Tracking apparatus, tracking method, and non-transitory storage medium storing tracking program

A tracking method comprising:

• setting a tracking subject in image data obtained by imaging;
• searching for the set tracking subject by using at least one of luminance of the image data, color of the image data, a result of face detection, and a result of focus detection;
• detecting that the tracking subject is obstructed by comparing a standard focus detection information which is a standard information of the tracking subject with a focus detection information obtained at a tracking position;
• detecting, from the image data, an obstructing area which is obstructing the tracking subject when the obstructing of the tracking subject is detected;
• and
• exclusively setting a search area around the obstructing area and searching the set search area for the tracking subject by using information different from the result of focus detection, when the obstructing of the tracking subject is detected.

A non-transitory storage medium storing a tracking program which causes a computer to:

• set a tracking subject in image data obtained by imaging;
• search for the set tracking subject by using at least one of luminance of the image data, color of the image data, a result of face detection, and a result of focus detection;
• detect that the tracking subject is obstructed by comparing a standard focus detection information which is a standard information of the tracking subject with a focus detection information obtained at a tracking position;
• detect, from the image data, an obstructing area which is obstructing the tracking subject when the obstructing of the tracking subject is detected;
• and
• exclusively set a search area around the obstructing area and search the set search area for the tracking subject by using information different from the result of focus detection, when the obstructing of the tracking subject is detected.