Imaging device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can surely detect a subject by using a wireless tag and photograph the subject with a desirable composition and facial expression, and provide a method for controlling the same, and a program.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 101 comprises: an imaging unit 206; a stationary unit 103 that changes the direction of an optical axis of the imaging unit 206; an RFID receiving unit 226 that detects the position of a wireless tag from radio waves transmitted from an external RFID tag 305; and a subject detection unit 225 that detects a subject from image data output from the imaging unit 206. In the imaging apparatus 101, when the subject is detected, a photographing determination is made as to whether to perform photographing by the imaging unit 206 based on the image data, and when the optical axis of the imaging unit 206 is directed to the position of the RFID tag 305 detected by the RFID receiving unit 226, a threshold for the subject detection unit 225 to detect the subject is set lower than its initial value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, automatic cameras that automatically take pictures without requiring a user to perform a shooting operation have been put into practical use.

[0002] For example, there are life log cameras that automatically take photos periodically, and automatic cameras that automatically recognize and photograph surrounding subjects by appropriately controlling pan, tilt, and zoom.

[0003] When recognizing a subject in an automatic camera, it is common to detect a person's face and use detection information such as the size and position of the face.

[0004] However, for example, when trying to capture a scene of a child playing with a toy, the child may be so engrossed in the toy that they do not look up, making it impossible to detect the child's face, and as a result, the timing for automatic capture may be missed.

[0005] Another method for detecting a subject is to detect the direction of a wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag held by the subject.

[0006] As a technology for detecting and photographing a subject using a wireless tag, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting the direction of the wireless tag held by the subject and maintaining the camera facing the subject.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which a camera is pointed in the direction of a wireless tag held by a subject, and an image is taken when the subject is detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-036629 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-288745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, when taking a photograph using automatic photography, it is not enough for the subject to simply be included in the angle of view.

[0010] For example, when taking a photograph to be kept as a keepsake or record, it is important to take into account the composition, such as the position and size of the subject, as well as the facial expression, etc. Furthermore, when taking multiple such photographs, it is also necessary to take variations of them.

[0011] Patent Documents 1 and 2 focus on video shooting, and make no mention of appropriately controlling composition and facial expressions when taking photographs.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device that can reliably detect a subject using a wireless tag and can capture a picture of the subject with a desirable composition and expression, as well as a control method and program for the imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to the present invention comprises an imaging means, a changing means for changing the direction of the optical axis of the imaging means, a receiving means for detecting the position of an external wireless tag from radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag, a subject detection means for detecting a subject from image data output from the imaging means, a photographing determination means for determining whether or not to photograph using the imaging means based on the image data when the subject is detected, and a setting means for setting a threshold value for detecting the subject by the subject detection means lower than its initial value when the optical axis of the imaging means is oriented in the direction of the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means. The photographing determination means sets the photographing determination threshold lower than its initial value when the optical axis of the imaging means is directed toward the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect a subject using a wireless tag and to photograph the subject with a desirable composition and expression. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system including an imaging device, an external device, and an RFID tag. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an external device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of an automatic photographing process in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of automatic photography processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing compositions according to the attachment positions of RFID tags in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart of automatic photography processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of an automatic photographing process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the field of view area during processing after the rotation operation in step S907 in FIG. 9 is completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] The embodiment described below is an example of a means for realizing the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions.

[0018] Moreover, the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0019] Example 1 <Configuration of imaging device> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an imaging device 101 according to a first embodiment.

[0020] 1(a), the imaging device 101 is a digital camera integrally configured with a fixed part 103 that holds a lens barrel 102 so that the lens barrel 102 can be rotated. The imaging device 101 is also provided with an operation member (not shown) that can operate a power switch (hereinafter referred to as a power button, but it may also be an operation member that can perform operations such as tapping, flicking, or swiping on a touch panel).

[0021] The lens barrel 102 is a housing that contains a group of photographic lenses that perform imaging and an imaging element, and transmits and receives signals to and from the imaging device 101 .

[0022] The fixed part 103 includes a tilt rotation unit 104 and a pan rotation unit 105 that can rotate the lens barrel 102 relative to the fixed part 103 , an angular velocity meter 106 , and an accelerometer 107 .

[0023] The tilt rotation unit 104 (rotation means) is a motor-driven mechanism that can rotate the lens barrel 102 relative to the fixed part 103 in the pitch direction shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0024] The pan rotation unit 105 (rotation means) is a motor-driven mechanism that can rotate the lens barrel 102 relative to the fixed part 103 in the yaw direction shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0025] Note that any changing means other than the tilt rotation unit 104 and the pan rotation unit 105 may be used as long as it can change the orientation of the optical axis of the image sensor inside the lens barrel 102. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the lens barrel 102 is rotatable in two axial directions, the pitch direction and the yaw direction, relative to the fixed part 103, but this is not limiting as long as it is rotatable in one or more axial directions relative to the fixed part 103. For example, the fixed part 103 may also hold the lens barrel 102 so that it can be rotated in the roll direction shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0026] The angular velocity meter 106 is a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the imaging device 101 in three axial directions.

[0027] The accelerometer 107 is an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the imaging device 101 in three axial directions.

[0028] Both the angular velocity meter 106 and the accelerometer 107 are mounted on a device vibration detection unit 209 (FIG. 2) described below, which detects the vibration angle of the imaging device 101. The imaging device 101 drives and rotates the tilt rotation unit 104 and the pan rotation unit 105 based on the vibration angle detected by the angular velocity meter 106 and the accelerometer 107. This corrects the vibration of the lens barrel 102, which is a movable part, and also corrects its tilt.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 101.

