JP5239352B2 - Imaging apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of automatically acquiring a captured image and a program thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, imaging apparatuses that automatically image a subject are known. This imaging apparatus performs automatic shooting when a moving subject is located in a designated area within a shooting area and is stationary there (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-233791 A

  However, in the above prior art, it is assumed that the subject is stationary, and, for example, when it is desired to photograph only a vehicle coming from one side on a road that can be passed from both directions, the technique described in Patent Document 1 above. Then, it was not possible to properly capture only the vehicle that came from one side.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and a program therefor that can automatically and appropriately acquire a captured image regarding a moving subject.

The imaging device of the invention according to claim 1
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Provisional photographing control means for provisionally photographing the subject by the imaging means to obtain a provisionally photographed image;
And the target subject detection means for detecting the provisional shooting Richu first subject I in the image,
Main photographing control means for photographing the subject by the imaging means to obtain a main photographing image;
Direction condition setting means for setting a direction related condition related to the moving direction of the subject of interest in the subject as the condition of the main photographing;
Direction detecting means for detecting the moving direction of the subject of interest detected by the subject of interest detecting means;
Direction detection position setting means for arbitrarily setting a direction detection position for detecting the movement direction of the subject of interest by the direction detection means independently of the movement direction to be detected;
An imaging control unit for controlling the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control unit based on the movement direction detected by the direction detection unit and the direction-related condition set by the direction condition setting unit;
With
The direction condition setting means is a movement direction in which the subject of interest moves in the direction detection position arbitrarily set independently of the movement direction detected by the direction detection position setting means as the direction-related condition. Set the conditions
The photographing control means is characterized in that the main photographing image is acquired by the main photographing control means after the moving direction detected by the direction detecting means satisfies the moving direction condition set by the direction condition setting means. .

The invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The direction detection position setting means sets a plurality of the direction detection positions,
The direction condition setting means is characterized by setting the moving direction condition information on each of the plurality of direction detection position detected by the direction detecting position setting means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A photographing position setting means for setting a subject position where the subject of interest should be located in the subject when performing the main photographing by the main photographing control means;
The photographing control means further controls the acquisition timing of the main photographed image by the main photographing control means based on the subject position set by the photographing position setting means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect,
A photographing position setting means for setting a subject position where the subject of interest should be located in the subject when performing the main photographing by the main photographing control means;
The direction condition setting means, as the direction associated condition, the subject of interest, after passing through the predetermined position within the object, definitive when it reaches the set the object position by the photographing position setting means, the predetermined A moving direction condition relating to the subject of interest is set based on the position and the subject position.

Invention of Claim 5 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
Feature condition setting means for setting a feature condition related to the feature of the subject of interest as a condition for executing the main shooting by the main shooting control unit;
Feature condition determination means for determining whether or not the feature condition set by the feature condition setting means is satisfied,
The imaging control unit further controls the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control unit when the characteristic condition determining unit determines that the characteristic condition is satisfied.
The invention described in claim 6 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The feature condition relating to the feature of the subject of interest is the speed of the subject of interest.
The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The feature condition related to the feature of the subject of interest is the size of the subject of interest.
The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The feature condition regarding the feature of the subject of interest is whether or not the subject of interest is a human face.
The invention according to claim 9 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The feature condition relating to the feature of the subject of interest is the color of the subject of interest.
The invention described in claim 10 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
A number of times determination means for determining whether or not the number of times that the feature condition set by the feature condition setting means satisfies the feature condition set by the feature condition determination means satisfies a number of times determination condition set by the feature condition setting means; ,
The imaging control unit is further determined that the number of times that the feature condition set by the feature condition setting unit is satisfied by the number of times determination unit satisfies a number of times determination condition set by the feature condition setting unit. In this case, the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control means is controlled.

The program of the invention described in claim 11 is
In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
A function of temporarily capturing the subject by the imaging means and acquiring a provisionally captured image;
Said the function of detecting a Richu first subject by the temporarily captured image,
A function of acquiring the actual captured image by capturing the subject with the imaging means;
A function of setting a direction-related condition related to the moving direction of the subject of interest in the subject as the condition of the main photographing;
A function of detecting the movement direction of the detected subject of interest;
A function of arbitrarily setting a direction detection position for detecting the movement direction of the subject of interest independently of the movement direction to be detected ;
A function of controlling the acquisition timing of the captured image based on the detected moving direction and the set direction-related condition;
Realized,
As the direction-related condition , set a moving direction condition that is a direction in which the subject of interest moves at a direction detection position arbitrarily set independently of the moving direction to be detected,
The actual captured image is acquired after the detected moving direction satisfies the set moving direction condition.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically acquire a proper captured image with respect to a moving subject.

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 identifies the moving direction of the moving object within the subject, and sets the timing of the main imaging of the subject based on the direction-related condition related to the moving direction and the moving direction of the moving object set in advance. Control. Specifically, 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 control unit 7. Etc. are provided.

