JP2014211769A - Information processing apparatus and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of operation to edit a printed matter to be attached to an object.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to the present invention detects an object present in a predetermined space, acquires shape information on the detected object, projects a candidate image mounted on the surface of the detected object onto the object, and sets print setting information for causing a predetermined printer to print the candidate image on the basis of the candidate image and the shape information on the object.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that sets print setting information to be notified to an output device such as a printer or a projector.

In recent years, a technique for directly or indirectly placing a printed image on the surface of a three-dimensional object is known.
For example, when creating a label or the like to be attached to a three-dimensional object, a technique for editing while confirming whether the layout printed on the label is appropriate is known.
In Patent Document 1, information on the appearance of a pasting target object and pasting target area of a printed matter set in advance is drawn as a background on a display during editing.
In Patent Document 2, the entire layout is automatically edited so that predetermined information is not located at the corners based on the number of surfaces and the size of the surface of the printed object.

JP 2002-014799 A JP 2003-018391 A

  Patent document 1 makes it possible to confirm the situation when a printed material is pasted on an object to be pasted on a display during editing. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the region to be pasted is determined in advance, and changing is not considered. Further, the preset information may be different from the actual situation of the object.

  Patent Document 2 enables automatic editing so that a printed material is not positioned at a corner when the printed material is applied to an object to be applied. However, in the method described in Patent Document 2, the user has to input the number of surfaces of the pasting object and the size of each surface numerically.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the operability of an operation for editing a candidate image placed on the surface of an object such as a printed material to be attached to the object.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects an object existing in a predetermined space, an acquisition unit that acquires shape information of an object detected by the detection unit, and the detection Based on projection control means for projecting a candidate image placed on the surface of the object onto the object detected by the means, the candidate image, and shape information of the object, the candidate image is printed on a predetermined printing device. And setting means for setting print setting information.

  According to the present invention, the operability of an operation for editing a candidate image placed on the surface of an object such as a printed material to be attached to the object is improved.

Block diagram showing an example of hardware configuration and appearance of information processing apparatus The figure which shows an example of a function structure of information processing apparatus The flowchart which shows an example of the process which sets the print setting information which information processing apparatus performs Schematic diagram showing how the information processing apparatus sets print setting information based on an object and a print image A flowchart showing an example of processing executed when outputting to a printing apparatus The flowchart which shows an example of the process which memorize | stores the deformation | transformation instruct | indicated by gesture operation which the information processing apparatus performs The flowchart which shows an example of the process which presents the guide of the operation | work which pastes printed matter on a target object which information processing apparatus performs The figure which shows the example of the matched superimposed image, target object image, and print data The figure which shows the operation example of the information processing apparatus which performs the modification 2 of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that a marker is projected as an example of a guide

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

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, when the user generates a printed material to be attached to the object, by performing a gesture operation on the preview image directly projected onto the object according to the size of the object to be attached, An example of setting the size of the printed material will be described.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a CPU 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), performs calculations for various processes, logical determinations, and the like, and controls each component connected to the system bus 107. A ROM (Read-Only Memory) 103 is a program memory, and stores a program for control by the CPU 101 including various processing procedures to be described later. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 is a data memory, and includes a work area for the program of the CPU 101, a data save area during error processing, a load area for the control program, and the like. The camera 104 images a work space in which a user operates, and provides the system as an input image. The distance image sensor 105 is an infrared sensor, for example, and detects distance information from the distance image sensor 105. The projector 106 projects an image including electronic data and user interface components on the work space. Here, the work space is a space from the projector 106 to the upper surface of the reading table 111 described later. A system bus 107 connects the elements in the apparatus and transmits and receives signals between the elements. The storage device 211 is an external hard disk in the present embodiment, and stores various data and programs according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the camera 104, the distance image sensor 105, and the projector 106 are arranged in a housing installed on the upper side with respect to the reading table 111. The camera 104 shoots in a state where the reading table 111 is looked down on. Hereinafter, a space included in the angle of view of the camera 104 (a space surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 2B) is referred to as a work space 113. The projector 106 projects toward the work space 113 by irradiating the projection light downward. The distance image sensor 105 is also installed so that the shooting direction is directed downward, and the distance between the distance image sensor 105 and an object (for example, a user's hand or a pasting target portion 112) or a reading table existing in the work space 113. Detect information.

