Image display device, image display method, and image display program

Abstract

An image display device is provided that can easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of a viewing facility. [Solution] The image display device 1 includes a spatial coordinate setting unit 410 that sets spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility. The image display device 1 also includes an operation information input unit 120 to which operation information including information about the viewpoint and direction in the spatial coordinates is input. The image display device 1 also includes a virtual space image generation unit 420 that generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and design information. The image display device 1 also includes a spherical image generation unit 430 that generates a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which lines of latitude and longitude are drawn, based on the operation information. The image display device 1 also includes a superimposed image generation unit 440 that generates a superimposed image in which the virtual space image and the spherical image are superimposed, based on the virtual space image and the spherical image. The image display device 1 also includes a display unit 300 that displays the superimposed image.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image display device, an image display method, and an image display program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when designing viewing facilities such as theaters, arenas, stadiums, etc., a method has been proposed in which a quantitative value is calculated regarding the visibility of a stage, field, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "stage") from the spectator seats, and the visibility is evaluated based on that value. Patent Document 1 discloses a viewing facility evaluation device that uses virtual space images. The viewing facility evaluation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 generates and displays a projection image in which a field of view image of the spectator seats is projected onto a virtual half-plane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6906161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sightseeing facility evaluation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 projects CG (Computer Graphics) onto an image generated by fisheye projection, which requires complex image processing each time an evaluation image is generated. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can generate and display evaluation images more simply and accurately.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device that can easily and accurately generate and display evaluation images of sightseeing facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an image display device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a spatial coordinate setting unit that sets spatial coordinates corresponding to an observation facility based on design information relating to the observation facility, the observation facility having a stage and audience seats; an operation information input unit that receives operation information input by a user, the operation information including information relating to the viewpoint and direction in the spatial coordinates; a virtual space image generation unit that generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates have been set; a spherical image generation unit that generates, based on the operation information, a spherical image that is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; a superimposed image generation unit that, based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, focuses the viewpoint on the center point of the spherical image and generates a superimposed image in which the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image are superimposed; and a display unit that displays the superimposed image.

[0007] Another aspect of the image display method of the present invention is an image display method executed by a computer, which sets spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility based on design information about the viewing facility, which has a stage and audience seats; inputs operation information input by a user, which includes information about the viewpoint and direction in the spatial coordinates; generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generates a spherical image based on the operation information, which is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; aligns the viewpoint with the center point of the spherical image based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, and generates a superimposed image in which the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image are superimposed; and displays the superimposed image.

[0008] An image display program according to another aspect of the present invention sets spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility based on design information relating to the facility, which has a stage and seating; inputs operation information input by a user, which includes information relating to the viewpoint and direction in the spatial coordinates; generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generates a spherical image based on the operation information, which is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; aligns the viewpoint with the center point of the spherical image based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, and generates a superimposed image in which the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image are superimposed; and causes a computer to execute the process of displaying the superimposed image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image display device that can easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of a sightseeing facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an input unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a viewing facility that is a processing target of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a viewing facility that is a processing target of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 1 is an elevation view of an example of a viewing facility that is a processing target of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the stage side of the seating area. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a viewing facility that is a processing target of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A]10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a spherical image applied by the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6B] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a spherical image applied by the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6C] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a spherical image applied by the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6D] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a spherical image applied by the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image when viewing spectator seats from the center side of a virtual sphere in the image display device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image when viewing spectator seats from the center side of a virtual sphere in the image display device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image when the stage is viewed from the center side of a virtual sphere in the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10A] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image when the stage is viewed from the center side of a virtual sphere in the image display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of an image for evaluating unity, which is generated based on the image shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of data for evaluating unity generated based on the image shown in FIG. 10B. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the image display device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The image display device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions. Furthermore, this embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but this embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0012] (Overview of image display device 1) The image display device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that displays a virtual space image of the view of a stage from the spectator seats in a viewing facility that is the processing target. The image display device 1 will be described below with reference to several specific embodiments.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image display device 1 according to this embodiment. The image display device 1 includes an input unit 100, a storage unit 200, a display unit 300, and a control unit 400.

