JP2020046981A - Program, information processing device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program capable of improving virtual experience of a user.SOLUTION: There is provided a program causing a computer to perform the steps of: defining a virtual space 1711A for providing a user with virtual experience; arranging operation objects 1771L and 1771R and a target object 1766 in the virtual space 1711A; detecting movement of a part of the body of the user; operating the operation objects 1771L and 1771R according to the detected movement of the part of the body of the user; selecting the target object 1766 by the operation objects 1771L and 1771R; changing an interlock state with the movement of the part of the body of the user according to attributes of the target object 1766 and moving the operation objects 1771L and 1771R which selected the target object 1766.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a mode in which the movement of a character's hand in a virtual space is made to match the movement of the user's hand in accordance with a detection result of the movement of the user's hand, A control device capable of executing a mode in which the operation is performed without matching the movement of the hand is disclosed.

International Publication WO2017 / 150129

  There is room for improvement in improving the virtual experience of the user in a game such as in Patent Document 1.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method capable of improving a virtual experience of a user.

According to one aspect indicated by the present disclosure,
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
And a program for causing a computer to execute the program.

  According to the present disclosure, a virtual experience of a user can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an HMD system according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of expressing a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a head of a user wearing the HMD according to an embodiment from above. It is a figure showing the YZ section which looked at the visibility field from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ section which looked at the field of view in the virtual space from the Y direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of each of yaw, roll, and pitch directions defined for a right hand of a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 9 is a sequence chart showing a part of a process executed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation in which each HMD provides a user with a virtual space in a network. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a view image of a user 5A in FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing processing executed in the HMD system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of a computer according to an embodiment. 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing of a game program according to an embodiment. 4 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing of a game program according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating a flow of a process of interlocking control between a hand object and a target object. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image displayed on a monitor of an HMD worn by a user according to an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical idea will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure, the elements included in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the combined product forms a part of the embodiments described in the present disclosure.

[Configuration of HMD system]
The configuration of an HMD (Head-Mounted Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. The HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes a server 600, HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, an external device 700, and a network 2. Each of the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D is configured to be able to communicate with the server 600 and the external device 700 via the network 2. Hereinafter, the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D are collectively referred to as an HMD set 110. The number of the HMD sets 110 configuring the HMD system 100 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. The HMD set 110 includes the HMD 120, the computer 200, the HMD sensor 410, the display 430, and the controller 300. The HMD 120 includes a monitor 130, a gaze sensor 140, a first camera 150, a second camera 160, a microphone 170, and a speaker 180. Controller 300 may include a motion sensor 420.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 is connectable to the Internet and other networks 2 and can communicate with the server 600 and other computers connected to the network 2. As other computers, for example, a computer of another HMD set 110 and an external device 700 can be mentioned. In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include the sensor 190 instead of the HMD sensor 410.

  The HMD 120 may be worn on the head of the user 5 and provide a virtual space to the user 5 during operation. More specifically, HMD 120 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on monitor 130, respectively. When each eye of the user 5 visually recognizes each image, the user 5 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes. The HMD 120 may include any of a so-called head-mounted display having a monitor, and a head-mounted device to which a smartphone or other terminal having a monitor can be attached.

  The monitor 130 is realized, for example, as a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, monitor 130 is disposed on the main body of HMD 120 so as to be located in front of both eyes of user 5. Therefore, when the user 5 visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 130, the user 5 can immerse in the virtual space. In one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 5, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 5. In a certain aspect, the monitor 130 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor included in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In another aspect, monitor 130 may be implemented as a transmissive display. In this case, the HMD 120 may be an open type such as a glasses type instead of a closed type that covers the eyes of the user 5 as illustrated in FIG. The transmissive monitor 130 may be temporarily configurable as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting its transmittance. The monitor 130 may include a configuration that simultaneously displays a part of an image forming the virtual space and the real space. For example, the monitor 130 may display an image of the real space captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 120, or may make the real space visually recognizable by setting a high transmittance for a part.

  In one aspect, monitor 130 may include a sub-monitor for displaying a right-eye image and a sub-monitor for displaying a left-eye image. In another aspect, the monitor 130 may be configured to display the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye integrally. In this case, the monitor 130 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.

  In one aspect, the HMD 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 light. The HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 120. More specifically, HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted by HMD 120, and detects the position and inclination of HMD 120 in the real space.

  In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the HMD 120 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include a sensor 190 as a position detector instead of, or in addition to, the HMD sensor 410. The HMD 120 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 120 itself using the sensor 190. For example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor, the HMD 120 can detect its own position and inclination by using any of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 410. As an example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around the three axes of the HMD 120 in the real space over time. The HMD 120 calculates a temporal change of an angle around three axes of the HMD 120 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates a tilt of the HMD 120 based on a temporal change of the angle.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects a direction in which the line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5 is directed. That is, the gaze sensor 140 detects the line of sight of the user 5. The detection of the direction of the line of sight 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, it is preferable that the gaze sensor 140 includes a sensor for the right eye and a sensor for the left eye. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates infrared light to the right and left eyes of the user 5 and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line of sight of the user 5 based on the detected rotation angles.

  The first camera 150 photographs the lower part of the face of the user 5. More specifically, first camera 150 captures the nose and mouth of user 5 and the like. The second camera 160 captures an image of the user 5's eyes and eyebrows. The case of the user 5 of the HMD 120 is defined as the inside of the HMD 120, and the case of the HMD 120 opposite to the user 5 is defined as the outside of the HMD 120. In some aspects, the first camera 150 may be located outside the HMD 120 and the second camera 160 may be located inside the HMD 120. The images generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 are input to the computer 200. In another aspect, the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 may be realized as one camera, and the face of the user 5 may be photographed by the one camera.

  The microphone 170 converts the utterance of the user 5 into an audio signal (electric signal) and outputs it to the computer 200. The speaker 180 converts the audio signal into audio and outputs the audio to the user 5. In another aspect, HMD 120 may include an earphone instead of speaker 180.

  The controller 300 is connected to the computer 200 by wire or wirelessly. Controller 300 accepts an input of a command from user 5 to computer 200. In a certain aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be graspable by the user 5. In another aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be attachable to a part of the body or clothing of the user 5. In yet another aspect, the controller 300 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal transmitted from the computer 200. In still another aspect, controller 300 receives an operation from user 5 for controlling the position and movement of an object placed in the virtual space.

  In one aspect, controller 300 includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED that emits infrared light. The HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the controller 300 and detects the position and the inclination of the controller 300 in the real space. In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and the inclination of the controller 300 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the controller 300 output from the camera.

  In a certain situation, the motion sensor 420 is attached to the hand of the user 5 and detects a movement of the hand of the user 5. For example, the motion sensor 420 detects a rotation speed, a rotation speed, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 420 is provided in the controller 300, for example. In one aspect, the motion sensor 420 is provided in, for example, the controller 300 configured to be grippable by the user 5. In another aspect, for safety in the real space, the controller 300 is mounted on a glove-shaped object that is not easily fly by being mounted on the hand of the user 5. In yet another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 5 may detect the movement of the hand of the user 5. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the user 5 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 5. The motion sensor 420 and the computer 200 are mutually connected by wireless as an example. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or another known communication method is used.

  The display 430 displays an image similar to the image displayed on the monitor 130. This allows a user other than the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 to view the same image as the user 5. The image displayed on the display 430 need not be a three-dimensional image, but may be a right-eye image or a left-eye image. Examples of the display 430 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL monitor.

  The server 600 can transmit a program to the computer 200. In another aspect, server 600 may communicate with other computers 200 to provide virtual reality to HMD 120 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 the operation of each user with another computer 200 via the server 600, and transmits a plurality of signals in the same virtual space. Of users can enjoy a common game. Each computer 200 may communicate a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200 without passing through the server 600.

  The external device 700 may be any device as long as it can communicate with the computer 200. The external device 700 may be, for example, a device capable of communicating with the computer 200 via the network 2 or a device capable of directly communicating with the computer 200 through short-range wireless communication or wired connection. Examples of the external device 700 include a smart device, a PC (Personal Computer), and peripheral devices of the computer 200, but are not limited thereto.

[Computer hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 2, a computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to the present embodiment. The computer 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a storage 230, an input / output interface 240, and a communication interface 250 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 260.

