Product image providing method and product image providing program

Abstract

To provide a product image providing method and a product image providing program that are convenient for users.SOLUTION: A product image providing method for providing a 3D image of a product using a computer includes: a 3D model display step of receiving designation of the shape of a product from a user terminal 2, and causing the user terminal 2 to display a 3D model of the designated shape as a response; a mapped 3D model display step of receiving an operation to reflect design data onto the 3D model on the user terminal 2, and causing the user terminal 2 to display a mapped 3D model in which the design data has been mapped onto the 3D model; and a 3D image providing step of receiving a request to provide the 3D image from the user terminal 2, and transmitting a 3D image of the displayed mapped 3D model to the user terminal 2 as a response.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product image providing method and a product image providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, companies that frequently change their product packaging (such as food manufacturers and healthcare manufacturers) have begun using 3DCG (3-dimensional computer graphics) technology to create finished product images. For example, a finished product image is created by pasting design data for the product package onto a 3D model that represents the shape of the product (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Creating a finished product image using 3DCG eliminates the need to create a mockup, reducing the cost and effort required for the production process. 3D images of finished product images are widely used, for example, on corporate websites, e-commerce (EC) sites, and catalogs. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Monosatu 3D > Software Products”, [online], MDD Creative Co., Ltd., [Retrieved May 10, 2024], Internet<https: / / www.mdd-creative.com / product.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the past, service providers offering 3DCG technology provided users with 3DCG software, which they then ran on their own devices to create images of the finished product. This meant that, in principle, users themselves had to make advance preparations, including installing and initializing the software, which was time-consuming for users. Furthermore, because the devices on which the work could be performed were limited to those with the software installed, users sometimes found it difficult to perform the work when they wanted. Therefore, traditional services were not convenient for users.

[0006] From this perspective, the present invention provides a product image providing method and a product image providing program that are convenient for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A product image providing method according to the present invention is a method for providing a 3D image of a product using a computer. This product image providing method includes a 3D model display step, a mapped 3D model display step, and a 3D image providing step. In the 3D model display step, a designation of the shape of the product is accepted from the user terminal, and a 3D model of the designated shape is displayed on the user terminal in response. In the mapped 3D model display step, an operation to reflect design data onto the 3D model at the user terminal is accepted, and a mapped 3D model in which the design data is mapped onto the 3D model is displayed on the user terminal. In the 3D image providing step, a request for providing the 3D image is received from the user terminal, and a 3D image of the displayed mapped 3D model is transmitted to the user terminal as a response.

[0008] In the product image providing method according to the present invention, a service provider's computer (e.g., a server) performs 3DCG processing in response to a request from a user terminal, and returns the results to the user terminal. This eliminates the need to install and initialize 3DCG software on the user terminal, and the terminal on which the work is performed is not limited to a specific terminal. This provides convenience for the user.

[0009] In the 3D model display step, a plurality of the 3D models of the specified product may be displayed side by side in a 3D display area. In this case, the mapped 3D model display step preferably accepts an operation to reflect different design data on each 3D model, and displays a plurality of mapped 3D models with different designs in the 3D display area.

[0010] This makes it easier to compare designs, and is more convenient for the user.

[0011] The angle of the 3D model displayed in the 3D display area may be registered in advance. In this case, when an operation to apply a pre-registered angle is received on the user terminal, the mapped 3D model display step changes some or all of the multiple 3D models displayed in the 3D display area to the pre-registered angle.

[0012] This makes it easy to align the angles of multiple 3D models, which is more convenient for the user.

[0013] In the 3D model display step, the 3D model may be displayed with reflection possibility information indicating that the design data can be reflected attached to each part to which the design data can be reflected. In this case, the mapped 3D model display step preferably accepts an operation to reflect design data in the 3D model for each of the parts, and displays a mapped 3D model in which the design data is mapped for each of the parts.

[0014] This makes it easy to reflect the design data in the 3D model, which is more convenient for the user.

[0015] When an operation to reflect design data onto the 3D model is accepted on the user terminal, the mapped 3D model display step may display a trimming screen on the user terminal, accept specification of a trimming range of the design data via the trimming screen, and display a mapped 3D model in which the trimmed design data is mapped onto the 3D model.

[0016] This makes it easy to reflect the design data in the 3D model, which is more convenient for the user.

[0017] A product image providing program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described product image providing method.

