Simulation system

Abstract

To achieve a simulation system that allows a user to easily carry out various checkings and verifications for a plurality of facilities arranged in an internal space of a building.SOLUTION: A simulation system 1 comprises a display 2 that displays an image showing a virtual space VS, and a controller 3. The controller 3 includes a space information acquisition unit 31, a facility information acquisition unit 32, and a display processing unit 33. The space information acquisition unit 31 acquires internal space information representing an internal space of a building. The facility information acquisition unit 32 acquires facility information representing each of a plurality of facilities arranged in the internal space. The display processing unit 33 three-dimensionally represents the internal space of the building in which the plurality of facilities are arranged and displays it on the display 2 on the basis of the internal space information and the facility information. The display processing unit 33 performs plan view display processing of projecting and displaying a plan view two-dimensionally represented for a target facility on a projection surface constituting a part of the internal space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a simulation system that causes a display device to display an image representing a virtual space as viewed from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space. An example of such a simulation system is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals and names in Patent Document 1 are cited within parentheses.

[0003] The simulation system (System 100) of Patent Document 1 represents the internal space of an actual building (factory 50) on a virtual space using internal space information (wiring model data) representing the building (factory 50). In this internal space (inside the factory 50), facilities (objects 1200, etc.) are virtually arranged in a manner that allows their states (whether they are in a live wire state or not) to be determined. By checking the facilities (objects 1200, etc.) virtually arranged in the internal space, an operator can grasp how the actual facilities (objects 1200) are arranged and in what state in the actual building (factory 50).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, simply arranging facilities (objects 1200, etc.) and information indicating their states inside a building (factory 50) on a virtual space may be insufficient for performing various confirmations and verifications on the plurality of facilities (objects 1200, etc.) arranged at various locations in the building (factory 50).

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a simulation system that facilitates various checks and verifications regarding multiple pieces of equipment placed within the interior space of a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the simulation system is: A simulation system that displays an image representing the virtual space as seen from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space on a display device, A spatial information acquisition unit that acquires interior spatial information representing the interior space of a building, An equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information representing each of the multiple pieces of equipment arranged in the internal space, A display processing unit that, based on the internal space information and the equipment information, represents the internal space of the building in which the multiple pieces of equipment are arranged in three dimensions in the virtual space and displays it on the display device as an image viewed from the viewpoint, Equipped with, The equipment selected from among the multiple equipment is designated as the target equipment, and of the ceiling and floor surfaces of the internal space, the surface on which the target equipment is located is designated as the placement surface, and the surface opposite the placement surface is designated as the opposing surface. The display processing unit performs a plan view display process to display a two-dimensional plan view of the target equipment on the display device, in addition to a three-dimensional image of the target equipment arranged on the arrangement surface, on a projection surface which is at least one of the arrangement surface and the opposing surface, in the positional relationship of the arrangement of the target equipment projected onto the projection surface.

[0008] This configuration allows for the three-dimensional representation of a building's interior space and the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment within that interior space to be viewed from various perspectives. Furthermore, by performing a plan view display process, a plan view of a specific piece of equipment can be displayed in a corresponding positional relationship on a projection plane that is at least one of the placement plane and the opposing plane on which the equipment is located. Consequently, this configuration makes it possible to perform various checks and verifications regarding the equipment using the three-dimensional representation of the equipment's arrangement and the two-dimensional representation of its plan view.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the simulation system of the first embodiment [Figure 2] Display example 1 of the display device shown in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Display example 2 of the display device shown in Figure 1 [Figure 4] Display example 3 of the display device shown in Figure 1 [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the simulation system of the second embodiment [Figure 6] Display example of a display device shown in Figure 5 [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the simulation system of the third embodiment [Figure 8] Figure 7 schematically illustrates the processing of the simulation system shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. First Embodiment The following describes an embodiment of the simulation system 1 with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the simulation system 1 displays an image on the display device 2 that represents the virtual space VS as seen from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space VS virtually generated in the computer. The display device 2 can be a monitor, personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, VR (Virtual Reality) goggles, or other device that displays images. Figure 1 shows a personal computer as an example of the display device 2. One or more users 9 can perform various checks and verifications of the building 5 and equipment 6 by placing the building 5 and equipment 6 in the virtual space VS.

