JP2012037945A - Design manufacturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a design manufacturing apparatus which can calculate components manufacturing an optimum design on an installation site based on only an image and a peripheral information of the installation site.SOLUTION: A design manufacturing apparatus 3 has area calculation means 4 calculating an area of an installation area 1 for which a design is manufactured, a first storage part 5 storing a peripheral information of the installation area 1, a second storage part 6 storing a plurality of original drawings of a design used for the installation area 1, and calculation means 7 calculating components of the design based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information and the original drawing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a design production apparatus capable of calculating design components only with a photograph of the installation location based on information such as the installation location of the design, the original image of the design, the material for producing the design, and the area calculation of the installation location. .

  The area of the walls of these buildings and structures has been calculated in advance when painting or signboards or posters (that is, design) are placed on the design installation locations on the walls of the buildings or structures. Is preferred. This is because if the area of the wall surface is unknown, it is unclear how much paint or material is needed and how much area of signboard or poster can be installed. If the area of the wall surface is known in advance, the efficiency of the construction of painting or installing a signboard or a poster is improved.

  In addition, early prediction of design components (optimal original image, area, required amount of paint, cost, chromaticity, brightness, etc.) applied to the installation site is important when designing a design at the installation site. It is. If the components of the design are unknown when the design is produced at an outdoor installation location, there may be a problem in terms of cost due to a lack of necessary materials during the work or excess materials. Alternatively, the produced design may not be able to exhibit a sufficient design effect depending on the surrounding environment and direction of the installation location.

  Thus, when designing an outdoor installation site, it is important to be able to grasp the design components such as the installation site area, optimal original image, required amount of paint, and cost before designing. is there. In particular, it is necessary to be able to estimate these components in advance regardless of large-scale work such as surveying at the installation site.

  For example, in order to calculate the area of an outdoor installation location, it is common to perform actual measurements based on dangerous work, or to perform surveys using a reference point survey or a stereo camera.

  However, surveying by actual measurement is dangerous and has the inconvenience of requiring another surveying operation by actual measurement if the target region is changed. Work with a reference point survey or a stereo camera can only be performed on the spot where the building or building to be surveyed can be seen in addition to the increase in work time and work man-hours.

  In recent years, many businesses want to install signboards and posters in various places of buildings and buildings in various places. Rather than deciding the signboards and posters to be installed and entering the wall area survey, these companies want to review the types of signboards and posters to be installed based on the wall area. This is because the company seeks to improve the advertising effect by signboards and posters on the wall.

  In many cases, a business operator who installs such a signboard or poster wants to survey an arbitrary area on the wall surface after the installation outside the installation site. In particular, there may be a case where an area having an area where various signs and posters can be installed is arbitrarily searched for in the wall surface.

  For this reason, the technique which measures the wall surface of a building or a building using the image imaged with the imaging device is proposed (for example, refer to patent documents 1).

JP 2007-147522 A

  However, Patent Document 1 only discloses a technique for adjusting the parallax of a subject included in images captured from a plurality of angles.

  For this reason, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for calculating the area of a subject. Also, the orientation reference body of Patent Document 1 is difficult to apply to calculate the position and area of the subject. In particular, it is difficult to identify any point of the orientation reference body included in images taken from various angles with high accuracy, and it is necessary to calculate the area of the subject using the images taken afterwards. It is difficult to obtain data. This is because, depending on the angle and position of the photographed photograph, the way in which the orientation reference body is reflected varies greatly, and it is difficult to obtain the relationship between the orientation reference body and the subject.

  In addition, the conventional technology cannot calculate the area of the subject sufficiently, and cannot calculate the components of the design for producing the optimum design for the installation location. As a result, there is a problem that preparation for improving the efficiency of design production cannot be made before the design is actually produced at the installation site. In particular, there is a problem that preparations for improving the efficiency of design production cannot be made at a place separated from the installation place such as a design office.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a design production apparatus capable of calculating components that produce an optimum design for an installation location based only on an image of the installation location and surrounding information.

  In view of the above problems, the design production apparatus of the present invention includes an area calculation means for calculating the area of an installation area for producing a design, a first storage unit for storing peripheral information of the installation area, and a design used for the installation area. A second storage unit that stores a plurality of original images; and a calculation unit that calculates design elements based on at least two of an area, peripheral information, and the original image.

  The design production apparatus of the present invention can calculate the optimum design components for the installation area only by preparing a photograph of the installation area where the design is actually installed and peripheral information. Since these components can be calculated in advance, it is possible to optimize work efficiency and production cost when actually producing a design in the installation area. In addition, a design that matches the environment of the installation area can be produced. As a result, a design that can withstand the environment of the installation area for a long time can be installed.

  In addition, photographs of the installation area and surrounding information can be collected by work by workers in the field. On the other hand, the calculation of the design components can be processed intensively at a work place separated from the field, based on photographs and surrounding information. As a result, information collection work (field work) and calculation work (field work or office work) can be parallelized, so that the optimum design for the installation area can be efficiently performed.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the installation place of the design manufactured in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the design production apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the installation area | region in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the design by which the brightness | luminance was changed by the calculation means in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the design production apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the design production system in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the imaging of the 1st image and 2nd image in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an internal block diagram of the area calculation means 4 in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an example of a photograph of the 1st picture and the 2nd picture in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a front view of the label | marker in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the direction estimation of the imaging device in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the estimation of the distance of the imaging device and the label | marker in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a photograph explaining the estimation of the specific point coordinate in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the estimation of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the design production apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention.

  A design production apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an area calculation means for calculating an area of an installation area for producing a design, a first storage unit for storing peripheral information of the installation area, and a design used for the installation area. A second storage unit that stores the plurality of original images, and a calculation unit that calculates design components based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information, and the original image.

  With this configuration, the design production device can produce an optimum design for the installation situation of the installation area and the surrounding environment. As a result, a cost-effective design for the installer can be installed.

  In the design production apparatus according to the second invention of the present invention, in addition to the first invention, the component is produced in the original picture and the installation area selected as the design produced in the installation area among the plurality of original pictures. The amount of paint required for the design, the cost required for the design produced in the installation area, the brightness suitable for the design produced in the installation area, the chromaticity suitable for the design produced in the installation area, and the design produced in the installation area Contains at least one of the string positions in

  With this configuration, the design production device can produce an optimum design for the installation situation of the installation area and the surrounding environment. As a result, a cost-effective design for the installer can be installed.

  In the design production apparatus according to the third invention of the present invention, in addition to the second invention, the calculation means is produced in the selection area of the original picture as a design produced in the installation area among the plurality of original pictures. Calculation of the amount of paint required for the design, calculation of the cost required for the design manufactured in the installation area, calculation of brightness suitable for the design manufactured in the installation area, calculation of chromaticity suitable for the design manufactured in the installation area And at least one of determining the position of the character string in the design produced in the installation area.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can calculate or determine the design elements that are optimal for the surrounding environment.

  In the design production apparatus according to the fourth invention of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to third inventions, the peripheral information includes the position of the installation area, the building around the installation area, the material of the installation area, It includes at least one piece of information on the direction of the installation area, the angle of the installation area, and the height of the installation area.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can produce a design in consideration of the influence of the surrounding buildings on the installation state of the installation area.

  In the design production apparatus according to the fifth invention of the present invention, in addition to the fourth invention, the calculation means has a luminance suitable for the design produced in the installation area based on at least one of the direction and angle of the installation area. And at least one of chromaticity is calculated.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can produce a design with brightness and color that can cope with the influence of the surrounding environment.

  In the design production apparatus according to the sixth invention of the present invention, in addition to the fourth or fifth invention, the calculating means is based on at least one of a building around the installation area and the height of the installation area. Determine the position of the character string in the design to be produced in the installation area.

  With this configuration, the design production device can produce a design capable of transmitting information while responding to the influence of surrounding buildings.

  In the design production apparatus according to the seventh invention of the present invention, in addition to any of the fourth to sixth inventions, the calculating means is a paint necessary for the design produced in the installation area based on the original image and the area. Calculate at least one of the quantity and the cost required for the design produced in the installation area.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can provide production costs in advance.

  In the design production apparatus according to the eighth invention of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to seventh inventions, an acquisition means for acquiring peripheral information and storing the acquired peripheral information in the first storage unit is provided. In addition.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can acquire peripheral information. The peripheral information may be acquired by field work outside the work place where the design production apparatus is installed.

  In addition to any one of the first to eighth inventions, the design production apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention further includes output means for outputting a design sample based on the component calculated by the calculation means.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can provide in advance an optimum design for the installation location.

  In the design production apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the ninth aspect, the output means can output a design image that can be installed in the installation area.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can consistently produce the optimum design for the installation location.

  In the design production apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to tenth inventions, the design production apparatus further includes a third storage unit for storing an image of the installation area, and the area calculating means Based on this, the area of the installation area is calculated.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can calculate the area of the installation area only with a photograph of the installation area.

  In the design production apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eleventh aspect, the design production apparatus further includes an imaging unit that captures an image, and the image captured by the imaging unit is stored in the third storage unit.

  With this configuration, the design production apparatus can easily calculate the area of the installation area.

  In the design production apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the image includes a first image including an installation area and a sign imaged by the first imaging apparatus, The area calculation means has a second image including an installation area and a sign imaged by the second imaging device from an angle different from that of the imaging device. An imaging device coordinate estimation unit that estimates the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the second position of the two imaging devices, and the three-dimensional coordinates of each of a plurality of specific points included in the installation area based on the first position and the second position A specific point coordinate estimating unit for estimating the value of the plurality of specific points, and a calculating unit for calculating the area of the installation area based on the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the plurality of specific points. It has a two-dimensional shape.

  With this configuration, the area calculating means can calculate the area of the installation area only with a photograph of the installation area including the sign.

  In the design production apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the thirteenth aspect, the sign has a triangle shape with three pointers having apexes having different chromaticities and having a substantially spherical shape.

