it is rejected by the photographer, or if the difference is clear by comparing image data with poor composition with image data with good composition, image data with poor composition It is better to leave it until you have imaged.

According to the present invention, image data captured by the imaging unit is stored in the image data storage unit in accordance with the imaging operation of the photographer, the composition of the image data is determined by the composition determination unit, and the composition is determined based on the determination result. In order to give an advice to the photographer, an optimal composition pattern image for comparison with the image data, a non-optimal composition pattern image corresponding to the optimal composition pattern image, and a non-optimal composition indicated by the non-optimal composition pattern image Guidance advice information for guiding to the optimal composition indicated by the optimal composition pattern image is stored in the composition pattern image storage means in association with the optimal composition pattern image, and the composition determination means performs the imaging operation of the photographer. Accordingly, when the first image data is stored in the image data storage means, the image data storage means Compared to the composition of憶been first composition pattern images compose the picture data not optimum above, the composition determining means, and the composition of the composition pattern image and composition of the first image data and the non-optimal in advance The control means determines whether or not the conditions match, and the control means outputs the guidance advice information to the photographer when the composition determination means determines that both compositions match, and the composition The determining unit compares the composition of the second image data captured by the imaging unit with the composition of the optimum composition pattern image, and the composition determining unit compares the composition of the second image data and the optimal composition pattern image. And the control means determines that the two compositions are identical by the composition judging means. If the was to prompt the imaging operation in the imaging person.

The first feature of the present invention is that "the composition determination means stores the first image data in the image data storage means in response to the imaging operation of the photographer. When the photographer takes a typical amateur photograph (image data that a beginner tends to capture), such as comparing the composition of the first image data with the composition of the non-optimal composition pattern image, the imaging apparatus Is to activate the imaging support system. The point that the photographer's imaging action is allowed first without attempting to stop the imaging action of the photographer is a point where it is easy for the photographer to be satisfied. That is, it can be expected that the advice information after the photographer feels that the photographer's imaging action is allowed first is easily accepted by the photographer.

The non-optimal composition pattern image that is referred to by the composition determination means for compositionally determining a typical amateur photograph may be stored (registered) in advance in the storage unit (image data storage means) of the imaging apparatus. Since tend composition is in the amateur photographic are quite different, often the composition pattern image not optimum keep multiple pattern registration, in this case, the composition pattern image not optimum in relation to the optimal composition pattern image together with the induction advice information If registered, the burden is reduced in later processing (composition judging means and control means processing). These optimal composition pattern images / non- optimal composition pattern images and guidance advice sets may be added later to the storage unit of the imaging apparatus, for example, downloaded from outside the imaging apparatus via a network, or via a storage medium Or read it.

The composition determination means may use a technique as shown in the background art. The image data stored in the storage unit, the image data captured by the imaging unit, and the optimum composition pattern image or non- optimal composition pattern stored in the storage unit in advance. Any means can be used as long as it can determine whether or not the composition of the two compared matches the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition referred to here is a condition for determining that the composition of the image data and the composition of the composition pattern image coincide with each other within a certain range. Note that the position and size of a person may be extracted from the image data in order to determine the composition. In this case, a face detection technique that has reached a practical level in recent years is effective.

The optimum composition pattern image / non- optimal composition pattern image is image information (stored in advance in the storage unit of the imaging apparatus for comparison with image data captured by the imaging unit and image data stored in the storage unit ( It is the image itself or the data after processing the image), but it is the pattern information for pattern matching of the image data, and the pattern information is extracted from the image data It may be information after being converted into feature amount information for determining the degree of fitness for the amount.

There are various ways for the control means to prompt the photographer to perform the imaging operation. If visual information is used, the imaging operation instruction information is displayed on the display unit, or the lighting / flashing (lamp) unit is turned on / flashing. If auditory information is used, it may be output as audio information from an audio output unit, or a vibration unit installed on the cheek of an imager may be vibrated using a bone conduction technique. That is, the means is not particularly limited as long as the photographer can be prompted to take an image.

In addition, when the second image data is stored in the image data storage unit, the control unit displays the second image data stored in the image data storage unit side by side with the first image data. May be displayed.

Conventional imaging apparatuses lacked consideration to show the photographer in a clear manner even if advice information is output. The effect mentioned here is the difference between the case where the advice information output from the imaging device is followed and the case where the advice information is not followed. Therefore, it is necessary to show the photographer how much the composition can be taken with different composition.

