Information processing method, information processor, and program

Abstract

To improve visibility of a count result.SOLUTION: An information processing method by an information processor 1 including a control section 11 and a display section 14, the information processing method including the steps of: acquiring an original image included in a plurality of objects to be counted; identifying coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each outer periphery on the basis of coordinates of the outer periphery of each of the plurality of objects to be counted; and outputting, to a display section 14, a count result image generated by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a counting device that performs image analysis by shape model matching on a captured image of objects to be counted, counts the number of objects to be counted, and transmits the counting result to a user terminal as a matching result image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art documents, how to display the counting result is not considered, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of visibility.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the visibility of the counting result.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method by an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, acquiring an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specifying coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each of the outer peripheries based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, outputting a counting result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit, including

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, and the control unit acquires an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specifies coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each of the outer peripheries based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, outputs a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit, and executes operations including

[0008] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit to acquire an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specify coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each of the outer peripheries based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, output a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit, and execute operations including

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the visibility of the count result can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Figure 11A

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 can communicate with one or more other terminals via a network. The network includes, for example, a mobile communication network, the Internet, or a fixed communication network.

[0012] In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, only one information processing apparatus 1 is shown. However, the number of information processing apparatuses 1 is not limited to this. For example, the processing executed by the information processing apparatus 1 may be executed by a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 arranged in a distributed manner.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 1 may be a general-purpose device such as a PC or a dedicated device such as a workstation. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. As an alternative example, the information processing apparatus 1 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The information processing apparatus 1 may be installed, for example, in a facility dedicated to an operator or a shared facility including a data center.

[0014] The internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described in detail. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15. Each component of the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to be communicable with each other.

[0015] The control unit 11 includes, for example, one or more general-purpose processors including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 11 may include one or more dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Instead of including a processor, the control unit 11 may include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 11 may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control unit 11 controls the communication unit 12 to transmit and receive arbitrary information.

[0016] The control unit 11 can control the display content of the display unit 14. That is, the control unit 11 is configured to be controllable to cause the display unit 14 to execute arbitrary display processing when receiving control from the user.

[0017] The communication unit 12 includes a communication module corresponding to one or more wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards for connecting to a network. The communication unit 12 may include a module corresponding to one or more mobile communication standards including LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 12 may include a communication module or the like corresponding to one or more short-range communication standards or specifications including Bluetooth (registered trademark), AirDrop (registered trademark), IrDA, ZigBee (registered trademark), Felica (registered trademark), or RFID. The communication unit 12 transmits and receives any information via the network.

[0018] The storage unit 13 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 13 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 may store the information of the result analyzed or processed by the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 may store various information related to the operation or control of the information processing apparatus 1. The storage unit 13 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, and the like. The storage unit 13 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 1 and accessed from the information processing apparatus 1. For example, the storage unit 13 may store the count number of each object to be counted, the counting result, the superimposed image, and the counting result image in association with the original image.

[0019] The display unit 14 is, for example, a display. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. Instead of being provided in the information processing apparatus 1, the display unit 14 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 1 as an external output device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0020] The input unit 15 includes, for example, a touch sensor provided integrally with the display, a microphone, physical keys, capacitance keys, or a pointing device. The input unit 15 receives an operation for inputting information used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 1. When the input unit 15 includes a touch sensor, the input unit 15 detects contact of a user's finger or a stylus pen and specifies the contact position. The input unit 15 may be integrated with the display to form a touch panel display.

[0021] Hereinafter, details of the information processing method in the present embodiment will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality (here, six) of objects 22 to be counted stored in the container 23 are imaged by the camera 21. The object 22 to be counted is an arbitrary tangible object. The object 22 to be counted does not have to be stored in the container 23. The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 acquires an original image from the camera 21 before counting is performed.

[0023] The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 specifies the coordinates of the outer periphery of each of the plurality of objects 22 to be counted in the original image. The specifying method is arbitrary. Based on the specified coordinates, the control unit 11 specifies the coordinates of the superimposed image superimposed inside the outer periphery of each of the objects 22 to be counted. As an example shown in FIG. 3, in the method of specification, the control unit 11 detects a rectangular area 32 of a specified size or a maximum size inside the area of the object 22 to be counted.

[0024] The control unit 11 executes image analysis on the original image to count the number of a plurality of objects 22 to be counted. The counting method is arbitrary. The control unit 11 may calculate the vertical and horizontal lengths of the rectangular region 32 based on the length of the count number 31 (13 in the example of FIG. 3) and the number of digits of the count number 31. The control unit 11 superimposes the count number 31 as a superimposed image on the rectangular region 32 detected in the original image. The superimposed image includes numbers (i.e., the count number) indicating the order in which the counting was performed. The control unit 11 creates a count result image by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image, and outputs (i.e., displays) the count result image to the display unit 14.