[0012] 1-1. Composition As shown in Figure 1, the simulation system 1 comprises the aforementioned display device 2 and control device 3. The control device 3 includes a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, etc. Each process or function is realized through the cooperation of this hardware and a program executed on the processor such as a computer. The control device 3 may be a standalone computer or a group of computers forming a cloud. The control device 3 and the display device 2 are connected by a wired or wireless method.

[0013] The control device 3 generates a virtual space VS. Information about the virtual space VS generated by the control device 3 is transmitted to the display device 2 as image data. This allows the display device 2 to display the virtual space VS as an image. The user 9 can recognize the virtual space VS displayed as an image by viewing the display device 2. In this embodiment, the control device 3 is a group of computers forming a cloud, and multiple users 9 can access it simultaneously.

[0014] 1-2. Control device The control device 3 includes functional units that function through the cooperation of a program executed on a processor and hardware. The hardware constituting the functional units appropriately includes devices necessary for realizing each function, in addition to the processor, memory, and the like. In the present embodiment, the control device 3 includes, as functional units, a space information acquisition unit 31, a facility information acquisition unit 32, and a display processing unit 33.

[0015] The space information acquisition unit 31 acquires internal space information representing the internal space of the building 5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The internal space of the building 5 is a space including walls, columns, floors, ceilings, and other internal structures of the building 5. The internal space information is information indicating the internal structure of the building 5. Specifically, the information indicating the internal structure of the building 5 is design information defining the positions, shapes, dimensions, patterns, and other internal structures of the walls, columns, floors, ceilings, and other internal structures of the building 5. The space information acquisition unit 31 operates together with an input device 4 such as a communication device and other devices for inputting internal space information, in addition to the processor, memory, and the like, to acquire the internal space information. For example, the internal space information may be acquired by the communication device receiving it from another computer, or may be acquired by being input from the user 9 via a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, touch pen, barcode reader, camera, or other input device 4. In FIG. 1, a keyboard is depicted as an example of the input device 4.

[0016] The facility information acquisition unit 32 acquires facility information representing each of a plurality of facilities 6 arranged in the internal space. The facilities 6 are objects arranged inside the building 5 other than the internal structure of the building 5, depending on the use of the building 5. In the present embodiment, the building 5 is a factory. Therefore, examples of the facilities 6 include various conveyance facilities, manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, and the like. The facility information is information defining the positions, shapes, dimensions, patterns, combinations thereof, and other information of each facility 6. In addition, the facility information may include information on workers working inside the building 5. The facility information acquisition unit 32 may also cooperate with hardware other than the processor, memory, and the like, similar to the space information acquisition unit 31, to exhibit its function.

[0017] The display processing unit 33 three-dimensionally represents the internal space of the building 5 in which a plurality of facilities 6 are arranged in the virtual space VS based on the internal space information and the facility information. In the display device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1, the internal space of the factory and the plurality of facilities 6 arranged in the internal space are displayed as images. The display processing unit 33 causes the display device 2 to display a still image or a moving image. When causing the display device 2 to display a moving image, the display processing unit 33 changes the display mode of the internal space and the plurality of facilities 6 represented in the virtual space VS moment by moment based on an instruction from the user 9 or an instruction incorporated in a computer program.

[0018] 1-3. Processing of the display processing unit The image of the virtual space VS displayed on the display device 2 and the operations that the user 9 can perform on the image will be described. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the "image of the virtual space VS displayed on the display device 2" may be simply referred to as "the virtual space VS" or "the image of the virtual space VS".

[0019] The display processing unit 33 performs an overall display process for displaying the entire internal space and a partial display process for displaying a part of the internal space. In the present embodiment, the user 9 switches from the overall display process to the partial display process by specifying and selecting a part to be displayed in the internal space from the image subjected to the overall display process.

