JP2010130590A - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

An imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of easily identifying an intended imaging target from a subject image.
Shooting units 101, 102, 103, and 104 that acquire image data of a subject image via an imaging lens, a shooting position information acquisition unit 130 that acquires first position information related to a shooting position, and a main subject A subject position information acquisition unit 140 that acquires second position information related to the subject position, a shooting direction information acquisition unit 150 that acquires shooting direction information related to the shooting direction of the imaging lens, and first position information and second position information. Based on the positional relationship calculation unit 110 that calculates the positional relationship with the main subject, and calculates the position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship with the main subject and the imaging direction of the imaging lens. A main subject image position calculation unit 110.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method.

  Some imaging devices such as digital still cameras and video cameras perform focus control (AF: automatic focus control) to focus on a subject. For example, contrast AF detects the in-focus position of the focus lens based on the contrast value (such as the degree of blur) of image data acquired by shooting. In addition, the accuracy of autofocus may be improved by specifying a place to focus using techniques such as human face recognition and photographic scene recognition.

  On the other hand, in recent years, there is a technique related to an imaging apparatus using a GPS (Global Positioning System). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for recording position information detected using GPS together with image information. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for specifying a shooting direction using position information detected using GPS and a database. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for generating meta information including position information detected using GPS at the time of photographing.

JP 2008-148333 A JP 2008-152374 A JP 2008-148220 A

  By the way, in the conventional focus control, since the in-focus position is detected based on the image data acquired by photographing, there is a problem that the focus cannot be properly adjusted when the photographing object cannot be accurately recognized. In particular, when a large number of objects to be photographed are captured in the subject, the imaging apparatus cannot determine which object to focus on, and the problem is that the photographer focuses on a place that is not intended by the photographer. there were.

  In order to solve this problem, a technique of focusing on a person using a face recognition technique is used. However, when there are a large number of persons in a subject, even if face recognition technology is used, it is not always possible to focus on the person the photographer intends to shoot. Furthermore, the face recognition technology is not effective when the person intended by the photographer is small in the subject image or when only a part of the person is shown.

  In addition, there is a technique for detecting a focal position by measuring a reflection time using ultrasonic waves or the like, but the accuracy is worse than that of face recognition or the like.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is a new and improved technique capable of easily identifying an intended photographing target from a subject image. An imaging device and an imaging method are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that acquires image data of a subject image via an imaging lens, and an imaging position information acquisition unit that acquires first position information regarding the imaging position A subject position information acquisition unit that acquires second position information related to the subject position of the main subject, a shooting direction information acquisition unit that acquires shooting direction information related to the shooting direction of the imaging lens, first position information, and second A positional relationship calculation unit that calculates a positional relationship with the main subject based on the positional information of the main subject, and the position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship with the main subject and the imaging direction of the imaging lens. An imaging device having a main subject image position calculation unit for calculation is provided.

  With this configuration, the positional relationship with the main subject is calculated based on the first position information regarding the shooting position and the second position information regarding the subject position of the main subject, and the position of the main subject image in the subject image is calculated. It is calculated based on the positional relationship with the main subject and the shooting direction of the imaging lens.

  The apparatus further includes a display unit that displays the subject image and displays the position of the main subject based on the calculated position of the main subject image.

  Further comprising a shape recognition unit for detecting a human face or human shape from the subject image, the display unit based on the detected human face or human shape and the position of the main subject image in the subject image, Displays the position of the main subject.

  The positional relationship calculation unit calculates the distance to the main subject, drives the focus lens based on the calculated distance to the main subject, and focuses the main subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging unit. It further has a part.

  The focusing control unit focuses the main subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging unit based on the detected distance between the human face or person shape and the calculated main subject.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a step of acquiring image data of a subject image via an imaging lens, a step of acquiring first position information related to a shooting position, A step of acquiring second position information relating to the subject position of the main subject, a step of obtaining shooting direction information relating to the shooting direction of the imaging lens, and the main subject based on the first position information and the second position information; An imaging method is provided that includes a step of calculating a positional relationship, a step of calculating the position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship with the main subject and the imaging direction of the imaging lens.

