JP2002269298A - Showpiece explaining system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a showpiece explaining system capable of properly offering various explanation information related to an showpiece. SOLUTION: This showpiece explaining system includes a photographing device 1, an information indicating device 2, a storage device 3, a controlling device 4, an information writing device 5, and a position detection part 6. The information indicating device 2 includes an image display part 21, a finder part 22, a sound outputting part 23, and an operation part 24. By means of the controlling device 4, a photographed image by the photographing device 1 taking a picture of the showpiece and a showpiece image based on image information stored in the storage device 3 are switched to be displayed in the image display part 21 of the information indicating device 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exhibit commentary system for providing information on exhibits such as museums.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, explanations of exhibits such as museums are made by displaying a plate-like panel arranged near the exhibits, displaying moving images on a CRT display, and announcing sounds from speakers. . However, in such a method, explanations to individual visitors are the same, and it is difficult to satisfy all visitors.

[0003] For this reason, there is a type in which information to be displayed on a CRT display is selectable, but it is difficult to associate the information with actual observation of an exhibit, which is not satisfactory. In addition, a system has been proposed in which commentary is displayed on a head-mounted display that is lent to each visitor, and the commentary can be viewed at the same time as the actual thing of the exhibit. Cannot provide detailed commentary information.

[0004] On the other hand, exhibitions in museums or the like to which virtual reality is applied have been proposed. However, since virtual reality exhibitions are performed independently, they are not linked to real or model exhibits, and the exhibits can be easily displayed. Is not always enough for a good understanding.

[0005] The contents of the exhibition or the contents of the tour are generally recorded using memos during the tour or commentary leaflets arranged at each exhibition site. However, it is not easy to take notes during the tour, and leaflets may not always be sufficient for each visitor.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an exhibit commentary system capable of accurately acquiring various commentary information related to an exhibit.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an exhibit commentary system for presenting information about an exhibit, a photographing device for photographing the exhibit, a storage device for storing at least image information about the exhibit, Including a finder unit and an image display unit that displays an image visible from the finder unit, an information presenting device that can be operated by a visitor, and a control device that controls presentation of information by the information presenting device,
The photographing direction and the photographing magnification of the photographing device can be changed according to the operation of the information presenting device by the visitor,
The control device switches and displays an image of an exhibit based on the image captured by the image capturing device and the stored image information on the image display unit. This makes it possible to provide the commentary information of the exhibit with the real image for each visitor.

[0008] Further, the information presenting apparatus is capable of changing the direction of the entire apparatus.
It can be changed according to the direction changing operation. In this case, the visitor can move the finder section in the direction of the exhibit, thereby improving the sense of presence.

[0009] The change operation of the photographing direction and the photographing magnification of the photographing device by the visitor changes the display content and the display magnification of the exhibit image when the exhibit image is displayed. When displaying an image based on the recorded information, the commentary image can be displayed with the same feeling as when shooting.

The display switching from the photographed image of the photographing device to the exhibit image in the exhibit commentary system of the present invention is performed when the photographing direction or photographing magnification of the photographing device is not changed for a certain period of time. is there. In this way, even if the visitor is not familiar with the operation of the system, accurate information can be presented.

The image displayed immediately after switching from the photographed image of the photographing device to the exhibit image in the exhibit explanation system of the present invention is selected according to the displayed photographed image immediately before switching.

Further, the display object is an animal skeleton model, and the image immediately after the switching is an image reproduced by fleshing out the skeleton.

The image displayed immediately after switching from the photographed image of the photographing device to the exhibit image in the exhibit explanation system of the present invention is recognized by the photographing direction and photographing magnification of the photographing device. In this way, the transition from the actual captured image display to the comment image display is performed smoothly.

[0014] In the exhibit explanation system of the present invention, the finder section is a two-lens type having a shutter section, and the shutter section can be opened and closed according to a display image on the display section. This enables stereoscopic vision.

Further, the information presenting device and the photographing device in the exhibit commentary system of the present invention are integrally formed.

Further, the information presenting device and the photographing device in the exhibit explanation system of the present invention are integrally formed and configured to be portable.

