JP7709680B2 - Evaluation moving image creating method, display program, image providing system, and sheet-like member manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for creating a moving image for evaluation, a display program, an image providing system, and a method for producing a sheet-like member.

For example, the development of a vehicle includes a process of determining the vehicle concept and a process of determining the vehicle design based on the determined concept. Determining the vehicle design includes not only determining the shape of each vehicle part, but also selecting the decorative sheet to be attached to the surface of each vehicle part. By attaching a decorative sheet to the surface of a vehicle part, it is possible to impart a desired color, pattern, and texture (such as the presence or absence of gloss) to the surface of the vehicle part. Decorative sheets are disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

JP 2018-058216 A JP 2013-199028 A Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-2924

However, since decorative sheets are materials that have a great influence on the design of vehicle parts, in the past, evaluation and selection of decorative sheets have been performed by actually holding and looking at various decorative sheet samples. In particular, in the case of decorative sheets having an uneven structure on the surface or inside, such as the decorative sheets disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, evaluation and selection of decorative sheets involves tilting the decorative sheet in various directions to check the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet. For this reason, the time and cost spent on making samples of decorative sheets has become a problem. In particular, when the manufacturer of the decorative sheet and the developer of the vehicle are different, the developer cannot evaluate and select the decorative sheet until the manufacturer makes a sample of the decorative sheet and provides it to the developer. Furthermore, when the manufacturer of the decorative sheet and the developer of the vehicle are different, there are cases where they cannot communicate smoothly with each other, and the manufacturer has to make and provide the sample multiple times. This may increase the time and cost spent on evaluation and selection of decorative sheets (particularly the time and cost required to make a sample of the decorative sheet). Similar problems arise in the development of other products, such as clothing.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to enable efficient evaluation or selection of sheet-like members.

A method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
a still image acquisition process for acquiring a first still image obtained by illuminating a sheet-like member in a first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member, and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member;
a moving image creating step of combining the first still image and the second still image to create a moving image;
Including,
The sheet-like member has an uneven structure on its surface or inside.

A method for creating an evaluation video according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
In the still image acquisition step, a third still image may be further acquired by illuminating the sheet-like member in a third illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member,
In the moving image creating step, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image may be combined to create a moving image.

In an evaluation moving image creation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule.

In an evaluation moving image creation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured.

Alternatively, a method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
a still image acquisition process for acquiring a first still image obtained by photographing a sheet-like member in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
a moving image creating step of combining the first still image and the second still image to create a moving image;
Including,
The sheet-like member has an uneven structure on its surface or inside.

A method for creating an evaluation video according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
In the still image acquisition step, a third still image may be further acquired by photographing the sheet-like member in a third photographing direction different from the first photographing direction and the second photographing direction,
In the moving image creating step, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image may be combined to create a moving image.

In an evaluation moving image creation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule.

In an evaluation moving image creation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured.

A display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A display program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside of the sheet-like member on a display device including a display unit,
The display device is caused to execute a process of displaying on the display unit a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a first lighting direction and photographing it, and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second lighting direction different from the first lighting direction and photographing it.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member in a third illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that a lighting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule,
The display program may cause the display device to execute a process of displaying the predetermined rule together with the moving image on the display unit.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured.

Alternatively, a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A display program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside of the sheet-like member on a display device including a display unit,
The display device is caused to execute a process of displaying on the display unit a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a first shooting direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second shooting direction different from the first shooting direction.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by shooting in a third shooting direction different from the first shooting direction and the second shooting direction.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that a shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes according to a predetermined rule,
The display program may cause the display device to execute a process of displaying the predetermined rule together with the moving image on the display unit.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The moving image may be created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured.

A display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
The display device may be caused to execute a process of displaying a still image of the sheet-like member together with the moving image on the display unit.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The display device may further include an operation unit.
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, and a switching means for switching an image displayed on the display area to one of still images constituting the moving image;
a process of displaying one of the still images constituting the moving image in the display area when the switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display device may execute the process.

A display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
When the switching means is operated by the operation unit, the display device may be caused to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit, a still image that corresponds to the operation of the switching means, among the still images that constitute the moving image.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The display device may further include an operation unit.
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the first still image, the first switching means indicating the first lighting direction, and a second switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the second still image, the second switching means indicating the second lighting direction;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display device may execute the process.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The display device may further include an operation unit.
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the first still image, a second switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means and the second switching means correspond to still images of the sheet-like member photographed while illuminated in the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction, respectively;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display device may execute the process.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The display device may further include an operation unit.
The display program is
a process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the first still image, the first switching means indicating the first shooting direction, and a second switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the second still image, the second switching means indicating the second shooting direction;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display device may execute the process.

In a display program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The display device may further include an operation unit.
The display program is
a process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the first still image, a second switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means and the second switching means correspond to still images of the sheet-like member photographed in the first shooting direction and the second shooting direction, respectively;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display device may execute the process.

An image providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
An image providing system for providing an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside thereof to a display device, comprising:
a storage unit that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member;
a communication unit that transmits the moving image to the display device;
Equipped with.

Alternatively, an image providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
An image providing system for providing an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside thereof to a display device, comprising:
a storage unit that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
a communication unit that transmits the moving image to the display device;
Equipped with.

The image providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a processing unit that performs processing based on an input from the display device,
The storage unit may store a plurality of moving images,
The processing unit may select at least one video from among a plurality of videos stored in the storage unit based on an input from the display device.
The communication unit may transmit the moving image selected by the processing unit to the display device.

A method for producing a sheet-like member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for producing a sheet-like member based on an evaluation result by an evaluator, comprising the steps of:
providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on its surface or inside in a first illumination direction and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction;
receiving an evaluation result from the evaluator;
producing the sheet-like member or a new sheet-like member based on the evaluation results;
Equipped with
The new sheet-like member is produced based on the sheet-like member and the evaluation results.

A method for producing a sheet-like member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for producing a sheet-like member based on an evaluation by an evaluator, comprising the steps of:
providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on its surface or inside in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
receiving an evaluation result from the evaluator;
producing the sheet-like member or a new sheet-like member based on the evaluation results;
Equipped with
The new sheet-like member is produced based on the sheet-like member and the evaluation results.

In a method for producing a sheet-shaped member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The new sheet-like member may have, on its surface or inside, a new concave-convex structure obtained by modifying the concave-convex structure of the sheet-like member based on the evaluation results.

In a method for producing a sheet-shaped member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
The sheet-like member may have a design layer,
The new sheet-like member may have a new design layer in which the design layer of the sheet-like member has been modified based on the evaluation results.

The present invention allows for efficient evaluation or selection of sheet-like members.

FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining one embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a decorative sheet as a sheet-like member. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A, showing a modified example of the decorative sheet. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A, showing another modified example of the decorative sheet. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1A, showing a new decorative sheet manufactured based on the decorative sheet shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an evaluation system used to evaluate the decorative sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring a still image of the decorative sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring a still image of the decorative sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a still image acquired by the method shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a moving image created by combining the still images shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the list display screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which one decorative sheet is selected on the list display screen shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a moving image display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which one switching means is selected on the moving image display screen shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method for evaluating a decorative sheet using the evaluation system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 and shows a modified example of the moving image display screen. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 9 and shows another modified example of the moving image display screen. FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 3 and is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the method for acquiring a still image. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing the direction in which the lighting device illuminates the decorative sheet when the decorative sheet is placed in the first position shown in FIG. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing the direction in which the lighting device illuminates the decorative sheet when the decorative sheet is placed in the second position shown in FIG. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing the direction in which the lighting device illuminates the decorative sheet when the decorative sheet is placed in the third position shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a still image acquired by the method shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a moving image created by combining the still images shown in FIG. FIG. 18 corresponds to FIG. 3 and is a diagram for explaining another modified example of the method for acquiring a still image. FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. 4 and is a diagram for explaining another modified example of the method for acquiring a still image.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately altered and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and ease of understanding.

To clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, some of the drawings use arrows to indicate the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as directions common to the drawings. An arrow pointing into the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with an X in a circle, as shown in Figure 1A, for example. An arrow pointing out from the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle, as shown in Figure 4.

Terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and the extent of those conditions, such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "same," as well as values of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings, but are interpreted to include the range of degrees to which similar functions can be expected.

First, the configuration of the decorative sheet M as a sheet-like member will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic configuration of the decorative sheet M.

The decorative sheet M is used, for example, to impart designs to interior and exterior parts of moving objects, interior and exterior materials of building materials, and housings for home appliances. Moving objects include, for example, automobiles, railroad cars, dollies, ships, airplanes, helicopters, drones, and robots.

The decorative sheet M covers at least a portion of the surface of interior and exterior parts of a moving object, interior and exterior materials of a building material, and the housing of a home appliance. In the illustrated example, the decorative sheet M is produced by laminating a design layer 2, a surface protection layer 3, etc., onto a base sheet 1 made of a resin material.