  With this configuration, it is easy to distinguish the signs in the captured image, and the area calculating unit can calculate the area of the installation region with high accuracy.

  In the design production device according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the thirteenth or fourteenth invention, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit is configured to detect the first imaging device based on the inclination of the sign included in the first image. The direction relative to the sign is estimated as the first direction, the distance between the first imaging device and the sign is estimated as the first distance based on the area of the sign included in the first image, and the inclination of the sign included in the second image On the basis of the direction of the sign of the second imaging device as the second direction, and based on the area of the sign included in the second image, the distance between the second imaging device and the sign is estimated as the second distance, A first position is estimated based on the first direction and the first distance, and a second position is estimated based on the second direction and the second distance.

  With this configuration, the area calculating means can calculate the area of the installation region with high accuracy.

  In the design production apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the first specific coordinates that are the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point obtained from the first position; When the second specific coordinate that is the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point obtained from the second position does not match, the specific point coordinate estimation unit calculates the specific point from the first specific coordinate and the second specific coordinate. Approximate three-dimensional coordinate values.

  With this configuration, the area calculation unit can calculate the area of the installation area even when the captured image is poor.

  In the design production apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the image differs from the first imaging apparatus and the second imaging apparatus depending on the third imaging apparatus. The image capturing apparatus further includes a third image including a subject imaged from an angle and a sign, the image capturing apparatus coordinate estimating unit estimates a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of the third position of the third image capturing apparatus, and the specific point coordinate estimating unit Based on the first position, the second position, and the third position, the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of specific points included in the subject are estimated.

  With this configuration, the area calculating means can calculate the area of the installation area more precisely.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  (Embodiment 1)

Embodiment 1 will be described.
(Overview)

  First, an overall outline of the design production apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation place of a manufactured design according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the design production apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, advertisements, posters, design drawings, signs, flags, and the like may be installed in the outdoor buildings 2A and 2B. In recent years, the number of signboards based on images using LEDs or the like has increased, but there are many cases where screens by painting or posters are installed as usual. Such designs such as posters, design images, signboards, and flags are installed in the outdoor structures 2A and 2B and are visible from passers-by and vehicles traveling outside. For this reason, the design installed in the outdoor buildings 2A and 2B may be difficult to see or understand from a passerby or a car depending on the surrounding environment of the installation location.

  For example, in FIG. 1, a design installation area 1 is provided on the roof of a building 2 </ b> A, and a signboard 1 </ b> A is installed in the installation area 1. When the building 2A is a high building, a passerby traveling on the ground road may have difficulty in seeing the sign 1A. Or, it is difficult for passers-by to see the signboard 1A due to the elevation angle of the signboard 1A, the positional relationship with the surrounding buildings of the signboard 1A, the direction of the signboard 1A (whether it hits the western sun or the sunlight in the daytime, etc.) There is also.

  In FIG. 1, a design installation area 1 is provided on the wall surface of the building 2 </ b> B, and a poster 1 </ b> B is installed in the installation area 1. Since the poster 1B is installed so as to hang down on the wall surface, it is installed along the angle of the wall surface of the building 2B. In this case, it may be difficult to see due to the influence of the shadow of the adjacent building 2A, or may be difficult to see depending on the direction of the poster 1B as well as the sign 1A.

  In this way, the design installed in the installation area 1 may be difficult to see due to the influence of the surrounding environment. In this way, a design that is difficult to see from passers-by and automobiles cannot play the role of transmitting information installed outside the corner. Thus, the design which cannot play the role of information transmission has an insufficient balance between the production cost and the effect.

  On the other hand, at the stage where the design is actually produced in the installation area 1, the focus is only on producing the selected design, so it is difficult to change the components of the design according to the surrounding environment of the installation area 1. is there. For example, it is difficult to determine and work in the production of the installation area 1 on site because it is necessary to improve the brightness of the design and make it more conspicuous due to sunlight. Of course, the selection of the original picture of the design also depends on the surrounding environment, the area of the installation area 1 and the like, but there is a problem that there is no room for selection of the original picture after actually starting the production work on site.

  In addition, problems such as unnecessary or insufficient paint may occur, which may reduce the efficiency of production.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the design installed outdoors is affected variously by the surrounding environment. The design production apparatus according to the first embodiment can create an optimum design for the installation area and the surrounding environment after solving problems in the installation area 1 and the surrounding environment in advance.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the design production apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. The design production apparatus 3 includes an area calculation means 4 for calculating the area of the installation area 1 for producing the design, a first storage unit 5 for storing peripheral information of the installation area 1, and a plurality of original images of the design used for the installation area 1 And a calculating means 7 for calculating a component of a design produced in the installation area based on at least two pieces of information of the area of the installation area 1, the peripheral information, and the original image.

  By providing these elements, the design production device 1 eliminates the work that is troublesome or dangerous at the outdoor site where the installation area 1 exists, and then concentrates on a work site away from the installation site. It is possible to calculate and determine the structural elements necessary for the design. Since it is possible to determine the components necessary for the design at a work place away from the site, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the design production, in addition to prevent problems after the production, and further reduce the production cost.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the installation area 1 is an area provided on the rooftop or wall surface of a building, and is a certain range provided on a frame or wall surface formed as the installation area 1. A poster or signboard produced in the installation area 1 is installed. Alternatively, posters and billboards are produced in the installation area 1.

  The area calculating means 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1. Since a design such as a poster or a signboard is produced in the installation area 1, the area of the installation area 1 is calculated. This is because the area of the actual installation area 1 needs to be calculated in order to optimize the appearance of the manufactured design, the amount of paint required, and the balance. The installation area 1 may be a square, but may be a circle or a polygon. Therefore, calculating the area is important in actually producing a design.

  The first storage unit 5 stores peripheral information about the installation area 1. The peripheral information includes the position of the installation area 1, the building around the installation area 1 (the building 2 in FIG. 1), the material of the installation area 1, the direction of the installation area 1, the angle of the installation area 1, and the installation area 1. Contains at least one piece of height information. This is because these pieces of information affect the appearance, appearance, and appearance of passersby and automobiles of the design produced in the installation area 1. The first storage unit 5 stores peripheral information obtained by some means. Further, the calculation means 7 described later reads out the necessary peripheral information from the first storage unit 5.

  The second storage unit 6 stores a plurality of original images designed in the installation area. The 2nd memory | storage part 6 should just be comprised with the member similar to the 1st memory | storage part 5, and memorize | stores an original image electronically. The plurality of original images of the design are, for example, original images created by a designer, image elements prepared in advance, or combinations of image elements. The second storage unit 6 provides a basic skeleton of the design manufactured in the installation area 1 to the calculation means 7. Information on the original image stored in the second storage unit 6 is read out by the calculation means 7.

  The calculation means 7 is necessary for the design based on at least two of the area of the installation area 1 calculated by the area calculation means 4, the peripheral information read from the first storage unit 5, and the original image read from the second storage unit 6. Calculate the components. The component necessary for the design may be a final product such as a signboard or a poster used in the actually produced design, or may be an element necessary for the design. For example, the constituent elements are an original picture selected as a design produced from a plurality of original pictures, an amount of paint necessary for the design produced in the installation area 1, a cost required for the design produced in the installation area 1, and the installation area 1 At least one of brightness suitable for the design to be manufactured, chromaticity suitable for the design to be manufactured in the installation area 1, and the position of the character string in the design manufactured in the installation area 1.

  For example, if the calculation means 7 determines from the surrounding information that there is a building adjacent to a part of the installation area 1 and it is difficult to see the vicinity of the bottom of the installation area, the character string in the design is arranged at the top. Decide to do. Or when the calculation means 7 grasps | ascertains that the installation area | region 1 is located in a commercial district from surrounding information, the original picture regarding a shop or a restaurant will be selected among several original pictures.

  In this way, the design production device 3 produces a design that is optimal for the installation area 1 (e.g., it is easy to see for passers-by and is suitable for the installation location) on the premise of surrounding information, etc., even if it is not the installation site of the installation area 1. it can. In addition, since work can be performed at a location away from the installation site in the installation area 1, work efficiency is high, and costs such as labor costs and labor costs required for work can be reduced. Moreover, the danger in work is also reduced.

  The calculation means 7 determines that the character string in the design is arranged above the installation area based on the surrounding information, so that passers-by and cars can easily see the character string. With easy-to-read character strings, design providers (shops, companies, etc.) can reliably provide passersby, drivers, etc. with information that they want to make widely known, such as phone numbers and website addresses. As a result, such designs are very cost effective for design providers.

  The design production apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment can produce a cost-effective design with low cost and high efficiency.

  Next, details of each part will be described.

(Area calculation means)
The area calculation unit 4 will be described. The area calculation means 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1 by various procedures and methods. At this time, the area calculation unit 4 may calculate the entire area of the installation region 1 or may calculate a partial area of the installation region 1. For example, when the design is installed only in a part of the installation area 1 and a material different from the design is installed in the other part, the area calculation means 4 is configured to install the design of the installation area 1. Only the area of the part is calculated.

  The area calculation means 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1 based on the captured image of the installation area 1. Since the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point included in the installation area are estimated from the captured image of the installation area 1, the area of the installation area 1 can be calculated.

  The area calculation means 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1 based on the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of specific points included in the installation area 1 (particularly located on the outer periphery thereof). The area calculation unit 4 outputs the calculated area to the calculation unit 7 (or the calculation unit 7 reads the area calculated by the area calculation unit 4).

  The area calculating means 4 may calculate the area of the target installation area to be manufactured by the design manufacturing apparatus 1 every time the design is manufactured, but it may be used as a captured image of a plurality of installation areas stored in advance. Based on this, it is possible to calculate the areas of the plurality of installation areas in advance and store the calculated areas. Of course, each calculated area may be output to the calculation means 7 or stored in a storage device or storage unit included in the design production apparatus 1.

    (First storage unit)

  The 1st memory | storage part 5 memorize | stores the periphery information of an installation area | region.