[0030] 2 , the imaging device 101 includes a lens barrel 102, which is detachable from the imaging device 101, as indicated by dotted lines, a zoom drive control unit 202, a focus drive control unit 204, a lens barrel rotation drive unit 205, an image processing unit 207, and an image recording unit 208. The imaging device 101 also includes a device shake detection unit 209, a first power supply unit 210, a second control unit 211, a second power supply unit 212, an audio input unit 213, an audio processing unit 214, a memory 215, a nonvolatile memory 216, a video output unit 217, and an audio output unit 218. The imaging device 101 also includes a learning processing unit 219, a recording / playback unit 220, a recording medium 221, a communication unit 222, a first control unit 223, an LED control unit 224, a subject detection unit 225, and an RFID receiving unit 226.

[0031] The first control unit 223 includes a processor (e.g., a CPU, a GPU, a microprocessor, an MPU, etc.) and a memory (e.g., a DRAM, an SRAM, etc.) that executes various processes to control each block of the imaging device 101 and control data transfer between each block.

[0032] The nonvolatile memory 216 is a memory made up of an electrically erasable and recordable EEPROM, and stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the first control unit 223.

[0033] 2, the lens barrel 102 includes an imaging section 206, a zoom unit 201 including a zoom lens that zooms the imaging section 206, and a focus unit 203 including a lens that adjusts the focus of the imaging section 206. The imaging section 206 (imaging means) has an imaging element that receives light that has passed through each lens group in the lens barrel 102, and generates charge information corresponding to the amount of light as analog image data.

[0034] The zoom drive control section 202 (zoom control means) controls the drive of the zoom unit 201.

[0035] The focus drive control unit 204 controls the drive of the focus unit 203 .

[0036] The image processing unit 207 A / D converts the analog image data output from the imaging unit 206 to digital image data, and also performs image processing such as distortion correction, white balance adjustment, and color interpolation on the digital image data.

[0037] The image recording unit 208 converts the processed digital image data output from the image processing unit 207 into a recording format such as JPEG format, and transmits it to the memory 215 or the video output unit 217 .

[0038] The lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 drives the tilt rotation unit 104 and pan rotation unit 105 described above in FIG. 1 to drive the lens barrel 102 in the tilt direction and pan direction.

[0039] The device shaking detection unit 209 is equipped with the angular velocity meter 106 and the accelerometer 107 described above in FIG. 1. Based on the signals (shake angle) detected by the angular velocity meter 106 and the accelerometer 107, the device shaking detection unit 209 Imaging Device 101 The rotation angle and Imaging Device101 Calculates the shift amount etc.

[0040] The audio input unit 213 is equipped with a microphone, acquires analog audio data from the vicinity of the image capture device 101, and generates digital audio data by performing analog-to-digital conversion on the acquired data.

[0041] The audio processing unit 214 performs audio-related processing such as optimization of the digital audio data output from the audio input unit 213. The first control unit 223 transmits the digital audio data processed by the audio processing unit 214 to the memory 215. Furthermore, several audio commands are pre-registered in the audio processing unit 214, and when the audio processing unit 214 detects one of the audio commands, it outputs a detection trigger signal to the first control unit 223 and the second control unit 211.

[0042] The memory 215 temporarily stores digital image data (hereinafter simply referred to as image data) after image processing by the image processing unit 207 and digital audio data (hereinafter simply referred to as audio data) after processing by the audio processing unit 214.

[0043] The image processing unit 207 and the audio processing unit 214 read out image data and audio data temporarily stored in the memory 215 and encode the image data and audio data, respectively, to generate compressed image data and compressed audio data. The first control unit 223 transmits this compressed image data and compressed audio data to the recording and playback unit 220. Note that the audio processing unit 214 does not need to encode the audio data. In this case, the first control unit 223 transmits the compressed image data generated by the image processing unit 207 and the audio data generated by the audio processing unit 214 to the recording and playback unit 220.

[0044] The recording and playback unit 220 records the compressed image data, compressed audio data (or audio data), and other control data related to shooting, which are generated by the image processing unit 207 and audio processing unit 214 and transmitted from the first control unit 223, on the recording medium 221.

[0045] The recording medium 221 may be a recording medium built into the imaging device 101 or a removable recording medium. The recording medium 221 can record various types of data such as compressed image data, compressed audio data, and audio data generated by the imaging device 101, and a medium with a larger capacity than the nonvolatile memory 216 is generally used. For example, the recording medium 221 includes any type of recording medium, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, DVD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile semiconductor memory, flash memory, etc.

[0046] The recording and reproducing unit 220 further reads (plays) compressed image data, compressed audio data, audio data, various data, and programs recorded on the recording medium 221, if there is a playback instruction from the first control unit 223. The first control unit 223 transmits the compressed image data and compressed audio data read from the recording and reproducing unit 220 to the image processing unit 207 and the audio processing unit 214. The image processing unit 207 and the audio processing unit 214 temporarily store the compressed image data and compressed audio data in memory 215, decode them in a predetermined procedure, and transmit the decoded signals to the video output unit 217 and the audio output unit 218.

[0047] The second control unit 211 is provided separately from the first control unit 223 that controls the entire main system of the imaging device 101 , and controls the power supply to the first control unit 223 .

[0048] The first power supply unit 210 and the second power supply unit 212 supply power to operate the first control unit 223 and the second control unit 211, respectively. When a power button provided on the imaging device 101 is pressed, power is first supplied to both the first control unit 223 and the second control unit 211, but as will be described later, the first control unit 223 is controlled to turn off its own power supply to the first power supply unit 210. Furthermore, even while the first control unit 223 is not operating, the second control unit 211 continues to operate, and information is input from the device vibration detection unit 209 and the audio processing unit 214. The second control unit 211 is configured to determine whether or not to activate the first control unit 223 based on various input information, and if activation is determined, instruct the first power supply unit 210 to supply power.