  Next, FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The imaging unit 201 corresponds to the camera 104 and images the work space. In particular, an image of an upward surface of an object on which a reading table is placed and a user's hand used for a gesture operation are captured. The imaging unit 201 continues to periodically image the work space. The movement of the subject can be detected by comparing a plurality of captured images in time series. Further, in the present embodiment, obtaining data of a reading target surface (a surface facing upward) of an object based on a captured image is referred to as reading the object. For example, obtaining a data obtained by cutting out a paper document portion from an image obtained by capturing a reading table on which the paper document is placed upward is referred to as reading the paper document. Imaging for reading is performed separately for reading, but may be one of periodically repeated imaging, and is acquired based on a plurality of images obtained from a plurality of imaging. May be. The range that can be imaged by the camera 104 is defined as a reading area. Here, it is assumed that the size of the upper surface of the reading table is equal to the size of the reading area.

  In the present embodiment, images obtained from the same imaging unit 201 are used for reading and detecting a gesture operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, detection means configured by an infrared camera or the like provided separately from the camera 104 may be used for detecting the gesture operation.

  The detection unit 202 includes a CPU 101 and the like, reads a program and data stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 102, executes the program and data, and based on the image captured by the imaging unit 201, detects a detection target (for example, a pasting object) in the work space. An object, a user's finger, etc.) are detected. Then, position information (coordinates) on the reading table of the detection target is acquired and held in the holding unit 204.

  The recognizing unit 203 is configured by the CPU 101 and the like, and reads out and executes programs and data stored in the ROM 103 to the RAM 102, thereby executing the user's finger movement detected by the detecting unit 202 as a detection target. Recognize gesture operations. In this embodiment, what is instructed by the gesture operation is a deformation to the projected image. The recognition unit 203 derives a parameter change value for deforming the image based on the movement of the user's finger, notifies the projection control unit 205 described later, and reflects the deformation in the image projected by the projection unit 206. .

  The holding unit 204 corresponds to the RAM 102 and is a unit that holds information processed by each functional unit. The information held includes read data obtained by reading an object to be read by the imaging unit 201, distance information obtained by the depth information obtaining unit 207, print data read from the storage device 211 (candidates to be placed on the surface of the object) Image data) for printing an image. In addition to the above information, the holding unit 204 holds information about the object, information about the detected hand, print setting information such as a print magnification instructed by a gesture operation, and the like.

  The projection control unit 205 is configured by the CPU 101 and the like, and reads out and executes programs and data stored in the ROM 103 to the RAM 102, thereby generating a projection image projected onto the work space by the projection unit 206. In the present embodiment, a projection image including the print data read by the holding unit 204 is generated and output to the projection unit 206. At this time, if the recognizing unit 203 recognizes a deformation instruction for the print data in the projected image, a projection image reflecting the parameter derived by the recognizing unit 203 is generated and projected on the projecting unit 206.

  The projection unit 206 is a projection unit corresponding to the projector 106, and projects the projection image generated by the projection control unit 205 toward the work space. Note that the normal projection unit 206 projects an image in a focused state on the reading table, but when projecting a three-dimensional object placed on the work space, the depth information acquisition unit 207 The distance information to the surface of the three-dimensional object is acquired, and the focus position is automatically adjusted.

  The depth information acquisition unit 207 acquires depth information (information indicating the distance from the installation position of the distance image sensor 105 to the upper surface of the object) of the object placed on the reading table by using the distance image sensor 105 or the like. Further, the depth information acquisition unit 207 can acquire the shape (size, shape, curvature, etc.) of the upper surface of the object based on the obtained depth information.

  The setting unit 208 includes the CPU 101 and the like, and reads out and executes the program and data stored in the ROM 103 to the RAM 102 and sets print setting information to be notified to the printing apparatus 212. In this embodiment, based on the gesture operation recognized by the recognition unit 203, print setting information for printing out image data to be printed by the printing apparatus 212 is set. In the present embodiment, the image data to be printed is image data that becomes a label or the like to be pasted on a pasting object by printing on a recording medium such as paper or sticker mount. However, image data for printing directly on an object may be used instead of attaching a recording medium. In the present embodiment, the print setting information includes, for example, magnification, color tone, contrast, and the amount of margin.

  The storage device 211 corresponds to the HDD 208 and holds data held in the holding unit 204 as saved data. The stored data includes externally generated image data for printing, read data read by the information processing apparatus 100, information indicating the correspondence between various data, print setting information, and the like.