  The processor 210 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 220 or the storage 230 based on a signal provided to the computer 200 or based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. In one aspect, the processor 210 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or another device.

  The memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 230, for example. The data includes data input to computer 200 and data generated by processor 210. In one aspect, the memory 220 is realized as a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory.

  The storage 230 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 230 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 230 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 230 includes data for defining a virtual space, objects, and the like.

  In another aspect, the storage 230 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using programs and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 230 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 240 communicates signals with the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410, the motion sensor 420, and the display 430. The monitor 130, the gaze sensor 140, the first camera 150, the second camera 160, the microphone 170, and the speaker 180 included in the HMD 120 can communicate with the computer 200 via the input / output interface 240 of the HMD 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 240 is implemented using a USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminal. The input / output interface 240 is not limited to the above.

  In certain aspects, input / output interface 240 may further communicate with controller 300. For example, the input / output interface 240 receives signals output from the controller 300 and the motion sensor 420. In another aspect, the input / output interface 240 sends the instruction output from the processor 210 to the controller 300. The command instructs the controller 300 to perform vibration, sound output, light emission, and the like. Upon receiving the command, the controller 300 executes any of vibration, sound output, and light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 250 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with another computer (for example, the server 600) connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 250 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) 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 250 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 accesses the storage 230, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 230 into the memory 220, 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 executable in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 210 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 120 via the input / output interface 240. HMD 120 displays an image on monitor 130 based on the signal.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD 120 is illustrated. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 120. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 130 may function as the computer 200.

  The computer 200 may have a configuration commonly used by a plurality of HMDs 120. 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 another user in the same virtual space.

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

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 410 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 120, the presence of the HMD 120 is detected. The HMD sensor 410 further detects the position and the inclination (direction) of the HMD 120 in the real space according to the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120, based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the real coordinate system). I do. More specifically, the HMD sensor 410 can detect a temporal change in the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 using each value detected over time.

  Each inclination of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 corresponds to each inclination around three axes of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 120 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 views an object in a 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 120 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 410 detects the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system when the HMD 120 starts. The processor 210 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the detected value.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the HMD 120 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered on the head (origin) of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. More specifically, the HMD 120 adjusts the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) that define the real coordinate system by tilts around the respective axes of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. Three directions newly obtained by tilting around the axes are set as a pitch axis (u axis), a yaw axis (v axis), and a roll axis (w axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120.

  In a certain situation, when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 is standing upright and viewing the front, the processor 210 sets the uvw view coordinate system parallel to the real coordinate system to the HMD 120. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), the vertical direction (y-axis), and the front-rear direction (z-axis) in the real coordinate system are the pitch axis (u-axis) and the yaw axis (v-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120. , And the roll axis (w-axis).

  After the uvw view coordinate system is set to the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the inclination of the HMD 120 in the set uvw view coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD 120. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 detects the pitch angle (θu), the yaw angle (θv), and the roll angle (θw) of the HMD 120 in the uvw visual field coordinate system, respectively, as the inclination of the HMD 120. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the pitch axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the yaw axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) indicates the inclination angle of the HMD 120 about the roll axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

  The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 after the HMD 120 has moved to the HMD 120 based on the detected inclination of the HMD 120. The relationship between the HMD 120 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 120. When the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 change, the position and the inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system change in conjunction with the change in the position and the inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 410 determines the HMD 120 based on the light intensity of the infrared light 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). May be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 410. The processor 210 may determine the origin of the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real 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 mode of expressing virtual space 11 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 11 has a spherical structure that covers the entire center 12 in the 360-degree direction. FIG. 4 illustrates the upper half celestial sphere of the virtual space 11 in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 11, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as a coordinate value in an XYZ coordinate system which is a global coordinate system defined in the virtual space 11. The computer 200 associates each partial image forming the panoramic image 13 (still image, moving image, or the like) that can be developed in the virtual space 11 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 11.

  In a certain situation, in the virtual space 11, an XYZ coordinate system having the center 12 as the origin is defined. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back 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 real coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the real coordinate system, and The Z axis (front-back direction) is parallel to the z axis of the real coordinate system.

  When the HMD 120 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 120, the virtual camera 14 is arranged at the center 12 of the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the processor 210 displays an image captured by the virtual camera 14 on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. The virtual camera 14 similarly moves in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 120 in the real space. Thereby, the change of the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real space can be similarly reproduced in the virtual space 11.

  The uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 14 as in the case of the HMD 120. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD 120 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 14 changes accordingly. The virtual camera 14 can also move in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space.

  The processor 210 of the computer 200 defines the view area 15 in the virtual space 11 based on the position and the inclination (reference line of sight 16) of the virtual camera 14. The view area 15 corresponds to an area in the virtual space 11 that is visually recognized by the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. That is, the position of the virtual camera 14 can be said to be the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11.

  The line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is the direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 visually recognizes the object. The uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 views the monitor 130. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 is linked to the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line of sight of the user 5 in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 14.

[User's eyes]
The determination of the line of sight of the user 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 5 wearing HMD 120 according to an embodiment from above.

  In a certain situation, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5. In a certain situation, when the user 5 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 5 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 axis w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll axis 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 detection result of the line of sight, the computer 200 specifies the gazing point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detection values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detection values of the sight lines R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the sight lines R2 and L2 as the gazing point. The computer 200 specifies the line of sight N0 of the user 5 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. The computer 200 detects, as the line of sight N0, for example, 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 5 and the gazing point N1. The line of sight N0 is a direction in which the user 5 is actually turning his or her line of sight with both eyes. The line of sight N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 5 is actually pointing the line of sight to the field of view 15.

  In another aspect, the 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 11.

  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]
The visibility area 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field 15 viewed in the X direction in the virtual space 11. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field 15 in the virtual space 11 viewed from the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the visibility region 15 in the YZ section includes a region 18. The area 18 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the YZ section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space as the region 18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visibility region 15 in the XZ section includes a region 19. The area 19 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the azimuth β around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space 11 as the region 19. The polar angles α and β are determined according to the position of the virtual camera 14 and the inclination (direction) of the virtual camera 14.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 5 with a view in the virtual space 11 by displaying the view image 17 on the monitor 130 based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image 17 is an image corresponding to a portion corresponding to the view area 15 in the panoramic image 13. When the user 5 moves the HMD 120 mounted on the head, the virtual camera 14 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the view area 15 in the virtual space 11 changes. As a result, the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 is updated to an image of the panoramic image 13 that is superimposed on the view area 15 in the direction in which the user 5 is facing in the virtual space 11. The user 5 can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 11.

  As described above, the inclination of the virtual camera 14 corresponds to the line of sight of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 (the reference line of sight 16), and the position where the virtual camera 14 is arranged corresponds to the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. Therefore, by changing the position or the inclination of the virtual camera 14, the image displayed on the monitor 130 is updated, and the field of view of the user 5 is moved.

  While wearing the HMD 120, the user 5 can visually recognize only the panoramic image 13 developed in the virtual space 11 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can provide the user 5 with a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 may move the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space. In this case, the processor 210 specifies an image area (view area 15) projected on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 based on the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, virtual camera 14 may include two virtual cameras, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Appropriate parallax is set for the two virtual cameras so that the user 5 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 11. In another aspect, the virtual camera 14 may be realized by one virtual camera. In this case, a right-eye image and a left-eye image may be generated from an image obtained by one virtual camera. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 14 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll axis (w) generated by combining the roll axes of the two virtual cameras is adapted to the roll axis (w) of the HMD 120. The technical idea according to the present disclosure will be exemplified as having such a configuration.

[controller]
An example of the controller 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 300 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 300 may include a right controller 300R and a left controller (not shown). The right controller 300R is operated by the right hand of the user 5. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 5 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 300R and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 300 may be an integrated controller that receives an operation of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 300R will be described.

  The right controller 300R includes a grip 310, a frame 320, and a top surface 330. The grip 310 is configured to be gripped by the right hand of the user 5. For example, the grip 310 may be held by the right palm of the user 5 and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

  The grip 310 includes buttons 340 and 350 and a motion sensor 420. The button 340 is arranged on a side surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation by the middle finger of the right hand. The button 350 is arranged on the front surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation by the right index finger. In one aspect, buttons 340, 350 are configured as trigger-type buttons. The motion sensor 420 is built in the housing of the grip 310. When the movement of the user 5 can be detected from around the user 5 by a camera or other devices, the grip 310 may not include the motion sensor 420.

