JP4627802B1 - Virtual model display system and virtual model display method - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
According to the present invention, a virtual avatar that can improve the taste of an online game by causing an avatar to perform a complicated operation without causing a user to perform a complicated operation in accordance with an event or the like executed in the online game. It is an object to provide a model display system and a virtual model display method.
[Solution]
A festival tower 503 is provided in the center of the display screen 114. When the avatar 511 is moved to a region (specific area 501) surrounding the festival tower 503, a predetermined movement (for example, a Bon dance motion) is automatically executed according to the motion data stored in the server device. As a Bon dance motion, the avatar 511b alternately raises both hands to the left and right sides of the body, and proceeds accordingly. The avatar 511b circulates around the festival tower 503 and in the specific area 501.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a virtual model display system and a virtual model display method including a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an online game that can be connected to a dedicated server via a computer network and share the same game progress in a virtual space with other users has been performed. In an online game, each user operates a character, and as this character, a character as a user's alternation, a so-called avatar may be used. There is also a service that allows users to create original avatars by selecting their facial parts, hairstyles, clothes and decorations to wear.

  By the way, in recent online games, various events are performed in a virtual space in order to differentiate from other sites. For example, as a summer event, there is a Bon Odori. When this Bon Odori is realized on the game, each user operates the avatar to execute the Bon Odori. However, it is not easy for the user to perform complicated operations such as moving the avatar in a circle at a constant speed and alternately raising the left and right sides while aligning both hands of the avatar.

  Under such circumstances, a character display device for controlling the position and orientation of a character arranged in a virtual space, measuring a controller's motion input by a user, and performing conscious motion input and unconscious motion input by the user. A character display device is disclosed that classifies and corrects the position or orientation of characters displayed based on conscious motion input based on unconscious motion input (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, it controls the movement of the character (avatar) based on a complicated operation including unconscious movement input by the user, and does not cause the avatar to perform a complicated movement without causing the user to perform a complicated operation. It was.

JP 2008-233946 A

  According to the present invention, a virtual avatar that can improve the taste of an online game by causing an avatar to perform a complicated operation without causing a user to perform a complicated operation in accordance with an event or the like executed in the online game. It is an object to provide a model display system and a virtual model display method.

The present invention is a virtual model display system comprising a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, the client device according to an input to the input device by a user, Position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information related to the position of the virtual model placed in the virtual space, and displaying the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means Position information receiving means for receiving the position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus, the display means for displaying and the position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server apparatus. Means and a virtual model in the case where the virtual model exists in a predetermined area. Motion data storage means for storing motion data for controlling the operation of the model in association with the specific area, and when the positional information received by the positional information receiving means corresponds to the positional information in the specific area And a motion data transmitting means for transmitting the motion data stored in association with the specific area corresponding to the position information by the motion data storage means to the client device, and when the client device receives the motion data from the server device, The present invention relates to a virtual model display system that controls the operation of a virtual model according to the motion data and displays a state in a virtual space on a display device in accordance with the controlled operation of the virtual model.

  Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is stored in association with a specific area, and when the position information received by the server apparatus corresponds to the position information in the specific area, the virtual data is controlled according to the motion data. Since the model is displayed on the client device, it is possible to cause the avatar to perform a complicated operation without causing the user to perform a complicated operation.

Furthermore, the present invention is a virtual model display system comprising a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, wherein the client device inputs to the input device by a user. In accordance with the position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information relating to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space, and a display device for displaying the state in the virtual space according to the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means A position at which the server apparatus receives the position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus, and a position information transmitting section for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server apparatus. When the information receiving means and the virtual model exist in a predetermined specific area Motion data storage means for storing motion data for controlling the motion of the virtual model in association with the specific area and a specific item for permitting control of the motion based on the motion data, and position information A specific item wearing determination unit that determines whether or not the virtual model wears or owns the specific item when the positional information received by the receiving unit corresponds to the positional information in the specific region; and the specific item According to the determination result of whether or not the virtual model wears or owns the specific item by the wear determination means, the position information is associated with the specific area and the specific item corresponding to the position information by the motion data storage means. Motion data transmitting means for transmitting the stored motion data to the client device. When receiving the motion data from the server device, the remote device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. The present invention relates to a virtual model display system.

  Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is stored in association with a specific area and a specific item for permitting control of the operation based on the motion data, and the received position information is the specific area. When it corresponds to the position information in, because it is determined whether the virtual model wears or owns the specific item, and the virtual model is displayed on the client device according to the motion data according to the determination result, It is a motivation for the user to purchase a predetermined item, and the user's preference is further improved.

  The present invention is a virtual model display system comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, the client device being a virtual device assigned to each user. Position information receiving means for operating a model, and a virtual model is determined in advance, in which a client apparatus receives a change in position information regarding the position of a virtual model arranged in a virtual space in accordance with an input to the input device by a user. Motion data storage means for storing the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model in the case of existing in the specific area in association with the specific area, and the virtual model received by the position information receiving means Display device that displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the position information. And position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server apparatus, the server apparatus receiving position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus, Position information transmission means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client apparatus received by the position information receiving means to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus has the virtual model in a specific area. A virtual model that controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data associated with the specific area and displays a state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. The present invention relates to a model display system.