[0017] The exhibit commentary system of the present invention has a plurality of the photographing devices, at least one of the plurality of photographing devices is movable inside the exhibit, and the control device is The image captured by a plurality of image capturing devices is switched and displayed on the image display unit. In this way, the inside of the exhibit can be observed.

The photographing device in the exhibit commentary system of the present invention can move inside the exhibit.

Further, the exhibit image in the exhibit explanation system of the present invention includes a virtual image relating to the exhibit. Further, when a virtual perceived image on the exhibit side is displayed as a virtual image, pseudo experience information related to the exhibit can be provided.

[0020] The information presentation device in the exhibit commentary system of the present invention further includes a sound output unit that outputs a sound relating to the exhibit, and the storage device further stores sound information relating to the exhibit. The control device outputs a sound corresponding to an image to be displayed on the image display unit to the sound information output unit based on the stored sound information.

Further, the output sound includes a narration of a commentary on the exhibit or a description of a method of operating the system.

The output sound includes a virtual sound related to the exhibit. Further, when the virtual perceptual sound on the exhibit side is output as the virtual sound, it is possible to provide more effective pseudo experience information related to the exhibit.

Further, the exhibit explanation system of the present invention further has an information writing device to which a portable recording medium can be attached,
The control device outputs information presented by the information presentation device to the information writing device in accordance with a visitor's operation. In this way, it is possible to easily record any one of various commentary information provided by the visitor, particularly, information including image information.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic block configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 includes a photographing device 1, an information presenting device 2, a storage device 3, a control device 4, an information writing device 5, and a position detecting unit 6. The information presenting device 2 further includes an image display unit 21, It includes a finder section 22, a sound output section 23, and an operation section 24.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus 20 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a camera-equipped information presenting apparatus 20) in which the photographing apparatus 1 and the information presenting apparatus 2 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 in the direction A, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. FIG. 5 schematically shows a usage mode of the present system. A plurality of camera-equipped information presenting devices 20 are installed around an exhibit 10 so that a visitor 30 can operate.

Next, each element constituting the exhibit explanation system of FIG. 1 will be described.

(Photographing Apparatus) The photographing apparatus 1 photographs the exhibit 10 from the outside or the inside, and uses a video camera apparatus. The apparatus in FIG. 2 includes two photographing apparatuses 1 for photographing the exhibit 10 from outside, but may be one if stereoscopic viewing (details will be described later) is not performed. As will be described later, the imaging direction of the imaging device 1 changes as the visitor changes the direction of the information presentation device 2, so that an image of the observer's line of sight can be taken, and the sense of presence is improved. Further, the photographing magnification of the photographing device 1 can be changed by a visitor by a zoom button 242 provided on the information presenting device 2.

The photographing apparatus 1 can be installed near an exhibit separately from the information presenting apparatus 2, and can be configured to move with the movement of the information presenting apparatus 2 by a tracking servo mechanism. Further, the drive may be performed by a movement command from the information presentation device 2 instead of the following servo.

Further, the photographing device 1 may move inside the exhibit and photograph the exhibit from the inside. The inside is photographed by mounting a micro camera on a micro machine moving inside a transparent tube provided inside the exhibit. As a simple micromachine, a shading insect type robot that moves in response to a change in air pressure can be used. The captured image from the micro camera is transmitted to the control device by a wireless signal.

The image from the camera for photographing the inside of the exhibit may be sent to the dedicated information presenting device 2 or a device for photographing the exhibit from outside as shown in FIG. 2 may be used in combination. . In any case, such movement of the camera is operated by a signal from the specific information presentation device 2.

(Information Presenting Apparatus) The information presenting apparatus 2 is shown in FIG.
Are supported so as to be capable of panning and tilting movement. The information presentation device 2 has a finder unit 22 on the front and an image display unit 21 provided inside.
Is configured to be visible through the finder section 22. The finder section 22 is a two-lens type and has a liquid crystal shutter (not shown). The opening and closing of the liquid crystal shutter can be controlled by the control device 4,
By alternately displaying images with parallax shift on the image display unit 21 and opening and closing them alternately left and right in synchronization with the display, the viewer can perform stereoscopic viewing. Stereovision can also be performed on a captured image by providing two imaging devices 1. It is preferable that the image display unit 21 is configured by a flat display device such as a liquid crystal display device in terms of space efficiency. Furthermore, even in the case where images with parallax shift are alternately displayed in the virtual image, stereoscopic viewing is possible in the same manner as described above.