  The frame 320 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 360 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 360 emits infrared light during the execution of the program using the controller 300 in accordance with the progress of the program. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 360 can be used to detect the positions and postures (inclination, direction) of the right controller 300R and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the infrared LEDs 360 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. Single or three or more arrays may be used.

  The top surface 330 includes buttons 370 and 380 and an analog stick 390. Buttons 370 and 380 are configured as push buttons. Buttons 370 and 380 accept an operation by the right thumb of user 5. In a certain situation, analog stick 390 receives 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 11.

  In an aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller include a battery for driving the infrared LED 360 and other members. Batteries include, but are not limited to, rechargeable, button type, dry cell type, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 300R and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in the states (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand of the user 5. When the user 5 extends the thumb and the 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 axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

[Server hardware configuration]
Referring to FIG. 9, server 600 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of server 600 according to an embodiment. The server 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage 630, an input / output interface 640, and a communication interface 650 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 660.

  Processor 610 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in memory 620 or storage 630 based on a signal provided to server 600 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, processor 610 is implemented as a CPU, GPU, MPU, FPGA, or other device.

  Memory 620 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 630, for example. The data includes data input to server 600 and data generated by processor 610. In one aspect, memory 620 is implemented as a RAM or other volatile memory.

  The storage 630 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 630 is realized, for example, as a ROM, a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 630 may include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with the computer 200. The data stored in the storage 630 may include data for defining a virtual space, objects, and the like.

  In another aspect, the storage 630 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration that uses programs and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 630 built in the server 600. According to such a configuration, for example, in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 640 communicates signals with input / output devices. In one aspect, the input / output interface 640 is implemented using USB, DVI, HDMI, and other terminals. The input / output interface 640 is not limited to the above.

  The communication interface 650 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the computer 200 connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 650 is implemented, for example, as a LAN or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 650 is not limited to the above.

  In an aspect, the processor 610 accesses the storage 630, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 630 into the memory 620, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the server 600, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software executable in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 610 may send a signal for providing a virtual space to the computer 200 via the input / output interface 640.

[Control device of HMD]
The control device of the HMD 120 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 200 includes a control module 510, a rendering module 520, a memory module 530, and a communication control module 540. In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 are implemented by the processor 210. In another aspect, multiple processors 210 may operate as control module 510 and rendering module 520. The memory module 530 is realized by the memory 220 or the storage 230. The communication control module 540 is realized by the communication interface 250.

  The control module 510 controls the virtual space 11 provided to the user 5. The control module 510 defines the virtual space 11 in the HMD system 100 using virtual space data representing the virtual space 11. The virtual space data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate virtual space data or acquire virtual space data from the server 600 or the like.

  The control module 510 arranges an object in the virtual space 11 using object data representing the object. The object data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate object data or acquire object data from the server 600 or the like. The objects include, for example, an avatar object, a character object, an operation object such as a virtual hand operated by the controller 300, which is an alter ego of the user 5, a landscape including a forest, a mountain, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story, a cityscape, and an animal. And the like.

  The control module 510 places an avatar object of the user 5 of another computer 200 connected via the network 2 in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, control module 510 places an avatar object of user 5 in virtual space 11. In one aspect, control module 510 arranges an avatar object imitating user 5 in virtual space 11 based on an image including user 5. In another aspect, the control module 510 arranges, in the virtual space 11, an avatar object that has been selected by the user 5 from a plurality of types of avatar objects (for example, an object imitating an animal or an object of a deformed person). I do.

  The control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the HMD sensor 410. In another aspect, the control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the sensor 190 functioning as a motion sensor. The control module 510 detects an organ (for example, mouth, eyes, and eyebrows) constituting the face of the user 5 from the image of the face of the user 5 generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160. The control module 510 detects the detected movement (shape) of each organ.

  Control module 510 detects a line of sight of user 5 in virtual space 11 based on a signal from gaze sensor 140. The control module 510 detects a viewpoint position (coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system) where the detected line of sight of the user 5 and the celestial sphere in the virtual space 11 intersect. More specifically, control module 510 detects a viewpoint position based on the line of sight of user 5 defined in the uvw coordinate system, and the position and inclination of virtual camera 14. The control module 510 transmits the detected viewpoint position to the server 600. In another aspect, the control module 510 may be configured to transmit gaze information representing the gaze of the user 5 to the server 600. In such a case, the viewpoint position can be calculated based on the line-of-sight information received by the server 600.

  The control module 510 reflects the movement of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 on the avatar object. For example, the control module 510 detects that the HMD 120 is tilted, and arranges the avatar object with the tilt. The control module 510 reflects the detected movement of the face organ on the face of the avatar object arranged in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 receives the line-of-sight information of the other user 5 from the server 600 and reflects the line-of-sight information of the other user 5 on the line of sight of the avatar object. In one aspect, the control module 510 reflects the movement of the controller 300 on an avatar object or an operation object. In this case, the controller 300 includes a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, infrared LEDs) for detecting the movement of the controller 300.

  The control module 510 arranges an operation object for receiving an operation of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 in the virtual space 11. The user 5 operates, for example, an object arranged in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object that is a virtual hand corresponding to the hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the control module 510 moves the hand object in the virtual space 11 based on the output of the motion sensor 420 so as to interlock with the movement of the hand of the user 5 in the real space. In one aspect, the operation object may correspond to the hand of the avatar object.

  When each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object, the control module 510 detects the collision. The control module 510 can detect, for example, a timing at which a collision area of a certain object touches a collision area of another object, and when the detection is performed, performs a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect a timing at which the object leaves the state where the object is in contact with the object, and when the detection is performed, performs a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect that the objects are touching each other. For example, when the operation object touches another object, the control module 510 detects a touch between the operation object and another object and performs a predetermined process.

  In one aspect, control module 510 controls image display on monitor 130 of HMD 120. For example, the control module 510 arranges the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 controls the position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the tilt (direction) of the virtual camera 14. The control module 510 defines the view area 15 according to the tilt of the head of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 and the position of the virtual camera 14. The rendering module 520 generates the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 based on the determined view area 15. The view image 17 generated by the rendering module 520 is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  When detecting an utterance using the microphone 170 of the user 5 from the HMD 120, the control module 510 specifies the computer 200 to which the audio data corresponding to the utterance is transmitted. The audio data is transmitted to the computer 200 specified by the control module 510. When receiving voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 2, the control module 510 outputs a voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 180.

  The memory module 530 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 11 to the user 5. In one aspect, the memory module 530 holds space information, object information, and user information.

  The space information holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 11.

  The object information includes a plurality of panoramic images 13 constituting the virtual space 11 and object data for arranging the objects in the virtual space 11. The panoramic image 13 may include a still image and a moving image. The panoramic image 13 may include an image of a non-real space and an image of a real space. Examples of the image in the unreal space include an image generated by computer graphics.

  The user information holds a user ID for identifying the user 5. The user ID may be, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address set in the computer 200 used by the user. In another aspect, the user ID can be set by the user. The user information includes a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, and the like.

  The data and programs stored in the memory module 530 are input by the user 5 of the HMD 120. Alternatively, the processor 210 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 600) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 530.

  The communication control module 540 can communicate with the server 600 and other information communication devices via the network 2.

  In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 can be implemented using, for example, Unity provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each processing.

  The processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 210. Such software may be stored in the hard disk or other memory module 530 in advance. The software may be stored on a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or another network. Such software is temporarily stored in a storage module after being read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reading device, or downloaded from a server 600 or other computer via the communication control module 540. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 210 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 210 executes the program.

[Control structure of HMD system]
The control structure of the HMD set 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, in step S1110, the processor 210 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space data as the control module 510 and defines the virtual space 11.

  At step S1120, processor 210 initializes virtual camera 14. For example, the processor 210 arranges the virtual camera 14 at a predetermined center point 12 in the virtual space 11 in the work area of the memory, and turns the line of sight of the virtual camera 14 in the direction in which the user 5 is facing.

  In step S1130, processor 210, as rendering module 520, generates view image data for displaying an initial view image. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1132, monitor 130 of HMD 120 displays a view image based on the view image data received from computer 200. The user 5 wearing the HMD 120 can recognize the virtual space 11 when viewing the view image.

