JP6821461B2 - A method executed by a computer to communicate via virtual space, a program that causes the computer to execute the method, and an information control device. - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more specifically to a technique for communicating via a virtual reality space.

Conventionally, a technique for providing a virtual reality space (hereinafter, also referred to as "virtual space") is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-181056 (Patent Document 1) states that "communication between users having similar interests is constructed, the utility value of network services is enhanced, and communication between users on the network is enhanced. To support the activation of and the interaction between users in virtual space or real space ”(see [Summary]).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-181056

Various objects are presented in the virtual space. For example, in order to perform communication via a chat room provided in the virtual space (hereinafter, also referred to as "VR (Virtual Reality) chat"), the virtual space has a plurality of objects. May be shared by users. At this time, an avatar object corresponding to each user may also be presented. In this case, it may not be possible for other users to know which user the presented avatar object is sharing the virtual space with. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for identifying other users who share the virtual space.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object in a certain aspect is to provide a technique that can be identified as necessary by other users sharing a virtual space. Is.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed on a computer for communicating over virtual space is provided. This method involves defining a virtual space, establishing communication between a user wearing a headmount device connected to a computer and another user through the virtual space, and an avatar representing the other user, respectively. The step of presenting the object to the virtual space, the step of detecting the user's line of sight to the virtual space, and when the user's line of sight is directed to the avatar object, the identification information of another user is presented in the vicinity of the avatar object. With steps.

In a certain aspect, a user who communicates via the virtual space can easily identify the other user by visually recognizing the identification information presented when the avatar object of the other user is visually recognized.

The above and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the computer 200 which follows one aspect. It is a figure that conceptually represents the uvw field-of-view coordinate system set in the HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually represents one aspect which expresses the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which showed the head of the user 190 who wears HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure which shows the YZ cross section which looked at the field of view area 23 from the X direction in virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the XZ cross section which looked at the field of view area 23 from the Y direction in virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. An example of the hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800 is shown. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a figure which conceptually represents one aspect which expresses the virtual space 2 presented by each of the computer 200, 200N, and 200X. It is a figure which shows one aspect of storing data in a memory module 240. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200 according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the computer 200 executes when the identification information is displayed. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the processor 10 in order to present identification information after communication is interrupted in a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the field of view image 1500 presented in the HMD 110 used by a user 190. It is a figure which shows the change of the display mode of the identification information of the avatar object 1510.

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

The configuration of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In some aspects, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

The HMD system 100 can communicate with other HMD systems 100N, 100X at a remote location via the network 19. The HMD system 100N can be used by the user 190N. The HMD100X can be used by the user 190X. The configuration of the HMD system 100N and 100X is the same as the configuration of the HMD system 100. The same components as the components of the HMD system 100 are designated by reference numerals N and X. Therefore, each HMD system will be described below with reference to the configuration of the HMD system 100 as appropriate.

The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112, a speaker 115, a microphone 119, and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 may include a motion sensor 130.

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

The HMD 110 may be worn on the head of the user 190 and provide virtual space to the user 190 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 190 visually recognizes the respective image, the user 190 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transparent display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is located in the body of the HMD 110 so that it is located in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, the user 190 can immerse himself in the virtual space when he / she visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In certain embodiments, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, objects that can be manipulated by user 190, and images of menus that can be selected by user 190.

In one aspect, the computers 200, 200N, 200X communicate signals with other computers based on the actions of the respective users 190, 190N, 190X. For example, the computer 200 generates a video signal for providing a virtual space and transmits the video signal to the HMD 110. When the HMD 110 transmits the video signal to the monitor 112, the monitor 112 displays a virtual space image based on the received video signal. The other computers and the HMDs connected to the computers are the same as in the case of the computers 200 and the HMD 110.

In certain embodiments, when computers 200, 200N, 200X are running a VR (Virtual Reality) chat application for communicating over virtual space, the computers 200, 200N, 200X are HMD110, 110N, respectively. Realize communication via the virtual space presented by 110X. In communication via virtual space, video and audio are communicated. At this time, the avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space. For example, when the user 190 is communicating with another user 190N, 190X, the HMD 110 worn by the user 190 presents an avatar object corresponding to the user 190N, 190X. The user 190 can communicate with other users 190N and 190X via the avatar object while being immersed in the virtual space.

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

The gaze sensor 140 detects the direction in which the eyes of the user 190's right eye and left eye are directed (line-of-sight direction). 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 certain aspects, the gaze sensor 140 preferably 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 the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and detects the angle of rotation of each eyeball by receiving the reflected light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiation light. .. The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

The speaker 115 outputs the voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs an audio signal corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can speak to another user 190N, 190X by using the microphone 119, and can hear the utterance of another user 190N, 190X by using the speaker 115.

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

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 tilt of the HMD 110 by executing the image analysis process using the image information of the HMD 110 output from the camera.

In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include the sensor 114 as the position detector instead of the HMD sensor 120. The HMD 110 can use the sensor 114 to detect the position and tilt of the HMD 110 itself. For example, if the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyro sensor, the HMD 110 will use any of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to determine its position and tilt. 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 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change of the angle.

Further, the HMD 110 may be provided with a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transparent display device by adjusting its transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space as a part of the image constituting the virtual space. For example, an image taken by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be superimposed on a part of the field image and displayed, or by setting a high transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device, the field image can be displayed. The real space may be visible from a part.

The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with another computer 200 to provide virtual reality to the HMD 110 used by another user. For example, in an amusement facility, when a plurality of users play a participatory game, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200, and the plurality of users interact (in the same virtual space). It makes it possible to enjoy VR chat).

