JP4273134B2 - How to create a 3D manual - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is used, for example, for support of a local operation of a target device such as a personal computer or a help desk operation, and displays the target device in a pseudo three-dimensional video using two-dimensional still image data. The present invention relates to a method for creating a three-dimensional manual used as a manual.

  Conventionally, printed field manuals and moving image manuals that can be displayed from a personal computer have been given to field engineers who perform on-site work of products such as personal computers and service personnel who perform help desk work. Alternatively, special education and training regarding products are further conducted.

Field engineers and service personnel refer to such paper manuals, browse video data using a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and obtain materials from education and training, etc. By obtaining necessary information about products, we respond to our work and inquiries from customers.
JP 2003-85579 A

  However, such conventional techniques have the following problems.

  First, the problems with the paper manual are as follows. That is, the paper manual is not easy to modify. Moreover, since it is necessary to print and distribute to each person in charge, a great cost is generated. Furthermore, since a time lag with the sales timing of the product occurs, especially in the case of a product with a short life cycle, the manual issuance timing for the new product is delayed. Furthermore, since the paper surface is two-dimensional, it is difficult to grasp the image of the actual machine. The above-mentioned cost problem can be solved by distributing electronic data such as PDF, which is the basis of a paper manual, to each person's personal computer. It still cannot be resolved.

  On the other hand, the problems with the video manual are as follows. That is, the moving image data has a large data size. Therefore, when installing a video manual on a personal computer, a considerable free space must be secured on the personal computer. If the moving image data is distributed via the Web, this problem can be alleviated, but conversely, an advanced communication function for smoothly receiving the moving image data is required. These are factors that increase costs. Further, in order to display a moving image smoothly, a high-performance CPU must be installed, which also causes an increase in cost.

  Furthermore, the problems of education and training are as follows. In other words, equipment and equipment are required for holding education and training, and it is not easy to follow the speed of the product cycle. Therefore, it is practically difficult to hold education and training for all products.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by using two-dimensional still image data to display a target device in a pseudo three-dimensional moving image, the user can easily grasp the image of the actual device. Provide a method for creating a 3D manual that can efficiently provide manual information that can be realized in a small amount of data, and that can follow the product cycle almost in real time, at low cost. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

  That is, the invention of claim 1 is a method for creating a three-dimensional manual by incorporating a function for displaying a target device in a pseudo three-dimensional moving image into the manual using two-dimensional still image data. This method includes the following first to sixth steps.

  That is, in the first step, the external shape of the target device main body is determined in advance in a state in which all of the target components that are described three-dimensionally in the manual and the accessory components that are attached to the target device main body are removed. Two-dimensional still image data is obtained by shooting from a first shooting point and a predetermined second shooting point different from the first shooting point.

  In the second step, with all the target parts and accessory parts attached to the target device body, around the parts to be removed first of the target parts and accessory parts, the parts attached to the target device body at the time of shooting An identification unit that makes the target device main body distinguishable is arranged, and the outer shape of the target device main body is photographed from the first and second photographing points to respectively obtain two-dimensional still image data. After the photographing, the identification means is removed from the surrounding parts and the identification means from the target device main body, and the identification means is arranged around the next part to be removed from the target device main body, and the first and second photographing. The external shape of the target device main body is imaged from each point to acquire two-dimensional still image data, and after this image capture, the target component and the attached parts are all removed from the target device main body. Repeat until removed.

  In the third step, trimming processing is performed on each two-dimensional still image data acquired in the second step, and the target device main body and the part can be identified by the identification unit, and the two-dimensional still image data is removed from each two-dimensional still image data. 2D still image data of all target parts and accessory parts to be extracted is extracted.

  In the fourth step, the second of the two-dimensional still image data extracted in the third step on the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the first photographing point in the first step. By superimposing the two-dimensional still image data extracted from the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the first photographing point in the step in the reverse order of the order photographed in the second step, Two-dimensional still image data in a state where all of the target parts and attached parts are attached to the target device main body is reproduced.

  In the fifth step, when receiving the designation input for designating the target part from the user, the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the target part designated by the designation input in the two-dimensional still image data reproduced in the fourth step In addition, among the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the accessory part of the target part, the two-dimensional still image data sequentially hidden from the two-dimensional still image data superimposed on the upper side in the fourth step, Among the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the photographing point, the display of the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the part corresponding to the non-displayed two-dimensional still image data, and the displayed two-dimensional It is set to perform a series of processes including movement of still image data.

  In the sixth step, a three-dimensional manual is created by incorporating the two-dimensional still image data set in the fifth step into the manual.

  Therefore, in the method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to the first aspect of the invention, by taking the above-described means, by using the two-dimensional still image data, the target device is displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional moving image, Manual information that allows the user to easily grasp the image of the actual machine can be realized with a small amount of data. As described above, manual information that can follow the product cycle almost in real time can be provided efficiently at low cost.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to the first aspect, the identification means is a paper, cloth, plastic, film, leather, a different color from the corresponding part and the target device body. It is one of synthetic leather, nylon, foamed polystyrene, board, plywood and bakelite.

  Therefore, in the method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to the second aspect of the invention, by taking the above-described means, it is possible to emphasize the boundary between the target device body and the corresponding component in the two-dimensional still image data. In the trimming process, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the process of extracting the part image from the image of the target device main body.

  The invention of claim 3 is the method of creating a three-dimensional manual according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional still image data extracted in the third step is photographed from the first photographing point. Any of the acquired two-dimensional still image data is substantially rectangular, and corresponding to the two-dimensional still image data, the two-dimensional still image data captured and acquired from the second photographing point is substantially parallel sides. It is a shape.

  Therefore, in the method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to display parts more like a three-dimensional display by taking the above-described means.

  According to the present invention, manual information that allows a user to easily grasp an image of an actual machine by displaying a target device in a pseudo three-dimensional moving image using two-dimensional still image data, with a small amount of data. Can be realized. As described above, it is possible to realize a method for creating a three-dimensional manual that can provide manual information that can follow the product cycle almost in real time at low cost and efficiently.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of a three-dimensional manual creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an apparatus for realizing the three-dimensional manual creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, the 3D manual creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention creates a 3D manual by incorporating a function for displaying a 3D moving image in a pseudo manner using the 2D still image data of the target device. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body photographing step S1, 360 ° view photographing step S2, module photographing step S3, image processing step S4, Flash incorporation step S5, data storage step S6, and Web publication step S7. Consists of.

  In the main body photographing step S1, the outer shape of the apparatus main body is photographed using a photographing device 10 including a photographing device such as a digital camera or a tripod, and two-dimensional still image data is obtained. In this case, the photographing equipment 10 from a fixed photographing point in a state in which all of the target parts described in the three-dimensional manual and the accompanying parts (hereinafter also referred to as “modules”) to be removed from the apparatus main body are removed. The two-dimensional still image data is obtained by photographing with.

  For example, in a three-dimensional manual, in order to obtain two-dimensional still image data for explaining a process of removing a memory from a notebook computer, a housing cover and a memory are provided as shown in FIG. In the detached state, the back surface of the notebook computer that is the device main body 30 is photographed from a fixed photographing point (first photographing point). At the time of shooting, the digital camera is fixed on a tripod to eliminate blurring and misalignment. To eliminate shadows, the flashlight is not used and the illumination light and the reflex version are used. In the auto focus mode, the entire focus cannot be achieved. For focusing, for example, the tip of the ballpoint pen is set in front of the subject.

  In the 360 ° view photographing step S2, the external shape of the device main body 30 is photographed from the same photographing point (first photographing point) as in step S1, with the device main body 30 being rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, every 15 °). Two-dimensional still image data is obtained. For example, when each of the external shapes of the device main body 30 (for example, the back side of the notebook computer) is photographed while being rotated by 15 °, in addition to the two-dimensional still image data photographed in step S1, 360/15 = 24 cuts of two-dimensional still image data are obtained.

  For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 4, a notebook computer as the device body 30 is placed on a turntable 28 that can rotate along a central axis G so that the back surface is on the top, and then the turntable is taken. 28 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the photographing is repeated in this state. As the turntable 28, a commercially available turntable for a television can be used. In this case, in order to improve data processability at the time of trimming performed on the two-dimensional still image data in a later step, the table is covered with white foamed polystyrene for convenience when shooting while rotating. Next, a marking M indicating an angle is drawn, and a concentric circle D is drawn to clearly indicate the central axis G.

  The module photographing step S3 is a step for photographing a module described in the three-dimensional manual. In the module photographing step S3, first, with all the modules attached to the device main body 30, the modules attached to the device main body 30 at the time of photographing can be distinguished from the device main body 30 around the module to be removed first. An identification means is arranged. FIG. 5 is an image showing an example of this state. The identification means 40 is arranged around the casing cover 32 by laying under the casing cover 32 which is a module to be removed first. As the identification means 40, for example, any of paper, cloth, plastic, film, leather, synthetic leather, nylon, foamed polystyrene, board, plywood, and bakelite of a different color from the module and the device main body 30 can be used. good. The identification means 40 maintains the positional relationship with the device main body 30 in order to facilitate separation by trimming between the image of the device main body 30 and the image of the module in the trimming process performed in the image processing step S4 described later. However, if the module body 30 and the module are different in color and can be easily trimmed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the module is not necessarily arranged around the entire circumference of the module. do not have to.

  In the state in which the identification means 40 is arranged in this way, the respective shooting is performed from the same shooting point (first shooting point) as in step S1 and step S2, and from a shooting point (second shooting point) different from this shooting point Two-dimensional still image data is acquired. The second photographing point is a photographing point for photographing an image used for explaining a state in which the module is removed. For example, when explaining the removal of the memory having a substantially rectangular shape, the second photographing point is photographed with a substantially parallelogram. In order to obtain such two-dimensional still image data, the back surface of the notebook computer is set to a position where the back surface of the notebook personal computer is photographed at an angle of 45 ° in the horizontal direction. This completes the shooting of the module to be removed first.

  When the photographing of the module first removed from the device main body 30 is completed in this way, the photographed module and the identification means 40 arranged around the module are removed from the device main body 30, and then from the device main body 30. The module to be removed next is also photographed in the same manner as described above. For example, if the module to be removed next to the housing cover 32 is the memory 34, as shown in FIG. 6, the identification means 40 is arranged around the memory 34, and the first photographing point and the second photographing point are used. Each is photographed to obtain two-dimensional still image data.

  Such processing is repeated until all the modules are removed from the device main body 30.

  The two-dimensional still image data acquired in steps S1 to S3 is uploaded by the image processing / editing unit 12 such as a personal computer and stored in the file server 14 including hardware such as a hard disk.

  In the image processing step S4, using the general-purpose image processing program 16, trimming processing is performed on each two-dimensional still image data photographed in step S3 and stored in the file server 14, and from each two-dimensional still image data, Two-dimensional still image data of the module is extracted. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D are examples of the extracted two-dimensional still image data of each module. FIG. 7A is a case cover 32, and FIG. 7B is a case cover claw. FIG. 7C shows the memory connector 36, and FIG. 7D shows the memory 34. In an example for obtaining the two-dimensional still image data of each module as described above, first, with respect to the two-dimensional still image data photographed in step S3, for the module located at the lower part, the outline trimming of the module is about 50%. Blur. As a result, the movement when the operation is simulated becomes more natural. On the other hand, for the module located in the upper part, the outline trimming of the module is sharply performed. Next, two-dimensional still image data of the module is extracted by trimming unnecessary portions other than the module. Then, the extracted two-dimensional still image data is scrutinized so as to be as small as possible. Further, after being converted into a png format or the like so that the background can be made transparent, it is compressed and stored in the file server 14.

  In the Flash incorporation step S5, the two-dimensional still image data stored in the file server 14 is converted into a script using the “Flash” made by Macromedia, which is a software for image display, by the Flash program and the script program 18. Create a file. Since “Flash” is general-purpose software, detailed description thereof is avoided here. In this embodiment, “Flash” is used as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the use of “Flash”, and is realized using software having an equivalent function. It is also possible to do.

  First, on the two-dimensional still image data (for example, FIG. 3) obtained in step S1, the two-dimensional image obtained from the first photographing point among the two-dimensional still image data extracted in step S3. The two-dimensional still image data extracted from the still image data (for example, FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D) is superimposed on the device main body 30 by superimposing them in the reverse order of the order taken in step S3. 2D still image data with all modules attached is reproduced.

  At this time, a script file for specifying an action is created for each module using the Flash function. In this action, when a designation input for designating the target module is received from the user, in the reproduced two-dimensional still image data, the two-dimensional still image data superimposed on the upper side of the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the target module. Corresponding to the module corresponding to the non-displayed two-dimensional still image data among the two-dimensional still image data obtained by shooting from the second shooting point for each of the two-dimensional still image data. A series of processes including display of the two-dimensional still image data to be performed and movement of the displayed two-dimensional still image data is performed.

  Such reproduction of two-dimensional still image data and creation of a script file will be specifically described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the two-dimensional still image data obtained in step S1 is set at the bottom. Next, the two-dimensional still image data in the memory 34 as shown in FIG. 7D is superimposed on the two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, synthesized two-dimensional still image data as if the memory 34 was inserted into the memory connector 36 is reproduced.

  Next, in the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Here, an example of specifying an action for displaying a moving image in a pseudo manner when the memory 34 is removed will be described. In this case, when the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, an arrow Y indicating that the designation by the user is possible is displayed as shown in FIG. When the user designates a portion of the memory 34 according to the arrow Y, the displayed image of the memory 34 is not displayed, and instead, as shown in FIG. 10, a memory obtained by photographing from the second photographing point. 34 images 35 are displayed, and as shown in FIG. 11, the images 35 are displayed while being moved, and after moving a predetermined amount, the script file is set so as to fade and disappear.

  After the action of the memory 34 is set in the script file in this way, the two-dimensional still image of the housing cover 32 as shown in FIG. 7A is placed on the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Overlay while aligning image data. Further, the two-dimensional still image data of the hooking portion 38 as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the composite two-dimensional still image data is reproduced as if the housing cover 32 was attached to the hook portion 38 attached to the device main body 30. That is, this image data is formed by superposing the two-dimensional still image data of the hook portion 38, the housing cover 32, the memory connector 36, the memory 34, and the device main body 30 in order from the top.

  Next, in the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Here, description will be given by taking as an example the designation of an action for displaying a moving image in a pseudo manner when the case cover 32 is removed. In this case, when the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 13, a box X indicating that the designation by the user is possible is displayed. When the user designates a portion of the housing cover 32 according to the box X, the displayed image of the housing cover 32 is not displayed, and instead, the image is taken from the second photographing point as shown in FIG. The obtained image 33 of the housing cover 32 is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the image 33 is displayed while being moved, and after moving a predetermined amount, the script file is faded and disappears. Set.

  Before the image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the script file may be set so as to display an arrow W given the meaning of turning the screw as shown in FIG.

  In step S2, the two-dimensional still image data of the outer shape of the device main body 30, each photographed while being rotated by a predetermined angle, can be sequentially displayed. As a result, it is possible to display an image of the device main body 30 as viewed from all directions as well as from one direction.

  In the data storage step S6, the flashing program and the scripting program 18 execute the two-dimensional still image data reproduced in step S5, the created script file, and the two-dimensional still image necessary for executing the action set in the script file. The image data, the two-dimensional still image data captured in step S2 and stored in the file server 14, are compressed and stored in the Web server 20 so that the script file is executed as part of the electronic manual of the target device. . For example, an electronic manual created on the basis of a document such as PDF is created in advance and stored in the Web server 20, and in this electronic manual, a link for executing a script file is pasted at a location relating to the target device. Realized by It should be noted that the total file size when the 24-cut 2D still image data captured in step S2 and stored in the file server 14, and the script file and 2D still image data required to execute 13 actions are compressed. Is only about 1.3 MB, and the data amount is about one floppy (registered trademark) disk.

  In the Web publishing step S 7, when a browsing request is received from a Web browser 24 such as a mobile personal computer via the communication network 22 such as the Internet or a LAN, the electronic manual stored in the Web server 20 is sent to the requesting Web browser 24. To deliver. By referring to the electronic manual distributed in this way, the user can not only obtain information on a document basis, but also by executing a script file with a link, the operation at the time of handling the module It becomes possible to browse in a pseudo three-dimensional manner.

  As described above, the amount of data necessary for executing the script file is on the order of several megabytes at most, so it is directly stored in the hard disk such as a mobile personal computer equipped with the web browser 24 without going through the communication network 22. That is also realistic.

  Next, the operation of the three-dimensional manual according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  That is, the three-dimensional manual according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used by a mobile personal computer equipped with the Web browser 24 via the communication network 22 such as the Internet or a LAN. In addition, since the 3D manual according to the embodiment of the present invention displays a 3D moving image in a pseudo manner using the 2D still image data of the target device, the amount of data is smaller than that when moving image data is handled. Since it can be remarkably reduced, it is possible to write all necessary image data and script files on a hard disk such as a mobile personal computer equipped with the Web browser 24 and use it alone.

  In order to obtain necessary image data, first, in the body photographing step S1, the external shape of the device body is photographed using a photographing device 10 including a photographing device such as a digital camera or a tripod, and two-dimensional still image data is obtained. In this case, two-dimensional still image data is obtained by photographing with the photographing equipment 10 from a fixed photographing point with all the modules described in the three-dimensional manual removed.

  For example, in a three-dimensional manual, in order to obtain two-dimensional still image data for explaining a process of removing a memory from a notebook computer, a housing cover and a memory are provided as shown in FIG. In the removed state, the back surface of the notebook computer as the device main body 30 is photographed from a fixed photographing point (first photographing point). At the time of shooting, the digital camera is fixed on a tripod to eliminate camera shake and misalignment, and the illumination light and reflex plate are used instead of the flash to eliminate shadows. In the auto focus mode, the entire focus is not achieved, so the manual mode is used. For focusing, the tip of the ballpoint pen is set in front of the subject.

  In the 360 ° view photographing step S2, the device main body 30 is photographed from the same photographing point (first photographing point) as that in step S1 in a state where the device main body 30 is rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, by 15 °), and two-dimensional still image data. Is obtained.

  For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 4, a notebook computer, which is the device main body 30, is photographed on a turntable 28 that can rotate along a central axis G with the back side up, and then the turntable. 28 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the image is taken again in this state.

  In the module photographing step S3, the module described in the three-dimensional manual is photographed. First, as shown in FIG. 5, with all the modules attached to the device main body 30, around the module to be removed first, for example, paper, cloth, plastic, film, leather, synthetic leather, nylon, foamed polystyrene. , A disc, a plywood, or a bakelite is provided. The module is emphasized by the identification unit 40 while maintaining the positional relationship with the device main body 30, and in the trimming process performed in the subsequent image processing step S4, the image of the device main body 30 and the image of the module are separated by trimming. Is easily done.

  In the state in which the identification means 40 is arranged in this way, shooting is performed from the same shooting point (first shooting point) as in step S1 and step S2 and from a shooting point (second shooting point) different from this shooting point. Two-dimensional still image data is acquired.

  The second shooting point is a shooting point for shooting an image used to explain the state in which the module is removed. For example, when the memory 34 is shot in a substantially rectangular shape by the first shooting point, the second shooting point is used. The point is a position where the same memory 34 can be photographed with a substantially parallelogram. This completes the shooting of the module to be removed first.

  When the photographing of the module first removed from the device main body 30 is completed in this way, the photographed module and the identification means 40 arranged around the module are removed from the device main body 30, and then the device main body 30. As described above, photographing is performed for the module to be removed next.

  Such a process is repeated until all the modules are removed from the device main body 30. The two-dimensional still image data acquired in steps S1 to S3 is uploaded by the image processing / editing unit 12 such as a personal computer and stored in the file server 14 including hardware such as a hard disk.

  In the image processing step S4, trimming processing is performed on each two-dimensional still image data photographed in step S3 and stored in the file server 14 by using a general-purpose image processing program 16, and from each two-dimensional still image data. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, two-dimensional still image data of each module is extracted. In order to obtain such two-dimensional still image data of each module, for example, contour trimming is blurred about 50% with respect to the two-dimensional still image data photographed in step S3. This makes it look more natural. On the other hand, the contour trimming of the module is performed sharply. Next, unnecessary portions other than the module are trimmed to extract the two-dimensional still image data of the module. Since the outline of the module is clarified by the identification means 40, these trimming processes are easily and reliably performed. Then, the extracted 2D still image data is scrutinized so as to be as small as possible, and further converted into a png format or the like so that the background can be made transparent, and then stored in the file server 14. Is done.

  In the flash incorporation step S5, the flash program and the script program 18 use two-dimensional still image data stored in the file server 14 by using, for example, “Flash” manufactured by Macromedia, which is image display software. From the above, synthesized two-dimensional still image data and a script file are created.

  The synthesized two-dimensional still image data and the script file are created as follows, for example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the two-dimensional still image data obtained in step S1 is set at the bottom. Next, the two-dimensional still image data in the memory 34 as shown in FIG. 7D is aligned and superimposed on the two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Further, two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. 7C is aligned and superimposed thereon. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, composite two-dimensional still image data as if the memory 34 was inserted into the memory connector 36 is reproduced.

  Next, in the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. An example of specifying an action for displaying a moving image in a pseudo manner when the memory 34 is removed will be described as an example. First, when the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. The arrow Y is set to be displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when the user designates a portion of the memory 34 in accordance with the arrow Y, the displayed image in the memory 34 is hidden, and instead, after being photographed from the second photographing point as shown in FIG. An extracted image 35 of the memory 34 is displayed, and further, as shown in FIG. 11, a script file is set such that the image 35 is displayed while moving, fades and disappears after moving a predetermined amount.

  In this way, the action of the memory 34 is set in the script file. Thereafter, the two-dimensional still image data of the housing cover 32 as shown in FIG. 7A is aligned and superimposed on the combined two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the two-dimensional still image data of the hooking portion 38 as shown in FIG. 7B is aligned and superimposed thereon. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the composite two-dimensional still image data is reproduced as if the housing cover 32 was attached to the hook portion 38 attached to the device main body 30. That is, this image data is formed by superposing the two-dimensional still image data of the hook portion 38, the housing cover 32, the memory connector 36, the memory 34, and the device main body 30 in order from the top.

  Next, in the synthesized two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. An example of specifying an action for displaying a moving image in a pseudo manner when the case cover 32 is removed will be described as an example. First, when composite two-dimensional still image data as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the setting is made to display the box X. When the user designates the portion of the housing cover 32 surrounded by the enclosure X, the displayed image of the housing cover 32 is not displayed. Instead, as shown in FIG. An image 33 of the housing cover 32 obtained by shooting from is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the image 33 is displayed while moving, and a script that fades and disappears after moving a predetermined amount. The file is set.

  Before the image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the script file may be set so as to display an arrow W given the meaning of turning the screw as shown in FIG.

  Further, in step S2, two-dimensional still image data of the outer shape of the device main body 30 photographed in a state where the device main body 30 is rotated by a predetermined angle is sequentially displayed in order, so that the device main body 30 is only in one direction. Therefore, an image viewed from all directions can be displayed.

  In the data storage step S6, the two-dimensional still image data necessary for executing the action set in the two-dimensional still image data reproduced in step S5, the created script file, and the script file by the flashing program and the scripting program 18. The image data and the two-dimensional still image data captured in step S2 and stored in the file server 14 are compressed and stored in the Web server 20 so that the script file is executed as part of the electronic manual of the target device. . It should be noted that when the 24 cut two-dimensional still image data shot in step S2 and stored in the file server 14, and the script file and two-dimensional still image data necessary for executing the 13 actions are compressed and saved, the total file is saved. The size is only about 1.3 MB, and the data amount is about one floppy (registered trademark) disk, and the amount of data can be greatly reduced as compared with the case of using moving image data.

  Thus, the electronic manual stored in the Web server 20 can be browsed via a communication network 22 such as the Internet or a LAN from a Web browser 24 such as a mobile personal computer. Alternatively, the amount of data required to execute the script file is on the order of several megabytes at most, so it is stored directly on the hard disk of a mobile personal computer equipped with the Web browser 24 without browsing through the communication network 22 and viewed in a stand-alone manner. It is also realistic to do.

  When the user browses the electronic manual using the Web browser 24, document-based information can be obtained. Then, by executing a script file in which a link is attached to the document-based information, the operation at the time of handling the module is displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional manner.

  As a display example, a case where a script file related to removal of the memory 34 is executed will be described below.

  When the user wants to examine the removal procedure of the memory 34 using the electronic manual, the user browses the document portion regarding the removal of the memory 34 of the electronic manual using the Web browser 24. A script file relating to the removal of the memory 34 is pasted on the document portion. When the user executes the script file, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. In the image shown in FIG. 13, the casing cover 32 is surrounded by an enclosure X, and the user is prompted to specify this portion, that is, the casing cover 32.

  In response to this, when the user designates the housing cover 32 by clicking the mouse or the like, as shown in FIG. 14, the substantially rectangular image of the housing cover 32 is not displayed, and instead, the second shooting point is displayed. An image 33 of a substantially parallelogram of the housing cover 32 taken and extracted from is displayed. In order to display a rectangular module as if it were three-dimensional, it is effective to display the image on the rectangle in place of the parallelogram-shaped image as described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the image 33 is displayed so as to fade and disappear after moving and moving a predetermined amount.

  When the image 33 of the housing cover 32 fades and disappears, an image as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. In the image shown in FIG. 9, the take-out direction of the memory 34 is designated by the arrow Y, and the user is prompted to designate the memory 34.

  In response to this, when the user designates the memory 34 by clicking the mouse or the like, as shown in FIG. 10, the substantially rectangular image of the displayed memory 34 is hidden, and instead, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the substantially parallelogram image 35 of the memory 34, which is photographed and extracted from the second photographing point, is displayed. As a result, it is displayed as if it were three-dimensional. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the image 35 is displayed so as to fade and disappear after moving and moving a predetermined amount.

  By viewing such a pseudo moving image display, when removing the memory 34, the user can easily recognize that the housing cover 32 must first be removed and then the memory 34 must be removed. Moreover, since the display is realized by using only two-dimensional still image data without using moving image data in order to perform such display, the amount of data to be handled is small and a large load is imposed on a mobile personal computer equipped with the Web browser 24. It will be done smoothly without any damage.

  As described above, in the three-dimensional manual creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the target device is displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional moving image using the two-dimensional still image data by the above-described operation. Manual information that allows the user to easily grasp the image of the actual machine can be realized with a small amount of data. This makes it possible to efficiently provide manual information that can follow the product cycle almost in real time at a low cost.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Within the scope of the invented technical idea of the scope of claims, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various changes and modifications. The technical scope of the present invention is also applicable to these changes and modifications. It is understood that it belongs to.

The processing flow figure of the three-dimensional manual preparation method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the apparatus for implement | achieving the three-dimensional manual creation method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the imaging | photography image of the back surface of a notebook computer. The perspective view which shows the external shape of a turntable. The schematic diagram which shows the imaging | photography image of the back surface of the notebook computer of the state which laid the identification means under the housing | casing cover. The schematic diagram which shows the picked-up image of the back surface of the notebook computer of the state which laid the identification means under the memory. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image of each extracted module. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image by which the image of the memory was synthesize | combined with the image of the notebook personal computer. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image by which the arrow was displayed on memory. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image which changed the display image of memory. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image which moved the display image of memory. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image by which the image of the housing | casing cover was synthesize | combined with the image of the notebook personal computer. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image by which the circumference | surroundings of the housing | casing cover were enclosed by the enclosure. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image which changed the display image of the housing | casing cover. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image which moved the display image of the housing | casing cover. The schematic diagram which shows the image of the two-dimensional still image which displayed the arrow which gave the meaning which turns a screw | thread to a housing | casing cover.

Explanation of symbols

  G ... central axis, M ... marking, D ... concentric circle, 10 ... photographing equipment, 12 ... image processing / editing unit, 14 ... file server, 16 ... image processing program, 18 ... scripting program, 20 ... Web server, 22 ... Communication network, 24 ... Web browser, 28 ... Turntable, 30 ... Device body, 32 ... Case cover, 33 ... Image, 34 ... Memory, 35 ... Image, 36 ... Memory connector, 38 ... Hook, 40 ... Identification means

Claims (3)

A method of creating a three-dimensional manual by incorporating a function for displaying a three-dimensional moving image of a target device into a manual using two-dimensional still image data,
The external shape of the target device main body is determined in such a manner that the target parts described in the manual and the accompanying parts to be removed from the target device main body are all removed, and the predetermined first photographing point and the first A first step of obtaining two-dimensional still image data by shooting from a predetermined second shooting point different from the shooting point;
With all the target parts and accessory parts attached to the target apparatus body, the parts attached to the target apparatus body at the time of photographing are around the parts to be removed first among the target parts and accessory parts. Means for separating from the target device main body is arranged, and the external shape of the target device main body is acquired from the first and second shooting points to obtain two-dimensional still image data, and after this shooting, the means is The parts arranged around and the means are removed from the target apparatus main body, the means are arranged around the parts to be removed next from the target apparatus main body, and the target apparatus main body from the first and second photographing points. 2D still image data is obtained by taking an image of each of the object parts, and after taking the image, the parts and means are removed from the object device main body. A second step of repeating until all are removed from the target device body,
Trimming processing is performed on each two-dimensional still image data acquired in the second step with respect to the target device main body and the component, and all the target components and attached components to be removed are removed from each two-dimensional still image data. A third step of extracting two-dimensional still image data;
Of the two-dimensional still image data extracted in the third step above the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the first photographing point in the first step, the second step By superimposing the two-dimensional still image data extracted from the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the first photographing point in the reverse order of the order photographed in the second step, A fourth step of reproducing two-dimensional still image data in a state in which all of the target part and the attached part are attached to the target device body;
When receiving a designation input for designating a target part from a user, in the two-dimensional still image data reproduced in the fourth step, two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the target part designated by the designation input, and the target Among the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the accessory part of the component, the two-dimensional still image data is sequentially hidden from the two-dimensional still image data superimposed on the upper side in the fourth step. Of the two-dimensional still image data obtained by photographing from the photographing point, the display of the two-dimensional still image data corresponding to the part corresponding to the non-displayed two-dimensional still image data, and the displayed two-dimensional still image A fifth step of setting to perform a series of processing consisting of movement of image data;
A method of creating a three-dimensional manual, comprising a sixth step of creating the three-dimensional manual by incorporating the two-dimensional still image data set in the fifth step into the manual.   The means is any one of paper, cloth, plastic, film, leather, synthetic leather, nylon, foamed polystyrene, board, plywood, and bakelite of a color different from any of the corresponding part and the target device body. The method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to claim 1.   Of the two-dimensional still image data extracted in the third step, any one of the two-dimensional still image data captured and acquired from the first photographing point is a rectangle, and this two-dimensional still image 3. The method for creating a three-dimensional manual according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional still image data obtained by capturing from the second photographing point and corresponding to the data is a parallelogram.

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