JP2018097517A - Information processing method, device, and program for causing computer to execute the information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve user's immersive feelings to a game in a virtual space.SOLUTION: An information processing method to be executed by a computer to allow a user to play a game in a virtual space through a head-mounted display includes the step of: detecting a predetermined operation to a target object by an operation object in the virtual space; and acquiring first attribute information showing an attribute associated with the target object, and controlling an occurrence of an event advantageous or disadvantageous to the user in the game on the basis of the first attribute information when the predetermined operation is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a hand object that is linked to the movement of a user's hand in the real space is displayed in the virtual space, and the virtual object in the virtual space can be operated by the hand object.

“Toybox Demo for Oculus Touch”, [online], October 13, 2015, Oculus, [October 7, 2016 search], Internet <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbYP4bhKr2M >

  However, the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has room for further improving the virtual experience of the user obtained by using the hand object. For example, if an action (for example, a holding action of a virtual object) executed in response to an operation of a hand object with respect to the virtual object is determined uniformly regardless of the nature of the virtual object, the entertainment property in the virtual space is impaired. There is a fear. In particular, in a game played by a user in a virtual space, a technique for further improving the user's immersive sensation for the game is required.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and causes an information processing method and apparatus that can improve a user's immersion feeling in a game in a virtual space, and the computer to execute the information processing method. It aims at providing the program for.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to cause a user to play a game in a virtual space via a head mounted display is provided. The information processing method includes a virtual camera that defines a virtual space including a virtual camera that defines a view image provided on a head-mounted display, a target object that is arranged in the virtual space, and an operation object for operating the target object. Generating a spatial data; detecting a movement of a part of the user's body; moving the operation object according to the detected movement of the body part; and a predetermined object to the target object by the operation object When a step for detecting an operation and a predetermined operation are detected, first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object is acquired, and based on the first attribute information, a user in the game is obtained. Controlling the occurrence of favorable or adverse events.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus that can improve a user's immersion feeling in a game in a virtual space, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. The state (A) is a diagram showing the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. The state (B) is a diagram showing the virtual space 2 including the virtual camera 1, the hand object 400, and the target object 500. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S8 of FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S9 of FIG. It is a figure showing the example of the visual process in a visual field image. The state (A) is a diagram showing processing when an event is not generated. The state (B) is a diagram illustrating processing when an event corresponding to the attribute (temperature) of the target object 500B is generated. The state (C) is a diagram illustrating processing when an event corresponding to the attribute (shape) of the target object 500C is generated. It is a figure showing a process when the glove | globe 600 which is an equipment object is mounted | worn with the hand object.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Configuration of HMD system]
A configuration of an HMD (Head Mount Display) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110 (head mounted display), an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 can be connected to the Internet and other networks 19, and can communicate with the server 150 and other computers connected to the network 19. In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

  The HMD device 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide a virtual space to the user during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user visually recognizes each image, the user can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD device 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In one aspect, the monitor 112 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 112 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image together. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be displayed alternately so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD device 110. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space using this function.

  In another aspect, HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD device 110 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD device 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the view field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or a part of the transmission-type display device may be set to have a high transmittance. The real space may be visible from a part of the image.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects a direction (gaze direction) in which the gaze of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 is directed. The detection of the direction is realized by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris with respect to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

  The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 receives an operation given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of an object arranged in a space that provides virtual reality.

  In one aspect, the motion sensor 130 is attached to the user's hand and detects the movement of the user's hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, rotation speed, etc. of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in a glove-type controller 160, for example. In some embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be mounted on something that does not fly easily by being mounted on the hand of the user 190, such as a glove shape. In another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 190 may detect the hand movement of the user 190. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication form is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication methods are used.

[Hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to one aspect. The computer 200 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 15.

  The processor 10 executes a series of instructions included in the program stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 based on a signal given to the computer 200 or based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. In one aspect, the processor 10 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 12, for example. Data stored in the memory 11 includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 10. In one aspect, the memory 11 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage 12 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, a program for realizing communication with another computer 200, and the like. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data in a batch.

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120, or the motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above.

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives an input of a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends an instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD device 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD device 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD device 110 is illustrated. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD device 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

  In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is set in advance. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-rear direction in the global coordinate system are defined as an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, respectively. More specifically, in the global coordinate system, the x axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of the real space. The y axis is parallel to the vertical direction of the real space. The z axis is parallel to the front-rear direction of the real space.

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects each infrared ray emitted from each light source of the HMD device 110, the presence of the HMD device 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further determines the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). To detect. More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 using each value detected over time.

