JP5200534B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program for performing face detection processing for detecting a human face in an image frame.

Conventionally, a face that is selected as an AF target is detected by detecting a face from the image frame, making the detected face an autofocus (AF) target, and displaying a focus frame on the detected face portion. There is known a camera having a function of notifying a photographer of the above.
When a plurality of faces are detected in an image frame, this camera automatically selects one face as an AF target based on a predetermined selection criterion such as selecting the face with the largest area. If the automatically selected face is not the main person desired by the photographer, the photographer can manually select a new AF target face by key operation and switch the AF target. It is also possible to set a selection criterion for automatically selecting an AF target without using face detection such as the center priority mode or the closest priority mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-279601 A

    However, in Patent Document 1 and the like, when the face desired by the photographer is not selected by the first automatic selection, it is possible to reselect another face by manual selection. The operability in the case where the desired face cannot be selected immediately and manual selection is repeated until the desired face is selected has not been considered.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and a program that allow a photographer to easily and quickly select a desired face among a plurality of faces detected in an image frame. .

The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject to generate an image frame, a face detection unit that detects a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging unit, and the face detection unit. Corresponding to a reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to a predetermined process among at least one detected face and a plurality of different evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means A setting instruction input unit that inputs a setting instruction for an evaluation criterion associated with the instruction operation based on any one of the different instruction operations attached thereto, and input by the setting instruction input unit Based on the set setting instruction, the evaluation reference setting for sequentially setting the evaluation reference related to the setting instruction as the evaluation reference related to the specification of the reference face by the reference face specifying means A stage, and evaluating means for calculating an evaluation value by performing an evaluation based on the set criteria by the evaluation criterion setting means, and display means for displaying while sequentially updating the image frame is repeatedly captured by the image pickup means, Identification display means for performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means among a plurality of faces detected in the image frame displayed by the display means, The face specifying means specifies a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means is within a predetermined range among the plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means as the reference face, and the evaluation reference setting means When an operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation criteria are changed, while the previous operation instruction is changed by the setting instruction input means. If the same operation instruction is performed, the evaluation face range is determined when the reference face specifying means specifies the reference face by the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference without changing the evaluation reference. And when the display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means is performed, the reference display means is specified based on any of the plurality of evaluation criteria. It is characterized in that a display for further identifying whether it is a thing is performed .

An imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject to generate an image frame, and a face detection unit that detects a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging unit. The reference face specifying means for specifying the reference face to be subjected to a predetermined process among the at least one face detected by the face detecting means is different from the reference face specifying by the reference face specifying means. A setting instruction input means for inputting an instruction for setting an evaluation criterion associated with the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among different instruction operations associated with a plurality of evaluation criteria; Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input unit, the evaluation criterion related to the setting instruction is sequentially used as the evaluation criterion related to the specification of the reference face by the reference face specifying unit. An evaluation criterion setting unit, an evaluation unit that performs evaluation based on the evaluation criterion set by the evaluation criterion setting unit and calculates an evaluation value, and each time the instruction operation is performed, the evaluation criterion setting unit sequentially Reference face adding means for sequentially adding the reference faces newly specified by the reference face specifying means based on the set evaluation criteria, wherein the reference face specifying means is detected by the face detecting means. Among the plurality of faces to be evaluated, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit is within a predetermined range is specified as the reference face, and the evaluation reference setting unit is configured to determine a previous operation instruction by the setting instruction input unit. When a different operation instruction is given, the evaluation standard is changed. On the other hand, when the same operation instruction as the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation standard is changed. Without further it is characterized by changing the range of the evaluation value when the reference face identifying means by evaluation value calculated on the basis of the evaluation criteria to identify the reference face.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for detecting a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging unit, the computer of the imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that images the subject and generates an image frame. A reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to a predetermined process among at least one face detected by the face detecting means, and a reference face specifying means for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means. A setting instruction input means for inputting an instruction for setting an evaluation criterion associated with the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria; Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input means, an evaluation criterion related to the setting instruction is related to specification of the reference face by the reference face specifying means. Evaluation criteria setting means for sequentially setting as a price reference, evaluation means for calculating an evaluation value by performing evaluation based on the evaluation criteria set by the evaluation criteria setting means, and image frames repeatedly captured by the imaging means Display means for displaying while updating, and identification for performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means among a plurality of faces detected in the image frame displayed by the display means The reference face specifying means functions as a display means, and among the plurality of faces detected by the face detection means, a face having an evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means within a predetermined range is used as the reference face. The evaluation criterion setting unit changes the evaluation criterion when an operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input unit. Then, when the same operation instruction as the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the reference face specifying means does not change the evaluation reference, but uses the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference. A range of evaluation values for specifying a reference face is changed, and the identification display means performs a display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means. It is characterized in that a display for further identifying which of the criteria is specified based on the evaluation criteria .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that detects a face in a subject from the image frame generated by the image capturing unit by using a computer of an image capturing apparatus including an image capturing unit that captures an image of the subject and generates an image frame. A reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to a predetermined process among at least one face detected by the face detection means, and the reference face specifying means by the reference face specifying means. A setting instruction for inputting a setting instruction for setting an evaluation criterion associated with the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria according to the specification Based on the setting instruction input by the input means and the setting instruction input means, an evaluation criterion related to the setting instruction is determined by the reference by the reference face identifying means. Evaluation criteria setting means for sequentially setting as evaluation criteria related to identification, evaluation means for calculating an evaluation value by performing evaluation based on the evaluation criteria set by the evaluation criteria setting means, and each time the instruction operation is performed The reference face adding means for sequentially adding the reference faces newly specified by the reference face specifying means based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means, The specifying means specifies, as the reference face, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluating means is within a predetermined range among the plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means, and the evaluation reference setting means is the setting When an operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the instruction input means, the evaluation criteria are changed, while the same operation instruction as the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means. If the instruction is performed without changing the evaluation criteria, to change the range of the evaluation value when the reference face identifying means by evaluation value calculated on the basis of the evaluation criteria to identify the reference face It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of faces are detected in an image frame, the photographer can easily and quickly select a desired face.