[0020] In the overall display process illustrated in FIG. 2, the display processing unit 33 displays an overall image of the building 5 having a plurality of floors 50. Specifically, the display processing unit 33 displays a three-story building 5. Each floor 50 is represented in a two-dimensional plane. The display processing unit 33 represents the overall image of the building 5 by arranging the two-dimensional planes representing each floor at three-dimensional intervals. As the two-dimensional plane representing each floor 50, for example, the drawing of each floor 50 is adopted. The user 9 can specify a part in the internal space to be subjected to the partial display process using a pointer 91 or the like illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0021] In the partial display process, as shown in Figure 3, the display processing unit 33 displays an image representing the interior space in three dimensions on the display device 2 as an image viewed from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space VS. Figure 3 shows the viewpoint positioned within the interior space. The display processing unit 33 displays the ceiling surface 51, floor surface 52, and wall surface 53 in three dimensions as the interior space. In this embodiment, the equipment 6 includes a transport device for transporting goods located on the ceiling surface 51, and processing equipment for processing goods located on the floor surface 52. In addition, in this embodiment, worker images 65, which are modeled after workers, are placed in the interior space. In the example in Figure 3, worker images 65 modeled after workers in different postures are placed in the interior space. By placing such worker images 65 in the interior space, various confirmations and verifications can be performed to simulate what would happen if a worker performed a task in a real-world situation.

[0022] The interior space and equipment 6 are transformed into three dimensions by applying predetermined rules to two-dimensional drawings of the building 5 and equipment 6, for example, and processing them. The display processing unit 33 can switch the display and hiding of elements constituting the interior space, equipment 6, and other objects according to the user 9's instructions. In this way, the user 9 can efficiently proceed with verification and confirmation by displaying only the objects that are the target of verification and confirmation.

[0023] The display processing unit 33 simulates the movement of viewpoint and line of sight within the virtual space VS and displays it on the display device 2. For example, when user 9 gives instructions to the display processing unit 33 via the input device 4 to move the viewpoint, the display processing unit 33 updates the viewpoint and line of sight of the image displayed on the display device 2. With this configuration, user 9 can seamlessly visualize the internal space, allowing for efficient verification and confirmation of various aspects. For example, if the input device 4 is a mouse, when user 9 moves the mouse, the display processing unit 33 updates the image displayed on the display device 2 to move the viewpoint in the direction corresponding to the mouse movement.

[0024] Preferably, the display processing unit 33 displays the viewpoint and gaze of other users 9 on the display device 2. With this configuration, when multiple users 9 perform various checks and verifications within the internal space, the viewpoint and gaze of other users 9 are displayed on the display device 2, making communication between multiple users 9 easier. In Figure 3, an avatar 9V1 that simulates another user 9 is displayed as the viewpoint of another user 9. The location where the other user 9 is looking is highlighted 9V2. Through image processing performed by the display processing unit 33, one user 9 can switch the image displayed on the display device 2 from the image depicted in Figure 3 to the image of the highlighted location 9V2.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the display processing unit 33 switches between the viewpoint and line of sight of one user 9 and the viewpoint and line of sight of another user 9 when multiple users 9 are checking the internal space. With this configuration, multiple users 9 can simultaneously check the viewpoint and line of sight of a specific user 9, making it easier for multiple users 9 to communicate with each other when they are performing various checks and verifications within the internal space.

[0026] The display processing unit 33 can perform the process of selecting a specific piece of equipment 6. In this embodiment, the user 9 selects a desired piece of equipment 6 from among a plurality of pieces of equipment 6. The user 9 selects the desired piece of equipment 6 using, for example, an input device 4. In the following description, the piece of equipment 6 selected from among a plurality of pieces of equipment 6 will be referred to as the target piece of equipment. Of the ceiling surface 51 and floor surface 52 of the internal space, the surface on which the target piece of equipment is located will be referred to as the placement surface 54, and the surface opposite the placement surface 54 will be referred to as the opposing surface 55. As will be described in detail later, in the example shown in Figure 3, the ceiling transport equipment 60 located on the ceiling surface 51 is selected as the target piece of equipment.

[0027] The display processing unit 33 can perform plan view display processing. Plan view display processing involves displaying a plan view 6D on the display device 2 in the same position as the arrangement of the target equipment projected onto the projection surface 56, which is at least one of the arrangement surface 54 and the opposing surface 55, in addition to an image representing the target equipment in three dimensions placed on the arrangement surface 54. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 33 performs plan view display processing in a state where partial display processing has been performed. In Figure 3, the projected positional relationship is such that corresponding parts overlap when viewed in the vertical direction. The display processing unit 33 may also hide the image representing the target equipment in three dimensions during plan view display processing. This makes it easier for the user 9 to view the plan view 6D.

