JP4506779B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program for imaging a subject.

In a general digital still camera, a photometric value is obtained by average photometry, center-weighted photometry, etc., and automatic exposure control is performed using the obtained photometric value. When the automatic exposure control is finished, automatic focusing control is performed.
However, when a desired subject such as a person does not exist in the center of the shooting range, accurate automatic exposure control and automatic focusing control may not be performed. For this purpose, an object that detects an object such as a face and performs automatic exposure control (for example, see Patent Document 1), an object that performs automatic focusing control (for example, see Patent Document 2), automatic exposure control and automatic focusing There is one that performs both of the controls (for example, see Patent Document 3). Furthermore, there is also a technique for detecting a face by performing photographing a plurality of times while changing the exposure amount in order to ensure the detection of the face (for example, see Patent Document 4).
JP 2003-107555 A JP 2003-107335 A JP 2003-344891 A JP 2007-5966 A

  However, in the case of Patent Documents 1 to 4 and the like, the detection performance is guaranteed only to a certain angle from the “front face” to the “side face” of the person who is the subject. That is, for example, when a person is completely turned sideways, the face cannot be detected and the subject is lost ("lost" state). Also, for example, if the subject moves naturally without being conscious of the camera, the subject may turn down, turn up, or look deep in the eyes. Face detection fails.

With the recent improvement in face detection technology, the guaranteed values of the upper, lower, left and right angles of the face have improved year by year, so that even if the face is facing sideways, the face can be detected successfully. However, in the current situation, face detection cannot be performed properly if the face is completely turned sideways or turned downward.
As described above, when face detection fails, there is a problem that a desired subject is lost and the subject cannot be properly imaged.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and a program that can reduce the time for losing sight of a subject and appropriately capture the subject.

The imaging device of the invention according to claim 1
Imaging means for continuously imaging a subject to generate a plurality of image frames;
Face detection means for detecting a face image of the subject from the plurality of image frames generated by the imaging means;
Face detection determination means for determining whether the face image is in a detection state or a non-detection state according to a result of the face detection by the face detection means;
When the face detection determining unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face image corresponding unit corresponding to the face image is tracked between adjacent image frames of the plurality of image frames. A face image corresponding part tracking means;
Imaging control means for performing imaging control based on the face image detected by the face detection means and the face image corresponding part tracked by the face image corresponding part tracking means.

The invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The face image corresponding unit tracking means includes:
First coordinate acquisition means for acquiring coordinates of the face image detected by the face detection means;
When the face detection determination unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face image corresponding unit is specified based on the coordinates of the face image acquired by the first coordinate acquisition unit. A face image corresponding part specifying means;
And second coordinate acquisition means for acquiring the coordinates of the face image corresponding part specified by the face image corresponding part specifying means and tracked by the face image corresponding part tracking means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
When the face detection determination unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face detection unit performs face detection on the vicinity of the coordinates acquired by the second coordinate acquisition unit. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 4 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
A non-detection time measuring means for measuring the time in the non-detection state when the face detection determination means determines that the face image is in a non-detection state;
A non-detection time determination unit that determines whether or not a time measured by the non-detection time measurement unit exceeds a predetermined time;
When it is determined by the non-detection time determination means that the predetermined time has been exceeded, the face detection means performs face detection on an area wider than the predetermined area.

Invention of Claim 5 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The imaging control means includes
Focusing position adjusting means for adjusting the focusing position of the imaging lens provided in the imaging means;
Brightness adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of the image frame based on the brightness of a predetermined area of the image frame imaged by the imaging means;
A color tone adjusting unit that adjusts a color tone of the image frame based on a color tone of a predetermined area of the image frame captured by the imaging unit;
At the time of imaging of the subject by the imaging means, at least one of brightness adjustment processing by the brightness adjustment related processing execution means and color tone adjustment processing by the color tone adjustment processing execution means in the detection state of the face image Controlling the execution of the focus position adjustment process by the focus position adjustment means, while controlling the execution of the focus position adjustment process by the focus position adjustment means in the non-detection state of the face image. It is characterized by.