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. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the imaging apparatus 100.

  The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a cursor button c11 of the operation unit 4 when specifying a reference face that is a reference for automatic focusing processing or automatic exposure processing among a plurality of faces detected by face detection processing. Each time c12, c13, and c14 are subjected to a predetermined operation, the reference face candidates among the plurality of faces are sequentially switched, and the switching reference for determining the switching order can be changed. . Specifically, a plurality of different evaluation criteria relating to the specification of the reference face are associated with each of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14, and the same evaluation criteria can be obtained by operating the same cursor button continuously. The face that is a candidate for the reference face can be switched in order from a good face to a bad face based on the evaluation value. In addition, the evaluation criteria can be changed by operating different cursor buttons, and the reference face is changed in order from a face with a good evaluation value based on the evaluation criteria before the change to a face with a good evaluation value based on the evaluation criteria after the change. The candidate face can be switched. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 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, A control unit 7 is provided.

  The imaging unit 1 generates a plurality of image frames G by continuously imaging a subject as an imaging unit. Specifically, the imaging unit 1 includes an imaging lens 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 11 is composed of a plurality of lenses.
The electronic imaging unit 12 is configured by a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or the like that converts a subject image that has passed through the imaging lens 11 into a two-dimensional image signal.
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 71. 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 assisting unit 2 is driven when the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1, and includes a focus driving unit 21, a zoom driving unit 22, and the like.

The focus drive unit 21 drives a focus mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens 11.
The zoom drive unit 22 drives a zoom mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens 11.
The focus driving unit 21 and the zoom driving unit 22 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 picked up by the image pickup unit 1 and is disposed so as to expose the display screen from the back side of the image pickup apparatus 100 (see FIG. 2 and the like). The display unit 3 includes 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 appropriately output from the CPU 71.

The image display unit 32 displays a predetermined image such as an image (see FIG. 3A and the like) captured by the imaging unit 1 based on an output signal from the display control unit 31 on the display screen.
The image display unit 32 displays the face detection frame A (see FIG. 3B and the like) by superimposing it on the face image detected in the face detection process (described later). Specifically, for example, when taking a group photo of four persons, the image display unit 32 sequentially displays a plurality of image frames G as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) to 7 (b). At this time, when a face is detected in the face detection process (see FIG. 3B), a substantially rectangular face detection frame A is displayed so as to be superimposed on the face.

Furthermore, the image display unit 32 determines the better evaluation value based on the evaluation value of the evaluation criterion set based on the pressing operation of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 (described later) of the selection determination button 41c. The reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are displayed so as to be superimposed on the reference face candidates that are sequentially selected.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the image display unit 32 is set by pressing each time the upper cursor button c11 of the selection determination button 41c is pressed. Based on the AF evaluation value (face contrast) as the evaluation reference, the reference face specifying process (described later) superimposes on the reference face candidates that are sequentially selected from the ones with the best AF evaluation value, and has a substantially rectangular shape. The reference face frame W1 is displayed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the image display unit 32 evaluates the evaluation set by the pressing operation every time the lower cursor button c12 of the selection determination button 41c is pressed. Based on the size of the face as a reference, a reference face frame W2 having a substantially rectangular shape is displayed by being superimposed on the reference face candidates sequentially selected from the larger face in the reference face specifying process.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the image display unit 32 evaluates the evaluation set by the pressing operation every time the left cursor button c13 of the selection determination button 41c is pressed. Based on the face color as a reference, a substantially rectangular reference face frame W3 is displayed by superimposing it on the reference face candidates set in order from the red face in the reference face specifying process.
Here, the image display unit 32 constitutes reference face identification display means for identifying and displaying the reference face every time the reference face is specified in the reference face specifying process.

  The reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 may be displayed in a different color from the face detection frame A. The plurality of reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are displayed in different colors according to the evaluation criteria in order to identify and display which of the plurality of evaluation criteria is specified based on the evaluation criteria. It may be displayed. That is, for example, the reference face frame W1 having the AF evaluation value as the evaluation criterion is displayed in red, the reference face frame W2 having the evaluation criterion as the face size is displayed in blue, and the reference face having the evaluation criterion as the hue of the face The frame W3 may be displayed in yellow, and a reference face frame (not shown) whose face is the evaluation reference may be displayed in green.

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

  The operation input unit 41 includes a shutter button 41a, a mode setting button 41b, a selection determination button 41c, and the like.

  The shutter button 41 a is provided on the upper surface of the body of the imaging apparatus 100 and instructs the imaging unit 1 to record a subject.

The mode setting button 41b is provided on the back side of the body of the imaging device 100, and instructs selection setting of a predetermined operation mode among a plurality of operation modes of the imaging device 100.
Here, examples of the operation mode include a normal shooting mode for shooting a still image of a predetermined size, a video shooting mode for shooting a video at a predetermined frame rate, and a face detection mode for detecting a face in a subject. It is done.
When the user operates the mode setting button 41b for a predetermined operation to select a predetermined operation mode (for example, a face detection mode), an instruction for setting the operation mode is output to the CPU 71 via the input circuit. When the setting instruction is input, the CPU 71 controls each unit and performs setting according to the operation mode.