[0018] The product image providing program according to the present invention enables a service provider's computer (e.g., a server) to perform 3DCG processing in response to a request from a user terminal. This eliminates the need to install and initialize 3DCG software on the user terminal, and the terminal on which the work is performed is not limited to a specific terminal. This provides convenience for the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention is convenient for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing (overall operation) of a product image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing (overall operation) of a product image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a product image creation screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an image diagram for explaining the processing of the mapped 3D model display step. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing (operation related to a preset angle function) of the product image providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a preset angle function. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing (operation related to a mapping location designation function) of a product image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a function for specifying a mapping location. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each drawing, common or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0022] <Configuration of product image providing system according to embodiment> The configuration of a product image providing system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product image providing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The product image providing system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system that uses 3DCG (3 Dimensional Computer Graphics) technology to create and provide 3D images of completed product images. 3D images of completed product images are widely used, for example, on corporate homepages, EC (Electronic Commerce) sites, catalogs, etc. The provision of 3D images realized by the product image providing system 1 is sometimes called a service, and the party that provides the service is called the "service provider," and the party that uses (receives) the service is called the "user."

[0024] The product image providing system 1 mainly comprises a user terminal 2 and a server 3. The user terminal 2 is a computer operated by a user. The server 3 is a computer managed by a service provider. The user terminal 2 and the server 3 can communicate with each other via a network (for example, the Internet). In this embodiment, the server 3 is assumed to be a cloud server. The server 3 is an example of a "product image providing device" in the claims, and the product image providing device is not limited to the form or configuration of the server 3 shown in this embodiment.

[0025] (User terminal configuration) The user terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The user registers his / her own information in advance with the server 3, and the server 3 identifies the user by, for example, a user ID. The user inputs the user ID when using a service. This allows the user to use the service without specifying the terminal.

[0026] The user terminal 2 mainly includes an input unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. The input unit 21 is configured by a keyboard having various function keys, a pointing device (one example is a mouse) having various buttons, etc. The input unit 21 outputs an operation signal input by the user to the control unit 24.

[0027] The display unit 22 is configured with a display or the like. The display unit 22 displays various screens and sounds in accordance with a display signal from the control unit 24. The input unit 21 and the display unit 22 can be configured as a single component (one example is a touch display). The touch display is an electronic component that displays various screens and accepts input of various instructions, information, etc. The touch display is, for example, a combination of a liquid crystal panel and a touch pad.

[0028] The communication unit 23 is configured with a network interface or the like, and transmits and receives data to and from the server 3 connected via a network. The communication unit 23 transmits, for example, information required to create a 3D image of a product to the server 3. The communication unit 23 also receives, for example, a 3D model or 3D image of a product reflecting design data from the server 3.

[0029] The control unit 24 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and comprehensively controls the processing operations of each unit of the user terminal 2. Specifically, the CPU reads out various processing programs stored in a storage unit (not shown), expands them in the RAM, and performs various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0030] (Configuration of the server "product image providing device") The server 3 is a device that creates and provides 3D images of products based on information acquired from the user. The server 3 mainly includes a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0031] The storage unit 31 is configured with non-volatile memory, etc. (Examples include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD)). The storage unit 31 stores programs and various data required for creating 3D product images. For example, the storage unit 31 stores a product image providing program, product design data, and 3D product models.

[0032] The product image providing program is a program for causing a computer to execute the product image providing method. The design data is one of the data that forms the basis of a 3D image, and may be, for example, the layout data for a product package.

[0033] A 3D model is one type of data that forms the basis of a 3D image, and is, for example, 3D shape data (shape-modeled data) that reproduces a product in a virtual 3D space. A 3D model may, for example, represent the range of surface shapes that can be seen by humans using multiple polygons (e.g., polygonal polygons).

[0034] The communication unit 32 is configured with a network interface or the like, and transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 2 connected via the network. The communication unit 32 receives, for example, information necessary for creating a 3D image of a product from the user terminal 2. The communication unit 32 also transmits, for example, a 3D model or 3D image of the product reflecting design data to the user terminal 2.

[0035] The control unit 33 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and comprehensively controls the processing operations of each unit of the server 3. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs (one example is a product image providing program) stored in the storage unit 31, loads them into the RAM, and performs various processes in cooperation with the programs. The control unit 33 executes the programs to realize various functions required for creating 3D product images (such as a design data trimming function, a design data mapping function, a preset angle function, and a mapping location designation function).

[0036] <Product image providing method according to the embodiment> 2A to 8, a description will be given of a product image providing method by the product image providing system 1 according to the embodiment. First, the overall operation of the product image providing system 1 will be described, and then the detailed operation will be described.