  The peripheral information includes the position of the installation area 1, the building around the installation area 1 (the building 2 in FIG. 1), the material of the installation area 1, the direction of the installation area 1, the angle of the installation area 1, and the installation area 1. Contains at least one piece of height information. Further, the peripheral information may include information such as the height, structure, and shape of the building around the installation area 1 and the positional relationship between the installation area 1 and the surrounding building. Further, the peripheral information includes information on climate such as average weather, average temperature, average illuminance, and average sunshine hours in the installation area 1, map information around the installation area 1, and population trends around the installation area 1. May be included. This is because the peripheral information has a role of increasing the accuracy of selecting an optimum design that is manufactured and installed in the installation area 1.

  The installation area 1 is located in various places according to the demands of companies and individuals who request design production. It may be a rooftop of a building or apartment, a signboard frame standing on the building, a road, an advertising board at a bus stop or a station. On the other hand, most of the producers who produce designs only produce designs as designs according to the purpose of the design by the client (company promotion, notice to customers, etc.).

  That is, the design produced by the producer corresponds to the direct purpose of the client, but the effect after installation at the actual installation location 1 has not been confirmed.

  On the other hand, the surrounding environment of the installation place 1 has a great influence on whether or not the design after installation can fulfill its purpose. For example, when there are many buildings around the installation area 1, a design in which a lot of information is packed in the installation area 1 is inappropriate. For this reason, when there are a large number of buildings around the installation area 1, a simple design with information narrowed down to important points is suitable for the installation area 1.

  In design production without using peripheral information, there is a problem that a design corresponding to such an installation location cannot be selected. Of course, there is no problem if the producer who produces the design confirms the information on the site, but the production while the manufacturer confirms the site is time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, since the design is produced depending on the know-how and skills of the producer, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain the production of the design that maintains a certain level.

  On the other hand, since the design production apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment uses the peripheral information stored in the first storage unit 5 to determine the design elements, the produced design takes into account the influence of the peripheral information. It will be a thing. In addition, since the peripheral information is stored in the first storage unit 5 included in the design production apparatus 3, the producer does not need to go to the installation site. In addition, since the calculation means 7 to be described later uses the peripheral information together with the design original image and the like to determine the constituent elements of the design, variations depending on the creator's personal skills can be prevented.

  As mentioned above, the 1st memory | storage part 5 can provide the periphery information required for manufacture of the design which can maintain an effect after installation.

  The first storage unit 5 outputs the stored peripheral information to the calculation unit 7. Alternatively, the calculation unit 7 reads the peripheral information stored in the first storage unit 5. The first storage unit 5 may store the area value calculated by the area calculating unit 4.

  The first storage unit 5 can store various data as electrical signals, such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, a semiconductor memory, an optical memory, and a magnetic memory provided in the design production apparatus 3. Includes devices that can be stored. In addition, these storable devices provided in advance in the design production apparatus 3 may be used as the first storage unit 5, or when the design production apparatus 3 is a general-purpose personal computer, a personal computer May be used as the first storage unit 5.

  In addition, the 1st memory | storage part 5 is memorize | stored for every bank, after the internal address is divided into banks and peripheral information is classified into a predetermined genre. This is because, by classifying each bank, the reading speed of the peripheral information by the calculating means 7 is increased, and the calculating speed by the calculating means 7 is improved.

  Further, the first storage unit 5 may be a device common to the second storage unit 6 or may be a separate device. Furthermore, the first storage unit 5 may be a part of a common device with other storage units required by the design production apparatus 3. For example, the design production apparatus 3 may be a general-purpose personal computer, and a hard disk drive included in the personal computer may include a first storage unit 5, a second storage unit 6, and other storage units.

(Second storage unit)
The second storage unit 6 stores a plurality of original images corresponding to the design used for the installation area 1.

  When producing an actual design in the installation area 1, the design production device 3 selects an original image to be finally used from a plurality of original images. For example, when it is necessary to produce an advertising sign for a restaurant in a certain installation area 1, the appearance of the restaurant, the restaurant owner, the restaurant menu, the restaurant map, the restaurant representative food, etc. There are many original picture options. Which original image is appropriate to be selected from such a plurality of options often depends on the surrounding environment of the installation area 1.

  For example, when the installation area 1 is in a downtown area where the restaurant is located, the appearance of the restaurant or a map is suitable as the original image selected for the installation area 1. It is because it is optimal as a design to provide information that can reach a restaurant when advertising to a passerby in the vicinity of the restaurant.

  On the contrary, when the installation area 1 is located at a place away from the downtown area where the restaurant is located, the menu of the restaurant or the original picture of the representative dish is suitable as the original picture selected for the installation area 1. This is because it is optimal as a design in that it allows the passerby to have an interest in the restaurant.

  In addition, a design with reduced luminance is preferable in a place where the installation area 1 is considered to have strong sunlight based on the peripheral information. On the other hand, depending on the type of original image, it may be difficult to suppress the luminance. For example, in the case of an original picture based on a photograph of a representative dish, it is difficult to suppress the brightness. When there is such peripheral information, it is preferable that the design production device 3 does not select an original image including a photo of a representative dish from a plurality of original images.

  As described above, the design production device 3 can select an optimal original image by considering the peripheral information for the original image used in the design applied to the installation area 1. The second storage unit 6 may store all of a plurality of original images, or may store only original images corresponding to a certain installation area 1. Further, when the design production work by the design production device 3 is performed, the second storage unit 6 may perform a sequential process of storing a necessary original image, or a number of original images that are considered necessary for the design production work by the design production device 3. May be stored.

  Similarly to the first storage unit 5, the second storage unit 6 includes a hard disk drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, a semiconductor memory, an optical memory, and a magnetic memory included in the design production apparatus 3. Etc., including various storable devices capable of storing data as electrical signals. In addition, these storable devices provided in advance in the design production apparatus 3 may be used as the second storage unit 6, or when the design production apparatus 3 is a general-purpose personal computer, a personal computer May be used as the second storage unit 6.

  Further, the same device as the first storage unit 5 may be used for the second storage unit 6. Furthermore, the same device as a memory or a storage unit required for other elements may be used. The terms “first” and “second” in the first storage unit 5 and the second storage unit 6 are for convenience, and do not particularly distinguish devices that can store data.

  The second storage unit 6 outputs the stored original image to the calculation means 7. Alternatively, the calculation unit 7 reads the original image from the second storage unit 6. The second storage unit 6 may store an original image as a design applied to the installation area 1 or may store a picture template necessary for creating this design. The painting template is a part constituting a design such as a photograph of a person, an image of a dish, an image of a map, an image of a contact, an image of a catch phrase, and the like.

  The calculating means 7 or the second storage unit 6 may obtain the same result as selecting an original picture by combining these picture templates.

(Calculation means)
The calculation means 7 calculates the components of the design produced in the installation area 1 based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information, and the original image. In other words, the design itself to be manufactured in the installation area 1 is determined, and various parameters necessary for manufacturing the design are calculated (or determined). In other words, the calculation means 7 can determine an optimal design for the installation area 1 based on various information.

  The design production apparatus 3 can perform design production not only at the installation site but also in a place where intensive work such as an office can be performed. The design production device 3 can realize intensive design production at a place not limited to the installation site by the calculation means 7. In addition, since the calculation means 7 can determine the optimum design components based on a plurality of information, the design means 7 can perform design production that does not depend on the personal skills of the operator or the producer.

  Here, the design components are the original image selected as the design to be manufactured in the installation area 1, the amount of paint necessary for the design to be manufactured in the installation area 1 (including painting and printing), and the production in the installation area 1. At least the cost required for the design to be made, the brightness suitable for the design produced in the installation area 1, the chromaticity suitable for the design produced in the installation area 1, and the position of the character string in the design produced in the installation area 1 Have one. This is because any one of these elements is calculated and determined, so that an optimum design for the area of the installation area 1 and the surrounding environment of the installation area 1 is determined.

  That is, the calculation means 7 selects an original picture as a design produced in the installation area 1 from among a plurality of original pictures, calculates the amount of paint necessary for the design produced in the installation area 1, and is produced in the installation area 1. Calculation of cost required for design, calculation of luminance suitable for design manufactured in installation area 1, calculation of chromaticity suitable for design manufactured in installation area 1, and character string in design manufactured in installation area 1 At least one of the determination of the position of

  Of course, the design elements listed here and the calculation (determination) performed by the calculation means 7 are merely examples, and other elements are included as design elements, and the calculation means 7 calculates the other elements. You can go.

  The calculating means 7 uses the area of the installation area 1, the surrounding environment of the installation area 1, and the information of the prepared original image to calculate the design components based on a predetermined standard. Note that the calculation is to calculate the value of a component determined by a value such as luminance or chromaticity, and when selecting an original image from a plurality of original images, the original image is selected. If the position of the character string needs to be determined, the position of the character string is determined. If the final design is manufactured, the design is determined (manufactured).

  In order to fulfill this role, the calculation unit 7 reads the area value from the area calculation unit 4, reads the peripheral information from the first storage unit 5, and reads the original image from the second storage unit 6. These read-out information is arranged, and optimal design components in the target installation area 1 are calculated by a predetermined threshold value and calculation processing.

  Therefore, the calculation unit 7 may include dedicated hardware or a dedicated LSI. Alternatively, software executed by a general-purpose processor may be provided. For example, when the design production apparatus 3 is a general-purpose personal computer, the CPU provided in the personal computer may exhibit the function of the calculation means 7. The CPU reads a program stored in a memory (including a cache memory and an external memory) and executes a predetermined procedure. The predetermined procedure includes (1) reading the area value of the installation area 1 from the area calculating means 4, (2) reading the peripheral information from the first storage unit 5, (3) reading the original image from the second storage unit 6, 4-1) Select an original image suitable for the design based on the area value and the peripheral information, (4-2) Calculate the cost required for the design based on the area value and the original image, and (4-3) The step includes calculating the brightness and chromaticity of the design based on the peripheral information and the original image, and (4-4) determining the position of the character string in the design based on the peripheral information and the original image. Of course, steps other than these steps may be included.