  The printing device 212 corresponds to the printer 109 and prints the print data held by the holding unit 204 or stored in the storage device 211. At this time, if there is print setting information set by the setting unit 208 for the print data, print output reflecting the print setting is executed.

  In addition, although the imaging part 201, the projection part 206, and the depth information acquisition part 207 show the example in the apparatus of the information processing apparatus 100, an external apparatus may be sufficient. Further, the storage device 211 and the printing device 212 are examples of external devices, but may be in the information processing device 100.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing for setting print setting information, which is executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, for example, in a personal computer or the like, one or more pieces of generated image data for printing (hereinafter, print data) are held in advance as a candidate image to be placed on the surface of the object 204. When the print data stored in the storage device 211 is used as a candidate image, image information is read from the storage device 211 to the holding unit 204. In the information processing apparatus 100, the flowchart of FIG. 3 is activated in response to the designation of print data to be pasted in a print mode or application for printing an image to be pasted on the pasting target.

  In step S301, the projection control unit 205 reads the designated print data from the holding unit 204, and generates a projection image including the print data. Then, the projection unit 206 projects the generated projection image onto the reading table. At this time, the focus position of the projection is set on the reading table according to the initial setting. In addition, the size of the print data included in the projection image is adjusted so as to be the actual size in a state of being projected on the surface of the reading table. For example, when projecting image data generated in accordance with the A4 size in a personal computer, the projection size on the surface of the reading table is adjusted to be the A4 size.

  In step S302, the imaging unit 201 images the work space. Thereafter, imaging is repeated periodically. Note that in general, moving image shooting corresponds to obtaining a plurality of still images corresponding to each frame at a predetermined frame rate, and thus periodic shooting in step S302 includes moving image shooting.

  In step S303, the detection unit 202 detects a target existing in the work space based on the captured image, and further determines whether the detected target is stationary. Note that the target object detected here is an object that the user recognizes as a target to which the printed material is pasted. In the present embodiment, the following processing is performed assuming that the object placed on the reading table by the user is the target. If the object is stationary (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. If there is no object or the object is moving (NO in step S303), the process returns to step S302. Whether there is an object or whether it is stationary can be determined by comparing the differences between a plurality of images that are continuously captured.

  In step S304, the depth information acquisition unit 207 acquires the depth information of the object. Also, shape information on the object surface is acquired. Here, the object surface is a surface facing upward of the object placed on the reading table. The shape information acquired by the depth information acquisition unit 207 includes information on the shape and size of the object surface.

  In step S305, the projection unit 206 adjusts the focus based on the acquired depth information of the object, and projects a projection image including print data onto the object. This is called projection of the preview image. In the present embodiment, the size of the projected preview image is adjusted in accordance with the size of the object surface placed on the reading table. For example, if the projected print data is an A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm) original and the shape of the object surface acquired in step S521 is equivalent to the A5 size (148 mm × 210 mm), the reduction is 71%. Projected with added. Even when the object placed on the reading table is a three-dimensional object such as a box or paper of an unspecified size, the projection is performed at the maximum magnification while the document fits on the object surface. As a calculation method, a method based on a comparison between the document size of the projected print data and the size information acquired in step S521 can be used. Alternatively, it may be obtained from image analysis based on the captured image in which the object surface and the print data are captured at the same time and the depth information acquired by the depth information acquisition unit 207.

  Further, since the position of the print data projected here is before being adjusted by the user, it is not necessary to strictly position and superimpose it on the object. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the object overlaps with the object so that the user can freely move or deform the print data or the object to be pasted while keeping the distance to move the print data or the object to be pasted to a short distance. Project.

  Here, FIG. 4B is a top view of the projection image 401 including the print data 400 shown in FIG. FIG.4 (c) is the figure which looked at the same mode from the side. At this time, the projection unit 206 adjusts so that the upper surface of the object is in focus. Note that when the projection unit 206 is a projector that does not require focus adjustment, such as a laser projector, it is not always necessary to acquire depth information. However, the depth information can also be used to perform projection in consideration of the shape of the object to be pasted (surface curvature or uneven state). In FIG. 4C, a portion corresponding to the print data 400 is shown as the projection image 401, but the size of the projection image itself is not limited to the size of the print data 400. When the projection unit 206 always outputs a projection image having the size of the upper surface of the reading table, a projection image 401 including a margin in addition to the print data 400 is output. When the projection unit 206 can control the size of the projection image, the projection image 401 may include only the print data 400.