  The imaging unit 1 continuously captures a subject and generates a plurality of image frames. 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 image pickup unit 12 is constituted by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), or the like that converts a subject image that has passed through the image pickup 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 shooting control unit 15 causes the electronic imaging unit 12 to image a subject with a predetermined exposure time during provisional shooting or main shooting of the subject, and the temporary shooting image or main shooting from the imaging region of the electronic imaging unit 12. Controls execution of a process of reading an image signal (image frame) related to an image.
Here, the imaging control unit 15 temporarily captures a subject by the electronic imaging unit 12 and acquires a provisional captured image, and a book that actually captures the subject by the electronic imaging unit 12 and acquires the actual captured image. It constitutes a photographing control means.

  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, for example, so as to expose the display screen from the back side of the image pickup apparatus 100 (not shown). 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 the image captured by the imaging unit 1 on the display screen based on the output signal from the display control unit 31. Specifically, the image display unit 32 sequentially displays a plurality of image frames generated by imaging the subject by the electronic imaging unit 12.
For example, the image display unit 32 sequentially displays a plurality of image frames related to the state where the person H is skiing (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). When automatic shooting conditions are set in an automatic shooting condition setting process (described later), the image display unit 32 displays various marks (for example, direction designation mark a2 and moving object shooting) related to the set automatic shooting conditions. Position designation mark a1 etc.) is displayed.

Further, the image display unit 32 displays a shooting condition setting screen G1 for setting automatic shooting conditions by the imaging apparatus 100 in the automatic shooting condition setting process (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). . Here, in FIG. 3A, the direction designation mark a2 is arranged at the upper left and the middle and slightly lower position, and the moving body photographing position designation mark a1 is arranged adjacent to the middle and slightly lower direction designation mark a2. The condition setting screen G1 is schematically shown. In FIG. 3B, the moving object photographing position designation mark a1 is arranged in the middle, the direction designation marks a2 are arranged on both sides of the moving object photographing position designation mark a1, and the speed of the moving object at the direction specifying position is set. An imaging condition setting screen G1 in which a designated speed designation mark a3 is arranged is schematically shown.
The photographing condition setting screen G1 is not limited to the above.

  The shooting condition setting screen G1 is, for example, a moving object shooting position designation mark a1 for specifying a moving object shooting position with respect to a background image when a moving object moving within the subject is positioned (see FIGS. 4A to 4D). , Direction designation mark a2 (see FIG. 4 (e)) for designating the moving direction of the moving body within the subject, up and down, left and right, and speed designation mark a3 (see FIG. 4 (f)) for designating the speed of the moving body. A color designation mark a4 (see FIG. 4 (g)) for designating the color of the moving object, a size designation mark a5 (see FIG. 4 (h)) for designating the size of the moving object, A face designation mark a6 (see FIG. 4 (i)) for designating a face, a face designation mark a7 (see FIG. 4 (j)) for designating a face of a specific person, and the like are displayed.

  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 41a is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the body of the imaging device 100, and instructs the imaging unit 1 to image the subject.

The mode setting button 41b is provided on the back of the body of the imaging device 100, for example, and instructs selection setting of a predetermined operation mode among the 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 moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image at a predetermined frame rate, and an automatic shooting mode for automatically shooting a moving object. .
When the user operates the mode setting button 41b for a predetermined operation to select a predetermined operation mode (for example, an automatic shooting 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 includes an up / down / left / right cursor button for selecting various items, an determination button for an item selected by these cursor buttons, and the like.

  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 stores a plurality of image files of moving images and still 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 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 data memory 73 also includes an automatic shooting condition setting table T1 (see FIG. 5) generated by the automatic shooting condition setting process, and a flag state table T2 (FIG. 5) that defines flag states related to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1. 6) and the like are stored.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the automatic photographing condition setting table T <b> 1 stores the automatic photographing condition item, the coordinates of the position-designated item, and the contents thereof in association with each other. Specifically, the moving object photographing position is defined by coordinates (A1, A2) as “area designation” related to designation of an area determined to be satisfied when a moving object enters. In addition, the number of determinations of the automatic shooting condition is defined as three. The direction designation 1 is the coordinates (A1, A2) of the direction specifying position, and the moving direction of the moving object is defined as “right”. Further, the direction designation 2 is the coordinates (B1, B2) of the direction specifying position, and the moving direction of the moving body is defined as “right diagonally upward”. The size specifying position is defined by coordinates (B1, B2) and the size is defined as “predetermined size or less”. Also, the moving object designation is defined as the “face” of the person H.
Note that the above-described automatic photographing condition setting table T1 is an example, and can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate according to the contents of the automatic photographing condition setting process. For example, moving body speed conditions, color conditions, and the like may be added as appropriate, and conditions other than direction designation may be excluded as appropriate.
The automatic shooting condition setting table T1 stores the number of moving objects for which automatic shooting conditions are set.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the flag state table T <b> 2 stores items of automatic photographing conditions in association with flag states. Specifically, the direction specifying flag is defined as “1”, the speed condition flag is defined as “0”, the size condition flag is defined as “1”, the color condition flag is defined as “0”, The moving object designation flag is defined as “1”, the shooting position designation flag is defined as “1”, and the number determination flag is defined as “1”. Here, in the flag state, “1” indicates ON and “0” indicates OFF.
The flag state table T2 described above is an example, and can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate according to the contents of the automatic shooting condition setting process. For example, the speed condition flag and the color condition flag may be “1”, and flags other than the direction specifying flag may be “0”.

