Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing method includes displaying a bird's-eye view of a work space on a display of an information terminal, and displaying, on the bird's-eye view, a plurality of imaging point icons indicating a plurality of imaging points. The plurality of imaging points include a first imaging point and a second imaging point imaged at a later time than the first imaging point. The displaying of the plurality of imaging point icons includes changing the distance between a first imaging point icon indicating the first imaging point and a second imaging point icon indicating the second imaging point in accordance with a work step in the work space.

Description

Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for displaying images.

[0002] For example, the technology of Patent Document 1 discloses that the recommended shooting position is set to be within a predetermined distance from a reference point, that is, within a distance range that allows for generating a continuous 3D image when connected with an omnidirectional image captured at the reference point. Furthermore, for example, the technology of Patent Document 1 discloses that areas on the floor to be photographed that need to be photographed or areas that do not need to be photographed are set according to a layout representing the rooms or equipment on the floor to be photographed, and that areas on the floor to be photographed that do not need to be photographed are excluded when setting the recommended shooting position.

[0003] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the recommended shooting position is determined within a predetermined distance from the reference point, and areas that require shooting or do not require shooting are determined in advance according to the layout of the rooms or facilities on the floor to be shot. Therefore, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not disclose how the spacing between multiple shooting location icons that indicate multiple shooting locations can be changed according to the work process, and further improvement is needed.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-12447

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and aims to provide a technology that can change the spacing between multiple shooting location icons that indicate multiple shooting locations depending on the work process.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes displaying a bird's-eye view of a work space on a display of an information terminal, and displaying a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations on the bird's-eye view, wherein the plurality of photographing locations include a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location, and the display of the plurality of photographing location icons includes changing the spacing between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location depending on the work process in the work space.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the spacing between multiple photography location icons indicating multiple photography locations can be changed depending on the work process.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system in this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen on which a plurality of photography location icons before the interval is changed are superimposed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen on which first photography location icons and second photography location icons with a changed interval are superimposed in a first work process. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen on which first photography location icons and second photography location icons with a changed interval are superimposed in a second work process performed after the first work process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining processing by a display control unit to determine a reference distance in a second modification of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining processing by a display control unit to determine a reference distance in a third modification of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining processing by a display control unit to change a photography location icon in a fifth modification of this embodiment.

[0009] (Findings that form the basis of the present disclosure) A user interface is being developed that displays multiple photography location icons indicating locations where actual photographs of a construction site were taken on a two-dimensional blueprint of the construction site, etc., and when one photography location icon is selected, displays an image taken at the photography location indicated by that icon. This allows a construction site manager to understand the situation at the construction site without visiting the construction site.

[0010] In the above-described conventional technology, the photographing point where the photographer takes a photograph is determined to be within a predetermined distance from a reference point. Also, in the conventional technology, areas on the floor to be photographed that need to be photographed and areas on the floor that do not need to be photographed are determined in advance according to the layout of the rooms or facilities on the floor to be photographed.

[0011] Therefore, with conventional techniques, it has been difficult to increase or decrease the number of shooting points depending on the work process.

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the following techniques are disclosed.

[0013] (1) An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes displaying a bird's-eye view of a work space on a display of an information terminal, and displaying a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations on the bird's-eye view, wherein the plurality of photographing locations include a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location, and the display of the plurality of photographing location icons includes changing the spacing between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location depending on the work process in the work space.

[0014] According to this configuration, the spacing between the first photography location icon indicating the first photography location and the second photography location icon indicating the second photography location is changed depending on the work process, so that the spacing between the multiple photography location icons indicating the multiple photography locations can be changed depending on the work process. Also, because the spacing between the multiple photography location icons is changed depending on the work process, an increase in the number of processing steps on the computer can be suppressed, and an increase in the burden on computer resources can be suppressed.

[0015] (2) In the information processing method described above in (1), the display of the plurality of photographing location icons may be such that the interval between the first photographing location icon and the second photographing location icon becomes narrower as the work process progresses.

[0016] For example, in the early stages of a construction work process, there are no walls or other structures built within the work space, and there are few structures that obstruct the worker's view, so there is no need to set multiple photography locations closely together. On the other hand, in the later stages of a construction work process, walls or other structures are built within the work space, and there are more structures that obstruct the worker's view, so there is a need to set multiple photography locations closely together. With this configuration, the spacing between the first photography location icon and the second photography location icon becomes narrower as the work process progresses, so that in the early stages of the work process, multiple photography locations can be set roughly, and in the later stages of the work process, multiple photography locations can be set closely together.

[0017] (3) The information processing method according to (1) or (2) above may further include specifying the work process based on an interval between structures in the work space.

[0018] According to this configuration, the number of structures in the work space increases as the work process progresses, and so the work process can be identified by detecting the spacing between structures in the work space.

[0019] (4) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the method may further include determining a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive photographing locations among the plurality of photographing locations based on the work process, and displaying the plurality of photographing location icons may include selecting a first photographing location among the plurality of photographing locations, selecting a photographing location among the plurality of photographing locations that is located at a distance of at least the reference distance from the selected first photographing location as the second photographing location, and displaying the first photographing location icon indicating the selected first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the selected second photographing location on the bird's-eye view.

[0020] According to this configuration, a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive photographing locations among a plurality of photographing locations is determined based on the work process, a first photographing location is selected, and a photographing location located at a distance equal to or greater than the reference distance from the first photographing location is selected as a second photographing location. Therefore, the distance between the first photographing location and the second photographing location can be easily set using the reference distance according to the work process.