The second feature of the present invention, a first image data composition pattern image and composition matches the condition stipulated in advance not optimal, a second image data optimal composition pattern image and composition matches the condition stipulated in advance Displaying them side by side on the display unit. Since the difference in composition between the first image data and the second image data is apparent to the eye, the photographer can feel the difference. If the difference can be realized, the photographer's satisfaction is high.

The first feature of the present invention is also utilized here, and an amateur photograph that is easy to exert its effect can be obtained by waiting without outputting advice information until the first image data that is a typical amateur photograph is captured. Visually provide a relative comparison based.

Further, when the composition determination unit determines that the composition of the second image data and the composition of the optimum composition pattern image match in a predetermined condition, the control unit determines the second image data. It may be acquired automatically and stored in the image data storage means. In other words, when the composition of the image data captured by the image capturing unit matches the composition of the optimum composition pattern image, the image capturing apparatus may automatically capture an image (without having to manually perform the image capturing operation).

Further, explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information is further associated and stored in the composition pattern image storage means, and the control means outputs the guidance advice information to the photographer, or When the image data is displayed on the display unit, the explanation information may be output to the photographer. The explanation information here is a basis for the advice information, and is so-called “poop”. If there is an idiot about why a good composition is obtained, it becomes easier for the photographer to be convinced with the advice information output from the imaging apparatus.

The aspect of the solving means described above may be an imaging apparatus, or may be a method realized by operating imaging means, composition determination means, control means, etc. in the imaging apparatus.

According to the present invention described above, since the imaging support system is activated when the photographer takes a typical amateur photograph, the imaging action of the photographer is not restrained. The photographer can feel that it is allowed. The advice information after the photographer feels that the photographer's imaging action is allowed first can be expected to have a new effect that it is easy for the photographer to accept.

Furthermore, the first image data that matches the pre-defined conditions and the composition of the composition pattern image not optimum, the side by side and the second image data that matches the pre-defined conditions and the composition of the optimal composition pattern image displayed on the display unit, Since the first image data and the second image data are apparent to the eye, the photographer can feel the difference. If the difference can be realized, the effect that the photographer is highly convinced can be expected.

Also, if you use a digital imaging device such as a digital camera, you do not mind and take many similar photos and try to choose a good one from them, but it is good for amateurs who do not think about the composition themselves I can't shoot the composition. In other words, with the convincing advice according to the present invention, the photographer can learn the composition by taking at least two shots, so that it is not necessary to take many similar pictures and the consumption of memory can be reduced. The effect of reducing the troublesomeness of photo sorting can be expected.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1A, the imaging device 1 activates the imaging support system when the imager takes a typical amateur photograph. The figure shows first image data whose composition matches that of the non-optimal composition pattern image. If the imaging device 1 has a friendly personality, when starting the imaging support system, for example, “Oh, I'm done. Well, I ’m sorry”, “Oh, You can give the photographer something like “It's often the case, its composition” or “You can take a picture with a good composition”. At this time, the mode may be switched by a mode setting switch included in the operation unit 2 of the imaging device 1.

In FIG. 5B, when the imaging support system is activated, the imaging apparatus 1 displays guidance advice information on the display unit 10 using the first image data. The figure shows a case where “guidance advice information for moving a person on the subject side” is displayed and a case where “guidance advice information for moving a photographer” is displayed. Furthermore, as a specific example of “punch (description information)” corresponding to the guidance advice information, “an oblique line (arrow part) is hidden by a person. This line has a visual effect that makes the photograph feel the depth. So please don't divide by person "or" If you try to put all the people from your feet, it tends to be a mediocre composition. Why not just try the upper body? "

In FIG. 3C, the imaging apparatus 1 further displays the second image data and the first image data side by side on the display unit 10. The second image data is image data whose composition matches the optimal composition pattern image, and the first image data is image data whose composition matches the non-optimal composition pattern image. When these two images are displayed side by side on the display unit 10, the first image data and the second image data are clearly visible, so that the photographer can realize the difference. If the difference can be realized, the effect that the photographer is highly convinced can be expected. At this time, the imaging apparatus 1 may output a follow comment to the information output unit 9 such as “How is it?

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the same figure, the main part of the hardware resources of the imaging device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a hardware block diagram.

