JP4034002B2 - Distributed virtual space information management transmission method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information management and transmission method in a distributed virtual space sharing system in which a plurality of terminals communicate via a network and share a three-dimensional virtual space displayed on the terminals among terminal users.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to allow multiple users to explore the virtual space, and to allow other virtual space users to recognize themselves, a virtual world that can be shared via a network with an avatar exists. NTT interspace is a system that displays on the screen of each terminal together with the avatar. Such a system is called a distributed virtual space sharing system.
[0003]
In the conventional distributed virtual space sharing system, a simple form is adopted as an avatar that is a dynamic object existing in the virtual space and other moving objects in order to reduce the information of the virtual space processed by each terminal. The virtual space is divided and managed based on the distance.
[0004]
In a distributed virtual space sharing system, not only a user's avatar, but also an object as a means for a user corresponding to a car or train to move to a specific destination in the virtual space to provide services to the user. The movement of the object occurs due to the movement of clouds and flags to express a realistic virtual space. When a large number of objects move in the virtual space, the amount of information due to the change in the object generated in the virtual space increases in proportion, and the time for processing the change information of the virtual space in each terminal and the display process of the terminal screen The time required for displaying the virtual space is lost.
In addition, when the distributed virtual space sharing system is used as a means of communication based on object movement that is not linguistic information such as facial expressions, arms, legs, and hand movements, it processes the virtual space change information of each object. Need to do. However, in the case of avatars of other users far away from the user's point of view, processing the same amount of information as that of the nearest user's avatar causes an increase in network traffic. The use efficiency of the information processing and screen display capability of the system is reduced.
[0005]
As a conventional example for solving this, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-40423 discloses a method of changing the degree of detail of other avatars according to the distance from the avatar. That is, nearby avatars in detail, far away The avatar is intended to display coarsely and reduce the processing amount and time of image display.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional method for displaying a component in a system sharing a virtual space is configured as described above, and if a precise display is to be performed, the transmission amount increases or data processing for 3D display takes time. There is a problem that real-time performance is lost.
In addition, those that change the display definition of other avatars depending on the distance from their own avatars are subject to rough handling of all the distant ones, so that necessary display information may be lost. was there.
[0007]
The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and manages information for display by stratifying the information for display according to the level of detail for each component, and transmits information of the necessary detail when necessary. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an information management method capable of coexisting with the reduction of transmission and processing time and ensuring the required level of detail.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In a distributed virtual space information management transmission method according to the present invention, a system in which a plurality of clients share a three-dimensional space with an avatar that is a self-portrait,
For each set area, a display target component is determined, and a level management level is provided for each part, which is an element of each determined component, from a coarse level to a precise level.
When managing the display information, each component to be displayed includes a level registration step for specifying the display contents of the parts and the relationship between the parts for each level of detail and storing them in the hierarchy management table,
In response to a request from another server or client to transmit the display information of each component in the set area, a transmission step for transmitting the display information of the component at the level of detail specified in the transmission request is performed. Prepared.
[0009]
Furthermore, when a display information transmission request is sent from another server or client, a predetermined processing / transmission amount per unit time is determined.
If the accumulated information amount of each component to be transmitted to the server or client in the set area exceeds the predetermined processing / transmission amount, the level of detail of the component parts to be displayed in the set area With steps to lower the level,
The component information is transmitted at a level that does not exceed a predetermined processing / transmission amount.
[0010]
Furthermore, the table that divides each component into parts and manages the display information hierarchically expands the relationship of the level of detail of each component for each component in a tree shape so that it can be integrated from a precise level to a coarse level. Reduced the amount of information on the coarse level of the tree.
[0011]
Still further, a priority identifier is provided for each component in detail, and a priority identifier is stored for each component to be managed in the table for hierarchically managing display information of each component.
When a transmission request specifying a priority from another server or client, the specified component maintains a predetermined priority so that the amount of information accumulated in the area is equal to or less than a predetermined processing / transmission amount. Manipulate the level of detail of other components.
[0012]
Still further, a priority identifier is provided for each component in detail, and a priority identifier is stored for each component to be managed in the table for hierarchically managing display information of each component.
When a transmission request specifying a priority from another server or client, the specified component maintains a predetermined priority so that the amount of information accumulated in the area is equal to or less than a predetermined processing / transmission amount. The transmission interval of the display information of the composition was manipulated.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
Display information is managed so as to correspond to the level of detail from the request source, and information that can be processed / transmitted as quickly as possible within the constraints or as quickly as possible in response to each request. A specific example of the management method will be described.
