JP2008017166A - Imaging apparatus, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An image in which a person desired by a photographer is in focus can be obtained.
A face detection unit detects a face included in a through image. When a plurality of faces are included in the through image, one face is selected, the face to be selected is changed by input from the input unit 13, and the selected face is focused.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and method for acquiring an image of a subject by photographing, and a program for causing a computer to execute the photographing method.

Various methods for extracting a face from an image acquired by a digital camera have been proposed. For example, a method has been proposed in which when a plurality of faces are included in an image, a plurality of faces are extracted, and shooting is performed so as to focus on the largest face among the extracted faces (Patent Document 1). reference). As described above, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to obtain an image in which the face having the largest size that is most noticeable in the image is in focus.
JP 2004-320287 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since shooting is performed so as to focus on the face of the largest size, an image in which the person desired by the photographer is in focus may not be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain an image in which a person desired by a photographer is in focus.

The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographing unit that acquires a through image and a main image of a subject by photographing, a focusing unit that focuses on a predetermined position on the subject at the time of photographing, an input unit that performs various inputs, In a photographing apparatus including a through image and display means for performing various displays including the main image,
Face detection means for detecting a face region from the through image;
When a plurality of face areas are detected from the through image, one face area is selected, the face area to be selected is changed by input from the input means, and the selected face area And control means for controlling each of the means so as to focus on.

  The “through image” is an image acquired by the imaging unit sequentially imaging the subject regardless of the operation when the imaging apparatus is in the imaging preparation state. The “main image” is an image acquired by the photographing unit photographing a subject by a photographing operation such as pressing a release button.

  “Selected state” may be any state as long as it is known that one face is selected. For example, all faces to which a frame of a predetermined size is given only to the selected face region Only the face area selected by adding a frame to the area can be selected by various methods such as changing the color of the frame or the color inside the frame.

In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the face detection means is a means for extracting the selected face area from the through image,
The control means may be means for enlarging the face area to a predetermined size and superimposing the enlarged face area on the through image and displaying it on the display means.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may be means for further enlarging the face area displayed on the display means within a range of the predetermined size in response to an input from the input means.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may be means for displaying the enlarged face area on the display means only when the through image is a predetermined size or larger.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may be means for stopping the display of the enlarged face area after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may be means for stopping the display of the enlarged face area by a photographing operation.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may be means for displaying the enlarged face area on a portion other than the face area included in the through image.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, when the control means displays the enlarged face area, a navigation image representing a position of the face area to be displayed on the through image is superimposed on the through image. It is good also as a means to display.

Further, in the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the face extraction means is means for extracting the selected face area from the main image after photographing,
The control means may be means for enlarging the face area to a predetermined size and superimposing the enlarged face area on the main image for display on the display means.

  In this case, the control means may be means for displaying the enlarged face area in a portion other than the face area included in the main image.

  In this case, when the enlarged face area is displayed, the control means may be a means for displaying a navigation image representing a position of the face area to be displayed on the main image in a superimposed manner. Good.

  In addition, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention may further include brightness correction means for correcting the brightness of the image of the enlarged face area.

The photographing method according to the present invention includes a photographing unit that acquires a through image and a main image of a subject by photographing, a focusing unit that focuses on a predetermined position on the subject at the time of photographing, an input unit that performs various inputs, In a photographing method in a photographing device comprising a through image and display means for performing various displays including the main image,
A face region is detected from the through image,
When a plurality of face areas are detected from the through image, one face area is selected,
Change the face area to be selected by input from the input means,
Focusing on the face area in the selected state is characterized.

  In addition, you may provide as a program for making a computer perform the imaging | photography method by this invention.

  According to the present invention, when a face area is detected from a through image, and a plurality of face areas are included in the through image, one face area is selected, and the face area is selected by input from the input unit. Is changed to focus on the selected face area. For this reason, the photographer can obtain a main image in which a desired person is in focus by selecting a desired face area and performing a photographing operation.

  Whether the selected face area is in focus by extracting the selected face area from the through image, enlarging the extracted face area to a predetermined size and superimposing it on the through image. Can be easily confirmed.

  Further, by further enlarging the selected face area within a predetermined size range, it is possible to confirm in more detail whether or not the selected face area is in focus.

  Also, by displaying the enlarged face area only when the through image is a predetermined size or larger, the focus area is displayed when the through image is enlarged so that it cannot be confirmed whether the focus is in focus or not. It is possible to prevent the face area from being enlarged and displayed so that it cannot be confirmed whether or not it matches.