[0037] <Overall movement> 2A and 2B are example sequence diagrams showing the overall operation of the product image providing system 1 according to the embodiment. The operations of the user terminal 2 and the server 3 are mainly performed by the control units 24 and 33. In the following, the control units 24 and 33 may be omitted.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2A, the service provider registers a 3D model of a product (step S11). The service provider may register a 3D model of a specific product in response to a user's request, or may register a 3D model of a product selected by the service provider himself / herself. Here, it is assumed that the service provider registers 3D model data of a beverage can (drink can) and a cup noodle container (cup noodle container).

[0039] Next, the user starts using the service by entering a user ID, etc., and the user terminal 2 sends a display request for a product image creation screen to the server 3 (step S12). In response to this display request, the server 3 sends a product image creation screen (step S13). The user terminal 2 displays the product image creation screen (step S14). An example of the product image creation screen displayed on the user terminal 2 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] The product image creation screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 has a shape selection area 51 and a 3D display area 52. The shape selection area 51 is an area for selecting the shape of the product (the shape of the 3D model). In this embodiment, icons and product names of beverage cans and instant noodle containers registered in advance in step S11 are displayed, and either one of them can be selected.

[0041] The 3D display area 52 is an area for displaying 3D models before and after mapping the design (FIG. 3 shows the state before mapping). The 3D display area 52 can display multiple 3D models (three in FIG. 3) side by side. The 3D display area 52 has a size selection button 54, a preset angle button 55, a reset button 56, and a download button 57.

[0042] (3D model display step) The user selects one of the product shapes displayed in the shape selection area 51. Specifically, the user operates the check box 53 for the product shape they want to select to mark it as selected. The user terminal 2 transmits information about the product shape selected in the shape selection area 51 to the server 3, and specifies the product shape (step S15). In response, the server 3 transmits 3D model data related to the selected product shape (step S16).

[0043] Next, the user terminal 2 displays a 3D model in the 3D display area 52 based on the 3D model data received from the server 3 (step S17). In FIG. 3, 3D models of three beverage cans (3D models "A" to "C") are displayed side by side. The 3D models "A" to "C" displayed in the 3D display area 52 have reflection possibility information 59 indicating that the design data can be reflected. That is, in step S17, the user terminal 2 displays the 3D model with the reflection possibility information 59 attached in the 3D display area 52. The reflection possibility information 59 shown in FIG. 3 prompts the user to perform a drag-and-drop operation.

[0044] (Mapped 3D model display step) The user performs a reflection operation (e.g., drag and drop) to reflect the design data in 3D models "A" to "C" displayed in 3D display area 52 (step S18). FIG. 4 is an image diagram for explaining the processing of the mapped 3D model display step. In FIG. 4, the beverage can is assumed to be a coffee can. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the user decides to reflect design data 58a of the packaging of a coffee can in 3D model "A."

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2A, the user terminal 2 uploads the design data 58a used in the reflection operation to the server 3 (step S19). As shown in FIG. 2B, the server 3 accepts the upload of the design data 58a and responds with a trimming screen for the design data 58a (step S20). The user terminal 2 displays a trimming screen 60 (see FIG. 4(b)) (step S21). The trimming screen 60 is a screen for trimming the design data. Note that if trimming of the design data is not required, the processes of steps S20 to S23 can be omitted.

[0046] The trimming screen 60 shown in FIG. 4(b) has a trimming range designation area 61 and a trimming application button 62. The trimming range designation area 61 is an area for designating the trimming range. The trimming application button 62 is a button for executing trimming within the range designated in the trimming range designation area 61 .

[0047] The user specifies the trimming range of the design data using the trimming range specification area 61 and selects the trimming apply button 62 (step S22). Here, as shown in FIG. 4(b), it is assumed that a trimming range 61b (range excluding margins) is specified for a range 61a of the design data before trimming (block copy data with margins around the design portion). In other words, by specifying the trimming range 61b for the design data range 61a, the range to be uploaded is limited to only the design portion (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2B, the user terminal 2 transmits information about the trimming range specified in the trimming range specification area 61 to the server 3, and specifies the trimming range of the design data (step S23). The server 3 maps the trimmed design data to the 3D model (step S24). FIG. 4(d) shows an example of a mapped 3D model. The server 3 responds with the mapped 3D model data (step S25). The user terminal 2 displays the mapped 3D model in the 3D display area 52 (step S26). For example, the mapped 3D model (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(d)) is displayed in place of the 3D model "A" for which the reflection operation was performed.

