Installation simulation method

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when a result of simulation related to installation of a projector is a result that the projector cannot be installed, a user needs to select another model again.SOLUTION: An installation simulation method includes: acquiring a space image in which a space for installing a projector is imaged; extracting a plane region on the basis of the space image; receiving, in response to a user's instruction, designation of a projection region on which a projection image output from the projector is projected on the basis of the space image; and extracting an installation region in which the projector can be installed and a selection candidate for the projector on the basis of the plane region and the projection region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation simulation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an installation simulation device that can confirm the installation status of a projector based on an installation location image, a projection location image, and a projector name. The installation location image is an image of the location where the projector is installed. The projection location image is an image of the location where the image output from the projector is projected. The projector name is input by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-39885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above installation simulation device, the user inputs the projector name, so the installation status of a specific projector model can be confirmed. If the simulation result by the installation simulation device indicates that the projector cannot be placed, the user must select a different model again. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The installation simulation method includes acquiring a spatial image of a space in which a projector is to be installed, extracting a planar area based on the spatial image, accepting, based on the spatial image, a user's instruction to specify a projection area onto which a projection image output from the projector is to be projected, and extracting, based on the planar area and the projection area, an installation area in which the projector can be installed and selection candidates for the projector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simulation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a simulation device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of an installation simulation process. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing how a space is imaged by an imaging camera. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a virtual space model generated based on a space image. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a virtual space model. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a simulation result. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an option information image. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a simulation result. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram for schematically explaining distance information relating to a wall surface of an installation area. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a condition input image. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a simulation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As shown in FIG. 1, the simulation system 1 includes a simulation device 2 and a server 3. The simulation system 1 allows a user who does not own an actual projector to check the installation status of the projector by capturing an image of the space in which the user wants to install the projector. The user can capture an image of the space in which the user wants to install the projector via the simulation device 2. The user can check the installation status of the projector via the simulation device 2.

[0008] A smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like can be used as the simulation device 2. A general-purpose computer can also be used as the simulation device 2. The simulation device 2 is connected to a network 4. The server 3 is connected to the network 4. The simulation device 2 and the server 3 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network 4. A configuration in which the simulation device 2 and the server 3 are connected via the network 4 is called a simulation system 1.

[0009] The network 4 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), and communication is performed according to a communication standard for wired connection or a communication standard for wireless connection. The connection between the simulation device 2 and the network 4 is not limited to a wired connection and may be a wireless connection. Furthermore, the connection between the server 3 and the network 4 is not limited to a wired connection and may be a wireless connection. The server 3 provides various information and data to the simulation device 2 connected via the network 4. The information and data provided from the server 3 to the simulation device 2 include the model names of various projectors, the dimensions of each model, information on optional items applicable to each model, etc.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the simulation device 2 includes a terminal communication interface 11, a terminal control unit 12, a terminal memory 13, a display panel 14, an input unit 15, an imaging camera 16, and an inertial detection unit 17. The terminal control unit 12 is an example of a control unit. In FIG. 2, the interface is denoted as I / F. The terminal communication interface 11 is communicatively connected to the server 3. The terminal communication interface 11 includes, for example, a connection port for wired communication, an antenna for wireless communication, and an interface circuit. The terminal communication interface 11 receives various information and data from the server 3. The terminal communication interface 11 transmits various requests to the server 3. The terminal communication interface 11 outputs the information and data received from the server 3 to the terminal control unit 12.

[0011] The terminal control unit 12 is a controller that controls the simulation device 2. The terminal control unit 12 performs overall control of the operation of the simulation device 2 by executing a control program stored in the terminal memory 13. The terminal control unit 12 is a processor. For example, a CPU or an MPU can be used as the processor. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit. The terminal memory 13 is composed of RAM, ROM, etc. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is used for temporary storage of various data, etc., and ROM stores control programs for controlling the operation of the simulation device 2, various setting data, etc.

[0012] The display panel 14 displays images based on various information and data. The display panel 14 is an example of a display device. The input unit 15 accepts input operations by the user. The input unit 15 can be, for example, an input device such as a touch panel. The input unit 15 accepts input by touch operations by the user. Input by touch operations includes input of characters and symbols by touch operations, point specification by touch operations, area specification by touch operations, etc. The results of the input by the user are transmitted from the input unit 15 to the terminal control unit 12.