  In each of steps (4-1) to (4-4), it is also preferable that the calculation means 7 has a reference value for calculation and selection. Furthermore, it is also preferable to have a detailed procedure for determination based on the reference value.

  The calculating means 7 calculates design components according to a predetermined procedure. An example will be described in which the calculation means 7 calculates design components based on various information such as peripheral information. The calculation means 7 can determine the design based on the correct area by calculating the area of the installation area 1 by the design production device 3 in a work place separated from the installation site.

    (Example 1)

  The calculation means 7 calculates at least one of luminance and chromaticity suitable for the design manufactured in the installation area 1 based on at least one of the direction and angle of the installation area 1.

  For example, when the installation area 1 is a signboard on the roof of a building and the signboard is tilted downward, natural light and illumination are difficult to hit the installation area 1. In this case, it is preferable in terms of easy viewing that the brightness of the design installed in the installation area 1 is high. In addition, when the installation area 1 is at an angle at which natural light or illumination is easy to hit, it is preferable from the viewpoint of easy viewing that the luminance of the design is low.

  In addition, when the direction of the installation area 1 is an angle for receiving the western sun, it is preferable that the chromaticity of the design manufactured in the installation area 1 is deep in order to ensure visibility.

  Of course, the calculation means 7 may determine the brightness and chromaticity of the design manufactured in the installation area 1 from the relationship with the buildings around the installation area 1 and other signs. For example, when there are only buildings or signboards with weak colors around the installation area 1, it is also preferable to increase the chromaticity of the design of the installation area 1 or select a bright chromaticity. Of course, the same applies to the luminance.

    (Example 2)

  The calculation means 7 determines the position of the character string in the design manufactured in the installation area 1 based on at least one of the buildings around the installation area 1 and the height of the installation area 1.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an installation area in the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a plurality of buildings are located adjacent to each other.

  The building 2C includes an installation area 1C as a signboard on the roof, and a design 10C is manufactured in the installation area 1C. After the design 10C is manufactured in the installation area 1C, the design 1C transmits information to passers-by and drivers.

  Here, the building 2C has a very high height. The height of the installation region 1C located on the roof of the building 2C having such a high height is high. The character string 101C included in the design 10C has a role of transmitting predetermined information to passers-by and drivers. In FIG. 3, the character string 101C indicates the telephone number of the store or company related to the design 10C. Here, since the installation area 1C is high, if the character string 101C included in the design 10C is at a high position, it is difficult for a passerby or a driver traveling on the road.

  For this reason, the calculation means 7 determines the position of the character string 101C included in the design 10C as a low position when the height of the installation area 1C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In FIG. 3, the character string 101C is determined to be positioned below the design 10C. Since the character string 101C is positioned under the design 10C, a passerby and a driver can surely confirm information that the design 10C installed on the roof of the high building 1C intends to convey.

  In FIG. 3, the building 2 </ b> E is not high in height, but the building 2 </ b> D is built so as to cover the building 2 </ b> E. In the design produced in the installation area 1E on the roof of the building 2E, there is a possibility that the building 2D overlaps depending on the angle seen from the passers-by and the driver. In such a case, there are few problems because it is difficult to see the part of the design 10E as a picture, but there is a problem when the character string 101E for transmitting information is difficult to see. It is below the installation area 1E that the building 2D and the installation area 1E tend to overlap.

  For this reason, the calculation means 7 determines the position of the character string 101E included in the design 10E manufactured in the installation area 1E upward. Since the character string 101E is positioned above the design 10E, even if it overlaps with the building 2D, it becomes easy for a passerby or the like to see it. Since the design 10E has the character string 101E as information to be transmitted, the fact that the character string 101E is easily visible is cost-effective for the installer of the design 10E.

  In the description using FIG. 3, the position of the character string has been described in either the upper side or the lower side. For example, it may be determined at one of the left and right positions. Alternatively, the calculation means 7 may determine not only the position of the character string but also the brightness and chromaticity of the character string. For example, when the height of the installation area is high, it is preferable that the character string has a fluorescent color in order to attract the consciousness of the passerby. In conventional design production, the design production apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment also uses the calculation means 7 to make use of the peripheral information while using such ingenuity that depends on the manufacturer's know-how in the field. Can be optimized.

  As described above, the calculation unit 7 can determine the position, brightness, chromaticity, and the like of the character string included in the design according to the surrounding environment.

  The calculation means 7 also considers the height of the installation area 1, the buildings around the installation area 1, and the direction and angle of the installation area 1. It is also preferable to determine a plurality of combinations of chromaticity, color and character string position. This is because depending on the surrounding environment of the installation area 1, it is necessary to optimize not only the position of the character string but also the combination of luminance and chromaticity.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the calculation means 7 selects an original image of a certain pattern, and changes the luminance of the main pattern included in the original image based on information on the surrounding environment of the installation area 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a design in which the luminance is changed by the calculation unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  FIG. 4A shows a design 10 </ b> F based on the original image selected by the calculation means 7. Design 10F includes a sun mark in the center. Here, the calculation means 7 reads the peripheral information from the first storage unit 5. When the read out peripheral information includes information that the sunlight is very strong for the installation area 1, the brightness of the sun mark (this is the most appealing design of the design 10F) is lowered. It is easier to see for passers-by. For this reason, the calculation means 7 performs calculation to lower the brightness of the sun mark. That is, the design is changed to a design 10G shown in FIG.

  Even if the design 10G with reduced brightness is manufactured in the installation area 1 in a place with strong sunlight, it can be easily seen by a passerby.

    (Example 3)

  Based on the area calculated by the original image and the area calculation means 4, the calculation means 7 produces the amount of paint necessary for the design produced in the installation area 1 (the amount of paint when the design is produced by painting and the design by printing. And at least one of the costs required for the design.

  The area calculation means 4 can calculate the area from the captured image of the installation area 1. Further, the calculation means 7 selects a specific original image from a plurality of original image candidates based on the intention of the installer who installs the design in the installation region 1 and the surrounding environment of the installation region 1. Further, the calculation means 7 can read the area calculated by the area calculation means 4. The calculation means 7 can calculate the amount of paint necessary for the design manufactured in the installation area 1 by using the original image and the area.

  Further, when the calculating means 7 also includes information such as the unit price of the paint, the calculating means 7 can calculate the cost required for the design from the calculated paint amount. This is because the cost is calculated by multiplying the paint unit price by the amount of paint. Or it can also calculate in consideration of costs, such as wages.

  The calculating means 7 can also select an original image based on an allowable cost. A limit value can be set in advance when the calculation means 7 calculates. This set value may be stored in the first storage unit 5 or the second storage unit 6. Alternatively, it may be input when the user uses the design production apparatus 3. The calculation means 7 can select an original picture based on the set allowable cost, area, and paint unit price. For example, the chromaticity distribution of the original image is analyzed, and the calculation means 7 can select the original image based on whether the cost produced from the chromaticity distribution and the unit price of the paint is equal to or lower than the allowable cost. Of course, other methods may be used for selecting the original image.

  Further, the cost may be calculated based on the peripheral information. For example, if the design has a high fluorescent color or chromaticity due to weak sunlight, the calculation means 7 calculates the cost of the produced design based on the peripheral information in addition to the area and the original picture. To do.

  As described above, the calculation unit 7 is designed to be optimal for the installation area 1 based on the area calculated by the area calculation unit 4, the peripheral information stored in the first storage unit 5, and the original image stored in the second storage unit 6. The component of is calculated.

  Note that the calculation means 7 may share the function of the area calculation means 4 or may be configured as the same hardware. For example, when the design production apparatus 3 is a general-purpose personal computer, the CPU may perform the functions of the area calculation means 4 and the calculation means 7.

  The calculation unit 7 may include a memory and a semiconductor storage element as necessary, and these memories and the semiconductor storage element may fulfill the functions of the first storage unit 5 and the second storage unit 6.

  As described above, the design production apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment can produce an optimum design for the installation area 1 having a high effect after installation, based on various information related to the installation area 1. In addition, it is possible to work intensively at a work place away from the installation site, and it is possible to stably produce a design of a certain level or more without depending on the know-how and skills of the design producer. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor and cost for production, and to provide a cost-effective design for the production client.

  (Embodiment 2)

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, a design production apparatus 31 including additional elements that facilitate design production will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a design production apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the design production apparatus 31 shown in FIG. 5, additional elements are added to the elements provided in the design production apparatus 3 shown in FIG. By this added element, the design production apparatus 31 can exhibit a new function.

  The acquisition unit 8 acquires peripheral information about the installation area 1. The acquisition unit 8 includes an imaging device that can acquire an image of peripheral information, a recording device that can acquire sound of peripheral information, and a network device that can acquire peripheral information as data via a network such as the Internet. For example, when the design production apparatus 31 is a general-purpose personal computer, a function capable of acquiring the peripheral information of the installation area 1 via the Internet corresponds to the acquisition unit 8. For example, an image around the installation area 1 or a latitude / longitude obtained by a network camera may be used.

  Thus, when the acquisition unit 8 is a network device or a device via a network, the acquisition unit 8 is integrated with the design production device 31 installed in the work place.

  Further, the acquisition unit 8 acquires peripheral information of the installation area 1. For this acquisition, the acquisition means 8 needs to be used at the site of the installation area 1. For this reason, when the design production device 31 is installed at the work place, the acquisition unit 8 is separate from the other elements of the design production device 31. For example, the acquisition unit 8 is an imaging device having a GPS function, and an operator having the imaging device captures an on-site image of the installation area 1 or records an on-site sound, thereby Get information. At this time, the imaging device has a GPS function and a map function, and can add latitude and longitude and map information to the captured image.

