Method and system for extracting a specific image

A method for extracting a desired specific image within an image comprising the steps of

• writing the image signal obtained through imaging into an image memory;
• designating a prescribed area within the image as an initial extracting area and storing the area extracting signal which is obtained through the designation;
• extracting an area which fulfills the conditions determined from the image signal of the image according to the characteristics of the specific image as a candidate area and converting it into a candidate area signal;
• generating a comparative area signal presenting an area sightly larger than the extracted area, which is necessary for expanding the extracted area, from the area extracting signal of the stored initial extracting area;
• comparing the comparative area signal that has been generated with the candidate area signal and converting the candidate area signal in said comparative area signal into a new area extracting signal;
• rewriting the area extracting signal in the initial extracting area by using the new area extracting signal;
• and
• performing either the extraction or removal of the image signal inside the area which is determined by the new area extraction signal.

An extracting system for a desired specific image within an image comprising:

• means for designating a prescribed area within the image as an initial extracting area and memorizing the area extracting signal which is obtained through said designation;
• means for extracting an area which fulfills the conditions determined from the image signal of the image according to the characteristics of the specific image as a candidate area and converting it into a candidate area signal;
• means for generating a comparative area signal presenting an area slightly larger than the extracted area, which is necessary for expanding the extracted area, from the area extracting signal of the stored initial extracting area;
• means for comparing said comparative area signal that has been generated with the candidate area signal and converting said candidate area signal in said comparative area signal into a new area extracting signal;
• means for rewriting the area extracting signal in the initial extracting area by using the new area extracting signal;
• means for performing either the extraction or removal of the image signal inside the area which is determined by the new area extracting signal.

An extracting system for a desired specific image within an image comprising:

• through imaging
• means for designating a prescribed area within the image as an initial extracting area and memorizing the area extracting signal which is obtained through said designation;
• means for extracting an area which fulfills the conditions determined from the image signal of the image according to the characteristics of the specific image as a candidate area and converting it into a candidate area signal;
• means for generating a comparative area signal presenting an area slightly larger than the extracted area, which is necessary for expanding the extracted area, from the area extracting signal of the stored initial extracting area;
• means for comparing said comparative area signal that has been generated with the candidate area signal and converting said candidate area signal in said comparative area signal into a new area extracting signal;
• means for rewriting the area extracting signal in the initial extracting area by using the new area extracting signal;
• and
• means for performing either the extraction or removal of the image signal inside the area which is determined by the new area extraction signal.

A video camera for providing a video signal of an image picked up by an image pickup device and processed in a signal processing circuit comprising:

• extraction means for extracting a signal representative of a specific portion of a target object in a video signal provided as an output from the signal processing circuit;
• and
• control means responsive to the signal extracted by the extraction means for effecting control of the at least one operation of the video camera in accordance with the extracted signal;
• wherein the extractio means extracts the signal representative of the specific portion of the target object of the video signal provided as the output from the signal processing circuit based upon a feature of the specific portion, other than a focus condition and a stabilization condition thereof.