[0021] (5) In the information processing method described in (4) above, the reference distance may be shorter as the distance between structures in the work space becomes narrower.

[0022] According to this configuration, the closer the intervals between structures in the work space, the more closely multiple image capture points can be set.

[0023] (6) In the information processing method described in (4) or (5) above, the method may further include dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of regions, and determining the reference distance may include determining the reference distance based on the area, perimeter, horizontal length, or vertical length of each of the plurality of regions.

[0024] According to this configuration, a reference distance according to the current work process can be determined based on the area, perimeter, horizontal length, or vertical length of each of the multiple regions.

[0025] (7) In the information processing method described in (6) above, dividing the bird's-eye view may include dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of areas surrounded by walls.

[0026] According to this configuration, the bird's-eye view is divided into a plurality of areas surrounded by walls, and by creating areas surrounded by walls, i.e., rooms, the intervals between the plurality of shooting points can be changed.

[0027] (8) In the information processing method described in (6) above, dividing the bird's-eye view may include dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of grid-like regions, and determining the reference distance may include determining the reference distance based on the horizontal length or the vertical length between walls in each of the plurality of regions.

[0028] According to this configuration, by creating walls within the areas divided into a grid pattern, it is possible to change the intervals between the multiple image capturing points.

[0029] (9) In the information processing method described in (4) or (5) above, determining the reference distance may include dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of regions and determining the reference distance for each of the plurality of regions.

[0030] According to this configuration, the bird's-eye view is divided into a plurality of areas, and a reference distance is determined for each of the plurality of areas, so that the intervals between the plurality of shooting location icons can be changed for each of the plurality of areas.

[0031] (10) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (9) above, if the distance between the second photographing location and a structure in the workspace is less than a threshold value, the method may further include determining, as the second photographing location, a photographing location among the plurality of photographing locations that is located at a distance greater than or equal to the threshold value from the structure.

[0032] If the second photographing location approaches the structure, the image captured at the second photographing location will be one of the structures captured from a very close distance, making it difficult for the worker to confirm the state of the structure from the image. However, with this configuration, if the distance between the second photographing location and the structure in the workspace is less than a threshold, a photographing location that is located at a distance of at least the threshold from the structure among the multiple photographing locations is determined as the second photographing location. Therefore, the worker can confirm the state of the structure from the image captured at the second photographing location that is located at a distance of at least the threshold from the structure.

[0033] Furthermore, the present disclosure can be realized not only as an information processing method that executes the characteristic processes described above, but also as an information processing device having a characteristic configuration corresponding to the characteristic processes executed by the information processing method. Furthermore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a computer program that causes a computer to execute the characteristic processes included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above information processing method can also be achieved in the following other aspects.

[0034] (11) Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a processor, wherein the processor displays a bird's-eye view of a workspace on a display of an information terminal, and displays a plurality of photography location icons indicating a plurality of photography locations on the bird's-eye view, the plurality of photography locations including a first photography location and a second photography location photographed at a later time than the first photography location, and in displaying the plurality of photography location icons, changes the spacing between the first photography location icon indicating the first photography location and the second photography location icon indicating the second photography location depending on the work process in the workspace.

[0035] (12) Another aspect of the information processing program of the present disclosure causes a computer to display a bird's-eye view of a workspace on the display of an information terminal and display, on the bird's-eye view, a plurality of photography location icons indicating a plurality of photography locations, the plurality of photography locations including a first photography location and a second photography location photographed at a later time than the first photography location, and in displaying the plurality of photography location icons, the spacing between the first photography location icon indicating the first photography location and the second photography location icon indicating the second photography location is changed depending on the work process in the workspace.

[0036] (13) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect of the present disclosure records the information processing program described in (12) above.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0039] The information processing system 1 is a system that displays a bird's-eye view of a workspace on a display 23 of an information terminal 20, and also displays a plurality of photography location icons indicating a plurality of photography locations on the bird's-eye view. The information processing system 1 includes a server 10, an information terminal 20, a photography device 30, and a communication device 40.

[0040] The server 10 is an example of an information processing device and a computer. The server 10, the information terminal 20, and the communication device 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network NT. An example of the network NT is the Internet. The server 10 is, for example, a cloud server configured with one or more computers. However, this is just one example, and the server 10 may be configured as an edge server or may be implemented in the information terminal 20. The aspect in which the server 10 is implemented in the information terminal 20 is an example of the aspect in which the information terminal 20 is configured as an information processing device.

[0041] The information terminal 20 is carried by a user. The user is, for example, a manager of a predetermined space in which the image capturing device 30 captures images. The predetermined space is, for example, a construction site. However, this is just one example, and the predetermined space may be a construction site, a factory, a store, an office, or the like. The information terminal 20 may be configured as a portable computer such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, or as a stationary computer. The information terminal 20 displays images on a display 23 under control of the server 10. Although one information terminal 20 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, multiple information terminals may be connected to the server 10 via a network NT. The information terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a processor 22, a display 23, and an operation unit 24.

[0042] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface that connects the information terminal 20 to the network NT. The communication unit 21 transmits instruction signals indicating various instructions received from the user by the operation unit 24 to the server 10. The communication unit 21 receives display data for displaying various display screens from the server 10.

[0043] The processor 22 is configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and displays a display screen indicated by the display data received by the communication unit 21 on the display 23 .