  When the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is stored in association with a specific area, and the position information of the virtual model corresponds to the position information in the specific area, the virtual model is determined according to the motion data. Since it is displayed on the client device, it is possible to make the avatar perform a complicated operation without causing the user to perform a complicated operation.

  The present invention is a virtual model display system comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, the client device being a virtual device assigned to each user. Position information receiving means for operating a model, and a virtual model is determined in advance, in which a client apparatus receives a change in position information regarding the position of a virtual model arranged in a virtual space in accordance with an input to the input device by a user. Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model in the case of existing in a specific area is stored in association with the specific area and a specific item for permitting control of the operation by the motion data. Motion data storage means to perform and temporary information received by the position information receiving means In accordance with the position information of the model, a display unit that displays the state in the virtual space on the display device, and a position information transmission unit that transmits the position information of the virtual model received by the position information reception unit to the server device, The server apparatus transmits position information receiving means for receiving the position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus, and position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client apparatus received by the position information receiving means to the client apparatus. And a client device, when the virtual model exists in a specific area and wears or owns a specific item stored in association with the specific area by the motion data storage means , According to the motion data stored in association with the specific area and the specific item To control the operation of Dell, according to the operation of the controlled virtual model, for the virtual model display system characterized by displaying the status in the virtual space on the display device.

  Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is stored in association with a specific area and a specific item for permitting control of the operation based on the motion data, and the received position information is the specific area. When it corresponds to the position information in, because it is determined whether the virtual model wears or owns the specific item, and the virtual model is displayed on the client device according to the motion data according to the determination result, It is a motivation for the user to purchase a predetermined item, and the user's preference is further improved.

  The present invention is a virtual model display method executed in a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, and according to an input to the input device by a user in the client device , The change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is received, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device according to the received position information of the virtual model, and the received virtual model The server apparatus transmits position information to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus receives the position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus. The received position information is associated with motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model, and stored in the server apparatus. When it corresponds to position information in a specific area stored in the area, When the motion data is transmitted to the client device and the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and the state in the virtual space is determined according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. Is displayed on a display device.

  The present invention is a virtual model display method executed in a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line, and according to an input to the input device by a user in the client device , The change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is received, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device according to the received position information of the virtual model, and the received virtual model The server apparatus transmits position information to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus receives the position information of the virtual model from the client apparatus. The received position information is associated with motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model, and stored in the server apparatus. When it corresponds to position information in a specific area stored in the area, It is determined whether or not the virtual model wears or owns a specific item that is stored in the storage area in association with the motion data and is permitted to control the operation based on the motion data. The motion data stored in association with the specific item is transmitted to the client device according to the determination result of whether or not the user wears or owns the device, and when the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the motion data The present invention relates to a virtual model display method characterized in that an operation of a virtual model is controlled according to data, and a state in a virtual space is displayed on a display device in accordance with the controlled operation of the virtual model.

  The present invention is a virtual model display method comprising a plurality of client devices each having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line. The client device is a virtual model assigned to each user. The model is for manipulating the model. In the client device, in accordance with the input to the input device by the user, the position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted, and the virtual model is determined in a specific area. Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model in the case of being present in the memory, and storing the motion data in association with the specific area, and displaying the state in the virtual space according to the received virtual model position information To display the received virtual model position information to the server device, and The virtual model position information is received from the client apparatus, and the received virtual model position information operated by the user in another client apparatus is transmitted to the client apparatus. The virtual model operation is controlled according to the motion data associated with the specific area, and the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device according to the controlled virtual model operation. To a virtual model display method.

  The present invention is a virtual model display method comprising a plurality of client devices each having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line. The client device is a virtual model assigned to each user. The model is for manipulating the model. In the client device, in accordance with the input to the input device by the user, the position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted, and the virtual model is determined in a specific area. The motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model in the case where it exists in the memory is stored and accepted in association with the specific area and the specific item for permitting the control of the operation by the motion data. The state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device according to the position information of the virtual model. The received virtual model position information is transmitted to the server apparatus, the server apparatus receives the virtual model position information from the client apparatus, and the received virtual model position information operated by the user in another client apparatus is received. When the virtual model exists in a specific area and wears or owns a specific item stored in association with the specific area by the motion data storage means, Controlling the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data stored in association with the specific area and the specific item, and causing the display device to display a state in the virtual space according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. The present invention relates to a characteristic virtual model display method.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the virtual model display system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the avatar management table concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the display screen of the client apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the flowchart showing the process of the server apparatus concerning 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the specific area table concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the application example concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the flowchart showing the process of the server apparatus concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display screen of the client apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display screen of the client apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a virtual model display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the virtual model display system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of client devices 1, a server device 2, and a communication network 3.