The controller 160 receives an instruction input from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be grippable by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be wearable on a body or part of 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 sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 accepts operations given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of objects placed in the space that provides the virtual reality.

The motion sensor 130 is attached to the hand of the user 190 in a certain aspect to detect the movement of the hand of the user 190. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. The data indicating the detection result of the hand movement of the user 190 obtained by the motion sensor 130 is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in, for example, a glove-shaped controller 160. In certain embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be attached to something that does not easily fly by being attached to the user 190's hand, such as a glove type. In another aspect, a sensor not attached to the user 190 may detect the movement of the user 190's hand. For example, the signal of the camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication method is used.

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 other aspects, the HMD system 100 may include a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a telephone function for connecting to a telephone line.

More specifically, in a certain aspect, the user 190 may select a communication partner (hereinafter, also referred to as “chat partner”) using a controller or by selecting an avatar object with which he / she wishes to communicate with his / her line of sight. Hereinafter, a case where the user 190N is selected as the chat partner will be described. The chat partner is not limited to one person, and two or more people can be selected.

When the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119 after selecting the user 190N, a voice signal based on the voice is transmitted to the computer 200. In addition, the gaze sensor 140 detects the movement of the line of sight of the user 190. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as eye tracking data. The computer 200 transmits the voice data and the eye tracking data based on the received voice signal to the user 190N. For example, the computer 200 transmits voice data and eye tracking data to the server 150 via the network 19. The voice data and the eye tracking data each include the network address of the computer 200N used by the user 190N. The server 150 transmits the voice data and the eye tracking data received from the computer 200 to the computer 200N via the network 19, respectively. The timing at which the voice data and the eye tracking data are received by the computer 200N is not always the same, and one of the data may be delayed from the other data.

The computer 200N outputs the voice data received from the server 150 to the speaker 115 of the HMD 110N worn by the user 190N. Further, the computer 200N generates data for changing the line of sight of the avatar object of the user 190 based on the received eye tracking data, and transmits the data to the monitor 112. The user 190N can hear the voice of the user 190 through the speaker 115 of the HMD 110N, and can visually recognize the avatar object presented on the monitor 112.

When the user 190N speaks to the user 190, the voice data and the eye tracking data are transmitted from the computer 200N to the computer 200 in the same manner as described above. In this way, the user 190 and the user 190N can interact in the virtual space using their respective avatar objects.

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

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

The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from storage 12, for example. The data 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 other volatile memory.

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

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

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

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

The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, a server 150, computers 200N, 200X, etc.) connected to the network 19. In a certain aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Will be done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

In a certain 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 are an operating system of a computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, software for realizing a remote conference connecting remote locations, and game software that can be executed in the virtual space using a controller 160. And so on. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD 110, but in other aspects, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including a monitor 112 may function as a computer 200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a certain aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 is upright and visually recognizing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), vertical direction (y-axis), and front-back direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) and yaw direction (v-axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110. , And the roll direction (w-axis).

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

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

In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between the points (eg, the distance between the points). The position of the above in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 representing one aspect of expressing the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky 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 so as not to complicate the explanation. Each mesh is defined in the virtual space 2. The position of each mesh is predetermined 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.) expandable in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Provides the user with the virtual space 2 in which is expanded.

In a certain aspect, the virtual space 2 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 21 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the global coordinate system. Since the XYZ coordinate system is a kind of viewpoint coordinate system, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the 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 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 moves in the virtual space 2 in the same manner in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 110 in the real space. As a result, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

[User's line of sight]
The determination of the line-of-sight direction of the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

[Visibility area]
The field of view 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the field of view 23 as viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of the field of view 23 as viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

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

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

In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 190 with a virtual space by displaying the field of view image 26 on the monitor 112 based on the signal from the computer 200. The field of view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the field of view area 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD 110 attached to the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the field of view 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the field of view image 26 displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to an image of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the field of view area 23 in the direction facing the user in the virtual space 2. The user can visually recognize the desired direction in the virtual space 2.

While wearing the HMD 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 a certain 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 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 identifies an image area (that is, a field of view 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8A, in some aspects the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated by 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 800 and the left controller are symmetrically configured as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that accepts operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

The right controller 800 includes a grip 30, a frame 31, and a 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 user 190's right hand and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

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

The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along its circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared rays as the program progresses while the program using the controller 160 is being executed. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect each position and orientation (tilt, orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8A. An array with one or more columns may be used.

The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push-type buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 accept operations by the thumb of the user 190's right hand. In a certain aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in any direction 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 800 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 type and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller may be connected to, for example, the USB interface of the computer 200. In this case, the right controller 800 and the left controller do not require batteries.

FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190. For example, when the input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is grasped, and when the input operation is not performed on the button 34, FIG. 8B shows. As shown, the index finger of the hand object 810 can also be extended. For example, in the hand object 810, when the thumb and the index finger are extended, the direction in which the thumb is extended is the yaw direction, and the direction in which the index finger is extended is the roll direction, the yaw direction axis, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction axis. The direction is defined by the hand object 810 as the pitch direction.

[HMD control device]
The control device of the HMD 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In certain embodiments, the control device is implemented by a computer 200 having a well-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 voice control module 225, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a field of view area determination module 222, a field of view image generation module 223, and a reference line of sight identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, a line-of-sight detection module 233, an identification information control module 234, and a chat control module 235 as submodules.