  According to the present invention, an intended photographing target can be easily identified from a subject image.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<Configuration of one embodiment>
[Configuration of imaging system]
First, the configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system according to the present embodiment.

  The imaging system of this embodiment includes an imaging device 100 and a position information transmission device 200. The imaging device 100 is, for example, a digital still camera or the like, and receives subject position information from the position information transmission device 200. Further, the imaging device 100 acquires position information of the imaging device 100 itself detected using, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) via the antenna 132.

  The position information transmission device 200 is, for example, a size that can be carried by a user, and is carried by a person who is a subject of the imaging device 100. The position information transmission device 200 acquires the position information of the device itself detected using GPS via the antenna 232, for example. The position information transmission device 200 transmits the acquired position information to the imaging device 100. When the position information transmitting apparatus 200 is carried by a person who is a subject, the position information transmitted from the position information transmitting apparatus 200 to the imaging apparatus 100 is the position information of the person.

According to the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the image capturing apparatus 100 and the position information transmitting apparatus 200 can be easily acquired by GPS. In the present embodiment, the position information of the imaging device 100 and the position information transmission device 200 is acquired using GPS, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a local position acquisition system (Positioning System) that can acquire position information (distance and positional relationship between the imaging apparatus 100 and the subject) of only a limited area may be used.
1 shows the case where the antennas 132 and 232 are provided outside the apparatus, the antennas 132 and 232 may be provided inside the apparatus, for example.

[Configuration of Imaging Device 100]
Next, the configuration of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The imaging device 100 is a digital still camera, for example, and can capture a still image.

  The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an optical block 101, a driving unit 102, an imaging element 103, an analog processing circuit 104, an image processing unit 105, an MPU 110, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, and an operation input. I / F 123, operation input unit 124, display control unit 125, display unit 126, memory card I / F 127, memory card 128, external input / output I / F 129, GPS communication unit 130, and wireless communication Part 140 and the like.

  The optical block 101 includes, for example, a zoom lens, a diaphragm, and a focus lens. The optical block 101 is an optical system that forms an image of external light information on the image sensor 103, and transmits light from the subject to the image sensor 103. The zoom lens is a lens that changes the angle of view by changing the focal length. The diaphragm is a mechanism that adjusts the amount of light that is transmitted, and is driven by a zoom lens motor. The focus lens moves in the optical axis direction to focus the subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 103. The focus lens is driven by a focus lens motor. Each motor receives a drive signal from the drive unit 102 and is driven.

  The image sensor 103 is an example of a photoelectric conversion element, and includes a plurality of elements that can perform photoelectric conversion that converts optical information that has passed through the optical block 101 and entered into an electrical signal. Each element generates an electrical signal corresponding to the received light. As the image sensor 103, a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor, or the like can be applied.

  Note that in order to control the exposure time of the image sensor 103, a mechanical shutter (not shown) can be applied so that the light is blocked during non-shooting and the light is applied only during shooting. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic shutter (not shown) may be applied. Note that the operation of the mechanical shutter or the electronic shutter is performed by a switch of the shutter button 124a (one of the operation input units 124).

The analog processing circuit 104 includes, for example, a CDS / AMP unit, an A / D conversion unit, and an image input controller. The CDS / AMP unit (correlated double sampling circuit / amplifier) removes low-frequency noise contained in the electric signal output from the image sensor 103 and brings the electric signal to an arbitrary level. Amplify. The A / D conversion unit digitally converts the electrical signal output from the CDS / AMP unit to generate a digital signal. The A / D conversion unit outputs the generated digital signal to the image input controller.
Note that the configuration in which the optical block 101, the drive unit 102, the imaging element 103, and the analog processing circuit 104 are combined is an example of an imaging unit.

  The image input controller performs processing on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit to generate an image signal that can be processed. The image input controller outputs the generated image signal to the image processing unit 105, for example. The image input controller controls reading / writing of image data to / from the RAM 122.