  Further, by stopping the display of the enlarged face area after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to prevent the enlarged face area from interfering with the confirmation of the entire through image.

  Further, by stopping the display of the enlarged face area by the photographing operation, it is possible to prevent the enlarged face area from hindering confirmation of an image acquired by photographing.

  Further, by displaying the enlarged face area in a portion other than the face area in the through image, it is possible to prevent the confirmation of the face included in the through image from being hindered by the enlarged face area.

  In addition to the enlarged face area, a navigation image representing the position of the face area to be displayed on the through image is superimposed and displayed on the through image, so that the position of the face for confirming whether or not the focus is in focus can be accurately determined. Can be confirmed.

  In addition, a face area within a predetermined range including a face that has been selected after shooting is extracted from the main image, and the extracted face area is enlarged to a predetermined size and displayed superimposed on the through image to display the selected face. However, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the image is in focus.

  Further, by displaying the enlarged face area in a portion other than the face area in the main image, it is possible to prevent the confirmation of the face included in the main image from being hindered by the enlarged face area.

  In addition to the enlarged face area, a navigation image representing the position of the face area to be displayed on the main image is superimposed and displayed on the main image, so that the position of the face for confirming whether or not the focus is in focus can be accurately determined. Can be confirmed.

  Also, by correcting the brightness of the enlarged face area, it is easy to check whether the subject is in focus even when the brightness is insufficient or the face becomes dark due to backlighting be able to.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view centering on the back surface of a digital camera 1 to which a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, on the back of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, an operation mode switch 11, a menu / OK button 12, a cross key 13, and a back button 15 are provided as interfaces for operations by the photographer. In addition to the display switching button 16, it has a finder 17 and a liquid crystal monitor 18. A release button 19 is provided on the upper surface. FIG. 2 is a perspective view centering on the front surface of the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a lens 20, a lens cover 21, a power switch 22, a finder window 23, a flash 24, and a self-timer lamp 25 are provided on the front surface.

  The operation mode switch 11 is a slide switch for switching operation modes of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, and a playback mode.

  Pressing the menu / OK button 12 causes the liquid crystal monitor 18 to display various menus for setting the shooting mode, the flash emission mode, auto play, the number of recording pixels, the sensitivity, and the like. This is a button for confirming selection / setting based on the menu. The menu / OK button 12 can be used to switch an autofocus mode to be described later.

  The cross key 13 is used to adjust the telephoto / wide angle by tilting the lever in the up / down direction during shooting, and to move the cursor in the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 18 up / down / left / right during various settings. It is a lever.

  The Back button 15 is a button for stopping various setting operations when pressed and returning to the previous screen.

  The display switching button 16 is a button for switching ON / OFF of the display of the liquid crystal monitor 18, various guide displays, ON / OFF of character display, and the like when pressed.

  The contents set by the operation of each button and lever can be confirmed by the display on the liquid crystal monitor 18, the position of the lamp in the viewfinder, the slide lever, and the like.

  The liquid crystal monitor 18 displays a through image for confirming a subject at the time of shooting, thereby functioning as an electronic viewfinder, displaying a still image and a moving image after shooting, and displaying various setting menus.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera. The digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 3 converts image data acquired by shooting into an Exif format image file and records it on a recording medium 70 that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

  The operation system of this digital camera includes the above-described operation mode switch 11, menu / OK button 12, cross key 13, Back button 15, display switch button 16, release button 19, power switch 22, and these switches. And an operation system control unit 74 which is an interface part for transmitting the operation contents of the class to the CPU 75.

  The optical system includes a focus lens 20a and a zoom lens 20b. Each lens can be moved in the optical axis direction by a focus lens driving unit 51 and a zoom lens driving unit 52 including a motor and a motor driver. The focus lens driving unit 51 controls the movement of each lens based on the focus driving amount data output from the AF processing unit 62, and the zoom lens driving unit 52 based on the operation amount data of the cross key 13.

  The diaphragm 54 is driven by a diaphragm driving unit 55 including a motor and a motor driver. The aperture driver 55 adjusts the aperture diameter based on aperture value data output from the AE / AWB processor 63.

  The shutter 56 is a mechanical shutter and is driven by a shutter drive unit 57 including a motor and a motor driver. The shutter drive unit 57 controls the opening / closing of the shutter 56 in accordance with a signal generated by pressing the release button 19 and the shutter speed data output from the AE / AWB processing unit 63.

