A sample image is filtered by a circumferential filter (28) and the image characteristic amount is learned by identification means (30). A search objective image G is filtered by the circumferential filter (28) and an image characteristic amount unchangeable by rotation is detected for each of the areas filtered. Each of the image characteristic amount detected is inputted into the identification means (30). Thus, it is possible to rapidly judge whether the filtering area is a face image candidate area and significantly reduce the number of dimensions of the image characteristic amount, thereby significantly reducing the time required for the identification work and the sample image learning.
FACE IMAGE CANDIDATE AREA SEARCH METHOD, FACE IMAGE CANDIDATE AREA SEARCH SYSTEM, AND FACE IMAGE CANDIDATE AREA SEARCH PROGRAM