A sound output section 23 such as a speaker is provided on the front side of the information presentation device 2 near the ear position of the viewer when looking into the finder section 22. Considering the effect on visitors other than the visitors using this device, the sound output unit 23
It is preferable to use a directional loudspeaker to provide directivity in the direction of the viewer's ear.

A grip 241 is provided on the front side of the information presentation device 2 so that a visitor can pan and tilt the information presentation device 2. In addition, the support portion 40
It is configured to be able to move up and down according to the height of the visitor. Therefore, the visitor can point the photographing apparatus 1 in an arbitrary direction of the exhibit 10 while looking through the finder section 22. The grip unit 241 is provided with a zoom button 242 for changing the photographing magnification of the photographing device 1 and a write button 243 for instructing the information writing device 5 to write information. The grip unit 241, the zoom button 242, and the write button 243 constitute the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24
However, the present invention is not limited to these, and may include system operation buttons such as a start / end button, a reset button, and a display content switching button. Information presentation device 2
It is also possible to use a power drive by a button operation without manually moving the.

(Storage Device) The storage device 3 is for storing various contents, such as images relating to the exhibits, which are presented through the information presentation device 2 for explaining the exhibits. The stored content includes image information displayed on the image display unit 21 and sound information output from the sound output unit 23. A computer graphic (CG) image is suitable for the stored image information, but a real image may be used as an ecological image, a microscope image, and the like of the exhibit. The sound information may be synthesized sound, recorded voice information, or a combination thereof. In addition, these pieces of information include virtual image information and virtual sound information.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the exhibit 10 is a dinosaur skeleton model, it is preferable to prepare the following contents.

(A) Filled 3 on the skeleton shown in FIG.
Dimensional model information By preparing such information, a CG image of a fleshed out dinosaur at an arbitrary magnification from an arbitrary viewpoint can be displayed. (B) Estimated CG image of the surrounding environment perceived from the viewpoint of the dinosaur In this case, it is preferable that the color information and the like be processed in accordance with the function of the visual organ of the dinosaur to be estimated. (C) Estimated image of the internal organ of the dinosaur The partial image may be used to correspond to the image captured by the internal moving micro camera. (D) Ecology image of dinosaur estimated (e) Estimated cell image of dinosaur, DNA image (f) Estimated sound information perceived by dinosaur hearing In this case, the frequency characteristics and the like are estimated by dinosaur hearing It is preferable to perform a process according to the function of the organ. (G) Estimated sound information including sounds generated by dinosaurs during the dinosaur era (h) Other explanatory information by images or sounds There is an explanation of the exhibits and how to use the system in audio or text images. You may.

The storage device 3 may be provided specifically for each of the photographing device 1 and the information presentation device 2, similarly to the control device 4, or may be provided so as to share some information. . Further, the specific installation position may be inside or near the apparatus shown in FIG.

(Position Detecting Unit) The position detecting unit 6 outputs a signal indicating the photographing position, photographing direction, and photographing magnification of the photographing device 1. When the imaging device is fixed, only the height of the support portion 40 is detected using a preset plane position signal. In the example of FIG. 2, the imaging direction is obtained using the height of the imaging device 1 and the pan position and tilt angle, that is, the pan position and tilt angle of the information presentation device 2. Also,
The photographing magnification is obtained based on a position detection signal of a photographing lens (not shown) of the photographing device. In FIG. 1,
Although the position detection unit 6 has been comprehensively described as being separate from the other blocks, a specific device may be provided inside the photographing device 1 or the information presenting device 2, It may be obtained internally by calculation.

Signals representing the photographing position, photographing direction, and photographing magnification of the photographing device 1 obtained from the position detecting section 6 are used for displaying an exhibit image based on the information stored in the storage device 3 as described later. It is used to change the display content and display magnification of the exhibit image. Further, it is used for selecting an image when switching from the image captured by the image capturing apparatus 1 to the exhibit image.