[0049] The audio output unit 218 is connected to a speaker (not shown) built into the image capturing device 101, and outputs a preset audio pattern to the speaker, for example, during shooting.

[0050] The LED control unit 224 is connected to an LED (not shown) provided in the imaging device 101, and controls the LED in a preset lighting and blinking pattern, for example, during photography.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the video output unit 217 is composed of a video output terminal, and transmits image data to display the video on a connected external display, etc. The audio output unit 218 and the video output unit 217 may be combined into one terminal, such as an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal.

[0052] The learning processing unit 219 learns the user's preferences regarding subjects, composition, etc. For example, if the user frequently views photos with dogs in them or close-ups of the subjects' faces on the external device 301, it learns that photos with dogs in them or close-ups of the subjects are the user's preferences. The learned user preferences are used when taking photos or when the user views photos on the external device 301, so that more photos that the user likes are presented to the user.

[0053] The communication unit 222 communicates between the imaging device 101 and an external device 301, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 . For example, the communication unit 222 transmits and receives data such as audio data, image data, compressed audio data, and compressed image data. The communication unit 222 also receives control signals related to imaging, such as a shooting start command, a shooting end command, and a pan-tilt-zoom drive command, from the external device 301. The first control unit 223 controls imaging of the imaging device 101 based on the received control signals. The communication unit 222 also transmits and receives information such as various parameters related to learning processed by the learning processing unit 219 between the imaging device 101 and the external device 301. As described above, the communication unit 222 may be any module capable of communication between the imaging device 101 and the external device 301. For example, modules that can be used as the communication unit 222 include wireless communication modules such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, a Wireless USB, and a GPS receiver.

[0054] The subject detection unit 225 (subject detection means) reads out the image data output by the image processing unit 207 from the memory 215, and performs subject recognition such as a person or an object.

[0055] When recognizing a person using the subject detection unit 225, a face detection process is performed to detect the face or body of the subject. In the face detection process, a pattern for determining the face of a person is determined in advance, and a portion of the captured image that matches the pattern can be detected as the face image of the person, and an identifier is also assigned to distinguish one person from other people.

[0056] The subject detection unit 225 also simultaneously calculates the reliability indicating the likelihood that the subject is a face. Here, the reliability is calculated from, for example, the size of the face area in the image, the degree of match with a face pattern, etc.

[0057] Similarly, the subject detection unit 225 performs pattern matching within the face image, thereby detecting facial information such as whether the detected face is smiling, whether the eyes are open, and the direction of the face.

[0058] The method for detecting a face image by the subject detection unit 225 is not limited to pattern matching, and known techniques such as a method using deep learning can also be used.

[0059] Similarly, object recognition by the subject detection unit 225 can recognize an object that matches a pre-registered pattern.

[0060] It should be noted that the face detection process by the subject detection unit 225 is not limited to the above method.

[0061] For example, a method of extracting a characteristic subject may be adopted that uses a histogram of hue, saturation, etc. in a captured image. In this case, for an image of a subject captured within the shooting angle of view, a distribution derived from the histogram of the hue, saturation, etc. is divided into a plurality of sections, and a process is executed to classify the captured image for each section.

[0062] For example, a histogram of multiple color components may be created for the captured image, divided into sections based on their mountain-shaped distribution ranges, and the captured image may be classified into areas that belong to the same combination of sections, thereby recognizing the image area of ​​the subject.

[0063] Alternatively, an evaluation value may be calculated for each image region of the recognized subject, and the image region of the subject with the highest evaluation value may be determined as the main subject region.

[0064] In the above method, the subject detection unit 225 can obtain each piece of subject information from the imaging information.

[0065] The RFID receiving unit 226 (receiving means) has at least three antennas that receive radio waves transmitted by an RFID tag 305 (FIG. 3) located outside the image capturing device 101, and can extract information transmitted by the RFID tag 305 from the received radio waves. The RFID receiving unit 226 can also detect the position of the RFID tag 305 using the principle of trilateration or the like based on the strength of the radio waves received by each of the at least three antennas and the difference in reception time. Note that any wireless tag that is attached to the subject and transmits radio waves wirelessly does not have to be the RFID tag 305. For example, a portable BLE beacon may be used instead of the RFID tag 305.

[0066] <Configuration with external communication devices> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system including an image capturing device 101, an external device 301, and an RFID tag 305. As shown in FIG.

[0067] The communication between the image capture device 101 and the external device 301 will be described.

[0068] The imaging device 101 is a digital camera having a photographing function, as described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] The external device 301 is a smart device that includes a Bluetooth communication module and a wireless LAN communication module.

[0070] The imaging device 101 and the external device 301 can communicate with each other using two communication methods, 302 and 303 .

[0071] The communication 302 is performed by a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series.

[0072] The communication 303 uses Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as "BLE") and performs communication having a master-slave relationship between a control station and a slave station.

[0073] Note that wireless LAN and BLE are examples of communication methods used between the image capture device 101 and the external device 301. If communication is performed between the image capture device 101 and the external device 301 using two or more communication methods, other communication methods may be used. As Communications 302, 303 However, the communication 302 can be faster than the communication 303. Furthermore, the communication 303 consumes less power than the communication 302 and / or has a shorter communication distance.

[0074] The configuration of the external device 301 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] The external device 301 includes a wireless LAN control unit 401 for wireless LAN, a BLE control unit 402 for BLE, and a public line control unit 406 for public wireless communication. The external device 301 also includes a packet transmission / reception unit 403.