  In step S306, the setting unit 208 sets print setting information to be notified to an output device such as the printer 109 and the projector 106.

  Here, FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing details of the process of storing the deformation instructed by the gesture operation to set the print setting information to be notified to the printer 109 (printing apparatus), which is executed in step S306. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 recognizes a gesture operation performed by a user using a finger on print data projected on a pasting target. Then, the print setting information to be notified to the printing apparatus is set so that the print data is printed out on a recording medium (for example, paper, sticker mount, etc.) with the size instructed by the gesture operation. In this embodiment, the following two gesture operations are employed as examples of the gesture operation performed by the user for instructing the size (magnification) of the print data. One is a state in which one point of the contour portion of the projected print data is indicated with a finger (touch or pointing), and the position of the indicated point moves by moving the finger. This is an operation to instruct the modification of the print data. This is called a drag operation. The other is that the two points on the projected print data are indicated by the finger, and the two points are moved by enlarging or reducing the distance between the two points. This is an operation for instructing the enlargement or reduction of the print data at the enlargement / reduction ratio of the distance between them. This is called a pinch operation. However, not only the drag operation and the pinch operation, the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can employ various gesture patterns as operations for instructing the size of print data. In adjusting the size, the information processing apparatus 100 recognizes a gesture operation for moving the print data separately so that the user can arbitrarily adjust the positional relationship between the print data and the pasting object. For example, it is moved according to a drag operation on a portion other than the projected print data. The user can also finely adjust the positional relationship between the print data and the pasting target object by moving the pasting target object itself.

  In step S501, the recognizing unit 203 counts time T = T + 1 as the predetermined time elapses. Note that the time T is the initial value of 0 when the image is projected in the preceding step S305.

  In step S502, the imaging unit 201 images the work space at time T.

  In step S503, based on the captured image, it is determined whether or not the user's finger is near the projected print data. The presence or absence of the user's finger is determined by using an existing technique, for example, a method for determining and detecting the skin color, a method for identifying the shape and detecting the finger. In the present embodiment, when the user's finger is near the projected print data, it is considered that the preview image is further deformed, and processing for recognizing the user's gesture operation is performed. If there is no user's finger near the projected print data, it is considered that there is no need for further deformation, and the process proceeds to a process for reflecting the state of the preview image at that time on the printed matter. If it is determined that there is a finger in the vicinity of the projected print data (YES in step S503), the process proceeds to step S504. Note that the position of the fingertip at this time is P [T]. The position P [T] is indicated by coordinates in a coordinate space defined on the reading table. If there is no finger near the projected print data (NO in step S503), the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S <b> 504, the recognition unit 203 calculates a finger movement vector V [T] and holds it in the holding unit 204. The finger movement vector V [T] is obtained from P [T] and P [T-1]. Here, it is assumed that V [1] is a zero vector.

  In step S505, the recognition unit 203 derives the print data display position in the projection image and the change value of the size (magnification) based on the finger movement vector V [T]. When the detected finger is a single finger, the print data included in the projection image is transformed according to the direction of the movement vector (the movement direction of the fingertip) and the length (the movement distance of the fingertip), and the print data Find the change value to change the display position and magnification. When the detected finger is two fingers, the print data included in the projected image is transformed according to the difference in the direction of the two movement vectors, the amount of change in the interval between the two fingertips, etc. The change value that changes the display position and magnification of is derived.

  In step S506, the projection control unit 205 regenerates a projection image based on the display position and the change value of the magnification, and the projection unit 206 projects the image. Therefore, the user can continue the operation while confirming the deformation instructed by the previous gesture operation. If the user sees the re-projected print data and determines that no further deformation is required, the user may move the finger away from the print data.

  On the other hand, if the recognition unit 203 determines in step S503 that there is no finger near the projected print data, in this embodiment, there is no need to adjust the size of the print data for the pasting object, or Judge that the adjustment is complete.

  In step S507, the setting unit 208 determines a print magnification to be sent to the printing apparatus 212 for printing out print data based on the change value derived by the recognition unit 203 in step S505. And it memorize | stores in the memory | storage device 211 as print setting information, and complete | finishes.

  Here, the information stored in the information processing apparatus 100 includes deformation information for performing printing in accordance with, for example, the unevenness or curvature of the surface of the pasting object, in addition to the deformation information instructed by the user through the gesture operation. Etc. are included. The information processing apparatus 100 determines information to be notified to the printing apparatus 212 according to the shape of the pasting target determined based on the depth information acquired by the depth information acquisition unit 207 in S304.

