Image output system and application program

Abstract

This image output system comprises: a storage unit that stores outer peripheral information indicating the outer peripheral line of facility equipment which can be installed on an installation wall of a building; an image acquisition unit that acquires an installation wall image including an image of the installation wall; an identification unit that arranges the outer peripheral line indicated by the outer peripheral information stored in the storage unit with respect to the installation wall image acquired by the image acquisition unit so as to identify an equipment area image surrounded by the outer peripheral line in the installation wall image; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image identified by the identification unit.

Description

Image output system and application program

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an image output system and an application program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-60508 discloses an exterior case for equipment. Patterns and the like are attached to the outer surface of the exterior case by inkjet printing.

[0003] When the equipment is installed on the installation wall of a building, if the difference between the appearance of the equipment and the appearance of the installation wall around the equipment is large, it may give the user a sense of discomfort. Even if the technology of Patent Document 1 is adopted, it is difficult to create patterns corresponding to the appearances of various installation walls. This specification provides a technology that can more easily make the appearance of the equipment approach the appearance of the installation wall compared to the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect of this technology, the image output system may include a storage unit that stores outer peripheral information indicating the outer peripheral line of equipment that can be installed on the installation wall of a building, an image acquisition unit that acquires an installation wall image including an image of the installation wall, a specifying unit that arranges the outer peripheral line indicated by the outer peripheral information stored in the storage unit with respect to the installation wall image acquired by the image acquisition unit and specifies a device area image surrounded by the outer peripheral line in the installation wall image, and an output unit that outputs the device area image specified by the specifying unit.

[0005] In the above image output system, with respect to the installation wall image, the outer peripheral line of the equipment is arranged, and the device area image surrounded by the outer peripheral line is specified and output. Since the device area image is output using a part of the installation wall image where the equipment is installed, the device area image is likely to be close to the appearance of the installation wall around the equipment. Therefore, compared with the prior art of attaching a pattern to the outer surface of the exterior case of the equipment, the appearance of the equipment can be more easily made to approach the appearance of the installation wall.

[0006] In a second aspect of this technology, the image acquisition unit in the first embodiment may include an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the installation wall. In this case, the image output system may further include an adjustment unit that adjusts the size of the outer perimeter of the captured installation wall image based on the distance between the imaging device that captured the installation wall image and the installation wall. Furthermore, the identification unit may identify the equipment area image by arranging the outer perimeter adjusted by the adjustment unit on the captured installation wall image.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the size of the outer perimeter is adjusted based on the distance between the imaging device and the installation wall, so that the ratio of the size of the installation wall image to the size of the outer perimeter can be brought closer to the actual ratio.

[0008] In a third aspect of this technology, the image output system may include an imaging device capable of capturing an image of equipment installation including equipment installed on a building wall and a surrounding area around the equipment on the wall; a generation unit that synthesizes a first portion showing the equipment included in the equipment installation image with a second portion showing the surrounding area included in the equipment installation image so as to be visually continuous, thereby generating an equipment area image having the same external shape as the equipment; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image generated by the generation unit.

[0009] In the image output system described above, even when the equipment is already installed on the mounting wall, an equipment area image is generated and output by compositing the first part showing the equipment with the second part showing the surrounding area so that they are visually continuous. Therefore, compared to the conventional technology described above, it is possible to easily make the appearance of the equipment resemble the appearance of the mounting wall.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of this technology, in the first or second aspect, the storage unit may store peripheral information for each of a plurality of equipment devices, including equipment. In this case, the image output system may further include a reception unit that receives input from a user for identifying a specific piece of equipment included in the plurality of equipment devices. Furthermore, the identification unit may identify an equipment area image using the peripheral lines corresponding to the specific piece of equipment identified by the identification information received by the reception unit.

[0011] For example, multiple pieces of equipment may have different shapes. According to this embodiment, in order to identify a specific piece of equipment from among multiple pieces of equipment based on specific information entered by the user, the equipment area image can be appropriately identified by using the outer perimeter of the specific piece of equipment used by the user.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of this technology, in the fourth aspect, the image output system may further include an external server. In that case, the external server may include a storage unit.