  The client device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, an interface unit 103, a graphic processing unit 104, a hard disk drive (HDD) 105, a DVD / CD-ROM drive 106, The communication interface 107 is connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The DVD / CD-ROM drive 106 can be loaded with a recording medium (DVD-ROM or CD-ROM in this embodiment) 121. The DVD / CD-ROM drive 106 reads a program and data stored in the recording medium 121. The communication interface 107 is connected to the server device 2 via the communication network 3, and transmits and receives programs and data transmitted from the server device 2.

  The CPU 101 executes a program stored on the HDD 105 or the recording medium 121 to control the apparatus main body. The RAM 102 is a work area of the CPU 101, and avatar position information input by the user is temporarily stored in the RAM 102. The HDD 105 is used as a storage area for storing programs and data.

  Programs and data executed by the client device 1 are received by the communication interface 107 and / or stored in the HDD 105 or the recording medium 121. The program and data are loaded into the RAM 102 at the time of execution. The CPU 101 processes the program and data loaded in the RAM 102 and outputs a drawing command to the graphic processing unit 104. Intermediate data while the CPU 101 is performing processing is stored in the RAM 102.

  The interface unit 103 is connected to the input device 111. The input device 111 is a mouse used as a pointing device, a keyboard having direction keys, or the like. Since the mouse moves the avatar, the keyboard is used for text input for chatting. For example, by moving the mouse to an arbitrary location on the display screen 114 and performing a click operation, the avatar moves in the virtual space toward the position of the mouse when the click is performed. Input data from the input device 111 is stored in the RAM 102, and the CPU 101 executes various arithmetic processes based on the input data stored in the RAM 102.

  The graphic processing unit 104 is connected to a display device 112 having a display screen 114. When a drawing command is output from the CPU 101, the graphic processing unit 104 expands an image in the frame memory (frame buffer) 108 and outputs a video signal for displaying the image on the display screen 114 of the display device 112. One frame time of an image included in the video signal output from the graphic processing unit 104 is, for example, 1/30 second. The graphic processing unit 104 executes drawing of one image in units of frames (that is, in units of 1/30 second).

  The server device 2 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, an HDD 203, and a communication interface 204. The communication interface 204 is connected to the client device 1 via the communication network 3.

  The CPU 201 executes a program stored in the HDD 203 and controls the main body of the server device 2. A RAM 202 is a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 203 is used as a storage area for storing programs and data. The programs and data stored in the HDD 203 include motion data for causing the avatar to execute a specific motion, data regarding an item worn by the avatar, data regarding a specific area in the virtual space, and the like. These programs and data are read from the HDD 203 by the CPU 201 and temporarily stored in the RAM 202. The CPU 201 processes programs and data temporarily stored in the RAM 202.

  When the user uses the virtual model display system of the present invention, the client device 1 accesses the server device 2 and inputs the user ID and password via the input device 111 of the client device 1. The input user ID and password are transmitted to the server apparatus 2 via the communication interface 107 of the client apparatus 1. The server device 2 receives the user ID and password via the communication interface 204 and authenticates whether or not login is possible. If the user ID and password stored in the user database set in the HDD 203 of the server device 2 match, it is possible to log in, and the client device 1 can use the virtual model display system.

  Next, an avatar management table according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an avatar management table according to the embodiment of the present invention. The avatar management table 40 is stored in the RAM 202 of the server device 2 and is updated by the CPU 201 every predetermined time (for example, every 1/30 second). An avatar is a character as a substitute for each user in the virtual space, and one avatar is assigned to one user. The avatar management table 40 stores information about each avatar. Specifically, information including an avatar ID 41, a user ID 42, an avatar position 43, a wear item 44, an owned item 45, and the like is stored.

  In the present invention, the avatar ID 41 is information for identifying each avatar. The user ID 42 is information for identifying a user who operates the avatar. The avatar position 43 stores position information of the avatar in the virtual space. The wearing item 44 includes items such as clothes and accessories worn by the avatar (for example, “yukata” and “fan”), as well as the face and hairstyle of the avatar (for example, “Kiriri Face”, “Long Face” Hair ") etc. are stored. The owned item 45 stores items that are owned but not currently worn. The owned item 45 includes items such as clothes and accessories as well as items that cannot be worn such as furniture (for example, “sofa”).

  Next, the specific motion according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an example of an image displayed on the display screen 114 of the display device 112 connected to the client device 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the client device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the display screen 114 has an avatar 511 operated by each user in each client device, a specific area 501 in which the avatar can execute a specific motion, and a movable area in which the avatar can move. 502, a non-movable area 504 where an avatar cannot move is displayed. Here, in the immovable area 504, a predetermined object (for example, festival yagura 503) is displayed. The avatar 511 is a movement instruction input from the user input from the input device 111 of the client device 1 (for example, when the user left-clicks a certain position on the display screen 114, the position is the position after the movement of the avatar 511 by the CPU 101 ( Hereinafter, the avatar 511 moves to the movement position in the virtual space, but in the example of the display screen 114, the non-movable area 504 is a server as an area where the avatar cannot move. The device 2 is identified and managed, and the specific area 501 and the movable area 502 are identified and managed by the server device 2 as an area where the avatar can move, so that the avatar 511 operated by the user is the specific area 501 and Move in the movable area 502. The range of the fixed area 501 only needs to be identified and managed by the server device 2, and it does not matter whether it can be identified by the user, so that it can be clearly distinguished from the movable area 502 as shown in FIG. In addition, when the position designated by the movement instruction input by the user is the non-movable area 504, the avatar is located on a line segment connecting the current position of the avatar and the designated position. It is determined that the position on the area side where the avatar in the vicinity of the boundary between the movable area (the specific area 501 or the movable area 502) and the immovable area 504 is movable is input as an avatar moving position. .