  The global coordinate system is parallel to the real space coordinate system. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD device 110 based on the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 views an object in the virtual space.

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD device 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 based on the detected value.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD device 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user wearing the HMD device 110 as the center (origin). More specifically, the HMD device 110 uses the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, z axis) that define the global coordinate system around each axis of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The three new directions obtained by inclining around the respective axes by the inclination of the pitch are the pitch direction (u-axis), yaw direction (v-axis), and roll direction (w-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110. Set as.

  In one aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 stands upright and is viewing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system in the HMD device 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), vertical direction (y-axis), and front-rear direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) and yaw direction (v Axis) and the roll direction (w-axis).

  After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set in the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD device 110. . In this case, the HMD sensor 120 detects the pitch angle (θu), yaw angle (θv), and roll angle (θw) of the HMD device 110 in the uvw visual field coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD device 110. The pitch angle (θu) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

  Based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 after the HMD device 110 has moved to the HMD device 110. The relationship between the HMD device 110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between the points). The position of the device 110 in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

  In one aspect, the virtual space 2 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 21 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the global coordinate system. Since the XYZ coordinate system is a kind of viewpoint coordinate system, the horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-rear direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively. Therefore, the X axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x axis of the global coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the global coordinate system, and The Z axis (front-rear direction) is parallel to the z axis of the global coordinate system.

  When the HMD device 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD device 110, the virtual camera 1 is disposed at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD device 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD device 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. The virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space.

  Since the orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the user visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 depends on the orientation of the virtual camera 1. Determined. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

  The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight direction of the user in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's line of sight]
With reference to FIG. 5, determination of the user's line-of-sight direction will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to an embodiment from above.

  In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of user 190's right eye and left eye. In a certain aspect, when the user 190 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 190 is looking far away, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R2 and L2. In this case, the angle formed by the lines of sight R2 and L2 with respect to the roll direction w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll direction w. The gaze sensor 140 transmits the detection result to the computer 200.

  When the computer 200 receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight detection result, the computer 200 identifies the point of sight N1 that is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detection value. On the other hand, when the detected values of the lines of sight R2 and L2 are received from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the point of sight. The computer 200 specifies the line-of-sight direction N0 of the user 190 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects the direction in which the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the gazing point N1 extends as the line-of-sight direction N0. The line-of-sight direction N0 is a direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the line of sight with both eyes. The line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs his / her line of sight with respect to the field-of-view area 23.

  In another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a microphone and a speaker in any part constituting the HMD system 100. The user can give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2 by speaking to the microphone.

  In another aspect, HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast receiving tuner. According to such a configuration, the HMD system 100 can display a television program in the virtual space 2.

  In still another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

[Visibility area]
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the visual field region 23 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the visual field region 23 in the YZ cross section includes a region 24. The region 24 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 of the virtual camera 1 and the YZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as the region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visual field region 23 in the XZ cross section includes a region 25. The region 25 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides a virtual space to the user 190 by displaying a view field image on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The visual field image corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the visual field region 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 worn on the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the view image displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to an image that is superimposed on the view region 23 in the direction in which the user faces in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space image 22. The user can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

  The user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world while wearing the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can give the user a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. That is, the visual field of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is defined by the virtual camera 1.

  According to an embodiment, the virtual camera 1 preferably includes two virtual cameras, that is, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Moreover, it is preferable that appropriate parallax is set in the two virtual cameras so that the user 190 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll direction (w) generated by combining the roll directions of the two virtual cameras is the roll direction (w) of the HMD device 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted so that it may be adapted.

[controller]
An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 160R and a left controller 160L (see FIG. 10). The right controller 160R is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller 160L is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 160R and the left hand holding the left controller 160L. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 160R will be described.

  The right controller 160R includes a grip 30, a frame 31, and a top surface 32. The grip 30 is configured to be held by the right hand of the user 190. For example, the grip 30 can be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 190 and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

  The grip 30 includes buttons 33 and 34 and a motion sensor 130. The button 33 is disposed on the side surface of the grip 30 and receives an operation with the middle finger of the right hand. The button 34 is disposed in front of the grip 30 and accepts an operation with the index finger of the right hand. In one aspect, the buttons 33 and 34 are configured as trigger buttons. The motion sensor 130 is built in the housing of the grip 30. Note that when the operation of the user 190 can be detected from around the user 190 by a camera or other device, the grip 30 may not include the motion sensor 130.

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. Infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt, orientation) and the like of the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L. In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. An array of one or more columns may be used.

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L include a battery for driving the infrared LED 35 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, a dry battery type, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L may be connected to the USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L do not require batteries.