  The program memory 72 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 71. Specifically, the program memory 72 includes a direction condition setting program 72a, a shooting position setting program 72b, a feature condition setting program 72c, a moving object detection program 72d, a moving direction detection program 72e, a feature condition determination program 72f, a shooting control program 72g, and the like. Is remembered.

The direction condition setting program 72a causes the CPU 71 to function as direction condition setting means. That is, the direction condition setting program 72a sets a direction-related condition related to the moving direction of a moving object (for example, a person H) as a subject of interest in the subject as a condition when the imaging unit 1 captures the main image of the subject. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the direction-related condition setting process to be set.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the direction condition setting program 72a, the direction designation with respect to the background image is performed based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c of the operation unit 4 by the user on the shooting condition setting screen G1. The mark a2 is moved to set at least one direction specific position as coordinates, and a moving body moving direction condition (for example, an arrow with a cross mark “x”) is set for the direction in which the moving body moves at the direction specific position. (See FIG. 4 (e)).
The moving body moving direction condition is not limited to the moving direction of the moving body at the direction specifying position, and may be set only on the moving direction of the moving body without limiting the direction specifying position. In such a case, the moving object moving direction condition is set by moving the arrow direction designation mark a2 without the cross mark “x” on the photographing condition setting screen G1 (see FIG. 4E).

The shooting position setting program 72b causes the CPU 71 to function as shooting position setting means. That is, the shooting position setting program 72b sets a moving body shooting position (subject position) where the moving body detected by the moving body detection process should be located in the subject when the imaging unit 1 captures the main image of the subject. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the shooting position setting process.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the shooting position setting program 72b, the moving body shooting is performed on the background image based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c of the operation unit 4 by the user on the shooting condition setting screen G1. The position designation mark a1 is moved to set the moving object photographing position (for example, a cross mark “×” corresponding to the star “☆”) as coordinates.
Here, the moving body photographing position may be set as, for example, a predetermined point (a cross mark “×” corresponding to the star “☆”) (see FIG. 4A) or a predetermined area. (See FIG. 4C). Further, the number of determinations may be displayed below the star “☆” in accordance with the number of determinations of the automatic photographing condition (see FIGS. 4B and 4D).

The feature condition setting program 72c causes the CPU 71 to function as feature condition setting means. That is, the feature condition setting program 72c sets a feature condition related to the feature of the moving object other than the moving direction and shooting position of the moving object in the subject as a condition for capturing the main image of the subject by the imaging unit 1. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the feature condition setting process.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the feature condition setting program 72c, the speed designation mark a3 (see FIG. 4 (f)) and the color designation mark a4 (see FIG. 4 (g)) at the moving body shooting position and the direction specifying position. ), A size designation mark a5 (see FIG. 4 (h)), a face designation mark a6 (see FIG. 4 (i)), etc. are arranged, and the speed condition of the moving object, the color condition of the moving object, and the size of the moving object Characteristic conditions other than the moving direction and the shooting position, such as a condition, a condition for designating the moving object as the face of the person H, and the like are set.
In the case of the moving body speed, for example, it is possible to set in 5 steps how many pixels the moving body has moved per unit time, and “shooting if the speed is 2 or more” or “shooting if the speed is 4 or less”. Or “photographing at a speed of 2 or more and less than 3” is set as a condition.
In the case of a moving object color, for example, each RGB color is set with 256 gradations.
In the case of the size of the moving object, for example, the condition is set on the condition that the size of the moving object is larger, smaller, or the same as a predetermined size.
The above-described method for setting the speed, color, size, etc. of the moving object is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the designated area of the size may be a square, a circle or an ellipse, or may be an area formed by a free curve without being limited thereto.

The moving object detection program 72d causes the CPU 71 to function as moving object detection means. In other words, the moving object detection program 72d has a function related to a moving object detection process for detecting a moving object such as a person H or a vehicle as a subject of interest in the subject based on a plurality of image data captured and generated by the imaging unit 1. It is a program for realizing.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the moving object detection program 72d, a difference between pixels at the same position based on two consecutive image frames among a plurality of image frames captured and generated by the imaging unit 1. By detecting, the background image and moving object are specified and detected.

The movement direction detection program 72e causes the CPU 71 to function as direction detection means. That is, the moving direction detection program 72e is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the moving direction specifying process for specifying the moving direction of the moving object detected in the moving object detecting process.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the moving direction detection program 72e, thereby specifying the moving body moving direction at the moving body shooting position or the direction specifying position based on a plurality of image frames captured and generated by the imaging unit 1.

