JPH10105541A - Information processor, information processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a virtual reality space to be shared or not shared with another user in accordance with the request of a user by switching an operating mode to a sharing mode to share the three-dimensional(3D) virtual reality space with the other user or a non-sharing mode not to share it through a switching means. SOLUTION: When a switching button is clicked, a browser (client terminal 13) tries to connect a prescribed bureau (shared server terminal 11) and the bureau transmits update information concerning the browser to be connected to a connected browser and transmits update information concerning the connected browser to the blouser to be connected. Thus, the same world is shared among plural users (blousers). When the user clicks the switching button later, the browser is disconnected form the bureau and the update information is not transmitted any more. Therefore, at that browser, the world in which only the browser itself exists is displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to sharing or not sharing a three-dimensional virtual reality space with another user according to a user's request. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium that can perform the information processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, NIFTY-Serve (trademark) and US Compu
A plurality of users, such as Serve (trademark), connect their personal computers to the center host computer via a modem and a public telephone network, and access the host computer based on a predetermined communication protocol. In the field of so-called personal computer communication services, a cyberspace service called Habitat (trademark) is known. Habitat was developed by LucasFilm in the United States in 1985, and has been in operation for three years at QuantumLink, a commercial network in the United States.
The service was launched by NIFTY-Serve as Fujitsu Habitat (trademark) in February of the year. In this Habitat, an avatar (avatar, an incarnation of a god in Indian mythology) is sent to a virtual city called "Populopolis," which is drawn in two-dimensional graphics, and users exchange with each other. Chat (Chat; text-based real-time dialogue by inputting and displaying characters) can be performed. This Habi
For a more detailed description of tat, see Cyberspace,
Edited by Michael Benedict, first edition on March 20, 1994,
NTT Publishing ISBN4-87188-265-9C0010 (Original; Cybersp
ace: First Steps, Michael Benedikt, ed. 1991, MIT Pr
essCambrige, MA ISBN 0-262-02327-X) pages 282 to 30
See page 7.

FIG. 32 shows a configuration example of a conventional cyberspace system provided by a personal computer communication service represented by Habitat described above.

The server terminal 1 includes a storage device 2 and supplies image data stored in the storage device 2 to each of the client terminals 3-1 to 3-3 via a public telephone network 4. I have.

[0005] Each of the client terminals 3-1 to 3-3 includes:
A predetermined one of a plurality of avatars (objects) prepared in advance in the storage device 2 is designated as a symbol representing oneself in a virtual three-dimensional space. Then, the avatar is moved in the three-dimensional virtual reality space provided by the server terminal 1 so that the user can enjoy life in the virtual reality space.

For example, the client terminal 3-1 is connected to the server terminal 1 via a built-in modem and a public telephone line network 4.
To provide an image of the virtual reality space. When a predetermined operation is performed on the client terminal 3-1 to move its avatar (for example, avatar A) in a predetermined direction, an image corresponding to the moving direction is provided from the server terminal 1. . Thereby, the client terminal 3-1 can enjoy the avatar A of the client terminal 3-1 as if the client terminal 3-1 moves in a town provided by the virtual reality space.

Similarly, the client terminal 3-2 can specify its own avatar (eg, avatar B) and move the avatar B in the virtual reality space.

When the avatar A of the client terminal 3-1 and the avatar B of the client terminal 3-2 move to positions near each other in the virtual reality space, they are transferred from the server terminal 1 to the client terminal 3-1. The provided image of the virtual reality space includes an image of the avatar B moving in the town in addition to the image of the town as the background. Thereby, an image as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed on the client terminal 3-1. That is, the user's own avatar A is arranged in the center, and the client terminal 3-
Two avatars B are located.

Similarly, an image as shown in FIG. 34 is provided to the client terminal 3-2. In FIG. 34, the user's avatar B is arranged at the center of the screen, and the avatar A of the client terminal 3-1 is arranged near the avatar B.

Further, similarly, the client terminal 3-3
In, when the user specifies his / her avatar (for example, avatar C) and moves this avatar C to a position near avatar A and avatar B in the virtual reality space, terminals 3-1 to 3-3 Provides an image in which avatars A to C are arranged in a virtual reality space.

As described above, a change (for example, a change in the position of an avatar or an attribute, a change in an attribute of an avatar, a change in a new object) Generation) is provided to another client terminal, whereby a user (client) using the client terminals 3-1 to 3-3 is provided.
Can share the same virtual reality space, so to speak.

In a conventional cyberspace system operated by a personal computer communication service typified by Habitat described above, a plurality of users use the same two-dimensional graphics via client terminals 3-1 to 3-3. It has a multi-user function of sharing the displayed virtual reality space and sharing the movement of each individual's avatar with each other.

However, the multi-user function is
It can be used only by a limited number of users, not by unspecified users. That is, taking the above Habitat as an example, the user:
First, a dedicated personal computer communication software is purchased in advance, and the software program is installed in one's own personal computer (client terminals 3-1 to 3-3). The personal computer is connected via a modem and a public telephone network 4. The user must connect to the host computer (server terminal 1) and complete membership registration such as online sign-up. After completing such membership registration, it becomes possible to access the virtual reality space for the first time. Therefore, what can actually be used is limited to the user who has completed the membership registration, and an unspecified user cannot freely access.

Further, in a conventional cyberspace system such as Habitat described above, a virtual cityscape or a state inside a room is drawn in two-dimensional graphics, and when an avatar is moved in the depth or front direction,
Simply moving the avatar up and down on the background of the two-dimensional graphics, the simulated experience of walking and moving in the virtual space has been lacking in expressiveness on the display. In addition, since the virtual space in which the avatar of one's alter ego and the avatar of another person are displayed is viewed from the viewpoint of a third party, the sense of the simulated experience is impaired also in this point. Therefore, realization of a function of displaying a virtual space in three-dimensional graphics and allowing a user to freely walk around from the viewpoint of an avatar, that is, a walk-through function, has been awaited.

On the other hand, as a conventional example of realizing the sharing of a three-dimensional virtual reality space on a network, as shown in FIG. 35, client terminals mutually connected by a LAN (Local Area Network) in a company or a research laboratory. A system composed of 3-5 to 3-7 is known.

First, all the client terminals 3-5 to 3-7 read graphics data describing the same three-dimensional space and display the same three-dimensional space. At this point, the three-dimensional spaces viewed by all the users match.

Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 35, if the position of the avatar A of the client terminal 3-5 is changed from the position shown by the dotted line to the position shown by the solid line in the figure, Information on change of information (change information)
From the client terminal 3-5 to a LAN (not shown)
Is transmitted to the client terminals 3-6 and 3-7 via the. Then, the client terminals 3-6 and 3-7
Then, the display is changed based on the change information from the client terminal 3-5.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the change information regarding the change of the position of the avatar A in the client terminal 3-5 (in the example of FIG. 35, Move Object to (10,20,3
0)) is transmitted to the client terminals 3-6 and 3-7. At the client terminals 3-6 and 3-7, the display of the avatar A corresponding to the change information is indicated by a dotted line in the figure. Is changed to the one shown by the solid line, whereby the avatar A moved by the client terminal 3-5 becomes
The client terminals 3-6 and 3-7 are also moved.

Similarly, when a change is made in the virtual reality space by a client terminal 3-6 or 3-7 other than the client terminal 3-5, the change is similarly reflected on the other client terminals. Users using the client terminals 3-5 to 3-7 can share the same virtual reality space.

Here, as described above, the avatar object representing oneself can move in the virtual reality space, and can appear and leave the virtual reality space. Changes (updates). Therefore, such an object is hereinafter appropriately referred to as an update object. Also, unlike a renewal object, an object of a building such as a building in a virtual reality space, for example, a town, is commonly used by a plurality of users, and its basic state does not change. If it changes, it is autonomous and independent of the operation of the client terminal. Therefore, such an object commonly used by a plurality of users is hereinafter appropriately referred to as a basic object.

[0021]

By the way, there is a case where a user wants to enjoy a virtual reality space shared with another user by himself / herself without sharing with another user by using a multi-user function.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables a virtual reality space to be shared or not shared with another user according to a user's request. Is what you do.

[0023]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to the present invention. The operation mode is switched between a shared mode in which the three-dimensional virtual reality space is shared with another user and a non-shared mode in which the three-dimensional virtual reality space is not shared with other users.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the information processing method according to the fifth aspect, and the recording medium according to the sixth aspect, the three-dimensional virtual reality space is stored in correspondence with the operation of the switching unit. The operation mode is switched between a shared mode for sharing with other users and a non-shared mode for not sharing with other users.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, regarding the basic philosophy and concept of the virtual society, Hiroaki Kitano of Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
"Hiroaki Kitano," Virtual Society (V1.0) ", ht
tp: //www.csl.sony.co.jp/person/kitano/VS/concept.
j.html, 1995 ".

[At the beginning of the 21st century, a virtual society was established in a network that was set up on a global scale ---
A virtual society --- will emerge. People all over the world will create tens of millions and hundreds of millions of "society" in the shared space created on the network. The society that will appear beyond the current Internet, CATV, and even the information superhighway is my view of the "virtual society." In this society, people can enjoy shopping, talk with others, play games, work, etc., perform social activities almost equivalent to ordinary social life, and are virtual and Something that is possible (that is, it is difficult in the real world, such as moving from Tokyo to Paris in an instant) is also possible. Such a "society"
A technology for building cyberspace that enables broadband networks, high-quality three-dimensional expression capabilities, two-way communication of voice, music, and moving images, and a place where many people can share that space. This is possible for the first time with state-of-the-art technologies such as large-scale distributed systems. "

For a more detailed description, see the above URL =
http://www.csl.sony.co.jp/person/kitano/VS/concep
Please refer to tjhtml.

The three-dimensional virtual reality space system for realizing the virtual society as described above is a cyber space system. As a specific example of the infrastructure required to construct this cyber space system, at this stage, , TCP / IP (Transmission
The Internet, a worldwide computer network connected by a communication protocol called Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, and W
Intranets and the like in which Internet technologies such as the WW (World Wide Web) are applied to information sharing on a corporate LAN (Local Area Network) have been considered. Further, in the future, it is considered to use a broadband network based on FTTH (Fiber To The Home), in which everything from the trunk system to the subscriber system is composed of optical fibers.

Here, as an information providing system that can be used on the Internet (The Internet), Swiss CERN
WWW (World Wide Web) developed by (European Center for Nuclear Research: European Institute of Nuclear Physics) is known. This allows information such as text, images, and audio to be viewed in a hypertext format. Information stored in a WWW server terminal is transmitted to a personal computer or the like based on a protocol called HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). Asynchronous transfer to the terminal.

The WWW server is an HTTP daemon (HTT
It is composed of server software called P: HyperText Transfer Protocol (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and an HTML file in which hypertext information is stored. Hypertext information is HTML (Hy
It is expressed by a description language called perText Makeup Language (Hypertext Description Language). HTML
Describes a logical structure of a sentence by a format specification called a tag surrounded by “<” and “>”. Description of a link to other information is made by link information called an anchor.
How to specify where information exists in the anchor is URL
(Uniform Resource Locator).

A file described in HTML is used for TCP
The protocol for transferring data on the / IP network is HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). It has a function of transmitting a request for information from a client to a WWW server and transferring hypertext information of an HTML file to the client.

The client software such as Netscape Navigator (trademark) called a WWW browser (browser means browsing) is often used as an environment using WWW.