  As shown in the state (A) and the state (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

[Control device for HMD device]
The control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, an operation object control module 233, and an event control module 234 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 are realized by the processor 10. In another embodiment, multiple processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. The communication control module 250 is realized by the communication interface 14.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

  The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. The virtual space definition module 231 defines the virtual space 2 in the HMD system 100 by generating virtual space data representing the virtual space 2.

  The virtual object control module 232 generates a target object placed in the virtual space 2. In addition, the virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object and the character object in the virtual space 2. The target object may include, for example, a forest, a landscape including mountains, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story. The character object is an object (so-called avatar) associated with the user 190 in the virtual space 2. The character object is an object formed in the shape of a person, for example. The character object can be equipped with an equipment object (for example, a weapon object and an armor object imitating equipment such as a weapon and armor) as a kind of item in the game in the virtual space 2.

  The operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object for manipulating an object arranged in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the operation objects may include, for example, a hand object corresponding to the user's hand wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, a stick object corresponding to the stick used by the user, and the like. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the axis portion in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger. Note that the operation object may be a part of a character object (for example, a part corresponding to a hand). The above-described equipment object can also be attached to the operation object.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. For example, the virtual space control module 230 can detect a timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in a touched state. Specifically, the operation object control module 233 touches the operation object and another object when the operation object touches another object (for example, a target object arranged by the virtual object control module 232). Is detected, and a predetermined process is performed.

  When a predetermined operation on the target object is detected, the event control module 234 determines the user 190 in the game in the virtual space 2 according to the attribute (first attribute information described above) associated with the target object. A process for generating an advantageous or unfavorable event is executed. Details of this processing will be described later.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The object information 242 includes information (first attribute information and third attribute information described later) indicating attributes associated with each object (target object, equipment object, and the like). The attribute may be predetermined in the content (for example, game content) or may be changed according to the progress of the content. The user information 243 includes, for example, a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. In the present embodiment, the user information 243 includes information (second attribute information to be described later) indicating attributes associated with the user 190 of the HMD device 110.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program (game program or the like) or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240. .

  The communication control module 250 can communicate with the server 150 and other information communication devices via the network 19.

  In an aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may be realized using, for example, Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each process.

  Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 240 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other non-volatile computer-readable data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the memory module 240. The The software is read from the memory module 240 by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is a program stored in the computer 200. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The data recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but is a magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). ), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. It may be a non-volatile data recording medium that carries a fixed program.

  The program here may include not only a program directly executable by the processor 10, but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the details of the process in which the virtual space control module 230 determines contact between the operation object and another object will be described. The state (A) in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. A state (B) of FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the virtual space 2 including the virtual camera 1, the hand object 400, and the target object 500.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the virtual space 2 includes a virtual camera 1, a player character PC (character object), a left hand object 400 </ b> L, a right hand object 400 </ b> R, and a target object 500. In the present embodiment, the visual field of the player character PC matches the visual field of the virtual camera 1. Thereby, a view field image in the first person viewpoint is provided to the user. As described above, the virtual space definition module 231 of the virtual space control module 230 generates virtual space data that defines the virtual space 2 including such an object. In addition, as described above, the virtual camera 1 is interlocked with the movement of the HMD device 110 attached to the user 190. That is, the visual field of the virtual camera 1 is updated according to the movement of the HMD device 110. The right hand object 400R is an operation object that moves according to the movement of the right controller 160R attached to the right hand of the user 190. The left hand object 400L is an operation object that moves according to the movement of the left controller 160L attached to the left hand of the user 190. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, each of the left hand object 400L and the right hand object 400R may be simply referred to as a hand object 400 in some cases.

  The left hand object 400L and the right hand object 400R each have a collision area CA. The target object 500 has a collision area CB. The player character PC has a collision area CC. The collision areas CA, CB, and CC are used for collision determination (hit determination) between the objects. For example, when the collision area CA of the hand object 400 is in contact with the collision area CB of the target object 500 (including a case where the collision area CA has an overlapping area), the hand object 400 and the target object 500 are in contact. Determined. As shown in FIG. 10, the collision areas CA, CB, and CC may be defined by a sphere having a predetermined radius around the coordinate position set for each object.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 11, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231 and defines the virtual space.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S <b> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 as the visual field region determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (for example, shaking both hands). A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S <b> 8, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 as the operation object control module 233 based on the signal indicating the detection content transmitted from the controller 160. The processor 10 detects, as the operation object control module 233, a predetermined operation (for example, a grip operation) on the target object 500 by the hand object 400. With reference to FIG. 12, an example of the process of step S8 will be described.