[0076] The wireless LAN control unit 401 is a driver that performs various controls for wireless LAN RF control, communication processing, and communication via wireless LAN that conforms to the IEEE802.11 standard series. and Performs protocol processing for wireless LAN communications.

[0077] The BLE control unit 402 is a driver that performs BLE RF control, communication processing, and various controls for BLE communication. and Performs protocol processing for BLE communication.

[0078] The public line control unit 406 controls RF for public wireless communication, performs communication processing, and controls various aspects of public wireless communication. and It processes protocols related to public wireless communications, such as those conforming to the International Multimedia Telecommunications (IMT) standard or the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard.

[0079] The packet transmitter / receiver 403 performs processing for transmitting and / or receiving packets related to communication via wireless LAN and BLE, and public wireless communication. Note that in the first embodiment, the packet transmitter / receiver 403 is described as transmitting and / or receiving packets, but other communication formats such as circuit switching may be used in addition to packet switching.

[0080] The external device 301 further includes a control unit 411 , a storage unit 404 , a GPS receiving unit 405 , a display unit 407 , an operation unit 408 , a voice input voice processing unit 409 , and a power supply unit 410 .

[0081] The control unit 411 controls the entire external device 301 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 404, for example.

[0082] The storage unit 404 stores, for example, a control program executed by the control unit 411 and various information such as parameters necessary for communication. The various operations described below are realized by the control unit 411 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 404.

[0083] The power supply unit 410 supplies power to the external device 301 .

[0084] The display unit 407 has a function of outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED, as well as a function of outputting sound such as a speaker, and displays various information. Notify the user .

[0085] The operation unit 408 is, for example, a button or the like that accepts a user's operation of the external device 301. The display unit 407 and the operation unit 408 may be configured by a common member, for example, a touch panel.

[0086] The voice input voice processing unit 409 may be configured to acquire voice uttered by the user, for example, from a general-purpose microphone built into the external device 301, and acquire user operation commands from the recognition results of the acquired voice through voice recognition processing.

[0087] The GPS (Global Positioning System) 405 receives GPS signals notified from satellites, analyzes the GPS signals, and estimates the current position (longitude and latitude information) of the external device 301. Alternatively, the position estimation may be performed by using the WPS (Wi-Fi Positioning System) or the like to estimate the current position of the external device 301 based on the information of the wireless network existing around. When the acquired current GPS position information is located within a preset position range (within a range of a predetermined radius), movement information is notified to the imaging device 101 via the BLE control unit 402 and used as parameters for automatic shooting and automatic editing described later. Also, when there is a position change of a predetermined amount or more in the GPS position information, movement information is notified to the imaging device 101 via the BLE control unit 402 and used as parameters for automatic shooting and automatic editing described later.

[0088] As described above, the imaging device 101 and the external device 301 perform , De data exchange through communication using the wireless LAN control unit 401 and the BLE control unit 402. For example, data such as voice data, image data, compressed voice data, and compressed image data is transmitted and received. Also, setting information related to shooting of the imaging device 101 is transmitted from the external device 301. Also, an operation instruction for shooting of the imaging device 101, a predetermined position detection notification, and a location movement notification based on the GPS position information are transmitted from the external device 301. Also, transmission and reception of learning data via a dedicated application in the external device 301 are performed.

[0089] <Configuration with RFID> Returning to FIG. 3, the communication between the imaging device 101 and the RFID tag 305 will be described.

[0090] The RFID tag 305 is an IC chip capable of reading and writing data and, and is connected to an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves In the RFID tag 305, the IC chip is attached to the antenna. . will be .

[0091] The IC chip of the RFID tag 305 can be used by writing information according to the intended use.

[0092] The imaging device 101 and the RFID tag 305 are connected by radio waves in the UHF band or HF band The RFID tag 305 can transmit various pieces of information written in the IC chip to the imaging device 101 using the communication 304, such as an electromagnetic induction method.

[0093] The RFID tag 305 can also transmit information called a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which indicates the strength of radio waves transmitted by the RFID tag 305. The imaging device 101 can calculate the distance to the RFID tag 305 based on the relationship between the RSSI transmitted from the RFID tag 305 and the strength of radio waves actually received from the RFID tag 305.

[0094] In the first embodiment, when an RFID tag 305 is detected, the threshold value for subject detection is set low to make the subject more easily detectable, thereby performing automatic photographing processing. This will be described in detail below.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the automatic photography process in the first embodiment.

[0096] This process is realized by the first control unit 223 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 216.

[0097] First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not a subject has been detected using the subject detection unit 225. If it is determined that a subject has been detected (YES in step S501), the process proceeds to step S507. On the other hand, if it is determined that a subject has not been detected (NO in step S501), the process proceeds to step S502.

[0098] In step S502, it is determined using RFID receiving unit 226 whether the position of RFID tag 305 held by the subject has been detected. If it is determined that the position of RFID tag 305 has been detected (YES in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of RFID tag 305 has not been detected (NO in step S502), the process returns to step S501 and the subject is detected again. In this case, it is also possible to instruct lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 to move lens barrel 102 in the pan direction or tilt direction by a preset angle so that the subject can be detected, or so that RFID tag 305 can be detected even if the subject is not detected.