[0014] The functions of the input unit 100, display unit 300, and control unit 400 constituting the image display device 1 are realized by a processor provided in a personal computer or the like executing a program in memory. The image display device 1 may be constituted by one or more personal computers. It is also possible to realize the functions of the image display device 1 by linking multiple personal computers installed in physically separate locations. Furthermore, the function of the image display device 1 is not limited to being realized by a personal computer, but may also be realized by devices such as a server or tablet equipped with a processor.

[0015] The input unit 100 has an interface function for allowing a user to input various pieces of information, and information is input from outside the image display device 1. The user inputs information to the input unit 100 via, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a trackball, or a voice recognition device connected to the image display device 1. In this embodiment, the information input to the input unit 100 is facility information and operation information. The facility information includes design information regarding the size (dimensions) and structure of the viewing facility to be evaluated, and information regarding a human body model that defines the size of a human being. The operation information includes information regarding instructions, settings, etc. related to operations performed by the user on the image display device 1.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the input unit 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the input unit 100 is configured to include a facility information input unit 110 and an operation information input unit 120. Facility information is input to the facility information input unit 110 and stored in the memory unit 200. Furthermore, operation information is input to the operation information input unit 120 and, depending on the operation content, is input to the display unit 300 or the control unit 400, or is stored in the memory unit 200.

[0017] The operation information input unit 120 receives operation information related to an operation from a user. The operation information input unit 120 stores the input operation information in the operation information DB 220 shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the operation information may be, for example, position information of an audience seat from which a virtual space image is desired to be generated. The operation information may also be information related to the line of sight from the position of a specified audience member. In other words, the operation information may include information related to the viewpoint and direction in spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility.

[0018] 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the storage unit 200. The storage unit 200 includes a facility information DB 210 (database), an operation information DB 220, a virtual space image information DB 230, a spherical image information DB 240, and a superimposed image information DB 250. The DBs of the storage unit 200 store the facility information, operation information, virtual space image information, spherical image information, and superimposed image information.

[0019] The storage unit 200 may also store programs for each function executed by the control unit 400. The information and programs stored in the storage unit 200 may be configured as physically or logically separated areas within a single storage device. Alternatively, the storage units 200 for each data may be configured in multiple physically different storage devices.

[0020] As described above, the facility information includes design information regarding the size (dimensions) and structure of the viewing facility to be evaluated. Here, the design information of the viewing facility to be evaluated is, for example, 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) data, Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, design drawings, etc. of the viewing facility. This design information is stored in advance in the storage unit 200 of the image display device 1 via the input unit 100. Note that the storage unit 200 is not limited to a configuration included inside the image display device 1, and may be, for example, an external storage device connected to the outside of the image display device 1.

[0021] The virtual space image information is information relating to a virtual space image generated by the virtual space image generation unit 420, which will be described later. The spherical image information is information relating to a spherical image generated by the spherical image generation unit 430. The superimposed image information is information relating to an image in which, based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the viewpoint is aligned with the center point of the spherical image information and the virtual space image corresponding to a predetermined direction from the viewpoint is superimposed on the spherical image. Details of the virtual space image information, spherical image information, and superimposed image information will be described later.

[0022] The display unit 300 sends superimposed image information, spherical image information, etc. to a display device (not shown) connected to the image display device 1, and causes the display device to display the information. Examples of the display device include a display device for a personal computer or a tablet, and an HMD (Head Mounted Display).

[0023] The control unit 400 includes, as its functions, a space coordinate setting unit 410, a virtual space image generation unit 420, a spherical image generation unit 430, and a superimposed image generation unit 440. The control unit 400 may also include, as its function, an evaluation information acquisition unit 450.