  Here, when the avatar 511a located in the movable area 502 moves to the specific area 501 by the user's movement instruction input, the avatar 511 is automatically set according to the motion data stored in the RAM 202 or the HDD 203 of the server device 2. A specific motion (for example, Bon dance) is performed (Avatar 511b in FIG. 3). Here, the motion data is animation data drawn so that the avatar performs a specific motion. For example, motion data of Bon festival dance is stored that causes the festival Yagura 503 to move clockwise in the specific area 501 while raising both hands alternately to the left and right sides of the body of the avatar. Therefore, the user can perform a Bon dance while making the avatar 511b circulate clockwise around the festival tower 503 without inputting complicated motion instructions.

  Even when the avatar 511b is performing a Bon Dance motion, the user can operate the avatar 511b by inputting to the input device 111 of the client device 1. For example, the user who operates the avatar 511b performing the Bon dance dance clicks the movable area 502 outside the specific area 501 and moves the avatar 511b from the specific area 501, thereby causing the avatar 511b to escape from the Bon dance ring. It is also possible. Then, the avatar 511 stops the Bon Dance after leaving the specific area 501 (Avatar 511a in FIG. 3). That is, it is possible to stop the automatic motion halfway at any time.

  In the present embodiment, the server device 2 receives the position information of each avatar from the plurality of client devices 1 and controls the motion of each avatar according to the received position information. Since the position information and motion information of each avatar are transmitted not only to the client device 1 that controls the respective avatars but also to other client devices 1, the display screen 114 of the display device 112 connected to the client device 1. In this, not only the avatar controlled by the client device 1 but also avatars controlled by other client devices 1 are displayed. Here, in the above description, since a specific motion (bon festival dance) is set for the specific area 501, the avatars 511 entering the specific area 501 all perform the same specific motion (bon festival dance). Displayed on each client device 1. However, as will be described later, different motions may be performed depending on the avatar.

  Further, when the CPU 201 of the server device 2 detects that the avatar has entered the specific area 501, the specific motion is determined according to the number of avatars that are located in the specific area 501 (performing a Bon dance). May be adjusted. For example, the distance between the avatars may be adjusted so that the avatars do not overlap each other, and control may be performed so that the participating avatars perform a specific motion (bon festival dance) at equal intervals. Moreover, you may comprise so that the size of the ring of a Bon dance may be changed according to the number of people by changing the radius of the ring of a Bon dance in proportion to the number of the avatars in the specific area 501. Furthermore, the number of overlapping rings may be changed according to the number of avatars, and the movement of the avatars may be controlled so that the rings are double, triple, and so on. For example, an upper limit is set for the number of people who can enter the inner ring of the Bon Dance, and when a number of avatars exceeding the upper limit enter the specific area 501, the Bon Dance starts outside the previous Bon Odori ring. It is also possible to configure so that a new Bon dance ring is formed on the outside. In the case of these configurations, the range (for example, size) of the specific area 501 may be changed according to the size of the ring, the number of overlaps, and the like.

Furthermore, it is possible to interrupt a manual motion, which is a motion that can be manually controlled by the user among the motions of the avatar, for example, “waving hand”. in this case,
The user makes an input different from the movement instruction input from the input device 111 of the client device 1 (for example, a left-click selects a movement position, but a right-click displays a selectable manual motion). By this, manual motion interrupting operation is possible. Note that some manual motions that can be controlled manually as well as “waving hands” cannot be interrupted. That is, manual motions such as “squatting” cannot be accepted because they are incompatible with automatic motions that go around festivals and towers. In the server device 2, it is determined whether or not the manual motion input from the user via the input device 111 is a manual motion that can be interrupted in the specific area 501, and the interrupt operation can be performed in the specific area 501. The avatar is made to execute the manual motion only when it is a manual motion. In this case, in the server device 1, manual motion that can be interrupted is stored for each specific area 501.

  In addition to the window that displays the state in the virtual space as shown in FIG. 3, the users who are accessing the server device 2 enter text sentences on the display screen 114 to have a conversation in real time. It is also possible to display a chat window for so-called chat. Since the chat window is controlled separately from the control of the avatar operation and the control in the virtual space, the user can automatically leave the avatar operation and can chat while enjoying the Bon dance.

  Next, processing performed by the client device 1 and the server device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this Embodiment, the client apparatus 1 transmits the positional information regarding the position of an avatar to the server apparatus 2. FIG. The server device 2 stores and manages data related to items and motions as well as data related to areas such as the specific area 501 in the virtual space. The server device 2 manages the motion of the avatar based on the position information received from the client device 1. The data regarding the selected motion is transmitted to the client device 1 together with the position information of the avatar. The client device 1 controls the motion of the avatar in the virtual space according to the motion data and position information of the avatar received from the server device 2, and displays this on the display screen 114.