The program of the invention described in claim 6 is:
In an imaging apparatus comprising imaging means for continuously imaging a subject and generating a plurality of image frames,
A face detecting function for detecting a face image of the subject from the plurality of image frames generated by the imaging means;
A function of determining whether the face image is in a detected state or a non-detected state according to a result of face detection processing;
A function of tracking a face image corresponding unit corresponding to the face image between adjacent image frames of the plurality of image frames when it is determined that the face image is not detected;
A function of controlling the imaging of the image captured by the imaging unit based on the face image detected by the face detection process and the tracked face image corresponding unit;
A function of stopping tracking of the face image corresponding unit when it is determined that the face image corresponding unit is in a detection state after the tracking of the face image corresponding unit is started;
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time for which a subject whose face has been detected is chased for a longer time and lose sight of the subject. It can be carried out.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment executes a face detection process for detecting the face image of the subject, and when the face image F (see FIG. 2) is not detected, the face image corresponding unit C corresponding to the face image F. (See FIG. 5) is tracked by moving body analysis, and image pickup control of the image to be taken is performed based on the face image F detected by the face detection process and the face image corresponding unit C tracked by the moving body analysis.
Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an imaging auxiliary unit 2, a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a recording medium 5, a USB terminal 6, and a time count. A unit 7 and a control unit 8 are provided.

  The imaging unit 1 generates a plurality of image frames G,... Specifically, the imaging unit 1 includes an imaging lens group 11, an electronic imaging unit 12, a video signal processing unit 13, an image memory 14, a shooting control unit 15, and the like.

The imaging lens group 11 includes a plurality of imaging lenses.
The electronic imaging unit 12 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that converts a subject image that has passed through the imaging lens group 11 into a two-dimensional image signal, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor), and the like.
The video signal processing unit 13 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the electronic imaging unit 12.
The image memory 14 temporarily stores the image signal after image processing.

  The imaging control unit 15 controls the electronic imaging unit 12 and the video signal processing unit 13 under the control of the CPU 81. Specifically, the imaging control unit 15 causes the electronic imaging unit 12 to image a subject with a predetermined exposure time, and reads an image signal (image frame G) from the imaging area of the electronic imaging unit 12 at a predetermined frame rate. Control the execution of

  The imaging auxiliary unit 2 is driven when the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1, and includes, for example, a focus driving unit 21, a zoom driving unit 22, a strobe light emitting unit 23, a strobe driving unit 24, and the like. .

The focus drive unit 21 drives a focus mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens group 11.
The zoom drive unit 22 drives a zoom mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens group 11.
The strobe driving unit 24 causes the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit light.
The focus driving unit 21, zoom driving unit 22, and strobe driving unit 24 are connected to the shooting control unit 15 and are driven under the control of the shooting control unit 15.

  The display unit 3 displays an image captured by the imaging unit 1, and includes, for example, a display control unit 31, an image display unit 32, and the like.

  The display control unit 31 includes a video memory (not shown) that temporarily stores display data output from the CPU 81 as appropriate.

The image display unit 32 includes a liquid crystal monitor that displays a predetermined image such as an image (see FIG. 2 and the like) captured by the imaging unit 1 based on an output signal from the display control unit 31.
The image display unit 32 displays a face detection frame A1 (see FIG. 2 and the like) superimposed on the face image detected in the face detection process (described later). Specifically, for example, when a person H wearing a soap bubble is imaged as a main subject, the image display unit 32 causes the person H to place the soap bubble creation device in a predetermined direction as shown in FIGS. A plurality of image frames G relating to the moving state are sequentially displayed. At this time, when the face image F is detected by the face detection process, the image display unit 32 displays a substantially rectangular face detection frame A1 superimposed on the face image F.
Further, the image display unit 32 displays the tracking frame A2 (see FIG. 5) in a manner superimposed on the face image corresponding unit C tracked in the moving body tracking process (described later). Specifically, when the person H faces backwards and the face image F is not detected, the image display unit 32 superimposes the face image corresponding unit C to be tracked in the moving body tracking process to form a substantially rectangular tracking frame. A2 is displayed.
If the face image corresponding unit C is lost or the tracking of the face image corresponding unit C is stopped in the second tracking stop process (described later) during the tracking of the face image corresponding unit C, the image display unit 32 Then, the superimposed display of the tracking frame A2 on the captured image is stopped (see FIG. 7).