[0024] The spatial coordinate setting unit 410 reads facility information (design information) from the storage unit 200 and assigns the design information as spatial coordinates on three-dimensional axes. That is, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 sets spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility based on the design information for the viewing facility, which includes a stage and audience seats. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 first sets a plan view of the viewing facility seen from above as an XY plane. In the XY plane, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 determines a central axis 11 that is symmetrical from the stage 20 toward the audience seats 30, and determines the point where the central axis 11 intersects with the boundary between the stage 20 and the audience seats 30 as the coordinate origin 10. That is, in the XY plane, the positive side of the X axis is the side toward the stage 20, and the negative side of the X axis is the side toward the audience seats 30. Note that in this specification, the audience seats and audience seats in the viewing facility are collectively referred to as audience seats 30, and individual seats in the audience seats 30 are referred to as seats.

[0025] Acting area 20a shown in Figure 4A is the activity area on stage 20, where plays, musical performances, etc. take place. Figure 4A is also a conceptual diagram showing first floor seats 30a on the positive side of the Y axis, and second floor seats 30b and side balcony seats 30c on the negative side of the Y axis. In an actual viewing facility, first floor seats 30a, second floor seats 30b, and side balcony seats 30c are located on both the positive and negative sides of the Y axis.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 defines a vertical plane passing through the central axis 11 as the XZ plane. Furthermore, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 defines a plane perpendicular to the XY and XZ planes as the YZ plane. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the viewing facility taken along the dashed-dotted line AA in FIG. 4A, showing an example of the YZ plane. Note that FIG. 4C also shows a proscenium 20b. Here, the proscenium is a frame-shaped wall that forms an opening to the stage and separates the stage from the audience seats in the front row. FIG. 5 is a perspective view, in isometric projection, of the viewing facility whose spatial coordinates have been set by the spatial coordinate setting unit 410.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C and 5, an example has been shown in which the stage side is the positive direction of the X axis and the audience seating 30 side is the negative direction of the X axis, but the setting of spatial coordinates on the three-dimensional coordinate axes is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to have the stage side be the negative direction of the X axis and the audience seating 30 side be the positive direction of the X axis. Similarly, the positive and negative directions of the Y axis and Z axis are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and the positive and negative directions of the Y axis and Z axis may be set in directions opposite to those in the example shown in Figures 4A to 4C and 5.

[0028] Although the example has been shown in which the design information of the observation facility is acquired by the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 reading it from design information previously stored in the storage unit 200 of the image display device 1, the method of acquiring the design information is not limited to this. For example, a method may be used in which the user inputs design information about the observation facility from outside the image display device 1, and the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 acquires the design information.

[0029] Virtual space image generation unit 420 generates a virtual space image based on the spatial coordinates of the viewing facility set by spatial coordinate setting unit 410, and stores information about the virtual space image in storage unit 200. Specifically, virtual space image generation unit 420 generates a virtual space image based on operation information input by the user via operation information input unit 120 and design information in which spatial coordinates are set. Virtual space image generation unit 420 generates a virtual space image corresponding to the field of view (field of view image) from a predetermined position such as a seating area or a stage, based on position information included in the operation information, for example.

[0030] Virtual space images can be expressed using three-dimensional color computer graphics. In addition, virtual spaces expressed using virtual space images can display elements of the virtual space, such as the stage, audience seats, and spectators, from any position or angle.

[0031] Based on the operation information, the spherical image generation unit 430 generates a spherical image of a sphere centered on the viewpoint, on which lines of latitude and longitude are drawn. The spherical image generation unit 430 also stores the generated spherical image in the spherical image information DB 240. Specifically, the spherical image generation unit 430 draws lines of latitude and longitude on a sphere of a predetermined radius centered on the viewpoint, which is included in the spherical image generation unit 430. The predetermined radius of the spherical image is, for example, 1 m. The predetermined radius of the spherical image may be included in the operation information input by the user. The intervals (grids) between the lines of latitude and / or longitude may also be included in the operation information input by the user.