The feature condition determination program 72f causes the CPU 71 to function as a feature condition determination unit. That is, the feature condition determination program 72f is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the feature condition determination process for determining whether or not the feature condition set in the feature condition setting process is satisfied.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f to detect the speed of the moving object at the moving object photographing position where the speed designation mark a3 is arranged or the direction specifying position, and is set in the characteristic condition setting process. The speed condition is satisfied (speed determination process), or the color of the moving object at the position where the color designation mark a4 is arranged or the moving object at the direction specifying position is detected and set in the feature condition setting process Whether or not the specified color condition is satisfied (color determination process), or the size of the moving object at the position where the size designation mark a5 is arranged or the direction specifying position is detected, and the feature condition setting process It is determined whether or not the size condition set in step 1 is satisfied (size determination processing), and face detection processing is performed at the moving object photographing position where the face designation mark a6 is arranged and the direction specifying position , Moving object determines whether the human face H (moving object determination process). In addition, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f to perform face recognition processing at the moving object photographing position and the direction specifying position where the face recognition designation mark a7 is arranged, and whether or not the moving object is a specific person. May be determined.
Here, in the determination of the color condition of the moving object, for example, when the color of the moving object is set with 256 gradations for each RGB color, it may be considered that the color difference is within 30 if the color difference is within 30.

The shooting control program 72g causes the CPU 71 to function as shooting control means. That is, the imaging control program 72g acquires the actual captured image of the subject by the imaging unit 1 based on the moving direction specified in the moving direction specifying process and the direction related condition set in the direction related condition setting process. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the imaging control process for controlling the timing.
Specifically, whether or not the moving direction of the moving object specified in the moving direction specifying process satisfies the moving object moving direction condition set in the direction related condition setting process by executing the shooting control program 72g. If the moving direction satisfies the moving body moving direction condition as a result of the determination, the acquisition of the actual captured image (still image) of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is controlled at a predetermined timing. To do. Here, in determining whether or not the moving direction satisfies the moving object moving direction condition, the determination may be loosened by giving a wide range to the determination.
Note that, in the shooting control process, not only the still image acquisition timing by the imaging unit 1 but also the shooting start timing and shooting end timing related to moving image acquisition may be controlled.

Further, when the CPU 71 executes the shooting control program 72g, the acquisition timing of the actual captured image of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is further controlled based on the moving object shooting position set in the shooting position setting process. Specifically, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the moving object is in contact with the moving object photographing position (if there is an area designation, whether or not the moving object is included in the area), and the determination is made. As a result, at the timing when the moving body is positioned at the moving body shooting position, the imaging unit 1 is made to acquire the main shooting image of the subject.
In addition, when the CPU 71 executes the shooting control program 72g and further determines that the feature condition is satisfied in the feature condition determination process, the acquisition timing of the subject captured image of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is controlled. .

Next, automatic shooting condition setting processing by the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the automatic shooting condition setting process by the imaging apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the automatic shooting mode is set based on a predetermined operation of the mode setting button 41b of the operation unit 4 by the user (step S1), the CPU 71 sets the moving body shooting position, the direction specifying position, the speed condition, A menu screen (not shown) for designating various conditions such as color conditions, size conditions, and the face of the person H as a moving object is displayed on the image display unit 32 (step S2).

First, the moving body moving direction condition is set (step S3). Specifically, when the direction specific position item is selected and determined based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41 c of the operation unit 4 by the user, the CPU 71 executes the direction condition setting program 72 a in the program memory 72. Then, after the shooting condition setting screen G1 is displayed on the image display unit 32, the direction specifying mark a2 is moved in accordance with a predetermined operation of the selection decision button 41c by the user, and the direction specifying position is coordinated (for example, (A1, A2)). , (B1, B2), etc.), and then the moving body moving direction condition relating to the direction in which the moving body moves (for example, right, diagonally upward to the right, etc.) is set.
Note that when the setting of the moving body moving direction condition is completed, the image display unit 32 displays a menu screen.

Next, the moving body shooting position is set (step S4). Specifically, when the moving object shooting position item is selected and determined based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41 c of the operation unit 4 by the user, the CPU 71 executes the shooting position setting program 72 b in the program memory 72. Then, after the shooting condition setting screen G1 is displayed on the image display unit 32, the moving body shooting position designation mark a1 is moved in accordance with a predetermined operation of the selection decision button 41c by the user, and the moving body shooting position is coordinated (for example, (A1, A2) etc.). Here, the moving body photographing position may be selected and determined by setting a predetermined position of the image frame as a default position, or may be arbitrarily set within the image frame.
Note that when the setting of the moving object shooting position is completed, the image display unit 32 displays a menu screen.

Subsequently, when a feature condition setting instruction is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit 4 by the user (step S5; YES), a feature condition setting process is performed (step S6). Specifically, first, when items such as a speed condition, a color condition, a size condition, and a moving object designation of the moving object are selected and determined based on a predetermined operation of the selection determining button 41c of the operation unit 4 by the user, the CPU 71 After executing the characteristic condition setting program 72c in the program memory 72 and displaying the photographing condition setting screen G1 on the image display unit 32, the speed designation mark a3, color, and the like according to a predetermined operation of the selection decision button 41c by the user The designation mark a4, the size designation mark a5, the face designation mark a6, etc. are moved to the moving object photographing position or the direction specifying position, and their coordinates are set.
Note that when the setting of the feature conditions is completed, the image display unit 32 displays a menu screen.