  The face detection frame A1 and the tracking frame A2 are illustrated as being substantially rectangular, but the frame shape is not limited to this, and the face detection frame A1 and the tracking image A2 are associated with the face image F and the face image corresponding unit C. Any shape can be used.

  The operation unit 4 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, an operation input unit 41 including a shutter button 41a and the like, an input circuit 42 and the like.

  The shutter button 41a instructs the imaging unit 1 to image the subject. The shutter button 41a is configured to be capable of two-stage pressing operation, for example, a half-pressing operation and a full-pressing operation, and outputs a predetermined operation signal corresponding to each operation stage. Specifically, when the shutter button 41a is pressed halfway, under the control of the control unit 8, automatic focusing processing (AF), automatic exposure processing (AE), flash light control processing (FE), color tone An execution instruction for adjustment processing or the like is output, and when the full-press operation is performed, an execution instruction for imaging the main image (recorded image) by the imaging unit 1 is output.

  The input circuit 42 is for inputting an operation signal input from the operation input unit 41 to the CPU 81.

  The recording medium 5 is configured by, for example, a card-type nonvolatile memory (flash memory), a hard disk, or the like, and stores a plurality of image files G of images captured by the imaging unit 1.

  The USB terminal 6 is a terminal for connection with an external device, and transmits and receives data via a USB cable (not shown).

  The timer unit 7 is configured to include, for example, a timer, a timer circuit, and the like. Then, the time measuring unit 7 serves as a non-detection time measuring unit when the face detection determination process (described later) determines that the face image F is in the non-detection state under the control of the control unit 8. Time the detection state.

  The control unit 8 controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, a CPU 81, a program memory 82, a data memory 83, and the like.

  The CPU 81 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 82.

The data memory 83 is composed of, for example, a flash memory, and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 81.
Specifically, the data memory 83 stores the coordinates (face coordinates) of the face image F acquired in the first coordinate acquisition process (described later) or the second coordinate acquisition process (described later).

  The program memory 82 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 81. Specifically, the program memory 82 includes a face detection program 82a, a first coordinate acquisition program 82b, a face detection determination program 82c, a face image corresponding portion specifying program 82d, a face image corresponding portion tracking program 82e, and a second coordinate acquisition. Program 82f, first tracking stop program 82g, focus position adjustment program 82h, exposure condition adjustment program 82i, strobe light emission amount adjustment program 82j, color tone adjustment program 82k, first imaging control program 82l, second imaging control program 82m, a non-detection time determination program 82n, a second tracking stop program 82o, and the like are stored.

The face detection program 82a causes the CPU 81 to function as face detection means. That is, the face detection program 82a is a program for causing the CPU 81 to realize a function related to execution of face detection processing for sequentially detecting the face of the subject from each of the plurality of image frames G,... Generated by the imaging unit 1. .
Specifically, based on the execution of the face detection program 82a by the CPU 81, the face image search range R1 is set for one image frame G (for example, image frame G _n-1 ) among the plurality of image frames G,. The face image search frame A3 (see FIG. 8) is scanned as a whole image in a predetermined direction to identify feature parts (face parts) corresponding to the eyes, nose, bout, etc. It is determined whether or not there is a face, and if it is determined to be a face, the search frame region is regarded as a face image F. When the face image F is detected in the predetermined image frame G, as shown in FIG. 9, in the next image frame G (for example, the image frame G _n ), the vicinity of the detected face image F is detected. Face detection is performed using the predetermined area as the face image search range R1.
When the face image F is detected, the image display unit 32 displays the face detection frame A1 so as to be superimposed on the face image F (see FIG. 2).

In the non-detection state of the face image, based on the execution of the face detection program 82a by the CPU 81, the face is determined based on the coordinates of the face image corresponding unit C acquired by the second coordinate acquisition process (described later). To detect.
That is, in the non-detection state of the face image F, the CPU 81 updates the face coordinates stored in the data memory 83 with the coordinates of the face image corresponding part C, and the vicinity of the coordinates of the face image corresponding part C in the image frame G Is detected as a face image search range R1.

