Subject tracking device, subject tracking method, and imaging apparatus

Abstract

An imaging apparatus includes a subject detection unit that detects a subject using an image signal output by an image sensor and a motion vector detection unit that detects a motion vector of the subject from the image signal. A camera control unit performs a process of recognizing a movement pattern using the motion vector of the detected subject and determines a group movement scene if it is determined that a movement of a plurality of subjects is a linear movement and the number of subjects with the same movement pattern is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The camera control unit sets the subject in the lead in the movement direction among the plurality of subjects performing the liner movement in the determined group movement scene to a tracking target as a main subject.