[0028] The plan view 6D is a two-dimensional representation of the target equipment. The plan view 6D can be a two-dimensional representation of the target equipment with the same dimensions and positional relationships as the three-dimensional representation, a schematic diagram of the target equipment, a diagram with some of these omitted, or any other diagram showing information about the target equipment in two dimensions. In the case of a schematic diagram of the target equipment or a diagram with some of the information about the target equipment omitted, the dimensions and positional relationships of the target equipment represented in the plan view 6D do not need to be exactly the same as the three-dimensional representation of the target equipment; they just need to be in a corresponding relationship. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 33 performs image processing to project the plan view 6D onto the projection surface 56 by setting virtual reference points and reference coordinates on the plan view 6D and the projection surface 56. Specifically, the display processing unit 33 projects the plan view 6D onto the projection surface 56 by performing a process to superimpose the plan view 6D onto the projection surface 56 so that the reference points and reference coordinates set on the plan view 6D and the projection surface 56 overlap.

[0029] In this embodiment, the target equipment includes an overhead transport system 60 that is installed suspended from the ceiling surface 51 and transports objects above the floor surface 52. Such an overhead transport system 60 comprises a rail 61 suspended from the ceiling surface 51, an overhead transport vehicle 62 that travels along the rail 61, a non-contact power supply system (not shown), and a buffer 611 (see Figure 4). The non-contact power supply system is for supplying power to the overhead transport vehicle 62 without contact. The buffer 611 is a position for temporarily storing objects to be transported. In such a target equipment, the placement surface 54 is the ceiling surface 51, and the opposing surface 55 is the floor surface 52. Preferably, the projection surface 56 includes at least the opposing surface 55. In Figure 3, only the opposing surface 55 as the projection surface 56 is shown. In Figure 4, the projection surface 56 shows both the ceiling surface 51 and the floor surface 52, and a plan view 6D is projected onto both of them.

[0030] Plan view 6D includes information from the design drawings of the target equipment. Design drawings include mechanical drawings, equipment layout drawings, and other drawings created in the design of the equipment. Information in the design drawings includes, for example, dimensions, texture, pattern, and color. In this embodiment, plan view 6D is a top-down view of equipment 6.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 3, a plan view 6D, which is part of the design drawing for the ceiling transport equipment 60, is projected onto the floor surface 52. The design drawing for the ceiling transport equipment 60 includes information such as the central position between a pair of rails 61, the suspension position of the rails 61 on the ceiling surface 51, the position of the buffers 611, and the direction in which the ceiling transport vehicles 62 travel. In Figure 3, a center line indicating the central position between a pair of rails 61 is projected onto the floor surface 52. Then, a suspension figure 6DA indicating the suspension position, a buffer figure 6DB indicating the position of the buffers 611, and an arrow 6DC indicating the direction in which the ceiling transport vehicles 62 travel are projected onto the floor surface 52 so as to overlap with the center line.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 4, information about the contactless power supply equipment (not shown in Figure 4) included in the design drawings of the overhead transport equipment 60 is projected onto the ceiling surface 51. The ceiling surface 51 projects a contactless power supply area 6DD as an example of the contactless power supply equipment information. The contactless power supply area 6DD is the area where the contactless power supply equipment can supply power to the overhead transport vehicles 62. Specifically, the contactless power supply equipment comprises a power source (not shown) and power supply lines (not shown) for contactlessly supplying power from the power source to the overhead transport vehicles 62 (not shown in Figure 4). The contactless power supply area 6DD is the area where power supply lines, arranged along the rails 61 (not shown in Figure 4), can supply power to the overhead transport vehicles 62 traveling along the rails 61. In a factory, which is an example of a building 5, especially a large factory, the entire area where the rails 61 are laid may be covered by multiple contactless power supply areas 6DD. That is, a factory may have multiple contactless power supply facilities installed. In such cases, if the contactless power supply area 6DD can be represented in a virtual space VS, the boundaries of different contactless power supply areas 6DD can be easily distinguished, making it easier to perform various checks and verifications in contactless power supply equipment.