The first coordinate acquisition program 82b causes the CPU 81 to function as first coordinate acquisition means. That is, the first coordinate acquisition program 82b is a program for causing the CPU 81 to realize a function related to the first coordinate acquisition process for acquiring the coordinates (face coordinates) of the face image F detected by the face detection process. .
Specifically, the CPU 81 executes the first coordinate acquisition program 82b, so that each corner of the face detection frame A1 displayed on the image display unit 32 is superimposed on the face image F detected by the face detection process. The coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ), (x ₁ , y ₂ ), (x ₂ , y ₁ ), and (x ₂ , y ₂ ) of the part are acquired (see FIG. 10).

  The face detection determination program 82c causes the CPU 81 to function as face detection determination means. That is, the CPU 81 executes the face detection determination program 82c to determine whether the face image F is detected or not detected according to the result of the face detection process.

  The face image corresponding part specifying program 82d causes the CPU 81 to function as a face image corresponding part specifying unit. That is, when the CPU 81 executes the face image corresponding part specifying program 82d to determine that the face image F is not detected in the face detection determination process, the CPU 81 acquires the first coordinate acquisition process. Based on the coordinates (face coordinates) of the face image F, the face image corresponding portion C is specified.

  The face image corresponding part tracking program 82e causes the CPU 81 to function as a face image corresponding part tracking unit. That is, when the CPU 81 executes the face image corresponding part tracking program 82e and determines that the face image F is not detected in the face detection determination process, the CPU 81 next to the plurality of image frames G,. The face image corresponding part C corresponding to the face image F is tracked by moving body analysis between matching image frames.

  The second coordinate acquisition program 82f causes the CPU 81 to function as second coordinate acquisition means. That is, the CPU 81 executes the second coordinate acquisition program 82f to acquire the coordinates of the face image corresponding unit C tracked by the moving body tracking process.

Here, the moving body analysis will be described in detail.
First, when the face image F is not detected, the face coordinates stored in the data memory 83 are acquired based on the execution of the face image corresponding part specifying program 82d by the CPU 81, and the area surrounded by the face coordinates Is identified as the face image corresponding part C. Thereafter, based on the execution of the face image corresponding part tracking program 82e by the CPU 81, image information such as luminance information and color information of the face image corresponding part C is used as a template for the next image frame G (for example, image frame G _{n + m} ). Then, a predetermined moving object search range R2 in the vicinity of the face coordinates is scanned in a predetermined direction to perform matching, and a portion having the highest approximation is set as a face image corresponding portion C (see FIG. 11).
Then, the edge of the face image corresponding part C determined to have the highest approximation is set as the tracking frame A2, and the coordinates of each corner of the tracking frame A2 are determined based on the execution of the second coordinate acquisition program 82f by the CPU 81. After the acquisition, the face coordinates stored in the data memory 83 are updated with the coordinates of the tracking frame A2. Furthermore, image information such as luminance information and color information of the tracking frame A2 is updated as a template.
The template used for matching is updated by sequentially executing the above processing on each of the continuous image frames G,... Generated by the imaging unit 1. Therefore, even if the subject changes over time, the face image corresponding unit C can be tracked as a moving object.

  The first tracking stop program 82g causes the CPU 81 to function as face detection tracking stop means. That is, by executing the first tracking stop program 82g, the CPU 81 starts the tracking of the face image corresponding unit C, and determines that the face image F is detected in the face detection determination process. The tracking of the corresponding part C is stopped. Specifically, when the detection state of the face image F is reached, the display of the tracking frame A2 of the image display unit 32 is stopped and the tracking of the face image corresponding unit C is stopped.

  The focus position adjustment program 82h causes the CPU 81 to function as a focus position adjustment unit. That is, the CPU 81 adjusts the focus position of the imaging lens group 11 of the imaging unit 1 by executing the focus position adjustment program 82h. Specifically, based on the half-press operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the focus detection unit moves the imaging lens in the optical axis direction by using the focus detection unit with the face detection frame A1 and the tracking frame A2 as a distance measurement area. adjust.

  The exposure condition adjustment program 82i causes the CPU 81 to function as brightness adjustment means. Specifically, based on the half-press operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the CPU 81 executes the exposure condition adjustment program 82i, and when the imaging unit 1 performs imaging using the face detection frame A1 (predetermined area) as a photometric area. An automatic exposure process for adjusting exposure conditions (for example, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) is performed.

