JP2001155179A - System for providing dwelling house-related information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dwelling house-related information providing system capable of providing dwelling house-related information on the basis of real residence feeling simulation by virtual reality constructing a pseudo real virtual world about dwelling house. SOLUTION: A client 5b prepares an indoor virtual three-dimensional image on the display of the client 5b with virtual dwelling space preparing means by using application software on the basis of photographed data by a digital camera 6b of a target house and the read data of design drawing, arranges the virtual three-dimensional image of commodities in the indoor virtual three- dimensional space, moves the avatar of a user of the target house within the virtual three-dimensional space in the house by a walkthrough means and can perform pseudo experience of interior effects as to whether the viewing angle of television, the visual field of a door when opened, the visual field of a window and the illumination effect of lighting fixture are appropriate in a three- dimensional manner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a house information providing system in which a house information server distributes house information to a client via the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when a new home is constructed or purchased, an outline plan of a house or an outline of a house in a building system is presented to a trader to proceed with construction or to obtain a property close to the desired one. After having obtained the desired house, it is necessary for the trader to find furniture that matches the new house in addition to or instead of the conventional furniture that is used continuously. In this case, you usually look at the catalog and buy and use furniture that seems to match the room of the new house, but if you actually place the purchased furniture in the room and look at it, you will get the interior effect you originally expected. I ca n’t
In many cases, it is difficult to purchase furniture as desired. In this case, the simulation may be performed in advance by requesting an interior design company or an interior coordinator. However, it takes time and takes much time for processing, which causes a problem in terms of cost. On the other hand, on the Internet,
There are sites that sell interior goods, but here, even if you purchase furniture that seems to match the newly obtained room of the house, the simulation is performed in advance in the same way as when you look at the catalog and purchase Therefore, it is difficult for users to purchase furniture that satisfies them sufficiently.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the current state of the service for providing house-related information as described above, and has as its object to construct a virtual reality virtual world relating to a house. Reality (Virtu
The present invention provides a house-related information providing system capable of providing house-related information based on a simulation of actual living sensation based on the Reality (al Reality).

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a home information server having a product information database in which information of home related products is stored. A house information providing system for distributing house information to a client, wherein a virtual house space creation means for creating a virtual house space on a display, and house-related products selected from the product information database are arranged in the virtual house space. The client is provided with merchandise arranging means and walk-through means for causing an avatar to walk through in the virtual house space in which the selected house-related merchandise is arranged.

[0005] According to such a means, a virtual house space is created on the display by the client's virtual house space creation means, and the house-related goods selected from the goods database by the goods arrangement means are:
The avatar is walked through the virtual house space where the selected house-related goods are arranged in the virtual house space and the selected house-related goods are arranged by the walk-through means. The viewing angle of the TV when sitting, the field of view when the door is opened, the field of view from the window, and the lighting state of the lighting equipment are three-dimensionally simulated.

[0006] Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 provides a method in which a house information server provided with a product information database in which information of house-related products is stored is transmitted to a client via the Internet by a house information server. A home information providing system for delivering virtual home space, a virtual home space creating means for creating a virtual home space on a display,
A product placement unit that places the house-related product selected from the product information database in the virtual house space; and a walk-through that allows an avatar to walk through the virtual house space in which the selected house-related product is placed. Means are provided in said client;
The house information server is provided with a client information database in which the house related information of the client is registered, and individual information providing means for providing a consultation service of the house related information to a corresponding client based on the registered information in the client information database. It is characterized by being carried out.

According to such means, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, a client information database and individual information providing means are provided in the house information server, and the house of the client registered in the client information database is provided. Based on the related information, the individual information providing means provides a corresponding client with reference to the house-related information stored in the product information database, and provides an individual consulting service for the house-related information.

[0008] Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the article placement means is arranged in the virtual house space. It is characterized by having a function of changing the color and material of the product.