[0033] Preferably, the plan view 6D includes information about the device having movable parts. The plan view 6D also includes information about the range of motion 64 of the parts. With this configuration, since the range of motion 64 of the movable parts is projected onto the projection surface 56, it becomes easy to consider the range of motion 64 of the device having movable parts in various verifications and confirmations within the internal space. For example, Figure 3 shows a processing device 63 equipped with an opening and closing door and placed on the floor surface 52. The plan view 6D of the processing device 63 includes information about the range of motion 64 of the door. The display processing unit 33 projects the range of motion 64 of the door as a fan shape onto the floor surface 52, using the floor surface 52 as the projection surface 56. Therefore, the user 9 can easily make decisions such as not to install equipment 6 in the range of motion 64.

[0034] In the plan view display process, the display processing unit 33 generates a plan view 6D using a mirrored design drawing when the projection surface 56 is the ceiling surface 51, and generates a plan view 6D using a design drawing that is not mirrored when the projection surface 56 is the floor surface 52. Therefore, the plan view 6D is projected onto the projection surface 56 appropriately without being inverted.

[0035] Preferably, the display processing unit 33 displays information on geometric physical quantities such as the length of each part of an object, the distance between multiple objects, and other dimensions. With this configuration, various checks and verifications of the equipment 6 installed inside the building 5 can be performed quantitatively. As an example, Figure 3 shows a distance display 57 indicating the distance from the wall surface 53 of the building 5 to the processing unit 63. The distance display 57 displays the distance between two points that the user 9 has pre-selected. In the example shown in Figure 3, the user 9 has selected the wall surface 53 and the side of the equipment 6, and the distance display 57 shows "30.14", which is the shortest distance from the wall surface 53 to the side of the equipment 6.

[0036] 2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the display processing unit 33 performs plan view display processing, which allows for various confirmations and verifications regarding the target equipment. However, in practical terms, multiple diverse pieces of equipment 6 may be placed inside the building 5. In such cases, it is preferable to allow the user 9 to select the desired target equipment from among multiple pieces of equipment. The simulation system 1 of the second embodiment, designed to address this case, can select one or more pieces of equipment 6 as the target equipment from among multiple diverse pieces of equipment 6.

[0037] The simulation system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the control device 3 further includes an input receiving unit 34 as a functional unit, as shown in Figure 5. The following will mainly describe the differences between the simulation system 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment. The similarities between the simulation system 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0038] The input receiving unit 34 receives input from user 9. The input receiving unit 34 receives input from user 9 via the input device 4.

[0039] The display processing unit 33 displays a selection input image 7 on the display device 2, which accepts the selection of a target device from among multiple devices 6. The selection input image 7 includes an image representing an operation icon 73, a selection list, and other images presented to the user 9 for operation.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a selection list indicating two selectable equipment 6 as an example of a selection input image 7. Details of the example in Figure 6 include the default image 330, the first image 331, and the second image 332. The default image 330 is an image without plan view display processing. The first image 331 shows the state after plan view display processing using a plan view 6D representing the first equipment, which is the first piece of equipment 6. In the first image 331, information about the non-contact power supply equipment (not shown) is projected onto the ceiling surface 51, which serves as the projection surface 56. The second image 332 shows the state after plan view display processing using a plan view 6D representing the second equipment, which is the second piece of equipment 6. In the second image 332, information about the area 6DE where the ceiling conveying equipment 60 (partially omitted from the illustration) is installed is projected onto the ceiling surface 51, which serves as the projection surface 56.

[0041] The default image 330 depicts "Floor," representing the floor surface 52, and two selectable facilities 6: "Facility1," representing the first facility, and "Facility2," representing the second facility. Each of the floor surface 52, the first facility, and the second facility is assigned an operation icon 73 (an image labeled "2D") for performing the operation to display the floor plan, and an operation icon 73 (an image labeled "Default") for performing the operation to cancel the floor plan display.