  In step S1134, HMD sensor 410 detects the position and inclination of HMD 120 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 120. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  At step S1140, processor 210 specifies the view direction of user 5 wearing HMD 120 based on the position and the tilt included in the motion detection data of HMD 120.

  At step S1150, processor 210 executes the application program and arranges the object in virtual space 11 based on an instruction included in the application program.

  In step S1160, controller 300 detects an operation of user 5 based on a signal output from motion sensor 420, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 300 by the user 5 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 5.

  At step S1170, processor 210 detects an operation of controller 300 by user 5 based on the detection data acquired from controller 300.

  At step S1180, processor 210 generates view image data based on operation of controller 300 by user 5. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1190, HMD 120 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on monitor 130.

[Avatar object]
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an avatar object according to the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, an avatar object of each user 5 of the HMD sets 110A and 110B will be described. Hereinafter, the user of the HMD set 110A is referred to as a user 5A, the user of the HMD set 110B is referred to as a user 5B, the user of the HMD set 110C is referred to as a user 5C, and the user of the HMD set 110D is referred to as a user 5D. The reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110A is denoted by A, the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110B is denoted by B, and the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110C is denoted by C. D is added to the reference numeral of each component related to 110D. For example, the HMD 120A is included in the HMD set 110A.

  FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation in which each HMD 120 provides the user 5 with the virtual space 11 in the network 2. Computers 200A to 200D provide virtual spaces 11A to 11D to users 5A to 5D via HMDs 120A to 120D, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B are configured by the same data. In other words, the computer 200A and the computer 200B share the same virtual space. In the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B, an avatar object 6A of the user 5A and an avatar object 6B of the user 5B exist. The avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A and the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B are each equipped with the HMD 120, but this is for the sake of simplicity of explanation, and these objects are actually equipped with the HMD 120. Not.

  In an aspect, the processor 210A may place the virtual camera 14A that captures the view image 17A of the user 5A at the position of the eyes of the avatar object 6A.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a view image 17A of the user 5A in FIG. The view image 17A is an image displayed on the monitor 130A of the HMD 120A. This view image 17A is an image generated by the virtual camera 14A. The avatar object 6B of the user 5B is displayed in the view image 17A. Although not particularly shown, the avatar object 6A of the user 5A is also displayed on the view image of the user 5B.

  In the state of FIG. 12B, the user 5A can communicate with the user 5B via the virtual space 11A by conversation. More specifically, the voice of user 5A acquired by microphone 170A is transmitted to HMD 120B of user 5B via server 600, and output from speaker 180B provided in HMD 120B. The voice of the user 5B is transmitted to the HMD 120A of the user 5A via the server 600, and output from the speaker 180A provided in the HMD 120A.

  The operation of the user 5B (the operation of the HMD 120B and the operation of the controller 300B) is reflected on the avatar object 6B arranged in the virtual space 11A by the processor 210A. Thereby, the user 5A can recognize the action of the user 5B through the avatar object 6B.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. Although the HMD set 110D is not shown in FIG. 13, the HMD set 110D operates similarly to the HMD sets 110A, 110B, and 110C. Also in the following description, A is attached to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110A, B is attached to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110B, and C is added to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110C. It is assumed that D is added to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110D.

  In step S1310A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A. The avatar information includes, for example, information about the avatar such as motion information, face tracking data, and audio data. The motion information includes information indicating a temporal change in the position and inclination of the HMD 120A, information indicating a hand motion of the user 5A detected by the motion sensor 420A and the like. The face tracking data includes data for specifying the position and size of each part of the face of the user 5A. The face tracking data includes data indicating the movement of each organ constituting the face of the user 5A and line-of-sight data. The audio data includes data indicating the audio of the user 5A acquired by the microphone 170A of the HMD 120A. The avatar information may include information specifying the avatar object 6A or the user 5A associated with the avatar object 6A, information specifying the virtual space 11A where the avatar object 6A exists, and the like. The information for specifying the avatar object 6A and the user 5A includes a user ID. Room ID is given as information for specifying the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists. The processor 210A transmits the avatar information acquired as described above to the server 600 via the network 2.

  In step S1310B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B, and transmits the avatar information to the server 600, as in the process in step S1310A. Similarly, in step S1310C, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110C acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11C, and transmits the avatar information to the server 600.

  In step S1320, server 600 temporarily stores player information received from each of HMD set 110A, HMD set 110B, and HMD set 110C. The server 600 integrates the avatar information of all the users (in this example, the users 5A to 5C) associated with the common virtual space 11, based on the user ID and the room ID included in each avatar information. Then, the server 600 transmits the integrated avatar information to all users associated with the virtual space 11 at a predetermined timing. As a result, a synchronization process is performed. By such a synchronization process, the HMD set 110A, the HMD set 110B, and the HMD set 110C can share their avatar information at almost the same timing.

  Subsequently, based on the avatar information transmitted from the server 600 to each of the HMD sets 110A to 110C, each of the HMD sets 110A to 110C executes the processing of steps S1330A to S1330C. The process in step S1330A corresponds to the process in step S1180 in FIG.

  In step S1330A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A updates information on the avatar objects 6B and 6C of the other users 5B and 5C in the virtual space 11A. Specifically, the processor 210A updates the position, the orientation, and the like of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110B. For example, the processor 210A updates information (position, orientation, etc.) of the avatar object 6B included in the object information stored in the memory module 530. Similarly, the processor 210A updates information (position, orientation, and the like) of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110C.

  In step S1330B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B updates the information on the avatar objects 6A, 6C of the users 5A, 5C in the virtual space 11B, similarly to the processing in step S1330A. Similarly, in step S1330C, the processor 210C in the HMD set 110C updates information on the avatar objects 6A, 6B of the users 5A, 5B in the virtual space 11C.

[Detailed configuration of module]
The details of the module configuration of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of computer 200 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the control module 510 includes a virtual camera control module 1421, a view area determination module 1422, a virtual space definition module 1423, a virtual object generation module 1424, and an operation object control module 1425. . The rendering module 520 includes a view image generation module 1429. The memory module 530 holds space information 1426, object information 1427, and user information 1428.

  The virtual camera control module 1421 arranges the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The virtual camera control module 1421 controls the arrangement position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the direction (tilt) of the virtual camera 14. The view area determination module 1422 defines the view area 15 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD 120 and the arrangement position of the virtual camera 14. The view image generation module 1429 generates the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 based on the determined view area 15.

  The virtual space definition module 1423 defines the virtual space 11 in the HMD system 100 by generating virtual space data representing the virtual space 11.

  The virtual object generation module 1424 generates an object arranged in the virtual space 11. The objects may include, for example, landscapes, animals, and the like, including forests, mountains, etc., arranged according to the progress of the game story. In particular, objects may include avatar objects 1706A, wall objects 1762, door objects 1763, shelf objects 1764, ball objects 1765, box objects 1766, bell objects 1767, and enemy objects 1769, described below.

  The operation object control module 1425 controls an operation object arranged in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, hand objects 1771L and 1771R described below, which can be operated by the hand of the user wearing the HMD 120.

  When each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object, the control module 510 detects the collision. The control module 510 can detect, for example, the timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and when the detection is performed, perform a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect a timing at which the object leaves the state where the object is in contact with the object, and when the detection is performed, performs a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect that the objects are touching each other. Specifically, when the operation object control module 1425 touches the operation object and another object, the operation object control module 1425 detects that the operation object and another object have touched, and performs a predetermined process. .

  The memory module 530 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 11 to the user 5. In one aspect, the memory module 530 holds space information 1426, object information 1427, and user information 1428.

  The space information 1426 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 11.

  The object information 1427 holds content to be reproduced in the virtual space 11, objects used in the content, and information (for example, position information) for arranging the object in the virtual space 11. The content may include, for example, a game, a content representing a landscape similar to the real world, or the like.

  The user information 1428 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program using each content held in the object information 1427, and the like.

  Next, a flow of processing when the avatar object 1706A associated with the user 5A moves in a room which is a game space in the game program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are sequence charts showing the flow of processing of the game program according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, and 28 are diagrams illustrating an example of a virtual space provided to the user 5A. FIGS. 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, and 29 are diagrams illustrating an example of a view image displayed on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 worn by the user 5A for explaining the game program according to the present embodiment.