[0025] As an additional example or an alternative example, when the control unit 11 cannot detect a rectangular region 32 within which the count number 31 fits inside the region of the object 22 to be counted, the size of the count number 31 may be changed so as to fit within the rectangular region 32.

[0026] The count result image 41 in the example of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 4. The display unit 14 outputs the count result image 41. The count result of the object 22 to be counted here is six. The count number 31 is superimposed on each of the objects 22 to be counted.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5A, the display unit 14 can receive from the user 51 a correction to the counting result in the counting result image 53. For example, the correction may be a correction for a counted object on which the superimposed image is not superimposed inside the outer periphery of the counted object 22, or a correction for the superimposed image superimposed on the coordinates where the counted object 22 does not exist. The display unit 14 here is a touch panel. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the user 51 selects the counted object 52 where counting omission has occurred. The selected counted object 52 may be displayed in a form (for example, different color, different background) distinguished from other counted objects. When the control unit 11 receives the selection of the counted object 52, the control unit 11 displays a message 54 such as "Do you want to correct the count?" on the display unit 14. The control unit 11 re-executes the counting in the counting result image 53. At this time, the control unit 11 does not add the counted object 52 to the initial counting result (here, 7), but re-does the counting for all the counted objects from the beginning and re-creates the superimposed image. That is, the count number for each counted object is re-done. As a result, the control unit 11 creates a new counting result image.

[0028] As an alternative example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the superimposed image may include one marker 55 (here, a round marker) for each object on which counting has been performed. In FIG. 5B, the process of correcting the counting result is the same as in the case of FIG. 5A. Redundant explanation is omitted.

[0029] In FIG. 5A, the case where the count number is added is described. As an alternative example, in FIG. 6, the case where the count number is decreased is described. The display unit 14 receives from the user 62 a correction to the counting result in the counting result image 63. The user 62 selects the object 61 on which counting has been performed redundantly. When the control unit 11 receives the selection of the object 61, the control unit 11 displays a message 64 such as "Do you want to correct the count?" on the display unit 14. The control unit 11 re-executes the counting in the counting result image 63. At this time, the control unit 11 does not subtract the object 61 from the initial counting result (here, 8), but re-does the counting from the beginning and re-creates the superimposed image. The count number is re-done. As a result, the control unit 11 creates a new counting result image.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, when making a correction, the control unit 11 reassigns the count numbers according to a predetermined rule. For example, the control unit 11 may scan the original image using a Hilbert curve and reassign the count numbers of the objects to be counted in the order in which the Hilbert curve overlaps with the objects to be counted. The rule for reassignment is arbitrary. An example of the reassignment rule is shown in FIG. 7A. Arrow FA indicates the order of counting the objects to be counted. Specifically, the control unit 11 sets the count number of the object to be counted 71 closest to the origin O to 1. The control unit 11 performs counting in the direction of axis B and sets the count number of the object to be counted 75 to 2. When the control unit 11 determines that the counting in the direction of axis B has ended, it performs counting in the direction of axis A. The control unit 11 sets the count number of the object to be counted 76 to 3. The control unit 11 changes the counting direction to the direction opposite to axis B and sets the count number of the object to be counted 72 to 4. Thereafter, the control unit 11 performs counting in a similar manner. The correspondence between the objects to be counted and the count numbers is as follows. Object to be counted 73: 5 Object to be counted 77: 6 Object to be counted 78: 7 Object to be counted 74: 8

[0031] As an alternative example, the control unit 11 may execute the reassignment rule shown in FIG. 7B. Specifically, the control unit 11 sets the count number of the object to be counted 71 closest to the origin O to 1. The control unit 11 performs counting in the direction of axis B and sets the count number of the object to be counted 75 to 2. When the control unit 11 determines that the counting in the direction of axis B has ended, it performs counting in the diagonal direction, which is the direction of axis A and opposite to axis B. The control unit 11 sets the count number of the new object to be counted 72 to 3. The control unit 11 performs counting in the direction of axis B and sets the count number of the object to be counted 76 to 4. Thereafter, the control unit 11 performs counting in a similar manner. The correspondence between the objects to be counted and the count numbers is as follows. Object to be counted 73: 5 Object to be counted 77: 6 Object to be counted 74: 7 Object to be counted 78: 8