[0032] (About spherical image information) The following describes spherical image information applied to the image display device 1 according to this embodiment. On CG (Computer Graphics), longitude lines (right ascension) and latitude lines (declination) of a celestial globe are set on a transparent sphere with a spherical surface of unit radius as the measurement surface. In addition, by displaying numerical values ​​for the longitude lines and latitude lines and placing the observer's viewpoint at the center of the virtual sphere in CG, AR (Augmented Reality), or VR (Virtual Reality) space, it becomes possible to display an image through the center point.

[0033] By referring to the spherical lines, grids, and numbers, observers can visually measure the directionality of objects and spaces in virtual spaces displayed using CG, AR, or VR, as well as the directional angle on a plane, the vertical directional angle relative to the horizontal plane, and the field of view. Users can also obtain measurement values ​​by clicking points on the screen.

[0034] To measure solid angles, etc., you can set a specified grid of longitude and latitude by clicking on it, and the numerical values ​​for that grid can be obtained using a subprogram. Note that the solid angle in a non-Euclidean grid on an arbitrary spherical surface formed by unit longitude x unit latitude is calculated as a reference value using an accompanying program, and the approximate value of the solid angle can be calculated using the ratio of the figure within that grid.

[0035] In the image display device 1 according to this embodiment, the position can be arbitrarily moved within the CG, AR, or VR space based on information input by the user via the operation information input unit 120. Furthermore, in the image display device 1, the angle and longitude direction corresponding to the equatorial plane on a celestial globe can also be arbitrarily set in the central coordinates based on information input by the user via the operation information input unit 120.

[0036] 6A to 6D are diagrams showing an example of an image in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a spherical image applied by the image display device 1 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a state in which longitude lines and latitude lines are pasted onto a transparent spherical image. Note that FIG. 6A shows an image in which a grid with 1-degree intervals is turned on, as viewed from 0 degrees longitude and 45 degrees latitude. Also, FIG. 6B shows an image in which a grid with 1-degree intervals is turned on, as viewed from the front.

[0037] Figure 6C shows an image with longitude and latitude lines shown in 10-degree increments and range lines for lighting arrangements, and Figure 6D shows an image with a unit grid overlaid and displayed as integrated tiles in a checkerboard pattern for solid angle measurements, as seen from 0 degrees longitude and 45 degrees latitude.

[0038] Based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the superimposed image generation unit 440 aligns the viewpoint with the center point of the spherical image and generates a superimposed image by superimposing the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image of the spectator seats viewed from the center of a virtual sphere in the image display device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a superimposed image in which a grid of 1 degree longitude x 1 degree latitude is superimposed from the center of the sphere. The superimposed image shown in Fig. 7 makes it possible to evaluate whether lighting devices and the like are in appropriate positions.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a superimposed image when looking downhill from the center of the stage performance. The superimposed image shown in Figure 8 makes it possible to calculate the solid angle for each unit grid.

[0041] Figure 9 is a superimposed image of the stage as seen from the audience seats (side balcony). In the example shown in Figure 9, it can be seen that the direction in which the seats are facing is 0 degrees longitude, and that the center of the stage is roughly aligned with this. It can also be seen that the stage surface is at a downward angle of approximately -15 degrees to -30 degrees, and that the planar angle of the proscenium is around 45 degrees. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, it can also be seen that the proscenium and the eyes are roughly at the same height.

[0042] The evaluation information acquisition unit 450 acquires evaluation information necessary for evaluating the sightseeing facility based on the superimposed image. Specifically, the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 450 may include evaluation numerical values ​​of evaluation elements based on the visual unity of the sightseeing facility.