[0013] According to this embodiment, for example, when adding new equipment, the perimeter information can be quickly updated on an external server.

[0014] In the sixth aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the output unit may include a printing device for printing an image of the equipment area.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the appearance of the equipment can be made to resemble the appearance of the installation wall by printing an image of the equipment area on the printed material.

[0016] In a seventh aspect of this technology, in the sixth aspect, the equipment may include an exterior panel that forms at least a portion of the exterior surface exposed from the installation wall when installed on the installation wall. The printing device may print an image of the equipment area on the exterior panel of the equipment.

[0017] According to this embodiment, by printing the equipment area image on the exterior panel of the equipment, it is possible to easily manufacture the exterior panel with the equipment area image attached, compared to, for example, a configuration in which the equipment area image is printed on a separate sheet and that sheet is attached to the equipment.

[0018] The image output system described above may include a mobile terminal. In that case, the application program for the mobile terminal and the control method for implementing the mobile terminal are also novel and useful.

[0019] A diagram of the image output system 100 of the first embodiment is shown. A schematic diagram of the image output system 100 of the first embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the image output processing of the first embodiment is shown. A schematic diagram of the image output system 100 of the second embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the image output processing of the second embodiment is shown.

[0020] Representative and non-limiting examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to show those skilled in the art details for carrying out preferred examples of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the disclosed additional features and inventions may be used separately from or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved image output systems and application programs.

[0021] Furthermore, the combinations of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for carrying out the present invention in the broadest sense, and are described solely to illustrate representative examples of the present invention. Moreover, the various features of the following representative examples, as well as the various features described in the claims, do not necessarily have to be combined in the same way as the examples described herein, or in the order listed, to provide additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] All features described herein and / or in the claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of each other, as limitations to the specific matters described in the original disclosure and in the claims, separate from the features described in the examples and / or in the claims. Furthermore, all descriptions of numerical ranges and groups or clusters are intended to disclose intermediate configurations as limitations to the specific matters described in the original disclosure and in the claims.

[0023] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Image Output System 100) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image output system 100 of this embodiment comprises a mobile terminal 10, a server 20, and a printing device 30. The image output system 100 is a system that uses images captured by the camera 14 of the mobile terminal 10 to cause the printing device 30 to print print data.

[0024] The mobile terminal 10 is a smartphone and is carried by a user residing in, for example, a house 2 (see Figure 2). The mobile terminal 10 is not limited to a smartphone; it can be any user-portable device such as a feature phone, tablet, or portable game console. The mobile terminal 10 comprises a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a camera 14, a wireless interface 16, and a control unit 18. The display unit 12 displays, for example, the device selection screen SC1 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the display unit 12 is a so-called touchscreen and also functions as the operation unit 13. The operation unit 13 accepts various operations from the user. For example, the operation unit 13 accepts the user's selection of the device selection buttons B11 to B13 (see Figure 3), which will be described later.

[0025] Camera 14 is a device for imaging objects. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, camera 14 is used to image a region A1 of the exterior wall 4 of the house 2. Region A1 includes, for example, the area of ​​the exterior wall 4 where the water heater 40 is installed. The water heater 40 has, for example, a burner (not shown) that burns fuel gas to heat water, and has a rectangular box shape. The water heater 40 includes a case 41 that houses the burner. The case 41 includes an exterior panel 42 and a mounting surface 44 located on the opposite side of the exterior panel 42. The exterior panel 42 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the case 41 of the water heater 40 and is made of a flat sheet of iron.

[0026] In this embodiment, after the camera 14 captures an image of area A1 of the exterior wall 4, the water heater 40 is installed within area A1 of the exterior wall 4 so that the mounting surface 44 and the exterior wall 4 are in contact (see arrow in Figure 2). Once the water heater 40 is installed on the exterior wall 4, the exterior panel 42 and the sides of the case 41 of the water heater 40 are exposed from the exterior wall 4.

[0027] The wireless interface 16 shown in Figure 1 performs mobile communication with, for example, a base station network (not shown). Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10 may use the wireless interface 16 to perform wireless communication with a router (not shown) located in the house 2, for example, by using Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi® method.