In certain embodiments, the display control module 220, the voice control module 225, and the virtual space control module 230 are implemented by the processor 10. In other embodiments, the plurality of processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220, the voice control module 225, or the virtual space control module 230, respectively. 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 the image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The visual field determination module 222 defines the visual field region 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. The field of view image generation module 223 generates a field of view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined field of view area 23. Further, the field of view image generation module 223 generates a field of view image based on the data received from the virtual space control module 230. The field of view image data generated by the field of view image generation module 223 is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250. The reference line-of-sight identification module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

The voice control module 225 detects that a voice signal based on the utterance of the user 190 has been input to the computer 200 from the HMD 110. The voice control module 225 attaches the input time to the voice signal corresponding to the utterance and generates voice data. The voice control module 225 transmits the voice data to the computer used by the user selected by the user 190 among the other computers 200N and 200X in which the computer 200 is in a communicable state as a chat partner of the user 190.

The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. First, 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 generation module 232 generates data of an object arranged in the virtual space 2. For example, the virtual object generation module 232 generates avatar object data representing other users 190N and 190X who chat with the user 190 via the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object generation module 232 can change the line of sight of the user's avatar object based on the line of sight detected in response to an utterance from another user 190N, 190X.

The line-of-sight detection module 233 detects the line-of-sight of the user 190 based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. In a certain aspect, the line-of-sight detection module 233 detects the line-of-sight of the user 190 at that time based on the detection of the utterance by the user 190. Line-of-sight detection is achieved by known techniques, such as non-contact eye tracking. As an example, as in the scleral reflection method, the gaze sensor 140 irradiates the eyes of the user 190 with infrared rays, and the line of sight of the user 190 is based on the data obtained by photographing the reflected light with a camera (not shown). Can detect the movement of. In a certain aspect, the line-of-sight detection module 233 specifies each position according to the movement of the line-of-sight of the user 190 as coordinate values (x, y) with reference to any of the display areas of the monitor 112.

[Presentation of identification information]
The identification information control module 234 controls the presentation of the identification information of the avatar object presented in the virtual space 2. For example, in a certain aspect, the identification information control module 234 detects that the line of sight of the user 190 is directed to the avatar object presented in the virtual space 2 based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. The identification information control module 234 presents the identification information of another user (for example, users 190N, 190X) corresponding to the avatar object. The identification information includes, for example, the name of the other user, a handle name, and other information that distinguishes the other user.

In a certain aspect, the identification information control module 234 presents the object so that the object representing the identification information faces the viewpoint of the user 190, independent of the orientation of the avatar object. For example, the identification information control module 234 outputs data for drawing the image representing the identification information so as to face the front of the user 190 to the monitor 112. The user 190 can easily know who is the user who is using the avatar object.

In a certain aspect, the identification information control module 234 measures the time elapsed from the time when the identification information is presented. When the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, several seconds), the identification information control module 234 ends the presentation of the identification information. By doing so, since the identification information recognized by the user 190 does not continue to be presented to the virtual space 2, it is possible to prevent other objects arranged in the virtual space 2 from becoming difficult to see.

In a certain aspect, after the identification information of the other users 190N, 190X is erased, the identification information control module 234 determines that the line of sight of the user 190 is the avatar object of the other users 190N, 190X based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. It can be detected that it is pointed again at. In this case, the identification information control module 234 does not present the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X again. Since the user 190 has already recognized the other users 190N and 190X, it is possible to prevent the complexity caused by the unnecessary identification information being presented to the virtual space 2 again.

In a certain aspect, the identification information control module 234 presents the avatar object in which the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X is already displayed, which is different from the presentation mode of the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented. Then, it may be presented to the HMD 110. In this way, the user 190 can easily distinguish the avatar object whose identification information has already been presented from another avatar object.

In a certain aspect, the identification information control module 234 may detect the movement of the avatar object in the virtual space 2 based on the signal sent from the server 150. For example, another user 190N, 190X may operate the right controller 800 to move its own avatar object. In such a case, the virtual object generation module 232 presents the avatar object at the destination location. The identification information control module 234 presents identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar object. In this way, even if the location of the avatar object corresponding to each user in the virtual space 2 changes according to the operation of the other users 190N and 190X during the presentation of the identification information, each identification information is also in the vicinity of the avatar object. Presented at. The user 190 can accurately identify other users 190N and 190X without overlooking the correspondence between the identification information and the avatar object.

In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 detects that communication with another user 190N or user 190X has been interrupted based on the signal received from the server 150. The interruption may occur, for example, when the communication line is unstable, the radio wave used in the mobile communication network is interrupted, or a power outage occurs. The identification information control module 234 may end the presentation of the avatar object and the identification information in response to the interruption of communication. When the identification information control module 234 detects that communication with another blocked user has been reestablished based on the signal received from the server 150, the identification information control module 234 may present the avatar object to the virtual space 2. If the time from the interruption of communication to the re-establishment is less than a predetermined time, the identification information control module 234 may re-present the avatar object and the identification information. If the communication is blocked while the identification information is presented, and if the blocking time is short, the user 190 can use the avatar object by visually recognizing the avatar object and the identification information again. The user can be easily made.

On the other hand, when the communication is interrupted for a long time, the user 190 may not visually recognize the avatar object when the avatar object is presented to the virtual space 2 again. In this case, when the user 190 visually recognizes the avatar object again, the identification information control module 234 may present the identification information again in the vicinity of the avatar object.