[0042] By operating each operation icon 73, user 9 can switch between the default image 330, the first image 331, and the second image 332. For example, in the default image 330, by selecting the operation icon 73 labeled "2D" for the first equipment, the display processing unit 33 switches from the default image 330 to the first image 331. On the other hand, in the default image 330, by operating the operation icon 73 labeled "2D" for the second equipment, the display processing unit 33 switches from the default image 330 to the second image 332.

[0043] 3. Third Embodiment In the first or second embodiment described above, the display processing unit 33 performs plan view display processing, enabling various confirmations and verifications regarding the target equipment. The confirmed and verified items are then shared with the stakeholders 10, allowing them to be fed back into the design of the actual equipment, the improvement of existing equipment, and other work carried out in the real world. Therefore, it is preferable that the information on the results of confirmations and verifications performed in the virtual space VS, and other shared information that needs to be shared among the stakeholders 10, can be transmitted from the control device 3 to the terminals of the stakeholders 10. In the third embodiment, the simulation system 1 transmits the shared information to at least one terminal other than the control device 3.

[0044] The simulation system 1 of the third embodiment differs from the first or second embodiment in that the control device 3 further includes a shared processing unit 35 as a functional unit, as shown in Figure 7. Hereafter, the differences between the simulation system 1 of the third embodiment and the first or second embodiment will be mainly described. The similarities between the simulation system 1 of the third embodiment and the first or second embodiment will be omitted.

[0045] The sharing processing unit 35 performs the process of sharing shared information with a terminal (another terminal PC) separate from the control device 3. The sharing processing unit 35 includes a recording unit 351 that records the shared information, and a communication unit 352 that generates the shared information recorded by the recording unit 351 into a format that can be displayed on the other terminal PC and transmits it. With this configuration, since the shared information can be generated into a format that can be displayed on the other terminal PC, the relevant parties 10 can easily check the shared information.

[0046] In this embodiment, the recording unit 351 performs selection processing and input processing. The selection processing allows the user 9 to select an object placed in the virtual space VS. The input processing records shared information for the object selected by the selection processing. With this configuration, it is easy for stakeholders 10 to determine which object the shared information pertains to.

[0047] Figure 7 illustrates two cases: one in which the recording unit 351 records shared information consisting of characters (character information), and another in which the recording unit 351 records shared information consisting of patterns (pattern information). In this way, depending on the content of the confirmation or verification results, information such as character information, pattern information, or a combination thereof can be recorded as shared information. Therefore, the shared information can be created in a format that allows the relevant parties 10 who have reviewed the shared information to easily understand the content of the confirmation or verification results.

[0048] When the recording unit 351 records character information, it prompts the user 9 to select a location or object through a selection process. The recording unit 351 illustrated in Figure 7 displays a pointer 91 in the virtual space VS, as shown in Figure 8. The user 9 operates the pointer 91 using the input device 4 to select a location or object. In Figure 7, a callout-shaped figure (selection icon 35A) indicates the location or object selected by the user 9. Through the input process, the recording unit 351 displays a character input area 35B adjacent to the selection icon 35A. This allows the user 9 to input shared information into the area 35B via the input device 4.

[0049] When the recording unit 351 records pattern information, it draws the pattern along the position selected by the user 9. In other words, when recording pattern information, the selection process and the input process are performed simultaneously. In the example shown in Figure 8, the trajectory of the pointer 91 moved by the user 9 operating the input device 4 is drawn on the floor surface 52 as the pattern 35C. The input process may be performed after a time delay following the selection process.

[0050] The communication unit 352 transmits shared information to a terminal PC separate from the control device 3. The communication unit 352 is a device that includes, for example, a wireless communication device, a wired communication device, or other communication equipment. The communication unit 352 illustrated in Figure 7 transmits the shared information in the form of an email 35E, as illustrated in Figure 8. Since the email 35E is supported so that it can be displayed on many other terminal PCs, many stakeholders 10 can easily view the shared information.

[0051] Preferably, the communication unit 352 transmits additional information along with the shared information. The additional information includes a captured image of the shared information recorded on the object included in the shared information, information about the object (name, model number, serial number, etc.), a link to location information within the virtual space VS, and other "information that facilitates the viewing of the shared information by the parties involved 10." With this configuration, the parties involved 10 can easily find the objects included in the shared information within the virtual space VS.

