Patent ID: 8068164

Claim:
A data processing device, comprising: a face-detecting unit configured to detect a face region in a plurality of images nput from an imaging unit configured to image a subject including a face; a setting unit configured to calculate a distance to the subject based on a face size of the face detected by said face-detecting unit, and set limits serving as a focus lens operation range before and after a focus lens position with the calculated distance to the subject as a focal distance; a detecting unit configured to move a focus lens within the limits set by said setting unit, and detect a focal point where a detection value corresponding to a contrast intensity obtained from at least one face frame including the face detected by said face-detecting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; and a control unit configured to determine, when a focal point has been detected within a predetermined set time, the focal point thereof as a focus position, wherein when executing focus control within the set limits, and based on the calculated distance to the subject including the face detected by said face-detecting unit, said control unit is configured to expand said limits, when detecting movement of a screen or face frame that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when receiving input of operating information of any of zooming, panning, and tilting.