Image matching device

Abstract

An image matching device for extracting differences between an image taken of an actual object and model data with high accuracy. The image matching device includes a model data storage unit for storing model data of a layout of component parts of a plant, an image data storage unit for storing, for example, data of images taken of the plant, a parts library containing data on parts, heat insulating material library containing information of heat insulating materials, a model correcting unit, and a matching unit. The model correcting unit produces, based on model data and parts data, synthesized image data of an image viewed from the same position and in the same direction as actual image data is obtained by taking a photo of the plant. The matching unit matches a synthesized image to a real image.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An image matching device comprising: 
 a three-dimensional model data memory unit for storing identification information of each of a plurality of parts forming an aggregate and information of positions of said parts in a three-dimensional space;    a parts data memory unit for storing data of said parts;    an image data memory unit for storing image data of an image taken of said aggregate, information of a position and a direction at which and in which said image was taken, the stored image data and the stored information of the position and the direction being associated one another and stored;    image synthesizing means for producing a synthesized image as viewed from a position and in a direction same as those of an image stored in said image data memory unit by referring to said three-dimensional model data memory unit and said parts data memory unit; and    means for matching image data of the produced synthesized image to image data of an image stored in said image data memory unit.    
     
     
         2 . An image matching device according to  claim 1 , further comprising model correcting means for correcting three-dimensional model data stored in said three-dimensional model data memory unit, wherein said image synthesizing means for generating a synthesized image by using three-dimensional model data corrected by said model correcting means.  
     
     
         3 . An image matching device according to  claim 2 , wherein when a covering material is applied to each of said parts, said three-dimensional model data memory unit further stores information of thickness of said covering material, and wherein said model correcting means corrects said three-dimensional model data based on the information of the thickness of said covering material.  
     
     
         4 . An image matching device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a covering material information memory unit for storing information showing conditions for using a covering material for each of said parts, wherein said three-dimensional model data memory unit further stores information of conditions for using each of said parts, and wherein said model correcting means corrects three-dimensional model data based on the information of said conditions for using said covering material by referring to said covering material information memory unit.  
     
     
         5 . A recording medium recorded with a program to be executed by a computer and comprising: 
 a process of obtaining three-dimensional model data including identification information of each of a plurality of parts forming an aggregate and information of positions of said parts in a three-dimensional space, image data of an image taken of said aggregate, image information including information of a position and a direction at which and in which said image was taken;    a process of producing a synthesized image viewed from a position and in a direction same as those of an image taken of said aggregate and based on said three-dimensional model data and said parts information; and    a process of matching image data on said generated synthesized image to image data on an image taken of said aggregate.    
     
     
         6 . A program for operating a computer for execution of: 
 a process of obtaining three-dimensional model data including identification information of each of a plurality of parts forming an aggregate and including information of positions of said parts in a three-dimensional space, image data on an image taken of said aggregate, image information including information of a position and a direction in which said image was taken, and parts information including image data on said parts;    a process of producing a synthesized image viewed from a position and in a direction same as those of an image taken of said aggregate and based on said three-dimensional model data and said parts information; and    a process of matching image data of the produced synthesized image to image data of an image taken of said aggregate.