  The operator transfers data such as an image captured by the imaging apparatus to the first storage unit 5 of the design production apparatus 31 via a network or by hand carry. By being transferred, the first storage unit 5 can store the peripheral information.

  Thus, the acquisition unit 8 may be integrated with the design production apparatus 31 or may be a separate body. In FIG. 5, the acquisition means 8 is shown inside the design production apparatus 31, but this is a case where the acquisition means 8 is provided as a function of the design production apparatus 31 and needs to be physically integrated. There is no.

  In addition, the acquisition means 8 not only has an acquisition function by actually capturing and recording peripheral information, but also stores already captured images and recorded sounds (or map information and latitude / longitude information). Only the function of transferring to one storage unit 5 may be included. In this case, the acquisition unit 8 transfers the image and data obtained from the imaging device carried by the worker to the first storage unit 5. For this reason, the aspect provided as the design production apparatus 31 may be in a state including the acquisition unit 8 or may be in a state where the acquisition unit 8 is not included. Alternatively, although the acquisition unit 8 is provided, the acquisition unit 8 may be used in a place different from the place where the design production apparatus 31 is installed.

  In other words, the use of the acquisition unit 8 in a place different from the work place where the design production apparatus 31 is installed in use (installation site of the installation area 1) does not limit the scope of rights of the present invention.

  The acquisition unit 8 may capture an image of the installation area 1 and output the captured image to the area calculation unit 4.

  Next, the output means 9 will be described.

  The output means 9 produces and outputs a design sample based on the design components calculated by the calculation means 7. As described in the first embodiment, the calculation means 7 calculates (determines) design components. For example, the luminance and chromaticity of the original image and the pattern used are calculated.

  The design producer may have only the data of the components of the design to produce the design at the site in the installation area 1, or may entrust the production of the design to another subject such as a printing company. . In such a case, it is sufficient for the design production apparatus 31 to output only the components of the design. This is because an actual design is produced only by the components of the design.

  On the other hand, the designer of a design often wants to check not only the data of the calculated and determined design components but also the actual design obtained from the components of these designs. Or, there are many cases where you want to output a design image such as a poster or a signboard that will be the actual design.

  The output means 9 can output a design sample and an actual design image. The output means 9 grasps the design components calculated by the calculation means 7. By transferring the component as data. The components include the original design image, and the basic structure of the design sample and design image to be output can be produced. Since the output unit 9 can grasp brightness and chromaticity data in addition to the original image, the output unit 9 can generate and output a design sample and a design image based on such information.

  The output unit 9 may output a design sample as an image displayed on the display, or may output a hard copy as a scaled version of the actual design. Further, the output means 9 may output a design image that can be installed in the actual installation area 1. For example, a design image that can be installed in the installation area 1 such as paper, cloth, or resin plate can be output. A design is produced in the installation area 1 simply by attaching the design image to the installation area 1 as it is.

  A plurality of design samples and design images can be output. For example, when the same design is installed in a plurality of installation areas 1, the cost can be reduced.

  As described above, by further providing the output means 9, the design production apparatus 1 can not only determine the components of the design produced in the installation area 1 but also the design samples and designs actually installed in the installation area 1. You can also make drawings.

  Next, the third storage unit 11 will be described.

  The design production apparatus 3 may further include a third storage unit 11 that stores an image of the installation area 1. The area calculation unit 4 calculates the area of the installation region 1 by various methods, but can calculate the area of the installation region 1 from the captured image. In particular, when the area calculation means 4 calculates the area from the image of the installation area 1, there is an advantage that the area can be calculated at a place other than the installation site.

  Here, since the third storage unit 11 can store the image of the installation area 1, the area calculation unit 4 can exhibit one of the functions of the design production apparatus 31 at a work place that is remote from the installation site. The area calculation unit 4 can calculate the area of the installation area 1 at a work place away from the installation site simply by storing the image in the third storage unit 11 and reading the image to the area calculation unit 4. If the area is calculated, the calculation means 7 can calculate the components of the design.

  The third storage unit 11 may be included in the same element as the first storage unit 5 and the second storage unit 6. The first to third are names for convenience, and are not physically distinguished as elements.

  As described above, the design production apparatus 31 according to the second embodiment further exhibits various functions and facilitates design production.

  (Embodiment 3)

  Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the third embodiment, a calculation method in which the area calculation unit 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1 based on the image of the installation area 1 will be described. This calculation method will be described based on a design production system including the design production apparatus 3.

  The area calculation unit 4 calculates the area of the installation area 1 based on the image of the installation area 1 obtained from the third storage unit 11. At this time, an imaging unit that captures an image of the installation area 1 is further provided, and an image captured by the imaging unit is stored in the third storage unit 11. The area calculating unit 4 can calculate the area using the image captured by the imaging unit by reading the image from the third storage unit 11.

(Overview of the entire system)
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a design production system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The design production system 1 includes an installation area 1, a sign 12 that is in close proximity to the installation area 1, an imaging device 13 that captures the installation area 1 and the sign 12, and an analysis of the captured image. And a design production apparatus 3 for calculating the area of 1.

  The installation area 1 is a part or the whole of a building or a building, and particularly a wall surface of the building or the building. It is a part including a region for which the area is to be calculated. For example, the installation area 1 may be a wall surface of a building or a condominium, or a signboard installation board of a building or a condominium.

  The sign 12 is a reference member that includes three pointers 121, 122, and 123, and calculates the area of the installation region 1 from the three-dimensional coordinates of the imaging device 13 with reference to the sign 12.

  The imaging device 13 is an electronic device or an electronic device having an imaging function such as a camera, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a mobile terminal, or a mobile phone.

  Although a personal computer is shown as an example of the design production apparatus 3 in FIG. 6, not only a personal computer but also a dedicated apparatus and a general-purpose apparatus having the design production function described in the first and second embodiments are widely used. It is done. In addition, the design production apparatus 3 includes an area calculation unit 4.

  In the design production system 1, first, the sign 12 is installed close to the installation area 1, and the imaging device 13 captures the sign 12 and the installation area 1 at the same time. At this time, the imaging device 13 includes a first image including the sign 12 and the installation area 1 and a second image (or a third image) including the sign 12 and the installation area 1 captured from an angle different from the first image. Image above).

  FIG. 7 shows a state where the first imaging device 13a and the second imaging device 13b image the installation area 1 and the sign 12. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating imaging of the first image and the second image in the third embodiment of the present invention. The first imaging device 13a captures the installation area 1 and the sign 12 from a predetermined direction to obtain a first image. On the other hand, the second imaging device 13b captures the installation area 1 and the sign 12 from a different angle from the first imaging device 13a to obtain a second image.

  The third storage unit 11 or the area calculation unit 4 obtains the first image and the second image from the imaging device 13. As described above, the first image and the second image include the installation area 1 and the sign 12. The first image pickup device 13a and the second image pickup device 13b are brought by a worker working in the field that is the installation site, and the first image and the second image of the target installation area 1 are picked up. Of course, not only one first image and second image, but also a plurality of first images and second images may be captured in order to obtain a large amount of information. Moreover, the field worker collects not only the first image and the second image but also the peripheral information of the installation area 1.

  The first image and the second image are transferred to the third storage unit 11 (or the memory included in the area calculation unit 4) by data transfer, network transfer, or the like. During this operation, the peripheral information may be transferred to the second storage unit 5. As a result, the first image and the second image of the installation area 1 are stored in the third storage unit 11, and the peripheral information of the installation area 1 is stored in the first storage unit 5.

  The area calculation unit 4 includes a reading unit 41, an imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42, a specific point coordinate estimation unit 43, and a calculation unit 44. FIG. 8 is an internal block diagram of the area calculating means 4 in the third embodiment. Here, the reading unit 41 may be an element included in the third storage unit 11. FIG. 8 shows elements necessary for calculating the area of the installation area 1 using the first image and the second image captured by the first imaging device 13a and the second imaging device 13b.

  The reading unit 41 reads the first image and the second image stored in the third storage unit 11. The reading unit 41 reads an image stored in the third storage unit 11. At this time, reading may be performed one by one or a plurality of images may be read at a time. The reading unit 41 outputs the read image data to the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 captures the first position represented by the three-dimensional coordinates of the imaging device (first imaging device 13a) that captured the first image, and the imaging device (second imaging device 13b) that captured the second image. ) Of the second position represented by the three-dimensional coordinates. The first imaging device 13a and the second imaging device 13b are simply described as “first and second” for convenience of explanation, and the first imaging device 13a and the second imaging device 13b are the same. It may be a device or a different device. This point is the same throughout the present specification.

  If there are other images, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 also determines the three-dimensional coordinates of the third position where the third imaging device is arranged (also the three-dimensional coordinates of the n-th position where the n-th imaging device is arranged). Is estimated.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction between the imaging device and the sign 12 based on the inclination of the sign 12 included in the image. Next, the distance between the imaging device and the sign 12 is estimated based on the area of the sign 12 included in the image. The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the position of the imaging device using this direction and distance. In addition, the magnitude | size, shape, area, etc. of the label | marker 12 are known.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 converts the coordinates of the imaging device having local coordinates, which are two-dimensional coordinates, into global coordinates, which are three-dimensional coordinates with reference to the sign 12. The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the three-dimensional coordinate values of the imaging device at a plurality of positions. As a result, the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of each imaging device at a different position is estimated.

  When the first position and the second position are estimated, based on the first position and the second position, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the plurality of specific points included in the installation area 1. presume. If the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of specific points included in the installation area 1 are determined, the area can be calculated.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point included in the installation area 1 on the basis of the estimated three-dimensional coordinates of the imaging device. The installation area 1 has an area for which the area is to be calculated, and the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 determines a plurality of points along the outer edge of the area as specific points. If the values of the global three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of specific points are obtained, the area of the region surrounded by the specific points can be calculated.