  In the present embodiment, the operation for instructing the deformation of the print data is a gesture operation performed by the user with a finger. Thereby, the user can edit the image to be pasted by an intuitive operation on the actual pasting target. However, the instruction method is not limited to the gesture operation. For example, an operation on a user interface projected by a physical button or the projection unit 206 may be performed. FIG. 5B shows a flowchart executed by the printing apparatus 212 in the first embodiment.

  In step S511, the printing apparatus 212 reads the print magnification of the print image and the information of the print data stored in the storage device 211, and generates a print image based on the magnification.

  In step S512, the printing apparatus 212 prints the print image and ends. In the present embodiment, the printing device 212 generates a label or the like to be attached to an object by printing a candidate image placed on the surface of the object on a recording medium such as paper or a sticker mount. However, the printing apparatus 212 may print the candidate image directly on the surface of the object. In this case, the print setting information notified to the printing apparatus 212 also includes information such as the shape and material of the object as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 212 refers to the information stored in the storage device 211 so that the information processing apparatus 100 notifies the printing apparatus 212 of the print setting information. May send the print setting information directly to the printing apparatus 212.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the user projects the print data preview image so as to be directly superimposed on the target object to which the printed material is pasted. The user can easily set a desired print magnification by adjusting the size of the projected preview image according to the actual size of the object by a gesture operation. The first embodiment has been described by taking the magnification of print data as an example of information specified by a user through a gesture operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a command to stretch the projected portion of the print data, touch it continuously for a predetermined number of times, or rub it, add an arbitrary amount of margin to the print data, and adjust the color tone or contrast of the print data It may be recognizable as a gesture operation. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user can easily set the information that the user wants to reflect on the printed material actually attached to the object by performing a gesture operation on the actual size preview image of the printed material. Make it possible.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the processing for setting the magnification of the print data based on the gesture operation on the projection image and obtaining the printed matter has been described. Here, as a modification, in addition to the first embodiment, when the user actually attaches the printed matter to the sticking target, an example of presenting a guide indicating the position on the sticking target to which the printed matter is pasted is presented. explain.

  Since the hardware configuration and appearance of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the modification are the same as those in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the modification. Since the functional units to which the same numbers as those in FIG. 2A are assigned perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, detailed description will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The associating unit 209 is configured by the CPU 101 and the like, reads out the program and data stored in the ROM 103 to the RAM 102 and executes them, associates a plurality of captured images captured by the imaging unit 201 under different conditions, and stores them in the storage device 211. To do. At that time, based on the information on the object detected by the detection unit 202, a process of trimming a part of the captured image or adding related information is performed.

  The specifying unit 210 includes a CPU 101 and the like, and reads and executes a program and data stored in the ROM 103 to the RAM 102 and executes an image similar to an image obtained by capturing an object existing in the work space. Search and specify from images.

  Also in the modified example, the process of setting the print setting information is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. However, the process of storing the deformation instructed by the gesture operation in step S306 is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the process performed in a modification is demonstrated. However, the same processes as those in FIG. 5A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the modification, after storing the print magnification information in step S507, the process proceeds to step S601.

  In step S <b> 601, the imaging unit 201 images the work space and holds the captured image in the holding unit 204. In the captured image at this time, a state in which the print data is projected so as to be superimposed on the pasting target is recorded. The captured image at this time is called a superimposed image.

  In step S602, the projection unit 206 stops the projection.

  In step S <b> 603, the imaging unit 201 images the work space, and holds the captured image at this time in the holding unit 204. The object to be pasted is recorded in the captured image at this time. The captured image at this time is called an object image.

  In step S604, the associating unit 209 associates the superimposed image captured in step S601, the object image captured in step S603, and the print data with each other in the storage device 211, and ends the process.

  Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of the associated superimposed image, object image, and print data. In the superimposed image acquired in step S601, a part of the print data is superimposed on the three-dimensional object. The superimposed image is preferably an image obtained by trimming an area in which the surface facing the object and the projected print data are imaged out of the image obtained by taking a bird's-eye view of the reading table. Alternatively, position information for specifying the area is stored in association with the superimposed image so that the area can be indicated as the attention area. In step S603, the surface of the pasting object that is directed upward, that is, the size, shape, color, and pattern of the surface of the pasting operation is also stored in association with the target image. Is done. These pieces of information are used later when searching for an object image based on the feature of the image. Further, the depth information acquired by the depth information acquisition unit 207 is used to associate the distance between the imaging unit 201 and the target surface when the object image is captured. This information is used for alignment when a superimposed image is projected onto a pasting object as will be described later. Similarly, the print data can be associated with information for later use in search processing. Note that the stored information is not limited to these. For example, the object image and the print data may be stored without adding related information, and the image feature amount may be extracted each time a search described later is performed. However, there is a case where the load related to the search process can be reduced by adding the related information at the time of storage.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image showing the state in which the print data and the pasting target object are superimposed, the information for identifying the pasting target surface of the target object, the print data to be pasted on the pasting target surface, Are stored in association with each other so that the superimposed image can be searched later.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in which the information processing apparatus 100 presents a guide for a task of attaching a printed material to an object in a modification. The flowchart of FIG. 7 is activated in response to the designation of the print data pasting mode and guide application. In other words, it is assumed that the user has already obtained a printed matter output from the printing apparatus 212 and is affixing it during execution of the following processing.

  In step S701, the imaging unit 201 images the work space. Thereafter, imaging is repeated periodically.

  In step S702, the detection unit 202 detects an object existing in the work space based on the captured image, and further determines whether the detected object is stationary. The object here is an object that the user recognizes as a target to which the printed material is to be pasted or a printed material to be pasted on the target object. In the present embodiment, the following processing is performed assuming that an object inserted by hand into the work space by the user is a target. If the object is stationary (YES in step S702), the process proceeds to step S304. If there is no object or the object is moving (NO in step S702), the process returns to step S701. Whether there is an object or whether it is stationary can be determined by comparing the differences between a plurality of images that are continuously captured.

  In step S <b> 703, the detection unit 202 acquires a query image based on the image captured by the imaging unit 201 and stores the query image in the storage unit 204. Here, the query image is an object image stored in the storage unit 211 or an image serving as a query for searching print data. The query image may be one of the captured images periodically captured by the imaging unit 201 or may be an image captured separately for the query image. Further, it may be an image obtained by processing a plurality of captured images that have been continuously captured to easily extract the characteristics of the object, an image obtained by trimming only the object portion, or the like.

  In step S <b> 704, the specifying unit 210 specifies a target object image or print data similar to the held query image based on the association information stored in the storage device 211. Specifically, the query image is analyzed, and the feature amount of the query image is compared with the feature amount of the object image stored in the storage unit 211 or the feature of the print data, so that an object having a high degree of similarity is obtained. Search for images or print data. Then, an object image or print data having the highest similarity is specified. Alternatively, an object image or print data whose similarity exceeds a predetermined value may be specified and presented as an option to the user.

  In step S <b> 705, the specifying unit 210 determines whether there is an object image similar to the query image or print data as a result of the search process. If there is something similar (YES in step S705), the object image or print data is specified, and the process proceeds to step S706. If there are no similar items (NO in step S705), the process ends. At this time, it is also possible to end the process after presenting a notification such as “cannot guide” or “no image registration” to the user.