Note that the daemon means a program for performing management and processing in the background when working on UNIX.

In recent years, this WWW has been further extended to enable description of a three-dimensional space and setting of hypertext links to objects drawn in three-dimensional graphics, and to follow these links while maintaining a WWW server terminal. VRML (Virtual
A description language of three-dimensional graphics data called Reality Modeling Language) and a VRML viewer for drawing a virtual space described by VRML on a personal computer or a workstation have been developed. This VRML version 1.0 specification was published in May 1995.
It was published on March 26, but a revised version in which clerical errors and ambiguous expressions were corrected was published on November 9, 1995, and its specification was URL = http://www.oki.com ./vrml/vrml10c.h
It can be obtained from tml.

By storing the information of the three-dimensional space described by VRML in the WWW server terminal, it is possible to construct a virtual space by three-dimensional graphics on the Internet, and further, via the Internet. By using the VRML viewer by a connected personal computer or the like, it is possible to realize display of a virtual space by three-dimensional graphics and a walk-through function.

In the following embodiment, an example using the Internet as a network will be described.
Of course, it may be realized by using TTH.

The term "cyberspace" is a coined word of William Gibson, a science fiction writer in the United States.
Used in the late-century NEUROMANCER (1984). Strictly speaking, it is not the first, but Burnin
g Also used in Chrome (1982). In these novels, the protagonist attaches a special electrode to the forehead to directly connect the computer and the brain, and visually reconstructs the data of a computer network spread around the world in a virtual three-dimensional There is a depiction of projecting space directly onto the brain. This virtual three-dimensional space was called cyberspace. Recently, the term has been used as a term indicating a system in which a plurality of users share a virtual three-dimensional space via a network. This is also used in the embodiments of the present application in this sense.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a cyberspace (three-dimensional virtual reality space provided via a network) system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a host computer (host) A is connected via a worldwide network (wide area communication network) 15 (information transmission medium) such as the so-called Internet.
To C, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) client terminals 13-1 to 13-3, and an arbitrary number (one in this embodiment)
) Service provider terminals 14 are connected to each other.

The host A is, for example, a so-called WWW (WoW).
rld Wide Web) system. That is,
The host A has information (file) as described below. Each information (file) has a URL (Uniform) as specification information for specifying the information in a unified manner.
m Resource Locator), and by specifying a URL, information corresponding to the URL can be accessed.

More specifically, the host A may, for example, read the streets of Tokyo in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, the streets of New York in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, or a three-dimensional virtual reality space in another predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). 3D image data for providing a virtual reality space). Note that this three-dimensional image data includes only basic objects whose basic state does not change (even if it changes, it changes autonomously, such as a ferris wheel, a neon sign, etc.). There is no static data. For example, objects commonly used by a plurality of users, such as buildings and roads, are basic objects. Then, the host A operates the information server terminal 1
0 (basic server terminal), and when the information server terminal 10 receives the URL via the network 15, the information corresponding to the URL, that is, the virtual reality space (however, as described above, , Which are made up of only basic objects) through the network 15.

In FIG. 1, a host having an information server terminal which is a server terminal for providing a virtual reality space (consisting of only basic objects) of a predetermined area is:
Although only one host A is provided, a plurality of such hosts can be provided.

The host B has a shared server terminal 11 (shared server terminal). The shared server terminal 11 is arranged in the virtual reality space, and serves as an update object that constitutes the virtual reality space. For example, an avatar representing each user is managed, so that a plurality of users can share the same virtual reality space. However, the host B manages only the update objects arranged in the virtual reality space in a predetermined area (for example, Tokyo or the like) in the virtual reality space stored by the host A. That is, the host B is, as it were, dedicated to a virtual reality space in a predetermined area. Although not shown, the network 15 stores, in addition to the host B, update objects stored in the host A and arranged in a virtual reality space in each of other regions (for example, New York and London). A host having a shared server terminal that is a server terminal to be managed is connected.

The host C, like the host A,
The system of W is configured, and stores, for example, an IP address (address of the shared server terminal) of the host, such as the host B, for addressing a host (shared server terminal) that manages the update object. . Therefore, the address of the shared server terminal stored in the host C is unitarily associated with the URL as in the case of the host A described above. The host C has a mapping server terminal 12 (management server terminal).
When the URL is received via the network 5, the IP address of the shared server terminal as information corresponding to the URL is provided via the network 15. In FIG. 1, the mapping server terminal 12 is a server terminal that provides the address of the shared server terminal.
Although only one host C is provided with the host C, a plurality of such hosts can be provided.

The client terminal 13 (13-1, 13-
2, 13-3) receives the provision of the virtual reality space from the information server terminal 10 via the network 15 and, under the management of the shared server terminal 11, transfers the virtual reality space to another client terminal (service provider). (Including the terminal 14). Further, the client terminal 13 can receive a predetermined service (information) using the virtual reality space from the service provider terminal 14.

The service provider terminal 14 is provided with a virtual reality space similarly to the client terminal 13 and transfers the virtual reality space to the client terminal 13 (where the service provider terminal exists in addition to the service provider terminal 14). In this case, the service provider terminal (including the service provider terminal) can be shared. Therefore, the service provider terminal 14 is the same as the client terminal 13 in the function of this part.

Further, the service provider terminal 14 can provide a predetermined service to the client terminal 13. In FIG. 1, only one service provider terminal 14 is provided as such a service provider terminal, but a plurality of service provider terminals can be provided.

Next, the W configured by the hosts A and C
The WW system will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 2, the WWW is a system for providing information from hosts X, Y, and Z to an unspecified number of users (client terminals) via a network (the Internet in the case of WWW) 15. The information that can be provided covers not only text but also a wide variety of figures, images (still images, moving images), sounds, three-dimensional images, and hypertexts linked to these.

In the case of WWW, a URL that is a format for expressing the information in a unified manner is determined for each piece of information, and the user can obtain information corresponding to the URL by designating the URL. . Here, the URL is
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a protocol type indicating a service type (in the embodiment of FIG. 3, http (this corresponds to a command for instructing to search and transmit a file corresponding to a file name described later) )), A host name indicating the URL destination (www.csl.sony.co.
jp) and the file name of the data to be transmitted (Fig. 3
In the embodiment of (1), it is composed of index.html).

The user operates the client terminal,
Enter the URL corresponding to the desired information. In the client terminal, when the URL is input, for example, the host name of the URL is referred to, and the host specified by the host name (the host X, Y, Z connected to the Internet in the embodiment of FIG. 2). Of these, a link with, for example, the host X) is established. Then, in the client terminal, the URL is transmitted via the Internet to the host with which the link has been established, that is, host X, whereby the host X is requested to provide information corresponding to the URL. In the host X, the information server terminal (W
An HTTP daemon (httpd) is operating on the (WW server terminal), and upon receiving the URL, the information server terminal transmits information corresponding to the URL to the client terminal via the Internet.

At the client terminal, the transmitted information is received and then displayed, for example. Thus, the user can obtain desired information.

Therefore, as information, a description of an element (object) constituting the virtual reality space is given to the host.
For example, an unspecified number of users can be stored simply by storing data representing the shape of the basic object (for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a cone), its arrangement position, and attributes (for example, the color or texture of the basic object). In addition, it is possible to provide a virtual reality space (however, only a basic object). That is, when the Internet is adopted as the network 15 and the WWW is used, the Internet is already widely used on a worldwide scale, and information to be stored in the host is stored in the form of a description of elements constituting a virtual reality space. This does not require the change of the information server terminal (WWW server terminal) constituting the WWW (the description of the elements constituting the virtual reality space is
The services provided as described above have upward compatibility with the existing services provided by the WWW), so that an unspecified number of users can easily and globally access the virtual reality space. It can be provided at low cost.

Also, by storing the IP address of another host as information in a predetermined host (mapping server terminal), an unspecified number of users can obtain the IP address of the host on a worldwide scale. The address can be easily provided.

It is to be noted that simply storing, in the host constituting the WWW, the description of the elements constituting the virtual reality space (three-dimensional image data for providing a virtual reality space in a predetermined area), the same virtual It is difficult for a plurality of users to share a real space. That is, in the WWW, the URL
Is provided only to the user, and management for exchanging information between users is not performed. For this reason, it is difficult to exchange the update object change information as described above between users using the WWW without changing its design. Therefore, FIG.
In the cyber space system, the shared server terminal 11
Is provided, and a host C having the mapping server terminal 12 is provided so that a plurality of users can share the same virtual reality space (the details will be described later).

Next, FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the information server terminal 10 operating on the host A of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the information server terminal 10 includes a CPU 81, and the CPU 81 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM.
In the information server terminal 10, the above-described HTTP daemon operates in the background. The RAM 83 appropriately stores data, programs, and the like necessary for the CPU 81 to execute various processes. The communication device 84 exchanges predetermined data with the network 15. The storage device 85 composed of a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like stores, as described above, data of a three-dimensional image for providing a virtual reality space in, for example, Tokyo, New York, or another predetermined area, with URLs. I remember it.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the shared server terminal 11 operating on the host B of FIG. As shown in the figure, the shared server terminal 11 has a CPU 21
The U21 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM22. RAM
Data and programs necessary for the CPU 21 to execute various processes are stored in the CPU 23 as appropriate. The communication device 24 exchanges predetermined data with the network 15.

The display device 25 is provided with, for example, a CRT or an LCD, and has a virtual reality space (a virtual reality space including an update object as well as a basic object) in a region managed by the shared server terminal 11. Interface 28 so that the images of
It is connected to the. A microphone 26 and a speaker 27 are connected to the interface 28 to supply a predetermined audio signal to the client terminal 13 or the service provider terminal 14 or to output audio signals from the client terminal 13 or the service provider terminal 14. The signal can be monitored.

The shared server terminal 11 is connected to the input device 2
9 so that various inputs can be made via the interface 28. This input device 2
9 has at least a keyboard 29a and a mouse 29b.

The storage device 30 composed of a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc.
Stores the data of the virtual reality space of the area in charge of management. The data in the virtual reality space is the same as the data stored in the storage device 85 of the information server terminal 10 (FIG. 4). The virtual reality space of the area where the server terminal 11 is in charge of management is displayed.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the mapping server terminal 12 operating on the host C of FIG. CPU 9
1 to the communication device 94 have basically the same configuration as the CPU 81 to the communication device 84 shown in FIG. The storage device 95 stores a shared server terminal that manages update objects (only the shared server terminal 11 is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, but other shared server terminals that are not illustrated are connected to the network 15). ) Is stored in association with the URL.

FIG. 7 shows the client terminal 13 (13-1).
13 to 13-3). The client terminal 13 includes a CPU 41, and the CPU 41 includes a ROM
Various processes are executed in accordance with the program stored in. The RAM 43 has a CPU
Data and programs necessary for the execution of various processes by the computer 41 are appropriately stored. The communication device 44 transmits and receives data via the network 15.

The display device 45 includes, for example, a CRT or an LCD, and is capable of displaying a CG (computer graphic) three-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image captured by an ordinary video camera or the like. I have.
The microphone 46 is used when outputting an audio signal to the shared server terminal 11. When an audio signal is transmitted from the shared server terminal 11, the speaker 47 outputs the audio signal. The input device 49 is operated when performing various inputs.