[0044] The display 23 is configured with various display devices such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays various display screens under the control of the processor 22.

[0045] The operation unit 24 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and the like, and accepts various instructions input by the user.

[0046] The communication device 40 is configured by a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, and connects the photographing device 30 to the network NT. The communication device 40 and the photographing device 30 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a short-range wireless communication path such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0047] The image capturing device 30 is, for example, an omnidirectional camera, and captures images at a predetermined frame rate. An omnidirectional camera is also called a 360-degree camera, and is a camera that can capture images in all directions of 360 degrees. The image capturing device 30 is, for example, a portable image capturing device carried by a photographer. The photographer may be, for example, a worker or a site supervisor at a construction site. The image capturing device 30 may be held in the photographer's hand, or may be worn on the photographer's body (for example, on the head). The image capturing device 30 may also be a regular camera.

[0048] The photographer moves through the construction site while taking pictures of the site with the camera device 30. At the start point of the shooting, the photographer points the camera device 30 in a northerly direction, presses the camera button on the camera device 30, and starts shooting. When the photographer reaches the end point of the shooting, he presses the camera button again to stop shooting. When the shooting is finished, the camera device 30 transmits the series of captured images to the communication device 40.

[0049] The image includes the date and time of the image capture. The date and time of the image capture is obtained, for example, by a clock provided in the image capture device 30. In this example, the image capture device 30 captures images at a predetermined frame rate (e.g., 10 frames per second), so the image capture location is defined in frame cycle units. However, this would result in an enormous amount of data, so the image capture location may be defined every predetermined time period (e.g., 1 second, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds).

[0050] The communication device 40 receives the multiple images transmitted by the image capturing device 30. The communication device 40 also displays a blueprint of the construction site and accepts designation by the photographer of the position of the image capturing start point and the position of the image capturing end point on the blueprint.

[0051] The start and end points of photography are specified by the photographer inputting instructions specifying the positions on the blueprint screen of the site displayed on the display of the communication device 40. Two-dimensional coordinate axes are defined on the blueprint screen. Therefore, the start and end points of photography are each defined by two-dimensional coordinate values. The start and end points of photography are used by the server 10 to specify the position of each photography point and the photography direction of each image.

[0052] The communication device 40 transmits photography information including the multiple captured images to the server 10 via the network NT. Photography information is generated each time a single photography operation is performed. One photography operation refers to a series of operations from when a worker holding the photography device 30 starts taking pictures at a construction site until when he finishes taking pictures. Multiple images are captured during one photography operation. The photography information includes the multiple images taken and meta information for each of the multiple images. The meta information includes a photography ID, a photography date and time, and a blueprint ID. The photography ID is an identifier for identifying the photography operation. The photography date and time is the date and time when the image was taken. The blueprint ID is an identifier for identifying a blueprint for a specified space corresponding to the image.

[0053] The server 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The processor 11 is configured, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 11 includes an acquisition unit 111 and a display control unit 112. The acquisition unit 111 and the display control unit 112 may be realized by the processor 11 executing an information processing program, or may be configured by a dedicated hardware circuit such as an ASIC. The information processing program may be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0054] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that connects the server 10 to the network NT. The communication unit 13 receives shooting information transmitted by the communication device 40. The communication unit 13 receives instruction signals indicating various instructions received from the user from the information terminal 20. The communication unit 13 transmits display data for displaying various display screens to the information terminal 20.

[0055] The memory 12 is configured as a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and includes a design drawing information storage unit 121, an image information storage unit 122, a work process information storage unit 123, and a reference distance information storage unit 124.

[0056] The design drawing information storage unit 121 stores design drawing information. The design drawing information is image information showing a design drawing of a predetermined space. A design drawing ID that identifies the design drawing is associated with the design drawing information. The design drawing is an example of a bird's-eye view.

[0057] The processor 11 uses Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to identify the location of each of the multiple images based on the shooting start point, shooting end point, and multiple images included in the shooting information received by the communication unit 13. The location of the shooting point is expressed as two-dimensional coordinate values ​​on the design drawing. The processor 11 also uses Visual SLAM technology to identify the shooting direction of each of the multiple images. The shooting direction of each image is expressed, for example, as a three-dimensional polar coordinate vector.

[0058] The processor 11 creates image information based on the shooting information received by the communication unit 13 and stores the created image information in the image information storage unit 122 .

[0059] The image information storage unit 122 stores image information. The image information is information that associates multiple images taken at multiple shooting locations with meta information for each image. The image information is generated each time the above-mentioned shooting information is received. The meta information includes a shooting ID, shooting date and time, shooting direction, shooting location, and blueprint ID. The shooting direction is the shooting direction of the shooting device 30 that took the image. The shooting location is location information (two-dimensional coordinate values) that indicates the shooting location of the image.

[0060] The work process information storage unit 123 stores work process information indicating work processes for construction work. A blueprint ID is associated with the work process information. For example, the work processes for construction work include a framework construction process, an exterior construction process, and an interior construction process. After the framework construction is completed, the exterior construction is performed, and after the exterior construction, the interior construction is performed. The framework construction process is a process of constructing the pillars, beams, and floors of a building. The exterior construction process is a process of constructing the exterior walls of a building. In the exterior construction process, exterior materials such as glass, exterior wall panels, or exterior fittings are installed. The interior construction process is a process of constructing the ceiling, walls, and floors inside a building. The interior construction process further includes a process of dividing the work space into multiple sections, a process of constructing the ceiling, a process of creating a wall base, and a process of attaching boards to the walls.