In yet another aspect, the identification information control module 234 presents the identification information of the other users 190N, 190X to the virtual space 2 only when the other users 190N, 190X permit the presentation of the identification information. May be good. For example, in the user registration aspect of VR chat, each user who wishes to register may set whether or not to disclose personal information. A user who does not wish to disclose his / her real name, photo or other personal information can register a setting prohibiting the disclosure of the personal information in the server 150. In such a case, the user can enjoy VR chat in the chat room only with the avatar object without disclosing personal information. Therefore, when a specific user makes such a setting, the identification information control module 234 does not display the identification information even if the user 190 keeps looking at the avatar object.

The chat control module 235 controls communication via the virtual space. In one aspect, the chat control module 235 reads the chat application from the memory module 240 and via the virtual space 2 based on the operation of the user 190 or based on the chat start request transmitted by another computer 200N. Start the communication. When the user 190 enters the user ID and password into the computer 200 and performs a login operation, the user 190 enters the chat session (also referred to as a "room") as one of the members of the chat via the virtual space 2. Be associated. Then, when the user 190N using the computer 200N logs in to the chat in the session, the user 190 and the user 190N are associated with each other as members of the chat. When the chat control module 235 recognizes the user 190N of the computer 200N that is the communication partner of the computer 200, the virtual object generation module 232 uses the object information 242 to provide data for presenting the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N. Generate and output the data to HMD110. When the HMD 110 displays the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N on the monitor 112 based on the data, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 recognizes the avatar object in the virtual space 2.

In one embodiment, the chat control module 235 waits for input of voice data based on the utterance of user 190 and input of data from the gaze sensor 140. When the user 190 performs an operation for selecting an avatar object in the virtual space 2 (for example, a controller operation, a gesture, a voice selection, a gaze by the line of sight, etc.), the chat control module 235 is based on the operation. , Detects that the user corresponding to the avatar object (eg, user 190) has been selected as the chat partner. When the chat control module 235 detects a speech by the user 190, the chat control module 235 receives voice data based on the signal sent from the microphone 119 via the communication control module 250 based on the network address of the computer 200N used by the user 190N. The eye tracking data based on the signal sent from the gaze sensor 140 is transmitted to the computer 200N. The computer 200N updates the line of sight of the avatar object of the user 190 based on the eye tracking data, and transmits the voice data to the HMD 110N. When the computer 200N has a synchronization function, the change in the line of sight of the avatar object on the monitor 112 and the output of the sound from the speaker 115 are realized at almost the same timing, so that the user 190N feels uncomfortable. It becomes difficult to feel.

The memory module 240 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In a certain aspect, the memory module 240 holds spatial information 241, object information 242, user information 243, and chat monitor information 244.

Spatial information 241 holds one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2.

The object information 242 contains data for displaying an avatar object used for communication via the virtual space 2, content to be played in the virtual space 2, and information for arranging an object used in the content. keeping. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a landscape similar to the real world, and the like. The data for displaying the avatar object may include, for example, image data schematically representing a communication partner with which a relationship has been established in advance as a chat partner, a photograph of the communication partner, and the like.

The user information 243 includes a program for operating the computer 200 as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program using each content stored in the object information 242, and a user ID required for executing the application program. Holds password etc. The data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, a server 150) operated by a business operator that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

The chat monitor information 244 includes information on communication via the virtual space 2 shared between the computer 200 and other computers 200N and 200X. In the chat monitor information 244, for example, the identification information of each user participating in the chat using the virtual space 2, the login status of each user, the data for controlling whether or not the identification information can be presented, and the identification information are the last in the user 190. Including the date and time presented in.

In a certain aspect, when each user logs in to a chat room prepared in advance for VR chat, the information of the logged-in user is transmitted to the computer used by another user who is logged in to the chat room. For example, when users 190N and 190X log in to the chat room, the user ID, identification information, login status (eg "login"), and whether or not the identification information can be presented are determined by the computer 200N and 200X to the user 190. Is transmitted to the computer 200 of.

The communication control module 250 can communicate with the server 150 and other information communication devices via the network 19. The communication control module 250 is realized by a known communication technique such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

In certain aspects, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can be implemented using, for example, Unity® 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 the hardware and the software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be pre-stored in a hard disk or other memory module 240. The software may also 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 other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from a server 150 or other computer via a communication control module 250, and then temporarily stored in a storage module. .. The software is read from the storage module by the processor 10 and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

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

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

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

[Operation between computers by communication between two users]
Here, the operation of the computers 200 and 200N when the two users 190 and 190N communicate with each other via the virtual space 2 will be described. Hereinafter, a case where the user 190N wearing the HMD110N connected to the computer 200N speaks to the user 190 wearing the HMD110 connected to the computer 200 will be described.

(Transmitting side) In a certain situation, the user 190N wearing the HMD110N speaks into the microphone 119 in order to chat with the user 190. The voice signal of the utterance is transmitted to the computer 200N connected to the HMD110N. The voice control module 225 converts the voice signal into voice data, and associates the time stamp indicating when the utterance is detected with the voice data. The time stamp is, for example, time data of the internal clock of the processor 10. In a certain aspect, the time data when the voice signal is converted into voice data by the communication control module 250 is used as a time stamp.

When the user 190N is speaking, the movement of the line of sight of the user 190N is detected by the gaze sensor 140. The detection result (eye tracking data) by the gaze sensor 140 is sent to the computer 200N. The line-of-sight detection module 233 identifies each position (for example, the position of the pupil) representing the change in the line of sight of the user 190N based on the detection result.