The selection determination button 41c is provided on the back side of the body of the imaging apparatus 100 and below the mode setting button 41b. The cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14 for selecting various items, and the cursors are selected. A determination button c2 provided inside the buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 is provided.
Also, the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 on the top, bottom, left, and right are pressed to each other to specify the AF target in the automatic focusing (AF) process and the reference face constituting the AE area of the automatic exposure process. A switching process for sequentially switching a face that is a candidate for a reference face from a face with a good evaluation value to a face with a bad evaluation value based on the setting (selection) instructions for a plurality of different evaluation criteria and the set evaluation criteria. This is for inputting an execution instruction. Specifically, the up cursor button c11 sets the evaluation standard to the AF evaluation value, the down cursor button c12 sets the evaluation standard to the size of the face, and the left cursor button c13 sets the evaluation standard. Is set to the hue of the face, and the right cursor button c14 sets the evaluation criterion to the inclination of the face. Then, based on the pressing operation of any one of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 up, down, left, and right, an instruction to set an evaluation standard associated with the pressing operation among the plurality of evaluation standards is issued. The data is output to the CPU 71 via the input circuit 42. When a setting instruction is input, the CPU 71 controls each unit to set an evaluation criterion, and executes a process of switching a face that is a reference face candidate based on the set evaluation criterion.
In this switching process, when the same cursor button is continuously pressed among the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14, the CPU 71 sets the evaluation standard corresponding to the cursor button every time the cursor button is pressed. Based on the evaluation, a new reference face candidate is selected in order from the face having the best evaluation value level to the bad face (the evaluation value level is lowered each time a pressing operation is performed). In addition, when a different cursor button is pressed, the CPU 71 newly sets an evaluation criterion corresponding to the cursor button, performs an evaluation based on the new evaluation criterion, and the face having the best evaluation value level. Select a candidate for the reference face. Further, the CPU 71 adds the newly selected reference face candidate to the already selected one or more reference faces according to the length of time that the cursor button is pressed without being released, It is also selected whether to replace the reference face that has already been selected.

As described above, the plurality of cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 change the level of the evaluation value, the selection operation for selecting the evaluation criterion, the instruction operation for instructing the setting of the selected evaluation criterion, and the like. Instruction operation, instruction operation for instructing execution of a process of selecting a reference face candidate based on the set evaluation criterion and evaluation value level, and a newly selected reference face candidate is already selected It can also be used as an operation button for selecting whether to add or switch to a reference face, and these multiple instructions can be performed simultaneously by pressing any one cursor button once. It is possible.
The cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 can be operated at any time while waiting for a shooting instruction from the user while repeatedly performing face detection processing while displaying a through image. The reference face can be added or switched in real time. Here, the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 constitute setting instruction input means for inputting an instruction to set an evaluation standard related to specification of a reference face in automatic focusing processing or automatic exposure processing.

  The input circuit 42 is for inputting the operation signal input from the operation input unit 41 to the CPU 71.

  The recording medium 5 is configured by, for example, a card-type nonvolatile memory (flash memory), a hard disk, and the like, and is imaged by the imaging unit 1 in a state where imaging-related processing such as automatic focusing processing and automatic exposure processing is performed. A plurality of image files composed of image frames and the like are stored.

  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 control unit 7 controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, a CPU 71, a program memory 72, a data memory 73, and the like.

  The CPU 71 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 72.

  The data memory 73 is composed of, for example, a flash memory and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 71.

  The program memory 72 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 71. Specifically, the program memory 72 includes a face detection program 72a, an evaluation reference setting program 72b, a reference face identification program 72c, a reference face addition program 72d, a reference face switching program 72e, a focus control program 72f, and an exposure condition adjustment program 72g. Etc. are remembered.

The face detection program 72a causes the CPU 71 to function as face detection means. That is, the face detection program 72a is a program for causing the CPU 71 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 72a by the CPU 71, the face image search frame is scanned in a predetermined direction with the face image search range as a whole image for one image frame G of the plurality of image frames G,. Then, a characteristic part (face part) corresponding to eyes, nose, batter, etc. is specified, and it is determined whether or not it is a face from the positional relationship of each face part, and is larger than a predetermined determination value (threshold) If it is determined that the face is a face, the search frame area is regarded as a face. When a face is detected in a predetermined image frame G, a face detection is performed in the next image frame G using a predetermined area near the detected face as a face image search range.
When a face is detected, the image display unit 32 displays the face detection frame A so as to be superimposed on the face (see FIG. 2).

In addition, the CPU 71 executes the face detection program 72a when the face detection mode is not set without setting the face detection mode, so that any one of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 of the operation unit 4 is displayed. Each time an instruction to set an evaluation criterion is input based on the pressing operation, the setting is sequentially performed in the evaluation criterion setting process, and the evaluation value of the evaluation criterion calculated in the evaluation value calculation process (described later) is sequentially increased. Detect faces.
That is, when the CPU 71 executes the face detection program 72a and any one of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 of the operation unit 4 is pressed, it is associated with the cursor button. After the evaluation criterion setting instruction is input and the evaluation criterion is set in the evaluation criterion setting process, the face is detected based on the best evaluation value of the evaluation criterion. Subsequently, every time the same cursor button as the cursor button related to the setting instruction for the evaluation criterion is pressed, the CPU 71 evaluates based on the evaluation value of the evaluation criterion calculated in the evaluation value calculating process. The reference faces are identified sequentially in descending order of value.

The evaluation standard setting program 72b causes the CPU 71 to function as evaluation standard setting means. That is, the evaluation criterion setting program 72b is based on the evaluation criterion setting instruction input in response to the pressing operation of the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 of the operation unit 4. Is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the evaluation standard setting process that sequentially sets as an evaluation standard related to the identification of the reference face by the standard face identification process (described later).
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the evaluation standard setting program 72b, the AF 71 is operated based on the evaluation standard setting instruction input in response to the pressing operation of the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14. Any one of the evaluation value, the face size, the face color, and the face inclination is set.