The keyboard 49a of the input device 49
Text consisting of predetermined characters and symbols (including URL)
Is operated when inputting. The mouse 49b is operated when designating a predetermined position. The viewpoint input device 49c and the movement input device 49d are operated when changing the state of the avatar corresponding to the client terminal 13 as an update object. That is, the viewpoint input device 49c is operated when inputting the viewpoint of the avatar corresponding to the client terminal 13. Thus, the avatar's viewpoint can be moved in the up, down, left, and right directions, and can be moved in the depth direction of the virtual reality space. The movement input device 49d is
An input for moving the avatar at a predetermined speed in the front, rear, left, and right directions can be performed. Of course, these inputs are input to the keyboard 49a and the mouse 49b.
It can also be performed from.

The storage device 50 composed of a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk or the like stores an avatar (update object) representing a user. Further, the storage device 50 is arranged in a virtual reality space of each region stored in the information server terminal 10 (including an information server terminal when the information server terminal exists other than the information server terminal 10). The URL for acquiring the IP address of the shared server terminal that manages the update object (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as an address acquisition URL) is replaced with the URL corresponding to the data of the virtual reality space in the region (hereinafter, appropriately, the virtual reality space URL). ) And stored in association with each other. Thereby, when a virtual reality space URL corresponding to data of a virtual reality space in a certain area is input, an address acquisition URL for acquiring an IP address of a shared server terminal managing the virtual reality space in the certain area is obtained. Has been made possible.

The interface 48 constitutes a data interface to the display device 45, the microphone 46, the speaker 47, the input device 49, and the storage device 50.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the service provider terminal 14 of FIG. The CPU 51 to the storage device 60
Has basically the same configuration as the CPU 41 to the input device 50 of the client terminal 13 in FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a virtual reality space provided by the information server terminal 10 of FIG. 1 and which can be shared among a plurality of users under the management of the shared server terminal 11. As shown in the figure, this virtual reality space is
The avatar C (for example, the avatar of the client terminal 13-1) and the avatar D (for example, the avatar of the client terminal 13-2) can move in this town (virtual reality space). It has been done.

The avatar C sees, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 10 from the position and the viewpoint in the virtual reality space. That is, the client terminal 13-1 is provided with the data on the basic objects constituting the virtual reality space from the information server terminal 10 and stored in the RAM 43 (or the storage device 50). And the RAM 43
From the (or the storage device 50), data of the virtual reality space that can be seen when the virtual reality space is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint and position is read and supplied to the display device 45.
Then, the viewpoint and the position of the avatar C are input to the viewpoint input device 4.
9c and the movement input device 49d are operated to change the data, the data corresponding to the change is read out from the RAM 43 (or the storage device 50) and supplied to the display device 45, whereby the data is displayed on the display device 45. The existing virtual reality space (3D image) is changed.

Further, the client terminal 13-1 has:
Another person's avatar (updated object) that can be seen when viewing the virtual reality space from the current viewpoint and position (FIG. 10)
In the embodiment, data on the avatar D) is provided from the shared server terminal 11, and the display of the display device 45 is changed based on the data. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 9, the avatar C is looking in the direction of the avatar D. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The avatar D is displayed on the image (virtual reality space) displayed on the display device 45 of (1).

Similarly, an image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 45 of the client terminal 13-2 corresponding to the avatar D. This display image is also changed by moving the avatar D's viewpoint and position. In FIG. 9, since the avatar D looks in the direction of the avatar C, the image (virtual reality space) displayed on the display device 45 of the client terminal 13-2 includes the avatar D as shown in FIG. C is displayed.

The service provider terminal 14 controls a part of the sharable virtual reality space provided by the information server terminal 10 and the shared server terminal 11. In other words, the service provider purchases a part of the provided virtual reality space from the administrator of the information server terminal 10 and the shared server terminal 11 (an information provider that provides information of the virtual reality space). This purchase is made in the real space. That is, when an administrator of the information server terminal 10 and the shared server terminal 11 receives an application for purchasing a virtual reality space from a predetermined service provider, it allocates a part of the virtual reality space to the service provider.

For example, it is assumed that the owner (service provider) of the service provider terminal 14 rents a room in a predetermined building in the virtual reality space, and sets up an electronic store there. The service provider provides the server terminal manager with products to be displayed at the electronics store, for example, materials of a television receiver (television). The server terminal administrator generates a stereoscopic image of the television by computer graphics based on the material. Then, the stereoscopic image is arranged at a predetermined position in the electronic store. As a result, an image of the virtual reality space is completed.

The same is performed by many service providers, and the virtual reality space is formed as one large town.

FIG. 12 shows a virtual reality space (1 of a building) occupied by the service provider having the service provider terminal 14.
) Is shown in a plan view. In this embodiment, one room of the building is allocated for the service provider, and the space (in the building) has two televisions 72,
A counter 71 is disposed in front of the television 73 in a diagonally right direction. Then, the service provider of the service provider terminal 14 makes its own avatar F
Is arranged behind the counter 71. Of course, the avatar F is the mobile input device 59 of the service provider terminal 14.
By operating d, it is possible to move to a predetermined position.

Now, in this electric appliance store, the client terminal 1
It is assumed that the avatar C of 3-1 has entered as shown in FIG. At this time, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display device 45 of the client terminal 13-1 according to the position and the viewpoint of the avatar C. On the other hand, when the avatar F is located behind the counter 71, an image as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display device 55 of the service provider terminal 14. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the image viewed from the avatar C has the avatar F
However, the avatar C is displayed on the image viewed from the avatar F.

As shown in FIG. 13, a cursor 74 used to designate a predetermined image from the client terminal 13-1 is displayed on the image viewed from the avatar C. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, a cursor 75 is displayed for use when specifying a predetermined image from the service provider terminal 14.

By operating the movement input device 49d of the client terminal 13-1 to move the avatar C around the television 72 or the television 73, an image corresponding to the position and the viewpoint is displayed on the display device 45. . This allows
The user can observe the televisions 72 and 73 in the same manner as when actually observing televisions as commodities arranged in the sales floor.

When the user operates the mouse 49b to move the cursor 74 and clicks on the avatar F, a conversation application signal is transmitted to the service provider terminal 14 corresponding to the avatar F. Service provider terminal 1
At this time, the microphone 4 can output an audio signal to the speaker 47 of the client terminal 13-1 corresponding to the avatar C via the microphone 56. Similarly, by inputting a predetermined audio signal from the microphone 46 of the client terminal 13-1, the audio signal of the user can be transmitted to the speaker 57 of the service provider terminal 14. In this way, both parties can have a normal voice conversation.

Note that this conversation is performed from the avatar F (the service provider terminal 14) to the avatar C (the client terminal 13-
It is also possible to apply for 1).

Further, in the client terminal 13-1, when the cursor 74 is moved and clicked on, for example, an image of the television 72, more detailed explanation information (provided information) of the television 72 can be received. This can be realized by configuring the data of the virtual reality space provided by the information server terminal 10 so that the explanatory information is linked to the data of the television 72. In addition,
The image for displaying the explanation information may be a three-dimensional image or a planar two-dimensional image.

The operation of designating the predetermined image can be performed from the service provider terminal 14 side. As a result, the service provider side can positively provide the user with the explanation information of the predetermined television.

When the service provider operates the mouse 59b and designates the avatar C with the cursor 75, the image corresponding to the position and the viewpoint of the avatar C, ie, the image displayed on the display device 45 of the client terminal 13-1 is displayed. The same image as the displayed image can be displayed on the display device 55 of the service provider terminal 14. As a result, the service provider can know where the user (avatar C) is currently looking, and can provide the user with information on points the user wants to know accurately.

The user receives the explanation or the provided information (explanation information), and when he / she likes, for example, can actually purchase the television 72.
In this case, the user applies for purchase to the service provider terminal 14 via the avatar F. Further, the user transmits a credit card number or the like to the service provider terminal 14 (avatar F) via the avatar C, for example.
Then, a request is made to deduct the amount corresponding to the amount of the product. The service provider of the service provider terminal 14 is:
A process for deducting a predetermined amount from the credit card number is performed, and an arrangement is made for sending out the product for which the purchase application has been made.

The image provided in the virtual reality space is basically a high-precision image generated by computer graphics. Therefore, by observing this from all angles, it is possible to perform almost the same observation as when observing the actual product from the desired angle,
The product can be confirmed more reliably.

In this virtual reality space,
There are many shops, cinemas, theaters, etc. Since it is possible to actually sell products at each store, a space with good location conditions (a space where many users' avatars enter) actually has an economic value. So, you can actually buy or sell this virtual reality space,
Can be rented. Therefore, this system is completely different from so-called television shopping.

Next, the operations of the client terminal 13 (service provider terminal 14), the information server terminal 10, the mapping server terminal 12, and the shared server terminal 11 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. I do.

FIG. 15 shows a processing example of the client terminal 13 (service provider terminal 14). In the client terminal 13, first, in step S1,
The CPU 4 determines whether or not a virtual reality space URL has been input.
It is determined by 1. If it is determined in step S1 that there is no input of the virtual reality space URL, the process returns to step S1. When it is determined in step S1 that a virtual reality space URL has been input,
The user operates the keyboard 49a to input a virtual reality space URL corresponding to a desired virtual reality space,
When this is received by the CPU 41 via the interface 48, the process proceeds to step S2, and as described with reference to FIG. 2, a WWW system is configured and an information server terminal of a predetermined host having an information server terminal (here, For example, for the information server terminal 10) of the host A,
The virtual reality space URL is transmitted from the communication device 44 via the network 15, and a link is established.

Further, in step S2, the address acquisition URL associated with the virtual reality space URL is read out from the storage device 50, and a mapping server terminal of a predetermined host (here, “0”) constituting the WWW system.
For example, the address acquisition URL is transmitted from the communication device 44 to the mapping server terminal 12 of the host C via the network 15 to establish a link.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3, in which the virtual reality space data (three-dimensional image data) transmitted via the network 15 and corresponding to the virtual reality space URL or the address acquisition URL transmitted in step S2, respectively.
Alternatively, the communication device 44 receives the IP address of the shared server terminal 12.

That is, in step S2, the virtual reality space URL is transmitted to the information server terminal 10. When the virtual reality space URL is received at the information server terminal 10, the data of the virtual reality space corresponding thereto is transmitted. But,
In step S22 of FIG. 16 described later, the data is transmitted to the client terminal 13 via the network 15. In step S3, the data of the virtual reality space transmitted from the information server terminal 10 in this way is received.
The received data of the virtual reality space is stored in the RAM 43.
And stored (or stored in the storage device 50 and then transferred to the RAM 43).

In step S2, the address acquisition URL is transmitted to the mapping server terminal 12. When the address acquisition URL is received by the mapping server terminal 12, the IP address of the corresponding shared server terminal is received. Will be described later with reference to step S3 in FIG.
2, is transmitted to the client terminal 13 via the network 15. In step S3, the IP address of shared server terminal 12 transmitted from mapping server terminal 12 in this way is received.

Here, the address acquisition URL associated with the input virtual reality space URL is, as described above, a shared address for managing the update object arranged in the virtual reality space corresponding to the virtual reality space URL. This corresponds to the IP address of the server terminal. Therefore, for example, the input virtual reality space URL corresponds to the virtual reality space in Tokyo, and the shared server terminal 11 of the host B manages the update object arranged in the virtual reality space in Tokyo. If so, step S3
Then, the IP address of the shared server terminal 11 is received. Therefore, the user does not need to know which shared server terminal manages the update object arranged in the virtual reality space of which region, and the user can manage the virtual reality space of the region that he / she wants to receive. The location (IP address) of the server terminal can be obtained automatically.