[0013] The imaging camera 16 is equipped with an image sensor. The imaging camera 16 captures an image using the image sensor. The inertial detection unit 17 measures the movement of an object. The inertial detection unit 17 includes multiple acceleration sensors and multiple angular velocity sensors. The multiple acceleration sensors detect acceleration in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The multiple angular velocity sensors detect angular velocity around each of the three mutually orthogonal axes. With this configuration, the inertial detection unit 17 can measure the three-dimensional movement of an object.

[0014] In this embodiment, the simulation apparatus 2 is provided with an inertial detection unit 17. Therefore, the inertial detection unit 17 measures the movement of the simulation apparatus 2. In this embodiment, the simulation apparatus 2 is provided with an imaging camera 16. Therefore, the movement of the simulation apparatus 2 is equivalent to the movement of the imaging camera 16. In other words, the inertial detection unit 17 measures the movement of the imaging camera 16.

[0015] The terminal control unit 12 functions as various functional units by executing control programs, application software, APIs, etc. stored in the terminal memory 13. API is an abbreviation for Application Programming Interface. The terminal control unit 12 includes, as functional units, a display control unit 21, an input reception unit 22, a camera control unit 23, and a movement measurement unit 24. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 12 includes, as functional units, a space virtual model generation unit 25 and an installation calculation unit 26.

[0016] The terminal control unit 12 executes a control program stored in the terminal memory 13, thereby functioning as a display control unit 21, an input receiving unit 22, a camera control unit 23, and a movement measurement unit 24. The terminal control unit 12 executes application software, APIs, etc., thereby functioning as a space virtual model generation unit 25 and an installation calculation unit 26. The display control unit 21 controls the driving of the display panel 14. The input receiving unit 22 receives various information and data input by the user via the input unit 15.

[0017] The camera control unit 23 controls the driving of the imaging camera 16. The camera control unit 23 accepts input of imaging data captured by the imaging camera 16. The user can capture a spatial image of the space in which the projector is installed via the imaging camera 16. The captured spatial image is not limited to a still image, but may also be a video. The movement measurement unit 24 measures the movement of the simulation device 2 based on the inertial motion detected by the inertial detection unit 17.

[0018] The virtual space model generation unit 25 generates a three-dimensional virtual model of the space in which the projector is installed based on a captured spatial image of the space in which the projector is installed. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional virtual model of the space in which the projector is installed can be generated based on the results of a user capturing a video of the spatial image and the movement of the simulation device 2. The virtual model of the space in which the projector is installed can be generated by utilizing a known AR system.

[0019] AR system is an abbreviation for Augmented Reality system. By utilizing an AR system, it is possible to grasp the dimensions and position of objects in a space such as a room. A virtual model of a space can be generated by using an AR system in conjunction with application software or API. An example of an AR system is RoomPlan, which uses a LiDAR scanner. LiDAR is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. LiDAR is a technology that uses light to measure the distance, position, and shape of an object.

[0020] A user can cause the simulation device 2 to generate a virtual model of a space by taking multiple still images of the space, such as a room where a projector will be installed, while moving the simulation device 2. A user can also cause the simulation device 2 to generate a virtual model of a space by taking a video of the space, such as a room where a projector will be installed, while moving the simulation device 2. A virtual model of a space, such as a room where a projector will be installed, is called a spatial virtual model. A spatial virtual model is generated by utilizing the AR system described above.

[0021] The installation calculation unit 26 calculates the installation state when various types of projectors are virtually installed in the virtual space model. The installation calculation unit 26 simulates the installation state when the projectors are virtually installed in the virtual space model. The simulation results calculated by the installation calculation unit 26 are displayed on the display panel 14 of the simulation device 2. The user can refer to the simulation results via the display panel 14 of the simulation device 2.

[0022] When the installation calculation unit 26 performs a simulation, the terminal control unit 12 accesses the server 3 via the network 4. The terminal control unit 12 references information and data relating to various models of projectors from the server 3. At this time, the terminal control unit 12 may access the server 3 via an API or the like. The information and data relating to various models of projectors includes, for example, the dimensions of each model, projection specifications, information on optional items, etc.