The strobe emission amount adjustment program 82j causes the CPU 81 to function as brightness adjustment means. Specifically, based on the half-press operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the CPU 81 executes the strobe light emission amount adjustment program 82j, and the strobe driving unit 24 pre-flashes the image in the image frame G. Flash light adjustment processing is performed to adjust the flash light emission amount (light emission time) from the reflected light amount of the portion corresponding to the face detection frame A1 (predetermined region).
When the face detection frame A1 is not displayed on the image display unit 32, that is, when the face image F is not detected, based on the execution of the exposure condition adjustment program 82i by the CPU 81, It is also possible to adjust the strobe emission amount from the average brightness of the entire screen by focusing light metering at the center.

  As described above, the CPU 81 is based on the brightness of the face detection frame A1 (predetermined area) of the image frame G imaged by the imaging unit 1 based on the execution of the exposure condition adjustment program 82i and the strobe light emission amount adjustment program 82j. Then, the brightness of the image frame G is adjusted.

  The color tone adjustment program 82k causes the CPU 81 to function as a color tone adjustment unit. That is, the CPU 81 executes the color tone adjustment program 82k to adjust the color tone of the image frame G based on the color tone in the face detection frame A1 (predetermined area) of the image frame G imaged by the imaging unit 1. Specifically, based on the half-pressing operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the skin color tone of the face image F is adjusted based on the color tone in the face detection frame A1 of the image frame G. Adjust the color tone.

  The first imaging control program 82l is based on the detected face image F when the user presses the shutter button 41a halfway in the detection state of the face image F during imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1. The CPU 81 is caused to realize a function related to the first imaging control process for controlling the execution of the automatic focusing process, the automatic exposure process, the flash light control process, and the color tone adjustment process.

  The second imaging control program 82m is a face image tracked by moving body analysis when the user presses the shutter button 41a halfway in the non-detection state of the face image F during imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1. Based on the corresponding unit C, the CPU 81 is caused to realize a function related to the second imaging control process for controlling the execution of the automatic focusing process.

  As described above, the CPU 81 is based on the first imaging control program 82l and the second imaging control program 82m, and the focusing position adjustment program 82h, the exposure condition adjustment program 82i, the strobe light emission amount adjustment program 82j, and the color tone adjustment program 82k. The image capturing unit 1 controls image capturing based on the face image F detected by the face detection process and the face image corresponding unit C tracked by moving body analysis as an image capturing control unit. .

  The non-detection time determination program 82n causes the CPU 81 to function as non-detection time determination means. That is, the non-detection time determination program 82n determines whether or not the time in which the face image F measured by the time measuring unit 7 is in the non-detection state has exceeded a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds). It is a program for causing the CPU 81 to realize functions related to processing.

The second tracking stop program 82o causes the CPU 81 to function as time tracking stop means. That is, the second tracking stop program 82o determines that the face image F non-detection time has exceeded a predetermined time in the non-detection time determination process, and the face image corresponding unit C based on moving body analysis. This is a program for causing the CPU 81 to realize a function related to the process of stopping the tracking of the image.
Specifically, in the face image non-detection state, the person H as the main subject may be hidden behind the obstacle or moved to a dark place, so that the person H may be lost. When the non-detected state of the image F exceeds a predetermined time, the display of the tracking frame A2 of the image display unit 32 is stopped based on the execution of the second tracking stop program 82o by the CPU 81, and the face image is supported. Stop tracking part C.

Next, imaging processing will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts illustrating an example of operations related to imaging processing.
In the following imaging process, it is assumed that one person H is captured as an object at an angle of view.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is started, the CPU 81 reads and executes the face detection program 82 a from the program memory 82, and a plurality of image frames G generated by the imaging unit 1, ... For one image frame G (for example, image frame G _n−1 ; see FIG. 8), scans the face image search frame A3 using the face image search range R1 as a whole image to detect the face image F (step S1).
Next, the CPU 81 reads and executes the face detection determination program 82c from the program memory 82, and executes face detection determination to determine whether the face image F is detected or not (step S2). . If it is determined that the face image F is not detected (non-detected state) (step S2; NO), the face image F is searched by shifting the scanning position of the face image search frame A3.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the face image F has been detected (detected state) (step S2; YES), the CPU 81 controls the timer 7 to measure the non-detection time of the face image F. The timer counter to be cleared is cleared (step S3). Further, the CPU 81 controls the image display unit 32 to display the face detection frame A1 so as to be superimposed on the face image F.