[0032] As an alternative example, the control unit 11 may execute a rearrangement rule as shown in FIG. 7C. Specifically, the control unit 11 may set a larger count number for the object to be counted as the distance from the origin O to the object to be counted is farther. The correspondence between the object to be counted and the count number is as follows. Object to be counted 71: 1 Object to be counted 72: 2 Object to be counted 73: 3 Object to be counted 75: 4 Object to be counted 76: 5 Object to be counted 74: 6 Object to be counted 77: 7 Object to be counted 78: 8

[0033] An alternative example of the rearrangement rule is shown in FIG. 7D. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the type of the object to be counted and sets a different color for each type. The counting direction indicated by the arrow FA is the same as in the case of FIG. 7A. Therefore, a repeated explanation is omitted.

[0034] An alternative example of the rearrangement rule is shown in FIG. 7E. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the type of the object to be counted and sets a different color for each type. The control unit 11 performs counting for each type. Here, the object to be counted 72, the object to be counted 75, and the object to be counted 78 are of the same type, and the other objects to be counted are of different types. As an additional example, the control unit 11 may output the total value of the number of objects to be counted. The counting direction indicated by the arrow FA is the same as in the case of FIG. 7D. Therefore, a repeated explanation is omitted.

[0035] An alternative example of the rearrangement rule is shown in FIG. 7F. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the type of the object to be counted and sets the format of the count number (for example, color) to be different for each type. The control unit 11 performs counting for each type. The count number of each object to be counted is the same as in the case of FIG. 7E. Therefore, a repeated explanation is omitted.

[0036] In FIG. 7G, a rule for re-counting when the counting of some objects to be counted is missed is described. Here, the case where the counting of the object to be counted 79 is missed is described. When the control unit 11 receives the addition of the object to be counted 79 from the user, the control unit 11 may change only the display format of the object to be counted 79 so as to be distinguishable from other objects to be counted without displaying the count number of the object to be counted 79 on the display unit 14. With this configuration, it is easy to intuitively grasp the shape, orientation, size, etc. of an object that is likely to be missed in counting. As an additional example or an alternative example, when the control unit 11 receives the addition of the object to be counted 79 from the user, the control unit 11 may superimpose the next count number (here, 8) of the count result before the addition (here, 7) on the object to be counted 79 as a superimposed image. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus 1 makes it easy to grasp the final total number due to the addition.

[0037] In FIG. 7H, a method of displaying a counting result when the counting of some objects to be counted is missed is described. Here, the superimposed image includes a marker instead of a count number. When the control unit 11 receives the addition of the object to be counted 76 from the user, the control unit 11 displays the marker of the object to be counted 76 and the markers of other objects to be counted on the display unit 14 so as to be distinguishable. Further, the control unit 11 displays the number of markers of the object to be counted 76 (here, 1) and the number of markers of other objects to be counted (here, 7) on the display unit 14. With this configuration, the added object to be counted is intuitively easy to understand.

[0038] As an additional example or an alternative example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 11 receives from the user 82 a modification instruction to add the object to be counted 84 and the object to be counted 85 to the initial counting result (here, 7) on the display unit 14 and to decrease the object 86 from the counting result. When receiving the modification instruction, the control unit 11 displays the modification content 83. The display unit 14 may separate the area 87 for displaying the modification content 83 and the counting result image 88. As an alternative example, the display unit 14 may identify an area where the object to be counted is not detected in the counting result image 88 and pop-up display the area 87 for displaying the modification content 83 in the identified area. As an additional example or an alternative example, when the display unit 14 receives from the user 82 a request to enlarge a part of the area in the counting result image 88, it may display an enlarged image of the area designated as the enlargement target.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 11 may output the original image 91 and the counting result image 92 in a switchable manner. The switching between the original image 91 and the counting result image 92 may be performed by the user selecting the icon 93. In this case, the original image 91 and the counting result image 92 may be switched periodically and automatically.

[0040] A method for displaying the counting result image when the position of the object to be counted is shifted by slight vibration will be described. In this case, the object to be counted is, for example, a sphere. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 11 outputs, in a switchable manner, the first original image 102 before shaking the container that houses the object to be counted and the second original image 101 after shaking the container, the first counting result image 104 created by superimposing the superimposed image on the first original image 102, and the second counting result image 103 created by superimposing the superimposed image on the second original image 101.

[0041] As an additional example, when receiving the switching control by the user, the control unit 11 may switch both the first original image 102 and the second original image 101 to the first counting result image 104 and the second counting result image 103 simultaneously.