[0028] The control unit 18 is a computer equipped with a CPU 18C and memory 18M. The memory 18M consists of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and stores, for example, AP (application program) 1. AP1 is, for example, a program for executing image output processing, which will be described later. In this embodiment, AP1 is downloaded, for example, from the server 20 to the memory 18M of the mobile terminal 10.

[0029] The server 20 comprises a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a wireless interface 26, and a control unit 28. The server 20 is managed, for example, by the manufacturer of the water heater 40 and is installed on the Internet 6. In a modified example, the server 20 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a company other than the manufacturer of the water heater 40. The display unit 22 displays, for example, various information about the water heater 40. The operation unit 23 receives, for example, input from an administrator to add a new water heater 40 model. The wireless interface 26 is connected to the wireless interface 16 of the mobile terminal 10 via the Internet 6.

[0030] The control unit 28 is a computer equipped with a CPU 28C and memory 28M. The memory 28M consists of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and stores, for example, the outer perimeter data table T1. The outer perimeter data table T1 stores the equipment name, model number, and outer perimeter data in association with each other. The equipment name indicates the type of equipment and includes, for example, a water heater, an HP (abbreviation for heat pump) outdoor unit, and a kitchen remote control. The equipment name may also include the names of other equipment that is mounted so as to be exposed on the exterior wall 4 or interior wall (not shown) of the house 2, such as a clothes dryer.

[0031] The model number is information that indicates the model of each piece of equipment. As shown in Figure 1, the equipment name "Water Heater" is associated with and stored model numbers K10 to K30. Similarly, the equipment name "HP Outdoor Unit" is associated with and stored model numbers H10 to H30, and the equipment name "Kitchen Remote Control" is associated with and stored model numbers R10 to R20.

[0032] Outer perimeter data is data that shows the shape and size of the outer perimeter of the equipment when viewed from the front, when the equipment is installed on an exterior wall 4, etc. In addition to the line showing the outer shape of the equipment, the outer perimeter may also include non-printed area lines to exclude parts such as openings and operating parts on the surface of the equipment from the equipment area image P1 described later. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the outer perimeter of the water heater 40 coincides with the outer perimeter of the exterior panel 42. Here, the shape and size of the equipment differ depending on the type of equipment. Furthermore, even for the same equipment, the shape and size may differ depending on the model. For this reason, outer perimeter data table T1 stores outer perimeter data for each model. For equipment named "water heater" and models K10, K20, and K30, outer perimeter data DK1, DK2, and DK3 are stored in association with each. Similarly, for the equipment name "HP Outdoor Unit," models H10, H20, and H30 are associated with and stored peripheral line data DH1, DH2, and DH3, respectively, and for the equipment name "Kitchen Remote Control," models R10 and R20 are associated with and stored peripheral line data DR1 and DKR, respectively. Thus, in this embodiment, the server 20 stores peripheral line data DK1 to DK3, DH1 to DH3, and DR1 to DR2 in association with the models K10 to K30, H10 to H30, and R10 to R20 of the water heater, HP outdoor unit, and kitchen remote control. As a result, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the peripheral line data table T1 is stored in the memory 18M of the mobile terminal 10, the server 20 can quickly update the peripheral line data in the peripheral line data table T1 when a new model of water heater is added.

[0033] The printing device 30 is located, for example, in a printing company's factory (not shown). The printing device 30 includes a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a print execution unit 34, a wireless interface 36, and a control unit 38. The display unit 32 displays, for example, information about the printed material. The operation unit 33 receives, for example, print-related operations. The wireless interface 36 is connected to the wireless interface 16 of the mobile terminal 10 via the internet 6. The control unit 38 is a computer comprising a CPU 38C and a memory 38M. The memory 38M is composed of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and the CPU 38C controls the print execution unit 34 according to, for example, a program (not shown) stored in the memory 38M. The print execution unit 34 is configured to print an image onto a metal plate (for example, the outer panel 42 of a water heater 40). The printing device 30 performs printing on the outer panel 42 based on, for example, the print data (see S60 in Figure 3) received from the mobile terminal 10, as described below.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, the image output processing performed by the CPU 18C of the control unit 18 of the mobile terminal 10 according to AP1 will be described. The image output processing is performed, for example, when installing a water heater 40 on the exterior wall 4 of a house 2, prior to the installation of the water heater 40. The image output processing is the process for sending print data to the printing device 30. The CPU 18C executes the processing shown in Figure 3 in response to receiving an AP1 startup instruction from the user.