  A CCD 58, which is an image sensor, is provided behind the optical system. The CCD 58 has a photoelectric surface in which a large number of light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and subject light that has passed through the optical system forms an image on the photoelectric surface and is subjected to photoelectric conversion. In front of the photocathode, a microlens array for condensing light on each pixel and a color filter array in which filters of R, G, and B colors are regularly arranged are arranged. The CCD 58 outputs the charges accumulated for each pixel as a serial analog photographing signal line by line in synchronization with the vertical transfer clock and horizontal transfer clock supplied from the CCD controller 59. The time for accumulating charges in each pixel, that is, the exposure time is determined by an electronic shutter drive signal given from the CCD controller 59. The gain of the CCD 58 is adjusted by the CCD control unit 59 so that an analog imaging signal having a predetermined size can be obtained.

  The analog photographing signal captured from the CCD 58 is input to the analog signal processing unit 60. The analog signal processing unit 60 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) that removes noise from the analog signal, an auto gain controller (AGC) that adjusts the gain of the analog signal, and an A / D that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. It consists of a converter (ADC). The image data converted into the digital signal is CCD-RAW data having R, G, and B density values for each pixel.

  The timing generator 72 generates a timing signal. By supplying this timing signal to the shutter drive unit 57, the CCD control unit 59, and the analog signal processing unit 60, the operation of the release button 19, the opening and closing of the shutter 56, The charge taking of the CCD 58 and the processing of the analog signal processing unit 60 are synchronized.

  The flash control unit 73 causes the flash 24 to emit light during shooting. Specifically, when the flash emission mode is set to flash on, and when the flash emission mode is the auto mode, the flash 24 is turned on when a pre-image to be described later is not at a predetermined brightness, and the flash is set at the time of shooting. 24 is caused to emit light. On the other hand, when the flash emission mode is set to flash off, the flash 24 is prohibited from emitting light during shooting.

  The image input controller 61 writes the CCD-RAW data input from the analog signal processing unit 60 in the frame memory 66.

  The frame memory 66 is a working memory used when various digital image processing (signal processing) described later is performed on image data. For example, an SDRAM (data transfer device that performs data transfer in synchronization with a bus clock signal having a fixed period. Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) is used.

  The display control unit 71 displays the image data stored in the frame memory 66 on the liquid crystal monitor 18 as a through image, or displays the image data stored on the recording medium 70 in the playback mode on the liquid crystal monitor 18. belongs to. The through image is taken by the CCD 58 at a predetermined interval while the shooting mode is selected.

  The AF processing unit 62 and the AE / AWB processing unit 63 determine shooting conditions based on the pre-image. This pre-image is an image represented by image data stored in the frame memory 66 as a result of the CPU 75 having detected a half-press signal generated by half-pressing the release button 19 causing the CCD 58 to perform pre-photographing. It is.

  The AF processing unit 62 detects the focal position based on the pre-image and outputs focus drive amount data (AF processing). As a focus position detection method, for example, a passive method that detects a focus position using a feature that the contrast of an image is high in a focused state can be considered. In the present embodiment, the AF processing mode includes a center-weighted AF mode in which focus is focused on the vicinity of the center of the shooting range, and a case where there are a plurality of face areas detected by the face detection unit 80 as described later. It is assumed that the selection frame priority AF mode for focusing on the face area selected by the photographer can be selected.

  The AE / AWB processing unit 63 measures subject brightness based on the pre-image, determines an aperture value, shutter speed, etc. based on the measured subject brightness, and determines aperture value data and shutter speed data as exposure setting values. At the same time (AE processing), white balance at the time of shooting is automatically adjusted (AWB). The exposure and white balance can be set manually by the user of the digital camera 1 when the shooting mode is set to the manual mode. Even when the exposure and white balance are set automatically, the user can manually adjust the exposure and white balance by giving an instruction from the operation system such as the menu / OK button 12.