  In step S <b> 706, the projection control unit 205 acquires the specified object image or a superimposed image associated with the print data from the storage device 211. Then, a projection image for projecting the acquired superimposed image by matching the position is generated and output to the projector 106. Since the projected superimposed image indicates the position of the print data adjusted by the user using the preview image, the superimposed image is projected on the object to be pasted to serve as a guide for the pasting operation. However, the position where the superimposed image is projected does not need to overlap the pasting target object accurately. For example, depending on the color or the like of the surface of the object to be pasted, visibility may be reduced by the method of projecting the object on the object. In such a case, for example, even if the method of projecting to a predetermined position on the reading table, the superimposed image shows the position of the print data adjusted by the user using the preview image. To act as a guide.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the information processing apparatus that executes the modification. In FIG. 9A, the pasting target object 402 is placed on the reading table 111. Then, it is assumed that the object image 900 of FIG. 9B is specified by the search process based on the query image obtained by imaging the upper surface of the pasting object 402. The information processing apparatus 100 acquires a superimposed image 901 corresponding to the object image 900 from the association information stored in the storage unit 211 and causes the projection unit 206 to project it. FIG. 9C shows a state in which the superimposed image 901 is projected on the pasting target object 402 placed on the reading table 111. At this time, the superimposed image 901 is adjusted by the projection control unit 205 so that the projection size and the projection position match the upper surface of the pasting target object 402. Therefore, the user can reproduce the pasting state adjusted using the preview image by pasting the actual printed matter 904 at the position where the print data is projected.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9D, a printed matter 904 exists in the work space. For example, this is a state where the user holds the printed matter 904 in his / her hand and inserts it into the work space. Then, it is assumed that the print data 902 in FIG. 9E is specified by the search process based on the query image obtained by imaging the printed matter 904. The information processing apparatus 100 acquires a superimposed image 903 corresponding to the print data 902 from the association information stored in the storage unit 211 and causes the projection unit 206 to project it. FIG. 9F shows a state in which the superimposed image 903 is projected on the reading table 111. Here, unlike the case of FIG. 9C in which the query image is the pasting target object 402, the alignment of the projection position of the superimposed image is not the position of the printing unit 904 but is pasted when the superimposed image is acquired. This is performed with reference to the position on the reading table where the object 402 exists. By doing in this way, the user can perform efficiently the operation | work which sticks the printed matter 904 on the sticking target object 402. FIG. For example, if the printed material 904 is placed on the reading table 111 prior to the pasting target object 402, the trouble of picking up the printed material 904 again occurs. Further, if the superimposed image is projected on condition that the printed material 904 is stationary, the guide cannot be referred to when the printed material is moved during the pasting operation. In this modification, such an environment can be generated, and an environment in which the user can easily perform an operation to attach can be provided.

  In this way, the user can easily reproduce the pasting state by presenting the user with the superimposed image obtained by capturing the pasting state in which the relationship between the pasting object and the print data is adjusted using the preview image. Note that an example has been described in which the search based on both the pasting target object and the printed material is possible by storing the superimposed image, the target object image, and the print data in association with each other. However, if the information processing apparatus that realizes the modification is an information processing apparatus that can present a guide using the superimposed image to the user, the same effect can be obtained. Accordingly, the superimposed image and the target object image may be stored in association with each other, and only the search based on the pasting target object may be possible, or the superimposed image and the print data may be stored in association with each other. However, only the search based on the pasting target may be possible.

  As described above, in the present modification, the user makes an adjustment using the preview image using the similar image search using the pasting object or the printed material obtained by the processing described in the first embodiment. The print data pasting status can be presented. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C and FIG. 9F, a superimposed image indicating a state when the position to be pasted is confirmed in advance is displayed at the position where the pasting operation is performed, and the user can Can be affixed as a guide. In this embodiment, a known similar image search is used. Thereby, when performing the operation | work which sticks a label on the same position with respect to the some sticking target object of the same form, for example, an effective guide can be performed with respect to all the sticking target objects.

  In the above-described example, the similar image search is performed even when an image obtained by capturing a printed material is a query. However, information for use in the search can be added at the time of printing. For example, the superimposed image information may be displayed by embedding information of the superimposed image in a printed matter using a digital watermark technique and reading the information. In this case, in the process of setting the print setting information, after obtaining the superimposed image, the process of embedding information indicating the superimposed image in the print data is performed and output to the printing apparatus.

  Further, instead of displaying the superimposed image as it is, an alignment marker indicating the pasting position on the object may be created and projected. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a marker 1003 for alignment is created by analyzing the superimposed image 1001, and projected so as to be superimposed on the pasting object 1002 and the printed material 1004 as shown in FIG. May be. The marker for alignment can be created by extracting positions corresponding to the contours and corners of the printed material using an existing image processing technique. In this case, when the pasting object 1002 and the printed material 1004 are moved, the marker 1003 may be projected following the object, but for example, the user recognizes by projecting the marker 1003 while it is stationary. The accuracy of the marker position is improved.

  As described above, by recognizing the object to be pasted or the printed matter, it is possible to display an image serving as a guide when performing the pasting work. However, the surface of the pasting object imaged as the target object image and the surface of the pasting object imaged for use in the search process as the query image need to match. In this case, the flow of FIG. 6 may be performed for each surface that may be attached, and the print data and the superimposed image may be associated for each surface.

  In the above-described modification, the flowchart in FIG. 7 is activated in response to the user specifying a mode or application, but may be activated in response to the end of the process in the flowchart in FIG. 6, for example. In this case, since there is a high possibility that an operation of actually pasting the print data that has been the object of processing up to that point will be performed, processing is performed by acquiring and projecting a superimposed image associated with the print data. The guide function can be realized with simplification.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, as described above, the information processing apparatus is a general-purpose information processing apparatus such as a normal personal computer and can be realized by a computer program that operates on the general-purpose information processing apparatus. is there. Therefore, it is obvious that the present invention falls within the category of computer programs. In general, the computer program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CDROM, and can be executed by setting it in a corresponding drive of the computer and copying or installing it in the system. Therefore, it is obvious that the present invention includes such a computer-readable storage medium as a category.