In steps S2 and S3,
In the process of transmitting the virtual reality space URL and the address acquisition URL and receiving the data and IP address of the virtual reality space, in practice, for example, transmitting the virtual reality space URL and receiving the corresponding data of the virtual reality space After that, an address acquisition URL is transmitted, and the corresponding IP
This is done by receiving an address.

When the data in the virtual reality space and the IP address of the shared server terminal are received in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, where the shared server corresponding to the IP address (IP address of the shared server terminal) received in step S3 is received. A connection request is transmitted to the terminal (here, for example, the shared server terminal 11) via the network 15 by the communication device 44, and thereby the client terminal 1
3 and a shared server terminal 11 establish a communication link. Further, in step S4, after establishing the communication link,
The avatar (update object) representing the self stored in the storage device 50 is transmitted to the shared server terminal 11 by the communication device 44.

Here, upon receiving the user's avatar, the shared server terminal 11 transmits the avatar to another virtual reality space (here, the virtual reality space in Tokyo as described above). The data is transmitted to the user's client terminal. Then, in the other client terminals, the transmitted avatar is arranged in the virtual reality space, whereby the same virtual reality space can be shared among a plurality of users.

The user's avatar is not provided from the client terminal 13 to the shared server terminal 11,
It is also possible to cause the shared server terminal 11 to assign a predetermined avatar to a user who has accessed. Further, in the client terminal 13, it is possible to arrange and display the avatar of the user who uses the client terminal 13 in the virtual reality space as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. In the real world,
Since the user cannot see himself / herself, from the viewpoint of making the virtual reality space closer to the real world, it is preferable that the user's avatar is not displayed on the client terminal used by the user. .

After the process in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, in which data of the virtual reality space that can be seen when the virtual reality space is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint and position is read out from the RAM 43 by the CPU 41, and is displayed on the display device. 45. As a result, the display device 45 displays a predetermined virtual reality space.

Then, in step S 6, the communication device 44 determines whether or not the avatar update information of another user has been transmitted from the shared server terminal 11.

Here, as described above, the user can update his / her own avatar position or viewpoint by operating the viewpoint input device 49c or the movement input device 49d. When an instruction to update the position of the avatar or the viewpoint is issued, the CPU 41 receives this command via the interface 48. Then, in response to the instruction, the CPU 41 executes a process of outputting position data or viewpoint data corresponding to the updated position or viewpoint of the avatar to the shared server terminal 11 as update information. That is, CPU
41 controls the communication device 44 to transmit the update information to the shared server terminal 11.

Upon receiving the update information from the client terminal, the shared server terminal 11 outputs the update information to another client terminal in step S44 of FIG. 18 described later. As described above, when the shared server terminal 11 receives an avatar from a client terminal that has made an access request, the shared server terminal 11 transmits the avatar to the client terminal of another user. , And are transmitted as update information.

When the update information is transmitted as described above, in step S6, the shared server terminal 11
Therefore, it is determined that the update information of the avatar of another user has been transmitted. In this case, the update information is transmitted to the communication device 4
4 and output to the CPU 41. CPU
41 updates the display of the display device 45 to a display reflecting the update information in step S7. That is,
When position data or viewpoint data from another client terminal is received as update information, the avatar of the user is moved or changed in accordance with the received position data or viewpoint data (for example, the direction of the avatar is changed). Let it do). When an avatar from another client terminal is received as the update information, the avatar is arranged on the display device 45 at a predetermined position in the virtual reality space currently displayed. The shared server terminal 11
When an avatar is transmitted as update information, the position data and the viewpoint data of the avatar are also included in the update information and transmitted. The display device 45 corresponds to the position data and the viewpoint data. The avatar is displayed.

When the above processing ends, the flow advances to step S8.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the update information of the avatar of another user has not been transmitted from shared server terminal 11, step S7 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, as described above, the CPU 41 determines whether the position or viewpoint of the avatar of the user using the client terminal 13 has been updated by operating the viewpoint input device 49c or the movement input device 49d. .

If it is determined in step S8 that the position of the avatar or the viewpoint has been updated, that is, if the viewpoint input device 49c or the movement input device 49d has been operated by the user, the flow proceeds to step S9, and the CPU proceeds to step S9.
At 41, data of the virtual reality space corresponding to the position and the viewpoint of the user's avatar is read from the RAM 43 based on the position data and the viewpoint data corresponding to the operation, and an operation for correction is performed as necessary. Generate image data corresponding to the position and the viewpoint. Then, the CPU 41 outputs the image data to the display device 45 and causes the display device 45 to display the image data.
Thus, the display device 45 displays an image (virtual reality space) corresponding to the viewpoint and position input by operating the viewpoint input device 49c and the movement input device 49d.

Further, in step S10, the CPU 41 controls the communication device 44, thereby transmitting viewpoint data or position data corresponding to the operation of the viewpoint input device 49c or the movement input device 49d to the shared server terminal 11. And the process proceeds to step S11.

Here, as described above, the update information from the client terminal 13 is received by the shared server terminal 11, and is output to another client terminal.
As a result, the avatar of the user using the client terminal 13 is displayed on the other client terminals in a form reflecting the update information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the avatar position or viewpoint has not been updated,
Steps S9 and S10 are skipped, and step S
Proceed to 11. In step S11, it is determined whether or not an end is instructed by operating a predetermined key of the keyboard 49a. Unless the end is instructed, the process returns to step S6, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

Next, a flowchart of FIG. 16 shows a processing example of the information server terminal 10. Information server terminal 1
In step S21, first, in step S21, the communication device 84 determines whether the virtual reality space URL has been transmitted from the client terminal 13 via the network 15. If it is determined in step S21 that the virtual reality space URL has not been transmitted, the process returns to step S21. If it is determined in step S21 that the virtual reality space URL has been transmitted, the virtual reality space URL is received by the communication device 84, and the process proceeds to step S22. Step S2
In 2, the CPU 81 reads data of the virtual reality space associated with the virtual reality space URL received by the communication device 84 from the storage device 85, and
The communication device 84 sends the URL via the network 15 to the client terminal 13 that has transmitted the virtual reality space URL. Then, thereafter, the process returns to step S21,
The above processing is repeated.

FIG. 17 shows a processing example of the mapping server terminal 12. In the mapping server terminal 12, in step S31, the communication device 94 determines whether or not the address acquisition URL has been transmitted from the client terminal 13 via the network 15. If it is determined in step S31 that the address acquisition URL has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S31.
Return to If it is determined in step S31 that the address acquisition URL has been transmitted, the address acquisition URL is received by the communication device 94, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the storage device 95
From the IP address associated with the address acquisition URL received by the communication device 94 (the IP address of the shared server terminal).
P address) is read by the CPU 91, and is read by the communication device 94 via the network 15.
Client terminal 1 that has transmitted the address acquisition URL
Sent to 3. Thereafter, the process returns to step S31, and the above-described processing is repeated.

FIG. 18 shows a processing example of the shared server terminal 11. In the shared server terminal 11, first, in step S41, the communication device 24 determines whether a connection request has been transmitted from the client terminal 13 via the network 15. If it is determined in step S41 that the connection request has not been transmitted, step S42 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S43. When it is determined in step S41 that the connection request has been transmitted, that is, when the client terminal 13 transmits the connection request to the shared server terminal 11 in step S4 of FIG. The communication link is a communication device 24
And the process proceeds to step S42.

At step S42, the CPU 21 updates the connection management table stored in the RAM 23. That is, the shared server terminal 11 is connected to the client terminal 13
In order to transmit the update information transmitted from the client terminal to another client terminal, it is necessary to recognize the client terminal 13 which has established a communication link with itself. Therefore, in the shared server terminal 11, when a communication link with a client terminal is established, information for identifying the client terminal is registered in a connection management table. That is, this connection management table is stored in the shared server terminal 1.
1 and the client terminal to which the link has been established
It is a list, so to speak. Here, as the information for identifying the client terminal, the IP address of the transmission source transmitted from each client terminal as the header of the TCP / IP packet and the nickname of the avatar set by the user of each client terminal are registered. .

Thereafter, the flow advances to step S43 to determine whether or not update information has been transmitted from the client terminal 13.
The determination is made by the communication device 24. If it is determined in step S43 that the update information has not been transmitted, step S44 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S45. When it is determined in step S43 that the update information has been transmitted, that is, the client terminal 13 has transmitted the position data and the viewpoint data as the update information to the shared server terminal 11 in step S10 in FIG. Case (or step S4 in FIG. 15)
, When an avatar as update information is transmitted to the shared server terminal 11 after transmission of the connection request), the update information is received by the communication device 24, and step S44 is performed.
Proceed to. In step S44, R
The connection management table stored in the AM 23 is referred to, and the update information received by the communication device 24 is transmitted to a client terminal other than the client terminal that has transmitted the update information. At this time, the source IP address of each client terminal managed in the connection management table is used.

Note that this update information is, as described above,
In step S6 of FIG. 15, the client terminal 13
Is received by

Thereafter, the flow advances to step S45 to determine whether or not an end command has been input from the client terminal 13.
If it is determined by the PU 21 that the termination has not been instructed, the step S46 is skipped and the process returns to the step S41. When the termination is instructed, the process proceeds to step S46, where the line with the client terminal 13 that has transmitted the instruction is disconnected by the communication device 24.
The information on No. 3 is deleted by the CPU 21 and the process returns to the step S41.

As described above, the management of the update object is performed by the shared server terminal 11, and the management (provision) of the basic object is performed by the information constituting the WWW of the Internet, which has already spread on a worldwide scale. Since the process is performed by the server terminal 10, a sharable virtual reality space can be easily provided to an unspecified number of users on a worldwide scale. Further, at this time, there is no need to change the specifications of the WWW system already constructed.

When using the WWW to provide data of the virtual reality space, an existing web browser (for example, Netscape Navigator by Netscape) is used to exchange data.
(Trademark)), so there is no need to create a new web browser.

Further, the IP address of the shared server terminal 11 is provided by the mapping server terminal 12, so that the user can connect the virtual reality space with other users without knowing the address of the shared server terminal 11. Can be shared.

Next, referring to FIG. 19, client terminal 13, information server terminal 10, shared server terminal 11,
A communication procedure with each of the mapping server terminals 12 will be described. When the user desires to provide a virtual reality space, the user inputs a URL (virtual reality space URL) associated with the virtual reality space in the desired area. Then
The URL is transmitted from the client terminal 13 to the information server terminal 10 (httpd). When receiving the URL from the client terminal 13, the information server terminal 10 transmits to the client terminal 13 data (three-dimensional scene data) (data of only the basic object) of the virtual reality space associated with the URL. The client terminal 13 receives this and displays it.

At this stage, the client terminal 1
3 and the shared server terminal 11 are not connected (the link is not established), so that the client terminal 13 does not receive the update information, and therefore, the virtual reality space of only the basic object, that is, for example, A virtual reality space such as a building, such as a building, is displayed (updated objects such as avatars of other users are not displayed).

Further, the client terminal 13 obtains an address acquisition UR associated with the virtual reality space URL.
L is transmitted to the mapping server terminal 12. In the mapping server terminal 12, the address acquisition URL is received, and the IP address associated with the address acquisition URL is received.
Address (a shared server terminal that manages update objects placed in a virtual reality space in a region associated with a virtual reality space URL, for example, shared server terminal 1
1) is transmitted to the client terminal 13.