The reference face specifying program 72c causes the CPU 71 to function as reference face specifying means. That is, the reference face specifying program 72c is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the reference face specifying process for specifying a reference face that is a reference for imaging-related processing such as automatic focusing processing and automatic exposure processing.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the reference face identification program 72c, so that a plurality of faces in the subject are detected by the face detection process, and then AF evaluation values, face sizes, face Each time the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 associated with the hue and the inclination of the face are pressed, the reference face is sequentially identified based on the evaluation criteria that are sequentially set in the evaluation criteria setting process. To do. At this time, the CPU 71 calculates an evaluation value of each of the AF evaluation value, the face size, the face color, and the face inclination as evaluation value calculation means (evaluation value calculation processing). Each time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 are pressed, the reference faces are sequentially specified in the order from the highest evaluation value based on the evaluation value of the predetermined evaluation criterion calculated in the evaluation value calculation process.
Here, in the evaluation of the AF evaluation value, for example, when the closest face in the subject is in focus, the closer the face to the imaging apparatus 100, the better the evaluation, and the size of the face For example, the larger the size of the face, the better the evaluation. For the evaluation of the hue of the face, for example, the red the hue of the face, the better the evaluation, and the inclination of the face. In this case, for example, the evaluation becomes better as the face is facing the front.

The reference face addition program 72d causes the CPU 71 to function as reference face addition means. That is, the reference face addition program 72d is based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set in the evaluation criteria setting process every time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14 of the operation unit 4 are pressed. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the reference face adding process for sequentially adding the reference face newly specified by the face specifying process.
Specifically, for example, an AF evaluation value is set as an evaluation reference based on one pressing operation of the up cursor button c11 by the user, and a face with the best AF evaluation value is set as a reference face (see FIG. 4 (a)), every time the upper cursor button c11 that is the same as the cursor button c11 according to the AF evaluation value setting instruction is pressed, the CPU 71 evaluates the AF evaluation value in the reference face specifying process. A newly specified face is added as a reference face in order (see FIG. 4B).
Further, the face size is set as the evaluation reference based on the pressing operation of the down cursor button c12 by the user, and the face having the largest face size is set as the reference face (FIG. 5A). )), Each time the lower cursor button c12, which is the same as the cursor button c12 related to the face size setting instruction, is pressed, the CPU 71 newly performs the face size increase in the reference face specifying process. The identified face is added as a reference face (see FIG. 5B).
Further, the face color is set as an evaluation standard based on the one pressing operation of the left cursor button c13 by the user, and the face with the most red color is set as the standard face (see FIG. 6A). ) Each time the left cursor button c13, which is the same as the cursor button c13 related to the instruction for setting the face color, is pressed, the CPU 71 newly specifies the face in red order of the face color in the reference face specifying process. Is added as a reference face (see FIG. 6B).
Further, the face inclination is set as an evaluation reference based on one pressing operation of the right cursor button c14 by the user, and the face facing the front is set as the reference face (not shown), the face inclination is set. Each time the right cursor button c14, which is the same as the cursor button c14 related to the setting instruction, is pressed, the CPU 71 adds the face newly specified in the face inclination order in the reference face specifying process as the reference face ( (Not shown).

  Further, for example, an AF evaluation value is set as an evaluation reference based on one pressing operation of the up cursor button c11 by the user, and a face having the best AF evaluation value is set as a reference face (FIG. 7A When the pressing operation of the down cursor button c12 related to the face size setting instruction is performed, after the face size is set as the evaluation reference in the evaluation reference setting process, the CPU 71 determines the reference face identification. The largest face newly specified by the process is added as a reference face (see FIG. 7B).

The reference face switching program 72e causes the CPU 71 to function as reference face switching means. That is, the reference face switching program 72e selects the reference face already specified in the reference face specifying process every time the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 of the operation unit 4 are pressed. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the reference face switching process for sequentially switching to a newly specified reference face based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set in the setting process.
Specifically, the reference face switching process is executed after the reference face addition process, and the upper, lower, left, and right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 pressed by the CPU 71 during the reference face addition process. When it is determined that any one of the cursor buttons is pressed (long pressed) for a predetermined time or longer without being released, a new addition is made in the reference face addition process by executing the reference face switching program 72e. The remaining reference face is left and other faces are released from the reference face.

The focusing control program 72f is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to an automatic focusing process (imaging-related process) for adjusting the focusing position of the imaging lens 11 of the imaging unit 1.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the focusing control program 72f, based on the pressing operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are set as AF areas, and the image portion in the reference face frame And the focus driving unit 21 moves the imaging lens 11 in the optical axis direction to adjust the focus position of the imaging lens 11.
Note that the focusing position of the imaging lens 11 may be adjusted by moving the CCD or CMOS of the electronic imaging unit 12 in the optical axis direction.

The exposure condition adjustment program 72g is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to an automatic exposure (AE) process (imaging-related process) for adjusting an exposure condition at the time of imaging by the imaging unit 1.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the exposure condition adjustment program 72g, based on the pressing operation of the shutter button 41a by the user, the reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are used as the AE area, and the imaging unit 1 performs the imaging. Exposure conditions (for example, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) are adjusted.

  Here, the focus control program 72f and the exposure condition adjustment program 72g cause the CPU 71 to perform imaging-related processing related to imaging of the subject by the imaging unit based on the reference face detected in the face detection processing. It functions as processing execution means.

Next, imaging processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example of an operation related to an imaging process performed by the imaging apparatus 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is started, the CPU 71 displays a through image on the image display unit 32 based on the image data (image frame G) captured and generated by the imaging unit 1. (Step S1; refer to FIG. 3A)). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the face detection mode is set based on a predetermined operation of the mode setting button 41b of the operation unit 4 by the user (step S2).
If it is determined that the face detection mode is set (step S2; YES), the CPU 71 executes the face detection program 72a in the program memory 72 and based on the image data generated by the imaging unit. Thus, all faces having different AF evaluation values, sizes, shades, inclinations, and the like are detected as evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face (step S3). Subsequently, the CPU 71 causes the image display unit 32 to display a substantially rectangular face detection frame A (see FIG. 3B) on the face detected by the face detection process (step S4).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not any of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 is pressed by the user (step S5).
If it is determined in step S2 that the face detection mode is not set (step S2; NO), the process proceeds to step S5.