[0023] Projection specifications of a projector are, for example, specifications related to the projection distance, focal length, image correction range, etc. based on the optical specifications of each model. The projection distance includes image brightness and focus adjustment range. The image correction range includes keystone correction. The simulation results by the simulation device 2 show how an image will look when projected by a projector virtually placed in a space such as a room.

[0024] The simulation results from the simulation device 2 allow the user to understand the position and size of the projected image. The simulation results from the simulation device 2 also allow the user to understand what happens when the projection magnification is changed, what happens when image correction is performed, what happens when image shift is performed, and so on. By referring to the simulation results, the user can understand how the projector will be used in the room after actually purchasing it.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the flow of the installation simulation process. The installation simulation process is performed by the terminal control unit 12 shown in Figure 2 executing the installation simulation method in accordance with the installation simulation program. The installation simulation process is started when the user starts the installation simulation application software. As shown in Figure 3, the installation simulation process includes 13 steps, from step S1 to step S13.

[0026] In step S1, the terminal control unit 12 acquires a spatial image. The spatial image is an image showing a space such as a room in which a projector is installed. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing how a space 30 is captured by the imaging camera 16. As shown in FIG. 4, a spatial image 31 is captured via the imaging camera 16 of the simulation device 2 in response to a user operation. The terminal control unit 12 activates the imaging camera 16 and then prompts the user to capture the spatial image 31. The spatial image 31 captured via the imaging camera 16 in response to a user operation is temporarily stored in the terminal memory 13.

[0027] In step S2 shown in Fig. 3, the terminal control unit 12 generates a space virtual model. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a space virtual model 32 generated based on a space image. The space virtual model 32 generated based on the space image is displayed on the display panel 14 of the simulation device 2. The processing of step S2 shown in Fig. 3 corresponds to the space virtual model generation unit 25 as a functional unit.

[0028] In step S3, the terminal control unit 12 extracts a planar area. As shown in FIG. 5, the planar area 33 is a flat area on which a projector can be installed. In FIG. 5, the planar area 33 is hatched for easier identification. The terminal control unit 12 extracts the planar area 33 based on the space image 31 shown in FIG. 4. The extracted planar area 33 is displayed in the virtual space model 32 as shown in FIG. 5. The user can understand the planar area 33 from the virtual space model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. The planar area 33 may be highlighted in the virtual space model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. For example, the highlighting can be achieved by blinking, changing color, or highlighting.

[0029] In step S4 shown in FIG. 3, the terminal control unit 12 accepts the designation of a projection area. The projection area is an area where a user wants to project an image using a projector. The projection area is designated by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the user can designate the projection area by touching the display panel 14 with a finger. The simulation device 2 can accept the designation of the projection area via the input unit 15 by the user's touch operation.

[0030] Step S4 is a process for accepting the designation of the projection area by accepting an operation by the user to designate the projection area based on the spatial image 31 displayed on the display panel 14. According to this method, the user can designate the projection area based on the spatial image 31 displayed on the display panel 14. The user can designate the projection area easily by tracing the touch panel with their fingertip. According to this method, even a user who is unfamiliar with operating a smartphone or tablet PC can intuitively designate the projection area.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the process of step S4 is performed until the user's input is completed in step S5. In other words, the designation of the projection area is accepted until the user's input is completed. When the acceptance of the designation of the projection area is completed, the projection area 34 is depicted in the space virtual model 32 as shown in Fig. 7. The projection area 34 may be highlighted in the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. For example, the highlighting can be achieved by blinking, changing the color, or highlighting.

[0032] In step S6, the terminal control unit 12 extracts an installation area 35 from the plurality of planar areas 33 shown in FIG. 7, in which a projector capable of projecting in the projection area 34 can be placed. In other words, among the plurality of planar areas 33, an area in which there is no model of projector capable of projecting in the projection area 34 is excluded from the installation area 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a first installation area 35A and a second installation area 35B are extracted, the first installation area 35A and the second installation area 35B are depicted in the space virtual model 32. The installation area 35 may be highlighted in the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. For example, the highlighting can be achieved by blinking, changing color, or highlighting.