Here, it is conceivable that the mapping server terminal 12 does not register an IP address associated with the address acquisition URL transmitted by the client terminal 13. That is, for example, the virtual reality space URL
There is a case where the shared server terminal that manages the update object arranged in the virtual reality space of the area associated with the server is not installed (not operated). In such a case,
Since the IP address of the shared server terminal cannot be obtained, the virtual reality space of only the basic object, that is, for example,
A virtual reality space consisting of only the streets as described above is displayed. Therefore, in this case, sharing of the virtual reality space with other users is not established. Such a virtual reality space uses an existing WWW to provide an information server terminal (WWW server terminal).
Can be provided simply by storing the data (basic objects) of the virtual reality space. Therefore, the cyberspace system of the present invention is upwardly compatible with the existing WWW. be able to.

When an IP address (IP address of shared server terminal 11) is transmitted from mapping server terminal 12, the IP address is received by client terminal 13, and the corresponding shared server terminal, that is, The connection request is transmitted to the shared server terminal 11. When a communication link between the client terminal 13 and the shared server terminal 11 is established, the client terminal 13 displays an avatar (the three-dimensional shape of the user) representing itself.
To the shared server terminal 11. Shared server terminal 1
When the avatar of the user is received from the client terminal 13, the avatar 1
1. An update object (a shared three-dimensional object) that is transmitted to another client terminal having a link established with the first server 1 and is an avatar of another user and is arranged in a virtual reality space in a region managed by the shared server terminal 11. Is transmitted to the client terminal 13.

As a result, at the other client terminals,
The avatar of the user of the client terminal 13 is arranged in the virtual reality space, and the avatar appears on the screen. In the client terminal 13, an avatar of a user of another client terminal is arranged in the virtual reality space, and the avatar also appears on the screen. As a result, the shared server terminal 1
All the users of the client terminals that have established the link with No. 1 share the same virtual reality space.

Thereafter, upon receiving the update information from another client terminal, shared server terminal 11 transmits the update information to client terminal 13. The client terminal 13 receives this update information and changes the display accordingly (for example, the position of the avatar of another user is changed). When the user of the client terminal 13 changes the avatar state of the user, update information corresponding to the change is transmitted from the client terminal 13 to the shared server terminal 11. Upon receiving the update information from the client terminal 13, the shared server terminal 11 transmits the update information to the client terminals other than the client terminal 13 in the same manner as when receiving the update information from another client terminal. This allows
In the client terminals other than the client terminal 13, the avatar state of the user of the client terminal 13 is changed in accordance with the update information (as if the avatar state of the user was changed by the user of the client terminal 13). Be changed).

Thereafter, the client terminal 13 transmits the update information on its own avatar and receives the update information from the shared server terminal 11 until the connection with the shared server terminal 11 is cut off. , The process of changing the display is repeated.

As described above, sharing of the same virtual reality space is achieved by exchanging update information via the shared server terminal 11 between users (client terminals 13). Therefore, when the shared server terminal 11 and the client terminal 13 are located at a distance from each other, a large delay occurs in the communication between the shared server terminal 11 and the client terminal 13 and the response is deteriorated. That is, for example, when the shared server terminal 11 is installed in the United States (United States) and a Japanese user accesses the shared server terminal 11, the update information of a certain user A in Japan is updated from Japan to the United States. → It will be transmitted to another user B in Japan along the route of Japan, and it will take time for the change by user A to be reflected on user B.

Therefore, a shared server terminal that manages update objects placed in a virtual reality space in the same area,
Not only one, but a plurality of such terminals are installed in, for example, countries around the world. Further, the mapping server terminal 12 registers the IP addresses of such a plurality of shared server terminals, and among them, a client terminal 13 is installed. It is possible to provide the IP address of the shared server terminal installed at a location geographically close to the region where the service is provided.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG.
A shared server terminal W1 or W2 that manages update objects placed in a virtual reality space (three-dimensional space) such as an amusement park is set up in Japan or the United States, respectively. When the users of Japan and the United States receive the data of the virtual reality space of the amusement park from the information server terminal 10, each user sends the virtual reality space of the amusement park to the mapping server terminal 12. Address acquisition URL associated with the virtual reality space URL corresponding to the space
Is transmitted (although the same address acquisition URL is transmitted from all users). At this time, the mapping server terminal 12 has a shared server terminal installed in Japan for Japanese users. The IP address of W1 is provided to the user in the United States, and the IP address of shared server terminal W2 installed in the United States is provided to the user in the United States.

Here, the mapping server terminal 12 specifies the installation location of the client terminal that has transmitted the address acquisition URL in the following procedure.

That is, when communication is performed by the TCP / IP protocol, the header of the TCP / IP packet includes:
A source IP address (Source IP Address) and a destination IP address (Destination IP Address) are described.

On the other hand, the IP address is composed of 32 bits, and is usually represented by a decimal number separated by dots in units of 8 bits. For example, IP = 43.0.35.11
It is expressed as 7. This IP address plays the role of an address that uniquely determines the source or destination terminal connected to the Internet. Since an IP address represented by 4 octets (32 bits) is difficult for humans to remember, it is represented as an identification name that is easy for humans to understand.
It is a domain name. It manages the correspondence between domain names and IP addresses assigned to terminals all over the world, and responds to inquiries by domain names from terminals.
A system which answers an address or answers a domain name in response to an inquiry by an IP address is a domain name system (DNS). DNS works by the cooperation of domain name servers scattered on the Internet around the world. The domain name is, for example, user name @ host name, such as hanaya@ipd.sony.co.jp. Organization name. Organization attribute. It is expressed as a country identifier (US is omitted). If the country identifier of the first layer is jp, it is a terminal installed in Japan, and if omitted, it is a terminal installed in the United States. A certain thing can be specified.

Using the domain name server 130 shown in FIG. 23, the mapping server terminal 12 specifies the installation location of the client terminal that has transmitted the address acquisition URL.

That is, the domain name server 130, which manages the correspondence table between the source IP address of the requesting client terminal and the domain name to which the IP address is assigned, is inquired of the corresponding domain name. The country where the client terminal is located is specified based on the first layer of the domain name of the client terminal obtained from the domain name server 130.

In this case, since the client terminal and the shared server terminal used by each user are geographically close to each other, the problem of the delay as described above is solved.
Response deterioration can be prevented.

In this case, the virtual reality space provided by the Japanese user and the US user is the virtual reality space of the same amusement park, but the shared server terminal that manages the sharing is provided by the Japanese user and the Japanese user. Because it is different from US users, the sharing is done independently between Japanese users and US users. In other words, only one user in Japan or one user in the United States shares the virtual reality space of one amusement park. Therefore, in this case, the same virtual reality space is provided from the information server terminal 10, but different shared spaces are constructed between Japanese users and US users. Can be performed without any trouble.

In this case, however, the shared server terminals W1 and W
2 and the exchange of update information between them, it is possible to share the same virtual reality space between Japanese users and US users. .

[0136] Deterioration of the response also occurs when many users access the shared server terminal 11, but this is caused by the shared server terminal that manages the update objects arranged in the virtual reality space in the same area. Are installed in each predetermined region, for example, each country or each prefecture, and the mapping server terminal 12 has addresses of the plurality of shared server terminals having a smaller number of client terminals accessing the same. Can be prevented.

That is, in this case, for example, as described above, a plurality of shared server terminals W3, W4, W5,... Are installed, and the mapping server terminal 12 first transmits a predetermined shared URL to a predetermined URL. The IP address of the server terminal W3 is provided. Further, in this case, for example, communication is performed between the mapping server terminal 12 and the shared server terminal W3, whereby the shared server terminal W3 accesses the shared server terminal W3 from the shared server terminal W3. Have the number of client terminals transmitted. The mapping server terminal 12 is in a state where the number of client terminals accessing the shared server terminal W3 exceeds a predetermined number (a number that does not deteriorate the response of the shared server terminal W3 (for example, 100)). In the case of, the specified UR
When L is received, the IP address of another shared server terminal W4 (this shared server terminal W4 is preferably installed near the shared server terminal 4) is provided.

In this case, the shared server terminal W4
Although it may be operated from the beginning, the shared server terminal W
It is also possible to operate when the number of client terminals accessing 3 exceeds a predetermined number.

Thereafter, communication is further performed between the mapping server terminal 12 and the shared server terminal W4, and the mapping server terminal 12 accesses the shared server terminal W4 in the same manner as described above. When the number of client terminals exceeds a predetermined number, when a predetermined URL is received, the IP address of another shared server terminal W5 is provided (however, the shared server terminal When the number of accesses to W3 decreases below a predetermined number, the address of the shared server terminal W3 is provided).

In the manner described above, since an excessive load is not applied to each of the shared server terminals W3, W4, W5,..., It is possible to prevent the response from deteriorating.

Note that the above can be realized by the mapping server terminal 12 controlling the IP address of the shared server terminal that outputs corresponding to a predetermined URL. There is no need to change the software that runs on it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the avatar of the user has been described as an example of the update object managed by the shared server terminal 11. However, the shared server terminal 11 has a status other than the avatar, such as a state created by the user. Any updated objects, such as changing objects, can be managed. However, the management of the update object
In some cases, it is possible to have the client terminal 13 perform the operation. That is, for an update object such as a clock, for example, the client terminal 13
Then, the time can be updated based on the built-in clock.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the hosts A to C and the client terminals 13-1 to 13-1
3-3, and all of the service provider terminals 14 are connected to each other via a network 15 which is the Internet. However, from the viewpoint of using the already constructed WWW, at least the information server Terminal 1
It is sufficient that each of the host A having 0 or the host C having the mapping server terminal 12 and the client terminal 13 are connected via the Internet. Further, for example, when the user recognizes the address of the shared server terminal 11, at least the host A having the information server terminal 10 and the client terminal 13 may be connected via the Internet. .

In the present embodiment, the information server terminal 10
And the mapping server terminal 12 are operated on separate hosts. However, when the information server terminal 10 and the mapping server terminal 12 use WWW,
It is possible to configure them in the same host. Note that W
When the WW is not used, the information server terminal 10, the shared server terminal 11, and the mapping server terminal 12
All can be configured in the same host.

Further, in this embodiment, the host A
The (information server terminal 10) stores the data of the virtual reality space for each predetermined area. However, this data can be handled in units such as a department store or an amusement park in addition to the area unit. is there.

In the above embodiment, the basic object is transferred to each client terminal 1 via the network 15.
3 is stored in advance on an information recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and a basic object that is a basic object forming a virtual reality space is stored in advance and distributed to each user in advance. Can be kept. In this case, each client terminal 13 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the CD-ROM drive 100 is connected to the interface 48, and the CD-RO in which a virtual reality space constituted by basic objects is stored in advance.
M101 is driven. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, if the data of the basic object is provided from the CD-ROM 101, time for transferring the data of the basic object via the network 15 is not required, so that more rapid processing can be performed. .

Alternatively, without using a CD-ROM,
The data of the basic object supplied from the information server terminal 10 may be stored in the storage device 50 only for the first time, and thereafter, may be read and used as appropriate.

That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the storage sources of the basic object data are the storage device 85 of the information server terminal 10 (cases 1 to 3) and the storage device 50 of the client terminal 13 (cases 4 to 5). 6) or the CD-ROM 10 of the client terminal 13
1 (cases 7 to 9).

