JP6651479B2 - Information processing method and apparatus, and program for causing computer to execute the information processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for operating a character object such as an avatar / player character in a virtual space.

  Patent Literature 1 below describes that a charging process is performed for a user purchasing a virtual object in a virtual space.

Japanese Patent No. 4084846

  In Patent Literature 1, the virtual object may be purchased too much in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot purchase the virtual object with security as in shopping using money like a real space, and hesitates the purchase operation.

  Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method and apparatus that enable a user to perform a charging operation in a virtual space with ease, and a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a user with a virtual space via a head-mounted device, wherein a character is provided in the virtual space based on a movement of the user. Controlling a virtual camera that defines a view image from the object, storing money information generated according to billing information based on the user's payment mode, and generating a money object based on the money information. And associating the virtual object specified in the virtual space with the user based on a user action on the money object received from the user.

  According to the present disclosure, a money object can be generated based on money information according to billing information, and a virtual object can be associated with a user according to a user action on the money object. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the charged amount (or the amount for which the charging is permitted), and provide the user with an environment in which the user can shop with peace of mind like shopping using money in the real space. Can be.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus that allow a user to perform a charging operation in a virtual space with ease, and a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 200 according to one aspect. FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of expressing a virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a head of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a YZ section of a viewing area viewed from an X direction in a virtual space. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a view area in a virtual space viewed from a Y direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller 160 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the HMD system 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a view image M by a player character. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a view image M at the time of a user action by a player character. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a billing process between the HMD system 100, a server 150, and a billing management server 155. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a charging process when a charging limit between the HMD system 100, the server 150, and the charging management server 155 is set.

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

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

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112, a camera 116, a microphone 118, and a gaze sensor 140. Controller 160 may include motion sensor 130.

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

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

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

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

  The camera 116 acquires a face image of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The face image acquired by the camera 116 can be used to detect a user's facial expression by an image analysis process. The camera 116 may be, for example, an infrared camera built in the main body of the HMD device 110 for detecting pupil movement, eyelid opening / closing, eyebrow movement, and the like. Alternatively, the camera 116 may be an external camera arranged outside the HMD device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 to detect movement of the user's mouth, cheeks, chin, and the like. Further, the camera 116 may be configured by both the infrared camera and the external camera described above.

  The microphone 118 acquires the voice uttered by the user. The voice acquired by the microphone 118 can be used to detect a user's emotion by voice analysis processing. The sound can also be used to give a sound instruction to the virtual space 2. Further, the sound may be transmitted to an HMD system used by another user via the network 19 and the server 150 or the like, and may be output from a speaker or the like connected to the HMD system. Thereby, a conversation (chat) between users sharing the virtual space is realized.

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

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

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

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

  The server 150 may send a program to the computer 200 to provide the user with the virtual space 2. That is, the server 150 is a server for managing the virtual space 2 such as a game or a chat room. The server 150 stores, for each user, money information that can be used in the virtual space 2 and charging information indicating the amount charged for obtaining the money information. The user can obtain money information according to the charged amount (charge amount) by performing the charging process according to the predetermined operation. This money information is information having a monetary value that can be used in the virtual space 2, for example, information such as the number of coins that can be used in the virtual space 2. The user can receive various services in the virtual space 2 based on the money information. Then, when the server 150 receives a billing operation from the user (the HMD system 100 or another information terminal), the server 150 generates money information corresponding to the billed amount in the virtual space 2.

  The server 150 stores the exchange rate of the monetary value in the real world with respect to the money information in the virtual space 2, and generates the money information according to the billing amount specified by the user. Then, the server 150 notifies the charging management server 155 of the user ID and the charging amount specified by the charging operation, and requests the charging processing.

  Also, in another aspect, server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 to provide virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200, and a plurality of users share a common virtual space in the same virtual space. Enables you to enjoy the game.