Next, when setting of the number of times of determination of the automatic shooting condition until automatic shooting is instructed based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c of the operation unit 4 by the user (step S7; YES), the CPU 71 is instructed. The number of times of automatic photographing condition determination is set according to the number of times (step S8).
If it is determined in step S5 that a feature condition setting instruction has not been input, the process proceeds to step S7.
When the setting of the number of determinations is completed, the image display unit 32 displays a menu screen.

Then, when an instruction to end the setting of the automatic shooting conditions is given based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c of the operation unit 4 by the user (step S9; YES), the CPU 71 is based on the set automatic shooting conditions. Then, an automatic photographing condition setting table T1 (see FIG. 5) is created and stored in the data memory 73 (step S1A). Subsequently, the CPU 71 creates a flag state table T2 (see FIG. 6) based on the created automatic photographing condition setting table T1, and stores it in the data memory 73 (step S1B).
Note that if it is determined in step S7 that an instruction to set the number of determinations has not been input, the process proceeds to step S9. If it is determined in step S9 that the automatic shooting condition setting end instruction has not been input (step S9; NO), the process proceeds to step S5.
Thereby, the automatic photographing condition setting process is ended.

  The automatic photographing condition setting process shown in FIG. 7 is an example and is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate. That is, the order of the setting process of the moving body moving direction condition, the moving body shooting position, the feature condition, and the number of determinations is not limited to the above, and can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate, and may be performed in any order. Further, as long as at least the moving body moving direction condition is set, it is not always necessary to set the moving body shooting position, the feature condition, and the number of determinations.

Next, automatic photographing processing by the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example of an operation related to automatic photographing processing by the imaging apparatus 100.
In the following automatic photographing process, it is assumed that the automatic photographing mode is set in advance based on a predetermined operation of the mode setting button 41b by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, first, under the control of the CPU 71, the imaging unit 1 performs provisional photographing of a subject and stores the image data in the image memory 14 (step S10). Thereafter, the CPU 71 determines whether or not image data of a temporarily captured image previously captured is stored in the image memory 14 (step S11).
Here, if it is determined that the image data of the temporarily captured image that has been previously captured is stored (step S11; YES), the CPU 71 executes the moving object detection program 72d in the program memory 72, and the imaging unit. Based on the image data of the temporarily captured image captured immediately before 1 and the image data of the previously captured temporary captured image, a moving object detection process for detecting a moving object in the subject is performed (step S12).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the image data of the previously captured temporary captured image is not stored (step S11; NO), the process proceeds to step S10, and the subject is temporarily captured by the imaging unit 1. I do.

  Next, the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73 to determine whether or not the direction specifying flag is ON (“1”) (step S13). If it is determined that the direction determination flag is ON (step S13; YES), the CPU 71 performs a movement direction determination process (step S14).

Hereinafter, the moving direction determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 71 sets T = 1 as the moving object number (step S41), and then sets N as the direction designation number related to the moving object moving direction condition set in the direction related condition setting process. = 1 is set (step S42).

Next, the CPU 71 refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 of the data memory 73 and determines whether or not a direction specifying position for specifying the moving direction of the moving object is specified for the direction designation of number 1 (step 1). S43). If it is determined that the direction specifying position is designated (step S43; YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the moving object is in contact with the direction specifying position based on the automatic photographing condition setting table T1 (step S43; YES). Step S44).
If it is determined that the moving object is in contact with the direction specifying position (step S44; YES), the CPU 71 executes the moving direction detection program 72e in the program memory 72 to detect the moving object detected in the moving object detection process. After specifying the moving direction (moving direction specifying process), the shooting control program 72g in the program memory 72 is executed, and the moving direction of the moving object specified based on the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 is determined as the moving object moving direction condition ( It is determined whether or not (direction designation) is satisfied (step S45).
As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the moving direction satisfies the moving object moving direction condition (step S45; YES), the CPU 71 sets a flag relating to the direction designation as a flag ON (step S46).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S43 that the direction specifying position is not specified with respect to the direction designation of number 1 (step S43; NO), the process proceeds to step S45, and the moving object detected in the moving object detection process is detected. After specifying the moving direction (moving direction specifying process), the imaging control program 72g in the program memory 72 is executed to determine whether or not the specified moving direction of the moving object satisfies the moving object moving direction condition (direction designation). judge.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the moving direction has been determined for all of the direction designation numbers related to the moving body moving direction condition set in the direction related condition setting process (step S47). Moreover, if it determines with a moving direction not satisfy | filling moving body moving direction conditions in step S45 (step S45; NO), it will transfer to step S47.
If it is determined that not all moving body moving direction conditions have been determined (step S47; NO), the CPU 71 sets N = N + 1 as a direction designation number related to the moving body moving direction condition (step S47). S48), the process proceeds to step S43.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that all the moving direction conditions have been determined (step S47; YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the moving direction determination processing has been performed for all the moving objects. (Step S49). If it is determined that the moving direction determination process has not been performed for all moving objects (step S49; NO), the CPU 71 sets T = T + 1 as the moving object number (step S50), and then proceeds to step S42. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S49 that the moving direction determination process for all the moving objects has been performed (step S49; YES), the moving direction determination process ends.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73 to determine whether or not the speed condition flag is ON (“1”) (step S15). ). If it is determined that the speed condition flag is ON (step S15; YES), the CPU 71 performs a speed determination process (step S16).