[0099] In step S503, the lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 is instructed to move the orientation of the lens barrel 102 so that the optical axis of the imaging unit 206 faces the direction in which the position of the RFID tag 305 was detected. Thereafter, when it is detected that the optical axis of the imaging unit 206 faces the direction in which the position of the RFID tag 305 was detected, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0100] In step S504, a threshold for detecting a person or face area from the area of ​​the subject detected by subject detection unit 225 is set lower than its initial value (setting means). This makes it easier to detect a person or face area from the area of ​​the subject detected by subject detection unit 225. The threshold here is, for example, a threshold for the reliability of an area detected as a person or face from the area of ​​the subject detected by subject detection unit 225. Furthermore, subject detection unit 225 may perform pattern matching processing to calculate the degree of match between the detected subject area and a pattern. In this case, the threshold here may be used as the threshold for the calculated degree of match.

[0101] Note that by lowering the threshold for detecting people or faces, the probability of erroneously detecting areas that are not people or faces also increases. However, at the time of the processing in step S506, The optical axis of the imaging unit 206 is Since the person is facing the direction of the RFID tag 305 and there is definitely a person in the current angle of view, there is little chance of erroneously recognizing an area that is not actually a person or a face.

[0102] In step S505, the threshold value for determining whether or not a photograph is taken is set lower than its initial value. The threshold value for determining whether or not a photograph is taken is the threshold value for the score calculated in step S507. In this way, by setting the threshold value for determining whether or not a photograph is taken lower, automatic photographing becomes easier to perform.

[0103] In step S506, the object detection unit 225 is used again to determine whether or not an object has been detected. For this determination, the low threshold value set in step S504 is used. If it is determined that an object has not been detected (NO in step S506), the process proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if it is determined that an object has been detected (YES in step S506), the process proceeds to step S507.

[0104] In step S507, a score for the image in the current field of view is calculated based on the image information of the detected subject.

[0105] The image score is calculated based on criteria such as whether or not there is a person, whether or not the person is smiling, whether or not their eyes are open, and the direction of their face, and the higher the score, the better the image is calculated. Note that these criteria are detected by the subject detection unit 225.

[0106] Next, in step S508, the score calculated in step S507 is compared with the shooting judgment threshold (shooting judgment means). If it is determined that the score exceeds the shooting judgment threshold (YES in step S508), the process proceeds to step S509, and if it is determined that the score does not exceed the shooting threshold (NO in step S508), the process returns to step S507. This allows the process to wait until the facial expression and facial orientation of the detected subject are in a desirable state before shooting.

[0107] In step S509, a composition for shooting is determined. The composition determined here is a composition selected based on the history of compositions taken in the past. For example, a composition in which the subject is positioned in the center, a composition with space to the right or left of the subject, a composition in which the subject is photographed closely, a composition in which the entire scene is photographed widely, etc. A composition that combines these compositions may also be used. This increases the variety of shooting options even when automatic shooting is performed using the imaging device 101 installed in the same position.

[0108] Next, in step S510, instructions are given to lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 and zoom drive control unit 202 to control pan / tilt and zoom so as to achieve the composition determined in step S509. This control ends the movement of lens barrel 102 in the pan / tilt direction and the drive of zoom unit 201, and once the composition has been determined in step S509, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0109] In step S511, the time that has passed without detecting a subject since the optical axis of the image capturing unit 206 was directed toward the position of the RFID tag 305 in step S503 is calculated, and it is determined whether the calculated time is equal to or exceeds a preset time (a certain time). If it is determined that the certain time has not passed (NO in step S511), the process returns to step S506. On the other hand, if it is determined that the certain time has passed (YES in step S511), the process proceeds to step S512.

[0110] In step S512, the zoom drive control unit 202 is instructed to adjust the zoom to the wider side than the current setting, and then the process proceeds to step S513. This makes it possible to capture a wide image of the periphery of the RFID tag 305. This makes it possible to prevent the subject from not being captured or the subject's face from being outside the angle of view when capturing an image in step S513, even if the subject cannot be detected in either step S501 or S506.

[0111] In step S513, an image is taken with the zoom and other settings made in the previous step (step S510 or step S512), and then the processing in Fig. 5 ends. Note that the image taken in step S513 may be taken multiple times while changing the zoom. In this case, it is desirable to increase the frequency of image taking on the wide-angle side in the zoom setting made in the previous step, so that the subject is more likely to appear in the captured image.

[0112] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if it is difficult for the subject detection unit 225 to detect the subject, the surroundings where the RFID tag 305 is detected by the RFID receiving unit 226 are photographed in wide setting. This allows the subject to be photographed reliably. Furthermore, it is possible to photograph the subject according to the facial expression and composition, thereby improving user convenience.

[0113] Example 2 In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the composition is appropriately adjusted depending on the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 even when the subject detection unit 225 cannot detect the subject.

[0114] In addition, among the hardware configuration and software configuration (step numbers) of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0115] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the automatic photography process in the second embodiment.

[0116] This process is realized by the first control unit 223 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 216.

[0117] First, in step S601, the RFID tag 305 is detected and photographed, and then the process proceeds to step S602.

[0118] The process of step S601 is the same as the process of steps S501 to S506 in Fig. 5. However, if a subject is detected (YES in step S501 or YES in step S506), the process of step S507 and subsequent steps is carried out, similar to the process of Fig. 5.

[0119] Next, in step S602, the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 is acquired (attachment position acquisition means).

[0120] The RFID tag 305 may be attached to a hat, collar, belt, or shoe, for example.

[0121] The attachment position of the RFID tag 305 may be stored in the RFID tag 305 itself, and may be acquired by receiving the relevant information with the RFID receiving unit 226. The attachment position of the RFID tag 305 may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 216 as a setting made by the user using the external device 301 or an operation member (not shown), and may be acquired by reading it from the nonvolatile memory 216 in step S602.