On the other hand, the storage source of the update object data is the storage device 85 of the information server terminal 10 (in case 1) or the storage device 30 of the shared server terminal 11.
(Cases 2 to 9).
Then, when the update object data is stored in the shared server terminal 11, the shared server terminal is, for example, as shown in FIG.
1 (case 2, 5, or 8), or US shared server terminal 11-2 (case 3, 6, or 9). In this case, the URL of the update object data is stored in the mapping server terminal 12.

If the storage source of the update object data is the information server terminal 10, the storage source of the URL of the update object data is the default URL managed by the information server terminal 10 (case 1). Case). Alternatively, when the shared server terminal 11 is manually specified by the user, the specified URL is the storage source (case 4 or case 7).

The data flow in each case in FIG. 22 will be described below with reference to FIG. That is, in case 1, HDD which is a storage device of the WWW server terminal 121 as the information server terminal 10
The basic object data is read from a VRLM file (details of which will be described later) stored in a predetermined directory of the (Hard Disk Drive), and the client terminal 13 via the Internet (The Internet) 15A as the network 15 -1. The storage device of the WWW server terminal 121 also stores updated object data. That is, when the basic object data is read in the WWW server terminal 121, the URL of the updated object data corresponding to the basic object data is stored in advance in the storage device of the WWW server terminal 121 as the default URL, and the default URL is stored. , The updated object data is read out and supplied to the client terminal 13-1.

In case 2, the WWW server terminal 121 sends a request to the client terminal 13-1 in Japan.
Basic object data is supplied via the Internet 15A. On the other hand, the data of the update object is supplied from the shared server terminal 11-1 in Japan specified by the mapping server terminal 12 to the client terminal 13-1 via the Internet 15A.

In Case 3, the basic object data is transmitted to the client terminal 13-2 in the United States.
The updated object data supplied from the WWW server terminal 121 via the Internet 15A is stored in the US shared server terminal 11 specified by the mapping server terminal 12.
-2 via the Internet 15A.

In case 4, for example, the data of the basic object is stored in advance in the storage device 50 of the client terminal 13-1 in Japan, and the updated object data is specified in the client terminal 13-1, for example, in the United States. Is supplied from the shared server terminal 11-2.

In case 5, the client terminal 1
The basic object data is stored in the storage device 50 of 3-1 in advance, and the updated object data is supplied from the Japanese shared server terminal 11-1 designated by the mapping server terminal 12 via the Internet 15A.

In case 6, basic object data is stored in the storage device 50 of the client terminal 13-2 in the United States in advance. The updated object data is supplied from the US shared server terminal 11-2 designated by the mapping server terminal 12 to the client terminal 13-2 via the Internet 15A.

In the case 7, for example, the data of the basic object of the CD-ROM 101 is transmitted to the client terminal 13-1 in Japan.
00 is provided. The data of the update object is stored in the shared server terminal designated by the client terminal 13-1 (for example, shared server terminal 11-1 or 11-2).
Supplied from

In case 8, the client terminal 1
For 3-1 the basic object is a CD-ROM 10
1 and the update object data is supplied from the Japanese shared server terminal 11-1 specified by the Japanese mapping server terminal 12.

In case 9, the basic object data for the US client terminal 13-2 is CD
-The update object data supplied from the ROM 101 is supplied from the shared server terminal 11-2 in the United States specified by the mapping server terminal 12 via the Internet 15A.

Next, software for transmitting and receiving data in the virtual reality space as described above and displaying the data on a display device will be described. In WWW, document data is
A file described in ML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is transferred. Therefore, the text data is H
It is registered as a file in TML format.

On the other hand, in the WWW, the three-dimensional graphics data is VRML or E-VRML (Enhanced Virtual Reality Modeling
nguage) to transfer and use. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the WWW server terminal 112 of the remote host 111 constituting the information server terminal 10, the shared server terminal 11, or the mapping server terminal 12 described above stores the HTML file and the E-V
The RML file is stored in the storage device.

In an HTML file, a link to a different file is made depending on the URL. VRM
In an L file or an E-VRML file, attributes such as WWW Anchor and WWW Inline can be specified for an object. WWW Anc
hor is an attribute for attaching a hypertext link to the object, and the link destination file is a URL
Is specified by WWW Inline is an attribute for describing the appearance of a building, for example, by dividing it into components such as outer walls, roofs, windows, and doors. A URL of each component can be associated with a file. In this way, even in a VRML file or an E-VRML file, WWW A
With nchor or WWW Inline, you can link to other files.

In the WWW, application software (WWW Browser) for notifying the URL inputted to the client terminal to the WWW server terminal and interpreting and displaying the HTML file transferred from the WWW server terminal is as follows. Netscape's Netsc
ape Navigator (trademark) (hereinafter abbreviated as Netscape)
It has been known. Therefore, for example, the client terminal 1
3 also uses Netscape for the purpose of utilizing the function of exchanging data with the WWW server terminal.

However, this WWW Browser can interpret and display an HTML file, but cannot interpret and display a VRML file or an E-VRML file even if it can receive it. . Therefore, the VRML file and the E-VRML file can be interpreted, drawn as a three-dimensional space, and displayed.
VRML Browser is required.

The details of VRML are described in the book “VRML”.
: Building and Browsing 3D Cyberspace, by Mark Peshi, Koichi Matsuda, Terutaka Kamachi, Shoichi Takeuchi, Yasuaki Honda,
Translated by Junichi Koimoto, Masayuki Ishikawa, Ken Miyashita and Kazuhiro Hara, March 25, 1996
First edition published in Japan, Prentice Hall Publishing ISBN4-931356-37-
0 (Original; VRML: Browsing & Building Cyberspace,
Mark Pesce, 1995 New Readers Publishing ISBN 1-56
205-498-8)].

[0167] The present applicant has proposed Community Place as application software including this VRML Browser.
(Trademark).

[0168] Community Place is composed of the following three software. (1) Community Place Browser This is a VRML browser that conforms to VRML1.0, and additionally supports VRML2.0 functions (movement and sound) and supports E-VRML with a video function. Also, Community Place
Has a multi-user function that can connect to Bureau. TCL / TK is used as the script language. (2) Community Place Conductor This is a VRML authoring system that conforms to E-VRML based on VRML1.0 and not only builds a three-dimensional world, but also adds movement to the three-dimensional world. Or
It is a tool that can easily add sound and video. (3) Community Place Bureau This is for a server terminal system that connects from the Community Place Browser and allows people to really meet in a virtual space built on the network.

The client terminals 13-1 and 13-1 shown in FIG.
At 13-2, a browser (Browser) is installed and executed in advance. Also, shared server terminals 11-1, 1
In 1-2, a bureau is installed and executed in advance. In FIG. 25, on the client terminal 13-1, the Community Place Browser is inserted into a CD-R.
In order to install and execute the shared server terminal function and the client function from a single terminal from the OM 101, the community server 11-1 needs to execute a Community Pl
ace Bureau and Community Place Browser on CD-ROM
An example of a case where the application 101 is installed and executed is shown.

As shown in FIG. 24, the Community Place Browser exchanges NCAPI (Netscape Client Application Program) with Netscape as a WWW Browser.
ming Interface) (trademark) to exchange various data.

[0171] Netscape is available on the WW via the Internet.
When the HTML file and the VRML file or the E-VRML file are supplied from the W server terminal 112,
This is stored in the storage device 50, respectively. Netscape
Processes the HTML file among them. On the other hand, a VRML file or an E-VRML file is processed by the Community Place Browser.

E-VRML (Enhanced VRML) is Beha
vior (movement) and multimedia expansion (sound and video).
Proposed to the VRML community in May. The basic model of motion description (event model) used in E-VRML is
Moving Worl, one of the current VRML 2.0 proposals
It has been carried over to the ds proposal.

Next, an outline of the Community Place Browser will be described. After installing this browser, Wind
Start "Programs" (Wi-Fi
The manual can be displayed by selecting "Manual" from "Community Place Folder" of the program manager in the case of ndows NT (trademark).

[0174] In this example, Community Place Browse
r, Community Place Conductor, Community Place Bure
The au and the files required to operate them are recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed as samples.

[Operating Environment of Browser] The operating environment of the browser is, for example, as shown in FIG. The minimum operating environment must be satisfied at least. However, Netscape N
The avigator is not needed when used as a standalone VRML browser. In particular, when used by multiple users, it is desirable to set the recommended operating environment.

[Browser Installation Method] The browser installation method is usually the same as that for installing Netscape. Install using vscplb3a.exe located in the directory of @Sony (trademark) on the CD-ROM.

(1) Double-click vscplb3a.exe. "
The installation package will be unpacked in the directory in the "Unzip To Directory" column, so make any necessary changes. (2) Click the [Unzip] button. After a while, the installation package will be unpacked. (3) "12 files The message "unzipped successfully" is displayed, so click the [OK] button. (4) When the "Welcome" window appears, click the [NEXT] button. (5) Read the terms of the “Software License Agreement” carefully, and if you agree, click the [Yes] button. If you do not agree, click the [No] button. (6) Check the installation directory. The default is \ Program Files \ Sony \ Community Place. (7) If there is any inconvenience in the directory name, press the [Browse] button and select a directory. Click the [Next] button to proceed to the next. (8) Click the [Yes] button if you want to read the “readme” file on the spot. (9) When the installation is completed, click the [OK] button.

[How to Start the Browser] Before starting the browser, first set the Netscape Navigator. In addition,
This is not necessary for standalone use,
Select "Community Pl" from "Program" in the start menu.
Select "ace Folder ... Community Place" and launch it. The following settings may be automatically set by installation.

(1) Execute “General Preference” from the “Options” menu of Netscape Navigator and select “Preferen
Open the "ce" window. From the tab at the top, select "Helper Appli
Select "cations". (2) Check if "x-world / x-vrml" is in the list of File type. If it already exists, go to (4). (3) Click the [Create New Type] button. Mime Typ
Enter "x-world" in the e column and "x-vrml" in the Mime SubType column, and click the [OK] button. Enter "wrl" in the Extensions field. (4) Click the [Launch the Application:] button.
Enter the Community Place browser pathname in the text field below it (by default, Program Files Sony)
Community Place \ bin \ vscp.exe). (5) Click the [OK] button.

The above is the end of the setting. After that, start with the following procedure.

(1) The readme.htm of the sample CD-ROM is read from the “File..Open File” menu of Netscape. (2) Click on the link to the sample world, Com
munity Place starts automatically and you can load the sample world attached to the CD-ROM.

[How to uninstall (delete) the browser] Select "Community Place Fo" in "Programs" (Program Manager in case of Windows NT) in the start menu.
If you run Uninstall from lder, it will be automatically uninstalled.

[Browser Operation Method] Browser operation is performed using the mouse 49b, the keyboard 49a, and buttons on the screen. The operation is very intuitive.

<Movement in Three Dimensions> In the three dimensional space provided by VRML, operations performed in the real world such as forward, backward, right rotation, and left rotation are possible. In the browser,
Such an operation is realized by the following user interface.