Examples of resin materials constituting the base sheet 1 include acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl chloride, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefins, etc. The base sheet 1 may be produced by laminating a plurality of sheets made of the exemplified materials, for example, by laminating an acrylic resin sheet and an ABS sheet. The base sheet 1 may be transparent or opaque. The base sheet 1 may be colored.

The design layer 2 is a layer on which images such as colors, patterns, figures, designs, pictures, photographs, characters, marks, pictograms, letters, and numbers are formed. The design layer 2 may have an uneven structure U on its surface or inside. When the design layer 2 has an uneven structure U, it is possible to impart a three-dimensional effect with depth to the decorative sheet M. The design layer 2 may be formed by printing or by transfer.

The surface protective layer 3 forms the outermost surface of the decorated molded product to which the decorative sheet M is applied. The surface protective layer 3 has scratch resistance and the like. The surface protective layer 3 is made of, for example, a resin material. Examples of resin materials constituting the surface protective layer 3 include thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and ionizing radiation curable resins. The surface protective layer 3 may have an uneven structure U on its surface or inside.

Such decorative sheets M can express the texture of materials such as wood, cloth, leather, stone, and metal.

The configuration of the decorative sheet M is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the decorative sheet M may further include functional layers such as an ultraviolet absorbing layer, an anti-reflection layer, a light diffusing layer, an adhesive layer, and a backing layer.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, the decorative sheet M may have the uneven structure U only inside. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the design layer 2 has the uneven structure U on both sides. In addition, the base sheet 1 and the surface protection layer 3 have the uneven structure U on the surface facing the design layer 2.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1C, the decorative sheet M may be composed of a single layer 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1C, the decorative sheet M has an uneven structure U on its surface. Such a decorative sheet M can be produced by molding a resin in a mold that has been given unevenness by, for example, embossing.

However, because the decorative sheet has a great influence on the design of the part to which it is applied, conventionally, the evaluation and selection of the decorative sheet has been performed by actually holding and looking at various decorative sheet samples. In particular, in the case of a decorative sheet having an uneven structure on its surface or inside, such as the decorative sheet shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the evaluation and selection of the decorative sheet involves tilting the decorative sheet in various directions and checking the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet. Such an evaluation and selection method is particularly important when the decorative sheet is applied to an interior part of an automobile. This is for the following reason. That is, in many cases, the shape of the interior part of an automobile is not a flat shape but a three-dimensional shape. In other words, the surface of the interior part to which the decorative sheet is applied often includes multiple areas facing in different directions. In this case, the decorative sheets applied to the multiple areas of the interior part face in different directions with respect to the occupants of the automobile. As a result, the incident direction of light on the decorative sheet applied to the interior part differs depending on the area of the decorative sheet. That is, the passenger will observe the decorative sheet with light entering from multiple different directions. If the decorative sheet glare due to the direction of light entering the decorative sheet, it may cause discomfort to the passenger. Therefore, checking the reflected light from the decorative sheet while tilting it in various directions is particularly important when the decorative sheet is attached to an interior part of an automobile.

However, if the manufacturer of the decorative sheet and the developer of the vehicle are different, the developer cannot evaluate and select the decorative sheet until the manufacturer produces a sample of the decorative sheet and provides it to the developer, which is inconvenient.

Taking these points into consideration, in this embodiment, the decorative sheet M is evaluated using the evaluation system shown in FIG. 2. By using the evaluation system shown in FIG. 2, the decorative sheet M can be efficiently evaluated.

<Evaluation System>
The configuration of the evaluation system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the evaluation system 10 includes an image generating device 20, a storage unit 30, and a display device 40. The image generating device 20, the storage unit 30, and the display device 40 are communicably connected to each other via a network 15 such as the Internet. The network 15 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not important. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the image generating device 20 and the storage unit 30 constitute an image providing system 11 that provides an image to the display device 40.

The image generating device 20 generates images used for evaluating the decorative sheet M. The storage unit 30 stores images obtained from the image generating device 20. The display device 40 is capable of displaying the images stored in the storage unit 30. A user of the display device 40 evaluates the decorative sheet M by looking at the images displayed on the display device 40. The user of the display device 40 is, for example, a developer of a product to which the decorative sheet M is applied. On the other hand, a user of the image generating device 20 is, for example, a manufacturer of the decorative sheet. Below, the user of the image generating device 20 is also referred to as the "image provider". The user of the display device 40 is also referred to as the "evaluator".

(Image Generation Device)
The image generating device 20 includes a display unit 21 , a communication unit 22 , a storage unit 23 , a processing unit 24 , and an operation unit 25 .

The display unit 21 is for displaying an image of the decorative sheet M. The display unit 21 can be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display.

The communication unit 22 is an interface that enables the image generating device 20 to send and receive information with the storage unit 30 and the display device 40 via the network 15.

The storage unit 23 is for storing images of the decorative sheet M, etc. This storage unit 23 may be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM.

The processing unit 24 is for executing necessary processing in the image generating device 20. This processing unit 24 may be configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates based on a predetermined program.

The operation unit 25 is an input device operated by the image provider. When the operation unit 25 is operated, a process corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is executed by the processing unit 24. The operation unit 25 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a trackpad, a joystick, etc. Furthermore, if the display unit 21 has a touch panel function, the operation unit 25 may be realized by the touch panel function of the display unit 21. That is, in this case, the operation unit 25 may be integrated with the display unit 21.

This image generating device 20 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

(Storage section)
The storage unit 30 includes a communication unit 31 , a memory unit 32 , and a processing unit 33 .

The communication unit 31 is an interface that allows the storage unit 30 to send and receive information with the image generating device 20 and the display device 40 via the network 15.

The storage unit 32 is for storing images of the decorative sheet M provided by the image generating device 20 and a display program described below. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 32 stores images of 90 types of decorative sheets M1 to M90. This storage unit 32 may be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM.

The image of the decorative sheet M may be stored in the storage unit 32 together with attribute information representing the attributes of the decorative sheet. The attributes of the decorative sheet M may be, for example, the color, pattern, or texture of the decorative sheet M, or the design concept represented by the decorative sheet M (for example, "sporty" or "luxury"). In this case, one decorative sheet M may have multiple attributes. Furthermore, multiple decorative sheets M may have the same attribute. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the images of the decorative sheet M are grouped and saved according to their attributes. More specifically, the images of multiple decorative sheets M1 to M90 are classified and saved into 10 groups (concepts A to J). The attributes of the decorative sheet M may be determined, for example, by the image provider.

The processing unit 33 is for executing necessary processing in the storage unit 30. The processing unit 33 may be configured, for example, by a CPU that operates based on a predetermined program.

The processing unit 33 is configured to select one or more decorative sheets M from among the multiple decorative sheets M1 to M90 whose images are stored in the memory unit 32 based on a signal from the display device 40, and to transmit the image of the selected decorative sheet M to the display device 40. This allows the evaluator to view an image of the desired decorative sheet M using the display device 40. In the illustrated example, the processing unit 33 selects an image of the decorative sheet M that belongs to a concept based on a concept represented by the signal from the display device 40, and transmits the image to the display device 40.

The storage unit 30 may be a cloud server. The storage unit 30 may also be a stand-alone server, a file server, etc.

(Display device)
The display device 40 includes a display unit 41 , a communication unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a processing unit 44 , and an operation unit 45 .

The display unit 41 is for displaying the image received from the storage unit 30. The display unit 41 can be any display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic electroluminescence display.

It is preferable that the display conditions when an image is displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40 are determined based on the display conditions when an image is displayed on the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20. Here, the display conditions refer to the resolution, color, and brightness of the display that displays the image. In this case, for example, if the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20 is a liquid crystal display, the display unit 41 of the display device 40 may be the same liquid crystal display as the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20. Also, for example, if the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20 is a liquid crystal display, the display unit 41 of the display device 40 may be a liquid crystal display that can correspond to the same color gamut standard as the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20. This makes it possible to make the display mode of the image displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40 closer to the display mode of the image displayed by the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20, and to suppress the difference between the design of the decorative sheet M grasped on the display unit 21 of the image generating device 20 and the design of the decorative sheet M grasped on the display unit 41 of the display device 40. As a result, the evaluator can more accurately evaluate the design of the decorative sheet M for which the image provider provides an image.

The communication unit 42 is an interface that allows the display device 40 to send and receive information with the storage unit 30 and the image generating device 20 via the network 15.

The memory unit 43 is for storing images and the like acquired from the storage unit 30. The memory unit 43 may be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM.

The processing unit 44 is for executing necessary processing in the display device 40. The processing unit 44 may be configured, for example, by a CPU that operates based on a predetermined program. In the illustrated example, the processing unit 44 works in conjunction with a display program obtained from the storage unit 30 to display an image of the decorative sheet M on the display unit 41.