[0033] In step S7, the terminal control unit 12 extracts the models of projectors that can be installed in each installation area 35. In step S7, the terminal control unit 12 accesses the server 3 via the network 4. The terminal control unit 12 collates information and data related to various models of projectors that can be installed in each installation area 35 with the server 3. At this time, the terminal control unit 12 acquires dimensional information of each installation area 35 based on the virtual space model 32.

[0034] The terminal control unit 12 extracts projector models that can be installed in each installation area 35 based on the dimensional information of each installation area 35. In this way, the terminal control unit 12 extracts projector models that can be installed in each installation area 35. At this time, the projector model names and information and data related to the models are temporarily saved in the terminal memory 13. The installation simulation method of this embodiment includes extracting projectors that can be installed based on the dimensional information of the installation area 35. This method makes it possible to avoid a situation where a user selects a projector and then finds out that it does not fit in the installation area 35.

[0035] In step S8 shown in FIG. 3, the terminal control unit 12 accepts the selection and specification of the installation area 35. The selection and specification of the installation area 35 is specified by the user. As shown in FIG. 9, the simulation device 2 displays candidate projectors 36 that can be placed in each installation area 35 of the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. The user can select a desired installation area 35 in the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14. When the user selects a desired installation area 35 in the space virtual model 32, candidate projectors 36 that fit the selected installation area 35 are displayed.

[0036] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when the user touches the first installation area 35A with his / her finger in the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14, a first candidate projector 36A is displayed. In other words, when the user selects the first installation area 35A, the first candidate projector 36A that matches the first installation area 35A is displayed. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, when the user touches the second installation area 35B with his / her finger in the space virtual model 32 displayed on the display panel 14, a second candidate projector 36B is displayed. In other words, when the user selects the second installation area 35B, the second candidate projector 36B that matches the second installation area 35B is displayed.

[0037] The user can refer to candidates 36 for each installation area 35. The candidates 36 are an example of selection candidates. This method allows the user to narrow down the many projector models available to candidates 36 that are suitable for the installation area 35 selected by the user.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the process of step S8 is performed until the user's selection and designation is confirmed in step S9. In other words, the selection and designation of the installation area 35 is accepted until the user's selection and designation is confirmed. Once the user's selection and designation is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the terminal control unit 12 displays the specified projector candidates 36 on the display panel 14. At this time, the projector candidates 36 are depicted in the virtual space model 32, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0039] In step S11 shown in FIG. 3, the terminal control unit 12 calculates the installation situation. The calculation of the installation situation is a simulation of the installation situation of the projector. The processing of step S11 corresponds to the installation calculation unit 26 as a functional unit. In step S12, the terminal control unit 12 displays the simulation results on the display panel 14. In the simulation results, the user can arbitrarily change the magnification of the projected image, try image correction, or try image shifting.

[0040] In step S13, the terminal control unit 12 determines whether or not an end instruction has been given by the user. If it is determined that an end instruction has been given by the user, the terminal control unit 12 ends the installation simulation process. If it is determined that an end instruction has not been given by the user, the terminal control unit 12 continues the process of step S12 until an end instruction is given by the user.

[0041] The installation simulation method of this embodiment includes accepting the designation of a projection area 34 at the user's instruction, and extracting an installation area 35 in which a projector can be installed and candidate projectors 36. The user can know the candidate projectors 36. If the simulation results show that the projector cannot be placed, the user can know the candidate projectors 36 at the stage of selecting the installation area 35. In a method in which a specific projector model is designated and then a simulation is performed, it is necessary to select a different model from the beginning. The installation simulation method of this embodiment can avoid this situation.

[0042] In the simulation system 1 of this embodiment, information about optional accessories for the projector can be displayed when the results are displayed on the simulation device 2. Examples of information about optional accessories include the names, model numbers, and specifications of candidate optional accessories. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when a user enlarges the size of a projection image 41 in a virtual space model 32 showing the simulation results, information about optional lenses can be displayed. The size conditions for the projection image 41 set by the user are an example of setting conditions.