  The image processing unit 64 performs image quality correction processing such as brightness correction, gamma correction, sharpness correction, and contrast correction on the image data of the main image, CCD-RAW data as Y data that is a luminance signal, and a blue color difference signal. YC processing is performed for conversion into YC data composed of certain Cb data and Cr data which is a red color difference signal. The main image is an image based on image data that is captured from the CCD 58 in the main photographing executed when the release button 19 is fully pressed and stored in the frame memory 66 via the analog signal processing unit 60 and the image input controller 61. It is. The upper limit of the number of pixels of the main image is determined by the number of pixels of the CCD 58. For example, the number of recorded pixels can be changed by setting such as fine and normal. On the other hand, the number of images of the through image and the pre-image is smaller than that of the main image.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 65 performs compression processing on the image data of the main image that has been corrected and converted by the image processing unit 64 in a compression format such as JPEG, and generates an image file. A tag storing incidental information such as shooting date and time is added to the image file based on the Exif format or the like. In the playback mode, the compression / decompression processing unit 65 reads a compressed image file from the recording medium 70 and performs decompression processing. The decompressed image data is output to the liquid crystal monitor 18.

  The media control unit 67 accesses the recording medium 70 and controls writing and reading of the image file.

  The internal memory 68 stores various constants set in the digital camera 1, programs executed by the CPU 75, and the like.

  The face detection unit 80 detects all face regions including a human face from the through image or the main image. Specifically, first, an area having facial features (for example, having a skin color or a face shape having eyes) included in the image is detected. The detection of the area having the facial features (hereinafter referred to as a face area) is not limited to these.

  The face detection unit 80 detects a plurality of face areas when a plurality of faces are included in one image, calculates the size of the face included in the face area for each of the faces, and the calculated face size is Priorities are given to face areas in descending order.

  The CPU 75 controls each part of the main body of the digital camera 1 according to signals from the operation system such as the operation mode switch 11 and various processing units such as the AF processing unit 62.

  The data bus 76 is connected to the image input controller 61, various processing units 62 to 65, a frame memory 66, a media control unit 67, an internal memory 68, a display control unit 71, a face detection unit 80, and a CPU 75, and digital image data. And so on.

  Next, processing performed at the time of shooting in the digital camera 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the first embodiment.

  First, the CPU 75 determines the operation mode of the digital camera 1 (step ST1). If the operation mode is the reproduction mode, a reproduction process for displaying the image data recorded on the external recording medium 70 on the liquid crystal monitor 18 is performed (step ST1). ST2), the process ends.

  When the operation mode is the shooting mode, a through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 18 (step ST3), and it is further determined whether or not the selection frame priority AF mode is selected as the AF processing mode (step ST4). ). If step ST4 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST10 described later. If step ST4 is affirmed, the face detection unit 80 detects face areas of all faces included in the through image (step ST5), and gives priority to the detected face areas. (Step ST6). Next, the CPU 75 selects the face area with the highest priority (step ST7).

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a through image in which the face area is selected. As shown in FIG. 5, when the through image 90 includes three faces, three face regions 90A to 90C are detected. Here, since the sizes of the included faces are in the order of the face areas 90C, 90C, 90A, the face detection unit 80 assigns a higher priority in order from the face area 90C. Note that the priority order is not limited to the order of face sizes. Then, the face area 90C having the highest priority is selected. In FIG. 5A, the frame of the face area 90C in the selected state is a solid line and the frame of the face areas 90A and 90B that are not in the selected state is a broken line, but the face in the selected state The color of the frame of the area may be different from the color of the other frame, or the color inside the frame of the selected face area may be different from the color inside the frame of the other face area. Good. In addition, the aspect made into a selection state is not limited to these, What kind of aspect is also employable if it can visually recognize that it has been selected.

  When only one face is included in the through image, the face area including the face is detected, and one detected face area is selected.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the photographer has instructed the change of the face area to be selected by operating the cross key 13 (step ST8), and the selection is made when step ST8 is affirmed. The face area is changed (step ST9). For example, when the cross key 13 is operated to the left in the state shown in FIG. 5A, the face area 90B is selected as shown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, by moving the cross key 13 to the left, the face area 90A is selected as shown in FIG. If step ST8 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST10.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the release button 19 has been half-pressed (step ST10). If step ST10 is negative, the CPU 75 returns to step ST8 and repeats the processing after step ST8. If step ST10 is affirmed, pre-photographing is performed to obtain a pre-image (step ST11). The AF processing unit 62 performs AF processing based on the pre-image, and the AE / AWB processing unit 63 adjusts the exposure value and white balance based on the pre-image to determine the shooting condition (step ST12). Here, when the selection frame priority AF mode is selected, the AF processing unit 62 focuses on the selected face area. On the other hand, when the selection frame priority AF mode is not selected, focus is focused on the vicinity of the center of the shooting range.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the half-press of the release button 19 has been released (step ST13). If step ST13 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST3 and repeats the processes after step ST3. If step ST13 is negative, it is further determined whether or not the release button 19 is fully pressed (step ST14). If step ST14 is negative, the process returns to step ST13.