(Operation Unit) The operation unit 2 is a part operated by the imager, functions as a user interface together with the information output unit 9 for the imaging device 1, and inputs various commands from the imager to the imaging device 1. Take a role. Specifically, a button switch, a dial switch, a remote controller, a voice input unit, and the like are included. However, any means can be used as long as it can input various commands from the operator to the imaging apparatus 1. A so-called shutter button is also included in the operation unit 2. When this shutter button is operated, a signal corresponding to the operation is output from the operation unit 2 to the image acquisition unit 4, and the image acquisition unit 4 receives image data from the imaging unit 3. And processing for storing the acquired image data in the image data storage unit 5 is executed.

(Imaging Unit) The imaging unit 3 is a part that images an imaging target of the imaging apparatus 1, and specifically, using an optical sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). Although it is configured, any means can be used as long as it can output image data obtained by imaging an imaging target.

(Image Acquisition Unit) The image acquisition unit 4 acquires image data from the imaging unit 3 (captured by the imaging unit 3) in response to an operation of the operation unit 2 (operated by the imager), and acquires the acquired image. This is a part for storing data in the image data storage unit 5. In addition to executing the above-described processing in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 2, the image acquisition unit 4 also receives an instruction signal from the control unit 8 (an instruction signal output from the control unit 8) based on the process of the composition determination unit 6. ), The image data may be acquired from the imaging unit 3 and the acquired image data may be stored in the image data storage unit 5.

(Image Data Storage Unit) The image data storage unit 5 is configured by a nonvolatile memory, stores the image data received from the image acquisition unit 4 in the nonvolatile memory, and receives it from the composition determination unit 6 or the control unit 8. This is a part for reading out the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the instruction signal and outputting the read image data in accordance with the instruction signal.

(Composition Determination Unit) The composition determination unit 6 compares the image data stored in the image data storage unit 5 and the image data captured by the imaging unit 3 with the composition pattern image stored in the composition pattern image storage unit 7. This is a part for determining whether or not the compared compositions match in a predetermined condition. Various methods that have been used so far may be appropriately used for composition determination. Note that the composition determination unit 6 includes face detection means for extracting the position and size of the person from the image data in order to determine the composition.

(Composition Pattern Image Storage Unit) The composition pattern image storage unit 7 is an optimum composition pattern image for comparing the composition with the image data stored in the image data storage unit 5 and a non-optimal composition corresponding to the optimum composition pattern image. a part for storing the induction advice information to induce pattern image, and the composition less than optimal indicated composition pattern image not optimum to optimal composition showing the optimum composition pattern image, received from the composition determination unit 6 or the controller 8 This is a part for reading information according to the instruction signal and outputting the read information according to the instruction signal. If there is explanatory information corresponding to the guidance advice information, it may be given to the corresponding guidance advice information and stored in the composition pattern information storage unit 7.

(Control unit) Executes a process of reading guidance advice information corresponding to a composition pattern image that is not optimal from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 and outputting the information to the information output unit 9, or a process of prompting the photographer to perform an imaging operation Or a process for displaying the second image data corresponding to the optimal composition pattern image having the same composition on the display unit 10 (not shown).

Further, the control unit 8 executes a process for causing the image acquisition unit 4 to acquire the image data (determined to be the same as the optimal composition pattern image by the composition determination unit 6) from the imaging unit 3 as the second image data. Alternatively, the image acquisition unit 4 that has received an instruction from the control unit 8 causes the image data storage unit 5 to store the acquired second image data. Further, the control unit 8 may execute a process for causing the information output unit 9 to output explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information.