The operation unit 45 is an input device operated by the evaluator. When the operation unit 45 is operated, a process corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 45 is executed by the processing unit 44. The operation unit 45 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a trackpad, a joystick, or the like. Furthermore, if the display unit 41 has a touch panel function, the operation unit 45 may be realized by the touch panel function of the display unit 41. That is, in this case, the operation unit 45 may be integrated with the display unit 41.

The display device 40 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

<How to create video>
Incidentally, the decorative sheet M is a material that has a great influence on the design of the article to which the decorative sheet M is applied. When the decorative sheet M has an uneven structure U inside or on its surface, the appearance may differ depending on the direction of incidence of light on the decorative sheet M. For this reason, in general, an evaluator actually picks up a sample of the decorative sheet M and evaluates the decorative sheet M while tilting the decorative sheet M in various directions, that is, while changing the direction of incidence of light on the decorative sheet M. Therefore, even when the decorative sheet M is evaluated using the evaluation system 10 as described above, it is desirable to be able to evaluate the decorative sheet M while changing the direction of incidence of light on the decorative sheet M.

In this regard, it is also possible to create three-dimensional image data of the decorative sheet M using a three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) system or the like, display it on the display unit 41, and move the decorative sheet M represented by the three-dimensional image data on the display unit 41 to grasp the difference in appearance of the decorative sheet M due to differences in the direction of light incidence on the decorative sheet M. However, there are cases in which the design represented by the three-dimensional image data created in this way and the design represented by the actual decorative sheet M are significantly different.

Taking these points into consideration, the images used to evaluate the decorative sheet M are generated as follows.

First, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, multiple still images are obtained by illuminating and photographing the decorative sheet M in multiple different illumination directions using an imaging device 50. This makes it possible to obtain multiple still images in which the light incident direction on the decorative sheet M is different from one another. Here, the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M and the light incident direction on the decorative sheet M are the same direction.

In the illustrated example, the decorative sheet M is placed flat on the flat mounting surface of the mounting table 55. The mounting table 55 is immovable relative to the floor surface on which the mounting table 55 is placed. Then, the imaging device 50 is used to photograph the decorative sheet M from above to obtain a still image. At this time, the decorative sheet M is illuminated in the first to eighth illumination directions DA1 to DA8 that are different from each other and photographed to obtain the first to eighth still images. More specifically, as can be understood from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lighting devices 60 are placed at the first to eighth positions that are different from each other above the decorative sheet M, and the decorative sheet M illuminated from each position is photographed. The first to eighth positions may be determined to be at the same height position relative to the decorative sheet M. In addition, the first to eighth positions may be determined to be positions that surround the decorative sheet M when viewed in a direction along the normal line N of the decorative sheet M, as shown in FIG. 4. The directions of light incident on the decorative sheet M from the lighting devices 60 arranged at the first to eighth positions are directions DA1 to DA8, which are different from each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the shooting direction D50 of the imaging device 50 with respect to the decorative sheet M is a direction along the normal line N of the decorative sheet M. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when the first to eighth still images are shot, the decorative sheet M is illuminated with the same brightness. Furthermore, when the first to eighth still images are shot, the decorative sheet M is illuminated with the same light source. In this way, the shooting conditions when shooting the first to eighth still images are made the same except for the lighting direction of the decorative sheet M. As an example, the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M2 are shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated example, the first to eighth still images are stored in the memory unit 23 of the image generating device 20.

Here, an image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the first illumination direction DA1 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the first position and photographing it is called the "first still image". An image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the second illumination direction DA2 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the second position and photographing it is called the "second still image". An image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the third illumination direction DA3 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the third position and photographing it is called the "third still image". An image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the fourth illumination direction DA4 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the fourth position and photographing it is called the "fourth still image". An image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the fifth illumination direction DA5 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the fifth position and photographing it is called the "fifth still image". An image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the sixth illumination direction DA6 with the illumination device 60 arranged at the sixth position and photographing it is called the "sixth still image". Additionally, an image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the seventh illumination direction DA7 with the illumination device 60 disposed at the seventh position and photographing the same is referred to as the "seventh still image." Additionally, an image obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M in the eighth illumination direction DA8 with the illumination device 60 disposed at the eighth position and photographing the same is referred to as the "eighth still image."

Next, the obtained still images are combined to create a moving image. In this manner, a moving image is obtained that is used to evaluate the decorative sheet M. Figure 6 shows a moving image created by combining the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M2 shown in Figure 5.

In the illustrated example, the moving image is created by combining the above-mentioned multiple still images according to a predetermined combining rule. More specifically, the moving image is created by combining the multiple still images so that the lighting direction of the multiple still images constituting the moving image changes according to a predetermined rule. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the relationship between the change in the incident direction of light on the decorative sheet M and the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M. In other words, such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the difference in the reflected light incident on the decorative sheet M to the evaluator's eyes due to the difference in the incident direction of light on the decorative sheet M. As a result, it is possible to grasp whether or not glare occurs on the decorative sheet M depending on the incident direction of light on the decorative sheet M. In the illustrated example, the moving image of the decorative sheet M is created by combining the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M in this order in the processing unit 24 of the image generating device 20. As a result, a moving image is created in which the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M are displayed in succession in this order, as shown in FIG. 6. Such a moving image can show the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M as the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M changes from the first to the eighth illumination directions DA1 to DA8 in this order.

In the illustrated example, the moving image is created by continuously combining the first to eighth still images so that the illumination directions DA1 to DA8 of the decorative sheet M when the first to eighth still images are captured change sequentially. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the moving image is created so that the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M2 changes sequentially clockwise from the first illumination direction DA1 shown in FIG. 4 to the second illumination direction DA2, the third illumination direction DA3, the fourth illumination direction DA4, the fifth illumination direction DA5, the sixth illumination direction DA6, the seventh illumination direction DA7, and the eighth illumination direction DA8. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the moving image is created so that the position of the illumination device 60 that illuminates the decorative sheet M changes sequentially clockwise from the first position shown in FIG. 4 to the second position, the third position, the fourth position, the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, and the eighth position. Such moving images allow the evaluator to understand the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M when the direction of light incident on the decorative sheet M is gradually changed.

This acquisition of still images and creation of moving images is performed for each of the decorative sheets M1 to M90. The still images and moving images of each of the decorative sheets M1 to M90 are passed to the storage unit 30 via the network 15 and stored in the memory unit 32 of the storage unit 30. When stored in the memory unit 32, attribute information that represents the attributes of each of the decorative sheets M1 to M90 is assigned to the still images and moving images of each of the decorative sheets M1 to M90.

<Image display mode>
Next, the display mode of the image on the display device 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. As described above, based on a signal transmitted from the display device 40 to the storage unit 30, one or more decorative sheets are selected from the plurality of decorative sheets M1 to M90 whose images are stored in the memory unit 32 of the storage unit 30. Then, the still image and the moving image of the selected decorative sheet M are transmitted to the display device 40 and stored in its memory unit 43. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the still image and the moving image of the decorative sheets M1 to M9 are selected in the storage unit 30 and passed to the display device 40.

Figure 7 shows a list display screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40. When the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated to start evaluation of the decorative sheet M, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to cause the display unit 41 to display the list display screen. The list display screen displays a list of still images of the decorative sheet M stored in the storage unit 43 of the display device 40. In the example shown in Figure 7, the list display screen displays display areas AS1 to AS9 in which the still image of the decorative sheet M is displayed, and the display areas AS1 to AS9 display first still images of the decorative sheets M1 to M9, respectively.

9 shows a moving image display screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40. When the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated to select one of the decorative sheets M displayed on the list display screen shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to display the moving image display screen on the display unit 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the moving image display screen displays a display area AM in which an image of the decorative sheet M is displayed. The moving image displayed in the display area AM is the moving image of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen, and is the moving image stored in the storage unit 43 of the display device 40. In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the decorative sheet M2 is selected from the decorative sheets M1 to M9 displayed on the list display screen (see FIG. 8), and the moving image of the decorative sheet M2 is displayed in the display area AM of the moving image display screen (see FIG. 9). The decorative sheet M is selected by placing the mouse pointer P on one of the still images of the decorative sheets M displayed on the list display screen and clicking on the still image, as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

As described above, in the illustrated example, the moving image displayed in the display area AM of the moving image display screen is created by combining a plurality of still images that compose the moving image such that the change in the lighting direction of the still images compose the moving image follows a predetermined rule. In the illustrated example, the predetermined rule is displayed on the moving image display screen together with the moving image. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the sentence "The lighting direction changes clockwise" is displayed as the predetermined rule. This allows an evaluator observing the moving image displayed in the display area AM to easily grasp the relationship between the change in the direction of light incident on the decorative sheet M and the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M.