  If the determination in step ST14 is affirmative, the main image is shot (main shooting), the main image acquired by the main shooting is subjected to image processing, and the processed image subjected to the image processing is recorded on the recording medium 70. (Step ST15), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when a face area is included in the through image, the photographer selects the desired face area because the selected face area is focused. By performing the shooting operation, it is possible to obtain a main image in which the desired person is in focus.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the digital camera according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, and only the processing to be performed is different. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the processing up to step ST6 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore only the processing after step ST7 will be described.

  When priority is given in step ST6, the face area with the highest priority is selected (step ST21). Further, the enlarged image of the face area with the highest priority is displayed superimposed on the through image (step ST22).

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a through image on which an enlarged image is superimposed. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the through image 90, the face area 90C having the highest priority is selected, and an enlarged image 91C of the face area 90C is displayed in a frame 92 at the lower left corner of the through image. Is done.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the photographer has issued an instruction to change the face area to be selected by operating the cross key 13 (step ST23). The face area is changed and an enlarged image of the selected face area is displayed in the frame 92 (step ST24). For example, by operating the cross key 13 to the left in the state shown in FIG. 7A, the face area 90B is selected as shown in FIG. 7B, and the enlarged image 91B of the face area 90B is within the frame 92. Is displayed. Further, by moving the cross key 13 to the left, the face area 90A is selected as shown in FIG. 7C, and an enlarged image 91A of the face area 90A is displayed in the frame 92. If step ST23 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST25.

  Here, in the second embodiment, the enlarged image may be further enlarged and displayed in the frame 92 by giving an instruction to further enlarge the enlarged image. For example, by instructing enlargement of the enlarged image 91C in the through image 90 shown in FIG. 7A, the area around the eyes of the face area 90C is further enlarged and displayed in the frame 92 as shown in FIG. Also good. Further, when the enlarged image is further enlarged as described above, only the eye or nose portion of the enlarged image may be displayed in the frame 92.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the enlarged image was displayed (step ST25). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 75 stops displaying the enlarged image in the through image (step ST26). The process proceeds to step ST27. If step ST25 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST27.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the release button 19 has been half-pressed (step ST27), and if step ST27 is affirmed, the processing after step ST11 in the first embodiment is performed. If step ST27 is negative, the process returns to step ST23, and the processes after step ST23 are repeated.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the enlarged image of the selected face area is displayed superimposed on the through image, it is easy to determine whether or not the selected face area is in focus. Can be confirmed.

  Further, by further enlarging the enlarged image of the selected face area within the frame 92, it is possible to confirm in more detail whether or not the selected face area is in focus.

  Further, by stopping the display of the enlarged image after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to prevent the enlarged image from interfering with the confirmation of the entire through image.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the digital camera according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, and only the processing to be performed is different. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, since the process up to step ST6 is the same as that in the first embodiment, only the process after step ST7 will be described.

  When the priority is calculated in step ST6, the face area with the highest priority is selected (step ST31). Further, the enlarged image of the face area having the highest priority is displayed superimposed on the through image (step ST32).

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the photographer has issued an instruction to change the face area to be selected by operating the cross key 13 (step ST33). The face area is changed (step ST34). If step ST33 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST35.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the release button 19 has been half-pressed (step ST35). If step ST35 is affirmed, display of the enlarged image in the through image is stopped (step ST36), and the first embodiment. The process after step ST11 in is performed. If step ST35 is negative, the process returns to step ST33, and the processes after step ST33 are repeated.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the display of the enlarged image is stopped by pressing the release button 19, it is possible to prevent the enlarged image from interfering with the confirmation of the entire through image.

  In the third embodiment, the display of the enlarged image is stopped by pressing the release button 19, but the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image after a predetermined time in the second embodiment, Of course, the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image by pressing the release button 19 in the third embodiment can be performed in parallel.

  In the second and third embodiments, if the size of the through image is small, for example, the VGA size, the image is blurred by enlarging the image, so it is confirmed whether the image is in focus. It is difficult to do. For this reason, it is preferable to display the enlarged image only when the size of the through image is a predetermined size or more, for example, the VGA size.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, and only the processing to be performed is different. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the processing up to step ST6 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore only the processing after step ST7 will be described.