[0043] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 12 displays optional item candidates on the display panel 14 based on the projector setting conditions specified by the user's instruction. The installation simulation method in this embodiment includes accepting the projector setting conditions specified by the user's instruction and displaying optional item candidates on the display panel 14 based on the setting conditions. For example, by setting the lens focal length as a projector setting condition, optional lenses can be suggested to the user if the standard model's lens focal length is insufficient.

[0044] For example, in a simulation, information about an optional lens can be displayed when the size of the image 41 projected by the projector 42 reaches the maximum size 41M that can be projected by the projector 42. Information about the optional item can be notified by displaying an image showing the information about the optional item on the display panel 14, as shown in FIG. 13, for example. The image shown in FIG. 13 is called an optional information image 43. The optional information image 43 is a type of GUI. GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface.

[0045] The option information image 43 shown in Fig. 13 includes information about the optional item, as well as a designation button 45 for designating whether or not to continue the simulation with the optional item applied. The option information image 43 shown in Fig. 13 includes a designation button 45A for designating YES and a designation button 45B for designating NO. The user can designate whether or not to continue the simulation with the optional item applied by selecting either designation button 45A or designation button 45B. When the user designates designation button 45A, the projected image 41 is displayed at the size when the optional item is applied, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0046] The processing of step S7 may include extracting projectors that can be installed based on dimensional information about the installation area 35 and distance information about the wall surfaces of the installation area 35. The distance information about the wall surfaces of the installation area 35 is, for example, a distance H1 between the installation area 35 and a tabletop 48, as shown in FIG. 15 . The distance H1 is the distance between the installation area 35 and a tabletop surface 48A of the tabletop 48. The tabletop surface 48A of the tabletop 48 is an example of a wall surface. Although the projector 42A can be placed in the installation area 35 in a planar manner based on the planar dimensions of the installation area 35, there may be cases where the distance H1 is insufficient for the height dimension of the projector 42A.

[0047] In such a case, it is effective to extract projectors that can be installed based on dimensional information about the installation area 35 and distance information about the walls of the installation area 35. That is, an installation simulation method that includes acquiring distance information about the walls of the installation area 35 and extracting projector candidates 36 based on the dimensional information and distance information is effective. This installation simulation method allows the projector to be installed based on the planar dimensions of the installation area 35, but prevents the walls adjacent to the installation area 35 from becoming an obstacle to installation. This method makes it possible to select a projector while taking into consideration obstacles such as walls adjacent to the installation area 35. The wall surface is not limited to the top panel surface 48A. The wall surface can also be the inner surface 49 of the side panel.

[0048] In step S8, the projector candidates 36 can also be narrowed down using predetermined conditions. For example, when there are a large number of candidates 36, the user can narrow down the candidates using desired conditions. Examples of conditions that can be used to narrow down the candidates include whether the projector is a flat-mounted type or a ceiling-mounted type, whether it is an ultra-short throw type or a normal type, the type of video input, and whether it has speakers. Further conditions that can be used to narrow down the candidates 36 include, for example, the weight of the projector, the color of the projector, and the price range of the projector. The user can narrow down the candidates 36 by specifying some or all of these conditions.

[0049] The narrowing down conditions can be input via a condition input image 50, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. The condition input image 50 is a GUI. The condition input image 50 allows the user to select from options for the installation direction, projector type, color, and price. This method improves convenience when there are a large number of candidates 36, as it makes it easier for the user to narrow down the results according to their preferences.

[0050] In the above description, a configuration in which a smartphone or tablet PC is used as the simulation device 2 is exemplified. The simulation device 2 is not limited to a smartphone or tablet PC. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a configuration in which a computer 51 and a camera 52 are combined can also be used as the simulation device 2. The computer 51 includes a display device 53 and an input device 54. The input device 54 can be various devices, such as an input keyboard or a mouse, either alone or in combination. The simulation system 10 shown in FIG. 17 also provides the same effects as the simulation system 1.

[0051] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Supplementary Note 1) An installation simulation method including: acquiring a spatial image of a space in which a projector is to be installed; extracting a planar area based on the spatial image; receiving, based on the spatial image, a user's instruction to specify a projection area onto which a projection image output from the projector is to be projected; and extracting, based on the planar area and the projection area, an installation area in which the projector can be installed and selection candidates for the projector. This installation simulation method includes accepting a projection area designation from a user, extracting an installation area in which a projector can be installed and a selection of projectors, allowing the user to know the selection of projectors.