[0014]
Consider a case where a distributed virtual space sharing system is used as a battle training system. In that case, users have different roles like commanders and combatants, and different information in the virtual space is required according to the roles of each user. The commander must know the strength (number of fighters, fighters, ships, and damage) at many points that are so far apart that there is no need for spatial continuity. Combatants at each point need information on topography, trees, enemy fighters, fighters and ships, which are detailed information on the virtual space at that point. However, even for users with different roles, such as commanders and combatants, processing information in the same virtual space leads to an increase in network traffic and a decrease in the efficiency of computer information processing. To do. In such cases, appropriate information can be obtained.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of hierarchical data stored in a hierarchical management table of display information provided in a client or server connected to a virtual space. This shows the relationship of simplification between hierarchies by disassembling each component to be managed, and in the figure the example of avatar is shown from the coarsest level 1 to the most precise level of detail. Up to 5 are shown.
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a connection form to a virtual space of a system in which the management server centrally manages display information. In the figure, 11 is a management server, 12, 13 and 14 are terminals as users, and 21 is a public line as a network. Of course, a system in which only clients are connected equally instead of connecting servers may be used.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the virtual space sharing system illustrated in FIG. 2, and illustrates a virtual battle scene. In the figure, the commander needs to grasp the state of the entire virtual world 101, and for this purpose, it is necessary to obtain display information of the battle areas 1 to 4, 111, 112, 113, 114 in a short time in a macro manner. On the other hand, for example, a unit leader in the battle area 111 on the ground needs detailed level detail information of each combatant 121 to 124. In addition, the captain of the battle area 112 in the air needs detailed level information on each of the fighters 131 to 133.
That is, each client has a hierarchy management table in which each battle area 111 to 114 has a different display target component and is linked with different levels of detail in different tree formats for each component. .
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations for registering, managing, and transmitting display information in a client or server in charge of one battle area divided as shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of the level of detail of a moving image of a more general person, not a fighter.
[0017]
Next, display information management and transmission operations in this system will be described.
In this embodiment, processing is described for the terminal of the operator, the terminal of the operator of the fighter plane, and the terminal of the combatant using the battle simulation as a subject.
Figure 3 These show the commander's virtual space in association with the virtual space of the combatant A123 in the battle area 1 (111) and the virtual space of the fighter A131 in the battle area 2 (112). The virtual space of the leader is composed of four partial areas from the battle area 1 (111) to the battle area 4 and a partial area where the person is present. The virtual space of the combatant A is composed only of the partial area of the battle area 1 (111). The virtual space of the fighter plane A is composed only of the partial area of the battle area 2 (112).
In FIG. 4 showing the processing operation, when managing display information for each area of each client, for example, each component of the battle area, in step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1, for example, the management server of FIG. In accordance with the instruction from 1, the management area is determined.
In S2, the component to be managed is disassembled into parts, and the relationship between the components of the components is defined according to the degree of detail shown in FIG. 5, and is registered in the tree-type hierarchical management table of FIG. That is, S2 is a registration step.
[0018]
FIG. 1A shows the parts belonging to the combatant A and the respective details.
FIG. 1B shows the parts belonging to the fighter A and the respective details.
Next, in S3, it is determined whether the component exists in the same region. In the processing at the client (terminal) operated by the fighter A and the fighter A, the virtual space is composed of only one partial area, and the determination in step 3 is always “Yes”. move on. In S4, the distance between the position of its own avatar and another avatar is obtained. Next, in S5, the degree of detail to be processed by the avatar to be processed is determined from the obtained distance.
In the process at the client (terminal) operated by the commander in S3 of FIG. 4, if the component is in the same partial area, the process proceeds to S4, and the distance between the position of the own avatar and the component Ask for. Next, in S5, the degree of detail to be processed by the avatar to be processed is determined from the obtained distance.
When processing the fighter A and the fighter A, which are components that are not in the same partial area, the process proceeds to S4A. In S4A, in the processing at the terminal operated by the leader, the level of detail to be processed by the fighter A and the fighter A is set to 2 from their own roles.
[0019]
In S6 of FIG. 4, the terminal operated by the commander acquires change information of the constituents belonging to each of the fighters A and the fighters A up to the level of detail 2. In the terminal operated by the fighter A, change information of all components belonging to other fighter in the battle area 1 which is a partial area constituting the virtual space of the fighter A is acquired. In the terminal operated by the fighter A, change information of all the constituents belonging to other fighter planes in the battle area 2 which is a partial area constituting the virtual space of the fighter A is acquired.
In S7 of FIG. 4, the change information (orientation and position) of the component acquired by each terminal is processed. Finally, in S8 of FIG. 4, the respective fighters and fighters are displayed on the operation screen based on the orientation and position of the components processed in S7 and the image data attached to each component.