In the illustrated example, the moving image display screen displays a switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area AM. In the illustrated example, first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 are displayed. The switching means B1 to B8 are GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces). Each switching means is a switching button. By operating the switching means B1 to B8 with the operation unit 45 of the display device 40, the image displayed in the display area AM can be switched to one of the still images constituting the moving image of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen. In the illustrated example, when the switching means B1 to B8 are operated using the operation unit 45, a still image corresponding to the operation of the switching means B1 to B8 is displayed on the display unit 41 from among the still images constituting the moving image.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 are displayed around the display area AM. The first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 correspond to the first to eighth still images, respectively. The first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 are means for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen, respectively. Therefore, when the first switching means B1 is operated using the operation unit 45, the first still image is displayed in the display area AM. Also, when the second switching means B2 is operated using the operation unit 45, the second still image is displayed in the display area AM. Also, when the third switching means B3 is operated using the operation unit 45, the third still image is displayed in the display area AM. Also, when the fourth switching means B4 is operated using the operation unit 45, the fourth still image is displayed in the display area AM. Also, when the fifth switching means B5 is operated using the operation unit 45, the fifth still image is displayed in the display area AM. Furthermore, when the sixth switching means B6 is operated using the operation unit 45, a sixth still image is displayed in the display area AM. Furthermore, when the seventh switching means B7 is operated using the operation unit 45, a seventh still image is displayed in the display area AM. Furthermore, when the eighth switching means B8 is operated using the operation unit 45, an eighth still image is displayed in the display area AM.

In the illustrated example, the positional relationship between the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 and the display area AM corresponds to the positional relationship between the first to eighth positions where the lighting device 60 is disposed when the first to eighth still images are captured and the decorative sheet M (see FIG. 4). In addition, in the illustrated example, the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 are shaped like arrows indicating the illumination directions DA1 to DA8 of the corresponding still images. That is, in the illustrated example, the switching means B1 to B8 themselves indicate that the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 correspond to still images of the decorative sheet M captured while being illuminated in the first to eighth illumination directions DA1 to DA8, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the third switching means B3 is selected, and the third still image captured while being illuminated from the third illumination direction DA3 is displayed in the display area AM. By indicating the illumination directions DA1 to DA8 of the corresponding still images by the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8, the evaluator can easily grasp the relationship between the direction of incidence of light on the decorative sheet M displayed in the display area AM and the appearance of the decorative sheet M. Note that the indication that the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 correspond to still images of the decorative sheet M illuminated and photographed in the first to eighth illumination directions DA1 to DA8, respectively, may be a separate indication from the switching means B1 to B8.

The selection of the switching means B1 to B8 is performed by placing the mouse pointer P on one of the switching means B1 to B8 displayed on the video display screen and clicking on that switching means, as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

Here, the still images and moving images of the decorative sheet M displayed on the list display screen and the moving image display screen are still images obtained by photographing the actual decorative sheet M or moving images composed of the still images. By using such still images and/or moving images, the decorative sheet M can be evaluated in the same manner as when the actual decorative sheet M is directly observed. In addition, the moving images used for evaluating the decorative sheet M are created by combining multiple still images. This makes it easy to unify the creation conditions of the moving images between multiple decorative sheets M. Specifically, it is easy to match the shooting conditions (positions of the imaging device 50 and the lighting device 60 relative to the decorative sheet M) when the first to eighth still images constituting the moving image of a certain decorative sheet M (e.g., decorative sheet M1) are shot with the shooting conditions when the first to eighth still images constituting the moving image of another decorative sheet M (e.g., decorative sheet M2) are shot. By using moving images with unified creation conditions, multiple decorative sheets M can be appropriately compared.

<Evaluation method>
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Specifically, a method for evaluating the decorative sheet M using the above-mentioned evaluation system 10 will be described.

First, a still image of the decorative sheet M is acquired (step S1 in FIG. 11). Specifically, a plurality of still images are acquired by illuminating the decorative sheet M in a plurality of different illumination directions and photographing it using the imaging device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the decorative sheet M is illuminated in first to eighth illumination directions DA1 to DA8 that are different from each other and photographed to acquire first to eighth still images. The acquired still images are stored in the memory unit 23 of the image generating device 20.

Next, the multiple still images are combined to create a moving image (step S2 in FIG. 11). The multiple still images are combined so that the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M when each still image is captured changes according to a predetermined rule. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the moving image of the decorative sheet M is created by combining the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M so that the illumination direction when the first to eighth still images of the decorative sheet M are captured changes sequentially.

The still images and moving images of the decorative sheet M are passed to the storage unit 30 and stored in the memory unit 32. At this time, attribute information representing the attributes of the decorative sheet M is also passed to the storage unit 30. The still images and moving images of the decorative sheet M passed to the storage unit 30 are classified and stored in the memory unit 32 according to the attributes of the decorative sheet M. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the decorative sheets M1 to M9 are classified into a group called "concept A," and the decorative sheets M81 to M90 are classified into a group called "concept J."

Next, the evaluator starts the evaluation of the decorative sheet (step S3 in FIG. 11). Specifically, the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated, and a signal requesting a display program is sent from the display device 40 to the storage unit 30. This causes the display device 40 to acquire the display program from the storage unit 30. The acquired display program is stored in the memory unit 43 of the display device 40. The display program cooperates with the processing unit 44 of the display device 40 to cause the display device 40 to execute various processes for displaying an image of the decorative sheet M on the display unit 41 in the display mode described above.

The operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is also operated to input desired conditions related to the decorative sheet (e.g., the concept of the article to which the decorative sheet is to be applied) to the display device 40. This causes a signal indicating the above conditions to be sent from the display device 40 to the storage unit 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the condition "Concept A" is input to the display device 40, and a signal indicating "Concept A" is sent from the display device 40 to the storage unit 30.

When the signal is transmitted to the storage unit 30, the display device 40 receives from the storage unit 30 an image of the decorative sheet M corresponding to the condition indicated by the signal (step S4 in FIG. 11). Specifically, when a signal is input from the display device 40 to the storage unit 30, the processing unit 33 of the storage unit 30 selects one or more decorative sheets M corresponding to the condition indicated by the signal from among the multiple decorative sheets M whose images are stored in the memory unit 32. The still image and the moving image of the selected decorative sheet M are transmitted to the display device 40 by the communication unit 31. In this way, the image provider provides the evaluator with still images and moving images. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first to eighth still images and moving images of the decorative sheets M1 to M9 classified as "concept A" are transmitted to the display device 40. The images received by the display device 40 from the storage unit 30 are stored in the memory unit 43 of the display device 40.

Next, when the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to cause the display unit 41 to display a list display screen (step S5 in FIG. 11). On the list display screen, still images of each decorative sheet M stored in the storage unit 43 of the display device 40 are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the display areas AS1 to AS9 of the list display screen display first still images of the decorative sheets M1 to M9, respectively.

Next, when the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated to select one of the multiple decorative sheets M displayed on the list display screen (step S6 in FIG. 11), the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to display a moving image display screen on the display unit 41 (step S7 in FIG. 11). The moving image display screen includes a display area AM and switching means B1 to B8. In the display area AM, a moving image of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen is displayed. The evaluator evaluates the selected decorative sheet M by looking at the moving image in the display area AM. The moving image in the display area AM shows a change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M due to a change in the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen (a change in the direction of light incident on the decorative sheet M). In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the decorative sheet M2 is selected from the decorative sheets M1 to M9 displayed on the list display screen (see FIG. 8), and the moving image of the decorative sheet M2 is displayed in the display area AM of the moving image display screen (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 6, the moving image displays the first through eighth still images of the decorative sheet M in succession in that order. This allows the evaluator to understand the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M as the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M changes in the order of the first through eighth illumination directions DA1 through DA8.

In step S7, when the operation unit 45 is operated to select one of the switching means B1 to B8 displayed on the moving image display screen, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to display in the display area AM a still image corresponding to the switching means among the still images constituting the moving image of the decorative sheet M selected on the list display screen. For example, when the first switching means B1 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a first still image in the display area AM. Also, when the second switching means B2 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a second still image in the display area AM. This allows the evaluator to evaluate the decorative sheet M by looking not only at the moving image but also at the still images constituting the moving image. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the third switching means B3 is selected among the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 displayed on the moving image display screen, and the third still image of the decorative sheet M2 selected on the list display screen is displayed in the display area AM.

If the other decorative sheets displayed on the list display screen are to be evaluated (YES in step S8 in FIG. 11), the process returns to step S5 and the list display screen is displayed on the display unit 41. In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the back button BR displayed in the upper left corner of the moving image display screen is pressed by operating the operation unit 45, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to display the list display screen on the display unit 41.

If no other decorative sheets M are to be evaluated in step S8 (NO in step S8 in FIG. 11), the evaluation of the decorative sheets ends. Specifically, the operation unit 45 of the display device 40 is operated to send a signal to that effect to the storage unit 30. At this time, the evaluation results of the decorative sheets M may be sent to the image generating device 20 or the storage unit 30. This allows the image provider to obtain the evaluation results of the decorative sheets M. Furthermore, the image provider can know the decorative sheets M desired by the evaluator.