According to such a means, in addition to the effects obtained by the first or second aspect of the present invention, the commodity arranging means can change the color and material of the house-related goods to be arranged in the virtual house space. In the virtual living space by the client user,
The interior effect when the color or material of the house-related product to be arranged is changed is accurately and promptly grasped.

[0010] Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, the merchandise arranging means is provided as the house-related merchandise in the virtual house space. It has a function of controlling a lighting operation of a lighting fixture to be arranged.

According to such a means, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the commodity arranging means controls the lighting operation of the lighting fixture arranged in the virtual living space as a house-related product. The interior effect when the lighting operation of the luminaire to be arranged is changed is accurately and quickly grasped by the client user in the virtual living space.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a service image diagram showing the operation of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a Web site (Web site) 1 for house-related information is provided on a network, and the Web site 1 has a Web server (Web service) for providing information.
er) 10 is provided, and in this Web server 10, there are house-related products, information on stores and manufacturers of these products,
A merchandise information database 2 storing coordinate information of these merchandise and a memory 11 storing control data for performing matching and simulation are connected. Similarly, the Web server 10 is connected to a client information database 3 that stores information about the client's name, designated area, interior preference, purchase history of house-related products, and virtual house.

[0013] The Web site 1 has an interior
Client (PC of interior maker A) 7
a, Interior Client (Interior Maker B)
PC 7b and an interior client (PC of interior maker C) 7c are connected via the Internet. Similarly, a client (PC of user a) 5a, a client (PC of user b) 5b, and a client (PC of user c) 5c are connected to the Web site 1, and a digital camera 6a is connected to the client 5a. A digital camera 6b is connected to the client 5b, and a digital camera 6c is connected to the client 5c.

In this embodiment, the clients 5a to 5c are provided with virtual living space creating means for creating a virtual living space on the display, and house-related products selected from the product information database 2 are arranged in the virtual living space. Avatar (ava) in the virtual living space in which the product placement means to perform
tar: Walkthrough (walk-through doll)
Walk-through means are provided.

The operation of the embodiment having such a configuration will be described. The user of each of the clients 5a to 5c can use the homepage “Living Gate.co.
m, either a general member (free) or a club member (paid) is selected and registered. Here, it is assumed that the user of the client 5a is a general member and the users of the clients 5b and 5c are club members. First, a description will be given of the search and browsing of interior information that a general member can receive a service and a link to a purchase site. In the following, the description will be made for the client 5a of a general member, but the users of the clients 5b and 5c of the club members can naturally be the targets of this service.

The user of the general member operates the client 5a to operate the homepage 15 of the Web site 1 shown in FIG.
From the product information database 2, (1) interior brand name classification, (2) product name classification (chair, table, bed, bookcase, etc.), (3) room classification (living, study, bed, (4) Search by taste (NY modern style, Victorian style, Oriental style, Country style, etc.), (5) Regional classification (Japan, US, Italy, Southern France, Northern Europe, etc.) The product information of the item is read and displayed,
When the user inputs a keyword to search for product information such as furniture, home appliances, miscellaneous goods, and curtains that match his or her preference from the search item, the product information 16 of the searched category is viewed. In this browsing, specifications including a photograph and a size of the product are displayed like a catalog. When the user of the client 5a finds a product to be purchased by browsing,
By clicking on a target product, a link is provided to the store where the product is sold, and the user can purchase the product directly from the link destination.

Next, a description will be given of a space simulation service, a pseudo walk-through service, and an individual consulting service that club members can receive services. For example, if a user of a client 5b who is a club member receives a space simulation service and has already acquired a new house, as shown in FIG. 2, the user of the client 5b uses a digital camera 6b. Then, after taking a photograph 17 of the house, taking the photographed data into the client 5b, performing a retouching process using photo retouching software, the virtual dwelling space creation means uses application software, and performs a three-dimensional object by geometry processing using the application software. Is calculated, and an image 18 is created from a specific viewpoint by rendering, so that a virtual three-dimensional image 3DCG (3-Dime) of the house interior is displayed on the display.
nsional Computer Graphics)
Create 20. If an actual house has not yet been acquired, a virtual three-dimensional space image 3DCG of the house interior is similarly created by the virtual dwelling space creation means of the client 5b based on the design drawing of the house.