Claims (20)

Detecting means for detecting an object existing in a predetermined space;
Acquisition means for acquiring shape information of the object detected by the detection means;
Projection control means for projecting a candidate image placed on the surface of the object onto the object detected by the detection means;
Setting means for setting print setting information for printing the candidate image on a predetermined printing device based on the candidate image and the shape information of the object;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Recognizing means for recognizing an instruction to deform the projected candidate image;
The setting means sets print setting information for causing the predetermined printing apparatus to print the candidate image based on the candidate image deformed by the instruction recognized by the recognition means and the shape information of the object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recognition unit recognizes a gesture operation performed by a user as an instruction to deform an image projected on the object.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object detected by the detection unit is an object to which a printed matter on which the candidate image is printed is attached.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the print setting information to a predetermined printing apparatus.   The information according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the projection control unit reflects a deformation caused by an instruction recognized by the recognition unit in an image projected on the object detected by the detection unit. Processing equipment. The projection control means includes
The said predetermined printing apparatus further projects the image which shows the position on the said object which affixes the printed matter printed according to the said print setting information, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. It further comprises imaging means for imaging the inside of the predetermined space,
The projection control means includes
The imaging unit captures an image of the object and an image projected on the object when the setting unit sets the print setting information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a position on the object to which the printed material is pasted is indicated by projecting on the object detected by the detection unit. A first image obtained by capturing the object and an image projected on the object when the setting unit sets the print setting information;
Association means for associating and storing in the storage unit the second image obtained by imaging the object when the image is not projected;
A specifying unit for specifying an image similar to an image of an object existing in the predetermined space captured by the imaging unit among the second images stored in the storage unit;
The said projection control means projects the 1st image matched with the 2nd image specified by the said specification means on the said object by the said matching means, The said object is characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. The association unit further associates the first image with the candidate image projected on the object and stores the association in the storage unit.
The specifying unit specifies an image similar to a printed matter existing in the predetermined space captured by the imaging unit from among the candidate images stored in the storage unit,
The said projection control means projects the 1st image matched with the 2nd image specified by the said specifying means on the said object by the said matching means, The said object is characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. A first image obtained by capturing the object and an image projected on the object when the setting unit sets the print setting information;
Association means for associating and storing the candidate image projected on the object in a storage unit;
A specifying unit for specifying an image similar to a printed matter existing in the predetermined space imaged by the imaging unit among the candidate images stored in the storage unit;
The said projection control means projects the 1st image matched with the 2nd image specified by the said specification means on the said object by the said matching means, The said object is characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. The association unit further associates the first image with the second image obtained by imaging the object when the imaging unit is not projected, and stores the first image in the storage unit.
The specifying unit specifies an image similar to an image of an object existing in the predetermined space captured by the imaging unit from among the second images stored in the storage unit,
12. The projection control unit according to claim 11, wherein the projection control unit causes the association unit to project a first image associated with the second image identified by the identification unit onto the object. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined printing apparatus prints a candidate image on a surface of the object.   A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 by being read and executed by a computer.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 14. A detecting step of detecting an object existing in a predetermined space by a detecting means;
An acquisition step of acquiring shape information of the object detected in the detection step by an acquisition unit;
A projection control step of projecting a candidate image placed on the surface of the object onto the object detected in the detection step by a projection control means;
A setting step of setting print setting information for printing the candidate image on a predetermined printing device based on the candidate image and the shape information of the object by setting means;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: A recognition step of recognizing an instruction to deform the projected candidate image by a recognition unit;
In the setting step, print setting information for causing the predetermined printing apparatus to print the candidate image is set based on the candidate image deformed by the instruction recognized in the recognition step and the shape information of the object. The method of controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 16.   The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 17, wherein in the recognition step, a gesture operation performed by a user is recognized as an instruction to deform an image projected on the object.   The control of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the object detected in the detection step is an object to which a printed matter on which the image to be printed is printed is pasted. Method.   20. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 16, further comprising an output step of outputting the print setting information to a predetermined printing apparatus.

Images