  The game provided by the game program according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a predetermined target object (a ball object 1765, a box object 1766, and a bell object 1767, which will be described later) placed in a room 1761 that is a game space. This is a game aimed at taking the enemy object 1769 out of the room 1761 out of the room 1761 without being noticed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, in step S1531, the processor 210A of the computer 200A of the HMD set 110A specifies the virtual space data of the game program according to the present embodiment as the control module 510, and the virtual space 1711A illustrated in FIG. Is defined. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, a wall object 1762 and a door object 1763 for forming a room 1761 are arranged in a virtual space 1711A as a game space, and a shelf object 1764 is arranged in the room 1761. You. On the shelf object 1764, for example, a ball object 1765, a box object 1766, and a bell object 1767 are placed as target objects (an example of a second object) movable by the operation of the user 5A. At a predetermined position in the room 1761, for example, an enemy object 1769 is arranged as an object that exerts a predetermined action on the avatar object 1706A of the user 5A.

  In step S1532, the processor 210A acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 1706A in the virtual space 1711A. The avatar information includes, for example, information on the avatar object 1706A such as motion information. The motion information includes information indicating a temporal change in the position and inclination of the HMD 120A, information indicating a hand motion of the user 5A detected by the motion sensor 420A and the like.

  In step S1533, the processor 210A arranges the avatar object 1706A and the hand objects 1771L and 1771R at predetermined positions in the virtual space 1711A based on the acquired avatar information. For example, an avatar object 1706A of the user 5A is arranged at a predetermined position of the room 1761 set in the virtual space 1711A in association with the virtual camera 1714A. Also, hand objects 1771L and 1771R are arranged in association with the avatar object 1706A. The hand objects 1771L and 1771R are arranged, for example, slightly ahead of the avatar object 1706A.

  In step S1534, the processor 210, as the rendering module 520, generates view image data for displaying a view image of the virtual space 1711A based on the updated information of the avatar object 1706A and the view area 1715 of the virtual camera 1714A. . The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1535, the HMD 120 displays the view image 1817 shown in FIG. 18 on the monitor 130 based on the view image data received from the computer 200. As shown in FIG. 18, a wall object 1762 constituting the room 1761 is displayed as a background in the view image 1817, and a shelf object 1764 is displayed in front of the wall object 1762. On the shelf object 1764, a state in which a ball object 1765, a box object 1766, and a bell object 1767 are placed is displayed. Further, hand objects 1771L and 1771R that can be operated by the user 5A are displayed in a region near the avatar object 1706A in the view image 1817.

  Further, a gauge 1875 is displayed at the lower right of the view image 1817. The gauge 1875 is for displaying a parameter that increases according to the action of the user 5A. For example, the increment of the gauge 1875 changes according to the speed of the movement of the user 5A. Alternatively, the increase amount of the gauge 1875 may change according to the volume of the sound generated in the virtual space 1711A based on the movement of the user 5A. For example, the increment of the gauge 1875 may be changed according to the volume of the sound collected by the microphone 170A of the HMD set 110A. That is, a value representing the presence of the user 5A (hereinafter, referred to as presence parameter) is stored in the gauge 1875 as information that can be detected from the movement of the user 5A, which is quantified.

  In step S1536, the processor 210A updates the position and orientation of the avatar object 1706A (virtual camera 1714A) in the virtual space 1711A based on the motion information included in the avatar information. The position and orientation of the avatar object 1706A are determined by, for example, the position and inclination of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 19, based on the change in the position and the inclination of the HMD 120, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 1706A (virtual camera 1714A) to approach the shelf object 1764 so as to approach the avatar object 1706A. Update the position and orientation of.

In step S1537, the processor 210A detects the speed of the motion of the avatar object 1706A based on the motion information included in the avatar information, and quantifies the speed of the motion as the presence parameter of the user 5A. The moving speed of the avatar object 1706A is converted into a presence parameter using the moving speed or acceleration of the HMD 120 (that is, the moving speed or acceleration of the head of the user 5A). When the tracking device is mounted on the foot or arm of the user 5A, the movement speed of the avatar object 1706A may be quantified using the moving speed or acceleration of the tracking device. Further, the moving speed of the avatar object 1706A may be quantified using the moving speed and the acceleration of the controller 300 operated by the user 5A.
Then, processor 210A updates the view image data based on the updated motion information of avatar object 1706A and the information of gauge 1875, and outputs the updated view image data to HMD 120.

  In step S1538, the HMD 120 updates the view image based on the updated view image data received from the computer 200, and displays the view image 2017 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the view image 2017 displays a state in which the avatar object 1706A has approached the shelf object 1764. In addition, a gauge 1875 that is increased by one scale is displayed in the view image 2017.

  In step S1539, controller 300 detects an input operation by user 5A and outputs detection data representing the detected input operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 300 by the user 5A may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 5A.

  In step S1541, the processor 210A detects an input operation by the user 5A based on the detection data acquired from the controller 300.

  In step S1542, the processor 210A controls the hand objects 1771L and 1771R based on the detected operation of the controller 300. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the processor 210A moves the hand objects 1771L, 1771R to positions where the hand objects 1771L, 1771R touch the box object 1766.

  In step S1543, the processor 210A detects whether the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have gripped any of the target objects on the shelf object 1764. Specifically, the processor 210A determines whether the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have touched the target object, and further performs a predetermined operation of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with the hand objects 1771L and 1771R touching the target object. When (for example, a grasping operation) is specified, it may be determined that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R grasp the target object.

  If it is detected that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R grip the target object (Yes in step S1543), in step S1544, the processor 210A can move the hand objects 1771L and 1771R in conjunction with the target object. The hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the target object are controlled in an interlocked manner so that For example, when it is detected that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R hold the box object 1766, the processor 210A controls the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 in conjunction with each other. Note that when one of the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R touches the target object, the processor 210A may start the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the target object. Alternatively, when both the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R touch the target object, the processor 210A may start the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the target object.

The interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
When it is detected that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R grip the box object 1766 (Yes in step S1543 in FIG. 15), in step S2281 shown in FIG. 22, the processor 210A determines whether the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 are held. Start interlocking control with.

  For example, when it is determined that one of the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R has gripped the box object 1766, the processor 210A determines the movement of the box object 1766 as the one of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R. It is associated with the movement of the hand object touching 1766. Further, when it is determined that both the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R hold the box object 1766, the processor 210A may associate the movement of the box object 1766 with the movement of both hand objects 1771L and 1771R. Good. In this case, for example, a virtual control point may be set at the center between the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R, and the box object 1766 may be moved in association with the movement of the virtual control point. This facilitates the interlocking control between the two hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766.

  In step S2282, the processor 210A places the ghost hand objects 1772L, 1772R having the same shape as the hand objects 1771L, 1771R in the virtual space 1711A. The ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are generated based on the determination that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R grip the target object, and follow the movement of the controller 300 with the hand objects 1771L and 1771R gripping the target object. The object is moved.

  In step S2283, processor 210A detects an input operation of controller 300 based on the detection data acquired from controller 300. The processor 210A detects, for example, an operation of lifting the box object 1766 by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R.

  In step S2284, the processor 210A quantifies the gripping force of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R as a vector amount in a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the controller 300 based on the detected input operation of the controller 300. The vector amount may be determined in consideration of the attribute of the avatar object 1706A. For example, when the attribute of the avatar object 1706A is an adult, the vector amount can be increased, and when the attribute of the avatar object 1706A is a child, the vector amount can be decreased.

  In step S2285, the processor 210A quantifies the virtual weight set for the box object 1766, which is the target object, as a downward vector amount (gravity). The vector amount increases as the virtual weight of the target object increases. That is, when the box object 1766 has a larger virtual weight than the ball object 1765, the box object 1766 has a larger vector amount than the ball object 1765.

  In step S2286, the processor 210A detects a difference between the vector amount of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R specified in step S2284 and the vector amount of the box object 1766 specified in step S2285, and based on the difference, detects the controller 300A. Of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the object (the degree of interlocking) is determined. The smaller the difference between the vector amount of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the vector amount of the box object 1766, the higher the interlocking rate of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the controller 300. When the interlocking rate is 100%, the movement of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R substantially coincides with the movement of the controller 300, and the lower the interlocking rate, the more the movement of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the controller 300. The movement is delayed by a predetermined time. It should be noted that the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R have, in principle, an interlocking rate with respect to the movement of the controller 300 of 100%.