  If it is determined in step S5 that any of the cursor buttons has been pressed (step S5; YES), the CPU 71 executes the evaluation standard setting program 72b in the program memory 72, and the pressed cursor button. After setting an evaluation standard (for example, an AF evaluation value) corresponding to (for example, the up cursor button c11) as an evaluation standard related to the identification of the reference face by the standard face identification process (step S6; evaluation standard setting process), It is determined whether or not the face detection mode is set (step S7).

If it is determined in step S7 that the face detection mode is set (step S7; YES), the CPU 71 executes the reference face identification program 72c in the program memory 72 and sets it in the evaluation reference setting process. Based on the evaluation value of the evaluation criterion, the face (reference face) having the best evaluation value among the detected faces is identified. At this time, when the evaluation standard is not changed because the same cursor button is continuously pressed, the face with the next highest evaluation value is specified with respect to the reference face specified corresponding to the previous pressing operation. (Step S8; reference face specifying process). Subsequently, the CPU 71 executes the reference face addition program 72d in the program memory 72, and adds the reference face newly specified in the reference face specifying process (step S9).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the face detection mode is not set (step S7; NO), the CPU 71 executes the face detection program 72a in the program memory 72 and performs the evaluation reference setting process. Based on the evaluation value of the set evaluation criterion, a face within a predetermined range from the best (next) best evaluation value is detected as a face image search target range (step S10; face detection processing). For example, when the size of a face is set as an evaluation criterion, the face detection is performed on a face in a predetermined range from the largest (next) largest size among all detectable face sizes. Process. In other words, if a large face to a small face are targeted for detection at the same time, it takes a long time to complete the detection processing for all the faces. The time required for the face detection process can be shortened by restricting the reference face selection condition (evaluation standard) set in the linked form. The same applies to the case where other criteria such as face inclination and AF evaluation value are set as the evaluation criteria, and the target range of face image search to be performed at once is the face within the predetermined range from the front and the AF evaluation value. Limiting the number of faces to a predetermined number or more can reduce the time required for the face detection process. Subsequently, the CPU 71 selects the detected face as a reference face candidate for the imaging-related process (reference face specifying process), and then executes the reference face adding program 72d in the program memory 72 to perform the reference face specifying process. The newly specified reference face is added (step S11).

  If it is determined in step S5 that none of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14 has been pressed (step S5; NO), the process proceeds to step S1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 71 controls the image display unit 32 so that a reference face frame of a color corresponding to the evaluation criterion set in the evaluation criterion setting process (for example, the evaluation criterion is an AF evaluation value). In this case, the red rectangular frame W1) is displayed superimposed on the reference face specified in the reference face specifying process (step S12).

Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the same cursor button (for example, the upper cursor button c11) pressed in step S5 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer without being released (whether or not it has been pressed). Is determined (step S13).
If it is determined that a cursor button (for example, the up cursor button c11) has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer (step S14), the CPU 71 executes the reference face switching program 72e in the program memory 72. Then, the face already specified other than the face newly added in the reference face addition process is released from the reference face, and the display of the reference face frame is stopped (step S15). As a result, the already specified reference face is switched to the newly specified reference face.

Thereafter, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the shutter button 41a is pressed by the user (step S16).
If it is determined that the shutter button 41a has been pressed (step S16; YES), the CPU 71 executes the focusing control program 72f in the program memory 72 to automatically focus using the reference face frame as the AF area. After executing the processing and executing the exposure condition adjustment program 72g in the program memory 72 to perform the automatic exposure processing using the reference face frame as the AE area (step S17), the imaging unit 1 obtains the main image (recorded image). The execution of the imaging process for imaging is controlled (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S13 that a cursor button (for example, the up cursor button c11) has not been pressed for a predetermined time or longer (step S13; NO), the process proceeds to step S16. In this case, since a newly selected reference face candidate is added to the already specified reference face, a plurality of reference face frames are displayed. Then, automatic focusing processing and automatic exposure processing are performed so that the focus and brightness are optimized for all persons in the plurality of AF areas and AE areas corresponding to the plurality of reference face frames. For example, when two target persons are at different distances, the focus is set to an intermediate distance, and the aperture value is set so that the depth of field corresponding to this distance difference is set. When the two target persons have different brightness, processing is performed such as shooting by adjusting exposure according to the darker person within a range where the brighter person does not fly out.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the shutter button 41a has not been pressed (step S16; NO), the process proceeds to step S1. That is, until the shutter button 41a is pressed, the imaging process of the image frame by the imaging unit 1, the face detection process and the reference face specifying process by the CPU 71, the display process of the image frame by the image display unit 32, and the reference face frame The display process (reference face identification display process) is repeatedly executed. Further, when an instruction to set an evaluation criterion is input based on a pressing operation of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 by the user at an arbitrary timing at which the plurality of processes are repeatedly executed, the CPU 71 The process of resetting the reference is performed, and the plurality of processes are repeatedly executed continuously in a state where the evaluation reference is reset.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the up / down / left / right cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 are the reference face that is a reference for imaging-related processing such as automatic focusing processing and automatic exposure processing. Since it is associated with face contrast, face size, face tint, and face tilt as evaluation criteria for identification, any of these cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14 is the user. By simply pressing the button, the evaluation criteria associated with the cursor button can be sequentially set as the evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face.
Thus, when a plurality of faces are detected in the image frame G, the photographer can switch the evaluation criteria in real time during the operation of switching the desired reference face, and the reference face switching instruction and evaluation can be performed. Since the reference switching instruction can be simultaneously performed with one instruction operation, the photographer can easily and quickly select a desired reference face.