[0020]
When the role is different for each operation terminal as in the present embodiment, the virtual space information required for each operator is also different. A terminal operated by an operator having the commander role processes only virtual space information necessary for commanding a battle. In the terminal operated by the commander, the information from the battle area 1 is the position of the combatant and the degree of injury. The information from the battle area 2 is the position of the fighter, the fuel, and the remaining number of missiles. On the display screen, the number of fighters and the degree of injury, the number of fighters, and the remaining number of fuels and missiles in a plurality of battle areas can be displayed. A terminal operated by an operator having the role of a combatant can express the detailed movement of the combatant in the battle area 1 on the display screen, and can perform battle training. A terminal operated by an operator who has the role of a fighter pilot can express the detailed movement of the fighter in the battle area 2 on the display screen, and can perform battle training.
With this effect, the terminal processes only the information necessary for the operator and displays it on the screen. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load for processing a large amount of information on network traffic and virtual space.
[0021]
The registration according to the level of detail of the structure will be described based on another example.
FIG. 6 shows the relative relationship between the parts belonging to the user's avatar, which is one of the components in the virtual space, and the detail level according to the distance between the parts. That is, the avatar is composed of a plurality of dynamic objects having five levels of detail. The orientation and position of the user's avatar in the virtual space is determined by the “avatar root” dynamic object that constitutes the avatar having a level of detail of one. The “avatar root” component has parts (“hand” part, “body” part, “leg” part, “foot” part) that make up the avatar of hands, bodies, legs, and feet with a level of detail of 2. They are arranged in association with each other, and the relative orientation and position with respect to the avatar root component are maintained in the virtual space. When the avatar's hand or leg moves in the virtual space, the orientation and position of the “hand” part or “leg” part is changed. The direction and position of the dynamic object changed in each terminal is transmitted to each terminal as virtual space change information.
[0022]
(1) in FIG. 5C shows avatar 1 and avatar 2 which are avatars of other users displayed on the screen in this way. By processing the constituents belonging to each avatar with a level of detail of up to 5, the motion of the finger is expressed. (2) in FIG. 5C shows an avatar 3 and an avatar 4 that are avatars of other users with low details displayed on the screen. Since the components belonging to each avatar up to the level of detail 2 are processed, only the motion of the arm and the motion of the leg are expressed, and the detailed motion of the finger is not expressed. However, the change information of the component processed in the user's own terminal is remarkably reduced as compared with the avatars 1 and 2 which are equivalent avatars. Further, since the number of components to be displayed is reduced, the processing to be displayed on the screen is also reduced. In addition, since the avatar 3 and the avatar 4 are displayed at far-distance points on the screen, the actual display becomes small and the user does not feel uncomfortable.
[0023]
Similarly, FIG. 5A shows an avatar 1 which is an avatar of another user displayed on the screen. of Shows the whole hand. By processing a dynamic object belonging to each avatar with a degree of detail of up to 5, it is possible to express even a finger motion. Non-linguistic information can be expressed by gestures with the action of a finger. (2) of FIG. 5 (A) shows the entire hand of an avatar 7 that is an avatar of another user displayed on the screen. By processing a dynamic object belonging to each avatar up to the level of detail 4, only the movement of the entire finger is expressed. However, the change information of the composition necessary for expressing the movement of the entire hand processed by its own terminal is the avatar 1 In Compared to 62.5%.
In (3) of FIG. 5A, an avatar 3 which is an avatar of another user displayed on the screen is displayed. of Showing hand. The change information of the “hand” part with the level of detail 2 is processed at the terminal itself, and the level of detail 4 The change information of the “finger” part and the “finger joint” part, which are animal objects, is not processed. However, the change information of the dynamic object necessary for expressing the movement of the entire hand processed by its own terminal is about 6% as compared with the avatar 1 and the avatar 2.
[0024]
(1) in FIG. 5B shows the entire leg of the avatar 5 that is an avatar of another user displayed on the screen. Level of detail 4 By processing the parts belonging to each avatar, the indirect movement of the leg is expressed. Non-verbal information such as dancing and kicking can be expressed. (2) in FIG. 5B shows the entire leg of the avatar 3 that is the avatar of another user displayed on the screen. Level of detail 3 By processing the parts belonging to each of the avatars up to, only the movement of the entire leg and the foot is expressed. However, the part change information necessary for expressing the movement of the entire leg processed by the terminal of its own can be reduced by 30% compared to the avatar 5.
[0025]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
In order to limit the amount of transmission per hour of the network that constitutes the system, or to reduce the processing amount of the client and server, if a setting limit value is set and the transmission or display processing amount exceeds this setting limit value, the details will be in order of the specified priority. Explain how to deal with the problem at a reduced level.