  The billing management server 155 manages billing information of a user used in the virtual space 2 in cooperation with the server 150. For example, the billing management server 155 stores account information, credit card information, or prepaid card information for each user, and performs a billing process according to a billing amount according to a request from the user. Note that the prepaid card information is information that can be charged in advance and that a billing process can be performed within the paid range. Note that the charge processing function of the charge management server 155 may be included in the server 150.

  Controller 160 accepts an input of a command from user 190 to computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be graspable by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to a part of the body or clothing of the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal transmitted from the computer 200. In another aspect, controller 160 accepts an operation given by user 190 to control the position, movement, and the like of an object placed in a space providing virtual reality.

  The motion sensor 130 is attached to a user's hand in a certain situation, and detects movement of the user's hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects a rotation speed, a rotation speed, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in, for example, a glove type controller 160. In one embodiment, for safety in the real world, it is desirable that the controller 160 be mounted on a glove-shaped object that does not easily fly by being mounted on the user's 190 hand. In another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 190 may detect movement of the user 190's hand. For example, a signal from a camera that captures an image of the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal indicating the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or another known communication method is used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In some embodiments, input / output interface 13 may further communicate with controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends a command output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to perform vibration, sound output, light emission, and the like. Upon receiving the command, the controller 160 executes one of vibration, sound output, and light emission according to the command.

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

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

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the server 150 includes a plurality of HMD systems 100A including an HMD device 110A (head mounted device), an HMD system 100B including an HMD device 110B, and an HMD system 100C including an HMD device 110C. The HMD systems 100 are communicably connected to each other. Accordingly, a virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to a user using each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, the HMD system 100C, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration.

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

  Further, the computer 200 may have a configuration commonly used by a plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as another user in the same virtual space. In such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in the present embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 via the input / output interface 13. Further, each function of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

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

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

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

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

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

  In a certain situation, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 is standing upright and viewing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw view coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD device 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x axis), the vertical direction (y axis), and the front-back direction (z axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u axis) and the yaw direction (v Axis) and roll direction (w axis).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Visibility area]
The visibility region 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the viewing area 23 in the virtual space 2 when viewed from the X direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the viewing area 23 in the virtual space 2 when viewed from the Y direction.

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

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

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

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

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

  According to one embodiment, the virtual camera 1 desirably includes two virtual cameras: a virtual camera for providing a right-eye image and a virtual camera for providing a left-eye image. Further, it is preferable that appropriate parallax is set for the two virtual cameras so that the user 190 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll direction (w) generated by combining the roll directions of the two virtual cameras is the roll direction (w) of the HMD device 110. The technical idea according to the present disclosure will be exemplified as being configured to be adapted.

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

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

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

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

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

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 accept an operation by the right thumb of user 190. In a certain situation, the analog stick 38 receives an operation in any direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes, as submodules, a virtual camera control module 221, a view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, and a reference view specification module 224. The virtual space control module 230 includes, as submodules, a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, an operation object control module 233, an operation reception module 234, and a charging management module 235.

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

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, direction, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the direction of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 determines a display mode of a player character (described in detail later) included in the view image. The reference line of sight specification module 224 specifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object control module 232 generates a target object arranged in the virtual space 2. The virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, and the like) of the target object and the player character in the virtual space 2. The target object may include, for example, a landscape, an animal, and the like including a forest, a mountain, and the like arranged according to the progress of the story of the game. Further, the target object includes a money object and a storage object held by the player character. The player character is an object associated with the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2, and may be referred to as an avatar. In the present disclosure, an object including an avatar is referred to as a player character. This player character can hold a storage object and a money object.

  The operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object for operating an object arranged in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the operation objects include, for example, a hand object (virtual hand) corresponding to the hand of the user wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the finger of the user, a stick object corresponding to a stick used by the user, and the like. May be included. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to an axis portion in a direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The operation receiving module 234 performs control for receiving an operation on the virtual space 2. For example, when a game space or a chat room is constructed using the virtual space 2, the operation reception module 234 receives an operation according to rules in the game space or the chat room. In addition, it accepts settings in the game space and chat room and accepts billing operations. The various operations described above may be, for example, operations received by the controller 160, or may be operations based on the user's line of sight.

