Image processing apparatus and image processing method

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the process setting section selects, from the plurality of processes, the processes that are performed and sets the combination of the selected processes for each of the plurality of unit cycles so that the higher the priority of the process is, the higher an occupation rate of the process in the fundamental cycle is.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the process setting section sets the combination of the processes in consideration of processing time and required accuracy of each of the processes and/or a required number of times the processes are performed relative to a number of times the picked-up image is received within the fundamental cycle.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the process setting section sets the combination of the processes so that the processes that are performed every unit cycle are completed within the unit cycle.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the process setting section changes the priorities of the processes, and selects, from the plurality of processes, the processes that are performed for each of the unit cycles in accordance with the changed priorities.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising driving status detection section for detecting driving status of a vehicle, wherein:

• the camera section is installed in the vehicle;
• and
• the process setting section sets the priority of each of the processes based on the driving status of the vehicle detected by the driving status detection section, and selects, from the plurality of processes, the processes that are performed for each of the unit cycles, in accordance with the set priorities.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising driver condition determination section for determining conditions of a driver, wherein:

• the image that is picked up by the camera section is a face image of the driver;
• and
• the process setting section sets the priority of each of the processes based on the conditions of the driver determined by the driver condition determination section, and selects, from the plurality of processes, the processes that are performed for each of the unit cycles in accordance with the set priorities.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the process setting section selects an algorithm to be used to perform each of the processes so that the higher the priority of the process is, the higher the accuracy of the algorithm to be used to perform the process is, and the lower the priority of the process is, the lower the accuracy of the algorithm to be used to perform the process is.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of processes include at least two of a face direction determination process, a line-of-sight direction determination process, a blink detection process, a dozing determination process, and a consciousness deterioration level determination process.