(Information Output Unit) The information output unit 9 is a part for outputting information to the operator. The information output unit 9 functions as a user interface together with the operation unit 2 for the imaging device 1 and provides various information to the imager. Take on. Specifically, the display unit 10, the lamp, the sound output unit, and the like are included, but any means may be used as long as it can provide various information to the photographer. The display unit 10 is a part that mainly displays image data picked up by the image pickup unit 3 and image data stored in the image data storage unit 5, and information other than the image data is also adjusted to the display unit 10. May be displayed.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, when the imaging device 1 accepts an imaging operation in the operation unit 2 (ST301), the image acquisition unit 4 acquires the first image data captured by the imaging unit 3 from the imaging unit 3, and acquires it. The first image data is stored in the image data storage unit 5 (ST302), the composition determination unit 6 reads a non-optimal composition pattern image from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST303), and the composition determination unit 6 The composition of the image data of 1 is compared with the composition of the read non-optimal composition pattern image (ST304), and the composition determination unit 6 determines whether or not the two compositions match under a predetermined condition (ST305). and the process ends if there is no match, the induction advice if they match, the control unit 8, which corresponds to the composition pattern image not optimum that matched the composition The information is read from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST306), the control unit 8 outputs the read guidance advice information to the information output unit 9 (ST307), and the composition determination unit 6 captures the second image captured by the imaging unit 3. -1 image data is acquired from the imaging unit 3 (ST308), the composition determination unit 6 reads the optimum composition pattern image from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST309), and the composition determination unit 6 receives the 2-1 The composition of the image data is compared with the composition of the read optimum composition pattern image (ST310), and the composition determination unit 6 determines whether or not both compositions match under a predetermined condition (ST311). If YES in step ST308, the control unit 8 executes processing for prompting the imager to perform an imaging operation (ST312). When the imaging operation is accepted (ST313), the image acquisition unit 4 acquires the 2-2nd image data captured by the imaging unit 3 from the imaging unit 3, and the acquired 2-2nd image data is image data. The data is stored in the storage unit 5 (ST314), and the control unit 8 reads the 2-2nd image data from the image data storage unit 5 and causes the display unit 10 to display the read 2-2nd image data (ST315). ), The process is terminated.

There are various methods for “processing to prompt the imager to perform an imaging operation” in ST312, and any means may be used as long as the imager can be prompted to perform an imaging operation. Specifically, the lamp included in the information output unit 9 blinks, the instruction information for prompting the imaging operation is displayed on the display unit 10 included in the information output unit 9, and the audio output included in the information output unit 9 The instruction information for prompting the imaging operation from the unit may be output as voice.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, when the composition of the image data (second image data) captured by the image capturing unit 3 matches the composition of the optimum composition pattern image, the image capturing apparatus 1 automatically captures an image without having to manually perform the image capturing operation. This is the process when

In the figure, when the imaging apparatus 1 accepts an imaging operation in the operation unit 2 (ST401), the image acquisition unit 4 acquires the first image data captured by the imaging unit 3 from the imaging unit 3, and acquires the first image data. The first image data is stored in the image data storage unit 5 (ST402), the composition determination unit 6 reads a non-optimal composition pattern image from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST403), and the composition determination unit 6 The composition of the image data of 1 is compared with the composition of the read non-optimal composition pattern image (ST404), and the composition determination unit 6 determines whether or not both compositions match under a predetermined condition (ST405). and the process ends if there is no match, the matched case, the control unit 8, the induction advice corresponding to the composition pattern image not optimum that matched the composition The information is read from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST406), the control unit 8 outputs the read guidance advice information to the information output unit 9 (ST407), and the composition determination unit 6 captures the second image captured by the imaging unit 3. Is acquired from the imaging unit 3 (ST408), the composition determination unit 6 reads the optimum composition pattern image from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST409), and the composition determination unit 6 composes the second image data. Are compared with the composition of the read optimal composition pattern image (ST410), and the composition determination unit 6 determines whether or not the two compositions match under a predetermined condition (ST411). Returning to ST408, if they match, the control unit 8 causes the image acquisition unit 4 to acquire the second image data from the imaging unit 3, and the image acquisition unit 4 acquires the acquired second image data. The image data is stored in the image data storage unit 5 (ST412), and the control unit 8 reads the second image data from the image data storage unit 5 and causes the display unit 10 to display the read second image data ( ST413), the process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The figure, a first image data that matches the pre-defined conditions and the composition of the composition pattern image not optimum, the second image data (second in ST 315 2-2 match in advance determined conditions the composition of optimal composition pattern image And the second image data in ST413) are displayed side by side on the display unit 10.