<Method of producing decorative sheet>
Next, a method for producing a decorative sheet based on the evaluation results by the evaluators will be described.

First, the manufacturer of the decorative sheet receives the evaluation result of the decorative sheet M from the evaluator. The manufacturer of the decorative sheet produces the decorative sheet M or a new decorative sheet M' different from the decorative sheet M based on the evaluation result from the evaluator. That is, if the evaluation result of the decorative sheet M does not require modification of the decorative sheet M (i.e., if the evaluator is satisfied with the decorative sheet M), the manufacturer produces the decorative sheet M. On the other hand, if the evaluation result of the decorative sheet M requires modification of the decorative sheet M, the manufacturer produces a new decorative sheet M' based on the decorative sheet M and the evaluation result. For example, the manufacturer produces a new decorative sheet M' by changing the uneven structure U of the decorative sheet M based on the evaluation result. In other words, the new decorative sheet M' has a new uneven structure U' on its surface or inside, which is obtained by changing the uneven structure U of the decorative sheet M based on the evaluation result. Alternatively, the manufacturer manufactures a new decorative sheet M' by modifying the design layer 2 of the decorative sheet M based on the above evaluation results. In other words, the new decorative sheet M' has a new design layer 2' in which the design layer 2 of the decorative sheet M has been modified based on the above evaluation results. FIG. 1D shows the decorative sheet M shown in FIG. 1A and a new decorative sheet M' manufactured based on the above evaluation results. In the example shown in FIG. 1D, the new decorative sheet M' has a new uneven structure U' on its surface and inside, in which the uneven structure U of the design layer 2 and surface protection layer 3 of the decorative sheet M has been modified based on the above evaluation results.

<Modification>
Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples, the above specific examples are not intended to limit the embodiment. The above-described one embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.

For example, in the examples shown in Figures 7 to 10, the list display screen and the moving image display screen are separate display screens on the display device 40, but this is not limited to the above. As shown in Figure 12, a moving image of the decorative sheet M may be displayed on the display device together with a still image of the decorative sheet M. The display screen shown in Figure 12 displays a list of still images of the decorative sheets M1 to M9, as well as a moving image of the decorative sheet M2 selected from the decorative sheets M1 to M9.

In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first to eighth lighting directions DA1 to DA8 are indicated by the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8, but this is not limited to the above. The first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 do not have to indicate the first to eighth lighting directions DA1 to DA8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, together with the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8, a display may be provided indicating that the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 correspond to still images of the decorative sheet M photographed while illuminated in the first to eighth lighting directions DA1 to DA8, respectively.

In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lighting directions DA1 to DA8 when photographing the decorative sheet M are changed by changing the position of the lighting device 60 that illuminates the decorative sheet M, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 14, the lighting direction of the decorative sheet M by the lighting device 60 when photographing the decorative sheet M may be changed by changing the inclination of the decorative sheet M with respect to the traveling direction of the light from the lighting device 60.

14, the inclination of the mounting base 55 on which the decorative sheet M is placed is changed with respect to the traveling direction of the light from the lighting device 60, thereby changing the inclination of the decorative sheet M with respect to the traveling direction of the light from the lighting device 60. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the decorative sheet M can be placed at a first position parallel to the X-Y plane, a second position tilted clockwise by α° from the first position around an arbitrary axis parallel to the Y axis, and a third position tilted clockwise by -α° from the first position around the axis. The lighting device 60 and the imaging device 50 are placed above the decorative sheet M. The lighting device 60 and the imaging device 50 are immobile with respect to the floor surface on which the mounting base 55 is placed. FIGS. 15A to 15C respectively show the illumination direction of the decorative sheet M by the lighting device 60 (the incident direction of the light from the lighting device 60 to the decorative sheet M) when the decorative sheet M is placed at the first to third positions.

As shown in FIG. 15A, when the decorative sheet M is placed at the first position, the decorative sheet M is illuminated by the lighting device 60 in the first lighting direction DB1. Also, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the decorative sheet M is placed at the second position, the decorative sheet M is illuminated by the lighting device 60 in the second lighting direction DB2 different from the first lighting direction DB1. Also, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the decorative sheet M is placed at the third position, the decorative sheet M is illuminated by the lighting device 60 in the third lighting direction DB3 different from the first lighting direction DB1 and the second lighting direction DB2. FIG. 16 shows a first still image taken when the decorative sheet M is placed at the first position shown in FIG. 14, a second still image taken when the decorative sheet M is placed at the second position shown in FIG. 14, and a third still image taken when the decorative sheet M is placed at the third position shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 shows a moving image created by combining the first to third still images shown in FIG. 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the moving image of the decorative sheet M is created by combining the third still image, the first still image, the second still image, the first still image, and the third still image in this order. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the moving image of the decorative sheet M is created by combining the first to third still images of the decorative sheet M so that the lighting direction of the decorative sheet M when the images are taken changes sequentially in the order of the third lighting direction DB3, the first lighting direction DB1, the second lighting direction DB2, the first lighting direction DB1, and the third lighting direction DB3. The moving image created in this way can show the difference in the appearance of the decorative sheet M depending on the tilt of the decorative sheet M, similar to when an evaluator holds both ends of the decorative sheet M and tilts it left and right while observing the decorative sheet M.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the image generating device 20 and the storage unit 30 are separate entities, but this is not limited to the above. The image generating device 20 and the storage unit 30 may be integrated. In other words, the storage unit 30 may include each of the functional units 21 to 25 of the image generating device 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the image providing system 11 includes an image generating device 20 and a storage unit 30, but is not limited to this. The image providing system 11 does not have to include the image generating device 20.

In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 17, multiple still images are taken by illuminating the decorative sheet M in multiple different lighting directions and then combined to create a moving image, but this is not limited to the above. As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, multiple still images are taken of the decorative sheet M in multiple different shooting directions and then combined to create a moving image. Here, when the decorative sheet M has an uneven structure U inside or on its surface, the appearance may differ depending on the observation direction of the decorative sheet M even if the incident direction of light on the decorative sheet M is constant. In this regard, a moving image composed of multiple still images taken of the decorative sheet M in multiple different shooting directions can show the difference in the appearance of the decorative sheet M depending on the observation direction of the decorative sheet M.

Using such moving images to evaluate and select a decorative sheet is particularly important when the decorative sheet is attached to an interior part of an automobile. This is for the following reason. That is, as described above, in many cases, the shape of an interior part of an automobile is not flat but three-dimensional. In other words, the surface of the interior part to which the decorative sheet is attached often includes multiple areas facing different directions. In this case, the decorative sheets attached to the multiple areas of the interior part face different directions relative to the automobile occupants. As a result, the occupants will observe the decorative sheet attached to the interior part from multiple different directions. If the decorative sheet glare depending on the observation direction of the decorative sheet, it may cause discomfort to the occupants. Therefore, using moving images that show the difference in appearance of the decorative sheet M depending on the observation direction of the decorative sheet M is particularly important when the decorative sheet is attached to an interior part of an automobile.

We will explain how to generate images used to evaluate the decorative sheet M in the example shown in Figures 18 and 19.

First, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the image capturing device 50 is used to capture the decorative sheet M in a plurality of different capture directions to obtain a plurality of still images. In the illustrated example, the decorative sheet M is placed flat on the flat mounting surface of the mounting stand 55. The mounting surface is immovable relative to the floor surface on which the mounting stand 55 is placed. The lighting device 60 is placed above the decorative sheet M and is immovable relative to the decorative sheet M. Then, the image capturing device 50 is used to capture the decorative sheet M to obtain a still image. At this time, the decorative sheet M is captured in the first to eighth capture directions DC1 to DC8, which are different from each other, to obtain the first to eighth still images. More specifically, as can be understood from FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the image capturing device 50 is placed at the first to eighth positions, which are different from each other, above the decorative sheet M, and the decorative sheet M is captured from each position. The first to eighth positions may be determined so that they are at the same height position relative to the decorative sheet M as a reference. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the first to eighth positions may be determined to be positions surrounding the decorative sheet M when viewed in a direction along the normal line N of the decorative sheet M. In the example shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the illumination direction D60 of the illumination device 60 is a direction along the normal line N of the decorative sheet M. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, when the first to eighth still images are captured, the decorative sheet M is illuminated with the same brightness. Furthermore, when the first to eighth still images are captured, the decorative sheet M is illuminated with the same light source. In this way, the shooting conditions when capturing the first to eighth still images are made the same except for the shooting direction of the decorative sheet M. In the illustrated example, the first to eighth still images are stored in the memory unit 23 of the image generating device 20.