  In step S <b> 81, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the hand movement of the user 190 detected by the controller 160.

  In step S <b> 82, the processor 10 determines whether each hand object 400 and the target object 500 are in contact with each other based on the collision area CA set for the hand object 400 and the collision area CB set for the target object 500. Determine.

  If it is determined that they are in contact (step S82: YES), in step S83, the processor 10 determines whether or not a movement for grasping the target object 500 is input to the hand object 400. For example, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 from one of the thumb and the opposite finger (at least one of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger) to the bent state from the extended state. It is determined whether or not the movement to be moved is included. If it is determined that the above movement is included (step S83: YES), in step S84, the processor 10 detects a gripping operation on the target object 500 by the hand object 400.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined to be in contact (step S82: NO) or not determined to include the above movement (step S83: NO), the processor 10 waits for movement information of the hand of the user 190. The control for moving the hand object 400 is continued.

  In addition, the operation | movement which changes the state of the finger in the hand object 400 is implement | achieved by predetermined | prescribed operation of the user 190 with respect to the controller 160 (refer FIG. 8), for example. For example, when the button 34 is pressed, the processor 10 may change the index finger of the hand object 400 from the extended state to the bent state. Further, when the button 33 is pressed, the processor 10 may change the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the hand object 400 from the stretched state to the bent state. Further, the processor 10 changes the thumb of the hand object 400 from the extended state to the bent state when the thumb is placed on the top surface 32 or when any of the buttons 36 and 37 is pressed. It may be changed.

  If a gripping operation is detected in step S84, step S9 (see FIG. 11) is executed.

  In step S <b> 9, the processor 10 operates as the event control module 234 based on the attribute (the first attribute information described above) associated with the target object 500 that is a target of a predetermined operation (here, the gripping operation). Controls the occurrence of events in the game in the virtual space 2. Specifically, the processor 10 generates an advantageous or unfavorable event for the user 190 according to the attribute. With reference to FIG. 13, an example of the process of step S9 will be described.

  In step S91, the processor 10 acquires first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object 500 that is a target of the grasping operation. The processor 10 can obtain the first attribute information by referring to the object information 242. For example, the first attribute information includes an attribute relating to the temperature of the target object 500 (eg, “high temperature”, “low temperature”, etc.), an attribute relating to the shape (eg, “state covered with spines”, etc.), and an attribute relating to the material (eg, “ Slippery ", etc.) and attributes related to weight (eg," heavy "," light ", etc.). In addition to the attributes as described above, the first attribute information includes characteristics set in advance in the game in the virtual space 2 (for example, “toxicity (health value decrease)”, “recovery (health value increase)”, “enemy” And the like, etc., can be included. For example, attributes that can be expressed by numerical values such as temperature and weight may be expressed by numerical parameters (for example, “100 ° C.”, “80 kg”, etc.).

  In step S <b> 92, the processor 10 acquires second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user 190. Here, the attribute associated with the user 190 may be an attribute associated with a character object (player character PC) that is an avatar of the user 190 in the virtual space 2. The processor 10 can acquire the second attribute information by referring to the user information 243. For example, the second attribute information is a game such as the level of the player character PC in the game, skill (for example, resistance to various attributes, etc.), hit points (physical strength value indicating allowable damage amount), attack power, defense power, and the like. Various parameters can be included.

  In step S93, the processor 10 determines whether or not the equipment object is attached to the player character PC or the hand object 400. When the equipment object is attached to the player character PC or the hand object 400, step S94 is executed.

  In step S94, the processor 10 acquires the third attribute information indicating the attribute associated with the equipment object. The processor 10 can acquire the third attribute information by referring to the object information 242. For example, the weapon object is associated with an attack power parameter or the like for determining the amount of damage that can be given to the enemy in one attack as the third attribute information. The armor object is associated with a defense parameter or the like for determining the amount of damage received by the enemy's attack as third attribute information. Further, the third attribute information may include parameters related to equipment effects such as resistance to various attributes, similar to the second attribute information described above. Note that such an equipment object may be, for example, an item that can be acquired in the game (for example, an item that can be obtained from a treasure chest that is a type of target object), or in the game by charging the user 190 in the real world. It may be a charge item given to the user 190.

  In step S95, the processor 10 determines whether or not there is an event corresponding to the first attribute information that is advantageous or unfavorable to the user 190 (in other words, the player character PC associated with the user 190). Events that are advantageous to the user 190 include, for example, an event that recovers the hit points of the player character PC, items that are useful in the game, or friends (for example, other users who share the virtual space 2 and play the same game). An event that attracts an avatar or the like) near the player character PC. Events that are disadvantageous to the user 190 include, for example, an event that gradually decreases the hit points of the player character PC, and an event that sets a time during which the target object 500 can be continuously held (that is, the set time has elapsed). An event that forcibly releases the target object 500 later), an event that draws the enemy character close to the player character PC, and the like.