[0061] The work processes are determined in advance, and the period for which each work process is performed is also determined in advance. The work process information includes the start date and time and the end date and time of each work process. By referring to the work process information, the current work process can be identified. Note that the start date and the end date and time of a work process may be modified depending on the progress of the work process.

[0062] The reference distance information storage unit 124 pre-stores reference distance information associating each of a plurality of work processes with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive image capture locations among a plurality of image capture locations. The reference distance decreases as the work process progresses. For example, a reference distance of 5 meters is associated with a framework construction process, a reference distance of 3 meters is associated with an exterior construction process, and a reference distance of 1 meter is associated with an interior construction process. The reference distance may be an actual distance within the work space or a distance in a two-dimensional space on a design drawing. In the framework construction process, only columns and beams are created within the work space, allowing workers to have a wide view of the work space, so the reference distance is set long. On the other hand, in the interior construction process, walls are created within the work space, requiring workers to individually check the divided spaces, so the reference distance is set short.

[0063] For example, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store a first reference distance corresponding to a framework construction process, a second reference distance corresponding to an exterior construction process, and a third reference distance corresponding to an interior construction process. Furthermore, the interior construction process may be divided into more detailed work processes. That is, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store a third reference distance corresponding to a process of dividing the workspace into multiple sections, a fourth reference distance corresponding to a process of constructing a ceiling and a process of creating a wall base, and a fifth reference distance corresponding to a process of attaching boards to the walls.

[0064] The communication unit 13 receives an instruction to display a design drawing from the information terminal 20. The operation unit 24 of the information terminal 20 accepts a design drawing selection by the user, and the communication unit 21 transmits an instruction to display the design drawing selected by the user to the server 10. The instruction to display the design drawing includes a design drawing ID.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction to specify the shooting date and time from the information terminal 20. The operation unit 24 of the information terminal 20 accepts the selection of the shooting date and time by the user, and the communication unit 21 transmits an instruction to specify the shooting date and time selected by the user to the server 10. The instruction to specify the shooting date and time includes the shooting ID.

[0066] The acquisition unit 111 acquires, from the design drawing information storage unit 121, a design drawing corresponding to a design drawing ID included in the instruction for displaying the design drawing received by the communication unit 13. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires, from the image information storage unit 122, a plurality of shooting locations corresponding to a shooting ID included in the instruction for specifying the shooting date and time received by the communication unit 13.

[0067] The display control unit 112 displays a blueprint of the workspace on the display 23 of the information terminal 20. The display control unit 112 displays the blueprint acquired by the acquisition unit 111 on the display 23 of the information terminal 20. The display control unit 112 transmits display data of the blueprint to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 13. The communication unit 21 of the information terminal 20 receives the display data transmitted by the server 10. The display 23 displays the blueprint received by the communication unit 21.

[0068] The display control unit 112 displays, on the blueprint, a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations. The plurality of photographing locations include a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location. The display control unit 112 changes the interval between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location according to the work process in the workspace. The display control unit 112 narrows the interval between the first photographing location icon and the second photographing location icon as the work process progresses.

[0069] The display control unit 112 determines a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive image capture locations among the multiple image capture locations based on the work process. The display control unit 112 refers to work process information stored in the work process information storage unit 123 and identifies the current work process. The display control unit 112 refers to reference distance information stored in the reference distance information storage unit 124 and determines the reference distance associated with the identified current work process as the reference distance between the two image capture locations. The reference distance becomes shorter as the work process progresses. As the work process progresses, structures such as walls in the work space increase, and the distance between the structures becomes narrower. Therefore, the reference distance becomes shorter as the distance between structures in the work space becomes narrower.

[0070] The display control unit 112 selects a first photographing location from among the plurality of photographing locations, and selects, from among the plurality of photographing locations, a photographing location that is located at a position that is at least a reference distance away from the selected first photographing location as a second photographing location. The display control unit 112 displays, on the display 23, a first photographing location icon indicating the selected first photographing location and a second photographing location icon indicating the selected second photographing location.

[0071] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen 200 on which a plurality of photography location icons 210 are superimposed before the spacing is changed. The blueprint screen 200 displays a blueprint 201 of a workspace. The blueprint screen 200 displays a plurality of photography location icons 210 superimposed on one another.

[0072] The photography location icon 210 is an icon indicating a photography location. The photography location icon 210 is associated with an image taken at the photography location. In this example, the photography location icon 210 is configured as a circular image. The multiple photography location icons 210 displayed here correspond to multiple photography locations belonging to one photography operation. The route tracing from the photography location icon 210 at the tip to the photography location icon 210 at the end indicates the trajectory followed by the photographer in this photography operation. The arrow 221 indicates the trajectory followed by the photographer.

[0073] The image capturing device 30 captures images at a predetermined frame rate. In this case, the number of multiple image capturing locations is expressed as the frame rate (fps) * image capturing time (seconds). In FIG. 2, the spacing between the multiple image capturing location icons 210 has not changed. Therefore, the multiple image capturing location icons 210 are displayed overlapping each other along the path of the photographer's movement.