[0042] As an additional example or an alternative example, the case where the number of objects to be counted (here, six) desired to be in the container is predetermined will be described. In this case, the control unit 11 receives the input of the target value of the counting result via the input unit 15. As an alternative example, the control unit 11 may acquire the target value from the storage unit 13. When the control unit 11 executes counting and determines that the counting result is different from the target value, it determines that a counting error has occurred. When the counting result does not match the target value, it cannot be determined whether a simple counting mistake has occurred or whether there are not enough objects to be counted. The control unit 11 outputs an error notification to the display unit 14 to prompt the user to shake the container containing the objects to be counted in order to even out the objects to be counted for re - counting.

[0043] After the control unit 11 outputs the error notification, when it receives an instruction for re - counting from the user, it executes re - counting. When the control unit 11 determines that the result of the re - counting matches the target value, it cancels the counting error in the storage unit 13. When the control unit 11 determines that the result of the re - counting does not match the target value, it determines that an abnormality has occurred. The control unit 11 stores the determination result in the storage unit 13. As an additional example or an alternative example, the control unit 11 may determine that an abnormality has occurred when the fact that the result of the re - counting does not match the target value occurs continuously n times (n is a natural number of 2 or more).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 11A, the control unit 11 may use the mask image 111 as a superimposed image on the object 22 to be counted. The superimposed image may include the mask image 111 having a shape defined by the outer periphery 112 of the object to be counted. As shown in FIG. 11A, the mask image 111 includes a contour line along the outer periphery 112. As shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 11 may set the mask image 111 to be transparent. The mask image 111 may include the count number 113. The mask image 111 may not include a line indicating the contour along the outer periphery of the object 22 to be counted. This configuration includes the case where the line indicating the contour and the mask image are set to the same color and the same transparency.

[0045] As another example, it is assumed that for one object, multiple counts are erroneously performed and multiple count numbers are assigned. For example, when two count numbers are assigned to one object, the control unit 11 deletes, in the count result image, the first count number, the second count number, the mask image corresponding to the first count number, and the mask image corresponding to the second count number. The control unit 11 can correct the mask image together with the count number by receiving, from the user, a designation of the correct area of the mask image corresponding to the first count number newly in the display unit 14. As an alternative example, when two count numbers are assigned to one object, the control unit 11 may perform correction by any of the following methods. · A method of deleting the second count number and receiving a correction for designating the correct area of the mask image corresponding to the first count number · A method of receiving a correction for combining the mask image corresponding to the second count number with the mask image corresponding to the first count number

[0046] In FIG. 12, a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 is described.

[0047] In S1, the control unit 11 acquires an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted. In S2, the control unit 11 specifies the coordinates of the superimposed image superimposed inside each outer periphery based on the coordinates of the outer periphery of each of the plurality of objects to be counted.

[0048] In S3, the control unit 11 executes counting of the objects to be counted. In S4, the control unit 11 creates a count result image by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image, and outputs the created count result image to the display unit 14. As an additional example, the control unit 11 may output the original image and the count result image in a switchable manner. As an additional example, the control unit 11 may receive a correction from the user for the result of counting, and create a new count result image based on the result of the correction.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 includes acquiring an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specifying the coordinates of a superimposed image superimposed inside each outer periphery based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, and outputting to the display unit 14 a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image. With this configuration, since the information processing apparatus 1 superimposes a superimposed image indicating the count result on the original image, the visibility of the count result can be improved for the user. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 1 can superimpose the superimposed image on an object having a C-shaped form as illustrated in FIG. 3 by specifying the coordinates, so that the visibility by the user can be improved.

[0050] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes executing counting of the objects to be counted, accepting from the user a correction to the result of the counting, and creating a new count result image based on the result of the correction. With this configuration, the user can correct the count result to make it accurate.

[0051] Also according to this embodiment, the superimposed image includes a count number indicating the order in which the counting was performed, and in the new count result image, the count numbers are rearranged according to a predetermined rule. With this configuration, it is easier for the user to intuitively and visually grasp the final count result.

[0052] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes outputting the original image and the count result image in a switchable manner. With this configuration, it is easier for the user to grasp counting omissions.

[0053] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes outputting, in a switchable manner, the first original image before shaking the container that houses the objects to be counted and the second original image after shaking the container, respectively, to a first counting result image created by superimposing a superimposed image on the first original image and a second counting result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the second original image. With this configuration, the user can more intuitively and easily grasp the counting omission.

[0054] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes switching both the first original image and the second original image to the first counting result image and the second counting result image when receiving a switching control by the user. With this configuration, the user can more intuitively and easily grasp the counting omission.