  For example, it is assumed that the box object 1766 has a larger set virtual weight than the ball object 1765. In this case, the interlocking rate is lower when the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are holding the box object 1766 than when the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are holding the ball object 1765. Therefore, the degree of delay of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the controller 300 is greater when the box object 1766 is gripped than when the ball object 1765 is gripped. When the same target object is lifted, the lower the gripping force of the avatar object 1706A (the case where the attribute of the avatar object 1706A is a child than that of an adult), the lower the interlocking ratio, and The degree of delay of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement increases.

  At step S2287, processor 210A determines whether or not the determined interlock rate is equal to or greater than a threshold. If it is determined that the interlocking rate is not equal to or larger than the threshold (that is, the difference between the vector amounts of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 is larger than the threshold) (No in step S2287), the process proceeds to step S2288. The processor 210A releases the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766. For example, when the gripping force of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R is small and / or the virtual weight of the target object is large and the interlocking ratio becomes smaller than the threshold value, the interlocking of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 is performed. Release control. In this way, by canceling the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 when the difference between the vector amounts is large, for example, the box object 1766 is not gripped by both but one of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R. It is also possible to control so that the box object 1766 is not lifted.

In step S2289, the processor 210A moves the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R based on the input operation of the controller 300 in a state where the interlocking control with the box object 1766 is released. At this time, the box object 1766 is not moved. The movement of the box object 1766 may be slightly linked with the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, and then the link control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 may be released. In this case, it is preferable to move the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R in the same manner. Therefore, only the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are visually recognized in the view image. As described above, by moving the hand objects 1771L and 1771R without interlocking the movements of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766, the user 5A recognizes that the user cannot lift the box object 1766 even if he tries to lift it. be able to.
Then, the processor 210A updates the view image data, outputs the updated view image data to the HMD 120, and returns the process to step S1543.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the interlocking rate is equal to or larger than the threshold (that is, the difference between the vector amounts of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 is equal to or smaller than the threshold) (Yes in step S2287), In step S2291, the processor 210A moves the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R based on the input operation of the controller 300 detected in step S2283. Specifically, the processor 210A moves the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R almost completely in accordance with the movement of the controller 300 regardless of the interlocking rate. That is, the processor 210A moves the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R almost completely in conjunction with the movement of the controller 300 regardless of the attribute of the target object or the attribute of the avatar object.

  In step S2292, the processor 210A changes the degree of interlocking of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with the movement of the controller 300 according to the input operation of the controller 300 detected in step S2283 and the interlocking ratio determined in step S2286. Move 1771L and 1771R. Specifically, the processor 210A moves the hand objects 1771L and 1771R holding the box object 1766 with a delay with respect to the movement of the controller 300 according to the interlocking rate. As an example, if the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are set to move by 0.01 second from the input operation of the controller 300 each time the interlocking rate decreases by 1%, the hand is set to 50% if the interlocking rate is 50%. The objects 1771L and 1771R follow the movement of the controller 300 with a delay of 0.5 seconds from the input operation of the controller 300.

  Returning to FIG. 15, the processor 210A updates the view image data based on the updated information of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R, and the box object 1766, and updates the view image data with the HMD 120. Output to

  In step S1545, the HMD 120 updates the view image based on the updated view image data received from the computer 200, and displays a view image 2317 as shown in FIG. Specifically, in the view image 2317, ghost hand objects 1772L, 1772R are displayed separately from the hand objects 1771L, 1771R. The ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are displayed in a transparent state (having a constant transmittance) so as to be visually recognized as an object that has left the ghost.

  The ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are displayed so as to be moved in conjunction with the movement of the controller 300, and the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are displayed so as to follow the movement of the controller 300 with a delay. Specifically, when both hands of the user 5A holding the controller 300 operate so as to be drawn toward the user 5A with the box object 1766 lifted, as shown in FIG. 23, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are While being displayed so as to be drawn to the avatar object 1706A side in conjunction with the hand movement of the user 5A, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 gripped by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R indicate the hand movement of the user 5A. It is displayed so as to be drawn to the avatar object 1706A side slightly after.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 16, in step S1546, the processor 210A further updates the position and orientation of the avatar object 1706A in the virtual space 1711A based on the motion information included in the avatar information. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the processor 210A changes the direction of the avatar object 1706A from the direction relative to the shelf object 1764 to the direction relative to the door object 1763 based on the change in the position and the inclination of the HMD 120. Further, the movement of the avatar object 1706A is controlled so that the avatar object 1706A moves toward the door object 1763 while holding the box object 1766 by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R. Also in this case, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are moved in conjunction with the movement of the controller 300, and the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are moved with a delay from the movement of the controller 300.

  In step S1547, the processor 210A converts the speed of the movement of the avatar object 1706A and the volume of the sound generated in the virtual space 1711A by the movement of the avatar object 1706A into the presence parameter based on the movement information of the avatar object 1706A. I do. The volume of the sound generated may vary depending on the speed of movement of the avatar object 1706A and the attributes of the target object held by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R.

  In step S1548, processor 210A updates gauge 1875 to increase by one division based on the converted presence parameter.

  Then, the processor 210A updates the view image data based on the updated motion information of the avatar object 1706A, and outputs the updated view image data to the HMD 120.

  In step S1549, the HMD 120 displays a view image 2517 as shown in FIG. 25 on the monitor 130 based on the updated view image data received from the computer 200. Specifically, in the view image 2517, hand objects 1771L and 1771R having a box object 1766 and a wall object 1762 in an area including the door object 1763 are displayed. In addition, processor 210 </ b> A displays gauge 1875 in a state of being increased by one scale in view image 2517. In FIG. 25, the ghost hand objects 1772L, 1772R are displayed at the same position (overlapping) as the hand objects 1771L, 1771R, and are not shown.

  In step S1551, the processor 210A determines whether the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have released the box object 1766, based on the motion information included in the avatar information. For example, when the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R are separated by a predetermined distance or more, the processor 210A can determine that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have released the box object 1766.

  When it is determined that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have released the box object 1766 (Yes in step S1551), in step S1552, the processor 210A cancels the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766. . Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the processor 210A moves the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 so that the distance between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R is increased and the box object 1766 is dropped on the floor. Update.

In step S1553, the processor 210A deletes (non-display processing) the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R from the virtual space 1711A based on the release of the interlocking control between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766.
Then, the processor 210A updates the view image data based on the updated information of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R, and the box object 1766, and outputs the updated view image data to the HMD 120. I do.

  In step S1554, the HMD 120 displays a view image 2717 as shown in FIG. 27 on the monitor 130 based on the updated view image data received from the computer 200. Specifically, the view image 2717 displays a state in which the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have released the box object 1766 and the box object 1766 has dropped on the floor. Also, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are not displayed in the view image 2717.

  In step S1555, the processor 210A generates a falling sound of the box object 1766 in the virtual space 1711A based on the fact that the box object 1766 has fallen to the floor. The volume of the falling sound can change according to the attribute of the target object. The attributes of the target object include, for example, the virtual weight set for the ball object 1765, the box object 1766, and the bell object 1767, the virtual material set for each target object, the height at which the target object fell, and the momentum of the fall. Etc. are included. For example, the heavier the target object, the louder the sound may be. Also, the sound of the fall may be louder when the bell object 1767 falls on the floor than when the box object 1766 or the ball object 1765 falls on the floor. Also, as the target object is dropped from a high place or falls vigorously, the sound of the fall is increased. Furthermore, the volume of the falling sound may be changed by a combination of the attribute (material, etc.) of the target object dropped on the floor and the attribute (material, etc.) of the floor.

  In step S1556, processor 210A converts the falling sound of box object 1766 into a presence parameter, and updates the value of gauge 1875 based on the converted presence parameter. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the processor 210A sets the gauge 1875 displayed on the view image 2717 to the maximum value based on the presence parameter converted from the loudness of the falling sound of the box object 1766.