[0052] 4. Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the simulation system 1 will be described.

[0053] (1) In the above embodiment, a factory was described as an example of a building 5. However, building 5 may be a warehouse. In this case, the equipment 6 will be storage shelves, conveying equipment, and other items used for storing goods.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, it was explained that the user 9 selects the target equipment using hardware such as the input device 4. However, the control device 3 may also select the target equipment. Specifically, the computer program that operates the control device 3 may include instructions regarding the selection of the target equipment.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the placement surface 54 and the opposing surface 55 were described when the target equipment was a conveying equipment placed on the ceiling surface 51. Conversely, when the target equipment 6 is placed on the floor surface 52, the placement surface 54 becomes the floor surface 52, and the opposing surface 55 becomes the ceiling surface 51. Examples of equipment 6 placed on the floor surface 52 include tracked trolleys and conveyors with tracks laid on the floor surface 52.

[0056] (4) As an example of the above embodiment, an overhead conveying system 60 was described. However, the equipment in question may also be a conveyor suspended from the ceiling.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiments, it has been described that preferably the projection surface 56 includes at least the opposing surface 55. This description illustrates a preferred embodiment of the simulation system 1 and does not mean that a simulation system 1 in which the projection surface 56 performs plan view display processing only of the arrangement surface 54 is not within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, the plan view 6D was described as including information from the design drawings of the equipment in question. To supplement this, the plan view 6D may also include schematic diagrams and explanatory diagrams that describe various aspects of the equipment 6, in addition to the design drawings.

[0059] (7) In the above embodiment, the display processing unit 33 was described as displaying the shortest distance from the wall surface 53 of the building 5 to the side of the equipment 6. However, the display processing unit 33 may also measure the distance between any point on the side of the equipment 6 and any point on the wall surface 53. The display processing unit 33 may also display the height dimension of the equipment 6 and other dimensions of the equipment 6.

[0060] (8) In the above embodiment, the display processing unit 33 was described as switching between the default image 330, the first image 331, and the second image 332. In other words, an example was described in which the floor plan display processing is performed individually for each piece of equipment 6 when there are multiple pieces of equipment 6. However, in this embodiment, the display processing unit 33 is not limited to performing the floor plan display processing separately for each piece of equipment 6 when there are multiple pieces of equipment 6. For example, if there are multiple pieces of equipment 6, the floor plan display processing may be performed simultaneously for all of the pieces of equipment 6.

[0061] (9) In the above embodiment, the communication unit 352 was described as transmitting shared information to a terminal PC separate from the control device 3. Conversely, the communication unit 352 may receive shared information from a terminal PC. Similarly, the communication unit 352 may receive additional information along with the shared information from a terminal PC.

[0062] (10) The configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0063] 5. Summary of this embodiment The following is a summary of the embodiments of the simulation system described above.

[0064] The simulation system is a simulation system that displays an image representing the virtual space as seen from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space on a display device, A spatial information acquisition unit that acquires interior spatial information representing the interior space of a building, An equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information representing each of the multiple pieces of equipment arranged in the internal space, A display processing unit that, based on the internal space information and the equipment information, represents the internal space of the building in which the multiple pieces of equipment are arranged in three dimensions in the virtual space and displays it on the display device as an image viewed from the viewpoint, Equipped with, The equipment selected from among the multiple equipment is designated as the target equipment, and of the ceiling and floor surfaces of the internal space, the surface on which the target equipment is located is designated as the placement surface, and the surface opposite the placement surface is designated as the opposing surface. The display processing unit performs a plan view display process to display a two-dimensional plan view of the target equipment on the display device, in addition to a three-dimensional image of the target equipment arranged on the arrangement surface, on a projection surface which is at least one of the arrangement surface and the opposing surface, in the positional relationship of the arrangement of the target equipment projected onto the projection surface.