  For example, the memory module 240 associates the first attribute information and an event corresponding to the first attribute information (information indicating that there is no corresponding event when there is no corresponding event) as the object information 242. You may hold | maintain the table information to memorize | store. In the table information, for example, an event that gradually decreases the hit points of the player character PC may be associated with the first attribute information such as “high temperature” and “a state covered with spines”. Further, for example, an event that sets a time during which the target object 500 can be continuously held can be associated with the first attribute information such as “easy to slip” and “heavy”. In this manner, the target object 500 and the event that can be easily imagined from the attributes of the target object 500 are associated with each other, so that a realistic event can be generated in the virtual space 2. The table information described above is downloaded in advance from the server 150 to the memory module 240, for example, as part of the game program. In this case, the processor 10 can determine the presence or absence of an event corresponding to the first attribute information by referring to the first attribute information of the target object 500 and the table information.

  If there is no event corresponding to the first attribute information in the table information (step S95: NO), the processor 10 ends the process of step S9 (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, when there is an event corresponding to the first attribute information in the table information (step S95: YES), the processor 10 executes the process of step S96.

  In step S96, the processor 10 determines whether or not it is possible to cancel the occurrence of the event specified in step S95 (the event corresponding to the first attribute information). Specifically, the processor 10 performs the above determination based on at least one of the second attribute information and the third attribute information.

  For example, let us consider a case where a heat-resistant skill (second attribute information) or equipment effect (third attribute information) that can invalidate the influence of the attribute “high temperature” is associated with the player character PC or the equipment object. In this case, the processor 10 determines that the influence of the attribute can be invalidated even if the first attribute information is “high temperature”, and the event “the hit point of the player character PC corresponding to the first attribute information” It is determined that it is possible to cancel the occurrence of “an event that gradually decreases the value of“.

  Here, the second attribute information or the third attribute information may have an effect capable of invalidating the influence of one attribute alone as described above, or the influence of one attribute cannot be invalidated alone. You may have an effect (for example, the effect of halving the influence of an attribute etc.). In this case, the processor 10 may add up the effect of the second attribute information and the effect of the third attribute information, and determine whether or not the occurrence of the event can be canceled based on the addition result. For example, a heat reduction skill (second attribute information) that can halve the effect of the attribute “high temperature” is associated with the player character PC, and the equipment object attached to the player character PC or the hand object 400 has the attribute “high temperature”. When the heat reduction equipment effect (third attribute information) that can reduce the influence by half is associated, the processor 10 determines that the influence of the attribute “high temperature” can be invalidated by adding the skill and the equipment effect together. Also good. Similarly, when a plurality of equipment objects are attached to the player character PC or the hand object 400, the processor 10 sums up the equipment effects (third attribute information) of the equipment objects, and the event is based on the summation result. It may be determined whether or not the occurrence of the occurrence can be canceled.

  If it is determined that the event can be canceled (step S96: YES), the processor 10 ends the process of step S9 (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the occurrence of the event can be canceled (step S96: NO), the processor 10 executes the process of step S97.

  In step S97, the processor 10 executes a process for generating an event according to the acquired attribute information. Specifically, the processor 10 generates an event (an advantageous or unfavorable event for the user 190) corresponding to the first attribute information as described above. For example, the processor 10 can generate an event by executing a program prepared for each event.

  In addition, when the second attribute information or the third attribute information has an effect of increasing or decreasing (reducing) the influence of the first attribute information, the processor 10 may generate an event in consideration of these effects. . For example, consider a case where an event “an event that gradually decreases the hit points of the player character PC” corresponding to the attribute “high temperature” (first attribute information) of the target object 500 is considered. Here, when the second attribute information or the third attribute information has an effect of reducing the influence of the first attribute information, the processor 10 may reduce the influence of the event in consideration of the effect. For example, the effect (for example, “halved”) that the second attribute information or the third attribute information has an influence (for example, the amount of damage per unit time received by the player character PC) set by default for the event. , “30% reduction” or other parameters).