[0122] Next, in step S603, it is determined whether the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 acquired in step S602 is the collar. If it is determined that the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 is not the collar (NO in step S603), the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if it is determined that the attachment position is the collar (YES in step S603), the process proceeds to step S604.

[0123] In step S604, the position of the RFID tag 305 is determined to be within the field of view area 701 (see FIG. 7). (a) ) and proceed to step S609.

[0124] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a case where the RFID tag 305 attached to the collar of the subject 702 is positioned slightly above the center of the field of view 701. In FIG.

[0125] 7(a), an RFID tag 305 is attached to the collar of a subject 702. In this case, by locating the RFID tag 305 in an area 705 slightly above the center of the field of view 701, the entire body of the subject 702 can be captured while the face of the subject 702 is positioned without going beyond the field of view 701.

[0126] Hereinafter, when the angle-of-view region 701 is divided into four regions in the vertical direction, the regions will be referred to as region 704, region 705, region 706, and region 707 from the top.

[0127] 6, in step S605, it is determined whether the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 acquired in step S602 is a belt. If it is determined that the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 is not a belt (NO in step S605), the process proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, if it is determined that the attachment position is a belt (YES in step S605), the process proceeds to step S606.

[0128] In step S606, the position of the RFID tag 305 is determined to be within the field of view 701 (see FIG. 7). (b) ) and proceed to step S609.

[0129] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a case where the RFID tag 305 attached to the belt of the subject 702 is positioned slightly below the center of the field of view area 701. In FIG.

[0130] 7(b), an RFID tag 305 is attached to the belt of a subject 702. In this case, by locating the RFID tag 305 in an area 706 slightly below the center of the field of view 701, the entire body of the subject 702 can be captured while the face of the subject 702 is positioned without protruding from the field of view 701.

[0131] 6, in step S607, it is determined whether the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 acquired in step S602 is a shoe. If it is determined that the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 is not a shoe (NO in step S607), the process proceeds to step S513. On the other hand, if it is determined that the attachment position is a shoe (YES in step S607), the process proceeds to step S608.

[0132] In step S608, the position of the RFID tag 305 is determined to be within the field of view area 701 (see FIG. 7). (c) ) and proceed to step S609.

[0133] FIG. 7(c) shows the case where the RFID tag 305 attached to the shoe of the subject 702 is positioned at the bottom of the field of view 701. of FIG.

[0134] 7(c), an RFID tag 305 is attached to the shoe of a subject 702. In this case, by locating the RFID tag 305 in a region 707 at the bottom of the angle-of-view region 701, the entire body of the subject 702 can be captured, and the face of the subject 702 can be positioned without going outside the angle-of-view region 701.

[0135] 6, next, in step S609, an instruction is issued to lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 to achieve the composition set in the immediately preceding step (i.e., any one of steps S604, S606, or S608). After that, when it is detected that lens barrel 102 has completed its rotation and the set composition has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0136] In step S513, after photographing is performed, the processing in FIG. 6 ends.

[0137] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the subject cannot be detected by the subject detection unit 225, the composition can be appropriately set based on the attachment position of the RFID tag 305 acquired in step S602, thereby improving user convenience.

[0138] Example 3 When automatic photography is performed using the RFID tag 305, it is assumed that a plurality of RFID tags 305 will be detected.

[0139] For example, two siblings may each have an RFID tag 305, or RFID tags 305 may be attached to several toys.

[0140] In the third embodiment, an example in which a plurality of RFID tags 305 are detected by the RFID receiving unit 226 will be described.

[0141] In addition, among the hardware configuration and software configuration (step numbers) of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the automatic photography process in the third embodiment.

[0143] This process is realized by the first control unit 223 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 216.

[0144] First, in step S801, the attachment mode (usage mode) of the RFID tag 305 is acquired. The attachment mode is information indicating where the RFID tag 305 is attached, and includes a person mode in which the RFID tag 305 is attached to a person, and a toy mode in which the RFID tag 305 is attached to a toy. Specifically, the attachment mode of the RFID tag 305 may be acquired from the external device 301. Alternatively, the attachment mode of the RFID tag 305 may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 216 (mode storage means) as a setting made by the user using an operation member (not shown), and may be acquired by reading it from the nonvolatile memory 216 in step S801. In the third embodiment, the attachment mode of each RFID tag 305 is stored in advance.

[0145] Next, in step S802, it is determined whether or not at least one RFID tag 305 has been detected using the RFID receiving unit 226. If it is determined that at least one RFID tag 305 has been detected (YES in step S802), the process proceeds to step S803. On the other hand, if it is determined that no RFID tag 305 has been detected (NO in step S802), the determination in step S802 is repeated.

[0146] In step S803, the attachment mode of each RFID tag 305 is acquired from the detected RFID tags 305, and it is determined whether multiple RFID tags 305 whose attachment mode matches the attachment mode acquired in step S801 have been detected. If it is determined that multiple RFID tags 305 have been detected (YES in step S803), the process proceeds to step S804; if it is determined that multiple RFID tags 305 have not been detected (NO in step S803), the process proceeds to step S812.

[0147] In step S812, processing is performed in the case where one RFID tag 305 is detected, and the processing in Fig. 8 is terminated. Note that the processing in step S812 is the same as the processing from step S503 onwards in Fig. 5.

[0148] In step S804, it is determined whether the attachment mode acquired in step S801 is the portrait mode. If it is determined that the attachment mode is the portrait mode (YES in step S804), the process proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if it is determined that the attachment mode is a mode other than the portrait mode (NO in step S804), the process proceeds to step S808. In the third embodiment, since there are two attachment modes, the portrait mode and the toy mode, if the attachment mode is a mode other than the portrait mode in step S804, the attachment mode is determined to be the toy mode.