  The image processing unit 105 receives an image signal from the image input controller, and generates an image signal subjected to image processing based on a WB control value, a γ value, a contour enhancement control value, and the like. The image processing unit 105 calculates an AE evaluation value and an AF evaluation value based on the image signal and sends them to the MPU 110.

  The image processing unit 105 may perform compression processing, receives an image signal before compression processing, and compresses the image signal in a compression format such as JPEG compression format or MPEG compression format. The image processing unit 105 sends the image data generated by the compression process to, for example, the memory card I / F 127.

  The MPU 110 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device according to a program recorded in the ROM 121, for example, and controls processing of each component provided in the imaging device 100. The MPU 110 drives the optical block 101 by outputting a signal to the drive unit 102 based on, for example, focus control or exposure control. Further, the MPU 110 controls each component of the imaging device 100 based on a signal from the operation input unit 124. In this embodiment, only one MPU 110 is used. However, the MPU 110 may be configured by a plurality of MPUs such as a separate MPU for signal-related commands and operation-related commands.

  The MPU 110 includes, for example, a timing generator, a proper AWB calculation unit, a video AF control unit, a focus control unit, an AE control unit, an aperture control unit, an image processing selection unit, a GUI management unit, and the like.

  The timing generator outputs a timing signal to the image sensor 103 and the CDS / AMP unit, and controls the exposure period of each pixel constituting the image sensor 103 and the charge readout control.

  The appropriate AWB calculation unit calculates the WB control value based on the color information of the image signal corresponding to the subject image received by the image sensor 103. For example, the appropriate AWB calculation unit calculates the WB control value so that an appropriate white balance (WB) corresponding to the subject is obtained. The appropriate AWB calculation unit sends the calculated WB control value to the image processing unit 105.

  The video AF control unit calculates the focus position of the focus lens based on the AF (auto focus) evaluation value calculated by the image processing unit 105. The AF evaluation value is calculated by the image processing unit 105 based on the luminance value of the image signal. The AF evaluation value is, for example, a contrast value of an image. When the contrast value reaches a peak, it is determined that the subject image is in focus on the imaging surface of the image sensor 103 (contrast detection method).

  Upon receiving the focus control start operation signal, the focus control unit generates a control signal for moving the focus lens in one direction, and outputs the generated control signal to the drive unit 102. The focus control unit is an example of a focus control unit, and drives the focus lens based on the distance from the main subject calculated by a method described later to focus the main subject image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 103. . Further, the focus control unit may further consider a detected human face or human shape, which will be described later, when the main subject image is focused on the imaging surface of the imaging device 103.

  The drive unit 102 generates a drive signal based on the control signal received from the focus control unit. The drive unit 102 sends the generated drive signal to the motor. The drive unit 102 drives the focus lens in the optical axis direction during focus control.

  Based on the AE (auto exposure) evaluation value calculated by the image processing unit 105, the AE control unit calculates the aperture amount of the aperture and the shutter speed. The AE evaluation value is calculated by the image processing unit 105 based on the luminance value of the image signal. The AE control unit outputs the aperture amount obtained as a result of the calculation to the aperture control unit.

  The aperture control unit outputs the acquired aperture amount to the drive unit 102 as a control signal. The aperture control unit controls the amount of light based on the aperture value used for the actual shooting at the time of shooting. The drive unit 102 generates a drive signal based on the control signal received from the aperture control unit. The drive unit 102 sends the generated drive signal to the motor.

  The image processing selection unit selects whether or not to perform image processing such as gamma correction and contour enhancement processing on the image signal, and sets parameters necessary for each image processing. The image processing selection unit sends the selection result and the set parameters to the image processing unit 105.

  The GUI management unit manages a GUI (graphic user interface) such as a thumbnail screen of images displayed on the display unit 126 and a menu screen for operating the imaging apparatus 100. For example, the GUI management unit receives an operation signal from the operation input unit 124 and sends a control signal based on the operation signal to the display control unit 125.

  The RAM 122 is, for example, an SDRAM (synchronous DRAM), and temporarily stores image data of captured images. The RAM 122 has a storage capacity capable of storing image data of a plurality of images. The RAM 122 sequentially holds image signals at the time of focus control and outputs image signals. The RAM 122 stores an operation program for the MPU 110. Reading and writing of images to and from the RAM 122 is controlled by an image input controller.