Next, the user operates the client 5b to carry out the product information database 2 as described above.
Is browsed, and if a product such as furniture to be placed in the house is found, a virtual three-dimensional image of the selected product is formed by the product placement means of the client 5b based on the size data of the product. In a virtual three-dimensional space inside a house that has already been created, it is arranged at a position desired by the user. In this case, the color and material of the house-related product placed in the virtual space inside the house can be changed by the product placement means,
The optimal interior effect can be confirmed by changing the color and material of the placed housing-related products. Further, in the case where the placed house-related product is a lighting fixture, the lighting effect of the lighting fixture can be controlled to check the lighting effect.

Then, the user creates an avatar of the user of the target house by the walk-through means of the client 5b, and changes the use state of the house in the virtual three-dimensional space in the house where the house-related products are respectively arranged. If the viewing angle of the TV when sitting in a chair is a comfortable angle, the view when opening the door or the view from the window is desirable, the lighting effect of the lighting equipment is appropriate Experience three-dimensional simulated interior effects such as In this case, multiple avatars are created and a simulated experience with the whole family using the house is performed,
A simulated experience corresponding to the use state of the house at the time of the visitor is performed. When all of the house-related products to be placed in the target house can be selected from the products stored in the product information database 2 by the simulation and the walk-through, each product is sent from the corresponding interior maker. You will find a range of residential products to purchase and use in your home.

On the other hand, if the simulation and the walk-through described above do not allow a house-related product to be placed in a house to obtain a satisfactory interior effect, the user can use the client information database by the client 5b. 3, client information such as personal information such as name, occupation, residential area, and family structure, virtual space data of a target house, interior preference information, and purchase history information of house-related products are registered and stored.

By this registration and storage, the house information server 1
Provides individual consulting services to the client 5b, and the house information server 1 periodically arranges the client 5b in the target house based on the registration information in the client information database 3. Is introduced, and the user of the client 5b displays the virtual space of the target house on the display with the house information server 1,
By exchanging messages about house information by chat (Chat), from the information information server 1,
You can receive original and advanced original consulting services that correspond to individual details.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user accesses the home page of the Web site 1 by using the client, and obtains furniture, which is suitable for the user, from the house-related information stored in the product information database 2. By searching for product information such as home appliances, sundries, curtains, etc. and browsing the product information, you can compare and review the products of each company and select the appropriate product while staying at home. The link to the store allows the purchase of the product directly from the link destination. In addition, a virtual 3D image of the interior of the house is displayed on a display using application software based on data captured by a digital camera of the target house and data read from a design drawing.
G is created, and the virtual 3D image of the selected product is
The viewing angle of the television is set by placing the avatar of the user of the target house in the virtual three-dimensional space inside the house in accordance with the usage state of the house in the virtual three-dimensional space inside the house. It is possible to three-dimensionally experience the interior effects such as whether the interior is appropriate, whether the field of view when opening the door or the window is desirable, or whether the lighting effect of the lighting fixture is appropriate.

In addition, the user can
When client information such as personal information such as name, occupation, residential area, and family structure, virtual space data of a target house, interior preference information, and purchase history information of house-related products is registered and stored in the client information database 3, The information server 1 periodically introduces a product suitable for being placed in the destination house based on the registration information in the client information database 3, and the user performs display with the house information server 1. While displaying the virtual space of the target house on the top, you can exchange messages about house information by chat, and receive unique and advanced consulting services that respond to individual details. Then, in the house information server 1, the accumulated client information can be used as the chocketing data, and the information provider providing the information on the house-related products in the product information database 2 has its own server. Instead, it is possible to effectively advertise products and acquire customers at low operating costs.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the house-related information on my home is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is also possible to provide information and house-related information of the My Room. Also, when purchasing a product selected by the user from the product information database 2, it is possible to provide an account on the network and use an electronic commerce method in which a corresponding amount is deducted when ordering.