<< Method of Using Board >> The keyboard 49a can be moved by the arrow keys (not shown) as follows. → Turn right ← Turn left ↑ Forward ↓ Reverse

<< Method of Using Mouse >> All mouse operations are performed with the left button. (1) In the Community Place window, hold down the left button of the mouse 49b and hold it down and move it to the right from the point you pressed. Turn to the right. Move to the left. Turn to the left. Move to the top. Move to the bottom. fall back. The speed of movement changes depending on the distance the mouse is moved. (2) Clicking an object on the screen while pressing the Ctrl (Control) key (not shown) of the keyboard 49a,
Move to the front of the object.

Here, the following attention is required. -When you hit an object, you hear a collision sound and the frame of the screen flashes red. In this case, the direction is changed because it cannot proceed further.・ If you can't see where you are or cannot see anything, click the [Home] button on the right side of the screen to return to the initial position.

[Jumping Eye] While navigating the three-dimensional space, the user sometimes gets lost. In such a case, you can jump up into the sky and look around. (1) Click the [Jump] button on the right side of the screen to enter the jumping eye mode and jump from the sky to a position overlooking the world. (2) Click the [Jump] button again to return to the original position. (3) Alternatively, click on any point in the world to get down to that point.

[0189] When the mouse cursor is moved on the [selection of object] screen, the shape of the cursor may change to a hand when the mouse cursor is over the object. Then, by clicking the left button of the mouse 49b, the action of the object can be called.

[Reading of VRML file] VR is read by the following method.
Can read ML files. -Click the link to the VRML file in Netscape. -Select the file with the extension wrl on the disk from the "File..Open File" menu of Community Place.・ URL in “File..Open URL” menu of Community Place
Enter・ Click on an object in the world whose mouse cursor displays "URL".

[Toolbar Button Operation] In the browser,
You can perform the following operations using frequently used functions using the buttons on the toolbar. [Back] Return to the previously loaded world. After returning with [Forward] Back, go to the next world again. [Home] Move to the initial position. [Undo] Return the object to its original location after moving (described later). [Bookmark] Register the current world and position in a bookmark. [Scouter] Set to Scouter mode (see below). [Jump] Set to jumping eye mode.

[Scouter Mode] An object placed in the world can have a character string as information by using the E-VRML function. (1) Click the [Scouter] button on the right side of the screen to enter scouter mode. (2) When the mouse cursor is moved on the screen, the information label is displayed when the mouse cursor is over the object having the information label. (3) Click the [Scouter] button again to exit Scouter mode.

[Move an object] Alt on the keyboard 49a
(Alternate) key (not shown) (Depending on the model, gra
The object can be moved by pressing the left button of the mouse 49b on the object while holding down the (ph key) and moving the mouse 49b while keeping the button pressed. This is like moving a coffee cup on a desk by hand in the real world. However, since only objects having the movable attribute can be moved, not all objects can be moved. In the sample world, objects can be moved using Digital HandyCam or the like. After the object is moved, it can be restored only once by using the [Undo] button.

[Connection Method to Multi-User Server Terminal]
This browser has a multi-user function. The multi-user function is a function of sharing the same VRML virtual space with other users. Currently, the applicant is Community Plac
The e-bureau is experimentally operated on the Internet. cha
By loading troom, you can connect to the server terminal, share the same VRML virtual space with other users, walk around, turn off the lights in the room, and chat.

This is performed according to the following procedure. (1) Make sure that your personal computer is connected to the Internet. (2) Load the sample world Chatroom into your browser. This is a sample CD-ROM "Sony" readm
Load e.htm into Netscape and click on Chat Room. (3) The message window displays `` Connected to VS Serve
If "r" is displayed, the connection to the multi-user server terminal is successful.

Thus, the connection to the server terminal is established. There are two types of interactions with other users:・ Convey the action to other people. This is achieved by clicking on buttons such as Hello, Smile, Wao !, Wooo !!, Umm ..., Sad, Bye in the action window. In addition, as an action, the user (the avatar) can be rotated leftward or rightward by 36 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees.・ Talk with other people. This is realized by opening a Chat window with the “View..Chat” menu and inputting a message from the keyboard 49a in the input field at the bottom.

[Multi User World] Sample CD
-The multi-user world provided in ROM is
There are the following three. Note that chat can be performed in all worlds. (1) Chat Room This room is mainly for chatting, but some objects are shared with other users. There are objects that become increasingly transparent when you click with the left button, switches that turn off the lights in the room, and objects that fly around when you click. There are also secret holes. (2) Play with a ball! When you click on a ball that floats in virtual space, it will fly towards you. This ball is shared by all users in the space and can be catched with other users. (3) Share your drawing A whiteboard is placed in the virtual space, and clicking it with the left button displays the shared whiteboard. You can draw on the board by dragging with the left button, which can be shared with other users in the space.

If you use Community Place Bureau,
Users using ity Place Browser can enter the world described by VRML1.0 together. For this reason,
In order to provide a three-dimensional virtual reality space, first, it is necessary to prepare a file described in VRML1.0. After that, Bureau (hereinafter, Cyber Passage Bureau, as appropriate,
The bureau is called a personal computer. Further, a line is added to the VRML1.0 file to notify the personal computer on which the bureau is running. Copy the VRML file to Comm
When loaded into the unity PlaceBrowser, a browser (hereinafter, the Cyber Passage Browser is simply referred to as a browser (Browser) as appropriate) is connected to the bureau.

If the connection is successful, the users can see each other in the virtual world and have a conversation. Furthermore, by writing an appropriate script to a file, the action panel can be used to express emotions and emotions.

[0200] Community Place Browser provides an interface for behavioral description using TCL. By using this, you can animate objects in the virtual world and synchronize them between browsers. This allows a plurality of users to enjoy a 3D game or the like depending on the device.

To enjoy a multi-user virtual world, V
There are three steps: preparing an RML file, starting a bureau, and connecting a browser.

[Preparation of VRML File] First, a VRML 1.0 file that the user likes is prepared. You can create this file yourself or bring it free. The file sets the stage for a multi-user virtual world.

[Activation of Bureau] Community Place Bure
The operating environment of au is as follows. CPU 486SX or more OS Windows 95 memory 12MB or more

This bureau can be started only by executing the downloaded file. When executed, only a menu bar with several menus will be displayed. Immediately after startup, the bureau is in a stopped state, pull down the View menu and select status,
The status window is displayed, and you can see the current status of the bureau. At this time, whether it is stopped
In addition to the status of operation, the port number on which the connected user bureau is waiting for connection is also displayed.

The bureau immediately starts TCP port 5
It is set to wait for connection at 126. To change this port number, pull down the options menu and select port. When prompted to enter a new port number, enter a port number of 5000 or more. If it is not known which port to use, the default value (5126) can be used without any setting.

To operate the stopped bureau, run
Pull down the menu and select start. The server terminal waits for a connection at the specified port. At this time, the status displayed in the status window is ru
become nning.

As described above, when the bureau is connected to the bureau after the preparation of the bureau is completed, the bureau informs another browser of the location of the browser and exchanges information of conversations and operations.

[0208] The status window of the bureau is updated each time a connection is received from a user. By using this window, it is possible to confirm a user who has entered the world.

[Connection of Browser] Connecting the browser to the bureau requires the following two operations. One is
Instructing the browser which bureau to connect to. This is done by writing an info node to the VRML file. The other is to copy your avatar file to an appropriate directory so that you can see it from other users.

[Addition to VRML File] When writing a line specifying a bureau to be connected to a VRML file, the name of the personal computer on which the bureau is running and the port number are specified. The format in this case is as follows. DEF VsServer Info {string "server name: port number"}

The server terminal name is a machine name on the Internet on which the bureau operates (for example, fred.research.so
ny.com) or its IP address (eg 123.231.1
2.1). The port number is a port number set in the bureau.

Therefore, the above-mentioned format is as follows, for example. DEF VsServer Info {string "fred.research.sony.com:5
126 "}

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the IP address of the shared server terminal 11-1 is 43.0.35.117. In this case, the format described above is as follows. DEF VsServer Info {string "43.0.35.117:5126"}

[0214] Such a format is added to the line below #VRML V1.0 ascii in the prepared VRML file.

[Copy avatar file] Community Pl
When ace Browser connects to the Community Place Bureau, it will notify you of your avatar. When a given avatar encounters another avatar, the bureau notifies the other browser of this information, and causes the given avatar to be displayed on the other browser. For this reason, it is necessary to copy a VRML file of a predetermined avatar to an appropriate location in advance.

Next, the operation of the browser will be further described.

When the browser is started, first,
For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a main window is opened, and an entry room as a three-dimensional virtual reality space is displayed there.

That is, as described above, the file for operating the browser is stored in the directory $ by default.
It is installed in Program Files＼Sony＼Community Place.
A directory $ world is formed under y Place, and a VRML file (E-V
RML file) (hereinafter VRML file and E-
A VRML file, including both VRML files, is created (but only once),
The file entryroom.wrl is stored in the directory \ world.

Note that the browser program (cpbrow
se.exe) is located in the directory \ Program Files \ Sony \ Com
It is stored in the directory \ bin under munity Place. Thus, $ bin and $ world are directories at the same level.

Here, for example, by using Netscape or the like, or from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a file (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as content) necessary for displaying a three-dimensional virtual reality space (world) is stored. When downloaded or installed, this file is ＼worl
d (\ Program Files \ Sony \ Community Place \ world)
It is stored in the directory formed under.

The contents include, for example, a VRML file (for example, main.wrl) describing the world,
A texture file in which a texture or script referred to by L is described (for example, the extension is jp
g file) or a script file (for example, a file with the extension class), a VRML file of three-dimensional graphics (three-dimensional icon) representing the world to be displayed in the entry room (for example, entry.wrl)
Etc. A group of these files is stored in a directory formed for each content in the directory $ world.

For example, every time the browser is started, the browser searches the directory under the directory $ world to determine whether there is a newly added entry.wrl and whether the deleted entry.wrl is present. Recognize if there is. If there is an added or deleted entry.wrl, the file entryroom.wrl is rewritten accordingly.

That is, the browser executes the added entry.wrl
If there is (and thus new content has been downloaded or installed), a three-dimensional icon representing the world (for example, VRML) based on the entry.wrl
Is generated and a 2.0 × 2.0 × 2.0 three-dimensional icon) is generated and added to the entry room. Also,
If there is a deleted entry.wrl (therefore, if the content is deleted), the browser deletes the three-dimensional icon corresponding to the entry.wrl from the entry room.

Then, the browser opens the main window and rewrites the rewritten file entryroom.
The wrl is read, and as shown in FIG. 27, an entry room that is a three-dimensional virtual reality space is displayed in the main window.

When the content does not include entry.wrl, the three-dimensional icon representing the world for the content is not displayed (cannot be displayed) in the entry room.

When the user moves the cursor over a three-dimensional icon by operating the mouse 49b or the like after the entry room is displayed, the browser changes the shape of the cursor (see the embodiment shown in FIG. 27). In this example, the cursor has changed from an arrow shape to a hand shape, for example), and a message describing the world corresponding to the three-dimensional icon is acquired (for example, this message is stored in a predetermined file). Described in the main window). That is, as shown in FIG. 27, the browser superimposes (superimposes) on the entry room which is a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and outputs a message (here, “Circus Park 2 (is the en)
try to a multiuser world)) ”at the bottom of the main window (superimpose).

The user sees the message, checks the contents of the world, and clicks on the three-dimensional icon when he / she wants to enter the world. File
The entry.wrl usually contains a link to the corresponding world file main.wrl. When the browser clicks on the three-dimensional icon, the entry.wrl
Read the file main.wrl linked to y.wrl,
Instead of the entry room, the world corresponding to the file main.wrl is displayed in the main window.