The computer 200N transmits the voice data and the eye tracking data to the computer 200. The voice data and eye tracking data are first sent to the server 150. The server 150 refers to the destination in each header of the voice data and the eye tracking data, and transmits the voice data and the eye tracking data to the computer 200. At this time, the timing at which the voice data reaches the computer 200 and the timing at which the eye tracking data arrives at the computer 200 may not match.

(Receiving side) The computer 200 receives the data transmitted by the computer 200N from the server 150. In one aspect, the processor 10 of the computer 200 detects that it has received voice data based on the data sent from the communication control module 250. When the processor 10 identifies the source of the voice data (that is, the computer 200N), the processor 10 causes the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 to display the chat screen as the chat control module 235.

The processor 10 further detects that it has received the eye tracking data. When the processor 10 identifies the source of the eye tracking data (that is, the computer 200N), the processor 10 generates data for displaying the avatar object of the user 190N as the virtual object generation module 232.

In another aspect, the processor 10 may receive the eye tracking data before the audio data. In this case, when the processor 10 detects the source identification number from the eye tracking data, it determines that the audio data transmitted corresponding to the eye tracking data exists. The processor 10 waits for the output of data for displaying the avatar object until it receives the voice data including the same source identification number and time data as the source identification number and time data included in the eye tracking data.

In yet another aspect, the processor 10 may receive the audio data before the eye tracking data. In this case, when the processor 10 detects the source identification number from the voice data, it determines that the eye tracking data transmitted corresponding to the voice data exists. The processor 10 waits for the output of the voice data until it receives the eye tracking data including the same source identification number and time data as the source identification number and time data included in the voice data.

In each of the above aspects, the time data to be compared does not have to show exactly the same time.

When the processor 10 confirms the reception of the voice data including the same time data and the eye tracking data, the processor 10 outputs the voice data to the speaker 115 and monitors the data for displaying the avatar object reflecting the change based on the eye tracking data. Output to 112. As a result, the user 190 can recognize the voice emitted by the user 190N and the avatar at the same timing, so that the user 190 does not feel the time lag due to the signal transmission delay (for example, the change in the avatar object and the timing shift of the voice output). , You can enjoy chatting.

Further, the processor 10 of the computer 200N used by the user 190N may also synchronize the output timing of the voice data with the output timing of the avatar object reflecting the movement of the line of sight of the user 190, as in the above processing. it can. As a result, the user 190N can also recognize the output of the voice emitted by the user 190 and the change of the avatar object at the same timing, so that the user can enjoy the chat without feeling the time lag due to the signal transmission delay.

[Chat overview]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an outline of chat via the virtual space performed according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually representing one aspect of expressing the virtual space 2 presented by each of the computers 200, 200N, and 200X.

As shown in FIG. 10, the computers 200, 200N, and 200X can each communicate with the server 150 via the network 19. Computers 200, 200N, 200X provide virtual space images 22, 22N, 22X via HMD110, 110N, 110X, respectively, which are connected to the computers 200, 200N, 200X. The virtual space images 22, 22N, 22X present avatar objects 1010, 1010N, 1010X corresponding to each user of the computers 200, 200N, 200X, respectively.

For example, the avatar objects 1010, 1010N, 1010X correspond to the users 190, 190N, 190X, respectively. For example, the virtual space image 22 visually recognized by the user 190 presents the avatar objects 1010N and 1010X as communication partners of the user 190. Avatar objects 1010 and 1010X are presented as communication partners of the user 190N in the virtual space image 22N visually recognized by the user 190N, respectively. The virtual space image 22X visually recognized by the user 190X presents the avatar objects 1010 and 1010N as communication partners of the user 190X, respectively.

The HMD 110, 110N, 110X transmits motion detection data corresponding to the positions and tilts of the users 190, 190N, 190X to the server 150, respectively, via the computers 200, 200N, 200X. The motion detection data may include eye tracking data. The server 150 transmits the motion detection data received from the HMD 110 to the HMD 110N and 110X, respectively. The HMD110N and 110X change the display mode (for example, the position and inclination of the avatar object) of the chat partner's avatar object presented in the virtual space 2 according to the motion detection data.

In a certain aspect, the HMD 110, 110N, 110X transmits voice data corresponding to the utterances of the users 190, 190N, 190X to the server 150, respectively. The server 150 transmits, for example, the audio data and the eye tracking data received from the HMD 110 to the computers 200N and 200X. The computers 200N and 200X change the display mode (for example, the orientation of the eyes and the head) of the avatar object according to the eye tracking data. The HMD110N and 110X output voice based on the voice data from the speaker 115.

From the above, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 moves his / her eyes and speaks, the display mode of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 is displayed in the virtual space 2 presented by the other HMD 110N / 110X in a state of being able to communicate with the HMD 110. Is changed, and the sound is output from the speaker 115. Since the timing at which the display mode changes and the timing at which the voice is output are synchronized, each communication partner can perform communication using the voice and the avatar object without discomfort in the communication via the virtual space 2.

[data structure]
The data structure of the memory module 240 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an aspect of data storage in the memory module 240. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds chat monitor information 244. The chat monitor information 244 includes a user ID 1110, a name 1120, a status 1130, a control flag 1140, and a presentation start date and time 1150.