[0035] In S10, the CPU 18C sends a device list request to the server 20. The device list is a signal to request the server 20 to provide a list of devices capable of generating print data, which will be described later. When the server 20 receives the device list request from the mobile terminal 10, it sends a device list to the mobile terminal 10, based on the outer loop data table T1 (see Figure 1), which includes the names of devices capable of generating print data at the current time (e.g., water heater, HP outdoor unit, kitchen remote control). When the CPU 18C receives the device list from the server 20, it proceeds to process S12.

[0036] In S12, the CPU 18C displays the device selection screen SC1 on the display unit 12 based on the device list received in S10. The device selection screen SC1 is, for example, a screen for the user to select a device to be installed on the exterior wall 4 of the house 2. The device selection screen SC1 includes a message prompting the user to select a device to install, and device selection buttons B11 to B13 indicating the names of the devices included in the device list received in S10. In this embodiment, device selection button B11 is a button for selecting a water heater, device selection button B12 is a button for selecting an HP outdoor unit, and device selection button B13 is a button for selecting a kitchen remote control. When the CPU 18C receives a selection from the user for any one of the device selection buttons B11 to B13, it proceeds to S14.

[0037] In S14, the CPU 18C identifies the device name (e.g., water heater) indicated by the device selection button (e.g., B11) selected in S12. Hereafter, the device identified in S14 may be referred to as the target device. Once the CPU 18C has identified the target device, it proceeds to S16.

[0038] In S16, the CPU 18C sends a model list request to the server 20. The model list request is a signal to request a list of model types for the target equipment from the server 20, and includes information indicating the target equipment. When the server 20 receives the model list request from the mobile terminal 10, it identifies the model types (e.g., K10 to K30) stored in association with the target equipment indicated by the information included in the model list request, based on the outer loop data table T1 (see Figure 1), and sends them to the mobile terminal 10 as a model list. When the CPU 18C receives the model list from the server 20, it proceeds to processing in S20.

[0039] In S20, the CPU 18C displays the model selection screen SC2 on the display unit 12. The model selection screen SC2 includes a message prompting the user to select a model, and model selection buttons B21 to B23 indicating the model of the target equipment included in the model list received from the server 20. In this embodiment, the model selection buttons B21 to B23 correspond to the water heater models K10 to K30, respectively. When the CPU 18C receives a selection from the user for one of the model selection buttons B21 to B23, it proceeds to S22.

[0040] In S22, the CPU 18C identifies the model (e.g., K10) indicated by the model selection button (e.g., B21) selected in S20. Hereafter, the model identified in S22 may be referred to as the target model. Once the CPU 18C has identified the target model, it proceeds to S24.

[0041] In S24, the CPU 18C sends a request for outline data to the server 20, which includes information indicating the target model identified in S22. When the server 20 receives the outline data request from the mobile terminal 10, it identifies the outline data (e.g., DK1) stored in association with the target model based on the outline data table T1 (see Figure 1) and sends it to the mobile terminal 10. When the CPU 18C receives the outline data from the server 20, it proceeds to S30. In this way, the CPU 18C acquires outline data corresponding to the target model based on the target model selected by the user. Therefore, even if there are multiple models of water heaters with different shapes and sizes (e.g., K10 to K30), the equipment area image P1 described later can be appropriately identified based on the outline data (e.g., DK1) of the target model used by the user.

[0042] In S30, the CPU 18C acquires the installation wall image W1. Specifically, the CPU 18C activates the camera 14 and receives, for example, a user's instruction to image the installation wall (for example, the exterior wall 4) where the target equipment will be installed. The CPU 18C causes the camera 14 to capture the installation wall image W1 and receives the installation wall image W1 from the camera 14. Once the CPU 18C receives the installation wall image W1 from the camera 14, it proceeds to process S40.