[0074] The dashed lines in Figure 2 indicate the positions of walls to be constructed. In the framework construction process, which is the early stage of the work process, no structures such as walls are constructed within the work space, and there are few structures that obstruct the worker's view, so there is no need to set multiple photography points closely together. On the other hand, in the interior construction process, which is the later stage of the work process, structures such as walls are constructed within the work space, and there are more structures that obstruct the worker's view, so it is necessary to set multiple photography points closely together. Therefore, in this embodiment, the spacing between multiple photography point icons is changed depending on the work process.

[0075] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen 200A in which a first photographing location icon 211 and a second photographing location icon 212, the spacing of which has been changed, are superimposed in a first work process. The first work process is, for example, a structural construction process. The blueprint screen 200A displays a blueprint 201 of the work space. A plurality of photographing location icons 210, including the first photographing location icon 211 and the second photographing location icon 212, are superimposed on the blueprint screen 200A. In addition, in FIG. 3, walls that have not been constructed are indicated by dashed lines.

[0076] The photography location icon 210 is configured as a circular image. Note that the shape of the photography location icon 210 is an example, and other shapes may be used. An image taken at a photography location is associated with the photography location icon 210. The operation unit 24 may accept a user's selection of one photography location icon 210 from the plurality of photography location icons 210. When one photography location icon 210 from the plurality of photography location icons 210 is selected, the display control unit 112 may read an image corresponding to the selected one photography location icon 210 from the image information storage unit 122, and display the read image on the display 23.

[0077] The display control unit 112 refers to the work process information stored in the work process information storage unit 123 and identifies the current work process as the first work process. Then, the display control unit 112 refers to the reference distance information stored in the reference distance information storage unit 124 and determines the first reference distance associated with the identified first work process as the reference distance between the two image capturing locations. The reference distance is the distance on the photographer's travel route.

[0078] The display control unit 112 selects the first imaging location (imaging start location) of the multiple imaging locations as the first imaging location. The display control unit 112 selects, from the multiple imaging locations, an imaging location that is located a first reference distance away from the selected first imaging location as the second imaging location. The display control unit 112 displays a first imaging location icon 211 indicating the selected first imaging location and a second imaging location icon 212 indicating the selected second imaging location on the display 23. Thereafter, the display control unit 112 sequentially selects the third to Nth imaging locations that are located the first reference distance away until there are no selectable imaging locations located the first reference distance away, and displays the third to Nth imaging location icons indicating the selected third to Nth imaging locations.

[0079] If there is no photography location that is the first reference distance away from the selected first photography location, the display control unit 112 may select, as the second photography location, a photography location that is the first reference distance or more away from the selected first photography location. Furthermore, the photography location icon indicating the photography end point may be displayed even if the photography location is not the first reference distance or more away from the previously selected photography location. Furthermore, the photography location icon indicating the photography end point may not be displayed if the photography location is not the first reference distance or more away from the previously selected photography location.

[0080] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a blueprint screen 200B in which a first photographing location icon 211 and a second photographing location icon 212, the spacing of which has been changed, are superimposed for a second work process that is performed after a first work process. The second work process is, for example, an interior construction process. The blueprint screen 200B displays a blueprint 201 of the work space. A plurality of photographing location icons 210, including the first photographing location icon 211 and the second photographing location icon 212, are superimposed on the blueprint screen 200B. In addition, in FIG. 4, the created walls are shown with solid lines.

[0081] The display control unit 112 refers to the work process information stored in the work process information storage unit 123 and identifies the current work process as the second work process. Then, the display control unit 112 refers to the reference distance information stored in the reference distance information storage unit 124 and determines the second reference distance associated with the identified second work process as the reference distance between the two image capture locations. The second reference distance is shorter than the first reference distance.

[0082] The display control unit 112 selects the first imaging location (imaging start location) of the multiple imaging locations as the first imaging location. The display control unit 112 selects, from the multiple imaging locations, an imaging location that is located a second reference distance away from the selected first imaging location as the second imaging location. The display control unit 112 displays, on the display 23, a first imaging location icon 211 indicating the selected first imaging location and a second imaging location icon 212 indicating the selected second imaging location. Thereafter, the display control unit 112 sequentially selects the third to Nth imaging locations that are located the second reference distance away until there are no selectable imaging locations located the second reference distance away, and displays the third to Nth imaging location icons indicating the selected third to Nth imaging locations.

[0083] If there is no photography location that is the second reference distance away from the selected first photography location, the display control unit 112 may select, as the second photography location, a photography location that is the second reference distance or more away from the selected first photography location. Furthermore, the photography location icon indicating the photography end point may be displayed even if the photography location is not the second reference distance or more away from the previously selected photography location. Furthermore, the photography location icon indicating the photography end point may not be displayed if the photography location is not the second reference distance or more away from the previously selected photography location.

[0084] Comparing Figures 3 and 4, the spacing between the multiple shooting location icons 210 displayed on the design drawing screen 200B shown in Figure 4 is shorter than the spacing between the multiple shooting location icons 210 displayed on the design drawing screen 200A shown in Figure 3.

[0085] 2, 3, and 4, the number of the plurality of photography location icons 210 displayed on the design drawing screens 200A and 200B shown in Fig. 3 and 4 is smaller than the number of the plurality of photography location icons 210 displayed on the design drawing screen 200B shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing load for displaying the plurality of photography location icons 210 can be reduced.

[0086] The image information storage unit 122 may retain only the images corresponding to the selected plurality of photographing locations and delete the images corresponding to the unselected plurality of photographing locations, thereby reducing the amount of image data stored in the memory 12.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 10 in this embodiment.