User ID 1110 is used by computer 200 to identify users who share the virtual space 2. The name 1120 is used to notify each user who shares the virtual space 2. The name 1120 may be, for example, either the real name or the pen name of the user. The status 1130 represents the login status of the user to the chat room opened in the virtual space 2. The control flag 1140 controls whether or not the identification information (for example, real name, pen name, etc.) of the user is allowed to be presented to another user. The presentation start date and time 1150 represents the date and time when the identification information of the user is first presented in a session with a chat room opened in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the presentation start date and time 1150 is reset each time the chat session ends. Therefore, if the condition for presenting the identification information is satisfied again in the next session, the user who has already presented the identification information may also be presented with the identification information.

[Control structure]
The control structure of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, in step S1210, the processor 10 connects to the server 150 based on the operation of the user 190 who requests a chat via the virtual space 2. In step S1220, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 and presents the virtual space 2 to the user 190 through the HMD 110.

In step S1230, the processor 10 selects a shared room to communicate with other users (eg, users 190N, 190X) based on the operation of the user 190. In one aspect, the computer 200 presents the HMD 110 with a menu of one or more VR chat rooms (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "rooms") for communication via the virtual space 2. Each user 190, 190N, 190X can select at least one room by operating the controller or by the line of sight. In another aspect, one user may select a plurality of rooms and appropriately switch the presentation of the field of view image corresponding to the room, so that each of the plurality of rooms may be used to communicate with another user.

In step S1240, the processor 10 logs in to the room selected by the user 190 based on the login operation by the user 190. The login operation is realized, for example, by operating the controller, detecting the line of sight in the virtual space 2, and the like. In the case of line-of-sight detection, it can be realized by the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 continuing to look at the login icon presented in the virtual space 2 for a predetermined time.

In step S1250, the processor 10 receives the information of the other users 190N and 190X logged in to the room from the server 150 and stores the information in the memory module 240. In step S1260, the processor 10 presents the avatar objects of the other users 190N and 190X to the selected rooms, respectively.

In step S1270, the processor 10 detects the line of sight of the user 190 with respect to the avatar object based on the signal output from the gaze sensor 140. In step S1280, the processor 10 reads the identification information (for example, name, photo, etc.) of another user corresponding to the avatar object, for example, user 190N, from the memory module 240 in response to the detection of the line of sight.

In step S1290, the processor 10 presents the front-facing identification information (name, photo, etc.) of the user 190 in the vicinity of the avatar object regardless of the front-facing direction of the avatar object. Therefore, even if the back or profile of the avatar object is presented, the user 190 can recognize the identification information, so that it is possible to easily know who is the user corresponding to the avatar object. In a certain aspect, when a predetermined time elapses after the identification information is displayed, or when the user 190 gives a hidden instruction to the computer 200, the processor 10 hides the identification information. Since the identification information is not continuously displayed, the decrease in the immersive feeling in the virtual space 2 can be suppressed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the computer 200 when the identification information is displayed. For example, the process is executed while the user 190 continues to communicate via the virtual space 2.

In step S1310, the processor 10 re-detects the line of sight to the avatar object whose identification information has already been presented, based on the output from the gaze sensor 140.

In step S1320, the processor 10 determines whether or not the condition for presenting the identification information again is satisfied. The conditions include, for example, any of the following:
(1) When the avatar object enters the virtual space 2 again after the avatar object disappears from the virtual space 2 (2) The computer 200 used by the user 190 is communicating with the computer 200 via the virtual space 2. When communication with the computers 200N and 200X used by other users 190N and 190X is temporarily cut off and then communication is restored, the processor 10 determines that the condition is satisfied (YES in step S1320). , The control is switched to step S1330. If not (NO in step S1320), the processor 10 ends the process.

In step S1330, the processor 10 presents the identification information to the virtual space 2 again. In this way, the user 190 can visually recognize the erased identification information before identifying the other user who uses the avatar object, so that the other user can be identified.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the processor 10 in order to present identification information after communication is interrupted in a certain embodiment.

In step S1410, the processor 10 detects that communication with another user has been interrupted based on the signal received from the server 150. For example, when the signal transmitted by the computer 200 to the computer 200N is not received by the computer 200N, a signal indicating that signal may be transmitted from the server 150 to the computer 200. Alternatively, the signal transmitted to the computer 200N may be returned to the computer 200. In such a case, the computer 200 detects that the communication with another computer is cut off. When communication with another computer, for example, the computer 200N is cut off, the processor 10 ends the presentation of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N who uses the computer 200N.

In step S1420, the processor 10 ends the presentation of the identification information of the user 190N. In step S1430, the processor 10 detects that communication with the other user (for example, user 190N) has been reestablished. For example, when the processor 10 receives a signal from the server 150 indicating that the computer 200N has logged in to the chat room, it detects that communication with the computer 200N used by the user 190N has been reestablished.

In step S1440, the processor 10 determines whether or not the time from the interruption of communication to the re-establishment exceeds a predetermined time. When the processor determines that the time exceeds a predetermined time (YES in step S1440), the processor switches the control to step S1450. If not (NO in step S1440), the processor 10 ends the process.

In step S1450, the processor 10 re-presents the identification information of the avatar object. In this way, the user 190 can see the identification information of another user again, so that it becomes easy to confirm who is the user corresponding to the avatar object.

[Display mode]
A display mode of the field of view image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a field of view image 1500 presented in the HMD 110 used by the user 190. For example, in a certain situation, when the user 190 logs in to the VR chat room and shares the virtual space 2 with other users 190N and 190X who are logged in to the same room, the view image 1500 is presented.