(Control Device) The control device 4 controls the operation of the entire system, and is mainly composed of a processor, a frame switcher, and the like that operate according to a program. The main function of the control device is to read out optimal image information and sound information from the storage device 3, perform necessary processing, and output them to the image display unit 21 and the sound output unit 23. At the time of outputting the image, according to the state of the system including the output of the position detection unit 6 and the operation information of the operation unit 24,
The captured image and the exhibition image based on the information stored in the storage device 3 are switched and output. Further, based on the write signal from the write button 243, the information writing device 5 is driven,
The display image information of the image display unit 21 at the time of writing signal output is recorded.

(Information Writing Device) The information writing device 5
This is a device to which a portable recording medium such as a CD-R, a DVD-RAM, and an SD card can be mounted, and is provided near the information presenting device 2 or integrally with the information presenting device 2. The use form of this device is as follows. The visitor attaches the portable recording medium to the information writing device 5 before observing the exhibit using the present system. The portable recording medium is
It is preferable to distribute the written information of the exhibits to the visitors in advance when they enter. The visitor presses the write button 243 when he wants to record the image displayed when the system is used. At this time, the control device 4 operates the information writing device 5 to record the display image information, so that the visitor can always browse the recorded image. Note that browsing of the information written on the recording medium may be made possible when accessing a predetermined WWW server.

Next, an example of information presentation for the exhibit in FIG. 2 will be described. When a visitor activates the system, the photographing apparatus 1 starts photographing the exhibit 10 and the image display unit 21.
Operates, and the shutter of the finder section 22 is opened. At the start of the operation, the control device 4 sends the photographed image of the photographing device to the image display unit 21, so that the observer sees the photographed image of the exhibit 10 from the finder unit 22. At this time, the sound output unit 23 may output a narration of the operation and operation method of the system. In addition, when images taken from the two photographing devices 1 are alternately sent to the image display unit 21 and the shutter units are alternately opened and closed in synchronization with each other,
Stereovision is possible. Note that a CG image described later can be similarly stereoscopically viewed by alternately displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image.

The observer grasps the grasping portion 241 to change the direction of the camera-equipped information presenting device 20, that is, the photographing direction of the photographing device, and presses the zoom button 242 to appropriately change the photographing magnification and observe the exhibit 10. can do.

When the photographed image is fixed for a certain period of time, the control device 4 switches to the photographed image from the photographing device 1 and displays the fleshed-out dinosaur CG image. The detection of the image switching is performed by monitoring the output of the position detection unit 6.
Also, the CG image of the dinosaur immediately after the switching is a fleshed-out image of the skeleton image displayed immediately before the switching. Such switching can recognize the skeleton image displayed immediately before switching based on the output to the position detection unit 6, so that the CG image of the fleshed-out dinosaur is made to correspond to the size display portion and the like. Can be. The switching display is
The morphing process is performed. The display may be switched using an operation button or the like provided separately.

In this state, when an operation of changing the photographing direction and the photographing magnification is performed, the control device 4 displays the image in which the display direction and the magnification of the fleshed dinosaur CG image are changed in accordance with the operation. 21 is displayed. Then, in accordance with an operation of a predetermined operation button (not shown) or an operation of changing the imaging direction and the imaging magnification, an estimated CG image of the surrounding environment perceived from the viewpoint of the dinosaur, an estimated image of the internal organ of the dinosaur, A dinosaur-estimated ecological image, a dinosaur-estimated cell image, a DNA image, and the like are switched and displayed. At the same time, corresponding sound information is output.

When the switching method using the changing operation of the shooting direction and the shooting magnification is used, when the continuous zoom-in or zoom-out and the fixed shooting direction and the fixed shooting magnification are detected, the display contents at the center of the screen are displayed. It is preferable to switch to an appropriate image. For example, if the eye portion is fixed while being enlarged, the estimated CG image of the surrounding environment perceived from the viewpoint of the dinosaur is switched. When zooming out is continued, the image is switched to the estimated ecological image, and when zooming in is continued, the image is switched to the explanation image of that part. Examples of the explanation image include an explanation of the function of the organ, and an image of a cell or DNA.

When the internal moving photographing device is used, a built-in estimated image corresponding to the photographing position is output. The switching method is similarly performed by performing a morphing process.

Switching from the image based on the stored information to the photographed image is performed by operating a predetermined button, for example, a reset button.