  When the operation receiving module 234 receives a charging operation, the charging management module 235 registers the user's money information and charging information in the server 150 using the communication control module 250. The charge management module 235 updates the user information 243 in synchronization with the money information and the charge information stored in the server 150. Note that the synchronization target may be either money information or billing information.

  When each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object, the virtual space control module 230 detects the collision. The virtual space control module 230 can detect, for example, the timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and perform a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the objects are separated from the state in which the objects are in contact with each other, and when the detection is performed, perform a predetermined process. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the objects are touching each other. Specifically, when the operation object control module 233 touches the operation object and another object (for example, a target object arranged by the virtual object control module 232), the operation object and the other object touch each other. That is, a predetermined process is performed.

  The memory module 240 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, attribute information such as drawing data of the player character and size information thereof, and the like. I have. The content may include, for example, a game, a content representing a landscape similar to the real world, or the like. The user information 243 includes, for example, a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program using each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Further, the user information 243 includes money information obtained by charging in the virtual space 2 and charging information indicating a charging amount.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the HMD system 100 used by the user 190 to provide the user 190 with the virtual space 2.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

  In step S2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and turns the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a visual field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the view image.

  In step S5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S6, the processor 10 specifies the view direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the position and the inclination of the HMD device 110 as the view region determination module 222. The processor 10 executes an application program and arranges objects in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects an operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in a certain situation, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of the user 190 with both hands (for example, waving both hands). The signal indicating the detection content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S8, the processor 10 reflects the detection content sent from the controller 160 on the virtual space 2 as the operation object control module 233. Specifically, the processor 10 moves an operation object (for example, a hand object representing the hand of the player character) in the virtual space 2 based on a signal indicating the content of the detection. Further, the processor 10 as the operation object control module 233 detects a predetermined operation (for example, a grasp operation or the like) by the operation object on the target object. In the present disclosure, the controller 160 is associated with the player character, that is, an operation on the storage object owned by the player character, an operation of opening the storage object and confirming the currency object, or grasping and removing the currency object Detect operations. The operation object control module 233 performs a process according to the detected content. In addition, when the controller 160 detects an operation of passing the money object to another player character and receiving the virtual object in exchange for the money object, the operation object control module 233 performs a process according to the detected content.

  In step S9, the processor 10 generates, as the view image generation module 223, view image data for displaying a view image based on the result of the process in step S8, and outputs the generated view image data to the HMD device 110. In the present disclosure, a large number of money objects are stored in the storage object. When the player character opens the storage object and tries to check the money object, the virtual object control module 232 and the visual field image generation module 223 generate the money object based on the money information described in the user information 243. ,Depict.

  In step S10, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

Here, a view image M when the player character is handling a storage object and a money object is shown. State in FIG. 11 (A) shows a receiving object OB _S. The motion of the user HMD system 100 detects when the user determines that looking towards the housing object OB _S, viewing image generation module 223 includes a housing object OB _S generated by the virtual object control module 232 Generates a visual field image M. Storing object OB _S is associated with a user associated with the player character, ownership to the user is set.

Then, under the control of the operation object control module 233, the player character may be opened storage object OB _S with his hand object OB _H. Therefore, the user 190 may be in the field image M, viewing the money object OB _C housed in the housing objects. Condition (B) shows a field image M when on viewing money object OB _C. As shown in state (B), a virtual object control module 232, a money object OB _C, to produce in an amount based on the money information stored in the user information 243. For example, if the money information indicates that the 13 coins, virtual object control module 232 generates 13 pieces of money object OB _C.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing a field image M at the time of purchase virtual object OB _K in the virtual space 2. Condition (A) shows a field image M when grasping the money object OB _C arbitrary number to open the housing object OB _S. Condition (B) shows a field image M when handing money object OB _C for a given character C in the virtual space 2. Operation object control module 233, the player character of the user 190 is handed money object OB _C to a predetermined character, therewith to detect a user action that receives a virtual object OB _K in exchange. If the user action is performed, the operation reception module 234 performs a process of associating a virtual object OB _K, and a user ID of the user 190. For example, a player character associated with the user 190 and the virtual object OB _K, and stores the association in the user information 243. Note that the handing operation is a process of associating a money object with a virtual object. As the associating process, in addition to the handing, an operation in which the player character inserts a money object into a virtual vending machine object can be considered.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100, the server 150, and the charge management server 155 for accurately depicting the money object in the virtual space 2 described above.