  The speed determination process is a process performed for each moving object number. Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f in the program memory 72 and refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73. Then, the speed of the moving object at the moving object photographing position or the direction specifying position where the speed designation mark a3 is arranged is detected, and it is determined whether or not the speed condition set in the feature condition setting process is satisfied.

  When the speed determination process ends or when it is determined in step S15 that the speed condition flag is not ON (step S15; NO), the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73. Then, it is determined whether or not the size condition flag is ON (“1”) (step S17). If it is determined that the size condition flag is ON (step S17; YES), the CPU 71 performs a size determination process (step S18).

  The size determination process is performed for each moving object number. Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f in the program memory 72, and refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73. Then, the size of the moving object at the position where the size designation mark a5 is arranged or the direction specifying position is detected, and it is determined whether or not the size condition set in the feature condition setting process is satisfied. .

  When the size determination process ends or when it is determined in step S17 that the size condition flag is not ON (step S17; NO), the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73. Then, it is determined whether or not the moving object designation flag is ON (“1”) (step S19). If it is determined that the moving object designation flag is ON (step S19; YES), the CPU 71 performs a moving object determination process (step S20).

  The moving object determination process is a process performed for each moving object number. Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f in the program memory 72 and refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73. Then, face detection processing is performed at the moving object photographing position or the direction specifying position where the face designation mark a6 is arranged, and it is determined whether or not the moving object is the face of the person H.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the moving object determination process ends or when it is determined in step S19 that the moving object designation flag is not turned on (step S19; NO), the CPU 71 sets the flag of the data memory 73. With reference to the state table T2, it is determined whether or not the color condition flag is ON (“1”) (step S21). If it is determined that the color condition flag is ON (step S21; YES), the CPU 71 performs a color determination process (step S22).

  The color determination process is a process performed for each moving object number. Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f in the program memory 72, and refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73. Then, the color of the moving object at the moving object photographing position or the direction specifying position where the color designation mark a4 is arranged is detected to determine whether or not the color condition set in the feature condition setting process is satisfied.

  When the color determination process ends or when it is determined in step S21 that the color condition flag is not ON (step S21; NO), the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73. Then, it is determined whether or not the shooting position designation flag is ON (“1”) (step S23). If it is determined that the shooting position designation flag is ON (step S23; YES), the CPU 71 performs a moving body shooting position determination process (step S24).

Hereinafter, the moving body photographing position determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, first, the CPU 71 sets T = 1 as the moving object number (step S61), and then refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73, with respect to the moving object of number 1. It is determined whether or not there is an area designation at the photographing position (step S62).

If it is determined in step S62 that there is an area designation (step S62; YES), the CPU 71 executes the shooting control program 72g in the program memory 72 to determine whether or not the moving object is within the designated area. Is determined (step S63).
Here, when it is determined that the moving object is in the region (step S63; YES), the CPU 71 sets the flag relating to the moving object photographing position to the flag ON (step S64).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that there is no area designation, that is, only the moving body photographing position coordinates are designated (step S62; NO), the CPU 71 executes the photographing control program 72g in the program memory 72. Then, it is determined whether or not the moving object is in contact with the moving object photographing position (step S65).
If it is determined that the moving object is in contact with the moving object photographing position (step S65; YES), the process proceeds to step S64.

Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not moving object photographing position determination processing has been performed for all numbers of moving objects (step S66). If it is determined in step S63 that the moving object is not within the area (step S63; NO), or if it is determined in step S65 that the moving object is not in contact with the moving object photographing position (step S63). S65; NO), the process proceeds to step S66.
If it is determined that the moving object shooting position determination process for all moving objects has not been performed (step S66; NO), the CPU 71 sets T = T + 1 as the moving object number (step S67), and then proceeds to step S62. Transition.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S66 that the moving body shooting position determination process for all the moving objects has been performed (step S66; YES), the moving body shooting position determination process ends.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 71 refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73 and determines whether or not all automatic shooting conditions are satisfied (step S25).
If it is determined that all automatic photographing conditions are satisfied (step S25; YES), the CPU 71 refers to the flag state table T2 of the data memory 73 to determine whether the number determination flag is ON (“1”). (Step S26). If it is determined that the number determination flag is ON (step S26; YES), the CPU 71 performs a number determination process (step S27).