  The operation input unit 124 is, for example, an up / down / left / right key 124b, a power switch, a mode dial, or a shutter button 124a provided in the imaging apparatus 100. The operation input unit 124 sends an operation signal to the MPU 110 or the like via the operation input I / F 123 based on an operation by the user. For example, the shutter button 124a can be half pressed, fully pressed, or released by the user. When the shutter button 124a is half-pressed (S1 operation), an operation signal for starting focus control is output, and when the half-press is released, the focus control ends. Further, when the shutter button 124a is fully pressed (S2 operation), an operation signal for starting photographing is output.

  The display control unit 125 receives image data from, for example, a VRAM assigned to the RAM 122 and displays an image on a display unit 126 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL display.

  The display unit 126 is provided in the main body of the imaging device 100. The image displayed by the display unit 126 is, for example, an image before shooting (subject image) (live view display) read from the VRAM, various setting screens of the imaging device 100, images recorded and recorded, and the like. . The display unit 126 displays the position of the main subject on the screen based on the position of the main subject image calculated by a method described later. Further, when displaying the position of the main subject on the screen, the display unit 126 may further take into account the human face and the human shape detected by the shape recognition unit described later.

  VRAM (video RAM) is a memory for image display and has a plurality of channels. The VRAM can simultaneously input image data for image display from the RAM 122 and output image data to the display control unit 125. The resolution and the maximum number of colors of the display unit 126 depend on the capacity of the VRAM.

  The memory card I / F 127 controls writing of image data to the memory card 128 or reading of image data and setting information recorded on the memory card 128. The memory card 128 is a magnetic disk, a semiconductor storage medium, or the like, and records captured image data. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to a memory card, and may be, for example, an optical disc (CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magneto-optical disc, or the like. The memory card 128 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100.

  The external input / output I / F 129 is, for example, a USB terminal, an IEEE 1394 terminal, or the like, and is an interface that can be connected to an external device. Various types of data are input to the imaging apparatus 100 via the external input / output I / F 129.

  The GPS communication unit 130 is an example of a shooting position information acquisition unit, receives radio waves from GPS satellites, and acquires position information (first position information) of the current position of the imaging device 100. Here, the position information is, for example, latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. of the current position.

  The wireless communication unit 140 is an example of a subject position information acquisition unit, and is connected to the position information transmission device 200 to identify the position information transmission device 200 from the position information transmission device 200 and the position of the position information transmission device 200. Information (second position information) is received.

  The electronic compass 150 is an example of an imaging direction information acquisition unit, and detects an orientation using a geomagnetic sensor. In the present embodiment, a commonly used electronic compass can be applied. The electronic compass 150 is installed in the imaging apparatus 100 in the same direction as the imaging lens of the optical block 101 of the imaging apparatus 100. Thereby, the electronic compass 150 can acquire shooting direction information related to the shooting direction at the time of shooting.

  Further, the MPU 110 includes a positional relationship calculation unit, a main subject image position calculation unit, and a shape recognition unit. The positional relationship calculation unit calculates the positional relationship with the main subject based on the positional information of the imaging device 100 and the positional information of the positional information transmission device 200. The main subject image position calculation unit calculates the position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship between the main subject and the imaging apparatus 100 and the imaging direction of the imaging lens. The shape recognition unit detects a human face or a human shape from the subject image.

[Configuration of Position Information Transmitting Device 200]
Next, the configuration of the position information transmission device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the position information transmission device 200 according to the present embodiment.

  The position information transmission apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an MPU 210, a ROM 221, a RAM 222, a GPS communication unit 230, a wireless communication unit 240, an operation input unit 224, and the like.

  The MPU 210 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device according to a program recorded in the ROM 221, for example, and controls processing of each component provided in the position information transmission device 200. Further, the MPU 210 controls each component of the position information transmission device 200 based on a signal from the operation input unit 224. In this embodiment, only one MPU 110 is used. However, the MPU 110 may be configured by a plurality of MPUs such as a separate MPU for signal-related commands and operation-related commands.