  Then, the CPU 81 reads out and executes the first coordinate acquisition program 82 b from the program memory 82, acquires the coordinates (face coordinates) of the face image F detected by the face detection process, and outputs them to the data memory 83. (Step S4), the face coordinates are recorded (step S5).

  Thereafter, when the user presses the shutter button 41a halfway (step S6; YES), the CPU 81 reads and executes the first imaging control program 82l from the program memory 82, and is detected by the face detection process. Based on the face image F, execution of imaging control processing such as automatic focusing processing, automatic exposure processing, flash light control processing, and color tone adjustment processing is controlled (step S7). Thereafter, based on the full press operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the CPU 81 executes an imaging process that causes the imaging unit 1 to capture the main image (recorded image) according to the image quality (imaging condition) adjusted in the imaging control process. Is controlled (step S8).

On the other hand, if the user does not perform a half-press operation in step S6 (step S6; NO), the CPU 81 performs the next image frame G (for example, image frame G, for example) based on the execution of the face detection program 82a. _n ; see FIG. 9), the face image search frame A3 is scanned using the predetermined area near the detected face coordinates as the face image search range R1 to detect the face (step S9).

Subsequently, based on the execution of the face detection determination program 82c, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the face image F has been lost, that is, whether or not the face image F is in a detected state or a non-detected state ( Step S10). If the CPU 81 determines that the face image F has not been lost (detected state) (step S10; NO), the process returns to step S3.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the face image F has been lost (non-detection state) (step S10; YES), the CPU 81 controls the image display unit 32 to stop the display of the face detection frame A1. After that, the face image corresponding part specifying program 82d is read out from the program memory 82 and executed to read out and acquire the face coordinates stored in the data memory 83 (step S11), and the area surrounded by the face coordinates Is identified as the face image corresponding portion C, and image information such as luminance information and color information of the face image corresponding portion C is acquired (step S12).
Next, the CPU 81 reads and executes the face image corresponding portion tracking program 82e from the program memory 82, and executes the face image corresponding portion C in the next image frame G (for example, image frame G _{n + m;;} see FIG. 11). The predetermined moving object search range R2 in the vicinity of the face coordinates is scanned in a predetermined direction using the image information as a template (step S13), and matching is performed to evaluate the closeness of the image information (step S14). Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the template scanning within the moving object search range R2 is completed (step S15). If it is determined that the scanning is not completed (step S15; NO), the CPU 81 increments the scanning coordinates by a predetermined amount (step S16) and continues the scanning.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the scanning has been completed (step S15; YES), the CPU 81 sets the portion having the highest evaluation score for the closeness (face image corresponding portion C) as the tracking frame A2. Then, the second coordinate acquisition program 82f is read from the program memory 82 and executed, the coordinates of the tracking frame A2 are acquired as new face coordinates, and the face coordinates stored in the data memory 83 are updated. Further, image information such as luminance information and color information of the tracking frame A2 is updated as a template (step S17). Further, the CPU 81 controls the image display unit 32 to display the tracking frame A2 so as to be superimposed on the face image F.
The moving object analysis described above is sequentially performed on each of the continuous image frames G,... Generated by the imaging unit 1, thereby tracking the face image corresponding unit C as a moving object.

  Thereafter, when the user half-presses the shutter button 41a (step S18; YES), the CPU 81 reads out and executes the second imaging control program 82m from the program memory 82, and the face tracked by the moving body analysis. Based on the image corresponding part C, execution of imaging control processing such as automatic focusing processing is controlled (step S19). Thereafter, based on the user's full pressing operation of the shutter button 41a, the CPU 81 executes an imaging process in which the imaging unit 1 captures the main image (recorded image) according to the image quality (imaging condition) adjusted in the imaging control process. Is controlled (step S20).