For example, as shown in the state (A), when the user 190 shares the virtual space 2 with three users including the users 190N and 190X in a certain aspect, the HMD 110 has three people on the monitor 112. Presents a view image 1500 containing avatar objects 1510, 1520, 1530 corresponding to each of the users of. As shown in the field of view image 1500, the avatar objects 1510 and 1530 are facing the front of the user 190. This means that, in a certain aspect, each user corresponding to the avatar objects 1510 and 1530 faces the avatar object of the user 190 presented in the virtual space 2. On the other hand, the avatar object 1520 shows a profile to the user 190 in the virtual space 2. This means that the user corresponding to the avatar object 1520 is facing 90 degrees laterally in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

As shown as the state (B), when the user 190 continues to look at the avatar object for a predetermined time or longer, the identification information of the avatar object is presented in the field of view image 1500. For example, if the user 190 keeps looking at the avatar objects 1510 and 1520, the name objects 1511 and 1521 are presented. The name object 1511 represents the name of the user corresponding to the avatar object 1510. The name object 1521 represents the name of the user corresponding to the avatar object 1520. At this time, even if the avatar object 1520 does not face the front of the user 190, the name object 1521 is presented so as to face the front of the user 190 independently of the orientation of the avatar object 1520. Therefore, the user 190 who visually recognizes the name object 1521 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object 1520.

After that, when a predetermined time elapses after the name objects 1511 and 1521 are presented, the name objects 1511 and 1521 are deleted as shown in the state (C). As a result, it is possible to prevent the visibility from being lowered due to the name objects 1511 and 1521 being continuously presented in the virtual space 2.

On the other hand, while the name objects 1511, 1521 are being presented, a sideways user may face the front of the user 190. In this case, the avatar object 1520 also faces the front of the user 190 so as to shift from the state (B) to the state (D). At this time, the orientation of the avatar object 1520 changes independently of the display direction of the name object 1521. Therefore, the display orientation of the name object 1521 will continue to face the front of the user 190, as in the case of the state (B). Further, after that, when the avatar object 1520 turns sideways, the name object 1521 is deleted by using the movement as a trigger so as to shift from the state (D) to the state (C). Therefore, the decrease in visibility can be prevented as described above.

After that, as shown as the state (E), in order to distinguish between the avatar object whose identification information has already been presented and the avatar object whose identification information has not been presented, the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 and the avatar object 1530 Different display modes are used with and from the display mode. For example, a color different from the color of the avatar object 1530 is used as the color of the avatar objects 1510 and 1520. Alternatively, in another aspect, the transparency of the avatar object 1530 is used as the color of the avatar objects 1510, 1520. In yet another aspect, the avatar objects 1510, 1520 are displayed blinking.

After that, when the user 190 continues to look at the avatar object 1530, the user's name object 1531 corresponding to the avatar object 1530 is presented as shown in the state (F).

When the avatar object 1530 moves closer to the avatar object 1520, as shown in state (G), the name object 1531 is presented until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed to hide the identification information. to continue. Therefore, the user 190 can identify the corresponding user even when the avatar object 1530 is moved.

The name object 1531 is then hidden, as shown in state (H). The display mode of the avatar object 1530 is changed to a display mode indicating that the identification information is an avatar object that has already been presented. For example, the same display mode as that of other avatar objects 1510 and 1520 is used. As a result, the avatar object for which the identification information is presented and the object for which the identification information is not presented can be easily distinguished.

Other display modes of the identification information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a change in the display mode of the identification information of the avatar object 1510. In certain embodiments, the identification information presented is not limited to name objects. For example, a photograph may be used as identification information.

As shown in the state (A), in a certain aspect, the name object of the user who uses the avatar object is presented in the vicinity of the avatar object as identification information. In other aspects, anything other than the name can be used as identification information.

For example, as shown in state (B), the user's photo 1611 may be presented in the vicinity of the avatar object instead of the name object 1511. Photo 1611 is transmitted from the computer 200N used by the user 190N or the server 150 that manages the chat to the computer 200 when another user 190N who uses the avatar object logs in to the chat room of the virtual space 2, and is sent to the memory module 240. It is stored. Alternatively, when face authentication is performed when each user logs in to the room, the face of the user may be photographed and the photograph may be uploaded to the room as identification information. By presenting the photo in the vicinity of the avatar object, the user 190 can easily recognize the user of the avatar object.

Further, as shown in the state (C), the name object 1511 of another user 190N and the photograph 1611 may be presented together. The user 190 can easily confirm the user 190N.

[Summary]
As described above, according to a certain embodiment, when the avatar object is presented in the virtual space 2, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 visually recognizes the avatar object, the identification information of the user corresponding to the avatar object is displayed. Is displayed in the vicinity of the avatar object. Therefore, the user 190 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object. For example, when it is desired to know the speaker in a video conference or the like, the user 190 can confirm the speaker by looking at the avatar object that has spoken.

In a certain aspect, the identification information is presented so as to face the front of the user 190 viewing the virtual space 2 regardless of the orientation of the avatar object. Since the identification information becomes easy to see, the user 190 who visually recognizes the identification information can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object. Thus, for example, in a video conference, the name object, photo object, and other identifying information of the avatar object that is speaking to a user different from the user 190 is presented facing the front of all users, including the user 190. , The user of the avatar object is easily confirmed.

In a certain aspect, when a predetermined time elapses after the identification information is presented, the identification information is hidden. Therefore, the user 190 can easily see other objects arranged in the virtual space 2.

In one aspect, if the user 190's line of sight is directed again at the other user's avatar object after the other user's identification information has been erased, the processor 10 does not present the other user's identification information again. .. Therefore, the decrease in visibility in the virtual space 2 can be suppressed.