  The ROM 221 stores, for example, identification information of the position information transmission device 200. The RAM 222 temporarily stores the acquired position information, for example. The RAM 222 stores an operation program for the MPU 210. The operation input unit 224 sends an operation signal to the MPU 210 or the like based on an operation by the user.

  The GPS communication unit 230 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and acquires position information on the current position of the position information transmission device 200. Here, the position information is, for example, the latitude, longitude, altitude, and the like of the current position of the position information transmission device 200.

  The wireless communication unit 240 is connected to the imaging apparatus 100 and transmits identification information for specifying the positional information transmission apparatus 200 and positional information (second positional information) of the positional information transmission apparatus 200 to the imaging apparatus 100.

  Note that a series of processing in the imaging device 100 and the position information transmission device 200 may be performed by hardware or may be realized by software processing using a program on a computer.

<Operation of One Embodiment>
Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the imaging apparatus 100 and the persons 20 and 22 as subjects. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display unit 126 of the imaging apparatus 100 on which the persons 20 and 22 are displayed. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the image capturing apparatus 100 further captures a person group.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a case where a person 22 intended by the photographer 10 is photographed in a scene where there are many persons 20 will be described. At this time, the person 22 carries the position information transmission device 200 in advance before photographing. Moreover, the imaging device 100 acquires the identification information of the position information transmission device 200 in advance.

  First, the imaging apparatus 100 determines whether or not the position information transmitting apparatus 200 carried by the person 22 has received the position information of the subject and the identification information (subject information) of the position information transmitting apparatus 200 (step). S101). Until position information and identification information are received, a standby state is established. If the received identification information matches the previously acquired identification information, it is determined that the information is from the person 22 of the subject.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 acquires shooting direction information regarding the shooting direction in which the imaging lens faces from the electronic compass 150 (step S102). Furthermore, the imaging device 100 acquires position information of the imaging device 100 itself from the GPS communication unit 130 (step S103).

  Next, the difference between the position information of the imaging device 100 and the position information of the subject person 22 is calculated, and the distance between the imaging device 100 and the subject is calculated (step S104). Thereby, it can be seen how far the subject is from the imaging apparatus 100. The direction of the subject person 22 with respect to the imaging device 100 based on the direction of the line connecting the position of the imaging device 100, the position of the subject person 22, and the shooting direction of the imaging device 100 calculated using the electronic compass 150. Is calculated (step S104). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, information that the subject person 22 is in the direction of the angle A with respect to the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 100 can be calculated.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 recognizes the faces of the persons 20 and 22 included in the subject image using a face recognition technique (step S105). Note that the present invention is not limited to the face recognition technique, and a shape recognition technique for recognizing a person's shape may be used.

  Then, based on the calculated distance and direction from the imaging device 100 to the subject person 22, the subject person 22 is located in the captured subject image (screen of the display unit 126) or the subject image (display). It is determined whether the position is out of the screen of the unit 126 (step S106). Whether or not the subject person 22 is included in the screen of the display unit 126 is calculated in consideration of the angle of view of the imaging lens. When it is determined that the subject person 22 is inside the screen of the display unit 126, a face detection frame (subject frame) 190 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. (Step S108). On the other hand, if it is determined that the subject person 22 is inside the screen of the display unit 126, an arrow 192 pointing to the direction in which the subject person 22 is present is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. Step S107). Thereby, even in a scene where there are many people, it is possible to simply know where the subject person 22 is.

Then, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the shutter button 124a halfway (step S109). When half-pressed, the focus control is started using the calculated distance to the subject person 22, and the face detection frame 190 displayed in step S108 is focused (step S110).
Note that focus control may be started in advance using the distance to the subject person 22 so that the face detection frame 190 displayed in step S108 is in focus before being half-pressed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 124a is fully pressed by the user (step S111). When the shutter button 124a is fully pressed, the main photographing process is performed (step S112). In the above description, the focus is adjusted after the face is detected. However, in this embodiment, since the distance to the subject can also be calculated, the face is detected based on the calculated distance and the face is detected. 190 may be displayed on the display unit 126.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, on the imaging apparatus 100 side, the difference between the positional information of the imaging apparatus 100 and the positional information of the shooting target (for example, the subject person 22) having the positional information transmission apparatus 200 is obtained. calculate. As a result, it is possible to calculate how far the imaging target is from the imaging apparatus 100. In addition, information on which position on the screen of the display unit 126 (or outside the screen) the photographing object is present can be obtained at the same time.