Further, each time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14 related to the instruction for setting the evaluation criteria are pressed, the reference face newly specified in the reference face specifying process can be sequentially added. A plurality of reference faces can be easily selected from a plurality of faces detected by the detection process.
Further, each time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 are pressed according to the setting instruction for the evaluation standard, the reference face that has already been specified in the reference face specifying process is based on the evaluation criteria that are sequentially set. Thus, it is possible to sequentially switch to the newly specified reference face, so that one desired reference face can be easily selected from the plurality of faces detected by the face detection process.
In addition, after the reference face addition process, depending on whether or not the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 related to the reference face addition process are pressed and held, that is, the cursor button pressing operation related to the reference face addition process is performed. Since it is possible to determine whether or not to perform the reference face switching process according to the length that is continuously performed, it is possible to easily add or switch the reference face. Furthermore, since the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process are performed in combination, a desired plurality of reference faces can be easily selected from the detected plurality of faces.

  Further, after the detection of a plurality of faces, each time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 are pressed according to the instruction for setting the evaluation standard, the standard is set based on the evaluation standard that is sequentially set in the evaluation standard setting process. Since the face is specified sequentially and each time the reference face is specified, the reference face is identified and displayed by the reference face frame. Therefore, the photographer sets a plurality of evaluation criteria sequentially, and sets multiple evaluation criteria based on different evaluation criteria. Even when the reference face is specified, the evaluation reference related to the specification of each reference face can be grasped.

  Further, each time the cursor button c11, c12, c13, c14 is pressed according to the setting instruction of the evaluation standard, the evaluation value is calculated based on the evaluation value of the predetermined evaluation standard calculated in the evaluation value calculation process. Since the reference face can be specified sequentially from the better one, the reference face can be easily specified in the order of the highest evaluation value in any one of the evaluation criteria.

In addition, every time the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 are pressed according to the setting instruction of the evaluation standard in the face undetected state, the evaluation of the predetermined evaluation standard calculated by the evaluation value calculation process is performed. Faces are detected in order from the one with the best value, and the detected faces are sequentially specified as reference faces, and each time the reference face is specified, the reference face is identified and displayed by the reference face frame. Even in this case, it is possible to easily detect the face and specify the reference face based on the set evaluation criterion.
In addition, the user can perform various instruction operations as described above by simply pressing one of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 once. Easy and quick instruction operation can be performed.
In addition, when changing the candidate for the reference face one after another, depending on whether the same cursor button is operated continuously or different cursor buttons, the evaluation value may be switched to a face with the same evaluation standard or a different evaluation standard. It is possible to switch while easily selecting whether to switch to the (best) good (bad) face of each of the evaluation values.

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.
Below, the modification of an imaging device is demonstrated.

<Modification 1>
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the imaging apparatus 200 according to the first modification example has a face undetected state each time a predetermined cursor button c11, c12, c13, c14 of the operation unit 4 is pressed. A threshold for determining a face in the face detection process is sequentially decreased to facilitate face detection.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the program memory 72 includes a face detection program 72a, an evaluation reference setting program 72b, a reference face specifying program 72c, a reference face addition program 72d, a reference face switching program 72e, and focus control. In addition to the program 72f and the exposure condition adjustment program 72g, a threshold resetting program 72h is stored.

  The threshold resetting program 72h causes the CPU 71 to function as threshold resetting means. That is, the threshold reset program 72h sequentially sets the threshold value so that it is easy to detect the face each time a threshold reset instruction related to face detection in the face detection process is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit 4. It is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the threshold resetting process to be reset.

The threshold resetting process is a process executed before the face detection process in step S10 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and after it is determined in step S7 that the face detection mode is not set (step S7; NO) ) When the determination button c2 of the operation unit 4 is pressed, the CPU 71 executes the threshold reset program 72h in the program memory 72 to lower the face detection processing threshold by a predetermined amount.
More specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, there are five faces in the image frame, and the faces are detected in the order of the rightmost person, the lower middle person, the left person,. If the degree of coincidence with the feature information for determining that the face is a human face in the processing is high and can be easily detected, first, the face detection processing threshold is high, and the face is not detected yet. When the determination button c2 is pressed once (see FIG. 11A), the CPU 71 makes it easier to detect the face by reducing the threshold for determining the face in the face detection process by a predetermined amount. As a result, the face of the rightmost person that is most easily detected by the face detection process by the CPU 71 is detected, and the image display unit 32 superimposes the face on the detected person's face. A frame B is displayed (see FIG. 11B).
Thereafter, when the determination button c2 is pressed again in step S10 without pressing the shutter button 41a, the CPU 71 further reduces the threshold for face discrimination in the face detection process by reducing the face by a predetermined amount. Is more easily detected. As a result, in the face detection process by the CPU 71, in addition to the face of the rightmost person, the face of the lower middle person that can be easily detected next is detected, and the image display unit 32 is detected. The face detection frame B is displayed so as to be superimposed on the face of the person (see FIG. 12A).
Thereafter, when the determination button c2 is pressed again in step S10 without pressing the shutter button 41a, the CPU 71 further reduces the threshold for face discrimination in the face detection process by reducing the face by a predetermined amount. Is more easily detected. As a result, in the face detection process by the CPU 71, in addition to the face of the rightmost person and the face of the middle lower person, the face of the left person that can be easily detected next is detected, and the image display The unit 32 displays the face detection frame B superimposed on the detected human face (see FIG. 12B).
Here, the decision button c2 constitutes a reset instruction input means for inputting a threshold reset instruction related to face detection in the face detection process.
Further, the image display unit 32 constitutes face identification display means for identifying and displaying faces sequentially detected by the face detection process based on the threshold value reset by the threshold value reset process by the CPU 71. Note that the face detection frame B is displayed in a different color from the face detection frame A of the face detected based on the normal threshold.

Therefore, according to the imaging apparatus 200 of the first modification, every time a threshold resetting instruction related to face detection in the face detection process is input, the threshold can be reset sequentially so that the face can be easily detected. Therefore, even if the face is not detected, the face can be easily detected based on the reset threshold. In addition, since the threshold value is set low from the beginning, it is possible to prevent an excessive face from being always detected.
Further, the photographer is different from the face detected based on the normal threshold value by identifying and displaying the faces sequentially detected in the face detection process by the face detection frame B based on the reset threshold value. It can be easily grasped that the face is detected based on the threshold value.