  The value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the imaging device is estimated by the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 43. The three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point are estimated based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the imaging device. That is, the direction of a specific point is estimated from a plurality of imaging devices, and the overlapping point in the direction of the specific point estimated from the plurality of imaging devices becomes the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point. Thus, the value of one three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point is calculated based on the positions of the plurality of imaging devices. The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates a value of the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the plurality of specific points by performing an estimation operation on each of the plurality of specific points.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 outputs the estimated values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of specific points to the calculation unit 44.

  The calculation unit 44 can calculate the area of the installation region 1 based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point received from the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43. The calculation unit 44 calculates the area of a predetermined region surrounded by the specific point in the installation region 1.

  If the installation area 1 is a part of the wall surface of the building, the specific point is a point on a line surrounding the part of the wall surface. By calculating based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point, the calculation unit 44 can calculate the area of the installation region 1. This is because if the three-dimensional coordinates are determined, the area of the installation region 1 can be calculated by integral calculation based on the coordinate values.

  The calculation unit 44 outputs the calculated area value to the calculation unit 7. As a result, the design element is calculated in the calculation means 7.

  As described above, the area calculation unit 4 can calculate the area of the installation region 1 based on a plurality of images from different positions including the marker 12 in the installation region 1. In particular, since the sign 12 and the installation area 1 are shown in the captured image, the area calculation unit 4 can calculate the area at any location as long as the third storage unit 11 stores the image. In addition, if the installation area is reflected along with the sign, the area of various areas can be calculated by selecting the specific point, so the design maker can select the area flexibly and calculate the area of the area. .

  The third storage unit 11 may store the first image and the second image (or the third image) of the installation area 1 as an area calculation target. However, the third storage unit 11 stores each of the plurality of installation areas in advance. The corresponding first image and second image are stored, and the area calculation unit 4 may calculate the area of the installation area selected from among the plurality of installation areas in accordance with an instruction from the design producer. .

  In addition, the area calculation means 4 can improve the accuracy of area calculation by being based on many images captured from more various positions and angles with respect to the image in which the installation region 1 and the sign 12 are captured. .

  Next, details of elements included in the area calculation means 4 and details of area calculation will be described.

(First image, second image)
FIG. 9 shows an example of the first image and the second image. FIG. 9 is a photograph example of the first image and the second image in the third embodiment of the present invention. Each of the first image and the second image includes a block wall which is the installation area 1 and a sign 12 having a triangular shape. Further, a part of the installation area 1 is surrounded by a line, and the area surrounded by the frame is a target area 15 that is an area calculation target.

  As the first image and the second image in FIG. 9 show, the first image and the second image have the installation area 1 and the sign 12 from different angles. The first image and the second image shown in FIG. 9 are stored in the third storage unit 11.

(Reading part)
The reading unit 41 reads an image stored in the third storage unit 11. For example, the reading unit 41 includes a data reading device provided in an HDD or a DVD drive, software for driving the reading device, and the like. When the third storage unit 11 is a semiconductor memory or an optical disk, the reading unit 41 designates an address including an image to be read and reads data corresponding to the address.

  The reading unit 41 only needs to read an image from the third storage unit 11, and the realization means and configuration thereof may be a known technique or a commonly used technique. Further, the reading unit 41 is not limited to data reading, and may write data.

  The reading unit 41 reads the first image and the second image shown in FIG. The reading unit 41 outputs the read data of the first image and the second image to the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42.

  Note that the reading unit 41 may be realized by hardware, software, or a mixture of hardware and software.

(Imaging device coordinate estimation unit)
The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates three-dimensional coordinate values based on the global coordinates of the first position where the first imaging device 13a is arranged and the second position where the second imaging device 13b is arranged. The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position and the second position using the sign 12. Based on the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position and the second position, the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point in the installation area 1 can be estimated.

  Here, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction of the first imaging device 13a with respect to the marker 12 as the first direction based on the inclination of the marker 12 in the first image. Next, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the distance between the first imaging device 13a and the marker 12 as the first distance based on the area of the marker 12 in the first image.

  Similarly, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction of the second imaging device 13b relative to the marker 12 as the second direction based on the inclination of the marker 12 in the second image. Next, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the distance between the second imaging device 13b and the marker 12 as the second distance based on the area of the marker 12 in the second image.

  Note that the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction between the imaging device and the marker 12 with reference to a specific part (pointer) included in the marker 12. For this reason, the sign 12 needs to have a pointer. In particular, since it is necessary to detect the inclination from the pointer, the indicator 12 needs to have three or more pointers.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the first position based on the first direction and the first distance, and the three-dimensional coordinate of the second position based on the second direction and the second distance. Estimate the value of. At this time, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 uses the inclination and area of the sign 12 shown in the first image and the second image. For this reason, it is preferable that the label | marker 12 has the structure which can calculate the inclination and area easily only in the state which moved to the image.

  For example, it is preferable that the sign 12 has a known shape and area, and has a shape in which the entire shape of the sign 12 and the area in the image can be easily calculated. In addition, it is preferable that the sign 12 has a shape that allows the inclination of the sign 12 to be easily determined only by an image.

(About signs)
FIG. 10 is a front view of the sign according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As described above, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the sign 12 is easily recognized in the image. Of course, the shape and configuration of the sign 12 are not limited to the shape and configuration shown in FIG.

  The sign 12 has three or more pointers. In FIG. 10, the sign 12 has three pointers 121, 122, and 123. The sign 12 has a substantially triangular shape with the three pointers 121, 122, 123 as vertices by a rod-shaped member that connects the three pointers 121, 122, 123 together. At this time, the triangle forming the marker 12 has a predetermined area that is known. If the original area of the sign 12 is known and the area of the sign 12 in the image (that is, the area of the triangle) is calculated, the sign from the imaging device is calculated based on the scale ratio between the calculated area and the original area. A distance up to 12 can be calculated.

  In addition, since the sign 12 has a triangle as shown in FIG. 10, the sign 12 has an area with the minimum number of vertices, so that the sign 12 is easily discriminated in the image and the area and size are discriminated. Cheap.

  Thus, since the sign 12 has a triangle having the three pointers 121, 122, 123 as vertices, (1) the sign 12 in the image can be easily and reliably determined. (2) In the image of the sign 12 It is easy to calculate the area in (3). The advantage is that the distance from the imaging device to the sign 12 can be easily calculated by comparing the area of the sign 12 in the image with the actual area of the sign 12. .

  Further, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction between the imaging device and the sign 12 from the inclination of the sign 12 in the image. For example, in the first image of FIG. 9, the sign 12 is inclined to the right when viewed from the front. On the other hand, in the second image of FIG. 9, the sign 12 is inclined to the left as viewed from the front. Whether the first image or the second image is inclined, it can be easily determined how the sign 12 is inclined. It is important for the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 to be able to easily and reliably determine the inclination of the marker 12 in estimating the direction between the imaging device and the marker 12.

  Here, it is also preferable that the three pointers 121, 122, and 123 have different chromaticities. Since the chromaticities are different from each other, the discrimination of the marker 12 in the image is ensured. In particular, since the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the directions of the imaging device and the marker 12 based on the pointers 121, 122, and 123, the pointers 121, 122, and 123 can be reliably distinguished from each other. preferable. Since the chromaticities of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 are different from each other, the pointers 121, 122, and 123 shown in the image can be individually distinguished.

  Each of the three pointers 121, 122, 123 preferably has a substantially spherical shape.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction from the imaging device with reference to each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 included in the sign 12. For this reason, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 needs to be able to reliably recognize the pointer in the image regardless of the manner in which the sign 12 is reflected in the image. At this time, since each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 has a substantially spherical shape, the shape of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 does not change regardless of the angle at which the marker 12 is captured (shown in the image). In shape). For this reason, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 can reliably recognize the sign 12 from the image.

  Actually, the direction and distance between the pointer and the imaging device are calculated when the user selects the pointer in the displayed first image or second image. At this time, if the shape of the pointer differs depending on the angle being imaged, accurate selection cannot be made. Since the pointer has a substantially spherical shape, the pointer can be accurately selected without depending on the angle at which the image is captured (without using a different image).

  As described above, the pointers 121, 122, and 123 have different chromaticities or have a substantially spherical shape, so that (1) the pointer in the image can be easily and reliably determined. (2) the image (3) Since the pointer can be accurately selected, there is a merit that the direction of the imaging device with respect to the sign 12 can be reliably estimated.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction of the first imaging device 13a with respect to the marker 12 from each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 shown in the first image. Similarly, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the direction of the second imaging device 13b with respect to the marker 12 from each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 shown in the second image.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the direction of the imaging device relative to the marker 12 is estimated. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of direction estimation of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The sign 12 has three pointers 121, 122, and 123. The first image pickup device 13a arranged at the first position picks up the first image and is arranged at the second position. 13b images a second image.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 selects the pointer 121, the pointer 122, and the pointer 123 in the first image, and sets the inclination of the plane formed by each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 (the triangular plane of the sign 12). calculate. By this inclination, the first direction with respect to the marker 12 of the first imaging device 13a is estimated. Note that the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 may estimate the first direction based on a table that clearly indicates the correlation between the shape of the sign 12 in the image and the inclination of the sign 12.

  Similarly, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 selects the pointers 121, 122, and 123 in the second image, and the inclination of the plane formed by each of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 (the triangular plane of the sign 12). Is calculated. Based on this inclination, the second direction with respect to the marker 12 of the first imaging device 13b is estimated. Note that the second direction may also be estimated based on a table that clearly shows the correlation between the shape of the sign 12 in the image and the inclination of the sign 12.

  As shown in FIG. 11, both the first direction and the second direction are estimated by vectors connecting the points of the pointers 121, 122, and 123 and the imaging device.

  Next, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the distance from the imaging device to the marker 12 from a comparison between the area of the marker 12 in the image and the area of the original marker 12. FIG. 12 shows the state of distance estimation. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating estimation of the distance between the imaging device and the sign according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  As is clear from FIG. 12, since the imaging apparatus images the sign 12 while maintaining the linearity, the distance from the imaging apparatus to the sign 12 is the area at the position of the imaging apparatus of the sign 12 (a known unique area). And the area of the marker 12 calculated in the image.