  Here, the movement of the avatar according to the user's movement instruction input in the virtual space is controlled by the client apparatus 1, but the client apparatus 1 and the server apparatus 2 are synchronized, and the movement of the avatar according to the user's movement instruction input is performed. The avatar position information is periodically transmitted to the server device 2. When the server apparatus 2 receives the received position information of the avatar, the server apparatus 2 updates the avatar management table 40 and the like based on the received position information, and further receives the position information and motion data of the avatar received by another client apparatus 1. Send. Accordingly, the other client device 1 displays on the display screen how the avatar moves based on the received position information and motion data of the avatar. Further, by synchronizing the server device 2 and the client device 1, there is also an effect that the client device 1 does not perform an action due to an unauthorized operation.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the server apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A series of processing illustrated in FIG. 4 is executed for each frame. First, when position information is transmitted from the client apparatus 1 to the server apparatus 2, the server apparatus 2 receives this (step S1). Then, the CPU 201 of the server device 2 determines whether or not the position of the avatar is included in the specific area 501 based on the received position information of the avatar (step S2). If it is determined that the position of the avatar is included in the specific area 501 (Yes in step S2), the CPU 201 of the server device 2 selects the specific motion as the motion of the avatar (step S3). When it is determined in step S2 that the position of the avatar is not included in the specific area 501 (No in step S2), a normal motion is selected (step S4).

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the server device 2 transmits motion data associated with the specific motion or the normal motion selected in step S3 or S4 to the client device 1 via the communication interface 204 (step S5). The client device 1 controls the motion of the avatar according to the received motion data and position information, and displays on the display screen 114 how the avatar operates in the virtual space.

  Here, when the instruction input related to the motion of the avatar by the user includes the instruction input related to the manual motion capable of interrupting the motion selected in step S3 or S4, the motion selected in step S3 or S4. The manual motion instructed by may be interrupted. For example, if the specific motion 63 is “bon dance” and the manual motion is instructed to input “waving hand” that can interrupt the specific motion “bon dance”, the avatar performs the bon dance in step S3. The motion of waving is selected.

  Next, the specific area table according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows a specific area table according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The specific area table 60 is stored in the HDD 203 or the RAM 202 of the server device 2, and information including a specific area 61, a specific item 62, and a specific motion 63 is set.

  The specific area 61 represents a specific area in the virtual space and corresponds to the specific area 501 in FIG. For example, when the specific area 61 is “around the festival and the tower”, an area corresponding to “around the festival and the tower” is stored in three-dimensional coordinates or two-dimensional coordinates. The specific item 62 is an item necessary for performing a specific motion when it is determined that the avatar has entered the specific area 61. In the specific motion 63, when it is determined that the avatar is in the specific area 61 and the avatar wears or owns the specific item 62, information associated with the motion data related to the motion performed by the avatar is included. Is set. For example, in the case where the specific area 61 is “around the festival and the tower” and the specific item 62 is “none” and the specific motion 63 is set to “bon festival dance”, the specific area 61 “the area around the festival and the tower” is entered. Avatars perform Bon Dance motions even if they do not wear or own certain items.

  Further, when the specific area 61 is “around the festival tower” and the specific item 62 is “yukata” and the specific motion 63 is set to “bon festival dance on the festival tower”, the specific area 61 “festival tower” Among the avatars in “Ambient”, the avatar who wears (or owns) the specific item 62 “Yukata” performs a Bon festival dance on the festival and the tower. Thus, even in the same specific area 61, different motion data may be prepared depending on the presence or absence of an item. Moreover, although the festival yagura 503 in FIG. 3 has been described as an area where the avatar cannot move, it may be possible to move to the festival yagura 503 when the avatar is wearing a yukata. In other words, an area in which the avatar is determined to be movable or impossible depending on the presence or absence of a specific item worn or owned by the avatar may be set in the virtual space.

  Next, an application example according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an application example according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6A, a normal area (displayed as “ground”) composed of a normal ground and an ice area 501 a composed of an ice ground are displayed on the display screen 114. For example, a skating rink in a virtual space is assumed. The avatar can be moved in both the normal area and the ice area 501a. On the condition that the avatar wears skating items such as skates, the avatar can slide faster on the ice area 501a, which is the specific area 501, than the avatar walks on the ground (for example, per unit time). Is twice the normal travel distance). In this case, a motion to slide the ice surface with the skates is displayed. Even in the case where an avatar is present in the ice area 501a, the input device 111 can be used to control in which direction the avatar is to be moved. If the avatar is not wearing items related to skating, the avatar may be able to move the ice area 501a only later than walking on the ground (for example, the movement distance per unit time is normal). 1/2).