[0049] 2B, the user changes the angle of the mapped 3D model displayed in the 3D display area 52 to a desired angle (step S27). If the user wants to return to the initial angle, the user presses the reset button 56 (see FIG. 3).

[0050] (3D image provision step) The user operates the size selection button 54 shown in FIG. 3 to select the download size. Then, the user presses the download button 57 (see FIG. 3) with the mapped 3D model displayed in the 3D display area 52 changed to the desired angle. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, the user terminal 2 transmits a download request for the 3D image of the product to the server 3 (step S28). In response, the server 3 downloads the 3D image of the product (step S29). The downloaded 3D image is at the angle selected by the user.

[0051] <Preset angle operations> The operation of the preset angle function of the product image providing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 (and Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 as appropriate). Fig. 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the operation of the preset angle function of the product image providing system 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the preset angle function.

[0052] In the product image providing system 1, angles of the 3D model displayed in the 3D display area 52 can be registered in advance. A pre-registered angle is called a "preset angle." For example, when the user presses the preset angle button 55 shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 displays a preset angle registration screen 70 (see FIG. 6(a)). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 2 transmits a preset angle registration request to the server 3 based on the user's operation on the preset angle registration screen 70 (step S51). Upon receiving the preset angle registration request, the server 3 registers the angle of the 3D model selected in the 3D display area 52 as a preset angle (step S52). FIG. 6(c) illustrates an example in which an angle of 3D model "A" is registered as a preset angle.

[0053] The process of applying a preset angle to a 3D model will now be described. The user operates the preset angle registration screen 70 (see FIG. 6(a)) to display the angle application screen 71 (see FIG. 6(b)) on the user terminal 2. The user operates the angle application screen 71 to select a 3D model to which the preset angle will be applied, and presses the apply button. FIG. 6(b) illustrates an example in which the preset angle is applied to 3D models "A" to "C."

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 2 transmits a request to apply a preset angle to the server 3 based on a user operation on the angle application screen 71 (see FIG. 6(b)) (step S61). Upon receiving the request to apply a preset angle, the server 3 sends preset angle information for the selected 3D model (step S62). The preset angle information may be, for example, a command to change the angle of the 3D model to a preset angle. The user terminal 2 changes the angle of the selected 3D model based on the received preset angle information (step S63). In FIG. 6(d), the angles of 3D models "A" to "C" have been changed to the preset angle, and all 3D models are now at the same angle.

[0055] <<Operations related to the mapping location specification function>> The operation of the mapping location designation function of the product image providing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 (and Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 as appropriate). Fig. 7 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the operation of the mapping location designation function of the product image providing system 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the mapping location designation function. In Fig. 7, description regarding trimming of design data is omitted.

[0056] In the product image providing system 1, it is possible to reflect design data for each part of a 3D model. Here, an explanation will be given assuming a cup noodle container. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the cup noodle container has reflectable information 59 attached to two parts: the lid and the cup. In other words, it is possible to reflect design data on both the lid and the cup of the 3D model of the cup noodle container.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 7, the user drags and drops design data onto a first portion of the 3D model (step S71). For example, when the user drags and moves design data 58b shown in Fig. 8(a) onto the 3D model of the cup noodle container, the area of ​​the 3D model of the cup noodle container is divided into two, upper and lower, and the area overlapping with design data 58b is displayed in an emphasized manner. In Fig. 8(a), design data 58b overlaps the area on the lid side, so the area on the lid side is displayed in an emphasized manner.

[0058] When the user drops the design data 58b in this state, the user terminal 2 uploads the design data 58b for the lid portion, as shown in Fig. 7 (step S72). The server 3 maps the design data 58b to a first portion of the 3D model (here, the lid portion of the instant noodle container) (step S73). The server 3 responds with the 3D model data that has been mapped to the first portion (step S74). The user terminal 2 displays the 3D model that has been mapped to the first portion in the 3D display area 52 (step S75). Fig. 8(d) shows an example of a 3D model that has been mapped to the first portion.

[0059] Next, the user drags and drops the design data onto a second portion of the 3D model (step S76). For example, if the user drags and moves design data 58c shown in Fig. 8(b) onto the 3D model of the cup noodle container, the area of ​​the 3D model of the cup noodle container is divided into two, upper and lower, and the area overlapping with design data 58b is displayed highlighted. In Fig. 8(b), design data 58c overlaps the area on the cup side, so the area on the cup side is displayed highlighted.

[0060] When the user drops the design data 58c in this state, the user terminal 2 uploads the design data 58c for the cup portion, as shown in Fig. 7 (step S77). The server 3 maps the design data 58c to the second portion of the 3D model (here, the cup portion of the instant noodle container) (step S78). The server 3 responds with the 3D model data that has been mapped to the first portion and the second portion (step S79). The user terminal 2 displays the 3D model that has been mapped to the first portion and the second portion in the 3D display area 52 (step S80). Fig. 8(e) shows an example of a 3D model that has been mapped to the first portion and the second portion.

[0061] As described above, the product image providing system 1 according to the embodiment performs 3DCG-related processing in the service provider's server 3 (product image providing device) in response to a request from the user terminal 2, and returns the results to the user terminal 2. Therefore, there is no need to install or initialize 3DCG software in the user terminal 2, and the terminal on which the work is performed is not limited to a specific terminal. This provides convenience for the user.

[0062] Furthermore, the product image providing system 1 can display multiple 3D models side by side in the 3D display area 52, and can reflect different design data in each 3D model. This makes it easy to compare designs, making it even more convenient for the user.

[0063] Furthermore, the product image providing system 1 has a preset angle function. That is, the product image providing system 1 can register angles for 3D models in advance, and can change some or all of the angles of multiple 3D models displayed in the 3D display area 52 to the pre-registered angles. This makes it easy to align the angles of multiple 3D models, making it even more convenient for users.

[0064] Furthermore, the product image providing system 1 has a function for specifying a mapping location. In other words, the product image providing system 1 can reflect design data for each part of a 3D model. This makes it easy to reflect design data on a 3D model, which is even more convenient for users.

[0065] The product image providing system 1 also has a function for trimming design data. That is, the product image providing system 1 accepts the design data trimming range specification via the trimming screen and maps the trimmed design data onto a 3D model. This makes it easy to reflect the design data onto the 3D model, providing greater convenience for the user.

[0066] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this and can be practiced within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Product image provision system 2. User terminal 3 Server (product image providing device) 21 Input section 22 Display section 23 Communications Department 24 Control Unit 31 Storage section 32 Communications Department 33 Control Unit 50 Product image creation screen 51 Shape Selection Area 52 3D display area 53 Checkboxes 54 Size selection button 55 Preset angle button 56 Reset button 57 Download button 58a, 58b, 58c design data 59 Information that can be reflected 60 Trimming screen 61 Cropping area 62 Trimming application button 70 Preset angle registration screen 71 Angle application screen

Claims

1. A product image providing method for providing a 3D image of a product using a computer, comprising: a 3D model display step of accepting a designation of a product shape from a user terminal and displaying a 3D model of the designated shape on the user terminal as a response; a mapped 3D model display step of accepting an operation of the user terminal to reflect design data onto the 3D model, and displaying, on the user terminal, a mapped 3D model in which the design data is mapped onto the 3D model; and a 3D image providing step of receiving a request for providing the 3D image from the user terminal and transmitting a 3D image of the displayed mapped 3D model to the user terminal as a response. A product image providing method characterized by:

2. In the 3D model display step, a plurality of the 3D models of the designated product are displayed side by side in a 3D display area, In the mapped 3D model display step, an operation for reflecting different design data on each 3D model is accepted, and a plurality of mapped 3D models with different designs are displayed in the 3D display area.

2. The product image providing method according to claim 1,

3. The angle of the 3D model displayed in the 3D display area can be registered in advance, When an operation to apply a pre-registered angle is received on the user terminal, the mapped 3D model display step changes some or all of the plurality of 3D models displayed in the 3D display area to the pre-registered angle.

3. The product image providing method according to claim 2.

4. In the 3D model display step, the 3D model is displayed with reflection possibility information indicating that the design data can be reflected for each part to which the design data can be reflected, In the mapped 3D model display step, an operation for reflecting design data onto the 3D model is accepted for each of the portions, and a mapped 3D model in which the design data is mapped for each of the portions is displayed.

2. The product image providing method according to claim 1,

5. When an operation to reflect design data onto the 3D model is accepted on the user terminal, the mapped 3D model display step displays a trimming screen on the user terminal, accepts designation of a trimming range of the design data, and displays a mapped 3D model in which the trimmed design data is mapped onto the 3D model.

2. The product image providing method according to claim 1,

6. A product image providing program for causing a computer to execute the product image providing method according to claim 1.

Images