FIG. 28 shows a state in which the initial screen of a certain world is displayed in the main window as described above.

The browser displays an initial screen of a certain world on the main window, and superimposes a message indicating that a file (data) necessary for composing the world is read on the world, and displays the message on the main window. Display at the bottom. In this case, since the message is long (because the message has many characters), the browser displays the message while scrolling it.

[0230] After reading of files necessary for composing the world is completed, the user sets this world as follows.
If you want to share with other users, switch button (icon) located at the bottom right of the main window
Click 201.

When the switch button 201 is clicked, the browser (the client terminal 13) connects to a predetermined bureau (the shared server terminal 11).
When a browser is connected to a bureau, the bureau sends updates about the browser that came to connect to the already connected browser, and connects updates about the already connected browser. To the browser that came to. Thereby, as described above, the same world is shared between a plurality of users (browser).

On the other hand, in the browser, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, a message indicating that a connection has been made to the bureau is displayed over the world at the bottom of the main window. Further, the browser displays the switching button 201 in a state where the two persons are standing separately (see FIG. 2).
From 8), change the state to holding hands.

FIG. 29 shows one of the users who share the world (the nickname is “kamach”).
i ") is standing in front of him.

As described above, a plurality of users (browser)
When a state where the same world is shared (hereinafter, such a state is appropriately referred to as a sharing mode) is reached, the browser opens a multi-user window in addition to the main window as shown in FIG. I do. In the embodiment of FIG. 29, the multi-user window is opened on the right side of the main window. When a character string is input to the multi-user window, the character string is transmitted to another browser connected to the bureau via the bureau, and the multi-user window is displayed in the multi-user window in this manner. Is displayed, so that it is possible to chat with a user who is in the same world.

Thereafter, when the user clicks the switch button 201, the display returns from the state in which the hands are held to the state in which the two are standing separately as shown in FIG. Is disconnected (disconnected). When the connection with the bureau is released (disconnected),
For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the browser displays a message to that effect on the world at the bottom of the main window.

As described above, when the browser is disconnected from the bureau, the update information is not transmitted, and therefore, the browser has a world (virtual reality space not shared with other users) that exists only in itself. The state is displayed (the state in which the world is not shared with other users is hereinafter appropriately referred to as a non-shared mode). Further, the browser closes the multi-user window. In other browsers connected to the bureau, the user of the disconnected browser (avatar)
The world where does not exist is displayed.

Therefore, the user can freely enjoy the virtual reality space without worrying about other users.

In the case where the operation mode is the non-shared mode,
Since the update information is no longer transmitted from the bureau, it is not necessary for the browser to perform the processing on the update information, and accordingly, other processing can be performed at high speed. Further, it is possible to allocate a communication line (communication device 44) for transmitting and receiving other information.

By the way, when the operation mode is set to the non-shared mode, the user switches the operation mode to the shared mode by strolling in the virtual reality space and clicking the switch button 201 at a predetermined position. The update information about the predetermined position is transmitted to the bureau. This update is sent from the bureau to other browsers connected to the bureau,
In other browsers, the avatar of the user who switched the operation mode to the shared mode is suddenly displayed.

Therefore, switching between the shared mode and the non-shared mode by the switching button 201 is also useful, for example, when meeting with another user in the virtual reality space.

That is, the browser is usually provided with a so-called sleep function, and by performing a predetermined operation,
The avatar can be put into a sleep state (display is, for example, a state of sitting on the ground).

Specifically, by clicking the [Sleep] button in the “Action” column of the multi-user window shown in FIG. 29, the user can put his / her avatar to sleep. Also, [Activate] above the [Sleep] button
By clicking the [e] button, the sleep state can be canceled.

Therefore, if the user arrives at the meeting place early and does not want to be talked to by other users or leaves the client terminal,
You can put your avatar to sleep and then release that sleep when it's time to wait,
The bureau usually stays asleep for a certain amount of time,
The connection with the browser itself is cut off.

For example, if the user arrives at the meeting place early and puts the avatar in the sleep state, the line with the bureau may be disconnected. In this case,
Although the line with the bureau must be connected (communication link established), even if the line with the bureau is connected and the user enters the virtual reality space, the avatar appears at a predetermined default position, not at a meeting place. Therefore, it is necessary to move to the meeting place again.

On the other hand, when it is possible to switch between the shared mode and the non-shared mode, there is no such a case. For example, when the user moves to the meeting place in the non-shared mode and the time for the meeting comes, By using the shared mode, it is possible to suddenly appear in front of the meeting partner.

That is, when the sleep state continues and the line with the bureau is disconnected, the user must reenter the virtual reality space. However, when the shared mode is changed to the non-shared mode, the virtual reality space is used. , It can suddenly appear at the desired location, as described above.

Next, the operation mode switching processing in the browser will be further described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the browser is started and the three-dimensional icon corresponding to a certain world is clicked as described with reference to FIG. 27, for example, the operation mode is set to the shared mode by default, and as a result, as shown in FIG. As shown, the virtual reality space is displayed. And then, step S
At 201, it is determined whether or not the switching button 201 has been clicked. If it is determined that the switching button 201 has not been clicked, the process returns to step S201. Step S20
In step 1, if it is determined that the switching button 201 has been clicked, the process proceeds to step S202, and the operation mode is set to the non-shared mode. That is, the display of the switching button 201 is changed as shown in FIG. 30, and the multi-user window is closed. Furthermore, exchange of update information between the browser and the bureau is not performed.

Then, the flow advances to step S203, and again,
It is determined whether or not the switching button 201 has been clicked. If it is determined that the switching button 201 has not been clicked, the process returns to step S203. If it is determined in step S203 that the switching button 201 has been clicked, the process proceeds to step S204, and the operation mode is set to the sharing mode. That is, the display of the switching button 201 is changed as shown in FIG. 29, and the multi-user window is opened. Further, exchange of update information is started between the browser and the bureau.

Thereafter, the flow returns to step S201.
A similar process is repeated.

As described above, since the operation mode can be switched between the shared mode and the non-shared mode, the virtual reality space can be shared with other users or not, depending on the user's request. It is possible to do so.

The display is changed in conjunction with the operation of the switching button 201 for switching the operation mode, so that the current operation mode can be easily recognized. In this case, the display of the operation mode is
The display screen can be used more effectively than when provided separately from the switching button 201.

As described above, the present invention has been described in connection with the case where the Internet 15 is used as the network 15 and the WWW is used. However, the present invention relates to the case where a wide area communication network other than the Internet is This is feasible even when a system other than WWW is adopted.

[0254]

According to the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the information processing method according to the fifth aspect, and the recording medium according to the sixth aspect, the three-dimensional virtual system is operated in response to the operation of the switching unit. The operation mode is switched to a shared mode in which the real space is shared with other users or a non-shared mode in which the real space is not shared with other users. Therefore, according to the user's request,
The virtual reality space can be shared or not shared with other users.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a cyberspace system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining WWW.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a URL.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information server terminal 10 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a shared server terminal 11 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mapping server terminal 12 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client terminal 13 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a service provider terminal 14 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a virtual reality space formed by the cyberspace system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a field of view from an avatar C in FIG. 9;

11 is a diagram illustrating a field of view from an avatar D in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a part of an allocated space of the cyberspace system in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

13 is a diagram illustrating a field of view from an avatar C in FIG. 12;

14 is a diagram illustrating a field of view from an avatar F in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client terminal 13 (service provider terminal 14).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information server terminal 10.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mapping server terminal 12.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shared server terminal 11.

FIG. 19 shows a client terminal 13 and an information server terminal 1
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication procedure between the communication server terminal 0, the shared server terminal 11, and the mapping server terminal 12.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing a case where there are a plurality of shared server terminals that manage update objects arranged in the same virtual reality space.

21 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the client terminal 13. FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating storage locations of a basic object and an update object.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of basic objects and update objects.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing software for realizing a cyberspace system.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating software operating on the client terminal 13-1 and the shared server terminal 11-1.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an environment in which software operates.

FIG. 27 is a photograph showing a display example of an entry room.

FIG. 28 is a photograph showing a display example of a three-dimensional virtual reality space.

FIG. 29 is a photograph showing a display example of a three-dimensional virtual reality space.

FIG. 30 is a photograph showing a display example of a three-dimensional virtual reality space.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining an operation mode switching process in the browser.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional cyberspace system.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the client terminal 3-1 in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the client terminal 3-2 in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing communication means of a conventional server space system constructed via a LAN.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 information server terminal, 11 shared server terminal, 1
2 Mapping server terminal, 13-1 to 13-3
Client terminal (information processing device), 15 networks (wide area communication network), 21 CPU, 22 ROM,
23 RAM, 24 communication devices, 25 display devices, 26 microphones, 27 speakers, 28 interfaces, 29 input devices, 30 storage devices,
41 CPU (display processing means), 42 ROM, 4
3 RAM, 44 communication device, 45 display device,
46 microphone, 47 speaker, 48 interface, 49 input device, 50 storage device, 81
CPU, 82 ROM, 83 RAM, 84
Communication device, 85 storage device, 91 CPU, 92
ROM, 93 RAM, 94 communication device, 95
Storage device, 130 domain name server, 201
Switching button (switching means)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional virtual reality space that acquires three-dimensional graphics data related to a basic object commonly used by a plurality of users and an updated object whose state is updated according to an operation of each user. And a shared server terminal that manages update data relating to the update of the state of the update object notified from each of the information processing devices, a wide area where unspecified terminals are connected to each other. An information processing device in a three-dimensional virtual reality space sharing system connected via a communication network, wherein the three-dimensional virtual reality space is in a shared mode in which it is shared with other users or in a non-shared mode in which it is not shared with other users. An information processing apparatus comprising: a switching unit that switches an operation mode. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display processing unit for displaying the operation mode on a display device. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit is an icon displayed on the display device. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display processing unit changes the display of the icon according to the operation mode. 5. A three-dimensional virtual reality space by acquiring three-dimensional graphics data relating to a basic object commonly used by a plurality of users and an updated object whose state is updated according to each user's operation. And a shared server terminal that manages update data relating to the update of the state of the update object notified from each of the information processing devices, a wide area where unspecified terminals are connected to each other. An information processing method for an information processing device in a three-dimensional virtual reality space sharing system connected via a communication network, wherein the information processing device includes switching means for switching an operation mode thereof, and corresponds to an operation of the switching means. The operation mode is set to a shared mode in which the three-dimensional virtual reality space is shared with other users or a non-shared mode in which the three-dimensional virtual reality space is not shared with other users. The information processing method characterized by switching the. 6. A three-dimensional virtual reality space that acquires three-dimensional graphics data relating to a basic object commonly used by a plurality of users and an updated object whose state is updated according to each user's operation. And a shared server terminal that manages update data relating to the update of the state of the update object notified from each of the information processing devices, a wide area where unspecified terminals are connected to each other. A computer program to be executed by an information processing device in a three-dimensional virtual reality space sharing system connected via a communication network, wherein the information processing device includes a switching unit for switching an operation mode thereof, and corresponds to an operation of the switching unit. Then, the three-dimensional virtual reality space is shared with other users, or the three-dimensional virtual reality space is not shared with other users. Mode, a recording medium, wherein the computer program having a processing step of switching the operation mode is recorded.