In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to execute the reference face switching process depending on whether or not the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 that have been pressed during the reference face addition process have been pressed for a long time. However, the switching method between the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process is not limited to this. For example, a setting button for the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process may be installed, and the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process may be switched according to whether or not the setting button is operated.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, both the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process are executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of the reference face addition process and the reference face switching process is performed. May be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the AF evaluation value, the face size, the face color, and the face inclination are exemplified as the evaluation reference related to the reference face specification in the reference face specifying process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any reference face can be used as long as the reference face can be specified by the reference face specifying process. For example, the degree of coincidence with the face feature information related to the identification of the face part in the face detection process may be adopted as the evaluation criterion.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the face detection frames A and B and the reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are illustrated as being substantially rectangular, but the frame shape is not limited to this, Any shape may be used as long as it can be associated.
The face detection frames A and B are broken lines, and the reference face frames W1, W2, and W3 are solid lines. However, they are not distinguished by changing the line type, but are distinguished by changing the transparency or the color. May be.

  Furthermore, the configurations of the imaging apparatuses 100 and 200 are merely examples as illustrated in the above-described embodiment, and are not limited thereto. Further, although a group photo of four persons is illustrated as a subject, the number of persons may be more or less than four, and the number of reference faces when the image pickup unit 1 performs image pickup can be appropriately increased or decreased.

  In the above embodiment, imaging related processing such as automatic focusing processing and automatic exposure processing is exemplified as the predetermined processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing can be executed by the imaging devices 100 and 200. Any process may be used as long as it is present.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, face detection means, imaging related processing execution means, reference face identification means, evaluation reference setting means, evaluation means, execution control means, continuous execution control means, reference face addition means, reference face switching means, The functions as the evaluation value calculating means, the switching means, and the threshold resetting means are configured to be realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various functions are provided. You may comprise from the logic circuit for implement | achieving.

In the above-described embodiment, the instruction of the timing of switching the reference face candidates by the operation of the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14 and the evaluation that is the switching reference for determining the order of switching the reference face candidates. Although the selection of the reference is performed at the same time, the instruction of the timing for switching the candidate for the reference face may be performed by a button operation different from these cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, c14. However, the switching operation and the selection operation need to be performed separately, but in other respects, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the selection instruction for the evaluation criterion may be performed by operating a button different from the cursor buttons c11, c12, c13, and c14, or may be set in advance by an operation from the menu screen. However, the evaluation criteria cannot be changed in real time, but in other respects, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, the timing of adopting the face selected as the reference face candidate as the reference face may be determined at the same time as the reference face candidate is selected, or may be determined when the shooting instruction is given. Alternatively, a button for determining to adopt the selected candidate as the reference face may be provided separately from the button for instructing the switching of the reference face candidate. In this way, it is possible to easily decide to adopt the face with the best evaluation value and the third best face as the reference face and exclude the second face with a certain evaluation standard. become.

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 rear view which shows the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with 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. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the imaging process of FIG. 8. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of the modification 1. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Imaging device 1 Imaging unit (imaging means)
3 Display unit 32 Image display unit (display means, identification display means, reference face identification display means, face identification display means)
41 Operation input unit 41a Shutter button (instruction means)
41c Selection decision button (operation unit)
c11 Up cursor button (setting instruction input means)
c12 Down cursor button (setting instruction input means)
c13 Left cursor button (setting instruction input means)
c14 Right cursor button (setting instruction input means)
c2 Enter button (resetting instruction input means)
5 Recording media (recording means)
71 CPU (face detection means, imaging related processing execution means, reference face identification means, evaluation reference setting means, evaluation means, execution control means, continuous execution control means, reference face addition means, reference face switching means, evaluation value calculation means, Switching means, threshold resetting means)
A Face detection frame G Image frame W1, W2, W3 Reference face frame

Claims (16)