  When the priority is calculated in step ST6, the face area with the highest priority is selected (step ST41). When the enlarged image of the face area with the highest priority is displayed at the initial position (for example, the position of the lower left corner of the through image as shown in FIG. 7), does the enlarged image overlap the face area included in the through image? It is determined whether or not (step ST42). If step ST42 is affirmed, the position of the enlarged image is changed to a position that does not overlap the face area (step ST43), and the enlarged image is displayed superimposed on the through image (step ST44). If step ST42 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST44.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the change of the display position of the enlarged image. When the through image 93 includes three face regions 93A, 93B, and 93C as shown in FIG. 11A, when the enlarged image is displayed with the frame 94 set at the lower left corner of the through image 93, the enlarged image becomes the face region. It overlaps with 93A. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11B, the enlarged image overlaps the face area included in the through image 93 by setting a frame 94 at the upper left corner of the through image 93 and changing the display position of the enlarged image. Nothing will happen.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the photographer has instructed the change of the face area to be selected by operating the cross key 13 (step ST45). The face area is changed (step ST46). If step ST45 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST47.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the enlarged image was displayed (step ST47). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 75 stops displaying the enlarged image in the through image (step ST48). The process proceeds to step ST49. If step ST47 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST49.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the release button 19 has been half-pressed (step ST49), and if step ST49 is affirmed, the processing after step ST11 in the first embodiment is performed. If step ST49 is negative, the process returns to step ST45, and the processes after step ST45 are repeated.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since the enlarged image is arranged in a portion other than the face area in the through image, it is possible to prevent the confirmation of the face included in the through image from being hindered by the enlarged image. .

  In the fourth embodiment, the display of the enlarged image is stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the enlarged image is displayed, but the enlarged image is displayed by pressing the release button 19 as in the third embodiment. May be stopped. Of course, the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image after the elapse of a predetermined time and the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image by pressing the release button 19 can be performed in parallel.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the digital camera according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, and only the processing to be performed is different.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, since the process up to step ST6 is the same as that in the first embodiment, only the process after step ST7 will be described.

  When the priority is calculated in step ST6, the face area with the highest priority is selected (step ST51). Further, the image processing unit 64 performs brightness correction processing on the enlarged image so that the enlarged image of the face area with the highest priority has a predetermined brightness (step ST52), and the processed enlarged image is a through image. Is superimposed and displayed (step ST53).

  Here, the image processing unit 64 compares the average value of the pixel values in the face region with a predetermined threshold value, and when the average value of the pixel values is less than the predetermined threshold value, the average value is the predetermined threshold value. The brightness of the face area is corrected so that

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the photographer has issued an instruction to change the face area to be selected by operating the cross key 13 (step ST54). The face area is changed (step ST55). If step ST54 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST56.

  Next, the CPU 75 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the enlarged image was displayed (step ST56). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 75 stops displaying the enlarged image in the through image (step ST57). The process proceeds to step ST58. If step ST56 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST58.

  Further, the CPU 75 determines whether or not the release button 19 has been half-pressed (step ST58), and if step ST58 is affirmed, the processing after step ST11 in the first embodiment is performed. If step ST58 is negative, the process returns to step ST54, and the processes after step ST54 are repeated.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the brightness of the enlarged image is corrected. Therefore, even when the brightness is insufficient at the time of shooting or the face becomes dark due to backlight, the focus is not increased. It can be easily confirmed whether or not they match.

  In the fifth embodiment, the display of the enlarged image is stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the enlarged image is displayed, but the enlarged image is displayed by pressing the release button 19 as in the third embodiment. May be stopped. Of course, the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image after the elapse of a predetermined time and the process of stopping the display of the enlarged image by pressing the release button 19 can be performed in parallel.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, an enlarged image may be displayed, and a navigation image for specifying the position of the enlarged image on the through image may be displayed on the through image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the enlarged image and the navigation image are displayed superimposed on the through image. As shown in FIG. 13, by displaying the navigation image 95 together with the enlarged image 91C, the position of the enlarged image on the through image can be easily confirmed.