[0088] First, in step S1, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction to display a blueprint from the information terminal 20. In this case, a menu screen for selecting a blueprint is displayed on the display 23 of the information terminal 20, and the operation unit 24 accepts a user instruction to select one blueprint from the menu screen. The input instruction is transmitted to the server 10 via the network NT and received by the communication unit 13. The instruction to display the blueprint includes a blueprint ID.

[0089] Next, in step S2, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, from the design drawing information stored in the design drawing information storage unit 121, a design drawing corresponding to the design drawing ID included in the instruction to display the design drawing received by the communication unit 13.

[0090] Next, in step S3, the display control unit 112 transmits display data of the blueprint to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 13, thereby displaying the blueprint on the display 23 of the information terminal 20. The display screen displayed by default displays the blueprint selected in step S1 and a selection acceptance field for selecting the shooting date and time. The selection acceptance field displays selectable shooting dates and times that can be displayed, and the operation unit 24 accepts a user instruction to select the desired shooting date and time in the selection acceptance field. The shooting date and time displayed in the selection acceptance field is a representative value of the shooting dates and times included in the image information stored in the memory 12. The representative value is, for example, the shooting start date and time. When a shooting date and time is selected, one shooting operation corresponding to that shooting date and time is selected. An instruction to specify the shooting date and time is transmitted to the server 10 via the network NT and received by the communication unit 13. The instruction to specify the shooting date and time includes a shooting ID.

[0091] Next, in step S4, the acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the communication unit 13 has received an instruction to specify the shooting date and time. If it is determined that the communication unit 13 has not received an instruction to specify the shooting date and time (NO in step S4), the process returns to step S3.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication unit 13 has received an instruction to specify the shooting date and time (YES in step S4), in step S5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, from the image information stored in the image information storage unit 122, multiple shooting locations corresponding to the shooting ID included in the instruction to specify the shooting date and time received by the communication unit 13.

[0093] Next, in step S6, the display control unit 112 identifies the current work process by referring to the work process information stored in the work process information storage unit 123. The display control unit 112 identifies the work process that corresponds to the current date and time.

[0094] Next, in step S7, the display control unit 112 determines the reference distance between the two shooting locations based on the identified current work process by referring to the reference distance information stored in the reference distance information storage unit 124. The display control unit 112 reads out the reference distance associated with the identified current work process from the reference distance information storage unit 124.

[0095] Next, in step S8, the display control unit 112 selects, from the acquired plurality of photographing locations, a plurality of photographing locations each spaced apart by a reference distance. At this time, the display control unit 112 selects a first photographing location from the plurality of photographing locations, and selects, from the plurality of photographing locations, a photographing location that is a reference distance from the selected first photographing location as a second photographing location.

[0096] Next, in step S9, the display control unit 112 sends a display instruction to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 13 to display, on the design drawing, a plurality of photography location icons indicating the selected plurality of photography locations, thereby displaying the plurality of photography location icons indicating the selected plurality of photography locations on the design drawing displayed on the display 23 of the information terminal 20. At this time, the display control unit 112 displays, on the design drawing, a first photography location icon indicating the selected first photography location and a second photography location icon indicating the selected second photography location.

[0097] Next, in step S10, the acquisition unit 111 determines whether the communication unit 13 has received an end instruction. The end instruction is an instruction to close the design drawing displayed in step S3. This instruction is input by pressing an end button (not shown) displayed on the display 23. If it is determined that the communication unit 13 has received the end instruction (YES in step S10), the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication unit 13 has not received the end instruction (NO in step S10), the processing returns to step S4. In this case, the display of the design drawing is maintained. The end instruction is transmitted to the server 10 via the network NT and received by the communication unit 13. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the end instruction via the communication unit 13.

[0098] In this way, the spacing between the first photography location icon 211 indicating the first photography location and the second photography location icon 212 indicating the second photography location is changed according to the work process, so that the spacing between multiple photography location icons indicating multiple photography locations can be changed according to the work process. Also, because the spacing between the multiple photography location icons is changed according to the work process, an increase in the number of processing steps on the computer can be suppressed, and an increase in the burden on computer resources can be suppressed.

[0099] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0100] (1) In the present embodiment, the work process information storage unit 123 stores work process information in advance, and the display control unit 112 identifies the current work process by referencing the work process information. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. In a first modification of the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 may identify the work process based on the spacing between structures in the work space. In this case, the display control unit 112 may recognize structures included in images captured at multiple shooting locations. The structures may be, for example, walls. The display control unit 112 may detect the spacing between the recognized structures and identify the current work process from the detected spacing between the structures.

[0101] (2) In the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 determines the reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the multiple imaging locations based on the work process, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. In a second modification of the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 may divide the blueprint into multiple regions. The display control unit 112 may then determine the reference distance based on the area, perimeter, horizontal length, or vertical length of each of the multiple regions. In this case, the display control unit 112 may divide the blueprint into multiple regions surrounded by walls.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which the display control unit 112 determines the reference distance in the second modification of the present embodiment.

[0103] 6 , walls are created in the workspace, and the design drawing 201 is composed of multiple areas 231, 232, 233, and 234 surrounded by the walls. The positions of the walls may be detected by recognizing structures included in images captured at multiple shooting locations. Alternatively, the positions of the walls may be detected from the design drawing.