[0025]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, information on information-related products read from the product information database via the Internet by a house information server having a product information database in which information on house-related products is stored. Is delivered to the client, the virtual living space creating means of the client creates a virtual living space on the display, and the product arranging means places the house-related product selected from the product database in the virtual living space, The avatar is walked through the virtual living space in which the selected house-related product is arranged by the walk-through means, so that the user of the client creates a virtual living space of the desired house on the display of the client, Stored in the product database Numerous Select dwelling-related products from the desired product, be placed in a virtual dwelling space, the interior effect of product placement in dwellings internally, in a pseudo space 3
It becomes possible to confirm it dimensionally.

[0026] Furthermore, the avatar of the user of the target house is walked through the virtual house space in which house-related products are arranged, so that the viewing angle of the TV when sitting on the chair and the time when the door is opened. 3D simulated experience of the field of view, the view from the window, and the lighting conditions of the lighting fixtures, acquire the desired house, and arrange the house-related products inside to obtain information for realizing the optimal interior effect. It is possible to perform it accurately and easily on the client in a short time. Then, the information provider providing the information on the house-related products to the product information database can effectively advertise the products and acquire customers at a low operation cost without providing a server by itself.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects obtained by the first aspect of the invention, the house information server is provided with a client information database and individual information providing means, and is registered in the client information database. Based on the housing related information of the client, the individual information providing means provides the corresponding client with reference to the housing related information stored in the product information database, and provides an individual consulting service of the housing related information. It is possible to continuously receive information that appropriately corresponds to requests and preferences.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects obtained by the first or second aspect of the present invention, the product arranging means can determine the color and material of the house-related goods to be arranged in the virtual house space. With the change function, the user of the client can accurately and quickly grasp the interior effect when the color or material of the house-related product to be arranged is changed in the virtual house space. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects obtained by the first or second aspect of the present invention, the illumination of the lighting fixture arranged in the virtual residence space by the commodity arranging means as the house-related commodity. Since the function of controlling the operation is provided, the user of the client can accurately and quickly grasp the interior effect when the lighting operation of the luminaire arranged is changed in the virtual living space. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a service image diagram showing an operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Housing information server 2. Product information database
3. Client information database, 5a to 5c
Client, 6a-6c ... Digital camera, 7a-
7c Interior client, 10 Web server, 11 memory, 15 homepage, 16
-Commodity information, 17-Photos, 20-3D images.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A house information providing system for distributing house information to a client via the Internet, comprising: a house information server provided with a product information database in which information on house-related products is stored; and a virtual house space on a display. Virtual housing space creating means for creating a housing-related product selected from the product information database in the virtual housing space; and the virtual housing space in which the selected housing-related product is arranged. A housing-related information providing system, wherein a walk-through means for walking through an avatar is provided in the client. 2. A home information providing system for providing home information to a client via the Internet, comprising: a home information server having a product information database storing information on home related products; and a virtual home space on a display. Virtual housing space creating means for creating a housing-related product selected from the product information database in the virtual housing space; and the virtual housing space in which the selected housing-related product is arranged. In the client, a walk-through means for walking through an avatar is provided in the client, a client information database in which the residence-related information of the client is registered, and a residence in the corresponding client based on the registration information in the client information database. Related information Residential related information providing system and an individual information providing means for performing computing services is characterized in that provided in the dwelling information server. 3. The house-related product according to claim 1, wherein the product arranging means has a function of changing a color and a material of the house-related product arranged in the virtual house space. Information system. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the product arranging means has a function of controlling a lighting operation of a lighting device arranged in the virtual house space as the house-related product. Housing related information providing system.