[0149] In step S805, it is determined whether or not all of the detected RFID tags 305 can be included in the captured image by adjusting the angle of view based on the positional relationship of the detected RFID tags 305 and the current angle of view for photography. If it is determined that all of the detected RFID tags 305 can be included in the captured image (YES in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806; if it is determined that all of the detected RFID tags 305 can be included in the captured image (NO in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807.

[0150] In step S806, the photographing angle of view is adjusted so that all of the detected RFID tags 305 are included in the photographed image, and the process proceeds to step S810 (angle of view setting means).

[0151] In step S807, the angle of view of the detected RFID tags 305 is adjusted so that all tags other than the tag photographed last time are included in the photographed image, and the process proceeds to step S810 (angle of view setting means). The selection of which of the detected RFID tags 305 are tags other than the tag photographed last time is performed by storing information about the RFID tag 305 photographed in memory 215 each time photography is performed and comparing this information with the information about the currently detected RFID tag 305.

[0152] In step S808, it is determined whether any of the detected RFID tags 305 is moving. Specifically, the detected positions of the RFID tags 305 acquired during the past several automatic image captures are stored in memory 215, and among the detected RFID tags 305, any tag whose detected position stored in memory 215 has changed is determined to be moving.

[0153] If it is determined that there is a moving tag (YES in step S808), the process proceeds to step S809, and if it is determined that there is not a moving tag (NO in step S808), the determination in step S808 is repeated.

[0154] In step S809, a toy with a moving tag attached is considered to be currently in use, and the photographing angle of view is adjusted so that the tag is included in the angle of view area, and the process proceeds to step S810 (angle of view setting means).

[0155] In step S810, the immediately preceding step (i.e., step S806 ,S807,S80 of 9 Then, when it is detected that the lens barrel 102 has completed its rotation and the set angle of view has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S811.

[0156] In step S811, after photographing is performed, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.

[0157] 8 may also include processing when the attachment mode is an animal mode in which the RFID tag 305 is attached to an animal. Specifically, when the attachment mode is the animal mode, an image is captured when the RFID tag 305 approaches the imaging device 101. This allows the animal to be photographed from the front, with the RFID tag 305 attached.

[0158] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when there are multiple RFID tags 305, the photographing angle of view is switched depending on the attachment mode and positions of each of the multiple RFID tags 305. This allows the composition to be set appropriately, improving user convenience.

[0159] Example 4 It is assumed that, for example, when a child is wearing an RFID tag 305 and the parents are nearby, a subject without an RFID tag 305 may be found near the RFID tag 305. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which a subject without an RFID tag 305 is found near the RFID tag 305.

[0160] In addition, among the hardware configuration and software configuration (step numbers) of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0161] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the automatic photography process in the fourth embodiment.

[0162] This process is realized by the first control unit 223 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 216.

[0163] First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the RFID tag 305 has been detected using the RFID receiving unit 226. If it is determined that the RFID tag 305 has been detected (YES in step S901), the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RFID tag 305 has not been detected (NO in step S901), the determination in step S901 is repeated.

[0164] In step S902, the lens barrel rotation driver 205 is instructed to rotate the lens barrel 102 in the direction in which the RFID tag 305 is detected. Telescope tube 102 Thereafter, when the lens barrel 102 faces the direction in which the RFID tag 305 is detected, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0165] In step S903, it is determined whether or not a subject has been detected using the subject detection unit 225. If it is determined that a subject has been detected (YES in step S903), the process proceeds to step S905, and if it is determined that a subject has not been detected (NO in step S903), the process proceeds to step S904.

[0166] In step S904, processing is performed when a subject is not found. The processing when a subject is not found is the same as the processing from step S504 onwards in Fig. 5, so a description thereof will be omitted here. However, after the processing of step S904 is completed, the processing of Fig. 9 is completed.

[0167] In step S905, it is determined whether the detected subject holds an RFID tag 305. Specifically, the position of the detected subject is compared with the detected position of the RFID tag 305, and the horizontal distance therebetween is determined to be equal to or greater than a threshold value. less thanIf so, it is determined that the detected subject is a subject that holds an RFID tag 305. On the other hand, if the horizontal distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that the detected subject is a subject that does not hold an RFID tag 305 (a tag-less subject).

[0168] If it is determined that the detected subject holds the RFID tag 305 (YES in step S905), the process proceeds to step S906. If it is determined that the subject does not hold the RFID tag (NO in step S905), the process proceeds to step S907. 907 Proceed to.

[0169] In step S906, processing is performed when a subject is detected holding an RFID tag 305. The processing when a subject is detected holding an RFID tag 305 is the same as the processing from step S507 onwards in Fig. 5, so a description thereof will be omitted here, but after the processing of step S906 is completed, the processing in Fig. 9 ends.

[0170] In step S907, the lens barrel rotation drive unit 205 is instructed to rotate the lens barrel 102 so that the optical axis of the image sensor points toward the midpoint between the detected subject and the RFID tag 305, and when the lens barrel 102 has completed its rotation, the process proceeds to step S908.

[0171] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the field of view area 1001 during processing after the rotation operation in step S907 is completed.

[0172] In the field of view area 1001 shown in FIG. 10, a subject 1002 with an RFID tag 305 attached to his belt and a subject 1004 without an RFID tag 305 are photographed.

[0173] If the position of subject 1004 is the center of the subject's face and the position of subject 1002 is the position of RFID tag 305, the midpoint between the positions of subjects 1002 and 1004 is center point 1006 of line segment 1005 connecting the respective positions.

[0174] By orienting the lens barrel 102 toward the center point 1006 , it becomes possible to capture both a subject 1002 with an RFID tag 305 and a subject 1004 without an RFID tag 305 within the field of view area 1001 .

[0175] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S908, the zoom drive control unit 202 is instructed to adjust the zoom to the wide side until both the subject with the RFID tag 305 and the subject without the RFID tag 305 are within the field of view area 1001, and then the process proceeds to step S909.

[0176] In step S909, after photographing is performed, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0177] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even if the subject 1004 that does not carry an RFID tag 305 is near the RFID tag 305 carried by the subject 1002, both subjects 1002 and 1004 can be accommodated within the field of view area 1001. This improves user convenience.

[0178] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0179] (Other embodiments) In this embodiment, a program that implements one or more functions may be provided to a computer in a system or device via a network or storage medium, and the program may be read and executed by a system controller of the system or device. The system controller may have one or more processors or circuits, and may include multiple separate system controllers or a network of multiple separate processors or circuits to read and execute the executable instructions.

[0180] The processor or circuitry may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0181] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 101 Imaging device 102 Telescope 103 Fixed part 104 Tilt rotation unit 105 Pan Rotation Unit 106 Angular velocity meter 107 Accelerometer 201 Zoom Unit 202 Zoom drive control section 203 Focus Unit 204 Focus drive control section 205 Optical tube rotation drive unit 206 Imaging unit 207 Image Processing Unit 208 Image Recording Unit 209 Device vibration detection unit 210 1st power supply section 211 Second Control Section 212 2nd power supply section 213 Audio input section 214 Audio Processing Unit 215 memory 216 Non-volatile memory 217 Video output section 218 Audio output section 219 Learning processing unit 220 Recording and playback unit 221 Recording Media 222 Communications Department 223 First Control Section 224 LED control unit 225 Subject detection unit 301 External device 302, 303, 304 Communications 305 RFID tags 401 Wireless LAN control unit 402 BLE control unit 403 Packet Transmitter / Receiver 404 Storage section 405 GPS receiver 406 Public Line Control Unit 407 Display section 408 Operation section 409 Voice Input Voice Processing Unit 410 Power supply section 411 Control Unit

Claims

1. An imaging means; a change means for changing the direction of the optical axis of the imaging means; a receiving means for detecting the position of an external wireless tag from radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag; a subject detection means for detecting a subject from image data output from the imaging means; a photographing determination means for determining whether or not to photograph the subject based on the image data when the subject is detected; a setting means for setting a threshold value for detecting the subject by the subject detection means to be lower than its initial value when the optical axis of the imaging means is directed in the direction of the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means, An imaging device characterized in that the photography judgment means sets the photography judgment threshold lower than its initial value when the optical axis of the imaging means is pointing in the direction of the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the change means includes a rotation means for rotating the imaging means in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the change means adjusts the direction of the optical axis of the imaging means so that the optical axis is aligned with the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means.

4. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the photographing determination means calculates the time that has elapsed without the subject being detected by the subject detection means after the optical axis of the imaging means is directed in the direction of the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means, and determines that photographing should be performed by the imaging means if a predetermined time has elapsed from the calculated time.

5. The imaging device further includes a zoom control unit for controlling the zoom of the imaging unit.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein when the imaging determination means determines that the calculated time has elapsed beyond a predetermined time and that imaging should be performed by the imaging means, the zoom control means adjusts the zoom to a wider angle than the current setting.

6. Further comprising: an attachment position acquisition means for acquiring an attachment position of the wireless tag relative to the subject; 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the change means adjusts the direction of the optical axis of the imaging means in accordance with the mounting position acquired by the mounting position acquisition means.

7. The image capturing device further includes a field angle setting means for setting a field angle of the image capturing means, and a mode storage means for storing a usage mode of the wireless tag, The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when there are multiple wireless tags, the angle of view setting means switches the shooting angle of view depending on the usage mode stored in the mode storage means of each of the multiple wireless tags and the position detected by the receiving means.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the usage mode is a person mode in which the wireless tag is attached to a person, the angle of view setting means adjusts the angle of view of the imaging means so that a wireless tag of the plurality of wireless tags whose position is detected by the receiving means is within the angle of view area of ​​the imaging means.

9. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the usage mode is a mode other than a person mode in which the wireless tag is attached to a person, the angle of view setting means adjusts the angle of view of the imaging means so that a moving wireless tag among the multiple wireless tags whose position has been detected by the receiving means is included in the image captured by the imaging means.

10. The imaging device described in claim 7, characterized in that when the usage mode is an animal mode in which the wireless tag is attached to an animal, the photographing judgment means makes a photographing judgment to take a photograph using the imaging means at the time when the receiving means detects that the position of the wireless tag is approaching the imaging device.

11. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the subject detection means detects a non-tag-holding subject that does not hold the wireless tag, the change means adjusts the direction of the optical axis of the imaging means so that both the non-tag-holding subject and the wireless tag whose position is detected by the receiving means are within the field of view of the imaging means.

12. A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a changing means for changing the direction of an optical axis of the imaging means, a receiving means for detecting a position of an external wireless tag from radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag, and a subject detection means for detecting a subject from image data output from the imaging means, a photographing determination step of determining whether or not to photograph using the imaging means based on the image data when the subject is detected; a setting step of setting a threshold value for detecting the subject by the subject detection means lower than its initial value when the optical axis of the imaging means is directed toward the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means, A control method characterized in that, in the photographing determination step, if the optical axis of the imaging means is directed toward the position of the wireless tag detected by the receiving means, the photographing determination threshold is set lower than its initial value.

13. A computer-executable program that causes a computer to function as each step of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images