FACE DETECTION METHOD, DEVICE AND PROGRAM

To detect a face image in an inputted image, predetermined-size partial images are cut out at different positions in the inputted image. An indicator value indicating a probability of each partial image being the face image is calculated. The partial images having the indicator values not less than a first threshold are extracted as candidate face images. Each candidate is set as a candidate of interest. If any nearby candidate is present within a predetermined coordinate distance from the candidate of interest, the candidate of interest and the nearby candidate are set in one candidate group. For each candidate group, an integrated indicator value reflecting the indicator values calculated for the candidates forming the candidate group is calculated. Then, an image within a predetermined area in the inputted image containing the candidate group having the integrated indicator value not less than a second threshold is extracted as the face image.