[0104] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of area ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the area of ​​each of the plurality of areas 231, 232, 233, and 234, and calculate the average of the areas of each of the plurality of areas 231, 232, 233, and 234. The display control unit 112 may determine which of the plurality of area ranges the calculated average area falls into, and determine the reference distance associated with the determined area range as the reference distance between the two imaging locations.

[0105] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of perimeter ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the perimeter of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234, and calculate the average perimeter of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. The display control unit 112 may determine which of the plurality of perimeter ranges the calculated average perimeter falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with the determined perimeter range as the reference distance between the two imaging locations.

[0106] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may also store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of horizontal length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among a plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the horizontal length of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234 and calculate the average of the horizontal lengths of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. Note that the shape of the region is not limited to a quadrangle. In FIG. 6 , the regions 231 and 233 are quadrangles, while the regions 232 and 234 are polygonal. When a region is polygonal, the display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest horizontal length of a plurality of different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. Alternatively, when a region is polygonal, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of a plurality of different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple ranges of horizontal lengths the calculated average horizontal length falls within, and determine the reference distance corresponding to the determined range of horizontal lengths as the reference distance between the two shooting locations.

[0107] Furthermore, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of vertical length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among a plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the vertical length of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234 and calculate the average vertical length of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. Note that, when a region has a polygonal shape, the display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest vertical length of a plurality of different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. Alternatively, when a region has a polygonal shape, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of a plurality of different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple ranges of vertical lengths the calculated average vertical length falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with the determined range of vertical lengths as the reference distance between the two shooting locations.

[0108] (3) In the above-described second modification of the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 divides the blueprint into a plurality of regions surrounded by walls. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. In a third modification of the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 may divide the blueprint into a plurality of lattice-shaped regions. The display control unit 112 may determine the reference distance based on the horizontal length or vertical length between the walls in each of the plurality of regions.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which the display control unit 112 determines the reference distance in the third modification of the present embodiment.

[0110] 7, the blueprint 201 is divided into four grid-like regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. The positions of the walls may be detected by recognizing structures included in images captured at multiple locations. Alternatively, the positions of the walls may be detected from the blueprint.

[0111] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may pre-store reference distance information associating each of a plurality of horizontal length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among a plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the horizontal length between walls and the horizontal length between the walls and the boundary line of each of the plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. If a wall exists within a region, the display control unit 112 calculates multiple horizontal lengths L1, L2, and L3 between the walls and multiple horizontal lengths L4, L5, and L6 between the walls and the boundary line of each of the regions. The display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest horizontal length among multiple different horizontal lengths within a region as the horizontal length of the region. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of the multiple different horizontal lengths within a region as the horizontal length of the region. The display control unit 112 may calculate the average horizontal length of each of the plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple ranges of horizontal lengths the calculated average horizontal length falls within, and determine the reference distance corresponding to the determined range of horizontal lengths as the reference distance between the two shooting locations.

[0112] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may also store in advance reference distance information associating each of a plurality of vertical length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the vertical length between walls and the vertical length between the walls and the boundary line of each of the plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. If a wall exists within a region, multiple vertical lengths between walls and multiple vertical lengths between the walls and the boundary line of the region are calculated. The display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest vertical length among multiple different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of the multiple different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. The display control unit 112 may also calculate the average vertical length of each of the plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple ranges of vertical lengths the calculated average vertical length falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with the determined range of vertical lengths as the reference distance between the two shooting locations.

[0113] (4) In a fourth modification of the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 may divide the blueprint into a plurality of regions and determine a reference distance for each of the plurality of regions. In this case, the display control unit 112 changes the spacing between the plurality of shooting location icons for each of the plurality of regions.

[0114] The multiple regions may be multiple regions 231, 232, 233, and 234 surrounded by walls, as shown in FIG.

[0115] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of area ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the area of ​​each of the plurality of areas 231, 232, 233, and 234. The display control unit 112 may determine to which of the plurality of area ranges the calculated area of ​​each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234 falls, and may determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined area ranges as the reference distance for each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234.

[0116] Furthermore, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of perimeter ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the perimeter of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. The display control unit 112 may determine which of the plurality of perimeter ranges the calculated perimeter of each of the regions 231, 232, 233, and 234 falls within, and may determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined perimeter ranges as the reference distance for each of the regions 231, 232, 233, and 234.

[0117] Furthermore, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of horizontal length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the horizontal length of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. Note that, if a region is polygonal, the display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest horizontal length of a plurality of different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. Alternatively, if a region is polygonal, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of a plurality of different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of a plurality of ranges of horizontal lengths the calculated horizontal length of each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234 falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined ranges of horizontal lengths as the reference distance for each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234.

[0118] Furthermore, the reference distance information storage unit 124 may store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of vertical length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among the plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the vertical length of each of the plurality of regions 231, 232, 233, and 234. Note that, if a region has a polygonal shape, the display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest vertical length of a plurality of different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. Alternatively, if a region has a polygonal shape, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of a plurality of different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple vertical length ranges the calculated vertical length of each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234 falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined vertical length ranges as the reference distance for each of the areas 231, 232, 233, and 234.

[0119] Furthermore, the plurality of regions may be a plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244 obtained by dividing the design drawing into a grid, as shown in FIG.