  In FIG. 6B, a normal area (displayed as “ground”) composed of a normal ground and a snow area 501 b composed of snow ground are displayed on the display screen 114. For example, a ski resort in a virtual space is assumed. The avatar can be moved in any of the normal area and the snow area 501b. On condition that the avatar wears ski-related items such as skis and stock, the snow area 501b that is the specific area 501 can be slid faster than the avatar walks on the ground (for example, per unit time). Is 3 times the normal distance). In this case, the motion of sliding on the snow surface is displayed. In addition, the snow area 501b stores the setting related to the height, and if you wear items related to skiing, you can slide quickly from top to bottom, but you cannot move from bottom to top. If not, you may be able to move from top to bottom or from bottom to top, although you can only walk slower than walking on the ground. As described above, the condition for selecting the specific motion is not only that the specific item is worn, but also that the specific item is not worn.

  Similarly, in FIG. 6C, a normal area composed of ordinary ground (displayed as “ground”) and a river area 501c composed of the water surface are displayed on the display screen 114. The avatar can be moved in any of the normal area and the river area 501c. On the condition that the avatar is wearing an item related to a swimsuit such as a swimsuit or snorkel, a motion is displayed as if the avatar is floating in the river area 501c which is the specific area 501. In this case, if the avatar is wearing a swimsuit and a floating ring at the same time, the motion that the avatar is floating up the river is displayed, and if you are wearing the swimsuit and the snorkel at the same time, the diving motion is displayed. You may do it. That is, as a condition for selecting a specific motion, a different specific motion may be selected depending on a combination of specific items as well as the presence / absence of a specific item.

  Furthermore, you may prepare the normal area comprised from the normal ground, and the specific area 501 comprised from the track | track in an athletics field. The avatar may be allowed to move in both the normal area and the track that is the specific area 501. Alternatively, a competition in which avatars can participate in a track (for example, 100m running, relay, long jump, pole jump, etc.) may be set, and a specific motion may be set according to the competition to participate. In this case, for example, an avatar that has entered a track that is the specific area 501 is set in the specific area table 60 so as to perform a motion to participate in any competition (for example, a baton or a pole vaulting stick is worn as the specific item 62) Alternatively, each avatar that is owned can be set to participate in a relay or pole vault competition). Furthermore, when operating an avatar that participates in a “run” competition such as a 100-m run, a motion is prepared that increases the running speed when the user operates a predetermined button of the input device 111 connected to the client device 1. (For example, the moving distance per unit time is twice the normal).

  Next, processing performed in the client device 1 and the server device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the client device 1 transmits to the server device 2 position information related to the position of the avatar and instruction information related to an instruction input by the user regarding the operation of the avatar (information indicating that there is no instruction input). . The server device 2 stores and manages data related to items, motions, and data related to areas such as the specific area 501 in the virtual space, and the avatar is based on the position information and instruction information received from the client device 1. And the data related to the selected motion is transmitted to the client apparatus 1 together with the position information of the avatar. The client device 1 controls the motion of the avatar in the virtual space according to the motion data and position information of the avatar received from the server device 2, and displays this on the display screen 114.

  Here, the movement of the avatar according to the user's movement instruction input in the virtual space is controlled by the client apparatus 1, but the client apparatus 1 and the server apparatus 2 are synchronized, and the movement of the avatar according to the user's movement instruction input is performed. The position information and instruction information of the avatar are transmitted to the server device 2 periodically (for example, every 1/30 second). When the server apparatus 2 receives the received position information and instruction information of the avatar, the server apparatus 2 updates the avatar management table 40 and the like based on the received information, and further receives the position information of the avatar received by the other client apparatus 1 and Send motion data. Accordingly, the other client device 1 displays on the display screen how the avatar moves based on the received position information and motion data of the avatar.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing processing of the server device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A series of processes illustrated in FIG. 7 is performed every time the position information and instruction information related to the avatar are received periodically (for example, every 1/30 second) from the client device 1. First, when the position information and the instruction information are transmitted from the client device 1 to the server device 2, the server device 2 receives them (step S11). Then, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 2 refers to the specific area table 60 based on the received position information of the avatar and determines whether or not the position of the avatar is included in the specific area 61 (step S12). If it is determined that the position of the avatar is included in the specific area 61 (Yes in step S12), it is determined whether or not a movement instruction input by the user has been made based on the instruction information received in step S11 ( Step S13). Here, it is determined whether or not there has been a movement instruction input. However, even if a movement instruction input has already been performed and it is currently moving, it is determined that there has been a movement instruction input by the user. Also good.

  When it is determined in step S13 that the user has input a movement instruction (Yes in step S13), the CPU 201 of the server device 2 refers to the specific area table 60 and the avatar management table 40 read to the RAM 202, and It is determined whether or not the avatar wears or owns the specific item 62 associated with the specific area 61 determined to include the position, and the specific motion set in the specific area table 60 according to the determination result 63 is selected, and a motion in which the avatar moves according to the selected specific motion 63 is selected (step S14). For example, when an avatar entering the “skate rink” of the specific area 61 wears the specific item 62 “skates”, the “skate” of the specific motion 63 is selected, and a motion in which the avatar moves while skating is selected. Selected.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the server device 2 transmits the motion data associated with the specific motion 63 selected in step S14 to the client device 1 (step S19). The client device 1 controls the motion and movement of the avatar according to the received motion data and position information, and displays on the display screen 114 how the avatar operates in the virtual space.