The number determination process is a process performed for each moving object number. Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the feature condition determination program 72f in the program memory 72 and refers to the automatic shooting condition setting table T1 in the data memory 73. Then, it is determined whether the number determination condition set in the feature condition setting process is satisfied.
If it is determined that the number determination condition is satisfied (step S28; YES), or if it is determined in step S26 that the number determination flag is not turned on (step S26; NO), the CPU 71 captures an image. By executing the control program 72g, the main image of the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1 (step S29), and the automatic imaging process is terminated.
Note that the main image may be accompanied by automatic shooting conditions as Exif tag information as image data composed of an Exif format image file.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that all automatic photographing conditions are not satisfied (step S25; NO), or if it is determined in step S28 that the number determination conditions are not satisfied (step S28). NO), the process proceeds to step S1.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the direction-related condition related to the moving direction of the moving object (for example, the person H) in the subject is set as the condition for the main imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1. Thus, based on the moving direction of the moving object and the direction-related conditions, the timing of the main imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1 can be controlled. That is, the direction specific position for specifying the moving direction of the moving body is arbitrarily set, and the moving body moving direction condition related to the direction in which the moving body moves at the direction specifying position is set as the direction related condition, and the actual captured image The acquisition timing can be controlled.
Furthermore, when the main image of the subject is captured by the imaging unit 1, a moving body shooting position where the moving body is located within the subject is set, and the main shooting image of the subject is acquired by the imaging unit 1 based on the moving body shooting position. Timing can be controlled. That is, the acquisition timing of the actual captured image can be controlled based on not only the direction-related condition but also whether or not the moving object is positioned at the moving object shooting position, so that the moving object is positioned at the desired moving object shooting position. Thus, the main image can be properly captured.
In addition, when conditions such as the speed, size, color, and presence / absence of the moving object are set as conditions for the actual imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1, it is determined that the characteristic conditions are satisfied. The acquisition timing of the main captured image of the subject by the imaging unit 1 can be controlled. That is, the acquisition timing of the actual captured image can be controlled based on whether or not the feature condition is satisfied as well as the direction-related condition, and a moving object that does not satisfy the feature condition is not automatically captured. Automatic shooting of only moving objects can be performed properly.
Therefore, it is possible to appropriately perform automatic photographing of a moving subject by using a direction-related condition such as a moving object moving direction condition that is information other than the stationary state of the subject.

  In addition, by setting a plurality of direction specifying positions, it is possible to set a moving body moving direction condition based on the plurality of direction specifying positions. That is, by setting the first and second direction specific positions, and the moving body contacts the second direction specific position after passing through the first direction specific position, in a large sense, the second direction specific position is determined from the first direction specific position. The direction to the position can be detected, and thereby the moving body moving direction condition can be set, and the moving subject can be automatically photographed appropriately using the direction related condition.

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, after the moving object passes through a predetermined position in the subject, the moving object moving direction condition relating to the moving direction of the moving object may be set by reaching the moving object shooting position set in the shooting position setting process. Thus, in a large sense, the direction from the predetermined position to the moving object photographing position can be detected, and automatic photographing of the moving subject can be appropriately performed using the direction related condition.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the moving object shooting position is set, and the main image of the subject is automatically shot with the moving object positioned at the moving object shooting position, but the present invention is not limited to this. Whether or not to set the moving body shooting position can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate. In other words, after recognizing that the subject is moving in the right direction, shooting is performed at a timing when the moving direction is changed to the left, or when a moving body moving in a predetermined direction is detected, shooting may be performed after a predetermined number of seconds. good.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the main image of the subject is captured, the focus position of the imaging lens 11 is adjusted with the detected moving object as the AF target, or the exposure condition when the imaging unit 1 captures the image as the AE target. (For example, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) may be adjusted. Thereby, it is possible to capture the main image of the subject with higher image quality.

  Moreover, in the above embodiment, the selection determination button 41c for performing the setting of the moving body photographing position and the direction specifying position, the selection determination of various items, and the like is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A touch panel may be mounted, which makes it possible to perform an intuitive operation, thereby making it easier to set a moving object shooting position and a direction specifying position, and to select and determine various items. . In addition, setting of a moving body photographing position and a direction specifying position, selection selection of various items, and the like may be performed by voice input.

  Further, when the moving object speed condition at the moving object photographing position is set as the characteristic condition, the shutter speed is determined based on the moving object speed detected at the moving object photographing position in the automatic photographing process. Also good.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when an area is specified when setting the moving object shooting position, automatic shooting is performed when a moving object enters the area, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, automatic shooting may be performed when a part of the moving object is in contact with the edge of the designated area.

  In the above embodiment, the person H is used as the subject, but a vehicle moving on a road may be used. In particular, on a road that can be passed from both directions, if you want to capture only the vehicle that came from one side, set the direction-related condition related to the moving direction of the vehicle moving in the desired direction, Can be automatically shot properly.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the automatic photographing condition generated in the automatic photographing condition setting process may be changed while the through image is being displayed. That is, during the display of the through image, various conditions such as the moving object shooting position, the direction specifying position, the speed condition, the color condition, the size condition, the face of the person H as the moving object, based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit 4 by the user. A menu screen for designating the condition may be displayed so that resetting or changing of various conditions can be accepted. In addition, the automatic shooting condition may be changed by, for example, a voice instruction, which makes it difficult for the composition of the subject to fluctuate and allows the main image of the subject to be shot more appropriately. .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, one image is captured by the image capturing unit 1 in the automatic image capturing process, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images captured in the automatic image capturing condition setting process is not limited thereto. May be set to a plurality of images, or may be set to capture moving images, so that a plurality of main images may be captured, or a moving image may be captured.
In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition of the captured image is described as the imaging process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is a recording process of recording an already captured image on a specific recording medium. Also good.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the target subject is detected from the temporarily captured image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a sensor for detecting the target subject is separately provided (for example, a distance image sensor), thereby detecting the target subject. You may comprise so that it may do.