  The imaging apparatus 100 determines the position of the shooting target on the screen using the position information and performs control so that the shooting target is focused. Furthermore, if a face to be photographed is recognized and control is performed so that the face is in focus, more accurate focus control (automatic focus control) can be performed.

  Further, when the focal position of the lens is adjusted, the position where the photographing target exists is displayed on the screen of the imaging apparatus 100. Accordingly, the user can easily know where the photographing target is reflected and can confirm that the focus is correct. Further, when the shooting target is out of the screen, the user's convenience is improved by marking where the shooting target is with a symbol such as an arrow.

  In the present embodiment, for example, even when a subject includes a large number of persons, the person intended by the photographer can be identified, and the person can be surely focused. For example, the present invention can be applied to a scene where there are a large number of children such as athletic meet and school entertainment party and it is difficult for the photographer to find his / her child. According to the present embodiment, the intended photographing target can be easily identified from the subject image. By bringing the position information transmission device 200 to the person to be imaged in advance, the image capturing apparatus 100 can easily find the object to be imaged, and the focus control can be quickly performed.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging system in which the position information transmission device 200 is one and the imaging device 100 is one has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, an imaging system in which there are a plurality of positional information transmission devices 200 and one imaging device 100 may be used. At this time, if the imaging device 100 stores the identification numbers of the plurality of position information transmission devices 200 in advance before shooting, the imaging device 100 can identify each person even when a plurality of people are intended subjects. Can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the positional infomation transmission apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between an imaging device and the person who is a to-be-photographed object. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display part of the imaging device on which the person was displayed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Optical block 102 Drive part 103 Image pick-up element 104 Analog processing circuit 105 Image processing part 110, 210 MPU
121,221 ROM
122, 222 RAM
123 Operation input I / F
124, 224 Operation input unit 125 Display control unit 126 Display unit 127 Memory card I / F
128 Memory card 129 External input / output I / F
130, 230 GPS communication unit 132, 232 Antenna 140, 240 Wireless communication unit 150 Electronic compass 200 Location information transmitter

Claims (6)

An imaging unit that acquires image data of a subject image via an imaging lens;
A shooting position information acquisition unit that acquires first position information related to the shooting position;
A subject position information acquisition unit that acquires second position information related to the subject position of the main subject;
A shooting direction information acquisition unit that acquires shooting direction information related to the shooting direction of the imaging lens;
A positional relationship calculating unit that calculates a positional relationship with the main subject based on the first positional information and the second positional information;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a main subject image position calculation unit that calculates a position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship with the main subject and an imaging direction of the imaging lens.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the subject image and displays the position of the main subject based on the calculated position of the main subject image. A shape recognition unit for detecting a human face or a human shape from the subject image;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the position of the main subject based on the detected face or shape of the person and the position of the main subject image in the subject image. The positional relationship calculation unit calculates a distance from the main subject,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a focus control unit that drives a focus lens based on the calculated distance from the main subject and focuses the main subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging unit. The imaging device described in 1.   The focus control unit focuses the main subject image on an imaging surface of the photographing unit based on a distance between the detected human face or person shape and the calculated main subject. 5. The imaging device according to 4. Acquiring image data of a subject image via an imaging lens;
Obtaining first position information relating to the shooting position;
Obtaining second position information relating to the subject position of the main subject;
Obtaining shooting direction information relating to the shooting direction of the imaging lens;
Calculating a positional relationship with the main subject based on the first position information and the second position information;
An imaging method comprising: calculating a position of the main subject image in the subject image based on the calculated positional relationship with the main subject and an imaging direction of the imaging lens.

Images