In step S1557, processor 210A controls the movement of enemy object 1769 based on the fact that gauge 1875 has reached the maximum value. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, the position and orientation of the enemy object 1769 are updated so that the enemy object 1769 notices the presence of the avatar object 1706A and approaches the avatar object 1706A.
Then, processor 210A updates the view image data based on the updated information of enemy object 1769, and outputs the updated view image data to HMD 120.

In step S1558, the HMD 120 displays a view image 2917 as shown in FIG. 29 on the monitor 130 based on the updated view image data received from the computer 200. Specifically, the view image 2917 displays a state in which the enemy object 1769 approaches the avatar object 1706A.
Thereafter, predetermined game processing such as execution of an attack from the enemy object 1769 on the avatar object 1706A is continued.

  As described above, in the program according to the present embodiment, a step of defining a virtual space 1711A for providing a virtual experience to the user 5A, a step of arranging the avatar object 1706A in the virtual space 1711A, Detecting the movement, controlling the avatar object 1706A in accordance with the detected movement of the user 5A, and determining the presence parameter of the avatar object 1706A in the virtual space 1711A in accordance with the detected movement of the user 5A ( Detecting an example of a value representing presence) and causing the avatar object 1706A to be noticed by the enemy object 1769 according to the detected presence parameter (an example of executing a predetermined game process). Run on the computer That. According to this configuration, the game process is executed by changing the stealth property of the user 5A according to the presence parameter of the user 5A. Thereby, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be improved.

  In the program according to the present embodiment, a step of storing a gauge 1875 associated with the user 5A according to the presence parameter and a step of executing a predetermined game process according to the gauge 1875 are further performed by the computer. It may be executed. According to this configuration, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be further improved.

  The movement of the user 5A converted as the presence parameter is preferably the movement of the head of the user 5A or the movement of the foot of the user 5A. By using the movement of the head or foot of the user 5A as a reference, the presence (non-stealth) of the user 5A can be efficiently and accurately detected.

Further, it is preferable that the presence parameter changes in accordance with the speed of the movement of the user 5A or the loudness of a sound generated in the virtual space 1711A based on the movement of the user 5A. According to this configuration, the presence parameter can be calculated by a simple method.

  The volume of the sound generated in the virtual space 1711A based on the movement of the user 5A changes according to the attributes of the target objects (ball object 1765, box object 1766, bell object 1767) to which the avatar object 1706A can move. It may be. The virtual experience of the user 5A can be further improved by changing the loudness of the sound in accordance with the attributes (for example, materials, etc.) of these target objects.

  The combination of the attribute of the target object and the action exerted on the target object by the avatar object 1706A may change the volume of the sound generated in the virtual space 1711A.

  Further, in the program according to the present embodiment, a step of defining a virtual space 1711A for providing a virtual experience to the user 5A is provided. In the virtual space 1711A, hand objects 1771L and 1771R (an example of an operation object), a target object Arranging a ball object 1765, a box object 1766, and a bell object 1767, detecting a movement of a part of the body of the user 5A as an input operation of the controller 300, and performing a hand operation in accordance with the detected input operation of the controller 300. A step of operating the objects 1771L and 1771R, a step of selecting a box object 1766 with the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, and a movement of the user 5A in accordance with the attribute of the box object 1766. By changing the degree, hand objects 1771L selecting the box object 1766, to execute the steps of moving the 1771R, to the computer. That is, in the present program, the following condition of the box object 1766 with respect to the movement of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R is changed according to the attribute of the box object 1766 as the target object, and the box object 1766 selected by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R is changed. Move. As described above, by moving the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with a delay from the movement of the user 5A according to the attribute of the target object, the user 5A visually expresses the attribute (eg, weight) of the target object. can do. Thereby, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be improved.

  The attribute of the box object 1766 includes the virtual weight set in advance for the box object 1766. In the step of moving the hand objects 1771L and 1771R that have selected the box object 1766, the user 5A receives the virtual object as the virtual weight of the box object 1766 increases. The hand objects 1771L and 1771R are moved after the movement. According to this configuration, when the target object is light, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R immediately follow the movement of the user 5A, and when the target object is heavy, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R follow the movement of the user 5A with a delay. Therefore, the weight of the target object can be visually represented in the virtual space 1711A.

  In addition to the hand objects 1771L and 1771R (an example of a first operation object), ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R (an example of a second operation object) are arranged in the virtual space 1711A, and according to the attributes of the box object 1766, The hand objects 1771L and 1771R are moved by changing the interlocking condition with the movement of the user 5A, and the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are moved in conjunction with the movement of the user 5A regardless of the attribute of the box object 1766. Is also good. According to this configuration, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R that move in conjunction with the movement of the user 5A appear in the virtual space 1711A, so that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R follow the movement of the user 5A with a delay. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user 5A from erroneously recognizing a mistake in the operation of the controller 300 or the like. Thereby, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be further improved without impairing the operability of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R.

  The ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R may be arranged in the virtual space 1711A based on the selection of the box object 1766 by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R. In this way, when it is expected that the following delay of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R will occur, the operability of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R is impaired by causing the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R to appear in the virtual space 1711A. Without this, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be further improved.

  The hand objects 1771L and 1771R include a left hand object 1771L (an example of a third operation object) associated with the left hand of the user 5A, and a right hand object 1771R (an example of a fourth operation object) associated with the right hand of the user 5A. When the box object 1766 which is the target object is selected by the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R, the virtual point set between the left hand object 1771L and the right hand object 1771R is changed to a box object. The left and right hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the box object 1766 may be moved in association with 1766. According to this configuration, the control processing of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the target object when the user 5A selects the target object with both hands can be facilitated.

  In the above embodiment, the interlocking ratio of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the user 5A (input operation of the controller 300) is calculated based on the difference between the vector amounts of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the vector amount of the target object. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when it is determined that the hand objects 1771L and 1771R have selected a predetermined target object (for example, a box object 1766), a virtual spring is provided between the hand objects 1771L and 1771R and the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R. May be specified, and the interlocking rate of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R with respect to the movement of the user 5A may be calculated based on the attribute of the virtual spring and the attribute of the target object. In this case, for example, the extension length of the virtual spring calculated based on the spring constant of the virtual spring and the virtual weight of the target object can be converted into an interlocking ratio. Specifically, it is preferable to lower the interlocking ratio as the extension length of the virtual spring increases. If the virtual weight (gravity) of the target object is F, the spring constant of the virtual spring is k, and the extension length of the virtual spring is x, the extension length of the virtual spring is "F = kx" according to Hook's law. The length is obtained by “x = F / k”. Accordingly, when the spring constants of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are constant, the longer the virtual weight of the target object is, the longer the extension length of the virtual spring becomes. Therefore, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R respond to the movement of the controller 300. The link rate will be lower. In addition, when the virtual weight of the target object is constant, the smaller the spring constant of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, the longer the extension length of the virtual spring and the lower the interlocking rate. Note that the spring constants of the hand objects 1771L and 1771R may be determined based on the attribute of the avatar object 1706A (for example, whether it is an adult or a child).

  In the above-described embodiment, the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are arranged in the virtual space 1711A based on the selection of the box object 1766 by the hand objects 1771L and 1771R, and the user 5A is set in accordance with the attribute of the target object. In this example, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are moved by changing the degree of interlocking with the movement of the object, and the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R are moved in conjunction with the movement of the user 5A regardless of the attribute of the target object. Not limited to Instead of causing the ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R to appear in the virtual space 1711A, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R may be moved by changing the degree of interlocking with the movement of the user 5A.

  Further, the hand objects 1771L and 1771R are moved in conjunction with the movement of the user 5A regardless of the attribute of the target object, and the degree of interlocking with the movement of the user 5A is changed in accordance with the attribute of the target object to change the ghost hand object 1772L. , 1772R may be moved. In other words, the non-transparent hand objects 1771L and 1771R move while following the movement of the user 5A, while the transparent ghost hand objects 1772L and 1772R and the target object are moved with a delay from the movement of the user 5A. It is also possible.

  Further, the game program provided in the present embodiment provides a game played by a single user 5A, but may provide a multi-play game among a plurality of users 5A to 5D. In that case, the enemy object 1769 is an avatar object that can be controlled by the other users 5B, 5C, and 5D. Also in this case, the virtual experience of the user 5A can be improved by changing the stealth property of the avatar object 1706A according to the value (presence parameter) representing the presence of the avatar object 1706A.

