Calculation of the number of images representing an object

Abstract

An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of reference feature data items corresponding to a plurality of objects, the reference feature data items respectively representing predetermined features of the objects, a feature data generating unit that, for each of images, generates a feature data item representing each predetermined feature as a predetermined feature of a subject represented in the image, a subject identifying unit that, for each feature data item, identifies to which of the objects the subject corresponds by using the feature data item and the reference feature data items, and a calculation unit that, for each object, depending on a result of identifying by the subject identifying unit, calculates the number of object images in which the object is represented as the subject.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the contents of a processing table.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating the number of images for each of persons.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a calculation result screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the contents of a processing table in a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a calculation result screen displayed on the display unit in the first modification.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating the number of images for each of persons in a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a personal computer according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating the number of images for each of persons in a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a calculation result screen displayed on a display unit in the third embodiment.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of reference feature data items corresponding to a plurality of objects, the reference feature data items respectively representing predetermined features of the objects;a feature data generating unit that, for each image of images, generates a feature data item representing one predetermined feature as a predetermined feature of a subject represented in the image;a subject identifying unit that, for each feature data item, identifies to which of the objects the subject corresponds by using the feature data item and the reference feature data items; anda calculation unit that, for each object, depending on a result of identifying by the subject identifying unit, calculates the number of object images in which the object is represented as the subject.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature data generating unit generates the feature data item of the subject when the subject satisfies predetermined subject conditions.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, for each object, depending on the result of identifying by the subject identifying unit, the calculation unit registers identification information representing an image of the object in a table.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, for each object, by using a weighting coefficient set for the object, the calculation unit calculates a first type of index value related to the number of the object images.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the objects are persons; andfor each object, by using a weighting coefficient set depending on a face size of the subject, the calculation unit calculates a second type of index value related to the number of the object images.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first notification unit that notifies a user when the number of the object images for each object does not satisfy a condition representing a predetermined number of images.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reference feature data generator that generates the reference feature data items stored in the storage unit.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the reference feature data generator includes the feature data generating unit and the subject identifying unit; andwhen the subject identifying unit is unable to identify the subject by using the feature data item generated by the feature data generating unit and at least one reference feature data item stored in the storage unit, the reference feature data generator stores the feature data item as one reference feature data item in the storage unit.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second notification unit that notifies a user when the number of the reference feature data items stored in the storage unit is less than the number of the object images.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, after the subject identifying unit calculates a plurality of similarities by using both the feature data item and the reference feature data items, the subject identifying unit selects one of the reference feature data items which corresponds to a maximum similarity among the similarities, and identifies the subject as one of the objects which corresponds to the selected reference feature data item.

11. An image processing method using a plurality of reference feature data items corresponding to a plurality of objects, the reference feature data items respectively representing predetermined features of the objects, the image processing method comprising: (a) for each image of images, generating a feature data item representing one predetermined feature as a predetermined feature of a subject represented in the image;(b) for each feature data item, identifying to which of the objects the subject corresponds by using the feature data item and the reference feature data items; and(c) for each object, depending on a result of the identifying, calculating the number of object images in which the object is represented as the subject.

12. A program Product for allowing a computer to execute an image processing method using a plurality of reference feature data items corresponding to a plurality of objects, the reference feature data items respectively representing predetermined features of the objects, the computer program allowing the computer to realize the functions of: for each of images, generating a feature data item representing one predetermined feature as a predetermined feature of a subject represented in the image;for each feature data item, identifying to which of the objects the subject corresponds by using the feature data item and the reference feature data items; andfor each object, depending on a result of the identifying, calculating the number of object images in which the object is represented as the subject.

13. A computer-readable recording medium containing the computer program set forth in claim 12.