[0052] (Appendix 2) An installation simulation method according to appendix 1, comprising: accepting a selection designation of the extracted installation area at the instruction of a user; and displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection designation. According to this installation simulation method, it is possible to narrow down the selection of projectors to those suitable for the installation area selected by the user.

[0053] (Appendix 3) An installation simulation method according to appendix 1 or 2, comprising: displaying the spatial image on a display device; and accepting a user's operation to specify the projection area based on the spatial image displayed on the display device, thereby accepting the specification of the projection area. According to this installation simulation method, the user can specify the projection area based on the spatial image displayed on the display device.

[0054] (Appendix 4) An installation simulation method described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, including accepting a selection designation of the extracted installation area at the user's instruction, displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection designation, accepting a designation of the projector from the selection candidates at the user's instruction, accepting setting conditions for the projector designated at the user's instruction, and displaying optional item candidates on the display device based on the setting conditions. According to this installation simulation method, it is possible to display options suitable for a projector designated by a user's instruction.

[0055] (Appendix 5) An installation simulation method described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, including displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection specification, and displaying the selection candidates on the display device includes acquiring dimensional information of the installation area and extracting the selection candidates for the projector based on the dimensional information. According to this installation simulation method, it is possible to extract a projector that fits the installation area based on the dimensional information of the selected installation area.

[0056] (Appendix 6) An installation simulation method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, comprising displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection designation, wherein displaying the selection candidates on the display device comprises acquiring distance information relating to a wall surface of the installation area selected by a user, and extracting the selection candidates for the projector based on the dimension information and the distance information. According to this installation simulation method, it is possible to install the projector within the dimensions of the installation area, but it is possible to avoid the wall surface adjacent to the installation area becoming an obstacle to the installation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...simulation system, 2...simulation device, 3...server, 4...network, 10...simulation system, 11...terminal communication interface, 12...terminal control unit, 13...terminal memory, 14...display panel, 15...input section, 16...imaging camera, 17...inertial detection section, 21...display control section, 22...input reception section, 23...camera control section, 24...motion measurement section, 25...spatial virtual model generation section, 26...installation calculation section, 30...space, 31...spatial image, 32...spatial virtual model, 33... Flat area, 34...projection area, 35...installation area, 35A...first installation area, 35B...second installation area, 36...candidate, 36A...first candidate, 36B...second candidate, 41...projected image, 41M...maximum size, 42...projector, 42A...projector, 43...optional information image, 45...designation button, 45A...designation button, 45B...designation button, 48...top panel, 48A...top panel surface, H1...distance, 49...inner surface, 50...condition input image, 51...computer, 52...camera, 53...display device, 54...input device.

Claims

1. Acquiring a spatial image capturing a space in which the projector is installed; Extracting a planar region based on the spatial image; receiving, based on the spatial image, a designation of a projection area onto which a projection image output from the projector is to be projected, by a user's instruction; extracting an installation area in which the projector can be installed and selection candidates for the projector based on the planar area and the projection area, Installation simulation method.

2. Accepting a selection designation of the extracted installation area by a user instruction; displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection designation. The installation simulation method according to claim 1 .

3. displaying the spatial image on a display device; and accepting a user's operation to designate the projection area based on the spatial image displayed on the display device, thereby accepting the designation of the projection area. The installation simulation method according to claim 1 .

4. Accepting a selection designation of the extracted installation area by a user instruction; displaying the selection candidates for the projector on a display device based on the selection designation; accepting a designation of the projector from the selection candidates in response to an instruction from a user; accepting setting conditions of the projector designated by an instruction from a user; and displaying on the display device options based on the set conditions. The installation simulation method according to claim 1 .

5. Displaying the selection candidates on the display device includes: acquiring dimensional information of the installation area; extracting the selection candidates for the projector based on the dimension information. The installation simulation method according to claim 2 .

6. Displaying the selection candidates on the display device includes: acquiring distance information relating to a wall surface of the installation area selected by a user; extracting the selection candidates for the projector based on the dimension information and the distance information. The installation simulation method according to claim 5 .

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