On the other hand, if the user does not perform a half-press operation in step S18 (step S18; NO), the CPU 81 acquires the face acquired in the image frame G based on the execution of the face detection program 82a. Face detection is performed by scanning the face image search frame A3 using a predetermined area near the coordinates of the image corresponding portion C as the face image search range R1 (step S21).
Then, based on the execution of the face detection determination program 82c, the CPU 81 performs face detection determination for determining whether the face image F is detected or not (step S22). If it is determined that the face image F is detected (step S22; YES), the CPU 81 reads the first tracking stop program 82g from the program memory 82 and executes the first tracking stop program 82g to track the image display unit 32. After the display of the frame A2 is stopped and the tracking of the face image corresponding part C is stopped, the process returns to step S3.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S22 that the face image F is not detected (step S22; NO), the CPU 81 controls the timer 7 to measure the time in the non-detected state. The timer counter is incremented by starting (step S23).

Then, the CPU 81 reads out and executes the non-detection time determination program 82n from the program memory 82, and determines whether or not the time during which the face image F is in the non-detection state has exceeded a predetermined time (step S24). Here, if the CPU 81 determines that the non-detection time does not exceed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S11.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S24 that the non-detection time has exceeded the predetermined time (step S24; YES), the CPU 81 reads the second tracking stop program 82o from the program memory 82 and executes it. Then, after stopping the display of the tracking frame A2 of the image display unit 32 and stopping the tracking of the face image corresponding unit C, the process returns to step S1.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the face image F of the subject is detected and the coordinates are set as the face position. When the face image F is not detected, the face image corresponding part C corresponding to the face image F is identified from the coordinates of the face image F and tracked by moving body analysis. Furthermore, by updating the coordinates of the face image corresponding part C as the coordinates of the face position, even when the face image F is not detected, the face position can be properly detected by the moving body analysis. The subject can be followed for a longer time, and the time for losing sight of the subject can be reduced.
When the user presses the shutter button 41a halfway, the face position detected by the face detection process (coordinates of the face image F) or the face position tracked by moving body analysis (coordinates of the face image corresponding unit C) is displayed. Based on this, it is possible to appropriately capture the subject by appropriately performing the imaging control of the subject image captured by the imaging unit 1.

Further, if the face image F is detected when the subject is imaged, the automatic focusing process, the automatic exposure process, the flash light control process, and the color tone adjustment are performed based on the face position, while the face image F is detected. In the non-detection state, only the automatic focusing process is executed, so that it is possible to appropriately prevent an image capturing error. That is, in the non-detected state of the face image F, even if the face image corresponding part C is being tracked by moving body analysis, there is no guarantee that the subject is facing the face here. When the flash light control process, the color tone adjustment process, and the like are executed, the imaging control may fail. For example, if the subject is facing backwards and it is determined that the color of the hair is backlit from the black color of the hair, and the exposure is increased, the image will be extremely overblown.
Accordingly, when the face image F is not detected, only the automatic focusing process is executed without executing the automatic exposure process, the flash light adjustment process, the color tone adjustment process, and the like, so that the subject can be focused. It is possible to properly prevent image capturing mistakes.

  Furthermore, if the time in which the face image F is not detected exceeds a predetermined time, there is a possibility that the subject is not in the frame. By stopping, it is possible to prepare for the next opportunity to detect the face image F, and the subject can be appropriately captured.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the imaging process, the case where a single person H is captured at the angle of view is described as an example. For example, when there are a plurality of persons H, priority is given to face recognition in a predetermined order. The face detection process may be performed on the person H by arbitrarily selecting the person H each time the face detection process is performed or the face image F is not detected.