In the above description, the information presentation device with camera 2
0 has been described as being fixed around the exhibit,
The camera-equipped information presenting device 20 may be portable by using a small and lightweight video camera device and image display unit. In that case, the control device 4 and the storage device 3 may be integrated, or depending on the weight, a visitor may be attached to the waist or the like as a separate body. The position detection of the information presentation device with a camera in the case of the portable type is performed by detecting radio waves or optical signals from a plurality of places in the exhibition room, for example.

The recording and output of the sound information and the recording of the image on the portable recording medium may be omitted.

[0051]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an exhibit commentary system capable of accurately acquiring various commentary information related to an exhibit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an information presentation device with a camera.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a use mode of the present system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photographing device 2 ... Information presentation device 3 ... Storage device 4 ... Control device 5 ... Information writing device 6 ... Position detection part 10 ... Exhibit 20 ... Camera Attached information presenting device 30 ... observer 21 ... image display unit 22 ... finder unit 23 ... sound output unit 24 ... operation unit 241 ... grip unit 242 ... zoom button 243 · ..Write button

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An exhibit commentary system for presenting information about an exhibit, a photographing device for photographing the exhibit, a storage device for storing at least image information about the exhibit, a viewfinder section, and a viewfinder. An information display device that includes an image display unit that displays a possible image, and has an information presentation device that can be operated by a visitor; and a control device that controls the presentation of information by the information presentation device. Can be changed according to the operation of the information presenting device by the visitor, the control device, the image display device and the display image based on the stored image information of the imaging device, the image display unit Exhibit commentary system for switching display. 2. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the information presenting device is capable of performing a direction changing operation of the entire device, and a photographing direction of the photographing device is changed according to the direction changing operation. Exhibit description system that can be changed. 3. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of changing the photographing direction and photographing magnification of the photographing device by the visitor is performed when the exhibit image is displayed. Exhibit commentary system that changes the display content and display magnification of 4. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the display switching from the photographed image of the photographing device to the exhibit image is performed by photographing direction or photographing of the photographing device. Exhibit explanation system that is performed when the magnification change operation is not performed for a certain period of time. 5. The exhibit commentary system according to claim 1, wherein an image displayed immediately after switching from the photographed image of the photographing device to the exhibit image is an image displayed immediately before switching. Exhibit commentary system that is selected according to the displayed captured image. 6. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 5, wherein the exhibit is a model animal skeleton, and the image immediately after the switching is an image fleshly reproduced on the skeleton. . 7. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 5, wherein the displayed photographed image immediately before the switching is recognized based on a photographing direction and a photographing magnification of the photographing device. 8. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the finder unit is a twin-lens type having a shutter unit, and the shutter unit is configured to display the image. This is an exhibit explanation system that can be controlled to open and close alternately in synchronization with the image display of the section, thereby enabling stereoscopic viewing. 9. The exhibit commentary system according to claim 1, wherein the information presentation device and the photographing device are integrated. 10. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 9, wherein the information presenting device and the photographing device which are integrally formed are portable. 11. The exhibit commentary system according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of the photographing devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of photographing devices is arranged inside the exhibit. An exhibit commentary system that is movable, and wherein the control device switches and displays the images captured by the plurality of image capturing devices on the image display unit. 12. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the photographing device is movable in the inside of the exhibit. 13. The exhibit commentary system according to claim 1, wherein the exhibit image includes a virtual image related to the exhibit. 14. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 13, wherein the virtual image includes a virtual perceptual image on the exhibit side. 15. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, wherein the information presentation device further includes a sound output unit that outputs a sound related to the exhibit, and the storage device is The control device further outputs a sound corresponding to an image to be displayed on the image display unit to the sound information output unit based on the stored sound information. Exhibit commentary system that is what makes you. 16. The exhibit commentary system according to claim 15, wherein the output sound includes a narration of commentary on the exhibit. 17. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 15, wherein the output sound includes an explanation of a method of operating the system. 18. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 15, wherein the output sound includes a virtual sound related to the exhibit. 19. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 18, wherein the virtual sound includes a virtual perceptual sound on the exhibit side. 20. The exhibit explanation system according to claim 1, further comprising an information writing device to which a portable recording medium can be mounted, wherein the control device is operated by a visitor. An exhibit commentary system for outputting information presented by the information presentation device to the information writing device according to the above.