  Here, the navigation image 95 is a single color or transparent image having a shape corresponding to the through image being reproduced, and a frame 95A displayed therein represents the position of the face area currently being reproduced in the image. It has become. The inside of the frame 95A may be different from the color of the entire navigation image.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the face area to be selected is changed in accordance with the operation direction of the cross key 13, but the assigned priority is set regardless of the operation direction of the cross key 13. The face area to be selected may be changed in this order. For example, in the case of the through image 90 shown in FIG. 5, regardless of the operation direction of the cross key 13, the face regions that are selected in the order of the face regions 90C, 90B, 90A, 90C. May be changed.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, the face area selected at the time of shooting is extracted from the main image, and an enlarged image of the extracted face area is displayed when the main image is previewed. Good. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the main image is acquired with the face area 90C selected, when the main image is previewed immediately after shooting, the enlarged image 91C of the face area 90C is being previewed. It may be displayed superimposed on the image. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the selected face area is in focus in the main image. Further, a navigation image may be displayed together with the enlarged image.

  Although the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a program for causing a computer to perform the processes shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 9, 10, and 12 is also one embodiment of the present invention. A computer-readable recording medium that records such a program is also one embodiment of the present invention.

The perspective view centering on the back surface of the digital camera to which the photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The perspective view centering on the front surface of the digital camera to which the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera to which a photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 1st Embodiment. Figure showing a through image with the face area selected The flowchart which shows the process performed in 2nd Embodiment. Diagram showing a through image with an enlarged image displayed The figure which shows the state in which the image in the frame of an enlarged image was expanded further The flowchart which shows the process performed in 3rd Embodiment The flowchart which shows the process performed in 4th Embodiment The figure for demonstrating the change of the position which displays an enlarged image The flowchart which shows the process performed in 5th Embodiment The figure which shows the state which displayed the enlarged image and the navigation image superimposed on the through image

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 13 Four-way Key 18 LCD Monitor 58 CCD
59 CCD control unit 70 Recording medium 71 Display control unit 73 Flash control unit 75 CPU
80 Face detector

Claims (14)

Shooting means for acquiring a through image and a main image of a subject by shooting, focusing means for focusing on a predetermined position on the subject at the time of shooting, input means for performing various inputs, the through image and the main image In a photographing apparatus provided with display means for performing various displays including
Face detection means for detecting a face region from the through image;
When a plurality of face areas are detected from the through image, one face area is selected, the face area to be selected is changed by input from the input means, and the selected face area And a control means for controlling each of the means so as to focus on the photographing apparatus. The face detection means is means for extracting the selected face area from the through image,
2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is means for enlarging the face area to a predetermined size and superimposing the enlarged face area on the through image to be displayed on the display means.   3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means is means for further enlarging the face area displayed on the display means within the predetermined size range in response to an input from the input means. .   4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means is means for displaying the enlarged face area on the display means only when the through image is a predetermined size or larger.   5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is a unit that stops displaying the enlarged face area after a predetermined time has elapsed.   6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means is means for stopping the display of the enlarged face area by a photographing operation.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is a unit that displays the enlarged face area in a portion other than the face area included in the through image.   The control means is means for displaying a navigation image representing a position of the face area to be displayed on the through image superimposed on the through image when displaying the enlarged face area. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The face extracting means is means for extracting the selected face area from the main image after photographing,
9. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is a unit that enlarges the face area to a predetermined size and superimposes the enlarged face area on the main image and displays it on the display unit. The imaging device according to 1.   10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means is means for displaying the enlarged face area in a portion other than the face area included in the main image.   The control means is means for displaying a navigation image representing a position of the face area to be displayed on the main image in a superimposed manner when displaying the enlarged face area. The imaging device according to claim 9 or 10.   12. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising brightness correction means for correcting the brightness of the image of the enlarged face area. Shooting means for acquiring a through image and a main image of a subject by shooting, focusing means for focusing on a predetermined position on the subject at the time of shooting, input means for performing various inputs, the through image and the main image In a photographing method in a photographing apparatus provided with display means for performing various displays including:
A face region is detected from the through image,
When a plurality of face areas are detected from the through image, one face area is selected,
Change the face area to be selected by input from the input means,
An imaging method characterized by focusing on a face area in the selected state. Shooting means for acquiring a through image and a main image of a subject by shooting, focusing means for focusing on a predetermined position on the subject at the time of shooting, input means for performing various inputs, the through image and the main image In a program for causing a computer to execute a photographing method in a photographing device including display means for performing various displays including:
Detecting a face area from the through image;
When a plurality of face areas are detected from the through image, a procedure for selecting one face area,
A procedure for changing the face area to be selected by the input from the input means;
A program for focusing on the selected face area.

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