In the above embodiment, the automatic focusing process, the automatic exposure process, the flash light adjustment process, and the color tone adjustment process are exemplified as the imaging control process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging control of the captured image is performed. Any process may be used as long as it is a process.
That is, in the first imaging control process, the execution of the automatic focusing process, the automatic exposure process, the flash light control process, and the color tone adjustment process is controlled, but the execution of the other imaging control processes is controlled. Anyway. Further, in the first imaging control process, it is not always necessary to perform both the brightness adjustment process and the color tone adjustment process such as the automatic exposure process and the flash light control process, and at least one of the processes may be performed. . In addition, in the second imaging control process, the execution of only the automatic focusing process is controlled. However, in the imaging control process other than the automatic exposure process, the flash light control process, and the color tone adjustment process, the whiteout has occurred. You may make it control execution of the process which does not cause imaging mistakes, such as an image.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, face detection means, first coordinate acquisition means, face detection determination means, face image corresponding part specifying means, face image corresponding part tracking means, second coordinate acquisition means, face detection tracking stop means The CPU 81 functions as an imaging control unit, a focus position adjustment unit, a brightness adjustment unit, a color tone adjustment unit, a first imaging control unit, a second imaging control unit, a non-detection time determination unit, and a time tracking stop unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the program may be configured by a logic circuit or the like for realizing various functions.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the face detection process by the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the face detection process by the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st coordinate acquisition process by the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the moving body tracking process by the imaging device of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an imaging process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the continuation of the imaging process of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Imaging device 1 Imaging unit (imaging means)
3 Display part 7 Timekeeping part (non-detection time measuring means)
81 CPU (face detection means, first coordinate acquisition means, face detection determination means, face image corresponding part specifying means, face image corresponding part tracking means, second coordinate acquisition means, face detection tracking stop means, imaging control means, (Focus position adjustment means, brightness adjustment means, color tone adjustment means, non-detection time determination means, time tracking stop means)
A1 face detection frame A2 tracking frame C face image corresponding part F face image R1 face image search range R2 moving object search range

Claims (6)

Imaging means for continuously imaging a subject to generate a plurality of image frames;
Face detection means for detecting a face image of the subject from the plurality of image frames generated by the imaging means;
Face detection determination means for determining whether the face image is in a detection state or a non-detection state according to a result of the face detection by the face detection means;
When the face detection determining unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face image corresponding unit corresponding to the face image is tracked between adjacent image frames of the plurality of image frames. A face image corresponding part tracking means;
Imaging control means for performing imaging control based on the face image detected by the face detection means and the face image corresponding part tracked by the face image corresponding part tracking means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The face image corresponding unit tracking means includes:
First coordinate acquisition means for acquiring coordinates of the face image detected by the face detection means;
When the face detection determination unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face image corresponding unit is specified based on the coordinates of the face image acquired by the first coordinate acquisition unit. A face image corresponding part specifying means;
2. A second coordinate acquisition unit that acquires the coordinates of the face image corresponding unit that has been specified by the face image corresponding unit specifying unit and tracked by the face image corresponding unit tracking unit. The imaging device described in 1.   When the face detection determination unit determines that the face image is not detected, the face detection unit performs face detection on the vicinity of the coordinates acquired by the second coordinate acquisition unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: A non-detection time measuring means for measuring the time in the non-detection state when the face detection determination means determines that the face image is in a non-detection state;
A non-detection time determination unit that determines whether or not a time measured by the non-detection time measurement unit exceeds a predetermined time;
4. The face detection unit according to claim 3, wherein when the non-detection time determination unit determines that a predetermined time has been exceeded, the face detection unit performs face detection on a region in a wider range than the predetermined region. Imaging device. The imaging control means includes
Focusing position adjusting means for adjusting the focusing position of the imaging lens provided in the imaging means;
Brightness adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of the image frame based on the brightness of a predetermined area of the image frame imaged by the imaging means;
A color tone adjusting unit that adjusts a color tone of the image frame based on a color tone of a predetermined area of the image frame captured by the imaging unit;
At the time of imaging of the subject by the imaging means, at least one of brightness adjustment processing by the brightness adjustment related processing execution means and color tone adjustment processing by the color tone adjustment processing execution means in the detection state of the face image Controlling the execution of the focus position adjustment process by the focus position adjustment means, while controlling the execution of the focus position adjustment process by the focus position adjustment means in the non-detection state of the face image. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein In an imaging apparatus comprising imaging means for continuously imaging a subject and generating a plurality of image frames,
A face detecting function for detecting a face image of the subject from the plurality of image frames generated by the imaging means;
A function of determining whether the face image is in a detected state or a non-detected state according to a result of face detection processing;
A function of tracking a face image corresponding unit corresponding to the face image between adjacent image frames of the plurality of image frames when it is determined that the face image is not detected;
A function of controlling the imaging of the image captured by the imaging unit based on the face image detected by the face detection process and the tracked face image corresponding unit;
A function of stopping tracking of the face image corresponding unit when it is determined that the face image corresponding unit is in a detection state after the tracking of the face image corresponding unit is started;
A program characterized by realizing.

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