Size Measurement System

Abstract

A size measurement system is provided that accurately measures the size of a three-dimensional object, particularly the body size of a user, without requiring complicated measurement work. [Solution] The size measurement system comprises a size measuring device 10 that has multiple identifiable markers on its surface and is worn on the user's body when measuring the user's body size, a measurement terminal 20 that takes a photo of the user wearing the size measuring device 10 and measures the user's body size, a business terminal 30 that is operated by a provider that provides the size measuring device 10, and a product data management server 40 that stores a database of product data including size information for products such as clothing worn by the user.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a size measurement system, specifically to a size measurement system for measuring the size of a three-dimensional object, and more particularly to a size measurement system for capturing the three-dimensional shape of a body and measuring its size. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of Internet technology, e-commerce sites have begun to handle a wide variety of products, and their sales have been steadily increasing. The number of users is increasing significantly due to the convenience of being able to order products online using a PC or mobile device and then have the products delivered to their home without having to visit a physical store. Many of the above-mentioned e-commerce sites handle apparel items such as clothing, hats, and footwear, and the number of users is fast approaching that of physical stores.

[0003] However, when purchasing the above apparel products, it may be unclear whether the product actually fits the user's body size or shape, and the user must try on the product after receiving it, and if it does not fit, must return the product and reorder a different size.

[0004] As one of the conventional techniques for solving the above problems, a portable information device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The portable information device disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the dimensions of clothing by photographing clothing placed on a flat surface and a reference object of specified dimensions, and also inputs the dimensions of a part of the body that will be exposed when the user wears the clothing, and calculates the dimensions of each part of the user's body based on the input dimensions of the exposed part of the body and the dimensions of the clothing. Specifically, the portable information device of Patent Document 1 calculates the entire length of a user's arm by adding together the length of the sleeve of the clothing, for example, when the clothing is a top, and the length of the user's exposed arm. Moreover, the portable information device of Patent Document 1 calculates the shoulder width of the clothing as the approximate shoulder width of the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication 2018-19843 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when using the portable information device of Patent Document 1, the user must measure the dimensions of the body parts exposed by clothing using a tape measure or the like, which is not only cumbersome but also poses the problem that the measurements may not be performed properly and the measurement accuracy may be low. In addition, the portable information device in Patent Document 1 above uses the measurements of clothing as the user's body measurements, but if the clothing is loose-fitting, there is a problem in that the measurement accuracy is significantly reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a size measurement system that can accurately measure the size of a three-dimensional object, in particular the body size of a user, without performing complicated measurement work.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to construct a 3D model that reflects the size of a three-dimensional object with high accuracy in order to measure the size of the three-dimensional object with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve this objective, the present invention provides a size measurement system for measuring a user's body size, which is characterized by having a size measurement device comprising a main body base material made of an elastic material that stretches to fit the user's body shape when worn by the user, and a plurality of inelastic markers that are placed on the main body base material, and a measurement terminal that recognizes the plurality of markers on the size measurement device when worn by the user and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of markers to measure the user's body size.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the size measurement system of the present invention, the measurement terminal recognizes multiple markers from multiple directions, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers, and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the body surface of the user wearing the size measurement tool based on the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of the markers.

[0011] In addition, according to the size measurement system of the present invention, the system further includes a business operator terminal operated by a provider that provides the size measuring tool to the user, and the business operator terminal stores main body substrate data indicating three-dimensional coordinates that represent the shape of the main body substrate and marker data indicating three-dimensional coordinates that represent the shape of the marker, places an image of the marker displayed based on the marker data on an image of the main body substrate displayed based on the main body substrate data, determines the position of the marker on the main body substrate, generates measuring tool data indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of the size measuring tool, and generates pattern data for the size measuring tool based on the measuring tool data.

[0012] In addition, according to the size measurement system of the present invention, the system further includes a management server that is connected to the measurement terminal via a network and stores a database that manages product data indicating the size of each of a plurality of products that can be worn by the user, and the measurement terminal transmits information on the measured body size of the user to the management server, and the management server refers to the database, compares the measured body size of the user with the sizes of the plurality of products indicated by the product data, extracts product data of products that match the user's body size or are within a predetermined value, and transmits the product data to the measurement terminal.

[0013] The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) 1. A computer system for measuring a size of a three-dimensional object, the computer system comprising: A receiving means for receiving an image of a three-dimensional object, the image being an image of a three-dimensional object to which a size measuring tool having a plurality of markers is attached, the plurality of markers including a marker that is unique within the size measuring tool; a 3D model construction means for constructing a 3D model of the three-dimensional object by transforming a default 3D model having a plurality of markers corresponding to the plurality of markers and the received image; A computer system comprising: (Item 2) The computer system of item 1, wherein the 3D model construction means constructs a 3D model of the three-dimensional object by deforming the default 3D model based on a virtual image obtained from the default 3D model and the received image. (Item 3) The 3D model construction means includes: calculating a displacement between a plurality of markers in the virtual image and corresponding markers in the received image; constructing the 3D model by deforming the default 3D model to minimize the deviation; 3. The computer system of claim 2, configured to: (Item 4) A measuring means for measuring a size of the 3D model; A conversion means for converting the measured size into an actual size. Further equipped with The default 3D model is transformed in a virtual 3D space having a predetermined scale with respect to the actual 3D space; 4. The computer system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the conversion means converts the measured size into an actual size using the scale. (Item 5) The computer system described in item 4, wherein the scale between the virtual three-dimensional space and the actual three-dimensional space is predetermined by a ratio between the size of a plurality of markers of the default 3D model in the virtual three-dimensional space and the size of a plurality of markers of the size measuring device in the actual three-dimensional space. (Item 6) the plurality of markers includes markers that are non-unique within the size measurement device; The system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the 3D model construction means associates a non-unique marker in the default 3D model with a non-unique marker in the received image based on a relative position of the non-unique marker and the unique marker. (Item 7) 7. The system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the three-dimensional object is a human body. (Item 8) 8. The system of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the unique marker has an identification element, the identification element being a plurality of dots arranged in a unique pattern. (Item 9) A computer system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the computer system is a terminal device of a user; The size measuring tool; A size measurement system comprising: (Item 10) The size measuring system described in item 9, wherein the size measuring device comprises a stretchable main body substrate and the plurality of markers arranged on the main body substrate, and the plurality of markers are not stretchable. (Item 11) A program for measuring a size of a three-dimensional object, the program being executed in a computer system having a processor, the program comprising: receiving an image of a three-dimensional object, the image being an image of the three-dimensional object equipped with a size measuring tool having a plurality of markers, the plurality of markers including a marker that is unique within the size measuring tool; constructing a 3D model of the three-dimensional object by deforming a default 3D model having a plurality of markers corresponding to the plurality of markers and the received image; A program causing the processor to perform a process including the steps of: (Item 12) 1. A method for measuring a size of a three-dimensional object, comprising: receiving an image of a three-dimensional object, the image being an image of the three-dimensional object equipped with a size measuring tool having a plurality of markers, the plurality of markers including a marker that is unique within the size measuring tool; constructing a 3D model of the three-dimensional object by deforming a default 3D model having a plurality of markers corresponding to the plurality of markers and the received image; The method includes: (Item 13) A size measuring tool for measuring a size of a three-dimensional object, the size measuring tool being configured to be attached to the three-dimensional object, the size measuring tool comprising: A main body base material having elasticity; A plurality of markers disposed on the body substrate; wherein the plurality of markers includes markers that are unique within the size measuring device, and the plurality of markers is not scalable. (Item 14) Item 14. The size measuring device of item 13, wherein the plurality of markers includes markers that are non-unique within the size measuring device. (Item 15) Item 15. A size measuring device as described in item 14, wherein the non-unique marker is arranged on the body substrate so as to be located on at least one of the user's wrist, ankle, and neck when the user wears the size measuring device. (Item 16) 16. The size measuring tool according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the unique marker has an identification element, and the identification element is a plurality of dots arranged in a unique pattern. (Item 17) A business operator terminal operated by a business operator who provides a size measuring tool to a user, the size measuring tool having a main body base material made of a stretchable material and stretching to fit the body shape of the user when worn by the user, and a plurality of markers not having stretchability that are arranged on the main body base material, the business operator terminal stores main body base material data indicating three-dimensional coordinates representing a shape of the main body base material and marker data indicating three-dimensional coordinates representing a shape of the marker; An image of a marker displayed based on the marker data is placed on an image of the main body substrate displayed based on the main body substrate data, a position of the marker on the main body substrate is determined, and measuring tool data indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of the size measuring tool is generated. A business terminal that generates pattern data for the size measuring tool based on the measuring tool data. (Item 18) A measuring terminal that recognizes multiple markers of a size measuring tool worn by a user and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers to measure the body size of the user, the size measuring tool comprising a main body base material made of a stretchable material that stretches to fit the body shape of the user when worn by the user, and multiple markers that do not have stretchability and are arranged on the main body base material; a management server that is connected to the measurement terminal via a network and stores a database that manages product data indicating the size of each of a plurality of products that can be worn by a user; having The measurement terminal transmits information on the measured body size of the user to the management server, A size measurement system characterized in that the management server refers to the database, compares the measured body size of the user with the sizes of multiple products indicated by the product data, extracts product data of products that match the body size of the user or are within a predetermined value, and transmits the product data to the measurement terminal. (Item A1) A size measurement system for measuring a body size of a user, comprising: A size measuring tool including a main body base material made of a stretchable material and stretching to fit the body shape of the user when worn by the user, and a plurality of markers not having expandability and contraction that are arranged on the main body base material; and a measurement terminal that recognizes a plurality of markers on the size measuring tool when worn by a user, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of markers, and measures the body size of the user. (Item A2) The size measurement system described in item A1 is characterized in that the measurement terminal recognizes the multiple markers from multiple directions, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers, and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the body surface of the user wearing the size measurement tool based on the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of the markers. (Item A3) The size measuring device further includes a business operator terminal operated by a business operator that provides the size measuring tool to users, the business operator terminal stores main body base material data indicating three-dimensional coordinates representing a shape of the main body base material and marker data indicating three-dimensional coordinates representing a shape of the marker; An image of a marker displayed based on the marker data is placed on an image of the main body substrate displayed based on the main body substrate data, a position of the marker on the main body substrate is determined, and measuring tool data indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of the size measuring tool is generated. A size measurement system according to item A1 or 2, characterized in that pattern data for the size measuring tool is generated based on the measuring tool data. (Item A4) The measuring device further includes a management server that is connected to the measuring terminal via a network and stores a database that manages product data indicating the size of each of a plurality of products that can be worn by a user; The measurement terminal transmits information on the measured body size of the user to the management server, The size measurement system described in any one of items A1 to 3, characterized in that the management server refers to the database, compares the measured body size of the user with the sizes of multiple products indicated by the product data, extracts product data of products that match the body size of the user or are within a predetermined value, and transmits the product data to the measurement terminal.

[0014] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention among methods, devices, systems, computer programs, and recording media storing computer programs, are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The size measuring system of the present invention comprises a size measuring device having a main body base material made of an elastic material that stretches to fit the user's body shape when worn by the user, and a plurality of inelastic markers that are placed on the main body base material, and a measuring terminal that recognizes the plurality of markers on the size measuring device when worn by the user and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of markers to measure the user's body size, making it possible to accurately measure the user's body size without performing complicated measurement procedures.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in order to measure the user's body size with high accuracy, it is also possible to construct a 3D model that reflects the user's body size with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a size measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a size measuring tool in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a size measuring tool in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a measurement terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control unit 21 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data etc. stored in an information storage unit of a measuring terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a marker DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a carrier terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing data etc. stored in an information storage unit of a carrier terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a product data management server in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing data etc. stored in an information storage unit of a product data management server in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a product DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a manufacturing operation of the size measuring tool in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a stereoscopic image of a human body model represented by human body model data in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a stereoscopic image of the human body model represented by the human body model data after the placement positions of the markers have been set in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of paper pattern data according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16A]1 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow 200 of an operation for measuring a body size of a user in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process 300 for measuring a body size in another example of the flow 200 of the operation for measuring a body size of a user in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16C] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process 400 in which the 3D model construction means 211 in the first embodiment of the present invention constructs a 3D model in step S302. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of a user during shooting in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of a size measuring tool in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of a size measuring tool in a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] <First embodiment> [1] Overview of the First Embodiment The size measuring tool 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention has an overall shape similar to that of a garment or the like, and is made of a material such as a stretchable fabric on which markers are provided. The measuring terminal 20, which is an information processing device equipped with a photographing function, photographs the size measuring tool 10 worn by the user from multiple angles multiple times, and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers of the size measuring tool 10, thereby calculating the three-dimensional coordinates of the user's body surface, and can measure the user's body size. The measured body size of the user may be the size of the entire user's body, or may be the size of a part of the user's body. This allows users to easily purchase apparel products that fit their own body size.

[0019] The business operator terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention can easily generate design data for the size measuring tool 10 by synthesizing a three-dimensional image of the main body base material (fabric, cloth, etc.) of the size measuring tool 10 with a human body model and setting the placement position of a marker at any position on the main body base material, and by expanding this on a plane, pattern data for the size measuring tool 10 can also be easily generated.

[0020] [2] Configuration of the first embodiment (1) Overall configuration of size measurement system FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a size measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the size measurement system is composed of a size measuring device 10 which has a number of identifiable markers on its surface and is worn on the user's body when measuring the user's body size, a measuring terminal 20 which photographs the user wearing the size measuring device 10 to measure the user's body size, a business terminal 30 which is operated by a business provider that provides the size measuring device 10, and a product data management server 40 which stores a database of product data including size information for products such as clothing worn by the user.

[0021] (2) Configuration of size measuring tool 10 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the appearance of the size measuring tool 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a shirt-type size measuring tool 10 as an example, and Fig. 3 shows a trouser-type size measuring tool 10 as an example.

[0022] The size measuring tool 10 is entirely made of a material such as a stretchable fiber, and is formed into a shape that can be worn on the user's body, such as clothing or an accessory. For example, the size measuring tool 10 may be configured to form the shape of clothing or an accessory by itself, or a combination of multiple size measuring tools 10 may form the shape of clothing or an accessory. For example, the size measuring tool 10 may be configured to cover the entire user's body, or may be configured to cover a part of the user's body. In the size measuring tool 10, the portion made of this stretchable material is hereinafter referred to as the main body base material 11.

[0023] Examples of the stretchable material for the main body base material 11 include polyurethane elastic fibers, materials with high stretchability and elasticity such as polyester, or synthetic fibers blended with other fibers (cotton, etc.), and other materials commonly used for clothing, etc. may be used as long as the stretchability and elasticity can be ensured. For example, the main body base material 11 of the size measuring tool 10 is formed slightly smaller than the user's body size, and when the user puts it on (wears it), it stretches to fit the user's body shape and fits snugly to the user's body surface.

[0024] As described above, the main body base material 11 is formed into a shape that can be fitted (worn) snugly along the shape of the user's body, such as a clothing shape or an accessory shape. For example, the main body base material 11 may be in the shape of clothing such as a shirt, trousers, underwear, etc., or in the shape of an accessory such as a hat, socks, a hair band, or a wrist band.

[0025] A plurality of markers 12 are fixed to a main body base material 11 made of a stretchable material. The markers 12 are made of a material, such as metal or resin, that does not expand or contract or deform in response to the expansion of the main body base material 11. Since the markers 12 do not expand or contract or deform, the markers 12 can be used as a size reference even when the user wears the size measuring tool 10. In one example, the marker 12 may be made of a stretchable material, similar to the main body base material 11. The marker 12 is not particularly limited in terms of shape, size, surface design (pattern), color, material, etc., and various types may be used.

[0026] The above-mentioned shape, size, surface design (pattern), color, material, etc. of the markers 12 can be made different between the markers 12 to be used for identification of each marker 12. Each element for identifying each marker 12 is hereinafter referred to as an "identification element." Each marker 12 has an individually different identification element, and this makes each marker 12 unique within the size measuring tool 10. The measuring terminal 20 identifies each marker 12 by reading the identification element of the marker 12 by an optical reading method or the like. The identification element of the present invention may be any as long as it can be recognized in the processing of the captured image, but specific examples include a plurality of dots arranged in a unique pattern in each marker, and colors (including cases where colors are arranged over the entire surface of the marker, and cases where multiple colors are arranged for each area in the marker to form a unique marker as a whole). A preferred identification element in the present invention may be a plurality of dots arranged in a unique pattern in each marker. A further preferred identification element in the present invention may be a plurality of dots arranged in a unique pattern in each marker, and may be a plurality of dots formed as holes in a marker formed of a non-scaling material. The dots formed as holes in the marker may be of any size within a range that does not impair the non-scaling property of the marker, but may have a maximum dimension of about 5% to 15% of the maximum dimension of the marker, for example. For example, when the marker 12 is a circle having a diameter of about 20 mm, the dots may be a circle having a diameter of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. A marker having such multiple dots as identification elements can be manufactured from a single color non-scalable material, making it cheap and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, by minimizing the dots (holes in the marker), the non-scalable nature of the marker 12 is not compromised, and the marker 12 can still be used as a size reference. Also, by varying the number and position of the dots, the unique pattern of dots can be infinitely expanded, making it easy to increase or decrease the number of markers 12 on the size measuring tool 10. This allows larger or smaller size measuring tools 10 to be manufactured cheaply and easily.

[0027] When the user wears the size measuring tool 10, the main body base material 11 stretches along the body shape of the user, and the relative positions of the markers 12 arranged on the main body base material 11 change. The measurement terminal 20 measures the amount of this variation to measure the body size of the user.

[0028] For example, when a user wears the trouser-type size measuring tool 10 shown in FIG. 3 around his or her lower body in the same manner as wearing trousers, the size measuring tool 10 stretches to fit the size and shape of the user's lower body and measures the size and shape. For example, by aligning the waist portion of the size measuring tool 10 with the user's waist and wearing the size measuring tool 10 so that the bottom portion is positioned slightly above the user's ankles, the size measuring tool 10 will stretch in the lengthwise direction of the legs to match the user's body type, and will also stretch in the circumferential direction around the waist, hips, and legs to match the shape of the waist and hips or the thickness of the legs, etc. When the user removes the size measuring tool 10 from the lower body, like taking off tights, the size measuring tool 10 returns to its original size and shape.

[0029] (3) Configuration of the measuring terminal 20 The measurement terminal 20 is an information processing device that is operated when measuring the body size of a user. For example, the measurement terminal 20 is a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA, a PHS, or a PC. In one example, the measurement terminal 20 photographs and recognizes multiple markers 12 on the size measuring tool 10 worn by the user, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the recognized multiple markers 12, and measures the user's body size based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers 12.

[0030] In another example, the measurement terminal 20 photographs a user wearing the size measuring tool 10, constructs a 3D model of the user using the captured image, and measures the user's body size based on the constructed 3D model.

[0031] In addition, the measurement terminal 20 can use its communication function to communicate with the product data management server 40 via the network, and can search for products such as clothing that fit the user's body size based on the measured body size of the user.

[0032] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a configuration of the measurement terminal 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the measuring terminal 20 is composed of a control unit 21 which is composed of a CPU etc. and controls the entire measuring terminal 20, an information storage unit 22 which stores various information, a communication unit 23 which communicates with the product data management server 40 via the network 100, a display unit 24 which displays various information, an operation unit 25 which has various keys etc. and is used to input information, and a photographing unit 26 which has a camera etc. and inputs images. Moreover, the display unit 24 and the operation unit 25 may be integrally configured to configure a touch panel. Each of the units 21 to 26 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 21, various processes are executed.

[0033] The control unit 21 is a processing unit that controls the entire measuring terminal 20, and is configured, for example, by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 21 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 22 and writing of information to the information storage unit 22 .

[0034] The information storage unit 22 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 22 has an area for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 21 (for example, a program for realizing part of the processing shown in FIG. 16A, and the processing shown in FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C), a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 21 executes processing, etc. The control unit 21 reads out the programs (three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm, optimization algorithm, bundle adjustment algorithm, etc.) stored in the information storage unit 22, and develops them in the above-mentioned working area to execute various processes.

[0035] Further, the information storage unit 22 pre-stores measuring tool data indicating the arrangement positions of the markers 12 on the main body base material 11 of the size measuring tool 10. The above measuring tool data is generated by the business operator terminal 30, as described below.

[0036] The information storage unit 22 may store, for example, data for constructing a 3D model of the user, generated by a 3D model construction means 211 described later. The data for constructing the 3D model of the user may be data for expressing a 3D model, as known in the art. The data may be, for example, polygon data representing each vertex of the 3D model.

[0037] Furthermore, the information storage unit 22 may store data for constructing a default 3D model. The default 3D model is a 3D model that is a base when constructing a 3D model of a user. The base default 3D model may be, for example, a different model selected for each target user, or may be constant for each user. When the base default 3D model is constant for each user, the default 3D model may be constructed as a model having a height of, for example, about 170 cm and a body type that is an average of an average male body type and an average female body type. Since a height of about 170 cm is the average height of Japanese people, such a default 3D model is easy to use when constructing 3D models of users of various body types.

[0038] The default 3D model includes a plurality of markers corresponding to the plurality of markers 12 included in the size measuring tool 10. The plurality of markers included in the default 3D model are unique within the default 3D model, similar to the plurality of markers 12. The plurality of markers in the default 3D model are arranged at the same positions as the plurality of markers 12 are arranged when a person having the height and body type of the default 3D model wears the size measuring tool 10.

[0039] The data for constructing the default 3D model may be data for representing a 3D model as known in the art, for example, polygon data representing each vertex of the 3D model.

[0040] The communication unit 23 is an interface that controls communication with the product data management server 40 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 23 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0041] The display unit 24 is a display device such as a display or a lamp. The control unit 21 reads out an image from the information storage unit 22, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 21 also executes image output processing on image information received by the communication unit 23 from the product data management server 40 to generate screen information. The control unit 21 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 24. The display unit 24 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 21 can also output a control signal to the display unit 24 to turn on a lamp that the display unit 24 has.

[0042] The operation unit 25 includes an information input device including, for example, various keys and the like, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 24. The operation unit 25 accepts various operations by a user or the like, and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 21 or the like. When the control unit 21 receives the signal indicating the operation content, the control unit 21 outputs a control signal to the display unit 24 instructing the display unit 24 to perform a screen display according to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the display unit 24 receives the control signal, it performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 24 and the operation unit 25 may be integrated together to form a touch panel.

[0043] The photographing unit 26 includes a camera or the like, photographs the size measuring tool 10 worn by the user, and inputs the image of the size measuring tool 10 to the measuring terminal 20. In this specification, the image may be a still image or a moving image. When the image photographed by the photographing unit 26 is a moving image, the measuring terminal 20 may have a configuration for extracting a still image (planar image) from the moving image. For example, the measuring terminal 20 has known software for extracting a still image from a moving image, and this software can extract a still image from the moving image photographed by the photographing unit 26. Since the multiple markers 12 on the size measuring tool 10 are unique within the measuring tool 10, the multiple markers within the planar image are also unique within the planar image. The photographing unit 26 inputs the planar image data of the size measuring tool 10 inputted as described above to the control unit 21.

[0044] In one example, when planar image data of the size measuring tool 10 is input, the control unit 21 recognizes images of the multiple markers 12 placed on the size measuring tool 10 from the input planar image data, and recognizes which marker 12 is located at which position in the planar space shown in the planar image data. Furthermore, the control unit 21 recognizes the outline of the size measuring tool 10 (the boundary line with the background) in addition to the image of the marker 12 in the planar image data. The image recognition method used by the control unit 21 may be, for example, a conventional general optical reading method or other image recognition method. The control unit 21 calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of each marker 12 based on the recognition of each marker 12 and the planar coordinates within the planar image, and generates marker measurement data that is a collection of the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers 12. For example, the control unit 21 uses the principle of triangulation based on the planar coordinates of the marker 12 commonly recognized within the planar images of multiple image data to calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 and attitude information (three-dimensional coordinates and angles of the yaw, pitch, and roll shooting directions) of the measuring terminal 20 performing the shooting. The control unit 21 calculates user measurement data that represents the three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual point cloud located on the user's body surface, based on the calculated marker measurement data. Then, the control unit 21 calculates measured size data representing the size of a predetermined body part of the user based on the above user measurement data.

[0045] In another example, when the control unit 21 receives an image of a user wearing the size measuring tool 10 from the imaging unit 26, the control unit 21 constructs a 3D model of the user based on the received image.

[0046] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 21 in this example.

[0047] The control unit 21 may include at least a 3D model construction means 211.

[0048] The 3D model construction means 211 is configured to receive an image captured by the imaging unit 26 and construct a 3D model based on the received image. The 3D model construction means 211 constructs a 3D model of the user by, for example, transforming a default 3D model based on the default 3D model and the received image.

[0049] In one example, the 3D model construction means 211 recognizes the planar coordinates of the multiple markers 12 in the multiple received images, and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers 12 using the principle of triangulation. Then, the default 3D model is deformed so that the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers on the default 3D model become the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers 12 corresponding to each other. The 3D model constructed by deforming the default 3D model so that the three-dimensional coordinates of all the multiple markers on the default 3D model become the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers 12 corresponding to each other becomes the user's 3D model. Here, the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple markers on the default 3D model do not need to completely match the three-dimensional coordinates of the multiple corresponding markers 12, and a certain error (for example, ±5%) can be allowed.

[0050] In another example, the 3D model construction means 211 acquires a two-dimensional virtual image from a default 3D model, and deforms the default 3D model based on the virtual image acquired from the default 3D model and the received image. The virtual image is an image obtained by virtually photographing the default 3D model from a plurality of directions. At this time, it is preferable that the received image is an image photographed from the same direction as or close to the direction in which the virtual image is photographed. This is because it is easy to compare the virtual image with the received image in the subsequent processing. For example, if the virtual image is an image obtained by virtually photographing the default 3D model from 12 directions, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, ..., 12 o'clock, with respect to the default 3D model, it is preferable to photograph the user so that the received image is also photographed from 12 directions, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, ..., 12 o'clock with respect to the user. Furthermore, it is preferable that the camera position at which the received image was photographed is the same as or close to the camera position at which the virtual image was virtually photographed. This is because it is easy to compare the virtual image with the received image in the subsequent processing. For example, if the virtual image is virtually captured from a camera position about 2 m away from the subject and about 70 cm high, it is preferable to capture the user so that the received image is also captured from a virtual camera position about 2 m away from the subject and about 70 cm high. The multiple markers included in the default 3D model are unique within the default 3D model, and therefore are also unique within the virtual image.

[0051] The 3D model construction means 211, for example, calculates the deviation between a plurality of markers in a virtual image obtained from a default 3D model and a corresponding plurality of markers in a received image, and performs deformation based on the default 3D model so as to minimize the calculated deviation. Since the plurality of markers in a virtual image are unique in the virtual image, and the plurality of markers in a received image are also unique, it is possible to associate the plurality of markers in the virtual image with the corresponding plurality of markers in the received image. For example, the 3D model construction means 211 determines the positions of the plurality of markers in the virtual image that minimize the calculated deviation, and deforms the base default 3D model so as to have the plurality of markers at the determined positions. The 3D model constructed based on the default 3D model becomes the user's 3D model so as to minimize the deviation between all the plurality of markers in the virtual image obtained from the default 3D model and all the corresponding plurality of markers in the received image. Here, the deviation does not need to be completely zero, and may be a specific minimum value (for example, a fixed value or a value equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value). The 3D model construction means 211 can derive a deformation that minimizes the calculated deviation by any method. For example, the least squares method can be used to derive a deformation that minimizes the calculated deviation.

[0052] The deformation of the default 3D model by the 3D model construction means 211 may be performed in a virtual three-dimensional space. The virtual three-dimensional space is a space obtained by enlarging or reducing the actual three-dimensional space at a predetermined scale. By performing the deformation in the virtual three-dimensional space, the scale remains unchanged before and after the deformation, and it becomes easy to calculate the size in the actual three-dimensional space using the 3D model and scale after the deformation.

[0053] The scale between the virtual three-dimensional space and the actual three-dimensional space is determined in advance by, for example, the ratio between the size of the multiple markers on the default 3D model in the virtual three-dimensional space and the size of the multiple markers 12 on the size measuring tool 10 in the actual three-dimensional space. For example, if the size of the multiple markers on the default 3D model in the virtual three-dimensional space is X and the size of the multiple markers 12 on the size measuring tool 10 in the actual three-dimensional space is Y, the scale is determined as X:Y.

[0054] The control unit 21 may further include a measuring means 212 and a converting means 213 .

[0055] The measuring means 212 is configured to measure the body size of the 3D model of the user constructed by the 3D model construction means 211. The size measured by the measuring means 212 is the size in a virtual three-dimensional space. The measuring means 212 can measure the body size of the 3D model using a known method. For example, the measuring means 212 can determine the size of the measurement target part by slicing the 3D model into two-dimensional cross sections and measuring the dimensions in the two-dimensional cross sections of the measurement target part. For example, when measuring the waist circumference, the waist circumference can be measured by measuring the circumference in a two-dimensional cross section of the narrowest part of the waist. For example, when measuring the shoulder width, the shoulder width can be measured by measuring the length between both shoulders in a two-dimensional longitudinal section passing through both shoulders.

[0056] The conversion means 213 is configured to convert the body size measured by the measurement means 212 into an actual body size. As described above, the size measured by the measurement means 212 is a size in a virtual three-dimensional space, and therefore needs to be converted into a size in the actual three-dimensional space by the conversion means 212. The conversion means 213 converts the body size in the virtual three-dimensional space into a size in the actual three-dimensional space, for example, by using a scale between the virtual three-dimensional space and the actual three-dimensional space.

[0057] The control unit 21 calculates measured size data representing the size of a predetermined body part of the user based on the size in the actual three-dimensional space output by the conversion means 213.

[0058] The control unit 21 can output the calculated measured size data to the display unit 24 and display it on the display unit 24 . The control unit 21 can, for example, output a stereoscopic image of the 3D model of the user constructed by the 3D model construction means 211 to the display unit 24 and display it on the display unit 24. At this time, the display unit 24 may display the calculated value of the measured size data on or near the corresponding part of the stereoscopic image of the 3D model. The user can check the displayed measured size data (e.g., height, bust, waist, hips, etc.) and refer to it when purchasing apparel products (clothing, accessories, etc.) that fit his / her body size. For example, by displaying on the display unit 24 a value indicating the neck size and a value indicating the sleeve length size among the measured size data, the user can use this as a reference when selecting a dress shirt. For example, by displaying on the display unit 24 a value indicating the sleeve length size, a value indicating the shoulder width size, a value indicating the chest size, and a value indicating the length size among the measured size data, the user can use this as a reference when selecting a jacket. For example, by displaying on the display unit 24 a value indicating the waist size, a value indicating the hip size, a value indicating the thigh size, a value indicating the rise size, and a value indicating the inseam size among the measured size data, the user can use this as a reference when selecting pants.

[0059] The measurement terminal 20 can receive and display screen information, for example, a Web page, from a product data management server 40 that functions as a Web server. The measuring terminal 20 has a function in which the control unit 21 generates and transmits a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request in response to a user request, and a function in which the control unit 21 interprets an HTTP response (an example of a response) and presents it to the user. For example, the information storage unit 22 stores a Web browser as an example. The control unit 21 interprets the HTTP response, generates image data and audio data, and displays the data on the display unit 24 or outputs audio from a speaker that the measurement terminal 20 has, thereby presenting the HTTP response to the user.

[0060] When the communication unit 23 transmits the measured size data indicating the user's body size to the product data management server 40, the product data management server 40 extracts data on products (product data) that fit the body size indicated by the measured size data from a database (product DB421), and transmits product search result information (Web page, etc.), which is screen information including the product data, to the measurement terminal 20. When the communication unit 23 of the measurement terminal 20 receives the product search result information from the product data management server 40, it displays it on the display unit 24. By looking at the contents of the displayed product search result information, the user can easily learn about information on products such as clothing that fit his or her body size, making it easier for the user to select products to purchase. In addition, if the product search result information is a web page of an EC site, the user can operate the operation unit 25 to specify a specific area of ​​the product search result information displayed on the display unit 24 (such as by clicking a button), and then purchase the product directly on the EC site.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data etc. stored in the information storage unit 22 of the measuring terminal 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 22 stores a marker DB 221 that manages identification elements such as the shape of each marker 12, and human body model data 222 that indicates the body parts to be calculated as measured size data.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the marker DB 221 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the marker DB 221 manages text data or image data indicating the shape, size, surface design (pattern), color, material, and the like of the marker 12 for each marker. The control unit 21 of the measuring terminal 20 performs image recognition of the marker 12 shown in the captured planar image, for example, and identifies the marker 12 by referring to the marker DB 221.

[0063] The human body model data 222 is data of a human body model that represents a general human body shape, and is a set of three-dimensional coordinate data of a virtual point group located on the body surface of the human body model. The human body model data 222 may include data for constructing a 3D model of a user and data for constructing a default 3D model. The human body model data 222 also includes information indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of a group of points located on a line indicating the length of a body part to be calculated as measured size data. The control unit 21 of the measurement terminal 20 refers to the above-mentioned human body model data 222 to recognize the position of the body part to be calculated as the measured size data, identifies the position of the body part to be calculated as the above-mentioned measured size data on the user's body shown in the user measurement data, and calculates the user's body size by extracting the three-dimensional coordinates of the point cloud of the identified position.

[0064] (4) Configuration of carrier terminal 30 The business operator terminal 30 is an information processing device operated by a business operator that provides the size measuring tool 10 to users. For example, the carrier terminal 30 is an information processing device such as a PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA, or a PHS. The business operator terminal 30 sets the positions of the markers 12 on the main body base material 11 of the size measuring tool 10 to generate measuring tool data, and also generates pattern data for the size measuring tool 10 in which the positions of the markers 12 have been set.

[0065] The business operator terminal 30 generates paper pattern data of the size measuring tool 10 based on the measuring tool data including the three-dimensional coordinates of the virtual point cloud showing the surface of the size measuring tool 10, and the generating method may be to convert the measuring tool data, which is three-dimensional data, into paper pattern data, which is two-dimensional data, using a conventional so-called apparel CAD or the like, to generate the paper pattern data. Note that the generating method is not particularly limited.

[0066] The generated paper pattern data is input to a manufacturing device for a size measuring tool 10 (not shown), which is an information processing device equipped with cutting and sewing functions. The input method is not particularly limited, and for example, the data is input to a manufacturing device for the size measuring tool 10 using a communication function such as short-range wireless communication of the business terminal 30. The manufacturing device for the size measuring tool 10 cuts and sews a fiber fabric or the like that is the material of the main body base material 11 based on the inputted paper pattern data to manufacture the main body base material 11, and also fixes the markers 12 to predetermined positions on the main body base material 11 that are specified in the paper pattern data. The fixing method may be a conventional general one, and may be, for example, fixing with resin or adhesive, or fixing by sewing.

[0067] The paper pattern data may be input to a printing machine or the like, and printing and cutting may be performed based on the paper pattern data to create a normal paper pattern.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the operator terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the operator terminal 30 is composed of a control unit 31 which is composed of a CPU etc. and controls the entire operator terminal 30, an information storage unit 32 which stores various information, a communication unit 33 which performs communication processing, a display unit 34 which displays various information, an operation unit 35 which has various keys etc. and is used to input information, and a photographing unit 36 ​​which has a camera etc. and inputs images. Moreover, the display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrally configured to configure a touch panel. Each of the units 31 to 35 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 31, various processes are executed.

[0069] The control unit 31 is a processing unit that controls the entire carrier terminal 30, and is configured, for example, by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 31 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 32 and writing of information to the information storage unit 32 .

[0070] The information storage unit 32 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 32 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 31, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 31 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 31 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 32, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0071] The communication unit 33 is an interface that controls communication, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 33 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0072] The display unit 34 is a display device such as a display or a lamp. The control unit 31 reads out an image from the information storage unit 32, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 31 also executes image output processing on image information received by the communication unit 33 from the product data management server 40 to generate screen information. The control unit 31 outputs the generated image information to the display unit . The display unit 34 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can also output a control signal to the display unit 34 to light up a lamp that the display unit 34 has.

[0073] The operation unit 35 includes an information input device including, for example, various keys and the like, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 34. The operation unit 35 accepts various operations by a user or the like, and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 31 or the like. When the control unit 31 receives the signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 34 instructing the display unit 34 to perform a screen display according to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the display unit 34 receives the control signal, it performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrated together to form a touch panel.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data etc. stored in the information storage unit 32 of the carrier terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 32 stores human body model data 321, which is data on a human body model representing the physical shape of a typical human body, and which is a collection of data on the three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual point cloud located on the body surface of the human body model, main body base material data 322, which is a collection of data on the three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual point cloud indicating the shape of the main body base material 11, and marker data 323, which is a collection of data on the three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual point cloud indicating the shape of the marker 12, etc.

[0075] A plurality of patterns of human body models may be prepared in advance according to gender, age, race, etc., and in this case, the information storage unit 32 stores human body model data corresponding to the plurality of patterns.

[0076] The control unit 31 of the operator terminal 30 can generate three-dimensional images of the human body model, the main body base material 11, and the marker 12 based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the point clouds constituting the human body model data 321, the main body base material data 322, and the marker data 323, respectively, and display them on the display unit 34. This is due to the general prior art process of displaying stereoscopic images using point cloud data.

[0077] The control unit 31 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation on the three-dimensional image of the main body base material 11 to match the three-dimensional image of the human body model, and combines the two three-dimensional images to generate a three-dimensional image of what it would look like if the main body base material 11 was being worn by the human body model. In addition, the control unit 31 selects the type of marker 12, rotates the image of the main body base material 11 after the above-mentioned synthesis, and places and synthesizes the selected marker 12 on the three-dimensional image of the main body base material 11, thereby generating measuring tool data. The measuring tool data includes three-dimensional coordinate data of the point cloud constituting the main body base material 11 and the marker 12, and three-dimensional coordinate data of the placement position of the marker 12.

[0078] (5) Configuration of product data management server 40 The product data management server 40 is a server device that manages product data of apparel products, and also generates and provides web pages for selling the apparel products. The product data management server 40 is managed, for example, by an e-commerce site operator that sells apparel products on the Internet.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the product data management server 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the product data management server 40 is composed of a control unit 41 that controls the entire product data management server 40, an information storage unit 42 that stores product data, and a communication unit 43 that transmits and receives various information between the measurement terminal 20. Each of the units 41 to 43 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like are input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 41, various processes are executed.

[0080] The control unit 41 is a processing unit that controls the entire product data management server 40, and is configured, for example, by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 41 executes reading of information from the information storage unit 42 and writing of information to the information storage unit 42 .

[0081] The information storage unit 42 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 42 has an area for storing the programs executed by the control unit 41, a working area (such as a RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 41 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 41 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 42, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0082] The communication unit 43 is an interface that controls communication with the measuring terminal 20 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 43 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing data stored in the information storage unit 42 of the product data management server 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 42 stores a product DB 421 that manages product data.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the product DB 421 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, product DB421 manages the product name of an apparel product, the brand supplying the apparel product, the product category, size information, the color of the apparel product, the price of the apparel product, and the number of apparel products in stock, each associated with an ID (product ID) that identifies the apparel product.

[0085] The product category is an item that indicates a category to which an apparel product belongs. For example, apparel product categories include tops, pants, dresses, light outerwear, heavy outerwear, hats, bags, fashion accessories, accessories, and shoes. Furthermore, the product categories may be set in a multi-level hierarchy, such as a hierarchy of large categories followed by small categories. For example, the large category "tops" may include small categories such as "T-shirts," "polo shirts," and "hoodies," so that apparel product categories are further subdivided.

[0086] The size information is an item that indicates the size of the apparel product. The size information includes not only the overall size such as SML, which is a common size notation, but also information on the measurements of each part such as the bust, waist, hips, length, shoulder width, sleeve length, inseam, thigh circumference, etc.

[0087] [3] Operation of the First Embodiment (1) Manufacturing operation of the size measuring tool 10 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the manufacturing operation of the size measuring tool 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will be given with reference to this figure.

[0088] First, the provider operates the operation unit 35 of the provider terminal 30 to display a list of the human body model data stored in the information storage unit 35 on the display unit 34, and uses the operation unit 35 to select human body model data of an appropriate human body model (step S101). For example, the provider selects human body model data of an adult female with a normal build. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stereoscopic image 501 of a human body model represented by the human body model data in the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a stereoscopic image 501 of a typical human body model.

[0089] Next, the provider operates the operation unit 35 of the provider terminal 30 to display a list of the main body substrate data stored in the information storage unit 35 on the display unit 34, and uses the operation unit 35 to select appropriate main body substrate data (step S102). For example, the provider selects main body base material data indicating a main body base material 11 in the shape of a shirt.

[0090] Next, the provider operates the operation unit 35 to combine the image of the selected body base material data with the image of the selected human body model data (step S103). At this time, the provider operates the operation unit 35 to match the predetermined three-dimensional coordinates of the selected human body model data with the predetermined three-dimensional coordinates of the main body substrate data, and causes the provider terminal 30 to generate an image of the human body model wearing the main body substrate 11. The technology for combining an image of clothing or the like with an image of a human body may be a conventional technology and is not particularly limited. In addition, the image of the main body base material is appropriately enlarged, reduced, rotated, etc., in accordance with the size and shape of the image of the human body model.

[0091] Next, the provider operates the operation unit 35 to set the arrangement position of the marker 12 at an arbitrary position on the image of the main body base material 11 superimposed on the image of the human body model (step S104). For example, when the operation unit 35 is configured with a mouse or the like, the arrangement position of the marker 12 is set by clicking a predetermined position on the image of the main body base material 11 displayed on the display unit 34 .

[0092] As described above, the markers 12 are distinguishable from one another by their shapes, patterns, and the like, and are assigned a marker ID, which is an identification number, in advance. When setting the placement position of the marker 12, the provider selects the marker ID of the marker 12 to be set and then sets the placement position of the marker 12.

[0093] Once the placement position of the marker 12 has been set, the control unit 31 generates measuring tool data indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of a point cloud representing the surface shape of the main body base material 11, the three-dimensional coordinates of a point in the point cloud indicating the placement position of the marker 12, and the identification number of the marker 12 (step S104). In the above measuring tool data, the coordinates of the point where the marker 12 is placed correspond to the identification number of that marker 12, and it indicates which type of marker 12 is placed at which position on the main body base material 11. In reality, the marker 12 is larger than the points in the point cloud, for example, a circle of about 10 to 30 mm. Therefore, the center of the outline of the marker 12 or the center of gravity may be used as the placement position. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional image 501 of the human body model represented by the human body model data after the arrangement positions of the markers 12 have been set in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, an image 502 of the placement position of the marker 12 is shown at a set position on a stereoscopic image 501 of a human body model.

[0094] Next, the control unit 31 of the business operator terminal 30 generates paper pattern data for manufacturing the size measuring tool 10 based on the generated measuring tool data (step S105). That is, the control unit 31 converts the three-dimensional coordinates of the main body base material 11 indicated by the measuring tool data into planar coordinates, and generates pattern data for producing the size measuring tool 10. The control unit 31 also converts the three-dimensional coordinates of the placement positions of the markers 12 into two-dimensional coordinates of the pattern, and the pattern data includes information indicating which type of marker 12 is placed at which position on the pattern. The pattern data generated in this manner includes image data of the pattern for producing the size measuring tool 10, and in addition to planar coordinates showing the outline of the pattern, the pattern image portion also includes planar coordinates converted from the three-dimensional coordinates of the measuring tool data.

[0095] When the provider operates the operation unit 35 to input a request to display paper-pattern data, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display the corresponding paper-pattern data. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of paper pattern data in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the pattern data includes pattern information 101, 201 of the main body base material 11 for manufacturing the size measuring tool 10, and information 102, 202 on the arrangement positions of the markers 12. The provider can also input the plane coordinates of the sewing position of the main body base material 11 displayed on this pattern using the operation unit 35, thereby setting the coordinates in the pattern data. For example, the provider can use an operating unit 35 such as a mouse to trace a specific position on the displayed pattern image of the main body base material 11, thereby generating planar coordinates of the sewing position within the pattern data.

[0096] Next, a manufacturing device (not shown) for the size measuring tool 10 manufactures the size measuring tool 10 using the paper pattern data generated by the business operator terminal 30 (step S106). There is no particular limitation on the manufacturing method of the size measuring tool 10, but for example, when the manufacturing device for the size measuring tool 10 is an information processing device equipped with cutting and sewing functions, when the above-mentioned paper pattern data is input, the markers 12 are fixed onto the main body base material 11 shown in the paper pattern data. The manufacturing device for the size measuring tool 10 cuts and sews the material (fiber, etc.) of the main body base material 11 according to the information on the outer shape of the main body base material 11 shown in the paper pattern data, to manufacture the size measuring tool 10. This completes the manufacturing operation of the size measuring tool 10.

[0097] (2) Measuring the user's body size FIG. 16A is a flowchart showing an example of a flow 200 of an operation for measuring a body size of a user in the first embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will be given with reference to this figure.

[0098] First, the measurer uses the photographing unit 26 of the measurement terminal 20 to photograph the user wearing the size measuring tool 10 multiple times (step S201). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of a user during shooting in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, when photographing, the user is standing on an approximately horizontal surface such as a floor or the ground, and between multiple photographs taken by the measuring terminal 20, the user rotates around an axis extending vertically upward from the floor or the like while standing. As a result, the measurement terminal 20 obtains planar images from multiple angles of the side of the user who is standing and wearing the size measuring tool 10. For example, by photographing the user from 12 directions (the 1 o'clock direction, the 2 o'clock direction, ... the 12 o'clock direction), the measurement terminal 20 can obtain planar images from the 12 directions. At this time, the measuring terminal 20 captures images so that the same marker 12 is commonly included in multiple planar images.

[0099] The photographing unit 26 inputs a plurality of planar image data generated by the above photographing to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 compares the shape, etc. of each marker 12 shown in the planar images among the multiple planar images with the shapes, etc. registered in the marker DB 221, performs image recognition processing, identifies each marker 12, and calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the identified marker 12 in the planar images using a three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm. Then, the control unit 21 executes the calculation process of the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers 12 on the multiple planar images to calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of all the markers 12 appearing in the multiple planar images (step S202). The set of calculated three-dimensional coordinates of all the markers 12 is the above-mentioned marker measurement data. The method for calculating the above marker measurement data may be based on conventional technology, for example, by focusing on a marker 12 that appears in common in multiple planar images and using triangulation technology to ultimately calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12. At this time, the control unit 21 also calculates posture information indicating the photographing position and direction of the measuring terminal 20 .

[0100] For example, here, when the control unit 21 calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 and the posture information of the measuring terminal 20, it may use a general bundle adjustment algorithm to reproject the calculated three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 onto a planar image, and iteratively re-estimate the distance between the reprojected position of the marker 12 and the position of the marker 12 on the planar image so as to minimize the distance.

[0101] Next, the control unit 21 uses an optimization algorithm to optimize the values ​​of the calculated marker measurement data (the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12) (step S203). For example, the control unit 21 deletes coordinate values ​​that are estimated to be error values ​​from among the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 shown in the marker measurement data.

[0102] Next, the control unit 21 generates user measurement data representing the user's body shape based on the optimized marker measurement data (step S204). The user measurement data includes the three-dimensional coordinates of a cloud of points representing the surface of the user's body. At this time, the control unit 21 estimates that the markers 12 are located on the user's body surface, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of a point cloud representing the user's body surface based on the three-dimensional coordinates of each marker 12, and calculates the user measurement data.

[0103] Next, the control unit 21 calculates measured size data based on the calculated user measurement data (step S205). The measured size data is data that represents the size of a specific body part of the user, such as height, bust, waist, hips, shoulder width, inseam, etc., which should be taken into consideration when purchasing apparel products.

[0104] When data of a human body model is stored in information storage unit 22 and the positions of the sizes of the above-mentioned body parts are set on the human body model, control unit 21 compares the human body model with the user's body shape represented by the above-mentioned user measurement data to identify the positions of the sizes on the user's body shape, and then extracts and calculates the three-dimensional coordinate values ​​at the positions of the sizes from the user measurement data, thereby calculating the sizes of each of the user's body parts. This completes the operation of measuring the user's body size.

[0105] 16B is a flowchart showing an example of a process 300 for measuring a body size in another example of the above-mentioned flow 200 of the measurement operation of the user's body size. The process 300 is executed in the control unit 21 of the measurement terminal 20.

[0106] Before step S301, the same operation as step S201 is performed. This makes it possible to obtain a plurality of images of the user wearing the size measuring tool 10, taken from a plurality of directions. The obtained images of the user are input from the imaging unit 26 to the control unit 21.

[0107] When an image of a user is input to the control unit 21, the control unit 21 receives the image of the user (step S301).

[0108] When the image of the user is received, the 3D model construction means 211 of the control unit 21 constructs a 3D model by deforming the default 3D model based on the default 3D model and the received image (step S302). The 3D model construction means 211 constructs a 3D model of the user by deforming the default 3D model based on, for example, a virtual image obtained from the default 3D model and the received image. The 3D model construction means 211 can construct a 3D model by, for example, processing 400 described later. The deformation of the default 3D model by the 3D model construction means 211 can be performed in a virtual 3D space that is a space obtained by enlarging or reducing the actual 3D space at a predetermined scale.

[0109] When the 3D model is constructed, the measurement means 212 of the control unit 21 measures the body size of the constructed 3D model (step S303). The measurement means 212 measures the body size in the virtual three-dimensional space. The measurement means 212 can measure the body size of the 3D model using a known method.

[0110] When the body size is measured, the conversion means 213 of the control unit 21 converts the measured body size into an actual body size (step S304). The conversion means 213 converts the body size in the virtual three-dimensional space into a size in the actual three-dimensional space, for example, using a scale between the virtual three-dimensional space and the actual three-dimensional space. For example, if the scale between the virtual three-dimensional space and the actual three-dimensional space is X:Y and the body size in the virtual three-dimensional space measured by the measurement means 212 is measured to be h, the body size h in the virtual three-dimensional space is converted into a size in the actual three-dimensional space (h×Y / X) by multiplying it by Y / X.

[0111] Once converted into the actual body size, the process 300 for measuring the body size is completed. Thereafter, the control unit 21 calculates measured size data representing the size of a predetermined body part of the user based on the actual body size.

[0112] FIG. 16C is a flowchart showing an example of a process 400 in which the 3D model construction means 211 constructs a 3D model in step S302.

[0113] The 3D model construction means 211 acquires a virtual image from the default 3D model (step S401). The virtual image is an image obtained by virtually photographing the default 3D model from a plurality of directions. At this time, it is preferable that the received image is an image photographed from the same direction as or close to the direction in which the virtual image is photographed. This is because it is easy to compare the virtual image with the received image in the subsequent processing. For example, if the virtual image is an image obtained by virtually photographing the default 3D model from 12 directions, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, . . . 12 o'clock, with respect to the default 3D model, it is preferable to photograph the user so that the received image is also photographed from 12 directions, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, . . . 12 o'clock with respect to the user. Furthermore, it is preferable that the camera position at which the received image was photographed is the same as or close to the camera position at which the virtual image was virtually photographed. This is because it is easy to compare the virtual image with the received image in the subsequent processing. For example, if the virtual image is virtually captured from a camera position approximately 2 m away from the subject and at a camera height of approximately 70 cm, it is preferable to capture the user so that the received image is also captured from a virtual camera position approximately 2 m away from the subject and at a camera height of approximately 70 cm.

[0114] Then, the 3D model construction means 211 calculates the deviation between the marker in the virtual image and the corresponding marker in the received image (step S402). The deviation between the marker in the virtual image and the corresponding marker in the received image can be calculated, for example, at the pixel level.

[0115] The deviation between a marker in a virtual image and a corresponding marker in a received image may be caused by, for example, a difference between the body shape of the default 3D model in the virtual image and the body shape of the user in the image, a difference between the orientation of the default 3D model in the virtual image and the orientation of the user in the image, a difference between the position and inclination of the camera that captured the virtual image and the position and inclination of the camera that captured the image, and a difference between the position of the marker in the virtual image and the position of the marker in the image due to twisting of clothes. Therefore, the deviation ERR between one marker i in the virtual image and the corresponding one marker i in the received image i For example, ERR i =ERR i (Body Type)+ERR i (Camera position)+ERR i (Orientation)+ERR i (Twist) (1) It can be represented by:

[0116] For example, the difference between the body type of the default 3D model in the virtual image and the body type of the user in the image can be expressed by the difference in the X coordinate of the pixel at the left edge of the marker and the difference in the Y coordinate of the pixel at the top edge of the marker. This is because if the body type of the default 3D model in the virtual image is different from the body type of the user in the image, the position of the marker itself will be shifted. Such a difference ERR between the body type of the default 3D model in the virtual image and the body type of the user in the image i (Body type) is, ERR i (Body shape)=ABS(X i dX i a)+ABS(Y i dY i a) (2) where ABS() stands for absolute value and (X i d, Y i d) represents the position coordinate of marker i in the virtual image, and (X i a, Y i a) represents the position coordinates of marker i in the received image.

[0117] For example, the difference between the position of the camera that captured the virtual image and the position of the camera that captured the image can be expressed by the difference in the width of the marker and the difference in the height of the marker. This is because if the position of the camera that captured the virtual image is different from the position of the camera that captured the image, the size of the marker should be different. Such a difference ERR between the position of the camera that captured the virtual image and the position of the camera that captured the image i (Camera position) ERR i (Camera position) = ABS(W i dW i a)+ABS(H i dH i a) (3) where ABS() stands for absolute value and (W i d, H i d) represents the width and height of marker i in the virtual image, and (X i a, Y i a) represents the width and height of marker i in the received image.

[0118] The 3D model construction means 211 calculates the deviation between the marker in the virtual image and the corresponding marker in the received image for each of the plurality of markers, and calculates the total deviation value ERR. ERR=ΣERR i (4)

[0119] At this time, if multiple images taken from multiple directions are received in step S401, the received images taken from the same direction can be paired with a virtual image, and the deviation between the marker in the virtual image and the corresponding marker in the received image can be calculated for each pair.

[0120] Next, the 3D model construction means 211 deforms the default 3D model so as to minimize the deviation ERR calculated in step S403 (step S403). The 3D model construction means 121 can derive the deformation that minimizes the deviation ERR by using, for example, the least squares method.

[0121] For example, when Equation (1), Equation (2), and Equation (3) are substituted into Equation (4), ERR is calculated as follows: i d, Y i d), Width (W i d, H i d) etc. can be expressed as a polynomial with variables. In this polynomial, X for each marker i d, Y i d, W i d, H i With d etc. as variables, X that minimizes ERR i d, Y i d, W i d, H i d, etc. can be calculated using the least squares method. The 3D model construction means 211 calculates the X i d, Y i d, W i d, H i Transform the default 3D model so that it has d, etc.

[0122] Next, the 3D model construction means 211 judges whether the deviation ERR is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (step S404). If the deviation ERR is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold, the deformed 3D model is determined to be the user's 3D model, and the process 400 ends. If the deviation ERR is greater than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S405. Here, the predetermined threshold may be, for example, zero or any non-zero value.

[0123] If the deviation ERR is greater than a predetermined threshold, the 3D model construction means 211 acquires virtual images from the deformed 3D model (step S405). The virtual images are images obtained by virtually photographing the deformed 3D model from a plurality of directions. It is preferable that the virtual images acquired from the deformed 3D model are photographed from the same direction and / or position as the received image, similar to the virtual images acquired from the default 3D model.

[0124] Next, the 3D model construction means 211 repeats steps S402 to S404 using the virtual image acquired from the deformed 3D model and the deformed 3D model until the deviation ERR becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

[0125] In this way, a 3D model of the user is constructed.

[0126] In the above example, steps S402 to S405 are repeated until the deviation becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, steps S402 to S405 may be repeated a predetermined number of times, or steps S402 to S405 may be repeated until the deviation becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold or until the deviation reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0127] The user can use the measurement size data calculated by the measurement terminal 20 to search for apparel products that fit his / her size and purchase them directly on the EC site. When the user operates the operation unit 25 of the measurement terminal 20 to send his / her own measured size data to the product data management server 40, the product data management server 40 refers to the product DB and searches for products that match (are the same or close in size to) the user's body size indicated in the measured size data. Then, the product data management server 40 generates product search result information (Web data) which is screen information including data of the products extracted as a result of the search, and transmits it to the measurement terminal 20. When the measurement terminal 20 receives the product search result information from the product data management server 40, it displays it. The user can check the apparel products shown in the product search result information and consider purchasing them. If the product search result information is a web page of an EC site, the user can purchase the apparel products by clicking a button displayed on the product search result information using the operation unit 25. The purchase process on the EC site is similar to known processes, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, in the size measurement system in the first embodiment of the present invention, while the user wears the size measurement tool 10, the measurement terminal 20 photographs the multiple markers 12 arranged on the surface of the size measurement tool 10 from multiple angles, calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers 12, and calculates the size of each body part of the user based on this. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the size of each body part without having to perform the troublesome task of measuring each body part himself with a tape measure or the like.

[0129] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the product data management server 40 receives size data of a user's body parts from the measurement terminal 20, it refers to the product DB, extracts data on apparel products whose sizes for each body part match or fall within a specified range, and generates screen information showing the product data and transmits it to the measurement terminal 20, thereby enabling the user to easily identify apparel products that fit their size.

[0130] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the size measuring tool 10 is configured by adhering and arranging a plurality of markers 12 made of a material that does not expand, contract or deform on the main body base material 11 made of an elastic material. Therefore, when the user puts on the size measuring tool 10, the main body base material 11 expands to fit the user's body shape and fits snugly, and the markers 12 change their positions in response to the expansion of the main body base material 11. Therefore, the measuring terminal 20 can calculate the position (three-dimensional coordinates) of the markers 12 and measure the user's body size accordingly. Furthermore, as described above, the marker 12 itself does not expand or contract, and does not deform, so that the measurement terminal 20 can perform image recognition of the marker 12 with high accuracy.

[0131] In addition, according to this embodiment, the business operator terminal 30 synthesizes a three-dimensional image of the main body base material 11 of the size measuring tool 10 onto the human body model, selects the type of marker 12, places the marker 12 on the three-dimensional image of the main body base material 11, generates measuring tool data, which is design data for the size measuring tool 10 to be manufactured, and generates pattern data for the size measuring tool 10 based on this measuring tool data, thereby enabling the provider to easily manufacture the size measuring tool 10.

[0132] The above-mentioned measurement terminal 20, business operator terminal 30, and product data management server 40 are realized mainly by a CPU and a program loaded into memory. However, this device or server can also be configured by any other combination of hardware and software, and the high degree of design freedom is easily understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned measurement terminal 20, business operator terminal 30 or product data management server 40 is configured as a group of software modules, this program may be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor, and loaded from the above-mentioned recording medium, or may be loaded from an external device connected via a specified network.

[0133] The above embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0134] When the measurement terminal 20 reads a plurality of markers 12 provided on the surface of the size measuring tool 10, it can determine at which position on the size measuring tool 10 each marker 12 is provided. In order to distinguish between the individual markers 12, for example, each marker 12 may be configured to differ from the others in terms of shape, size, surface design (pattern), color, or material, or a combination thereof.

[0135] In this manner, each marker 12 may have a unique identification element, for example by having a different surface pattern, or the identification elements of markers 12 in the same size measuring tool 10 may partially overlap. For example, the measurement terminal 20 can also identify the identification elements of other markers 12 arranged around the marker 12 to be identified, and identify each marker 12 by a combination of the identification elements of these multiple markers 12. In this case, to give a specific example, when a marker 12 of identification element B is placed within a 5 cm radius of a marker 12 of identification element A, and when a marker 12 of identification element C is placed within a 5 cm radius of a marker 12 of identification element A, the measurement terminal 20 can recognize them as different markers 12, even though they are the same marker 12 of identification element A. When the above-mentioned identification method is used, the marker DB 221 also manages, for each marker, the identification elements of the surrounding markers.

[0136] The measurement terminal 20 can also identify the marker 12 in the following manner. The measurement terminal 20 recognizes the boundary line between the size measuring tool 10 and the background, and measures the distance from a predetermined position on the boundary line to the arrangement position of each marker 12. The measurement terminal 20 performs identification by combining information on the distance from a predetermined position on the boundary line to the placement position of each marker 12 with the identification element of the marker 12. For example, since the distance from the boundary line of a marker 12 placed in the center of the torso of the size measuring tool 10 is different from that of a marker 12 placed at the end of a sleeve, the measuring terminal 20 can distinguish between the two markers 12 even if their identification elements are identical. When the above-mentioned identification method is used, the marker DB 221 also manages information on, for example, the shortest distance to the boundary line for each marker 12 .

[0137] The measurement terminal 20 can also identify the marker 12 in the following manner. When performing the identification by the following method, the measurement terminal 20 pre-stores two-dimensional or three-dimensional image information of the size measuring tool 10. The image of the size measuring tool 10 is managed by dividing it into a plurality of regions, such as a torso portion, a right sleeve portion, and a left sleeve portion. As described above, when the measuring terminal 20 recognizes the boundary line between the size measuring tool 10 and the background, it is possible to identify the outer shape of the size measuring tool 10. The measuring terminal 20 uses the information on the specified external shape of the size measuring tool 10 and the image information of the size measuring tool 10 with the areas divided that is stored in advance in the information storage unit 22, and can recognize the image of the size measuring tool 10 by dividing it into multiple areas, such as a torso area, a right sleeve area, a left sleeve area, etc. For each recognized marker 12, the measurement terminal 20 identifies the marker 12 by combining its identification element with the area in which the marker 12 was recognized (torso part, right sleeve part, left sleeve part, etc.), making it possible to identify markers 12 even if their identification elements are the same as long as the recognized areas are different. When the above-mentioned identification method is used, the marker DB 221 also manages information about the area in the size measuring tool 10 in which each marker 12 is placed.

[0138] Furthermore, as described above, when the measurement terminal 20 performs image recognition of the boundary line between the size measuring tool 10 and the background, the measurement terminal 20 can also correct the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 using the boundary line. For example, when the measuring terminal 20 recognizes that the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 are located outside the closed boundary line representing the outer shape of the size measuring tool 10, it determines that the three-dimensional coordinates of the marker 12 are error values ​​and deletes them or moves them onto the boundary line, thereby improving the accuracy of measuring the user's body size.

[0139] <Second embodiment> Figures 18 and 19 are diagrams showing the appearance of a size measurement tool 10' in a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 shows a shirt-type size measurement tool 10' as an example, and Figure 19 shows a trouser-type size measurement tool 10' as an example. In Figures 18 and 19, the same reference numbers are used for elements that are the same as those shown in Figures 2 and 3, and descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0140] The size measuring tool 10' includes a plurality of markers 12, 13. As described above, the plurality of markers 12 may be unique within the size measuring tool 10', while the plurality of markers 13 may be non-unique within the size measuring tool 10'. That is, the plurality of markers 13 may have the same shape, size, surface design (pattern), color, material, etc.

[0141] The plurality of markers 12 and the plurality of markers 13 may be of the same size or different sizes. For example, both the plurality of markers 12 and the plurality of markers 13 may be circular with the same diameter, or the plurality of markers 12 may be circular with a larger or smaller diameter than the plurality of markers 13. In one embodiment, the plurality of markers 12 may have a diameter of about 20 mm, while the plurality of markers 13 may have a diameter of about 10 mm. Also, the plurality of markers 12 and the plurality of markers 13 may be of the same size or different sizes. For example, the plurality of markers 12 may be circular, while the plurality of markers 13 may be polygonal.

[0142] The non-unique markers 13 can be arranged at any position on the body substrate. For example, the non-unique markers 13 can be arranged on the body substrate so that they are arranged on at least one of the user's wrist, ankle, and neck when the user wears the size measuring tool 10'. In the example shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the non-unique markers 13 are arranged on the body substrate so that they are arranged on the user's wrist, ankle, and neck. The non-unique markers 13 arranged in this manner can be used as a guide for the user. For example, the user can wear the size measuring tool 10' so that the non-unique markers 13 are arranged on the wrist, ankle, and neck when the user wears the size measuring tool 10'.

[0143] In the second embodiment, the measuring terminal may have a configuration for identifying multiple non-unique markers 13 in addition to a configuration similar to that of the measuring terminal 20 in the first embodiment. For example, the 3D model construction means of the control unit of the measuring terminal in the second embodiment may have a configuration for identifying multiple non-unique markers 13 in addition to a configuration similar to that of the 3D model construction means 211 of the measuring terminal 20 in the first embodiment.

[0144] The 3D model construction means of the second embodiment may be configured to, for example, identify each of the non-unique markers 13 from a relative relationship with the unique markers 12. The 3D model construction means of the second embodiment can, for example, identify the non-unique marker 13 from a positional relationship with one or more nearby unique markers 12. This allows the 3D model construction means of the second embodiment to, for example, associate the non-unique marker in the default 3D model with the non-unique marker in the received image, and to calculate the deviation between the non-unique marker in the default 3D model and the associated non-unique marker in the image.

[0145] As a result, the measuring terminal of the second embodiment can measure the body size of the user by the same process as the measuring terminal 20 of the first embodiment.

[0146] In the above-described embodiment, the measurement terminal 20 calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers 12 and the user's body, and calculates the user's body size, thereby measuring the user's body size. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The user's body size can be measured by any computer system having a configuration similar to that of the control unit 21 of the measurement terminal 20 described above. For example, the user's body size can be measured in a server device (for example, the business terminal 30 of the provider, the product data management server 40, or a server device not shown). In this case, the measurement terminal 20 may transmit the captured planar image data to the server device, and the server device may execute the process up to the calculation of the measured size data based on the received planar image data instead of the measurement terminal 20. In this case, the server device may transmit the calculated measurement size data to the measurement terminal 20, or may search for apparel products that fit the user's body size on behalf of the product data management server 40 and transmit the product search result information to the measurement terminal 20.

[0147] Furthermore, the contents of each data and each database described in this embodiment are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0148] In the above example, the measurement of the user's body size has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The size measurement system of the present invention can measure the size of any three-dimensional object. The any three-dimensional object may be, for example, a living thing such as an animal, or may be a non-living thing. The size measurement system of the present invention may measure the size of the entire three-dimensional object, or may measure the size of a part of the three-dimensional object. The size measurement tool 10, 10' of the present invention is attached to a part of the three-dimensional object whose size is to be measured (i.e., the whole or a part of the three-dimensional object), and the size measurement system of the present invention can measure the size of the three-dimensional object by a process similar to the above-mentioned process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 10 Size measuring tool 11 Body base material 12 Markers 20 Measuring Device 21, 31, 41 Control section 22, 32, 42 Information storage section 23, 33, 43 Communications Department 24,34 Display section 25,35 Control unit 26 Photography Department 30 Operator terminal 40 Product Data Management Server 100 Network 101,201 Main body base material pattern information 102,202 Marker placement location information 221 Marker DB 222,321 Human body model data 322 Main body substrate data 323 Marker Data 421 Product DB 501 3D images of human body models 502 Image of marker placement position

Claims

1. A size measuring tool for measuring a size of a three-dimensional object, the size measuring tool comprising: A main body base material having elasticity; A plurality of markers fixed on the main body base material, each of the plurality of markers can be identified by a combination of an identification element of each of the plurality of markers and an identification element of another marker arranged around each of the plurality of markers, and the plurality of markers includes a marker whose identification element overlaps with that of the size measuring tool; wherein the other markers arranged around the marker are arranged within a 5 cm radius of the marker, and the size measuring device is configured to be worn on a human body.

2. The plurality of markers includes a marker that does not have scalability.

2. The size measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The size measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of markers have a predetermined size.

Images