[0065] This configuration allows for the three-dimensional representation of a building's interior space and the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment within that interior space to be viewed from various perspectives. Furthermore, by performing a plan view display process, a plan view of a specific piece of equipment can be displayed in a corresponding positional relationship on a projection plane that is at least one of the placement plane and the opposing plane on which the equipment is located. Consequently, this configuration makes it possible to perform various checks and verifications regarding the equipment using the three-dimensional representation of the equipment's arrangement and the two-dimensional representation of its plan view.

[0066] Furthermore, the aforementioned plan view includes information from the design drawings of the target equipment. In the plan view display process described above, it is preferable to generate the plan view using the mirrored design drawing when the projection surface is the ceiling surface, and to generate the plan view using the design drawing that is not mirrored when the projection surface is the floor surface.

[0067] This configuration makes it possible to perform various checks and verifications regarding the target equipment by comparing the layout of the target equipment, which is represented in three dimensions, with the design drawing information contained in the plan view of the target equipment, which is represented in two dimensions.

[0068] Furthermore, the simulation system is further equipped with an input receiving unit that accepts user input. Preferably, the display processing unit displays a selection input image on the display device that accepts the selection of the target equipment from among the multiple pieces of equipment, and the equipment selected by the input receiving unit is designated as the target equipment.

[0069] With this configuration, the user can select one or more pieces of equipment as target equipment from among several pieces of equipment. Therefore, by selecting the equipment for which they want to display a plan view in addition to a three-dimensional image, it becomes possible to check and verify the selected equipment with the plan view displayed.

[0070] Furthermore, the aforementioned equipment is an overhead transport system that is installed suspended from the ceiling and transports objects above the floor level. The aforementioned arrangement surface is the ceiling surface, The opposing surface is the floor surface, The projection surface preferably includes at least the opposing surface.

[0071] This configuration makes it possible to perform various checks and verifications regarding the ceiling conveying equipment, which is installed suspended from the ceiling, using a plan view projected onto the floor. Therefore, it is easier to efficiently examine, for example, the appropriateness of the positional relationship between various processing equipment installed on the floor and the ceiling conveying equipment. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] The technology disclosed herein can be used to display an image on a display device that represents a virtual space as seen from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1: Simulation System 2:Display device 5: Building 6: Equipment 7: Select input image 9: User 31: Spatial information acquisition unit 33: Display Processing Unit 34: Input Reception Section 51: Ceiling surface 52: Floor surface 54: Placement surface 55: Opposite side 56: Projection surface 60: Ceiling conveying equipment VS: Virtual Space

Claims

1. A simulation system that displays an image representing the virtual space as seen from a movable viewpoint within the virtual space on a display device, A spatial information acquisition unit that acquires interior spatial information representing the interior space of a building, An equipment information acquisition unit that acquires equipment information representing each of the multiple pieces of equipment arranged in the internal space, A display processing unit that, based on the internal space information and the equipment information, represents the internal space of the building in which the multiple pieces of equipment are arranged in three dimensions in the virtual space and displays it on the display device as an image viewed from the viewpoint, Equipped with, The equipment selected from among the multiple equipment is designated as the target equipment, and of the ceiling and floor surfaces of the internal space, the surface on which the target equipment is located is designated as the placement surface, and the surface opposite the placement surface is designated as the opposing surface. The display processing unit performs a plan view display processing to display on the display device a two-dimensional plan view of the target equipment on a projection surface which is at least one of the placement surface and the opposing surface, in addition to an image representing the target equipment in three dimensions that is arranged on the placement surface, in the positional relationship that the arrangement of the target equipment is projected onto the projection surface.

2. The aforementioned plan view includes information from the design drawings of the equipment in question. The simulation system according to claim 1, wherein in the plan view display process, if the projection surface is the ceiling surface, the plan view is generated using the mirrored design drawing, and if the projection surface is the floor surface, the plan view is generated using the design drawing that is not mirrored.

3. It further includes an input receiving unit that accepts user input, The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display processing unit displays a selection input image on the display device for accepting the selection of the target equipment from among a plurality of the equipment, and the equipment selected by the input receiving unit is designated as the target equipment.

4. The aforementioned equipment is an overhead transport system that is installed suspended from the ceiling and transports objects above the floor. The aforementioned arrangement surface is the ceiling surface, The opposing surface is the floor surface, The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection surface includes at least the opposing surface.

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