  In step S21, the operation receiving module 234 of the HMD system 100 receives a charging process request specifying a user ID and a charging amount. In step S22, the communication control module 250 transmits the user ID and the billing amount to the server 150.

  In step S23, the server 150 receives the billing information (user ID, billing amount) from the HMD system 100. Then, in step S24, server 150 transmits billing information (user ID and billing amount) to billing management server 155.

  In step S25, the charging management server 155 performs a charging process according to the charging information corresponding to the user ID.

  On the other hand, in step S26, server 150 transmits a message to the effect that billing operation has been accepted to HMD system 100. In step S27, the server 150 registers the money information and the billing information in the virtual space 2. That is, the server 150 has a management table in which the user ID and the money information are associated with each other, and registers the money information in association with the user ID.

  In step S28, the charging management module 235 of the HMD system 100 synchronizes with the money information registered in the server 150 and stores the same information as the money information in the user information 243.

  Then, in step S29, the view image generation module 223 and the virtual object control module 232 provide the view image in which the money object has been generated to the user 190. Then, when the user 190 operates the controller 160, the operation object control module 233 causes the player character to grasp the money object and pass it to a predetermined character. With this operation, the operation reception module 234 of the HMD system 100 stores the user and the virtual object in the user information 243 in association with each other. Therefore, the user can perform a purchase operation of the virtual object in the virtual space.

  In step S30, the communication control module 250 of the HMD system 100 transmits the settlement processing information to the server 150. This settlement processing information is information for reducing the money information managed by the server 150 in accordance with the purchase operation of the virtual object in the virtual space 2.

  In step S31, the server 150 performs a process of updating the money information of the corresponding user ID according to the settlement processing information. In step S32, the charging management module 235 of the HMD system 100 updates the money information described in the user information 243 in synchronization with the server 150.

  In FIG. 13, the HMD system 100 accepts the billing operation and issues a billing process request instruction in accordance with the billing operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The billing operation may be performed from an information terminal other than the HMD system 100 such as a personal computer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the money information is generated based on the billing information on which the billing process has been performed in the billing management server 155. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the HMD system 100 and the server 150, a charging limit amount that is the maximum amount that can be charged by the charging management server 155 may be stored as charging information. In this case, within the range of the charge limit, each time a purchase operation of a virtual object or the like is performed using the money information in the virtual space 2, a charge process is performed. Hereinafter, the processing will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100, the server 150, and the charge management server 155 for depicting a money object when the charge limit is set in advance.

  In step S41, the operation receiving module 234 of the HMD system 100 receives a charging operation specifying a user ID and a charging limit. In step S42, the communication control module 250 of the HMD system 100 transmits the charging information including the user ID and the charging limit to the charging management server 155.

  In step S43, the charging management server 155 receives the charging information (user ID, charging limit) from the HMD system 100, and stores the charging limit in a charging management table defined for each user.

  In step S44, the charging management server 155 notifies the server 150 that manages the money information by operating the virtual space 2 in the HMD system 100, about the charging limit. For example, when the HMD system 100 logs in to the server 150 using the user ID, the server 150 may acquire the charging limit from the charging management server 155 using the user ID as a key.

  In step S45, the server 150 registers the money information in the virtual space 2 based on the charge limit received from the charge management server 155. That is, the server 150 has a management table of the user ID and the money information, and registers the money information in association with the user ID.

  In step S46, the charging management module 235 of the HMD system 100 synchronizes with the money information registered in the server 150, and stores the same information as the money information in the user information 243.