In a certain aspect, the mode of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information of another user is already displayed is different from the mode of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented. Therefore, the user 190 can easily know which avatar object identification information has already been presented.

In a certain aspect, when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the line of sight of the user 190, the identification information of the avatar object is presented in the virtual space 2. Since the identification information of all the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 is not presented, the required identification information can be easily transmitted to the user 190.

When the avatar object moves in the virtual space 2 in a certain aspect, the identification information of the avatar object is also presented according to the movement. Therefore, the avatar object is reliably identified.

In a certain situation, when the communication between the user 190 and another user is temporarily cut off while the identification information is presented, when the communication is re-established, the time until the communication is re-established is predetermined. If the time is exceeded, the identification information is presented again. As a result, the user 190 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object in the state after the communication is resumed, so that the subsequent communication can be smoothly performed.

The technical features disclosed above can be summarized, for example, as follows:
[Structure 1] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method executed by the computer 200 for communicating via the virtual space 2. This method includes a step of defining the virtual space 2, a step of establishing communication between the user 190 equipped with the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200, and other users 190N, 190X, etc. via the virtual space 2, and the like. A step of presenting an avatar object representing the user 190N, 190X, etc. to the virtual space 2, a step of detecting the line of sight of the user 190 with respect to the virtual space 2, and an avatar when the line of sight of the user 190 is directed to the avatar object. It includes a step of presenting identification information (name object, photo object, etc.) of other users 190N, 190X, etc. in the vicinity of the object.
[Structure 2] According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the identification information includes a step of presenting the object representing the identification information so as to face the viewpoint of the user 190.
[Structure 3] According to an embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the above method further comprises a step of ending the presentation of the identification information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information was presented. ..
[Structure 4] According to a certain embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, in the above method, after the identification information of the other user 190N, 190X, etc. is erased, the line of sight of the user 190 is the other user 190N, When it is detected that the avatar object such as 190X is directed again, the step of prohibiting the display of the identification information of the other users 190N, 190X, etc. again is further provided.
[Structure 5] According to a certain embodiment, the step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space 2 is a mode of presenting the avatar object (for example, color, transparency) in which the identification information of other users 190N, 190X, etc. is already displayed. , Line type or thickness, presence / absence of blinking, etc.) includes a step of presenting the avatar object in a manner different from the presentation mode of the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented.
[Structure 6] According to an embodiment, the presenting step comprises presenting identification information when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the line of sight of the user 190.
[Structure 7] According to an embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the above method further comprises a step of detecting the movement of the avatar object in the virtual space 2. The step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space 2 includes a step of presenting the avatar object to the destination location in the virtual space 2. The step of presenting the identification information includes a step of presenting the identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar object.
[Structure 8] According to a certain embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the above method responds to a step of detecting that communication with another user 190N, 190X, etc. is interrupted and a communication interruption. It further includes a step of ending the presentation of the identification information and a step of detecting that communication with other users 190N, 190X, etc. has been established again. The step of presenting the identification information of other users 190N, 190X and the like includes a step of presenting the identification information again when the time from the interruption of communication to the re-establishment is less than a predetermined time.
[Structure 9] According to an embodiment, a program is provided that causes a computer to perform any of the above methods. The computer may include, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, and the like.
[Structure 10] According to an embodiment, an information control device is provided. This information control device includes a memory for storing the above program and a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processors, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interfaces, 14 communication interfaces, 15 buses, 19 networks, 21 centers, 22, 22N, 22X virtual space images, 23 views Area, 24,25 area, 26,1500 view image, 30 grips, 31 frames, 32 tops, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog sticks, 100, 100N, 100X system, 112 monitors, 114,120 sensors , 115 speaker, 119 microphone, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190, 190N, 190X, ID, ID 1110 user, 200, 200N, 200X computer, 800 right controller.

Claims (10)

A method performed on a computer to communicate over virtual space,
Steps to define virtual space and
A step of establishing communication between a user wearing a head mount device connected to the computer and another user via the virtual space.
A step of presenting an avatar object representing each of the other users in the virtual space,
The step of detecting the line of sight of the user with respect to the virtual space,
When the user's line of sight is directed at the avatar object, a step of presenting the identification information of the other user in the vicinity of the avatar object, and
When it is detected that the avatar object is not facing the user, the step of deleting the identification information of the other user and
A method. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the identification information includes a step of presenting the object representing the identification information so as to face the user's viewpoint. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of ending the presentation of the identification information when a predetermined time has elapsed from the presentation of the identification information. After the identification information of the other user is erased, when it is detected that the line of sight of the user is directed to the avatar object of the other user again, the identification information of the other user is again directed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of prohibiting the display of. In the step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space, the mode of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information of the other user is already displayed is different from the mode of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step presented in. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the presented step includes a step of presenting the identification information when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the line of sight of the user. Further including a step of detecting the movement of the avatar object in the virtual space,
The step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space includes a step of presenting the avatar object to a destination location in the virtual space.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of presenting the identification information includes a step of presenting the identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar object. The step of detecting that the communication with the other user is cut off, and
A step of ending the presentation of the identification information in response to the interruption of communication, and
Further provided with a step of detecting that communication with the other user has been reestablished,
The step of presenting the identification information of the other user includes a step of presenting the identification information again when the time from the interruption of the communication to the re-establishment is less than a predetermined time. Item 8. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 7. A program that causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8. A memory storing the program according to claim 9 and
An information control device coupled to the memory and comprising a processor for executing the program.

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