  The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 calculates the area of the sign 12 in the first image and compares it with the known area, and estimates the distance from the first imaging device 13a to the sign 12 as the first distance. Similarly, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 calculates the area of the marker 12 in the second image and compares it with the known area, and estimates the distance from the second imaging device 13b to the marker 12 as the second distance. .

  If the direction and distance of the first imaging device 13a with reference to the marker 12 are known, the two-dimensional coordinates in the image of the first imaging device 13a are converted into global three-dimensional coordinates with the marker 12 as a reference. That is, the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position is obtained. Similarly, if the direction and distance of the second imaging device 13b with reference to the sign 12 are known, the two-dimensional coordinates in the image of the second imaging device 13b are converted into global three-dimensional coordinates with reference to the sign 12. The

  From this, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position from the first direction and the first distance, and the three-dimensional coordinates of the second direction, the second distance, and the empty second position. Estimate the value of.

  Through the above processing procedure, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 estimates the values of the three-dimensional coordinates between the first position where the first imaging device 13a is arranged and the second position where the second imaging device 13b is arranged. To do.

(Specific point coordinate estimation unit)
The imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 outputs the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position and the second position to the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43. The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 estimates the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point in the installation area 1 based on the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the first position and the second position.

  FIG. 13 is a photograph for explaining the estimation of specific point coordinates in the third embodiment of the present invention. The image shown in FIG. 13 includes an installation area 1 imaged together with the sign 12, and the installation area 1 includes a target area 15 that is a target for calculating an area surrounded by a frame.

  The target area 15 includes a plurality of specific points that are arbitrarily determined. The area of the target area 15 is calculated if the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point are known. In FIG. 13, the target area 15 is a rectangular area, and four vertices of the target area 15 are specified as four specific points 151, 152, 153, and 154. The specific point may be arbitrarily determined, but may be included at the apex of the target region for ease of area calculation. Alternatively, the specific point may be determined by combining an arbitrary point on the side of the outer frame of the target region and the vertex.

  Actually, the user selects an arbitrary point as a specific point on the image (image illustrated in FIG. 13) displayed on the display means.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 estimates the direction from the first position and the direction from the second position for each of the specific points 151, 152, 153, and 154. For example, the direction from the first position and the direction from the second position with respect to one specific point 151 are estimated. At this time, since each of the first position and the second position has a three-dimensional coordinate value, the direction to the specific point 151 is estimated based on the three-dimensional coordinate value. Furthermore, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 obtains the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the intersection of the direction from the first position and the direction from the second position. The value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the intersection is the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point 151 to be obtained.

  FIG. 14 shows a state of estimation of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the estimation of the three-dimensional coordinates of a specific point according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a line 51 indicating the direction from the first imaging device 13a (first position) to the specific point 151 and a line indicating the direction from the second imaging device 13b (second position) to the specific point 151. 52 is drawn. As is clear from FIG. 14, the line 51 and the line 52 intersect at a certain position. This position is the intersection point 156. The line 51 is a line connecting the specific point 151 shown in the first image and the first position, and the line 52 is a line connecting the specific point 151 shown in the second image and the second position. The three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point 151 cannot be accurately obtained by only a single image depending on the captured angle and position. On the other hand, a common item (intersection) in the direction to the specific point 151 in each image is obtained by a plurality of images having different imaging angles. This intersection point 156 can be closer to the position of the specific point 151 than a single image alone.

  In this way, in each of the first image and the second image, a line connecting the specific point from the first position and a line connecting the specific point from the second position are calculated, and an intersection 156 of the respective lines is calculated. Thus, the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point (coordinates common to the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position and the second position) are obtained. The intersection point 156 becomes the coordinate position of the specific point 151.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 also obtains the three-dimensional coordinate values of the remaining specific points 152, 153, and 154.

  Here, the processing for obtaining the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point based on the two images of the first image and the second image has been described, but based on three or more images (that is, arranged at the third position). The value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point may be calculated (based on the third imaging device).

  The specific points may be some points on the outer frame surrounding the target area, or the side is selected and a number of specific points are selected on the assumption that the sides of the outer frame are a collection of specific points. May be. In any case, the greater the number of specific points, the higher the accuracy of area calculation of the target region in the calculation 44 described later.

  Further, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 may estimate the intersection of the straight line from the first position and the straight line from the second position as the position of the specific point, but the direction from the first position to the specific point First, the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point based on the first position (referred to as the first specific coordinate) is estimated, and then the specification based on the second position is performed based on the direction and distance from the second position to the specific point. After estimating the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the point (referred to as the second specific coordinate), the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point may be estimated based on the first specific coordinate and the second specific coordinate.

  At this time, the distance to the installation area 1 including the specific point may be considered to be substantially the same as the distance from the first position or the second position to the sign 12. The direction is determined by the angle between the position selected as the specific point and the coordinates of the first position (second position).

  At this time, when the first specific coordinate and the second specific coordinate match, the value of the first specific coordinate and the second specific coordinate is estimated as the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point. When the first specific coordinates and the second specific coordinates do not match, as described in the second embodiment, the proximity position between the first specific coordinates and the second specific coordinates is determined as a position that approximates the specific point. It is done.

  As described above, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point and outputs the estimation result to the calculation unit 44.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 may be realized by hardware, software, or a mixture of hardware and software.

(Calculation unit)
Next, the calculation unit 44 will be described.

  The calculating unit 44 calculates the area of the target region 15 based on the three-dimensional coordinate value of the specific point indicating the target region 15 estimated by the specific point coordinate estimating unit 43.

  The plurality of specific points have a common three-dimensional coordinate value. The area of the target region 15 surrounded by a plurality of specific points can be calculated using three-dimensional coordinates. Since the length of each side forming the target region 15 and the angle formed by the sides are calculated based on the value of the three-dimensional coordinates, the calculation unit 44 calculates the area of the target region 15 using the length and the angle. it can.

  Here, the calculation unit 44 can use various known techniques and known techniques for calculating the area of a region based on the three-dimensional coordinates of points forming the region. These may be referred to various known techniques and known techniques, and will not be described.

  The calculation unit 44 outputs the calculated area value of the target area 15 (which corresponds to the area of the installation area 1 to be obtained in the end) to the calculation means 7. The calculating means 7 uses this area value to calculate the design components.

  Moreover, the design production apparatus 3 may include a display unit, and the area calculated by the area calculation unit 4 may be displayed. In actual area calculation work, the user reads an image stored in the third storage unit 11 by using a key input device such as a computer or a dedicated device. At this time, the reading unit 41 operates to read an image stored in the third storage unit 11. The read images are, for example, a first image and a second image as shown in FIG. The user drags each pointer of the sign 12 using the mouse or pointing device in the first image and the second image. By this drag, the imaging device coordinate estimation unit 42 is operated, and the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the first position, which is the position where the first image is captured, and the three-dimensional position of the second position, where the second image is captured. A coordinate value is estimated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the user uses the mouse or pointing device to specify specific points 151, 152, 153, 154 for specifying the target area 15 in the first image or the second image. Drag. As a result of this dragging, the specific point coordinate estimating means is operated, and the values of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific points 151, 152, 153, 154 are estimated. Further, the calculation unit 44 operates to calculate the area of the target region 15 formed by the specific points 151, 152, 153, and 154. In both cases, the drag on the image with the mouse or pointing device is due to the determination of the coordinate value in the image.

  As described above, when the area calculation means 4 (design production apparatus 3) is mounted on a general-purpose personal computer or a dedicated apparatus, the user needs to make necessary points (such as the pointer of the sign 12 or the sign 12) in the displayed image. The area of the target area 15 (that is, the installation area 1) can be calculated simply by designating the specific point of the target area 15.

  In addition, the area calculation unit 4 may use a third image having an angle different from the imaging angle of the first image and the second image of the target region 1 in order to increase the accuracy of area calculation. At this time, the area calculation means 4 calculates the area of the installation region 1 using also the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of the third position obtained from the third image of the installation region 1.

  As described above, by providing the area calculation means 4 of the third embodiment, the design production apparatus 3 and the design production system 100 can calculate the area of the target region 1 only with the photograph of the target region 1, so that the design components Can be easily calculated. In addition, the calculation accuracy of design components is improved.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point from the first position and the second position. At this time, the intersection of the straight line extending from the first toward the specific point and the straight line extending from the second position toward the specific point is estimated as the position of the specific point. At this time, not only the intersection from the two positions of the first position and the second position, but also based on the third position, the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point can be estimated with high accuracy. That is, based on three or more captured images from different angles, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 can estimate the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point with high accuracy.

  As described above, the area of the target region of the subject is calculated with high accuracy by estimating the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point not only from the two imaging positions but also from three or more imaging positions.

  Here, it may occur that each straight line formed from each imaging position to a specific point does not intersect at one point but is twisted. The straight line from the first position to the specific point is determined by the direction and distance between the specific point selected in the image and the first position, and the straight line from the second position to the specific point is the specific point selected in the image. And the direction and distance from the second position. At this time, the specific point indicates the position selected by the user in the image that is a plane, and is not necessarily the same position as the original specific point that is uniquely determined in three dimensions. For this reason, the straight line formed from the first position to the specific point (specific point selected in the image) and the straight line formed from the second position to the specific point (specific point selected in the image) intersect. Not happening can happen.

  When the twist occurs, the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point are estimated by approximation.

  For the approximation, a simple approximation or an approximation based on a metered average is used. An intersection of a straight line extending from the first position toward the specific point and a straight line extending from the second position toward the specific point, a straight line extending from the second position toward the specific point, and from the third position toward the specific point The specific point can be approximated by performing approximation based on the separation distance from the intersection of the straight lines extending in this manner. An approximation with a weighted average may be used.

  It is also preferable that the area calculating means 4 calculates at least one of the error rate of the area to be calculated and the error range of the area based on the estimation accuracy of the specific point.