The system configuration and hierarchy management table are the same as those in the first embodiment, but the operation flow is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the virtual space information management server monitors the response of each client, and changes the level of detail of the component acquired by instructing from the virtual space information management server.
[0026]
The operation of this embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 7, the same processing as that up to step S5 in FIG. 4 is performed up to step 13 in the flowchart of FIG. In S14 of FIG. 7, the actual communication speed value is obtained from the time until the virtual space information is acquired from the previous virtual space information management server and the acquired data amount, and the virtual space information is obtained from the theoretical communication speed value of a known public line. A communication state value (communication state value = actual communication speed value / theoretical communication speed value: 0 <communication state value <1) indicating a communication state with the management server is obtained.
In S15, the level of detail of the component belonging to each avatar obtained in S3 is multiplied by the communication state value obtained in S14 to reset the level of detail of the components of each avatar. That is, a step for lowering the level of detail is provided.
[0027]
In S16 of FIG. 7, the terminal operated by itself receives a reset detail level (detail level 5 multiplied by the communication state value) for avatar 1 and avatar 2 from the virtual space information management server. ) Until the avatar 3 and the avatar 4 are obtained for each avatar up to the reset detail level (a value obtained by multiplying the detail level 2 by the communication state value). Get information about the part to which it belongs. Further, for the avatar 5, information on components belonging to the avatar 5 is acquired up to the reset detail level (a value obtained by multiplying the detail level 3 by the communication state value).
[0028]
In step 17 in FIG. 7, information acquired from the virtual space information management server is processed. Finally, in S18 of FIG. 7, based on the change (direction and position) of the components of avatar 1, avatar 2, avatar 3, and avatar 4 processed in S17 and the image data attached to each component, Display avatars for
[0029]
In the above, the operation when the transmission amount is suppressed has been described. Body The operation of reducing the display processing amount can be handled by performing the same processing as described above in S16 of FIG.
Further, as a method of lowering (roughening) the level of detail, the provisional transmission amount may be obtained in order of coarse levels, and the most detailed level below the allowable transmission amount may be obtained.
[0030]
In this way, the client terminal changes the amount of virtual space information obtained from the virtual space information management server in response to a change in the response of the virtual space information management server. Specifically, the degree of detail decreases as the amount of transmission increases. Thus, the real-time property of the virtual space display can be maintained.
[0031]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, when the transmission / processing amount exceeds the set limit value, the case where the detail level is similarly roughened is described. In this embodiment, a column for receiving a priority is provided for each component, and a method of transmitting / displaying a specific component at a specified priority or a more detailed level of detail will be described.
The system configuration hierarchy management table is the same as in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the client or the like in this embodiment.
[0032]
The operation in this embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 1, the same processing as S1 of FIG. 4 is performed. Next, in S22, it is determined whether or not it is a component (for example, an avatar) in the virtual space designated by the user operating the graphic user interface using an input device such as a mouse. If it is not the avatar designated by the user, S23 of FIG. 8 which is the same processing as S2 of FIG. 4 is performed. Hereinafter, from S24 to S27 of 8, the same processing as S5 to S8 of FIG. 4 is performed.
[0033]
In S22 of FIG. 8, if the avatar is designated by the user, the level of detail of the component to be processed is not calculated based on the distance from the user's own avatar, and the process proceeds to step 5A. In step 5A, information on all components belonging to the designated avatar is obtained from the virtual space information management server. Next, in S26 of FIG. 8, the acquired information is processed. Finally, in S27 of FIG. 8, the acquired dynamic object is displayed on the screen according to the obtained direction and position of the dynamic object.
[0034]
According to this method, a specific component (for example, an avatar) in the virtual space designated by the user can be displayed in detail regardless of the distance. If the user is dissatisfied with the detail level when the distance increases or the number increases, the user can change the display of the detail level when he / she feels dissatisfied with the detail level. In addition, since the table accepts the priority for each component, the detail level of a specific component can always be displayed in detail.
[0035]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the second and third embodiments, the method of coarsening the level of detail of the hierarchy management table has been described in order to suppress the transmission / processing amount. However, in this embodiment, time-division transmission / processing that is different or can be used together. A method will be described.
The system configuration and hierarchy management table are the same as those in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows the client according to the present embodiment. G It is operation | movement flowcharts, such as a process to perform. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of time detail. That is, the component obtained based on the distance in FIG. 1 or the like is not handled by changing the detail level of the parts, but an interval for acquiring information is provided.