[0043] In S40, the CPU 18C acquires the imaging distance (e.g., D1). As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging distance D1 is the distance between the mobile terminal 10 and the outer wall 4. That is, the imaging distance D1 is the distance between the camera 14 that images the installation wall image W1 and the installation wall on which the target device is installed. The CPU 18C acquires the imaging distance D1, for example, in S40, by displaying an imaging distance input screen (not shown) on the display unit 12 and receiving the input of the imaging distance D1 from the user. In a modified example, the CPU 18C may irradiate the outer wall 4 with laser light, receive the reflected light from the outer wall 4, and use a laser distance meter (not shown) that measures the distance from the mobile terminal 10 to the outer wall 4 to acquire the imaging distance D1. When the CPU 18C acquires the imaging distance D1, the process proceeds to S42.

[0044] In S42, based on the imaging distance D1 acquired in S40, the size of the outer peripheral line indicated by the outer peripheral line data received in S24 is adjusted. For example, the CPU 18C compares the imaging distance D1 with a predetermined reference distance, and adjusts the size of the outer peripheral line according to the difference between the imaging distance D1 and the reference distance. For example, when the imaging distance D1 is greater than the reference distance, the CPU 18C determines the size of the outer peripheral line on the image so that the size of the outer peripheral line on the image is larger than the size of the outer peripheral line indicated by the outer peripheral line data (i.e., the size of the target device of the actual target model) according to the difference between the two. When the imaging distance D1 is smaller than the reference distance, the CPU 18C determines the size of the outer peripheral line on the image so that the size of the outer peripheral line on the image is smaller than the size of the above-described actual target device according to the difference between the two. When the adjustment of the size of the outer peripheral line is completed, the CPU 18C proceeds to S50.

[0045] In S50, the CPU 18C displays a specific screen SC3 on the display unit 12. The specific screen SC3 includes an equipment area image P1, which is an image of the area enclosed by the outer perimeter line L1, whose size was adjusted in S42, from the installation wall image W1 received in S30. That is, in S50, the CPU 18C positions the outer perimeter line L1 relative to the installation wall image W1 to identify the equipment area image P1 enclosed by the outer perimeter line L1 within the installation wall image W1. The user can position the outer perimeter line L1 at their desired location by, for example, touching the outer perimeter line L1 with their finger and moving it on the display unit 12. This allows the user to identify the desired area within the installation wall image W1 using the outer perimeter line L1. The specific screen SC3 includes a message asking the user whether or not to print the equipment area image P1, an execution button B31 that receives a print command from the user, and a stop button B32 that receives a print stop command. When CPU 18C displays the specific screen SC3, it proceeds to process S52.

[0046] In S52, the CPU 18C determines whether or not the user has instructed the user to print. Specifically, if the CPU 18C accepts the selection of the stop button B32 on the specific screen SC3 displayed in S50, it determines that there was no instruction to print (NO in S52), and returns to processing S30 to receive a new installation wall image W1 from the camera 14. If the CPU 18C accepts the selection of the execute button B31, it determines that there was an instruction to print (YES in S52), and proceeds to processing S60.

[0047] In S60, the CPU 18C generates print data indicating the device area image P1 and transmits it to the printing device 30. When the printing device 30 receives the print data, it prints the print data on the exterior plate (for example, the exterior plate 42) of the target device (for example, the water heater 40) of the target type. Thereby, for example, compared with a configuration in which the device area image P1 is printed on a printable sheet and the sheet is attached to the exterior plate of the target device, an exterior plate on which the device area image P1 is printed can be easily manufactured. Thereafter, the user installs the target device (for example, the water heater 40) on which the device area image P1 is printed on the exterior plate (for example, the exterior plate 42) on the installation wall (for example, the exterior wall 4). Thereby, the exterior plate 42 on which the device area image P1 is printed is exposed from the exterior wall 4, like the water heater 40 shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2, for example.

[0048] (Effect of this embodiment) As described above, in the image output system 100 of this embodiment, with respect to the installation wall image W1 acquired in S30 of the image output process in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral line L1 of the target device (for example, the water heater 40) of the target type is arranged, and the device area image P1 surrounded by the outer peripheral line L1 in the installation wall image W1 is printed (S60). Since the device area image P1 is printed using a part of the installation wall image W1 of the installation wall on which the target device is installed, the device area image P1 is likely to approximate the appearance of the installation wall (for example, the exterior wall 4) around the target device (for example, the water heater 40). Therefore, for example, compared with the prior art in which a pattern similar to the pattern of the exterior wall 4 is attached to the exterior plate 42 of the water heater 40, the appearance of the water heater 40 can be easily made to approximate the appearance of the exterior wall 4.

[0049] Furthermore, the CPU 18C adjusts the size of the outer perimeter line L1 based on the imaging distance (e.g., D1) between the mobile terminal 10 that captured the installation wall image W1 and the installation wall (e.g., outer wall 4) (S42 in Figure 3). Therefore, even if the installation wall is made of bricks and the size of the bricks in the installation wall image W1 changes depending on the imaging distance, the ratio between the size of the bricks in the installation wall image W1 and the size of the outer perimeter line L1 can be brought closer to the actual ratio. As a result, even if the installation wall is made of bricks, the size of the bricks printed on the exterior panel (e.g., 42) of the target equipment (e.g., water heater 40) can be matched to the size of the bricks on the installation wall. This reduces the sense of unfamiliarity given to the user.

[0050] (Correspondence) Exterior wall 4 is an example of an "installation wall". Water heater 40 is an example of an "equipment". Perimeter line data DK1 is an example of "perimeter information". Server 20's memory 28M is an example of a "storage unit". Camera 14 is an example of an "imaging device". Model K10, which is written on model selection button B21, is an example of "specific information".

[0051] The process at S30 in Figure 3 is an example of a process performed by the "image acquisition unit". The process at S50 is an example of a process performed by the "specification unit". The process at S60 is an example of a process performed by the "output unit". The process at S42 is an example of a process performed by the "adjustment unit". The process at S20 is an example of a process performed by the "reception unit".

[0052] (Second Embodiment) The image output system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the water heater 40 is already placed in the recess 5A of the outer wall 4A. Therefore, the side of the water heater 40 faces the inner surface of the recess 5A. That is, in this embodiment, when the water heater 40 is installed on the outer wall 4A, only the outer panel 42 of the water heater 40 is exposed from the outer wall 4. In this embodiment, when the water heater 40 is already placed on the outer wall 4, the image output system 100 performs the image output processing shown in Figure 5 to make the appearance of the outer panel 42 of the water heater 40 closer to the appearance of the outer wall 4A. Compared to the first embodiment described above, the image output system 100 of this embodiment differs in that the memory 28M of the server 20 does not store the outer circumference data table T1 and in the content of the image output processing performed, but otherwise has a common configuration.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, in the image output processing of this embodiment, in S100, the CPU 18C activates the camera 14 and receives an imaging instruction from the user, and in response, receives an equipment installation image W2 from the camera 14. In this embodiment, since the water heater 40 is already placed in the recess 5A of the outer wall 4A, the equipment installation image W2 includes an image of the outer panel 42 of the water heater 40 and an image of the area surrounding the water heater 40 on the outer wall 4A. When the CPU 18C receives the equipment installation image W2 from the camera 14, it proceeds to processing in S102.

[0054] In S102, the CPU 18C detects the outer boundary line L2 from the equipment installation image W2 received from the camera 14 in S100. Specifically, the CPU 18C detects the outer boundary line L2 based on the rate of change in brightness in the equipment installation image W2, i.e., the magnitude of the gradient, using, for example, the Canny Edge Detection method. For example, the CPU 18C detects the position where the magnitude of the gradient is maximum as the outer boundary line L2. Once the CPU 18C detects the outer boundary line L2, it proceeds to processing in S104.

[0055] In S104, the CPU 18C generates a composite image P2. For example, the CPU 18C treats the area inside the outer perimeter line L2 in the equipment installation image W2 as a missing portion and fills in the missing portion based on the image outside the outer perimeter line L2. Specifically, the CPU 18C applies an image of a specific portion selected from outside the outer perimeter line L2 to the missing portion inside. Furthermore, the CPU 18C changes the brightness inside the outer perimeter line L2 in the equipment installation image W2, that is, the brightness of the outer panel 42 of the water heater 40, to match the brightness of the outer wall 4A surrounding the water heater 40. At this time, the CPU 18C generates the composite image P2 by changing the brightness inside the outer perimeter line L2 so that the rate of change in brightness inside and outside the outer perimeter line L2 detected in S102 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. As a result, in the composite image P2, the image is visually continuous inside and outside the outer perimeter line L2. Once the CPU 18C has generated the composite image P2, it proceeds to S110. In a modified version, the CPU 18C may identify an image pattern (for example, a pattern of brightness and color changes) in a predetermined range outside the outer boundary line L2, and generate a new image using the identified pattern. In this case, the CPU 18C may apply the generated new image to the missing portion inside the outer boundary line L2.

[0056] In S110, the CPU 18C displays the composite image display screen SC4 on the display unit 12. As shown in Figure 5, the composite image display screen SC4 includes the composite image P2, a message asking the user whether or not to print the composite image P2, an execution button B41 that accepts a print command from the user, and a stop button B42 that accepts a print stop command. Once the CPU 18C displays the composite image display screen SC4, it proceeds to S112.

[0057] In S112, the CPU 18C determines whether or not the user has issued a print command. Specifically, if the CPU 18C accepts the selection of the stop button B42 on the composite image display screen SC4 displayed in S110, it determines that there was no print command (NO in S112), and returns to processing S104 to generate a new composite image P2. If the CPU 18C accepts the selection of the execute button B41, it determines that there was a print command (YES in S112), and proceeds to processing S120.

[0058] In S120, the CPU 18C generates print data showing the composite image P2 and sends it to the printing device 30. The printing device 30 prints the print data onto the exterior panel 42 of the water heater 40. The user then attaches the exterior panel 42 with the composite image P2 printed on it to the water heater 40. This allows the exterior panel 42 with the composite image P2 printed on it to be exposed through the recess 5A in the exterior wall 4A.

[0059] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the image output system 100 of this embodiment, even if the water heater 40 is already installed on the exterior wall 4A, the portion showing the water heater 40 in the equipment installation image W2 is combined with the portion showing the surrounding area of ​​the water heater 40 so as to be visually continuous (S104 in Figure 5) to generate and print a composite image P2 (S120). Therefore, the appearance of the water heater 40 can be easily made to resemble the appearance of the exterior wall 4A. In this embodiment, the portion showing the water heater 40 in the equipment installation image W2 is an example of a "first portion", and the portion surrounding the water heater 40 in the equipment installation image W2 is an example of a "second portion". The composite image P2 is an example of an "equipment area image".

[0060] (Modification 1) In step S30 of Figure 3, instead of receiving the installation wall image W1 from the camera 14, the CPU 18C may, for example, download an exterior wall image from the server 20. In this case, the processes in S40 and S42 can be omitted. In this modification, downloading the exterior wall image from the server 20 is an example of the process performed by the "image acquisition unit".

[0061] (Modification 2) The water heater 40 of the first embodiment may be placed in a recess provided in the outer wall 4. In that case, for example, the recess may be formed in the outer wall 4 after the installation wall image W1 has been captured. Also, the water heater 40 of the second embodiment does not have to be placed in the recess 5A. In that case, the side surface of the water heater 40 may be exposed from the outer wall 4A.

[0062] (Modification 3) The CPU 18C does not have to perform the processes S10 and S12 in Figure 3. In this modification, for example, the image output process may be a process that outputs print data for only one device (for example, a water heater). In another modification, the CPU 18C does not have to perform the processes S16 and S20 in Figure 3. In this modification, for example, the process may be a process that outputs print data for only the latest model.

[0063] (Modification 4) The server 20 does not need to store the outer perimeter data table T1. In that case, for example, the outer perimeter data table T1 may be stored in the memory 18M of the mobile terminal 10.

[0064] (Modification 5) For example, the exterior panel 42 may be a display capable of displaying images. In that case, the CPU 18C may, in S60 of Figure 3, send data indicating the equipment area image P1 to the water heater 40 instead of the print data. In that case, the water heater 40 may display the equipment area image P1 on the exterior panel 42. In this modification, the image output system 100 does not need to include a printing device 30, and the process of sending data indicating the equipment area image P1 to the water heater 40 is an example of a process executed by the "output unit".

[0065] (Modification 6) The printing device 30 may print the print data on a sheet that can be attached to the outer panel 42 instead of the outer panel 42.

[0066] (Modification 7) For example, the image output processing in Figure 3 may be performed by the CPU 28C of the server 20. In that case, AP1 does not need to be stored in the memory 18M of the mobile terminal 10.

[0067] (Modification 8) In the first embodiment, if the outer circumference line L1 includes the non-printable area line described above, the CPU 18C may generate print data in S60 of Figure 3 that shows the equipment area image P1 excluding the area enclosed by the non-printable area line.

Claims

1. An image output system comprising: a storage unit that stores outer perimeter information indicating the outer perimeter of equipment that can be installed on the wall of a building; an image acquisition unit that acquires an installation wall image including an image of the installation wall; an identification unit that identifies an equipment area image within the installation wall image by arranging the outer perimeter indicated by the outer perimeter information stored in the storage unit onto the installation wall image acquired by the image acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image identified by the identification unit.

2. The image acquisition unit includes an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the installation wall, the image output system further includes an adjustment unit that adjusts the size of the outer perimeter of the captured installation wall image based on the distance between the imaging device that captured the installation wall image and the installation wall, and the identification unit identifies the equipment area image by arranging the outer perimeter adjusted by the adjustment unit on the captured installation wall image.

3. An image output system comprising: an imaging device capable of capturing an image of equipment installation including equipment installed on a building wall and a surrounding area on the wall surrounding the equipment; a generation unit that synthesizes a first portion showing the equipment included in the equipment installation image with a second portion showing the surrounding area included in the equipment installation image so as to be visually continuous, thereby generating an equipment area image having the same external shape as the equipment; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image generated by the generation unit.

4. The image output system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit stores the peripheral information for each of a plurality of pieces of equipment, including the equipment, and the image output system further includes a reception unit that receives input from a user for identifying a specific piece of equipment included in the plurality of pieces of equipment, and the identification unit identifies the equipment area image using the peripheral line corresponding to the specific piece of equipment identified by the identification information received by the reception unit.

5. The image output system according to claim 4, wherein the image output system further comprises an external server, and the external server comprises the storage unit.

6. The image output system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output unit includes a printing device for printing the image of the equipment area.

7. The image output system according to claim 6, wherein the equipment comprises an exterior panel that forms at least a portion of the exterior surface exposed from the installation wall when installed on the installation wall, and the printing device prints the equipment area image on the exterior panel of the equipment.

8. An application program for a mobile terminal, wherein the application program causes the mobile terminal to function as the following units: an outer perimeter information acquisition unit that acquires outer perimeter information indicating the outer perimeter of equipment that can be installed on a building wall; an image acquisition unit that acquires an installation wall image including an image of the installation wall; an identification unit that identifies an equipment area image surrounded by the outer perimeter of the installation wall image by arranging the outer perimeter indicated by the outer perimeter information acquired by the outer perimeter information acquisition unit on the installation wall image acquired by the image acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image identified by the identification unit.

9. The application program according to claim 8, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the installation wall by causing the imaging device of the mobile terminal to image the installation wall, the application program further causes the mobile terminal to function as an adjustment unit that adjusts the size of the outer perimeter of the captured installation wall image based on the distance between the imaging device that captured the installation wall image and the installation wall, and the identification unit identifies the equipment area image by arranging the outer perimeter adjusted by the adjustment unit on the captured installation wall image.

10. An application program for a mobile terminal, wherein the application program causes the mobile terminal to function as: an imaging unit that captures an image of equipment installation including equipment installed on a building wall and a surrounding area of ​​the wall surrounding the equipment; a generation unit that synthesizes a first portion showing the equipment included in the equipment installation image with a second portion showing the surrounding area included in the equipment installation image so as to be visually continuous, thereby generating an equipment area image having the same external shape as the equipment; and an output unit that outputs the equipment area image generated by the generation unit.

Images