In the drawing, in the imaging apparatus 1, when the second image data is stored in the image data storage unit 5 by the image acquisition unit 4 (ST501), the control unit 8 receives the second image data from the image data storage unit 5. At the same time, the first image data is acquired (ST502), the control unit 8 displays the acquired second image data together with the first image data on the display unit 10 (ST503), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

This figure shows a process in the case where explanatory information corresponding to so-called poop is output to the photographer. In the figure, in the imaging apparatus 1, when the guidance advice information is output to the information output unit 9 by the control unit 8 (ST601), the explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information output by the control unit 8 to the information output unit 9 is provided. Is read from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST602), the control unit 8 causes the information output unit 9 to output the read guidance advice information (ST603), and the process ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

This figure shows processing in a case different from that in FIG. In the figure, when the second image data is displayed on the display unit 10 by the control unit 8 (ST701), the imaging apparatus 1 captures the second image data output to the information output unit 9 by the control unit 8. The explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information used in the above is read from the composition pattern image storage unit 7 (ST702), and the control unit 8 causes the information output unit 9 to output the read guidance advice information (ST703) to perform the processing. finish.

Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention 1 is a hardware block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the operation example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the operation example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the operation example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the operation example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the operation example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 2 Operation part 3 Imaging part 4 Image acquisition part 5 Image data storage part 6 Composition determination part 7 Composition pattern image storage part 8 Control part 9 Information output part 10 Display part

Claims (8)

The image data picked up by the image pickup means is stored in the image data storage means according to the image pickup operation of the image pickup person, the composition of the image data is determined by the composition determination means, and the image pickup person is advised based on the determination result. An optimal composition pattern image for comparison with the image data, a non-optimal composition pattern image corresponding to the optimal composition pattern image, and a non-optimal composition indicated by the non-optimal composition pattern image. Composition pattern image storage means for storing guidance advice information for guiding to the optimum composition indicated by the optimum composition pattern image in association with the optimum composition pattern image; and first to the image data storage means according to the imaging operation of the photographer. Is stored, the first image data stored in the image data storage means is stored. Are compared by the composition is the composition and the composition determination means composition pattern image not optimum above, the induction advice information when both of the composition is determined to match the conditions set in advance to the photographer by the composition determination means The composition of the second image data picked up by the image pickup means is compared with the composition of the optimum composition pattern image by the composition determination means, and the composition determination means sets both compositions in a predetermined condition. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prompts the image pickup person to perform an image pickup operation when it is determined that they match. When the second image data is stored in the image data storage unit, the control unit displays the second image data stored in the image data storage unit side by side with the first image data on the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit automatically acquires the second image data when the composition determination unit determines that the composition of the second image data and the composition of the optimum composition pattern image match in a predetermined condition. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data storage unit stores the image data in the image data storage unit. The composition pattern image storage means further stores the explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information, and the control means outputs the guidance data when the guidance advice information is output to the photographer. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the description information is output to the photographer when displayed on a display unit. The image data picked up by the image pickup means is stored in the image data storage means according to the image pickup operation of the image pickup person, the composition of the image data is determined by the composition determination means, and the image pickup person is advised based on the determination result. An imaging support method using an imaging apparatus that provides an optimal composition pattern image for comparison with the image data, a non-optimal composition pattern image corresponding to the optimal composition pattern image, and the non-optimal composition pattern image and previously stored in the composition pattern image storing means for inducing advice information associated with the optimal composition pattern image derived from the composition not optimal to optimal composition indicated the optimal composition pattern image shown,
When the first image data is stored in the image data storage unit according to the imaging operation of the photographer, the composition determination unit displays the composition of the first image data stored in the image data storage unit. Comparing with a composition of a non-optimal composition pattern image, the composition determination means determines whether or not the composition of the first image data and the composition of the non-optimal composition pattern image match in a predetermined condition, The control means outputs the guidance advice information to the photographer when the composition judgment means judges that the two compositions match, and the composition judgment means outputs the second image captured by the imaging means. The composition of the image data of the second image data is compared with the composition of the optimum composition pattern image, and the composition judging means is configured to compose the composition of the second image data and the optimum composition pattern image. The control means urges the photographer to perform an imaging operation when it is determined by the composition determination means that the two compositions match. An imaging support method. When the second image data is stored in the image data storage unit, the control unit displays the second image data stored in the image data storage unit side by side with the first image data on the display unit. The imaging support method according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit automatically acquires the second image data when the composition determination unit determines that the composition of the second image data and the composition of the optimum composition pattern image match in a predetermined condition. And storing the image data in the image data storage means. Explanation information corresponding to the guidance advice information is further associated and stored in the composition pattern image storage means, and the control means outputs the guidance advice information to the photographer, or the image The imaging support method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the description information is output to the photographer when data is displayed on a display unit.