[0043] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an example of an image when the stage is viewed from the center of a virtual sphere in the image display device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an example of an image for evaluating unity, generated based on the image shown in Fig. 10A. Since the solid angle of the unit measurement grid is known, the total solid angle of the colored portion in Fig. 10B can be calculated by calculating and resuming the percentage of the number of pixels.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data for evaluating unity generated based on the image shown in Fig. 10B. Using this data, a user can evaluate the unity of the seating. That is, the evaluation information acquisition unit 450 acquires evaluation information necessary for evaluating the viewing facility as shown in Fig. 10B and / or Fig. 11 based on the superimposed image shown in Fig. 10A.

[0045] The evaluation information may also include information for evaluating the spatial position of the lighting devices installed in the viewing facility. Whether the lighting device is positioned appropriately can be determined by setting a measurement sphere at the point to be illuminated and in the reference direction, and overlapping it with the reference frame of the type of lighting to be obtained, thereby determining whether the desired lighting effect can be achieved.

[0046] That is, the image display device 1 superimposes a spherical image onto a CG image seen from the eyes of the spectators set in each seat. This enables the image display device 1 to determine on a two-dimensional diagram whether the stage, playing surface, projection screen, etc., that is the object of appreciation, is located directly in front of the viewer or at an angle that is offset from the front. The image display device 1 also becomes able to determine how far down or up the stage, playing surface, etc., or projection screen, etc., is located.

[0047] In other words, by using the image display device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to calculate and obtain the solid angle for each grid divided by longitude and latitude, without having to project the CG onto a fisheye projection as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0048] (Outline of the processing flow of the image display device 1) Next, a flowchart of an example of the operation of the image display device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 12 is executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a processor included in a personal computer on which the image display device 1 is executed. Examples of operating units that execute some of the functions of the CPU include the input unit 100, the display unit 300, and the control unit 400. In this case, the CPU executes operations in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown).

[0049] Note that some or all of the following processing procedures can be executed by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). However, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the procedures are executed by a CPU according to a program stored in a ROM.

[0050] In step S1201, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 reads facility information (design information) from the storage unit 200 and assigns the design information as spatial coordinates on three-dimensional axes. That is, the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 sets spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility based on the design information about the viewing facility that includes a stage and audience seats. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0051] In step S1202, the operation information input unit 120 acquires operation information related to an operation from the user. The operation information input unit 120 stores the input operation information in the operation information DB 220 shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the operation information may be, for example, position information of an audience seat from which a virtual space image is desired to be generated. The operation information may also be information related to the line of sight from the position of a specified audience member. In other words, the operation information may include information related to the viewpoint and direction in spatial coordinates corresponding to the viewing facility. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0052] In step S1203, the virtual space image generation unit 420 generates a virtual space image based on the spatial coordinates of the viewing facility set by the spatial coordinate setting unit 410 and stores information about the virtual space image in the storage unit 200. Specifically, the virtual space image generation unit 420 generates the virtual space image based on the operation information input by the user via the operation information input unit 120 and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set. The virtual space image generation unit 420 generates a virtual space image corresponding to the field of view from a predetermined position, such as a seating area or a stage, based on, for example, the position information included in the operation information. The virtual space image can be expressed using three-dimensional color computer graphics. In the virtual space expressed by the virtual space image, it is possible to represent the components of the virtual space, such as the stage, seating, and audience, from any position and angle. Processing then proceeds to step S1204.

[0053] In step S1204, the spherical image generation unit 430 generates a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which lines of latitude and longitude are drawn, based on the operation information. The spherical image generation unit 430 also stores the generated spherical image in the spherical image information DB 240. Specifically, lines of latitude and longitude are drawn on a sphere of a predetermined radius centered on the viewpoint, which is included in the spherical image generation unit 430. Then, the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0054] In step S1205, the superimposed image generating unit 440 generates a superimposed image by aligning the viewpoint with the center point of the spherical image based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, and superimposing the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint on the spherical image. Then, the process proceeds to step S1206.