  The processor 10 may output a sound (warning sound or the like) for notifying the user 190 of the occurrence of the event to a speaker (headphone) (not shown) or the like as a process for generating the event. In addition, the processor 10 may operate a device (for example, the controller 160) that is attached to a part of the body (for example, a hand) of the user 190 and that is connected to the computer 200 according to the content of the event. . For example, when the player character PC receives a certain amount of damage per unit time, the processor 10 may vibrate the controller 160 every time the hit point of the player character PC is decreased. Note that the magnitude and pattern of such vibration may be determined according to the content of the event. For example, when an event advantageous to the user 190 (for example, an event for recovering the hit points of the player character PC) occurs, the processor 10 gives a feeling of security to the user 190 (for example, a relatively gentle nickname). The controller 160 may generate vibrations such as vibration. Through such processing, the user 190 can intuitively grasp events occurring in the game by vibrations transmitted to the body.

  In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing result as the view area determination module 222 and the view image generation module 223, and sends the generated view image data to the HMD device 110. Output. Here, the processor 10 may superimpose and display a text message (for example, “Hit point recovery!”, “Hit point reduction due to burn!”, Etc.) indicating the content of the event that is occurring on the view image. Alternatively, when a parameter (for example, a hit point) of the player character PC changes (recovers or decreases) due to the occurrence of an event, the processor 10 superimposes a numerical display or a physical strength gauge indicating the change of the parameter on the view image. Also good. Further, the processor 10 visually displays at least one of the state of the hand object 400 and the target object 500 in the view image according to the event, in addition to the display of the text message and the physical strength gauge as described above (or instead of the display). (It will be described later in detail).

  In step S11, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  Processing for visually changing the state of the hand object 400 in the view field image will be described with reference to FIG.

  The state (A) of FIG. 14 shows an example in which a gripping operation by the hand object 400 is executed on the target object 500A that is a ball of a size that can be gripped by the hand. Here, the attribute (first attribute information) having a corresponding event is not associated with the target object 500A. That is, neither a favorable event nor a disadvantageous event for the user 190 is set in the target object 500A. In this case, in step S95, it is determined that there is no event corresponding to the first attribute information of the target object 500A, and an event that is advantageous or unfavorable to the user 190 does not occur. Therefore, the state in which the target object 500A is held by the hand object 400 continues after the target object 500A is gripped by the hand object 400 until the operation of releasing the target object 500A is executed. Thus, when an event that is advantageous or unfavorable to the user 190 does not occur, the state of the hand object 400 in the view field image does not change visually.

  In the state (B) of FIG. 14, the attribute “high temperature” (first attribute information) is associated with the target object 500 </ b> B that is a fireball, and the event “player character PC hit points corresponding to the attribute is gradually reduced. An example in which an “event” occurs is shown. In this case, in step S95, it is determined that there is an event corresponding to the attribute “high temperature” of the target object 500B. If it is not determined in step S96 that the event can be canceled (step S96: NO), processing for generating the event is executed in step S97. At this time, as shown in the middle part of the state (B), the processor 10 has the hand object 400 in the view image while the hand object 400 holds the target object 500B (that is, while the event continues). May display an image (or effect) indicating that is affected by the attribute “high temperature”. In this example, a state in which the hand object 400 is swollen red due to a burn is represented in the view image. Note that such an aspect of expression may be changed according to a decrease in hit points of the player character PC (or a remaining time in which the target object 500B can be held). For example, the processor 10 may change the color of the hand object 400 in the view field image so that the color gradually becomes deep red. Further, as shown in the lower part of the state (B), when the hand object 400 releases the target object 500B, the processor 10 may return the state of the hand object 400 to the original state (the state before the burn). . In the state shown in the middle of the state (B), the processor 10 may execute an effect of displaying a text message such as “hot!” In the view field image. Furthermore, the processor 10 may execute an effect that causes the hand object 400 to temporarily execute an operation that is not interlocked with the movement of the hand of the user 190. For example, the processor 10 may cause the hand object 400 to execute an action indicating that the hand is hot (for example, an action of swinging the hand) regardless of the actual hand movement of the user 190. Thereafter, the processor 10 may execute an effect of releasing the target object 500B from the hand object 400 as shown in the lower part of the state (B). After the end of the presentation, the processor 10 may return the hand object 400 to a position corresponding to the position of the hand of the user 190 and resume the operation linked to the movement of the hand of the user 190.

  In the state (C) of FIG. 14, the attribute “state covered with spines” (first attribute information) is associated with the target object 500 </ b> C whose surface is covered with spines, and an event “player” corresponding to the attribute is displayed. An example is shown in which an “event that gradually decreases the hit points of the character PC” occurs. In this case, the event is generated as a result of executing the same determination process as in the state (B) described above. At this time, as shown in the middle part of the state (C), the processor 10 determines that the hand object 400 in the view image while the hand object 400 holds the target object 500C (that is, while the event continues). An image (or an effect) indicating that is affected by the attribute “state covered with spines” may be displayed. In this example, a state in which a plurality of scratches are generated on the hand object 400 by the spines is represented in the view field image. Note that such an aspect of expression may be changed according to a decrease in hit points of the player character PC (or a remaining time in which the target object 500C can be held). For example, the processor 10 may gradually increase the number of scratches on the hand object 400 in the view field image. Further, as shown in the lower part of the state (C), when the hand object 400 releases the target object 500C, the processor 10 returns the state of the hand object 400 to the original state (the state before scuffing). Also good. Note that, in the example shown in the state (C), the processor 10 also performs effects on the view field image (display of the text message, operation of the hand object 400, etc.) as in the example shown in the state (B). May be.

  As shown in the state (B) and the state (C) in FIG. 14, an event occurring in the game by visually changing the state of the hand object 400 in the view field image according to the occurring event. In addition, the user 190 can intuitively grasp the influence of the event.

  With reference to FIG. 15, an example of processing when a glove 600 that is an equipment object is attached to the hand object 400 will be described. Here, the glove 600 is associated with an equipment effect (third attribute information) that can invalidate the influence of the attribute “high temperature”. In this case, in step S95, it is determined that there is an event corresponding to the attribute “high temperature” of the target object 500B. However, since it is determined in step S96 that the event can be canceled, the event does not occur. That is, the user 190 cancels the influence of the attribute “high temperature”, so that the state in which the target object 500B is held by the hand object 400 with the glove 600 attached is not accompanied by a decrease in the hit points of the player character PC. Can continue. Therefore, the state of the hand object 400 in the view field image does not change visually.

  Note that, instead of (or changing) the state of the hand object 400 in the view field image, the state of the target object 500 may be changed visually. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, a visual process for extinguishing the flame of the target object 500 </ b> B held by the globe 600 may be performed. According to such visual processing, the user 190 can intuitively grasp that the influence of the attribute “high temperature” is invalidated by the globe 600.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, the technical scope of this invention should not be limitedly interpreted by description of this embodiment. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the movement of the hand object is controlled according to the movement of the controller 160 indicating the movement of the user 190's hand, but in the virtual space according to the movement amount of the user's 190 hand itself. The movement of the hand object may be controlled. For example, instead of using the controller 160, a glove-type device, a ring-type device, or the like worn on the user's finger may be used. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and movement amount of the hand of the user 190, and can detect the movement and state of the finger of the user 190. Further, instead of the HMD sensor 120, the movement and state of the user 190's fingers may be detected by a camera configured to image the user's 190 hand (including fingers). By imaging the hand of the user 190 using the camera, it is not necessary to attach any device directly to the finger of the user 190. In this case, based on the image data on which the hand of the user 190 is displayed, the position and amount of movement of the hand of the user 190 can be detected, and the movement and state of the finger of the user 190 can be detected. .

  In the present embodiment, a hand object that is linked to the movement of the hand of the user 190 is used as an operation object. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a foot object that is linked to the movement of the foot of the user 190 may be used as an operation object instead of or together with the hand object.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the user 190 defined by the virtual camera 1 matches the visual field of the player character PC in the virtual space 2 to provide the user 190 with a virtual experience in the first person viewpoint. The form is not limited to this. For example, by placing the virtual camera 1 behind the player character PC, a virtual experience at the third person viewpoint in which the player character PC is included in the view field image may be provided to the user 190.