  In step S47, the view image generation module 223 and the virtual object control module 232 provide the view image in which the money object has been generated to the user 190. Then, when the user 190 operates the controller 160, the operation object control module 233 causes the player character to grasp the money object and pass it to a predetermined character. With this operation, the operation reception module 234 of the HMD system 100 stores the user and the virtual object in the user information 243 in association with each other. Therefore, the user can perform a purchase operation of the virtual object in the virtual space.

  In step S48, the communication control module 250 of the HMD system 100 transmits the settlement processing information to the server 150. This settlement processing information is information for reducing the money information managed by the server 150 in accordance with the purchase operation of the virtual object in the virtual space 2. For example, the settlement processing information is money information corresponding to the purchase price of the virtual object.

  In step S49, the server 150 calculates a billing amount based on the settlement processing information. Then, in step S50, server 150 transmits billing information (user ID and billing amount) to billing management server 155.

  In step S51, the charging management server 155 performs a charging process according to the charging information corresponding to the user ID. At this time, the charging management server 155 updates the charging limit in the charging management table set in step S43. Note that the billing management server 155 gives an error notification when billing information exceeding the billing limit is received.

  In step S52, the server 150 performs a process of updating the money information of the corresponding user ID according to the settlement processing information. In step S53, the charging management module 235 of the HMD system 100 updates the money information described in the user information 243 in synchronization with the server 150.

  In FIG. 14, the HMD system 100 has a function of accepting the setting of the charging limit, but is not limited to this. An information terminal other than the HMD system 100 may access the charging management server 155 and set a charging limit for each user. The charge management server 155 may receive the setting of the charge limit from the HMD system 100 or another information terminal via the server 150.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by the computer 200 to provide a user with a virtual space via a head mounted device (HMD device 110),
Controlling a view image from a character object associated with the user in the virtual space 2 based on the movement of the user 190 (steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 10);
Storing the money information generated in accordance with the billing information based on the payment mode of the user 190 (step S28 in FIG. 13, step S46 in FIG. 14);
Generating a money object based on the money information (steps S9 and S10 in FIG. 10);
Associating a virtual object with the user based on a user action on the money object received from the user (step S29 in FIG. 13, step S47 in FIG. 14);
An information processing method comprising:
According to the information processing method of this item, a money object can be generated based on money information according to billing information, and a virtual object can be associated with a user according to a user action on the money object. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the charged amount (or the amount for which the charging is permitted), and provide the user with an environment in which the user can shop with peace of mind like shopping using money in the real space. Can be.
(Item 2)
In the step of storing the money information,
If a predetermined amount of charging specified by the user has been performed on the charging management server that performs the charging process on the user, the money information corresponding to the predetermined amount is stored,
In the step of generating the money object,
Generating a money object based on the money information corresponding to the predetermined amount,
Item 1. The information processing method according to Item 1.
According to the information processing method of this item, when a charging process is performed on the charging management server in advance, a money object of money information can be generated based on the predetermined amount subjected to the charging process. Thereby, the user can visually grasp the actually charged amount.
(Item 3)
In the step of storing the money information, when a charging limit that is a maximum amount that can be charged in the charging management server that performs the charging process for the user is set, the money information corresponding to the charging limit is stored. ,
In the step of generating the money object, generating a money object based on money information corresponding to the charging limit,
In response to the user action, instruct the charging management server to perform charging processing.
Item 1. The information processing method according to Item 1.
According to the information processing method of this item, a money object of money information based on the charging limit can be generated. As a result, the user can visually grasp the amount for which charging has been permitted.
(Item 4)
Receiving a manipulation on a virtual hand associated with the character object,
In the step of accepting the operation, the user action is executed by using the virtual hand, grasping the money object, and accepting an operation to associate with the predetermined object,
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3.
According to the information processing method of this item, the user can grab the money object and hand it like a real world shopping. Therefore, the sense of immersion in the virtual space can be improved, and the excessive use of the money object and, on the contrary, the suppression of waste can be prevented.
(Item 5)
The money object is associated with the user and stored in a storage object for storing the money object,
In the step of receiving the operation,
Using the virtual hand, the user action is performed by taking out the money object from the storage object and receiving an operation to associate the taken money object with the predetermined object.
Item 4. The information processing method according to Item 4.
According to the information processing method of this item, the user can take out a money object from a storage object such as a wallet. Therefore, the sense of immersion in the virtual space can be improved.
(Item 6)
A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5.
(Item 7)
A memory storing the program according to item 6,
A processor coupled to the memory and for executing the program.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Reference line of sight, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 12 ... Storage, 13 ... Input / output interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ... Bus, 19 ... Network, 21 ... Center, 22: virtual space image, 23: view area, 24, 25: area, 31: frame, 32: top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 ... button, 35: infrared LED, 38: analog stick, 100: HMD system , 110, 110A, 110B, 110C HMD device, 112 monitor, 114 sensor, 116 camera, 118 microphone, 120 HMD sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 155 billing Management server, 160: controller, 160R: right controller, 190: user, 00: computer, 220: display control module, 221: virtual camera control module, 222: view area determination module, 223: view image generation module, 224 ... reference view line identification module, 230 ... virtual space control module, 231 ... virtual space definition Module, 232 virtual object control module, 233 operation object control module, 234 operation reception module, 235 accounting management module, 240 memory module, 241 space information, 242 object information, 243 user information, 250 Communication control module, 810: right hand, M: view image.