[0120] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may pre-store reference distance information associating each of a plurality of horizontal length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among a plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the horizontal length between walls and the horizontal length between the walls and the boundary line of each of a plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. If a wall exists within a region, multiple horizontal lengths L1, L2, and L3 between the walls and multiple horizontal lengths L4, L5, and L6 between the walls and the boundary line of the region are calculated. The display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest horizontal length among multiple different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of multiple different horizontal lengths within the region as the horizontal length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple horizontal length ranges the calculated horizontal length of each of the areas 241, 242, 243, and 244 falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined horizontal length ranges as the reference distance for each of the areas 241, 242, 243, and 244.

[0121] The reference distance information storage unit 124 may also store in advance reference distance information that associates each of a plurality of vertical length ranges with a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive imaging locations among a plurality of imaging locations. The display control unit 112 may calculate the vertical length between walls and the vertical length between the walls and the boundary line of each of the plurality of regions 241, 242, 243, and 244. If a wall exists within a region, multiple vertical lengths between walls and multiple vertical lengths between the walls and the boundary line of the region are calculated. The display control unit 112 may determine the longest or shortest vertical length among multiple different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may determine the average of multiple different vertical lengths within the region as the vertical length of the region. The display control unit 112 may determine which of multiple vertical length ranges the calculated vertical length of each of the areas 241, 242, 243, and 244 falls within, and determine the reference distance associated with each of the determined vertical length ranges as the reference distance for each of the areas 241, 242, 243, and 244.

[0122] (5) In this embodiment, as a result of changing the distance between the first image capture location icon and the second image capture location icon, there is a risk that the second image capture location icon will come close to the structure. In this case, the image captured at the second image capture location indicated by the second image capture location icon will be captured from a close distance to the structure, making it difficult for the worker to confirm the condition of the structure. Therefore, in a fifth variation of this embodiment, when the distance between the second image capture location and the structure in the workspace is less than a threshold, the display control unit 112 may determine, as the second image capture location, one of the multiple image capture locations that is located at a distance equal to or greater than the threshold from the structure.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which the display control unit 112 changes the shooting location icon in the fifth modification of the present embodiment.

[0124] 8 , a first image capturing location 251 is selected from among the multiple image capturing locations, and a second image capturing location 252 is selected from among the multiple image capturing locations that is located at a distance equal to or greater than a reference distance from the selected first image capturing location 251. The display control unit 112 then determines whether or not a distance t between the second image capturing location 252 and a structure 261 in the workspace that is closest to the second image capturing location 252 is less than a threshold value T. The structure 261 is, for example, a wall. Here, if it is determined that the distance t between the second image capturing location 252 and the structure 261 that is closest to the second image capturing location 252 is less than the threshold value T, the display control unit 112 determines, from among the multiple image capturing locations, a second image capturing location that is located at a distance equal to or greater than the threshold value T from the structure 261.

[0125] The technology according to the present disclosure is useful as a technology for displaying images because it is possible to change the spacing between multiple photography location icons that indicate multiple photography locations depending on the work process.

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: displaying a bird's-eye view of a work space on a display of an information terminal; and displaying a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations on the bird's-eye view, wherein the plurality of photographing locations include a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location, and displaying the plurality of photographing location icons includes changing the spacing between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location depending on the work process in the work space.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the display of the plurality of photographing location icons narrows the interval between the first photographing location icon and the second photographing location icon as the work process progresses.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising identifying the work process based on an interval between structures in the work space.

4. An information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising determining a reference distance between two chronologically consecutive photographing locations among the plurality of photographing locations based on the work process, and displaying the plurality of photographing location icons comprises: selecting the first photographing location from the plurality of photographing locations, and selecting, from the plurality of photographing locations, a photographing location that is located at a distance equal to or greater than the reference distance from the selected first photographing location as the second photographing location; and displaying, on the bird's-eye view, the first photographing location icon indicating the selected first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the selected second photographing location.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein the reference distance is shorter as the distance between structures in the working space is narrower.

6. The information processing method according to claim 4, further comprising dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of regions, and determining the reference distance comprises determining the reference distance based on the area, perimeter, horizontal length, or vertical length of each of the plurality of regions.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein dividing the bird's-eye view includes dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of regions surrounded by walls.

8. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein dividing the bird's-eye view includes dividing the bird's-eye view into a plurality of grid-like regions, and determining the reference distance includes determining the reference distance based on the horizontal length or the vertical length between walls in each of the plurality of regions.

9. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein said determining the reference distance includes: dividing said bird's-eye view into a plurality of regions; and determining said reference distance for each of said plurality of regions.

10. An information processing method as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising, when the distance between the second photographing location and a structure in the work space is less than a threshold value, determining as the second photographing location a photographing location among the multiple photographing locations that is located at a distance from the structure that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

11. An information processing device having a processor, wherein the processor displays a bird's-eye view of a work space on a display of an information terminal, displays a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations on the bird's-eye view, the plurality of photographing locations including a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location, and in displaying the plurality of photographing location icons, changes the spacing between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location depending on the work process in the work space.

12. An information processing program that causes a computer to display a bird's-eye view of a work space on an information terminal display, and to display a plurality of photographing location icons indicating a plurality of photographing locations on the bird's-eye view, the plurality of photographing locations including a first photographing location and a second photographing location photographed at a later time than the first photographing location, and in displaying the plurality of photographing location icons, changes the spacing between the first photographing location icon indicating the first photographing location and the second photographing location icon indicating the second photographing location depending on the work process in the work space.

Images