  In addition, when it determines with there being no movement instruction input in step S13 (in step S13 No), it is determined whether this avatar wears or owns the specific item 62 linked | related with the specific area 61, and this determination The specific motion 63 is selected according to the result (step S15). The motion data associated with the specific motion 63 selected in step S15 is transmitted to the client device 1 in step S19. In this case, for example, a motion in a starting pose that is ready to slide without moving from the spot while wearing “skate” is displayed.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the position of the avatar is not included in the specific area 61 (No in step S12), whether or not a movement instruction is input by the user based on the instruction information received in step S11. Is determined (step S16). If it is determined that a movement instruction has been input (Yes in step S16), a motion that moves as usual is selected (step S17). If it is determined in step S16 that no movement instruction has been input (No in step S16), a motion in which the avatar waits at the current position (for example, the limb moves slightly back and forth on the spot) is selected (step S18). . The motion data associated with the selected motion is transmitted to the client device 1 in step S19.

  Here, when the instruction input related to the avatar motion by the user includes an instruction input related to a manual motion that can be interrupted, the manual motion specified in accordance with the motion selected in step S14, S15, S17, or S18. It may be interrupted. For example, when the specific motion 63 is “Bon dance” and the manual motion is instructed to input “Wake a hand” that can interrupt the specific motion 63 “Bon dance”, the avatar moves the hand while performing the Bon dance. The motion to shake is selected.

  In the above description, the server device 2 manages motion data, selects avatar motion data and transmits it to the client device 1, and the client device 1 controls the movement and operation of the avatar according to the received motion data. The configuration. However, in the present invention, the processing configurations of the client device 1 and the server device 2 are not particularly limited to the above description.

  For example, the client device 1 may perform motion data selection processing, and the server device 2 may manage the position information of each avatar sent from each client device 1. In this case, the position information of the avatar managed in the server device 2 is transmitted to the other client device 1 as necessary, and the operation of each avatar is displayed on the other client device 1 as well. Can do. By configuring in this way, since the selection process of the motion data of each avatar is performed in the client device, the load on the server device 2 can be reduced.

  In addition, the client device 1 or the server device 2 may perform motion data selection processing to cause the client device 1 to store and manage motion data. In this case, motion data purchased by Internet settlement or the like, or motion data acquired by accumulating predetermined points or the like is downloaded from the server device 2 and stored in the HDD 105, or the recording medium 121 on which the motion data is recorded. It is possible to manage the motion data in the client device 1 by a method such as purchasing the image data. By configuring in this way, when the avatar enters a specific area, the manner in which the avatar operates according to the purchased or acquired motion data is displayed on the client device 1, so that the user can purchase or acquire predetermined motion data. This is a motivation for the user to improve the user preference.

  Note that the virtual space in the present invention can be applied to either a virtual two-dimensional space or a virtual three-dimensional space. In the case of a virtual three-dimensional space, image data of a two-dimensional image obtained by perspective-transforming an object (avatar, clothes model, etc.) existing in the space with a virtual camera is generated. In this case, the motion data for causing the avatar to execute a specific motion includes a motion program that moves the virtual skeleton set for the avatar to a predetermined position with the passage of time.

  8 and 9 are examples of the display screen 114 of the display device 112 connected to the client device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user can also control the position of the virtual camera, and can further display the avatar at a shorter distance as shown in FIG. 8, or can display the avatar at a longer distance as shown in FIG. Multiple avatars are displayed around the “festival tower” in the center of the display screen 114 in FIGS. 8 and 9, and each avatar rotates around the “festival tower” clockwise at the same speed. Dancing.

1 Client device 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 Interface unit 104 Graphic processing unit 105 HDD
106 DVD / CD-ROM drive 107 Communication interface 108 Frame memory 111 Input device 112 Display device 114 Display screen 121 Recording medium 2 Server device 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 HDD
204 Communication Interface 3 Communication Network 40 Avatar Management Table 501 Specific Area 511 Avatar 60 Specific Area Table

Claims (10)