Imaging means for imaging an object to generate an image frame;
Face detection means for detecting a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging means;
Reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to predetermined processing among at least one face detected by the face detection means;
Corresponding to the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among the different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means A setting instruction input means for inputting a setting instruction for evaluation criteria;
Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input unit, an evaluation criterion setting unit that sequentially sets an evaluation criterion according to the setting instruction as an evaluation criterion for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying unit;
An evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value by performing an evaluation based on the evaluation criterion set by the evaluation criterion setting unit;
Display means for displaying image frames repeatedly captured by the imaging means while sequentially updating;
Identification display means for performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means among a plurality of faces detected in the image frame displayed by the display means;
With
The reference face specifying means specifies, as the reference face, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means is within a predetermined range among a plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means,
When the operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation reference setting means changes the evaluation reference, while the setting instruction input means changes the previous operation instruction. When the same operation instruction is given, the evaluation face range is changed when the reference face specifying means specifies the reference face according to the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference without changing the evaluation reference. And
The identification display means specifies the reference face based on any of the plurality of evaluation criteria when performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means. An image pickup apparatus that performs display for further identifying the above . Imaging means for imaging an object to generate an image frame;
Face detection means for detecting a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging means;
Reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to predetermined processing among at least one face detected by the face detection means;
Corresponding to the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among the different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means A setting instruction input means for inputting a setting instruction for evaluation criteria;
Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input unit, an evaluation criterion setting unit that sequentially sets an evaluation criterion according to the setting instruction as an evaluation criterion for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying unit;
An evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value by performing an evaluation based on the evaluation criterion set by the evaluation criterion setting unit;
Reference face adding means for sequentially adding the reference faces newly specified by the reference face specifying means based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means each time the instruction operation is performed;
With
The reference face specifying means specifies, as the reference face, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means is within a predetermined range among a plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means,
When the operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation reference setting means changes the evaluation reference, while the setting instruction input means changes the previous operation instruction. When the same operation instruction is given, the evaluation face range is changed when the reference face specifying means specifies the reference face according to the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference without changing the evaluation reference. An imaging apparatus characterized by: Display means for displaying image frames repeatedly captured by the imaging means while sequentially updating;
Identification display means for performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means among a plurality of faces detected in the image frame displayed by the display means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising: Image frame imaging processing by the imaging means, face detection processing by the face detection means, reference face specification processing by the reference face specification means, image frame display processing by the display means, and identification display means An execution control means for repeatedly executing a plurality of processes including a reference face identification display process by:
When an instruction for setting an evaluation criterion is input by the setting instruction input unit at an arbitrary timing when the plurality of processes are repeatedly executed by the execution control unit, the evaluation criterion is reset by the evaluation criterion setting unit. A continuous execution control means for continuing the repeated execution of the plurality of processes by the execution control means in a state where the evaluation criteria are reset;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The imaging-related processing execution unit that executes imaging-related processing related to imaging of the subject by the imaging unit based on the reference face specified by the reference face specifying unit is further provided . 5. The imaging device according to any one of 4 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an automatic focusing process or an automatic exposure process is executed as the imaging related process. Instruction means for instructing recording of an image frame imaged by the imaging means;
In response to an instruction from the instruction unit, a recording unit that records an image frame captured by the imaging unit in a state in which the imaging-related processing is performed;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: Each time the instruction operation is performed, the reference face already specified by the reference face specifying means is changed to the newly specified reference face based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a reference face switching unit that sequentially switches. The reference face specifying unit is configured to perform the reference based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set by the evaluation criterion setting unit every time the instruction operation is performed after the face detection unit detects a plurality of faces in the subject. Identify faces sequentially,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising reference face identification display means for identifying and displaying the reference face each time the reference face is specified by the reference face specifying means. . An evaluation value calculating means for calculating an evaluation value of each of the plurality of evaluation criteria;
The reference face specifying means is sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means each time the instruction operation is performed, and the reference face is sequentially set based on the evaluation value of the evaluation reference calculated by the evaluation value calculating means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging apparatus is specified. The face detection means is sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means each time the instruction operation is performed in a state where a face in the subject is not detected, and the evaluation reference calculated by the evaluation value calculation means is set. Faces are detected sequentially from the one with the best evaluation value,
The reference face specifying means sequentially specifies the faces detected by the face detection means as the reference face,
11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising reference face identification display means for identifying and displaying the reference face each time the reference face is specified by the reference face specifying means. The reference face newly specified by the reference face specifying means has been previously specified in accordance with the length of time during which any one of the instruction operations is continuously performed by the setting instruction input means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising selection control means for selecting whether to add or switch to the reference face. The plurality of evaluation criteria include at least one of face contrast, face size, face tint, face inclination, and degree of coincidence with face feature information related to face detection by the face detecting means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein Resetting instruction input means for inputting a resetting instruction for a threshold related to face detection by the face detection means;
Threshold resetting means for sequentially resetting the threshold so that a face can be easily detected by the face detection means each time the resetting instruction is input by the resetting instruction input means;
Based on the re-set the threshold value by the threshold value resetting means, any claim 1 to 13, characterized in that and a face identification display means for identifying and displaying the sequentially detected face by the face detection means The imaging device according to claim 1. A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising imaging means for imaging a subject and generating an image frame,
Face detection means for detecting a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging means;
Reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to predetermined processing among at least one face detected by the face detection means;
Corresponding to the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among the different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means A setting instruction input means for inputting a setting instruction for evaluation criteria;
Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input unit, an evaluation criterion setting unit that sequentially sets an evaluation criterion according to the setting instruction as an evaluation criterion for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying unit;
An evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value by performing an evaluation based on the evaluation criterion set by the evaluation criterion setting unit;
Display means for displaying image frames repeatedly captured by the imaging means while sequentially updating;
Identification display means for performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means among a plurality of faces detected in the image frame displayed by the display means;
To function,
The reference face specifying means specifies, as the reference face, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means is within a predetermined range among a plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means,
When the operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation reference setting means changes the evaluation reference, while the setting instruction input means changes the previous operation instruction. When the same operation instruction is given, the evaluation face range is changed when the reference face specifying means specifies the reference face according to the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference without changing the evaluation reference. And
The identification display means specifies the reference face based on any of the plurality of evaluation criteria when performing display for identifying the reference face specified by the reference face specifying means. A program characterized by performing a display for further identification . A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising imaging means for imaging a subject and generating an image frame,
Face detection means for detecting a face in the subject from the image frame generated by the imaging means;
Reference face specifying means for specifying a reference face to be subjected to predetermined processing among at least one face detected by the face detection means;
Corresponding to the instruction operation based on any one of the instruction operations among the different instruction operations associated with a plurality of different evaluation criteria for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying means A setting instruction input means for inputting a setting instruction for evaluation criteria;
Based on the setting instruction input by the setting instruction input unit, an evaluation criterion setting unit that sequentially sets an evaluation criterion according to the setting instruction as an evaluation criterion for specifying the reference face by the reference face specifying unit;
An evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value by performing an evaluation based on the evaluation criterion set by the evaluation criterion setting unit;
Reference face adding means for sequentially adding the reference faces newly specified by the reference face specifying means based on the evaluation criteria sequentially set by the evaluation reference setting means each time the instruction operation is performed;
To function,
The reference face specifying means specifies, as the reference face, a face whose evaluation value calculated by the evaluation means is within a predetermined range among a plurality of faces detected by the face detecting means,
When the operation instruction different from the previous operation instruction is given by the setting instruction input means, the evaluation reference setting means changes the evaluation reference, while the setting instruction input means changes the previous operation instruction. When the same operation instruction is given, the evaluation face range is changed when the reference face specifying means specifies the reference face according to the evaluation value calculated based on the evaluation reference without changing the evaluation reference. The program characterized by doing.

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