  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, as direction condition setting means, moving object detection means, direction detection means, shooting control means, direction detection position setting means, shooting position setting means, feature condition setting means, and feature condition determination means The function is realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the function may be constituted 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 image display part of the imaging device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an imaging condition setting screen displayed on an image display unit of the imaging apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the mark which concerns on the setting of the automatic imaging condition by the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the automatic imaging condition setting table produced | generated by the automatic imaging condition setting process by the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the flag state table which concerns on the automatic imaging condition setting table of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to automatic shooting condition setting processing by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to automatic imaging processing by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the automatic photographing process of FIG. 8. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a moving direction determination process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a moving object shooting position determination process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

100 Imaging device 1 Imaging unit (imaging means)
3 Display unit 4 Operation unit 71 CPU (direction condition setting means, moving object detection means, direction detection means, imaging control means, direction detection position setting means, imaging position setting means, feature condition setting means, feature condition determination means)

Claims (11)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Provisional photographing control means for provisionally photographing the subject by the imaging means to obtain a provisionally photographed image;
And the target subject detection means for detecting the provisional shooting Richu first subject I in the image,
Main photographing control means for photographing the subject by the imaging means to obtain a main photographing image;
Direction condition setting means for setting a direction related condition related to the moving direction of the subject of interest in the subject as the condition of the main photographing;
Direction detecting means for detecting the moving direction of the subject of interest detected by the subject of interest detecting means;
Direction detection position setting means for arbitrarily setting a direction detection position for detecting the movement direction of the subject of interest by the direction detection means independently of the movement direction to be detected;
An imaging control unit for controlling the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control unit based on the movement direction detected by the direction detection unit and the direction-related condition set by the direction condition setting unit;
With
The direction condition setting means is a movement direction in which the subject of interest moves in the direction detection position arbitrarily set independently of the movement direction detected by the direction detection position setting means as the direction-related condition. Set the conditions
The photographing control unit causes the main photographing control unit to acquire the main photographed image after the movement direction detected by the direction detecting unit satisfies the movement direction condition set by the direction condition setting unit. Imaging device. The direction detection position setting means sets a plurality of the direction detection positions,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction condition setting unit sets the movement direction condition for each of the plurality of direction detection positions detected by the direction detection position setting unit. A photographing position setting means for setting a subject position where the subject of interest should be located in the subject when performing the main photographing by the main photographing control means;
The imaging control means further controls the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control means based on the subject position set by the imaging position setting means. The imaging device according to one item. A photographing position setting means for setting a subject position where the subject of interest should be located in the subject when performing the main photographing by the main photographing control means;
The direction condition setting means, as the direction-related condition, includes the predetermined position when the subject of interest reaches the subject position set by the shooting position setting means after passing through a predetermined position in the subject. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a moving direction condition relating to the subject of interest is set based on the subject position. Feature condition setting means for setting a feature condition related to the feature of the subject of interest as a condition for executing the main shooting by the main shooting control unit;
Feature condition determination means for determining whether or not the feature condition set by the feature condition setting means is satisfied,
The imaging control unit further controls the acquisition timing of the actual captured image by the actual imaging control unit when the characteristic condition determining unit determines that the characteristic condition is satisfied. Item 5. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the characteristic condition related to the feature of the target subject is a speed of the target subject.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the characteristic condition related to the feature of the target subject is a size of the target subject.   The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the characteristic condition related to the feature of the subject of interest is whether or not the subject of interest is a human face.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the characteristic condition related to the characteristic of the target subject is a color of the target subject. A number of times determination means for determining whether or not the number of times that the feature condition set by the feature condition setting means satisfies the feature condition set by the feature condition determination means satisfies a number of times determination condition set by the feature condition setting means; ,
The imaging control unit is further determined that the number of times that the feature condition set by the feature condition setting unit is satisfied by the number of times determination unit satisfies a number of times determination condition set by the feature condition setting unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition timing of the actual captured image is controlled by the actual imaging control unit. In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
A function of temporarily capturing the subject by the imaging means and acquiring a provisionally captured image;
Said the function of detecting a Richu first subject by the temporarily captured image,
A function of acquiring the actual captured image by capturing the subject with the imaging means;
A function of setting a direction-related condition related to the moving direction of the subject of interest in the subject as the condition of the main photographing;
A function of detecting the movement direction of the detected subject of interest;
A function of arbitrarily setting a direction detection position for detecting the movement direction of the subject of interest independently of the movement direction to be detected ;
A function of controlling the acquisition timing of the captured image based on the detected moving direction and the set direction-related condition;
Realized,
As the direction-related condition , set a moving direction condition that is a direction in which the subject of interest moves at a direction detection position arbitrarily set independently of the moving direction to be detected,
The program for acquiring the actual captured image after the detected moving direction satisfies the set moving direction condition.

Images