[0055] In step S1206, the display unit 300 displays the superimposed image, after which the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0056] In step S1207, control unit 400 determines the operation information input by the user, and if the user specifies end (step S1207: YES), the processing flow ends. On the other hand, if the user inputs an operation other than end, such as readjusting a value (step S1207: NO), the flow returns to step S1202, and the processing from step S1202 is repeated. That is, the processing from steps S1202 to S1207 is repeated until the user specifies end as operation information.

[0057] As described above, the image display device 1 includes a spatial coordinate setting unit 410 that sets spatial coordinates corresponding to an observation facility based on design information about the observation facility, which includes a stage and audience seats. The image display device 1 also includes an operation information input unit 120 that receives operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about the viewpoint and direction in the spatial coordinates. The image display device 1 also includes a virtual space image generation unit 420 that generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set. The image display device 1 also includes a spherical image generation unit 430 that generates a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on the viewpoint and on which lines of latitude and longitude are drawn, based on the operation information. The image display device 1 also includes a superimposed image generation unit 440 that generates a superimposed image based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, by aligning the viewpoint with the center point of the spherical image and superimposing the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint on the spherical image. The image display device 1 also includes a display unit 300 that displays the superimposed image.

[0058] As a result, the image display device 1 generates and displays a superimposed image in which a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on a predetermined viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn, is superimposed on the virtual space image. As a result, the image display device 1 can easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of the sightseeing facility.

[0059] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the present embodiments are not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the components described above include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments.

[0060] The scope of this embodiment includes a computer program (image display program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (image display method) in the image display device 1, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Any type of computer-readable recording medium may be used. Furthermore, the computer program is not limited to being recorded on the recording medium described above, and may be transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like.

[0061] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0062] (Technology 1) A spatial coordinate setting unit that sets spatial coordinates corresponding to an observation facility having a stage and audience seats based on design information about the observation facility; an operation information input unit to which operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system, is input; a virtual space image generation unit that generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; a spherical image generating unit that generates a spherical image of a sphere centered on the viewpoint and having lines of latitude and longitude drawn thereon, based on the operation information; a superimposed image generating unit that generates a superimposed image by aligning the viewpoint with a center point of the spherical image based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, and superimposing the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint on the spherical image; and a display unit that displays the superimposed image.

[0063] With this configuration, the image display device 1 generates and displays a superimposed image in which a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on a predetermined viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn, is superimposed on a virtual space image. This allows the image display device 1 to easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of the sightseeing facility.

[0064] (Technology 2) The image display device according to Technology 1 further comprises an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information necessary for evaluating the sightseeing facility based on the superimposed image.

[0065] This configuration enables the image display device 1 to acquire evaluation information required for evaluating the sightseeing facility from the superimposed image, and enables more accurate evaluation of the sightseeing facility.

[0066] (Technology 3) The image display device according to Technology 2, wherein the evaluation information includes evaluation values ​​of evaluation elements based on the visual unity of the viewing facility.

[0067] With this configuration, the image display device 1 can obtain evaluation values ​​for evaluation elements based on the visual unity of the viewing facility from the superimposed image, making it possible to easily and accurately evaluate the unity of the seating.

[0068] (Technology 4) The image display device according to Technology 2 or 3, wherein the evaluation information includes information for evaluating the spatial positions of lighting devices arranged in the viewing facility.

[0069] This configuration enables the image display device 1 to acquire information for evaluating the spatial positions of lighting devices installed in the observation facility from the superimposed image. Therefore, when determining whether the positions of the lighting devices are appropriate, the image display device 1 can determine whether the desired lighting effect can be achieved by setting a measurement sphere at the point to be illuminated and in the reference direction, and overlapping the reference frame of the type of lighting to be obtained.

[0070] (Technology 5) An image display method executed by a computer, Based on design information relating to an observation facility having a stage and seating, spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility are set; operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system; generating a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generating a spherical image, based on the operation information, of a sphere having the viewpoint as its center and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; Based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the viewpoint is aligned with a center point of the spherical image, and a superimposed image is generated in which the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image are superimposed; An image display method for displaying the superimposed image.