Claims (7)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a user with a virtual space via a head mounted device,
Moving an operation object in the virtual space based on a movement of a part of the user's body;
A step of storing money information that is information generated according to the amount specified by the user and that can specify the number of money objects to be visualized,
Arranging a money object based on the money information in the virtual space;
Associating a virtual object purchased by the user in the virtual space with the user;
With
The arranging step includes, in response to moving the operation object based on a movement of a part of the user's body, including visualizing a number of money objects based on the money information in the virtual space,
The associating step, by an operation for gripping a operation on the operation unit of the controller of the user is detected, the moving visualized money object the operation object to grip the can, the number of consuming select money object, by an operation for associating the number of money objects to be consumed that the selected predetermined object in the virtual space is detected, by consuming the number of money objects to be consumed that the selected An information processing method, comprising: associating a virtual object purchased by the user in the virtual space with the user. In the step of storing the money information,
When a predetermined amount of accounting specified by the user has been performed in advance for the accounting management server that performs the accounting for the user, storing money information corresponding to the predetermined amount,
In the step of visualizing the money object in the virtual space,
Visualizing the money object based on the money information corresponding to the predetermined amount,
The information processing method according to claim 1. In the step of storing the money information, if a charging limit that is a maximum amount that can be charged in the charging management server that performs the charging process for the user is set, the money information corresponding to the charging limit is stored. ,
In the step of visualizing the money object in the virtual space, visualize a money object based on money information corresponding to the charging limit,
By operation for gripping a operation on the operation unit of the controller of the user is detected, the operation object moves to grip the visualized money object, select the number of coins objects that consume and, by the operation for associating the number of money objects to be consumed that the selected predetermined object in the virtual space is detected, in response to consume the number of money objects to be consumed that the selected, the The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of a computer instructing the charging management server to perform a charging process. In the step of associating the virtual object purchased by the user with the user in the virtual space, the operation for associating the selected consumption number of money objects with a predetermined object in the virtual space includes the selected consumption number. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including an operation of passing the money object to a predetermined character object in the virtual space. The money object is associated with the user and stored in a storage object for storing the money object,
Visualizing the money object for several minutes based on the money information in the virtual space, in response to moving the operation object based on the movement of a part of the user's body to open the storage object, Visualizing the money object in the virtual space,
The step of associating the virtual object purchased by the user with the user in the virtual space includes extracting the selected consumption number of the money object from the storage object and passing the operation object to the predetermined character object. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein the virtual object purchased by the user in the virtual space is associated with the user in accordance with the movement based on the movement of a part of the body of the user.   A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 1. A memory storing the program according to claim 6,
A processor coupled to the memory and for executing the program.