[0036]
The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
S31 to S33 in FIG. 9 perform the same processing as S11 to S13 in FIG. Next, in S34 of FIG. 9, an acquisition time interval corresponding to the time detail level to be processed using FIG. 10 is determined from the detail level for processing the obtained avatar.
Next, in S35 of FIG. 9, the time acquired from the virtual space information management server last time is compared with the current time to determine whether the acquisition time interval set in S34 has elapsed. If not, the process proceeds to S37, and information on the parts corresponding to the level of detail for processing the avatar is obtained.
In S35 of FIG. 9, if the acquisition time interval set in S34 has elapsed, the process proceeds to S36, and information on components having a level of detail greater than the level of detail for processing the avatar is obtained. Next, the process proceeds to S37 in FIG. 9, and component information corresponding to the level of detail for processing the avatar is obtained.
In S38 of FIG. 9, the acquired information is processed. Finally, the information (direction and position) of the component processed in S38 is displayed on the screen.
[0037]
According to this method, it is possible to display the components in the virtual space in detail while reducing the load for processing a large amount of information on the network traffic and the virtual space.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the step of transmitting the data corresponding to the level of detail of registration and designation is provided by managing the structure including a table for managing the hierarchy from the detailed level to the coarse level. Even if there is a request for a different level of detail, it is possible to transmit efficiently and maintain real-time performance.
[0039]
In addition, the amount of processing / transmission per predetermined time is set and the level of detail is lowered so as to be less than this value, so the computer load is reduced, the network traffic constituting the system is lowered, and real-time performance is maintained. There is an effect that can be done.
[0040]
Furthermore, since a priority identifier is provided and the hierarchy management table is added and managed in units of components, there is an effect that a specific component can be displayed in detail without impairing real-time performance. .
[0041]
Furthermore, since the level of detail is the time level of detail, there is an effect that a specific component can be displayed in detail within a range that does not impair the continuity of display.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of detail-specific data of a component managed by a hierarchy management table in the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system in which a management server and a client are connected in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space sharing system for explaining the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server or a client in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a degree of detail and display information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the degree of detail of other components in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server or a client in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server or a client in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a server or a client in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the time detail level in the fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 management server, 12, 13, 14 client (terminal), 21 network, 20, 30 hierarchy management table, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 , 101 Entire virtual world, 111 Combat area 1, 112 Combat area 2, 113 Combat area 3, 114 Combat area 4, 121, 122, 123, 124 Combatant, 131, 132, 133 Fighter, S1 division step, S2, S11, S21, S31 registration step, S5 detail level determination step, S15 detail level reset step, S22 priority level detection step, S34 time detail level setting step.

Claims (3)

In a distributed virtual space information management and transmission method in a system in which a server and a plurality of client terminals share a plurality of predetermined areas of a three-dimensional space using a display target representing the terminal through a public line ,
Said terminal is determined in advance to construct a said display object for each of the predetermined area set in the three-dimensional space, a coarse level of detail of the display for each component is an element of the construct that defines the It has a table that manages the hierarchy as display information from the degree to the precise degree,
The terminal is to construct each is the display target, and the level register storing in the table as the display information by specifying the relationship between the components of the display contents and the part by the level of the granularity,
The server obtains a communication state value from an actual communication speed value of data between each terminal and the server on the public line and instructs the terminal;
The predetermined area in which the position in the three-dimensional space of the partner terminal that requests the terminal to send the display information of the terminal itself via the public line with a certain degree of detail is the same as the position of the terminal. If it is, the step of resetting the level of detail weighted with the communication state value instructed from the server to the level of detail requested from the counterpart terminal;
The terminal acquires display information of the table managed by the terminal based on the reset level of detail and transmits the display information to the partner terminal ;
The predetermined area in which the position in the three-dimensional space of the partner terminal that requests the terminal to send the display information of the terminal itself via the public line with a certain degree of detail is the same as the position of the terminal. If not , a distributed virtual space information management transmission method comprising: a step of acquiring display information by a component with a coarse degree of detail in the table to be managed by itself and transmitting it to the counterpart terminal . When the terminal receives a transmission request to send display information with a certain degree of detail from the server or another terminal, the terminal comprises a step of determining a data acquisition interval time determined by the requested degree of detail,
2. The distributed virtual space information management according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal obtains data at the determined interval time from a table managed by the terminal and transmits the data to a requesting partner terminal. Transmission method. The table to be managed hierarchically expands the relationship of the level of detail regarding the related parts that are the elements of the component into a tree shape that is integrated from the precise level to the coarse level, and the amount of information of the coarse shape of the tree shape 2. The distributed virtual space information management transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the degree of detail of related parts is stored with a reduced number of parts .

Images