Here, an image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the first imaging direction DC1 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the first position is called the "first still image". An image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the second imaging direction DC2 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the second position is called the "second still image". An image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the third imaging direction DC3 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the third position is called the "third still image". An image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the fourth imaging direction DC4 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the fourth position is called the "fourth still image". An image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the fifth imaging direction DC5 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the fifth position is called the "fifth still image". An image obtained by photographing the decorative sheet M in the sixth imaging direction DC6 by the imaging device 50 arranged at the sixth position is called the "sixth still image". Additionally, an image obtained by capturing an image of the decorative sheet M in a seventh imaging direction DC7 using the imaging device 50 disposed at the seventh position is referred to as a "seventh still image." Additionally, an image obtained by capturing an image of the decorative sheet M in an eighth imaging direction DC8 using the imaging device 50 disposed at the eighth position is referred to as an "eighth still image."

Next, the obtained still images are combined to create a moving image. In this way, a moving image is obtained that can be used to evaluate the decorative sheet M.

In the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the moving image may be created by combining the multiple still images according to a predetermined combining rule. For example, the moving image is created by combining the multiple still images that compose the moving image such that the change in the shooting direction of the multiple still images compose the moving image follows a predetermined rule. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to understand the relationship between the change in the observation direction of the decorative sheet M and the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M. In other words, such a moving image allows the evaluator to understand the difference in the reflected light that enters the evaluator's eyes from the decorative sheet M due to the difference in the observation direction of the decorative sheet M. As a result, it is also possible to understand whether or not glare occurs on the decorative sheet M depending on the observation direction of the decorative sheet M.

For example, a moving image is created by combining the first through eighth still images of the decorative sheet M in this order. This creates a moving image that continuously displays the first through eighth still images of the decorative sheet M in this order. Such a moving image can show the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M as the shooting direction of the decorative sheet M changes to the first through eighth shooting directions DC1 through DC8 in this order (i.e., as the observation direction of the decorative sheet M changes to directions DC1 through DC8 in this order).

18 and 19, the moving image may be created by combining the first to eighth still images so that the shooting direction of the decorative sheet M when the first to eighth still images are shot changes sequentially. For example, the moving image may be created so that the shooting direction of the decorative sheet M changes sequentially clockwise from the first shooting direction DC1 shown in FIG. 19 to the second shooting direction DC2, the third shooting direction DC3, the fourth shooting direction DC4, the fifth shooting direction DC5, the sixth shooting direction DC6, the seventh shooting direction DC8, and the eighth shooting direction DC8. In other words, the moving image may be created so that the position of the imaging device that shoots the decorative sheet M changes sequentially clockwise from the first position shown in FIG. 19 to the second position, the third position, the fourth position, the fifth position, the sixth position, the seventh position, and the eighth position. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet M when the observation direction of the decorative sheet M is gradually changed.

In the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, when a moving image is created by combining a plurality of still images that compose the moving image such that the change in the shooting direction of the still images compose the moving image follows a predetermined rule, the predetermined rule may be displayed on the moving image display screen of the display device 40 together with the moving image, as in the example shown in Figure 9. As the predetermined rule, for example, a sentence such as "The observation direction changes clockwise" may be displayed. This allows the evaluator to easily grasp the relationship between the change in the observation direction of the decorative sheet M and the change in the appearance of the decorative sheet.

In this case, the switching means B1 to B8 displayed on the moving image display screen may indicate the shooting direction when capturing the corresponding still image, as in the example shown in FIG. 9. Such switching means allows the evaluator to easily grasp the relationship between the observation direction of the decorative sheet M displayed in the display area AM and the appearance of the decorative sheet M.

Alternatively, in this case, similar to the example shown in FIG. 13, the moving image display screen may display, together with the switching means B1 to B8, a display indicating that the switching means B1 to B8 correspond to still images of the decorative sheet M captured while illuminated in the capture directions DC1 to DC8, respectively. With such a display, the evaluator can easily grasp the relationship between the observation direction of the decorative sheet M displayed in the display area AM and the appearance of the decorative sheet M.

In this case, the positional relationship between the first to eighth switching means B1 to B8 and the display area AM may correspond to the positional relationship between the decorative sheet M and the first to eighth positions where the imaging device 50 is positioned when capturing the first to eighth still images (see FIG. 19).

In the embodiment described above, one moving image is created for one decorative sheet M, but this is not limited to the above. Multiple moving images may be created for one decorative sheet M. For example, a first moving image and a second moving image may be created for one decorative sheet M.

In this case, the still images constituting the first moving image and the still images constituting the second moving image may be obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M at different brightnesses and photographing them. For example, the still images constituting the first moving image may be obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M at a first brightness by the lighting device 60 and photographing it, and the still images constituting the second moving image may be obtained by illuminating the decorative sheet M at a second brightness different from the first brightness by the lighting device 60 and photographing it.

Alternatively, the still images constituting the first moving image and the still images constituting the second moving image may be acquired by illuminating the decorative sheet M with different light sources and photographing them. For example, the still images constituting the first moving image may be acquired by illuminating the decorative sheet M with a first light source and photographing them, and the still images constituting the second moving image may be acquired by illuminating the decorative sheet M with a second light source different from the first light source and photographing them. The first light source and the second light source may be, for example, sunlight, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED light source, or an organic EL light source.

In this way, by creating multiple moving images for one decorative sheet M, the evaluator can observe the decorative sheet M under different conditions (e.g., illuminated with different brightness or light sources). Alternatively, the evaluator can observe the decorative sheet M under desired conditions (e.g., illuminated with a desired brightness or light source). For example, consider a case where the first moving image is a moving image consisting of still images of the decorative sheet M illuminated with sunlight, and the second moving image is a moving image consisting of still images of the decorative sheet M illuminated with fluorescent lights. In this case, the evaluator can observe the decorative sheet M illuminated with sunlight and the decorative sheet M illuminated with fluorescent lights by observing the first moving image and the second moving image. Alternatively, the evaluator can evaluate the decorative sheet M based on the first moving image when the decorative sheet M is used outdoors, and evaluate the decorative sheet M based on the second moving image when the decorative sheet M is used indoors.

When multiple moving images are created for one decorative sheet M, a moving image switching means for switching the moving image of the decorative sheet M may be displayed on the moving image display screen shown in FIG. 9. The moving image switching means is a GUI. In this case, when the moving image switching means is operated by the operation unit 45 of the display device 40, the processing unit 44 cooperates with the display program to switch the moving image displayed in the display area AM to another moving image of the decorative sheet M.

In the above-described embodiment, a decorative sheet has been used as an example of a sheet-like member to be displayed and evaluated on the display device 40, but this is not limiting. The above-described material display and evaluation methods can also be applied to other sheet-like members. In particular, sheet-like members having an uneven structure on their surface or inside may look different depending on the direction of light incidence or the observation direction. For this reason, the above-described evaluation method can be suitably applied to such sheet-like members.

According to the embodiment described above, the method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member M includes a still image acquisition step of acquiring a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a first illumination direction DA1, DB1, and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a second illumination direction DA2, DB2 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1, and a moving image creation step of combining the first and second still images to create a moving image. The sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside.

When a sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. In this regard, the moving image created by the above-mentioned method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member M can show the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M that accompanies the change in the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. Here, this moving image is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. By viewing such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as by directly observing the actual sheet-like member M. This allows the evaluator of the sheet-like member M to efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, in the still image acquisition process, a third still image is further acquired by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a third illumination direction DA3, DB3 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1 and the second illumination direction DA2, DB2. In addition, in the moving image creation process, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are combined to create a moving image.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the relationship between the change in the incident direction of light on the sheet-like member M and the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member M changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M when the incident direction of light on the sheet-like member M is gradually changed.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment described above, the method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member M includes a still image acquisition step of acquiring a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a first photographing direction DC1 and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a second photographing direction DC2 different from the first photographing direction DC1, and a moving image creation step of combining the first and second still images to create a moving image. The sheet-like member M has a concave-convex structure U on its surface or inside.

When a sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. In this regard, the moving image created by the above-mentioned method for creating a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member M can show the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M that accompanies a change in the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. Here, this moving image is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. By viewing such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as by directly observing the actual sheet-like member M. This allows an evaluator of the sheet-like member M to efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, in the still image acquisition process, a third still image is further acquired by photographing the sheet-like member M in a third shooting direction DC3 different from the first shooting direction DC1 and the second shooting direction DC2. In addition, in the moving image creation process, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are combined to create a moving image.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes according to a predetermined rule. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the relationship between the change in the observation direction of the sheet-like member M and the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes sequentially. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M when the observation direction of the sheet-like member M is gradually changed.