  Further, the game provided in the virtual space 2 is not limited to the so-called action role playing game mainly assumed in the above embodiment, and may include games of various genres. In addition, the game is not limited to a game provided as game content (game software), and may be a mini game provided in content without a game element at a normal time such as VR chat.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer 200 to cause a user 190 to play a game in the virtual space 2 via a head-mounted display (HMD device 110),
A virtual camera 1 that defines a field-of-view image provided on the head-mounted display, a target object 500 disposed in the virtual space 2, and an operation object (for example, a hand object 400) for operating the target object 500 Generating virtual space data defining the virtual space 2 including (for example, S1 in FIG. 11);
Detecting a movement of the body part of the user 190 and moving the operation object in accordance with the detected movement of the body part (for example, S81 in FIG. 12);
Detecting a predetermined operation on the target object 500 by the operation object (for example, S84 in FIG. 12);
When the predetermined operation is detected, first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object 500 is acquired, and based on the first attribute information, the user 190 in the game is obtained. Controlling the occurrence of an advantageous or unfavorable event (eg, S9 in FIG. 11);
Including an information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, an event that is advantageous or disadvantageous to the user in the game can be generated based on the attribute of the target object. For example, in the virtual space, it is possible to generate an event (event) similar to the real world, such as taking damage when a hot object or a painful object is touched. Thereby, the reality of virtual space can be improved and the user's immersion feeling with respect to a game can be improved.
(Item 2)
In the step of controlling the occurrence of the event, further acquiring second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user, and further controlling the occurrence of the event based on the second attribute information;
Item 1. Information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game (the occurrence of an event occurs) according to the attributes (for example, the tolerance value for the first attribute information) associated with the user (including the avatar associated with the user in the virtual space) Presence / absence, event generation mode, etc.) can be changed. Thereby, the entertainment property of the game in virtual space can be improved.
(Item 3)
In the step of controlling the occurrence of the event, third attribute information indicating an attribute associated with an equipment object attached to at least one of the operation object and the character object associated with the user is further acquired, and the third Further controlling the occurrence of the event based on attribute information;
The information processing method of item 1 or 2.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game can be changed according to the attribute associated with the equipment object. Thereby, the entertainment property of the game in virtual space can be improved.
(Item 4)
A step of visually changing at least one state of the operation object and the target object in the view image according to the event;
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3.
According to the information processing method of this item, the user 190 can intuitively grasp events occurring in the game.
(Item 5)
Further comprising operating a device attached to a part of the user's body and connected to the computer in response to the event,
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 4.
According to the information processing method of this item, the user 190 can intuitively grasp events occurring in the game.
(Item 6)
The first attribute information includes information on at least one of temperature, shape, material, and weight of the target object.
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5.
According to the information processing method of this item, an event (event) similar to the real world can be generated according to the attribute of a general object. As a result, it is possible to improve the user's sense of immersion in the game in the virtual space.
(Item 7)
The first attribute information includes information related to characteristics set in advance in the game.
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 6.
According to the information processing method of this item, events corresponding to various characteristics set in the game can be generated. As a result, it is possible to improve the user's sense of immersion in the game in the virtual space.
(Item 8)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 7.
(Item 9)
A memory storing the program of item 8, and
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Base line of sight, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 12 ... Storage, 13 ... Input / output interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ... Bus, 19 ... Network, 21 ... Center, 22 ... Virtual space image, 23 ... Field of view, 24, 25 ... Area, 31 ... Frame, 32 ... Top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 ... Button, 35 ... Infrared LED, 38 ... Analog stick, 100 ... HMD system 110 ... HMD device 112 ... monitor 114 ... sensor 120 ... HMD sensor 130 ... motion sensor 140 ... gaze sensor 150 ... server 160 ... controller 160L ... left controller 160R ... right controller 190 ... user , 200 ... Computer, 220 ... Display control module, 221 ... Temporary Camera control module, 222 ... view area determination module, 223 ... view field image generation module, 224 ... reference line of sight identification module, 230 ... virtual space control module, 231 ... virtual space definition module, 232 ... virtual object control module, 233 ... operation object Control module, 234 ... event control module, 240 ... memory module, 241 ... spatial information, 242 ... object information, 243 ... user information, 250 ... communication control module, 400 ... hand object, 400L ... left hand object, 400R ... right hand object, 500, 500A, 500B, 500C ... target object, 600 ... glove, 810 ... right hand, PC ... player character.

Claims (9)

An information processing method executed by a computer to cause a user to play a game in a virtual space via a head-mounted display,
Virtual space data defining the virtual space including a virtual camera that defines a view image provided on the head mounted display, a target object arranged in the virtual space, and an operation object for operating the target object A step of generating
Detecting the movement of the body part of the user and moving the operation object in response to the detected movement of the body part;
Detecting a predetermined operation on the target object by the operation object;
When the predetermined operation is detected, first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object is acquired, and based on the first attribute information, it is advantageous for the user in the game or Steps to control the occurrence of adverse events;
Including an information processing method. In the step of controlling the occurrence of the event, further acquiring second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user, and further controlling the occurrence of the event based on the second attribute information;
The information processing method according to claim 1. In the step of controlling the occurrence of the event, third attribute information indicating an attribute associated with an equipment object attached to at least one of the operation object and the character object associated with the user is further acquired, and the third Further controlling the occurrence of the event based on attribute information;
The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2. A step of visually changing at least one state of the operation object and the target object in the view image according to the event;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising operating a device attached to a part of the user's body and connected to the computer in response to the event,
The information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The first attribute information includes information on at least one of temperature, shape, material, and weight of the target object.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first attribute information includes information related to characteristics set in advance in the game.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The program which makes a computer perform the information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A memory storing the program according to claim 8;
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.