[0055] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes obtaining a target value of the counting result, determining that a counting error has occurred when it is determined that the counting result and the target value are different, and outputting an error notification to the display unit 14 to prompt the user to shake the container that houses the objects to be counted to level the objects to be counted. With this configuration, the user can intuitively and easily understand the counting error.

[0056] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes performing counting again after outputting the error notification, and canceling the counting error when it is determined that the result of the repeated counting matches the target value. With this configuration, the user can reduce the risk of an incorrect counting result by shaking the container and counting again.

[0057] Also according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes determining that an abnormality has occurred when it is determined that the result of the repeated counting does not match the target value. With this configuration, the user can reduce the risk of an incorrect counting result by shaking the container and counting again.

[0058] Also, according to this embodiment, the superimposed image includes a transparent mask image. This configuration enables the user to intuitively grasp whether the object to be counted is accurately detected.

[0059] Also, according to this embodiment, the superimposed image includes a mask image having a shape defined by the outer periphery of the object to be counted. This configuration enables the user to intuitively grasp whether the shape of the object to be counted is accurately detected.

[0060] Also, according to this embodiment, the mask image does not include a line indicating a contour along the outer periphery. This configuration enables the user to make the mask image look beautiful as a design.

[0061] It should be noted that although the present disclosure is described based on the drawings and examples, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of means or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0062] The drawings for explaining the embodiments according to the present disclosure are schematic. The dimensional ratios on the drawings do not necessarily match the actual ones.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiment, a program that executes all or part of the functions or processes of the information processing apparatus 1 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) on which the program is recorded. The distribution of the program may also be performed by storing the program in the storage of an arbitrary server and transmitting the program from the arbitrary server to another computer. The program may also be provided as a program product. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is also possible to take an embodiment as a system, a program, and a storage medium (for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, or a memory card, etc.) on which the program is recorded.

[0064] The implementation form of the program is not limited to application programs such as object code compiled by a compiler and program code executed by an interpreter, and may be in the form of a program module incorporated in an operating system. Further, the program does not have to be configured such that all processing is performed only on the CPU on the control board. The program may be configured such that part or all of it is performed by another processing unit mounted on an expansion board or an expansion unit added to the board as necessary.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1 Information processing apparatus

Claims

1. An information processing method by an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, comprising: acquiring an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted; specifying coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each outer periphery based on coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted; outputting a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit. An information processing method including the above.

2. In the information processing method according to Claim 1, further comprising: executing counting of the objects to be counted; receiving a correction to the counting result from a user; creating a new count result image based on the correction result. An information processing method including the above.

3. In the information processing method according to Claim 2, the superimposed image includes a count number indicating the order in which the counting was performed, and the count number is rearranged according to a predetermined rule in the new count result image.

4. In the information processing method according to Claim 1, further comprising: outputting the original image and the count result image in a switchable manner.

5. In the information processing method according to Claim 4, switchably outputting a first original image before shaking a container containing the objects to be counted and a second original image after shaking the container, respectively, as a first count result image created by superimposing a superimposed image on the first original image and a second count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the second original image.

6. In the information processing method according to Claim 5, when receiving a switching control by a user, switching both the first original image and the second original image to the first count result image and the second count result image.

7. In the information processing method according to Claim 4, acquiring a target value of the counting result; when determining that the counting result is different from the target value, determining that a counting error has occurred, and outputting an error notification to the display unit to prompt shaking the container containing the objects to be counted to level the objects to be counted.

8. In the information processing method according to Claim 7, after outputting the error notification, executing counting again; when determining that the result of the re-counting matches the target value, canceling the counting error.

9. In the information processing method according to claim 8, when it is determined that the result of the re-count does not match the target value, an information processing method including determining that an abnormality has occurred.

10. In the information processing method according to claim 1, the superimposed image includes a transparent mask image, the information processing method.

11. In the information processing method according to claim 1, the superimposed image includes a mask image having a shape defined by the outer periphery of the object to be counted, the information processing method.

12. In the information processing method according to claim 11, the mask image does not include a line indicating a contour along the outer periphery, the information processing method.

13. An information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, wherein the control unit acquires an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specifies coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each of the outer peripheries based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, outputs a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit, An information processing apparatus that executes operations including.

14. In an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, acquires an original image including a plurality of objects to be counted, specifies coordinates of a superimposed image to be superimposed inside each of the outer peripheries based on the coordinates of the outer peripheries of each of the plurality of objects to be counted, outputs a count result image created by superimposing the superimposed image on the original image to the display unit, A program for causing the operation including to be executed.

Images