According to the embodiment described above, the display program is a program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member M having a concave-convex structure U on the surface or inside thereof on a display device 40 including a display unit 41. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process for displaying, on the display unit 41, a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a first illumination direction DA1, DB1 and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a second illumination direction DA2, DB2 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the display program described above, a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40. By viewing this moving image, it is possible to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M that accompanies the change in the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image displayed on the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. Therefore, the evaluator of the sheet-like member M can efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M while illuminating it in a third illumination direction DA3, DB3 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1 and the second illumination direction DA2, DB2.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the predetermined rule on the display unit 41 together with the moving image. This allows an evaluator observing the moving image displayed on the display device 40 to easily grasp the relationship between the change in the incident direction of light and the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image so that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member M changes sequentially when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M when the incident direction of light on the sheet-like member M is gradually changed.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment described above, the display program is a program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member M having a concave-convex structure U on the surface or inside thereof on a display device 40 including a display unit 41. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process for displaying, on the display unit 41, a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a first photographing direction DC1 and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a second photographing direction DC2 different from the first photographing direction DC1.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the display program described above, a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40. By viewing this moving image, it is possible to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M accompanying the change in the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image displayed on the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. Therefore, the evaluator of the sheet-like member M can efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by capturing images in a third capturing direction DC3 different from the first capturing direction DC1 and the second capturing direction DC2.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes according to a predetermined rule. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the above-mentioned predetermined rule together with the moving image on the display unit 41. This allows an evaluator observing the moving image displayed on the display device 40 to easily grasp the relationship between the change in the observation direction and the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes sequentially. Such a moving image allows the evaluator to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M when the observation direction of the sheet-like member M is gradually changed.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying still images of the sheet-like members M1 to M9 together with moving images on the display unit 41. In this case, the display device 40 does not switch between a display screen that displays still images of the sheet-like members M1 to M9 and a display screen that displays moving images. This contributes to facilitating the operation of the display device 40 when evaluating the sheet-like member M.

According to the embodiment described above, the display device 40 further includes an operation unit 45. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit 41, a display area AM in which a moving image is displayed, and switching means B1 to B8 for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to one of the still images constituting the moving image. When the switching means B1 to B8 are operated by the operation unit 45, the display program also causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying one of the still images constituting the moving image in the display area AM. This allows an evaluator who evaluates the sheet-like member M to evaluate the sheet-like member M by observing not only the moving image but also the still images constituting the moving image.

According to the embodiment described above, the display device 40 further includes an operation unit 45. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit 41, a display area AM in which a moving image is displayed, a first switching means B1 for switching an image displayed in the display area AM to a first still image, the first switching means B1 indicating the first illumination direction DA1, and a second switching means B2 for switching an image displayed in the display area AM to a second still image, the second switching means B2 indicating the second illumination direction DA2. When the first switching means B1 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program also causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a first still image in the display area AM. When the second switching means B2 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program also causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a second still image in the display area AM. This allows an evaluator who evaluates the sheet-like member M to evaluate the sheet-like member M by observing not only the moving image but also the still images that constitute the moving image. Furthermore, by the switching means B1 and B2 indicating the illumination directions DA1 and DA2 when the corresponding still images were captured, the evaluator can easily grasp the relationship between the still image displayed in the display area AM and the direction of light incident on the sheet-like member M when the still image was captured. Therefore, the relationship between the direction of light incident on the sheet-like member M and the appearance of the decorative sheet M can be easily grasped.

According to the embodiment described above, the display device 40 further includes an operation unit 45. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit 41, a display area AM in which a moving image is displayed, a first switching means B1 for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to a first still image, a second switching means B2 for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to a second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means B1 and the second switching means B2 correspond to still images of the sheet-like member M illuminated and photographed in the first illumination direction DA1 and the second illumination direction DA2, respectively. Furthermore, when the first switching means B1 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the first still image in the display area AM. Furthermore, when the second switching means B2 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the second still image in the display area AM. This allows an evaluator evaluating the sheet-like member M to observe not only the moving image but also the still images that make up the moving image to evaluate the sheet-like member M. Furthermore, the above display allows the evaluator to easily grasp the relationship between the still image displayed in the display area AM and the direction of light incident on the sheet-like member M when the still image was captured. Therefore, the evaluator can easily grasp the relationship between the direction of light incident on the sheet-like member M and the appearance of the decorative sheet M.

According to the embodiment described above, the display device 40 further includes an operation unit 45. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit 41, a display area AM in which a moving image is displayed, a first switching means B1 for switching an image displayed in the display area AM to a first still image, the first switching means B1 indicating the first shooting direction DC1, and a second switching means B2 for switching an image displayed in the display area AM to a second still image, the second switching means B2 indicating the second shooting direction DC2. The display program also causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a first still image in the display area AM when the first switching means B1 is operated by the operation unit 45. The display program also causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying a second still image in the display area AM when the second switching means B2 is operated by the operation unit 45. This allows an evaluator who evaluates the sheet-like member M to evaluate the sheet-like member M by observing not only the moving image but also the still images that constitute the moving image. Furthermore, by the switching means B1 and B2 indicating the shooting directions DC1 and DC2 when the corresponding still images were captured, the evaluator can easily grasp the relationship between the still image displayed in the display area AM and the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the still image was captured. Therefore, the relationship between the observation direction of the sheet-like member M and the appearance of the decorative sheet M can be easily grasped.

According to the embodiment described above, the display device 40 further includes an operation unit 45. The display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying, on the display unit 41, a display area AM in which a moving image is displayed, a first switching means B1 for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to a first still image, a second switching means B2 for switching the image displayed in the display area AM to a second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means B1 and the second switching means B2 correspond to still images of the sheet-like member M photographed in the first shooting direction DC1 and the second shooting direction DC2, respectively. Furthermore, when the first switching means B1 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the first still image in the display area AM. Furthermore, when the second switching means B2 is operated by the operation unit 45, the display program causes the display device 40 to execute a process of displaying the second still image in the display area AM. This allows an evaluator evaluating the sheet-like member M to observe not only the moving image but also the still images that make up the moving image to evaluate the sheet-like member M. Furthermore, the above display allows the evaluator to easily grasp the relationship between the still image displayed in the display area AM and the shooting direction of the sheet-like member M when the still image was captured. Therefore, the relationship between the viewing direction of the sheet-like member M and the appearance of the decorative sheet M can be easily grasped.

According to the embodiment described above, the image providing system 11 is a system that provides an image of a sheet-like member M having a concave-convex structure U on its surface or inside to the display device 40. The image providing system 11 includes a storage unit 32 that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a first illumination direction DA1, DB1 and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a second illumination direction DA2, DB2 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1. The image providing system 11 also includes a communication unit 31 that transmits the moving image to the display device 40.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the image providing system 11 described above, a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be provided to the display device 40. By viewing this moving image, it is possible to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M that accompanies the change in the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image provided to the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. This allows the evaluator of the sheet-like member M to efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment described above, the image providing system 11 is a system that provides an image of a sheet-like member M having a concave-convex structure U on its surface or inside to the display device 40. The image providing system 11 includes a memory unit 32 that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a first shooting direction DC1 and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a second shooting direction DC2 different from the first shooting direction DC1. The image providing system 11 also includes a communication unit 31 that transmits the moving image to the display device 40.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the image providing system 11 described above, a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be provided to the display device 40. By viewing this moving image, it is possible to grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M that accompanies a change in the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image provided to the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. This allows the evaluator of the sheet-like member M to efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M.

According to the embodiment described above, the image providing system 11 further includes a processing unit 33 that performs processing based on an input from the display device 40. The storage unit 32 stores a plurality of moving images. The processing unit 33 selects at least one moving image from the plurality of moving images stored in the storage unit 32 based on an input from the display device 40. The communication unit 31 transmits the moving image selected by the processing unit 33 to the display device 40. For example, based on a concept indicated by a signal from the display device 40, the processing unit 33 transmits to the display device 40 a moving image of a sheet-like member M that fits the concept. This allows the evaluator to receive a moving image of the desired sheet-like member M from the image providing system 11.

According to the embodiment described above, the method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' is a method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' based on the evaluation results by the evaluator. The method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' includes a step of providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing a sheet-like member M having an uneven structure U on the surface or inside in a first illumination direction DA1, DB1 and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member M in a second illumination direction DA2, DB2 different from the first illumination direction DA1, DB1. The method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' also includes a step of receiving the evaluation results from the evaluator and a step of producing the sheet-like member M or a new sheet-like member M' based on the evaluation results. The new sheet-like member M' is produced based on the sheet-like member M and the above evaluation results.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the above-mentioned method for producing the sheet-like members M and M', a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be provided to the display device 40. Then, by watching this moving image, the evaluator can grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M accompanying the change in the direction of incidence of light on the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image provided to the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. Therefore, the evaluator of the sheet-like member M can efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M. In other words, the manufacturer of the sheet-like member can efficiently receive the evaluation result or selection result of the sheet-like member M from the evaluator. Then, the manufacturer can manufacture the sheet-like member M or a new sheet-like member M' based on the evaluation result or selection result of the sheet-like member M. This allows the sheet-like member M or M' to be efficiently manufactured.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment described above, the method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' is a method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' based on an evaluation by an evaluator. The method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' includes a step of providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing a sheet-like member M having an uneven structure U on its surface or inside in a first photographing direction DC1 and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member M in a second photographing direction DC2 different from the first photographing direction DC1. The method for producing the sheet-like members M, M' also includes a step of receiving an evaluation result from the evaluator, and a step of producing the sheet-like member M or a new sheet-like member M' based on the evaluation result. The new sheet-like member M' is produced based on the sheet-like member M and the above evaluation result.