A virtual model display system comprising a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device is
Position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space, in accordance with an input to the input device by the user;
Display means for displaying the state in the virtual space on the display device in accordance with the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means;
Position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server device,
Server device
Position information receiving means for receiving position information of the virtual model from the client device;
Motion data storage means for storing, in association with the specific area, motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model when the virtual model exists in a predetermined specific area;
When the position information received by the position information receiving means corresponds to the position information in the specific area, the motion data stored in association with the specific area corresponding to the position information by the motion data storage means is stored in the client device. Motion data transmission means for transmitting,
When the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. Virtual model display system. A virtual model display system comprising a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device is
Position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space, in accordance with an input to the input device by the user;
Display means for displaying the state in the virtual space on the display device in accordance with the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means;
Position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server device,
Server device
Position information receiving means for receiving position information of the virtual model from the client device;
When the virtual model exists in a predetermined specific area, the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is specified to permit the control of the operation by the specific area and the motion data. Motion data storage means for storing in association with the item,
When the position information received by the position information receiving means corresponds to the position information in the specific area, the specific item wearing determination means for determining whether the virtual model wears or owns the specific item;
According to the determination result of whether or not the virtual model wears or owns the specific item by the specific item wear determination means, the specific area to which the position information corresponds by the motion data storage means and the specific item Motion data transmitting means for transmitting the motion data stored in association to the client device,
When the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. Virtual model display system. A virtual model display system comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device operates a virtual model assigned to each user,
The client device is
Position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space, in accordance with an input to the input device by the user;
Motion data storage means for storing, in association with the specific area, motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model when the virtual model exists in a predetermined specific area;
Display means for displaying the state in the virtual space on the display device in accordance with the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means;
Position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server device,
Server device
Position information receiving means for receiving position information of the virtual model from the client device;
Position information transmission means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client device received by the position information receiving means to the client device,
When the virtual model exists in a specific area, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data associated with the specific area, and in accordance with the controlled operation of the virtual model, A virtual model display system that displays a state on a display device. A virtual model display system comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device operates a virtual model assigned to each user,
The client device is
Position information receiving means for receiving a change in position information regarding the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space, in accordance with an input to the input device by the user;
When the virtual model exists in a predetermined specific area, the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is specified to permit the control of the operation by the specific area and the motion data. Motion data storage means for storing in association with the item,
Display means for displaying the state in the virtual space on the display device in accordance with the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means;
Position information transmitting means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model received by the position information receiving means to the server device,
Server device
Position information receiving means for receiving position information of the virtual model from the client device;
Position information transmission means for transmitting the position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client device received by the position information receiving means to the client device,
When a virtual model exists in a specific area and wears or owns a specific item stored in association with the specific area by the motion data storage means, the client device stores the specific area and the specific area. A virtual model display system that controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data stored in association with the item and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model . The operation of the virtual model is further controlled according to the number of virtual models located in a specific area, and the client device changes the state in the virtual space according to the operation of the controlled virtual model. 5. The virtual model display system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual model display system is displayed on a display device. The client device includes an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input for causing a virtual model located in a specific area to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with an input to the input device by a user ,
The client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the operation based on the operation input when the operation based on the received operation input is executable in the specific area, and the controlled virtual model 6. The virtual model display system according to claim 1, wherein a state in the virtual space is displayed on a display device in accordance with the operation. A virtual model display method executed in a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
On the client device:
According to the input to the input device by the user, the change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted,
According to the received position information of the virtual model, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device,
Send the received virtual model position information to the server device,
In the server device,
Receive virtual model position information from the client device,
When the received position information corresponds to the position information in a specific area stored in the storage area of the server apparatus in association with the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model, the motion data is stored in the client apparatus. Send to
When the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. Virtual model display method. A virtual model display method executed in a client device having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
On the client device:
According to the input to the input device by the user, the change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted,
According to the received position information of the virtual model, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device,
Send the received virtual model position information to the server device,
In the server device,
Receive virtual model position information from the client device,
When the received position information corresponds to the position information in a specific area stored in the storage area of the server device in association with the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model, the position information is associated with the motion data. Determine whether the virtual model wears or owns a specific item stored in the storage area to allow control of motion by motion data,
Depending on the determination result of whether the virtual model wears or owns the specific item, the motion data stored in association with the specific item is transmitted to the client device,
When the client device receives the motion data from the server device, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data, and displays the state in the virtual space on the display device according to the controlled operation of the virtual model. Virtual model display method. A virtual model display method comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device operates a virtual model assigned to each user,
On the client device:
According to the input to the input device by the user, the change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted,
Motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model when the virtual model exists in a predetermined area is stored in association with the specific area,
According to the received position information of the virtual model, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device,
Send the received virtual model position information to the server device,
In the server device,
Receive virtual model position information from the client device,
The received position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client device is transmitted to the client device,
When the virtual model exists in a specific area, the client device controls the operation of the virtual model according to the motion data associated with the specific area, and in accordance with the controlled operation of the virtual model, A virtual model display method characterized by displaying a state on a display device. A virtual model display method comprising a plurality of client devices having an input device and a display device, and a server device connected to the client device via a communication line,
The client device operates a virtual model assigned to each user,
On the client device:
According to the input to the input device by the user, the change of the position information related to the position of the virtual model arranged in the virtual space is accepted,
When the virtual model exists in a predetermined specific area, the motion data for controlling the operation of the virtual model is specified to permit the control of the operation by the specific area and the motion data. Remember to associate with the item,
According to the received position information of the virtual model, the state in the virtual space is displayed on the display device,
Send the received virtual model position information to the server device,
In the server device,
Receive virtual model position information from the client device,
The received position information of the virtual model operated by the user in another client device is transmitted to the client device,
When a virtual model exists in a specific area and wears or owns a specific item stored in association with the specific area by the motion data storage means, the client device stores the specific area and the specific area. A virtual model display method characterized in that the operation of a virtual model is controlled according to the motion data stored in association with the item and the state in the virtual space is displayed on a display device in accordance with the controlled operation of the virtual model. .

Images