[0071] With this configuration, the image display method generates and displays a superimposed image in which a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on a predetermined viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn, is superimposed on a virtual space image. Therefore, the image display method can easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of the sightseeing facility.

[0072] (Technology 6) Based on design information about an observation facility equipped with a stage and seating, spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility are set, operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system; generating a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generating a spherical image, based on the operation information, of a sphere having the viewpoint as its center and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; Based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the viewpoint is aligned with a center point of the spherical image, and a superimposed image is generated in which the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint and the spherical image are superimposed; An image display program for causing a computer to execute a process for displaying the superimposed image.

[0073] With this configuration, the image display program generates and displays a superimposed image in which a spherical image, which is a sphere centered on a predetermined viewpoint and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn, is superimposed on a virtual space image, thereby enabling the image display program to easily and accurately generate and display an evaluation image of the sightseeing facility.

[0074] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Image display device 100 Input section 110 Facility information input section 120 Operation information input section 200 Storage section 210 Facility Information DB 211 Design information 212 Human Body Model Information 220 Operation information DB 230 Virtual Space Image Information DB 240 Spherical Image Information DB 250 Superimposed Image Information DB 300 Display 400 control section 410 Spatial coordinate setting section 420 Virtual space image generation unit 430 Spherical Image Generation Unit 440 Superimposed Image Generation Unit 450 Evaluation Information Acquisition Department

Claims

1. a spatial coordinate setting unit that sets spatial coordinates corresponding to an observation facility having a stage and audience seats based on design information relating to the observation facility; an operation information input unit to which operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system, is input; a virtual space image generation unit that generates a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; a spherical image generating unit that generates a spherical image of a sphere centered on the viewpoint and having lines of latitude and longitude drawn thereon, based on the operation information; a superimposed image generating unit that, based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, aligns the viewpoint with a center point of the spherical image and generates a superimposed image by superimposing the spherical image on the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint; and a display unit that displays the superimposed image.

2. The image display device according to claim 1 , further comprising an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information necessary for evaluating the sightseeing facility based on the superimposed image.

3. The image display device according to claim 2 , wherein the evaluation information includes an evaluation value for an evaluation element based on a visual sense of unity of the viewing facility.

4. The image display device according to claim 2 , wherein the evaluation information includes information for evaluating a spatial position of a lighting device disposed in the viewing facility.

5. 1. A computer-implemented method for displaying images, comprising: Based on design information relating to an observation facility having a stage and seating, spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility are set; operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system; generating a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generating a spherical image, based on the operation information, of a sphere having the viewpoint as its center and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; Based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the viewpoint is aligned with a center point of the spherical image, and a superimposed image is generated by superimposing the spherical image on the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint; An image display method for displaying the superimposed image.

6. Based on design information relating to an observation facility having a stage and seating, spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility are set; operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system; generating a virtual space image based on the operation information and the design information in which the spatial coordinates are set; generating a spherical image, based on the operation information, of a sphere having the viewpoint as its center and on which latitude and longitude lines are drawn; Based on the virtual space image and the spherical image, the viewpoint is aligned with a center point of the spherical image, and a superimposed image is generated by superimposing the spherical image on the virtual space image corresponding to the direction from the viewpoint; An image display program for causing a computer to execute a process for displaying the superimposed image.

7. A computer-implemented image display method, comprising: Based on design information relating to an observation facility having a stage and seating, spatial coordinates corresponding to the observation facility are set; operation information input by a user, the operation information including information about a viewpoint and a direction in the spatial coordinate system; generating virtual space information based on the operation information and the design information in which the space coordinates are set; generating spherical information about a sphere centered on the viewpoint and having lines of latitude and longitude drawn thereon, based on the operation information; reflecting the sphere information in the virtual space information; an image display method for displaying an image of the spherical information from the viewpoint;

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