When the sheet-like member M has an uneven structure U on its surface or inside, the appearance of the sheet-like member M may differ depending on the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. In this regard, according to the above-mentioned method for producing the sheet-like members M and M', a moving image of the sheet-like member M can be provided to the display device 40. Then, by watching this moving image, the evaluator can grasp the change in the appearance of the sheet-like member M accompanying the change in the observation direction of the sheet-like member M. Here, the moving image provided to the display device 40 is composed of still images obtained by photographing the actual sheet-like member M. With such a moving image, the sheet-like member M can be evaluated in the same way as if the actual sheet-like member M were directly observed. Therefore, the evaluator of the sheet-like member M can efficiently evaluate or select the sheet-like member M. In other words, the manufacturer of the sheet-like member can efficiently receive the evaluation result or selection result of the sheet-like member M from the evaluator. Then, the manufacturer can manufacture the sheet-like member M or a new sheet-like member M' based on the evaluation result or selection result of the sheet-like member M. This allows the sheet-like member M or M' to be efficiently manufactured.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the new sheet-like member M' has a new uneven structure U' on its surface or inside, which is obtained by modifying the uneven structure U of the sheet-like member M based on the above evaluation results. This allows the new sheet-like member M' to be manufactured efficiently.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment described above, the sheet-like member M has a design layer 2. The new sheet-like member M' has a new design layer 2' in which the design layer 2 of the sheet-like member M has been modified based on the above evaluation results. This allows the new sheet-like member M' to be manufactured efficiently.

Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples, the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples. The above-described one embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.

1: Base sheet, 2: Design layer, 3: Surface protection layer, 10: Evaluation system, 11: Image providing system, 15: Network, 20: Image generating device, 30: Storage section, 40: Display device, 50: Imaging device, 55: Mounting stand, 60: Lighting device, M: Decorative sheet or material, M1 to M90: Decorative sheet, AS1 to AS9: Display area, AM: Display area, B1 to B8: Switching means, DA1, DB1: First lighting direction, DA2, DB2: Second 2 lighting direction, DA3, DB3: 3rd lighting direction, DA4, DB4: 4th lighting direction, DA5, DB5: 5th lighting direction, DA6, DB6: 6th lighting direction, DA7, DB7: 7th lighting direction, DA8, DB8: 8th lighting direction, DC1: 1st shooting direction, DC2: 2nd shooting direction, DC3: 3rd shooting direction, DC4: 4th shooting direction, DC5: 5th shooting direction, DC6: 6th shooting direction, DC7: 7th shooting direction, DC8: 8th shooting direction

Claims (29)

a still image acquisition process for acquiring a first still image obtained by illuminating a sheet-like member in a first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member, and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member;
a moving image creating step of combining the first still image and the second still image to create a moving image;
Including,
The method for producing a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member, wherein the sheet-like member has an uneven structure on its surface or inside. In the still image acquisition step, a third still image is further acquired by illuminating the sheet-like member in a third illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member;
2. The evaluation moving image generating method according to claim 1, wherein in the moving image generating step, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are combined to generate a moving image. The evaluation moving image creation method according to claim 2, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule. The evaluation moving image creation method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes sequentially. a still image acquisition process for acquiring a first still image obtained by photographing a sheet-like member in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
a moving image creating step of combining the first still image and the second still image to create a moving image;
Including,
The method for producing a moving image for evaluation of a sheet-like member, wherein the sheet-like member has an uneven structure on its surface or inside. In the still image acquisition step, a third still image is further acquired by photographing the sheet-like member in a third photographing direction different from the first photographing direction and the second photographing direction,
6. The evaluation moving image generating method according to claim 5, wherein in the moving image generating step, the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are combined to generate a moving image. The evaluation moving image creation method according to claim 6, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes according to a predetermined rule. The evaluation moving image creation method according to claim 6, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes sequentially. A display program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside of the sheet-like member on a display device including a display unit,
A display program that causes the display device to execute a process of displaying on the display unit a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a first lighting direction and photographing it, and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second lighting direction different from the first lighting direction and photographing it. The display program according to claim 9, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member in a third illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction. the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that a lighting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes according to a predetermined rule;
The display program according to claim 10 , further comprising: a display unit configured to display the predetermined rule together with the moving image on the display unit. The display program according to claim 11, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the illumination direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are captured changes sequentially. A display program for displaying an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside of the sheet-like member on a display device including a display unit,
A display program that causes the display device to execute a process of displaying on the display unit a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a first shooting direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second shooting direction different from the first shooting direction. The display program according to claim 13, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and a third still image obtained by capturing an image in a third capturing direction different from the first capturing direction and the second capturing direction. the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that a shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot is changed according to a predetermined rule;
The display program according to claim 14 , further comprising: a display unit configured to display the predetermined rule together with the moving image on the display unit. The display program according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the moving image is created by combining the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image such that the shooting direction of the sheet-like member when the first still image, the second still image, and the third still image are shot changes sequentially. The display program according to any one of claims 9 to 16, which causes the display device to execute a process of displaying a still image of the sheet-like member together with the moving image on the display unit. The display device further includes an operation unit,
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, and a switching means for switching an image displayed on the display area to one of still images constituting the moving image;
a process of displaying one of the still images constituting the moving image in the display area when the switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display program according to claim 9 , which is executed by the display device. The display device further includes an operation unit,
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the first still image, the first switching means indicating the first lighting direction, and a second switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the second still image, the second switching means indicating the second lighting direction;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display program according to claim 9 , which is executed by the display device. The display device further includes an operation unit,
The display program is
A process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the first still image, a second switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means and the second switching means correspond to still images of the sheet-like member photographed while illuminated in the first illumination direction and the second illumination direction, respectively;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display program according to claim 9 , which is executed by the display device. The display device further includes an operation unit,
The display program is
a process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the first still image, the first switching means indicating the first shooting direction, and a second switching means for switching an image displayed in the display area to the second still image, the second switching means indicating the second shooting direction;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display program according to claim 13 , which is executed by the display device. The display device further includes an operation unit,
The display program is
a process of displaying, on the display unit, a display area in which the moving image is displayed, a first switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the first still image, a second switching means for switching the image displayed in the display area to the second still image, and an indication indicating that the first switching means and the second switching means correspond to still images of the sheet-like member photographed in the first shooting direction and the second shooting direction, respectively;
a process of displaying the first still image in the display area when the first switching means is operated by the operation unit;
a process of displaying the second still image in the display area when the second switching means is operated by the operation unit,
The display program according to claim 13 , which is executed by the display device. An image providing system for providing an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside thereof to a display device, comprising:
a storage unit that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member and a second still image obtained by illuminating the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction and photographing the sheet-like member;
a communication unit for transmitting the moving image to the display device;
An image providing system comprising: An image providing system for providing an image of a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on a surface or inside thereof to a display device, comprising:
a storage unit that stores a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
a communication unit for transmitting the moving image to the display device;
An image providing system comprising: A processing unit that performs processing based on an input from the display device,
The storage unit stores a plurality of moving images;
The processing unit selects at least one video from among a plurality of videos stored in the storage unit based on an input from the display device,
25. The image providing system according to claim 23, wherein the communication unit transmits the moving image selected by the processing unit to the display device. A method for producing a sheet-like member based on an evaluation result by an evaluator, comprising:
providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by illuminating and photographing a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on its surface or inside in a first illumination direction and a second still image obtained by illuminating and photographing the sheet-like member in a second illumination direction different from the first illumination direction;
receiving an evaluation result from the evaluator;
producing the sheet-like member or a new sheet-like member based on the evaluation results;
Equipped with
The method for producing a sheet-like member, wherein the new sheet-like member is produced based on the sheet-like member and the evaluation results. A method for producing a sheet-like member based on an evaluation by an evaluator, comprising:
providing the evaluator with a moving image created by combining a first still image obtained by photographing a sheet-like member having a concave-convex structure on its surface or inside in a first photographing direction and a second still image obtained by photographing the sheet-like member in a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction;
receiving an evaluation result from the evaluator;
producing the sheet-like member or a new sheet-like member based on the evaluation results;
Equipped with
The method for producing a sheet-like member, wherein the new sheet-like member is produced based on the sheet-like member and the evaluation results. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the new sheet-like member has a new uneven structure on its surface or inside, the uneven structure of the sheet-like member being modified based on the evaluation results. The sheet-like member has a design layer,
The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the new sheet-like member has a new design layer obtained by modifying the design layer of the sheet-like member based on the evaluation results.