  When the straight line from the first position to the specific point does not intersect with the straight line from the second position to the specific point, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates the amount of mismatch caused by the non-intersection. Alternatively, the amount of mismatch between the first specific coordinates and the second specific coordinates is calculated.

  When the straight line from the first position to the specific point and the straight line from the second position to the specific point do not intersect, a separation amount of each straight line is generated. The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates a proximity point at a position where the straight line from the first position and the straight line from the second position are close to each other. At this time, the distance between the two straight lines at the position where the proximity point is calculated is calculated. The large separation amount indicates that the calculation accuracy of the proximity point calculated as the approximate position of the specific point is low, and the small separation amount indicates that the calculation accuracy of the proximity point calculated as the approximate position of the specific point is high. Show. In other words, it indicates the estimation accuracy of a specific point. A high estimation accuracy of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point indicates that the calculation accuracy of the area calculated by the calculation unit 44 is high. Conversely, a low estimation accuracy of the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point indicates that the calculation accuracy of the area calculated by the calculation unit 44 is low.

  The specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates the separation amount as a mismatch amount.

  Alternatively, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 uses the first specific coordinates determined by the direction and distance from the first position to the specific point and the second specific coordinates (or the second specific distance determined by the direction and distance from the second position to the specific point). When the three-dimensional coordinates of the specific point are estimated based on (including the third specific coordinate and thereafter), the difference value between the value of the first specific coordinate and the value of the second specific coordinate is calculated as a mismatch amount.

  The calculation unit 44 calculates the error rate of the area of the target region to be calculated based on the mismatch amount. For example, the calculation unit 44 calculates an area error rate by multiplying the mismatch amount by the calculated area. Alternatively, the error rate is calculated based on the relationship between the level value (level evaluation from level 1 to level 5 depending on the amount of mismatch) and the area value, not the absolute value. For example, if the discrepancy amount is level 1 when the area is within a predetermined range, the error rate is defined as 1%. If the discrepancy amount is level 2, the error rate is defined as 2%. To do.

  Alternatively, the calculated area may be calculated by clearly indicating an area error range, such as “a range from ** square meters to XX square meters”. This is because the convenience of the user is further increased by specifying the error range.

  As described above, the specific point coordinate estimation unit 43 calculates the mismatch amount, and the calculation unit 44 calculates the error rate. The calculated error rate is displayed on the display unit 16 together with the calculated area. Displaying the error rate increases the convenience for the user.

  The design production apparatus 3 and the design production system 100 provided with the area calculation means 4 as described above can calculate the components of the design while calculating the area of the installation region 1 using only the photograph of the installation region 1.

  (Embodiment 4)

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

  The design production apparatus 3 described in the first to third embodiments may be realized as a method of calculating design components or as a program operable on a computer capable of executing this method.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a design production apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The block diagram shown in FIG. 15 shows a state in which the design production apparatus is mounted on a general-purpose computer, and a memory and CPU provided in the computer execute a design production method which is a function of the design production apparatus.

  The computer 200 is a processing device that can execute a program having the functions of the design production device described in the first to third embodiments. The computer 200 may be a general-purpose computer, a workstation, or a part or all of it may be a processing device having a dedicated device.

  The computer 200 includes a memory 201 inside or outside thereof. The memory 201 includes various devices capable of storing electronic data, such as a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical disk, and a magnetic disk. The memory 201 has the functions of the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit (and other necessary storage units) described in the first to third embodiments.

  The computer 200 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202 that executes program reading and instruction processing, a ROM 203 that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204 that reads and writes data necessary for operations, and instructions according to the CPU 202. A calculation unit 205 that performs calculation and a communication I / F 206 that exchanges calculation results and image data are provided. Further, a display unit may be provided.

  The CPU 202 reads a program stored in the ROM 203. The program follows the user's instructions,

(1) a reading step of reading a photograph of the installation area 1,
(2) a calculation step for calculating the area of the installation area 1 based on the photograph of the installation area 1;
(3) a first storage step of storing peripheral information of the installation area 1 in the memory 201 including the first storage unit;
(4) a second storage step of storing a plurality of original images of the design used for the installation area 1 in a memory 201 including a second storage unit;
(5) a calculation step of calculating design components based on at least two of area, peripheral information, and original image;
And the execution procedure.

  As a result, the CPU 202 that has read out the program including these execution procedures from the ROM 203 executes these steps and calculates the components of the design. Furthermore, an actual design sample is produced or a design image is printed based on the calculated design components.

  As described above, some or all of the functions of the design production device (design production method) are implemented by a computer-operable program, so that it can be executed on a general-purpose computer or used in a wide range of applications. The merit that it can be utilized arises.

  As described above, the design production apparatus, the design production method, and the computer program described in the first to fourth embodiments are examples for explaining the gist of the present invention, and include modifications and alterations without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Installation area 2 Building 3 Design production apparatus 4 Area calculation means 5 1st memory | storage part 6 2nd memory | storage part 7 Calculation means 8 Acquisition means 9 Output means 11 3rd memory | storage part 12 Marking 121, 122, 123 Pointer 13 Imaging device 15 Target area 200 Computer 201 Memory 202 CPU
203 ROM
204 RAM
205 Calculation unit 206 Communication I / F

Claims (19)

Area calculating means for calculating the area of the installation area for producing the design;
A first storage unit for storing peripheral information of the installation area;
A second storage unit that stores a plurality of original images of the design used in the installation area;
A design production apparatus comprising: calculation means for calculating a component of the design based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information, and the original image.   The component is necessary for an original picture selected as a design produced in the installation area among the plurality of original pictures, an amount of paint necessary for a design produced in the installation area, and a design produced in the installation area. And at least one of a luminance suitable for a design manufactured in the installation area, a chromaticity suitable for a design manufactured in the installation area, and a position of a character string in the design manufactured in the installation area. Item 1. A design production apparatus according to item 1.   The calculation means selects an original picture as a design produced in the installation area from among the plurality of original pictures, calculates a paint amount necessary for a design produced in the installation area, and a design produced in the installation area. Calculation of the cost necessary for the design, brightness calculation suitable for the design manufactured in the installation area, calculation of chromaticity suitable for the design manufactured in the installation area, and the character string in the design manufactured in the installation area The design production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the positions is determined.   The surrounding information includes at least one information of a position of the installation area, a building around the installation area, a material of the installation area, a direction of the installation area, an angle of the installation area, and a height of the installation area. The design production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   The design production apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates at least one of luminance and chromaticity suitable for a design produced in the installation area based on at least one of a direction and an angle of the installation area.   The calculation unit determines a position of a character string in a design manufactured in the installation area based on at least one of a building around the installation area and a height of the installation area. 5. The design production apparatus according to 5.   The calculation unit calculates at least one of a paint amount required for a design manufactured in the installation area and a cost required for the design manufactured in the installation area based on the original image and the area. 6. The design production apparatus according to any one of 6.   The design production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the peripheral information and stores the acquired peripheral information in the first storage unit.   The design production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs a design sample based on the component calculated by the calculation unit.   The design production apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output unit is capable of outputting a design image that can be installed in the installation area.   The design production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third storage unit that stores an image of the installation area, wherein the area calculation unit calculates an area of the installation area based on the image.   The design production apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an imaging unit configured to capture the image, wherein the image captured by the imaging unit is stored in the third storage unit. The image includes a first image including the installation area and a sign imaged by the first imaging device, and the installation area and the sign imaged by a second imaging device from an angle different from that of the first imaging device. Having a second image including,
The area calculating means includes
An imaging device coordinate estimation unit for estimating a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of the first position of the first imaging device and a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of the second position of the second imaging device;
Based on the first position and the second position, a specific point coordinate estimation unit that estimates the value of each three-dimensional coordinate of a plurality of specific points included in the installation area;
A calculation unit that calculates the area of the installation region based on the value of the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the plurality of specific points;
The design production apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sign has a two-dimensional shape including three or more pointers.   The design manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sign has a triangular shape with three pointers having different chromaticities and having a substantially spherical shape as apexes. The imaging device coordinate estimation unit
Based on the inclination of the sign included in the first image, the direction of the first imaging device relative to the sign is estimated as a first direction,
Based on the area of the sign included in the first image, the distance between the first imaging device and the sign is estimated as a first distance,
Based on the inclination of the sign included in the second image, the direction of the second imaging device relative to the sign is estimated as a second direction,
Based on the area of the sign included in the second image, the distance between the second imaging device and the sign is estimated as a second distance,
Estimating the first position based on the first direction and the first distance;
The design production apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second position is estimated based on the second direction and the second distance. The first specific coordinate that is the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point obtained from the first position matches the second specific coordinate that is the value of the three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point obtained from the second position. If not,
The design production apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specific point coordinate estimation unit approximates a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of the specific point from the first specific coordinate and the second specific coordinate. The image further includes a third image including the subject and the marker imaged by the third imaging device from angles different from those of the first imaging device and the second imaging device,
The imaging device coordinate estimation unit estimates a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of a third position of the third imaging device;
The specific point coordinate estimation unit estimates a value of a three-dimensional coordinate of each of a plurality of specific points included in the subject based on the first position, the second position, and the third position. 16. The design production apparatus according to any one of 16. A first storage unit and a second storage unit;
An area calculating step for calculating the area of the installation area for producing the design;
A first storage step of storing peripheral information of the installation area in the first storage unit;
A second storage step of storing a plurality of original images of the design used in the installation area in the second storage unit;
And a calculation step of calculating a component of the design based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information, and the original image. A computer program operable on a computer including a first storage unit and a second storage unit,
An area calculating step for calculating the area of the installation area for producing the design;
A first storage step of storing peripheral information of the installation area in the first storage unit;
A second storage step of storing a plurality of original images of the design used in the installation area in the second storage unit;
A computer program capable of executing a calculation step of calculating a component of the design based on at least two of the area, the peripheral information, and the original image.