Patent ID: 8355047
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: G06T,H04N

Abstract:
1. A tracking device that tracks an object in an image field of an optical system, comprising: a focus detection unit that repeatedly detects focus adjustment states of the optical system at a plurality of focus detection positions that are set within the image field of the optical system; a first tracking control unit that tracks the object based upon the focus adjustment states that are detected by the focus detection unit in the plurality of focus detection positions; an image-capturing unit that repeatedly captures an image formed by the optical system and outputs image information corresponding thereto; a second tracking control unit that tracks the object based upon the image information that is outputted by the image-capturing unit, and reference image information that has been set as a reference; a setting unit that sets a degree to which focus adjustment based upon a focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection unit is temporarily prohibited; and a control unit that selects one of the first tracking control unit and the second tracking control unit to be used for tracking the object, based upon the degree that has been set by the setting unit, wherein: the setting unit is capable of setting a plurality of degrees; the relatively stronger degree among the plurality of degrees has been set by the setting unit, the control unit gives more priority to the second tracking control unit to be selected; and the control unit prohibits focus adjustment while the tracking is being performed by the second tracking control unit.