  In the above embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed by the HMD 120 has been described as an example, but a transmissive HMD may be adopted as the HMD. In this case, an augmented reality (AR: Augmented Reality) space or mixed reality (AR) is output by outputting a view image in which a part of an image constituting the virtual space is synthesized into a real space visually recognized by the user via a transmission-type HMD. A virtual experience in an MR (Mixed Reality) space may be provided to the user. In this case, the action on the target object in the virtual space may be generated based on the movement of the user's hand instead of the operation object. Specifically, the processor may specify the coordinate information of the position of the user's hand in the real space and define the position of the target object in the virtual space in relation to the coordinate information in the real space. Thereby, the processor can grasp the positional relationship between the user's hand in the real space and the target object in the virtual space, and execute a process corresponding to the above-described collision control or the like between the user's hand and the target object. . As a result, it is possible to give an effect to the target object based on the movement of the user's hand.

  Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the embodiments. This embodiment is an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be modified 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.

[Appendix]
The contents of the present disclosure are listed below.

(Item 1)
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first object in the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the user;
Controlling the first object according to the detected movement;
Detecting a value representing the presence of the first object in the virtual space according to the detected movement;
Performing a game process in accordance with the detected value representing the presence;
A program for causing a computer to execute.
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program capable of improving the user's virtual experience.

(Item 2)
Storing a gauge associated with the user according to the value;
Performing a game process according to the gauge;
The program according to item 1, further causing the computer to execute the following.
According to this configuration, the virtual experience can be further improved.

(Item 3)
3. The program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the movement is a movement of a head of the user.

(Item 4)
3. The program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the movement is a movement of a foot of the user.

  By using the movement of the head or foot of the user as a reference, the presence (non-stealth) of the user can be detected efficiently and accurately.

(Item 5)
The program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the value representing the presence changes according to the speed of the movement.
According to this configuration, it is possible to calculate a value representing presence using a simple method.

(Item 6)
The program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the value representing the presence changes according to a volume of a sound generated in the virtual space based on a movement of the user.
According to this configuration, it is possible to calculate a value representing presence using a simple method.

(Item 7)
Placing the second object affected by the first object in the virtual space, further causing the computer to execute;
7. The program according to item 6, wherein the volume of the sound generated based on the action changes according to an attribute of the second object.
The virtual experience can be further improved by changing the loudness of the sound in accordance with the attribute (for example, material, etc.) of the second object.

(Item 8)
8. The program according to item 7, wherein the loudness of the sound changes according to a combination of the attribute of the second object and the action exerted by the first object.
According to this configuration, the virtual experience can be further improved.

(Item 9)
The first object is associated with the user whose head is associated with the image display device,
The program according to any one of items 1 to 8, further causing the computer to execute a step of controlling a field of view from the first object in accordance with the movement of the head.
According to this configuration, it is possible to improve a virtual experience in a virtual space experienced by a user wearing an image display device such as a head-mounted display.

(Item 10)
An information processing device including a processor,
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first object in the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the user;
Controlling the first object according to the detected movement;
Detecting a value representing the presence of the first object in the virtual space according to the detected movement;
Performing a game process in accordance with the detected value representing the presence;
Is executed under the control of the processor.

(Item 11)
An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising:
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first object in the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the user;
Controlling the first object according to the detected movement;
Detecting a value representing the presence of the first object in the virtual space according to the detected movement;
Performing a game process in accordance with the detected value representing the presence;
An information processing method, including:

(Item 12)
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
A program for causing a computer to execute.
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program capable of improving the user's virtual experience.

(Item 13)
The attribute includes a virtual weight preset for the target object,
13. The program according to item 12, wherein in the step of moving the operation object after selecting the target object, the operation object is moved with a delay from the movement as the virtual weight increases.
According to this configuration, the weight of the target object can be visually represented in the virtual space.

(Item 14)
The operation object includes a first operation object and a second operation object,
In the step of operating the operation object, the first operation object is operated,
In the step of selecting the target object, the target object is selected by the first operation object,
In the step of moving the operation object,
According to the attribute, the first operation object is moved by changing a state of interlocking with the movement,
14. The program according to item 12 or 13, wherein the second operation object is moved in association with the movement regardless of the attribute.
According to this configuration, by causing the second operation object that moves in conjunction with the movement of a part of the body of the user to appear in the virtual space, the virtual experience can be further improved without impairing the operability of the operation object. Can be.

(Item 15)
15. The program according to item 14, wherein the second operation object is arranged in the virtual space based on selection of the target object by the first operation object.
According to this configuration, the virtual experience can be further improved without impairing the operability of the operation object.

(Item 16)
The operation object includes a third operation object associated with the left hand of the user, and a fourth operation object associated with the right hand of the user,
In the step of selecting the target object, the target object is selected by the third operation object and the fourth operation object,
In the step of moving the operation object, a virtual point set between the third operation object and the fourth operation object is set to the target object selected by the third operation object and the fourth operation object. The program according to item 14 or 15, wherein the third operation object and the fourth operation object are moved together with the target object in association with each other.
According to this configuration, it is possible to facilitate the control processing of the operation object and the target object when the user selects the target object with both hands.

(Item 17)
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Changing the following condition of the target object with respect to the movement of the operation object according to the attribute of the target object, and moving the target object selected by the operation object;
A program for causing a computer to execute.
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program capable of improving the user's virtual experience.

(Item 18)
An information processing device including a processor,
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space; and detecting a movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
Is executed under the control of the processor.

(Item 19)
An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising:
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space; and detecting a movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
An information processing method, including:

2: Network 11: Virtual space 13: Panoramic image 14: Virtual camera 15: Viewing area 17: Viewing image 100: HMD system 110: HMD set 120: HMD
130: monitor 140: gaze sensor 150: first camera 160: second camera 170: microphone 180: speaker 200: computer 210: processor 220: memory 230: storage 240: input / output interface 250: communication interface 300: controller 310: grip 320: Frame 330: Top surface 340, 350, 370, 380: Button 360: Infrared LED
390: analog stick 410: HMD sensor 420: motion sensor 430: display 510: control module 520: rendering module 530: memory module 540: communication control module 600: server 700: external device 1421: virtual camera control module 1422: view area determination Module 1423: Virtual space definition module 1424: Virtual object generation module 1425: Operation object control module 1426: Space information 1427: Object information 1428: User information 1429: View image generation module 1706A: Avatar object 1711A: Virtual space 1715: View area 1714A : Virtual camera 1761: room 1762: wall object 1763: door object 176 : Shelf object 1765: the ball object 1766: Box object 1767: tin object 1769: The enemy object 1771L: left hand object 1771R: right hand object 1772L, 1772R: Kasoketai hand objects

Claims (8)

Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
A program for causing a computer to execute. The attribute includes a virtual weight preset for the target object,
The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of moving the operation object after selecting the target object, the operation object is moved with a delay from the movement as the virtual weight increases. The operation object includes a first operation object and a second operation object,
In the step of operating the operation object, the first operation object is operated,
In the step of selecting the target object, the target object is selected by the first operation object,
In the step of moving the operation object,
According to the attribute, the first operation object is moved by changing a state of interlocking with the movement,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the program moves the second operation object in conjunction with the movement regardless of the attribute.   The program according to claim 3, wherein the second operation object is arranged in the virtual space based on selection of the target object by the first operation object. The operation object includes a third operation object associated with the right hand of the user, and a fourth operation object associated with the left hand of the user,
In the step of selecting the target object, the target object is selected by the third operation object and the fourth operation object,
In the step of moving the operation object, a virtual point set between the third operation object and the fourth operation object is set to the target object selected by the third operation object and the fourth operation object. The program according to claim 3, wherein the third operation object and the fourth operation object are moved together with the target object in association with each other. Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Changing the following condition of the target object with respect to the movement of the operation object according to the attribute of the target object, and moving the target object selected by the operation object;
A program for causing a computer to execute. An information processing device including a processor,
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space; and detecting a movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
Is executed under the control of the processor. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising:
Defining a virtual space to provide a virtual experience to the user;
Arranging an operation object and a target object in the virtual space; and detecting a movement of a part of the body of the user;
Operating the operation object according to the detected movement;
Selecting the target object with the operation object;
Moving the operation object that has selected the target object, by changing a degree of interlocking with the movement according to the attribute of the target object;
An information processing method, including: