JP2000098869A - Virtual reality simulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized and lightweight virtual reality simulation device which is capable of simulating the force in a virtual reality space with the reaction force generated by blowing off compressed gas at a prescribed timing. SOLUTION: A compressed air blowoff nozzle 8 is formed at a virtual stick 1. The blowoff nozzle 8 is connected to via solenoid valve 2 and a pipe 6 to a cylinder 7. When a control signal is received by a photodetecting part 3, a control circuit 4 generates a control signal SC to open the solenoid valve 2 according to a reception signal SR and the signal is output to the solenoid valve 2. The solenoid valve opens according to the control signal SC to eject the compressed air outside by the ejecting hole 8 and, therefore, the reaction force at the time of collision in the virtual space can be simulated by the reaction force generated by the ejection of the compressed air. The force of the virtual reality space can be simulated by the small-sized and lightweight device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device which is attached to the body of a user in a virtual reality space or has a rod shape or another shape held by the user in a virtual reality space. In the gas compressed from the gas ejection port provided in the device, for example,
The present invention relates to a virtual reality simulation device that simulates a force such as a reaction force generated by a collision with a virtual object in a virtual space by ejecting compressed air.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advancement of computer graphic technology, images, sounds, and the like are perceived by humans using the high-speed computing capability of a computer in accordance with the movement of a human being who is an experienced person in a preset virtual space. Providing information to the user in real time has created a technical field called virtual reality, which realizes the situation where the user is placed in a virtual space synthesized by a computer. This virtual
In the reality technology, for example, an image synthesized by a computer is displayed on a display device called an HMD (Head mounted display) mounted on the head of the user or on a screen placed around the user, A sound environment synthesized by a computer is output from a headphone, a speaker, or the like as necessary, thereby creating a virtual reality spatial environment.

[0003] In a virtual space synthesized by virtual reality technology, it is possible to simulate various situations. This technology has also been incorporated into game consoles for entertaining games.

For example, when a player (hereinafter, referred to as a player) simulates a game such as tennis, table tennis, badminton, golf, and baseball in a virtual space, the player can use virtual tools such as a tennis racket and a baseball. Hit a virtual ball with a bat. In this case, the position, movement, and the like of the player are detected by a sensor, and a signal indicating the information is input to the computer. The computer performs an operation based on the information input from the sensor and the movement of the virtual ball in the virtual space, and estimates, for example, a new movement of the ball based on the operation result, and incorporates it into the synthesized image signal. .
As an example, when a player hits a virtual baseball ball with a virtual bat, based on the flight trajectory of the ball and the movement of the bat, when a calculation result indicating that the bat hit the virtual ball is obtained, the ball hits the bat. The place you hit,
The moving direction and speed of the ball after the collision are calculated from both the moving directions and the speed at the time of the collision. An image signal indicating the ball after the collision is calculated by a computer according to the calculation results, and is displayed on the display device. As a result, the player can experience a realistic feeling of hitting a virtual ball with a bat.

[0005]

By the way, in the simulation device using the virtual reality technology described above, the player cannot actually experience the reaction force generated by the impact when the bat hits the ball. There is a disadvantage that unnaturalness occurs. In order to solve this, the force is simulated by some means, and according to the movement of the tool (for example, the virtual bat in the above example) and the object (for example, the virtual baseball), For example, various devices have been devised that generate a force such as a collision force in response to a collision, a sudden movement having a large acceleration, or the like. As one example, there is a golf simulation experience device that simulates an impact at the moment when a player hits a ball with a golf club by a solenoid (a device that causes a current to flow through a coil formed by windings to move an iron core with a generated magnetic field). It has been proposed (JP-A-5-309174).

However, it is difficult to reduce the weight of the device because a certain amount of mass is required to obtain a reaction force by the solenoid. In addition, when the solenoid returns, a reverse force is generated. No force can be generated only. Further, when the solenoid returns, a force in the opposite direction is generated. Therefore, if the solenoid is operated continuously at short intervals, it will simply vibrate, and a desired force cannot be generated. In addition, since a certain stroke is required for the movement of the solenoid, when the solenoid is provided inside the rod, there is a restriction that only an axial force can be generated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to simulate a force in a virtual reality space by a reaction force generated by blowing a compressed gas at a predetermined timing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual reality simulation device capable of easily realizing weight reduction.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a virtual reality simulation apparatus according to the present invention is held by a user who experiences a virtual reality space, or attached to a predetermined part of the body of the user. What is claimed is: 1. A virtual reality simulation apparatus for generating a reaction force by jetting a compressed gas to simulate a force in virtual reality, comprising: a container having a predetermined shape; and a gas outlet provided at a predetermined location of the container. A compressed gas source connected to the gas ejection port via a valve; and opening and closing control means for opening and closing the valve at a predetermined timing.

[0009] The present invention is also directed to a virtual reality space, which is gripped by a user who is experiencing the virtual reality space or is attached to a predetermined part of the body of the user, generates a reaction force by jetting compressed gas, and generates a force in the virtual reality. A virtual reality simulation apparatus for simulating the following: a container having a predetermined shape, a gas outlet provided at a predetermined position of the container, and a compression connected to the gas outlet via a valve. A gas source, position detection means for detecting the position of the container, a virtual target in the virtual space, and a position of the container and the position of the virtual target detected by the position detection means substantially coincide with each other. A control means for outputting a predetermined control signal, and an opening for ejecting the compressed gas from the gas ejection port when the control signal is received from the control means. And a control unit.

In the present invention, preferably, the control means calculates a position of the container in the virtual space based on position information from the position detection means,
When the position of the container calculated by the arithmetic device substantially coincides with the position of the virtual target, the control device has a control signal output circuit that outputs the control signal, the arithmetic device,
For example, it is constituted by a computer.

Further, according to the present invention, the compressed gas source comprises:
The compressed gas source is constituted by either a cylinder or a pump, and is provided inside the container or outside the container, and sends the compressed gas to the container via a pipe. The gas ejection port is, if necessary, the container,
For example, it can be provided at one or both ends in the side surface or axial direction of a rod-shaped member.

According to the present invention, a compressed gas, for example, compressed air is ejected at a predetermined timing from a gas ejection port provided in a container having a predetermined shape which is attached to the body of a user or held in a hand. Simulates forces in virtual reality space with the reaction force generated by. Specifically, for example, the spatial position of the container is detected by the position detecting means, and in an arithmetic device configured by a computer or the like, the spatial position of the container and a virtual target set in advance,
For example, when it is determined that the spatial positions of the virtual balls match, a control signal is output assuming that the container has collided with the virtual target. The opening / closing control means provided in the container, when receiving a control signal from the arithmetic unit, opens a valve provided in the ejection port, ejects the compressed gas stored in the compressed gas source, and is generated. Simulates the impact force at the time of collision with reaction force.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the virtual reality simulation apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, a simulation device of the present embodiment is a hollow container (hereinafter, referred to as a virtual stick) 1 formed in a rod shape.
An electromagnetic valve 2 for controlling the ejection of compressed gas, for example, compressed air, a light receiving unit 3, a control circuit 4, a power supply 5, a pipe 6, and a compressed air cylinder 7 are provided. In addition, as a valve for controlling the ejection of the compressed gas, for example, piezo may be used instead of the electromagnetic valve.

The main body of the virtual stick 1 is formed of, for example, metal or plastic. In a virtual space synthesized by a computer,
The player holds the virtual stick as a virtual tennis racket, for example, and strikes back a virtual ball or the like displayed on a display device such as an HMD. For this reason, the main body of the virtual stick 1 has sufficient strength to withstand the force generated when the player shakes the main body. Further, it is necessary that the electromagnetic valve 2, the control circuit 4, the compressed air cylinder 7 and the like provided inside the virtual stick 1 body are sufficiently fixed.

The opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 2 is controlled in accordance with a control signal S _C from a control circuit 4. When the electromagnetic valve 2 is opened, the compressed air sent from the pipe 6 is ejected from the air ejection port 8, so that the reaction force generated when the compressed air is ejected, for example, the virtual racket described above A collision force at the moment of hitting the ball is pseudo-generated.

The light receiving unit 3, a predetermined location, for example, receives infrared light which has transmitted transmission unit is attached to the ceiling (not shown), and transfers the received signal S _R to the control circuit 4. The control circuit 4 generates a control signal S _C for opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 2 in accordance with the reception signal S _R from the light receiving unit 3,
Output to the electromagnetic valve 2. The power supply 5 includes, for example, a battery, and includes the light receiving unit 3, the control circuit 4, and the electromagnetic valve 2.
Supply a power supply voltage for operating the.

The pipe 6 connects the air outlet 8 and the compressed air cylinder 7 via the electromagnetic valve 2. Electromagnetic valve 2
When is opened, the compressed air stored in the compressed air cylinder 7 is sent to the air outlet 8 through the pipe 6 and is ejected from the air outlet 8 to the outside.

FIG. 2A shows an image of a virtual racket synthesized by a computer based on a virtual stick held by a player's hand. FIG. 2B shows the reaction force F generated when the electromagnetic valve 2 shown in FIG. 1 is opened and compressed air is ejected from the air ejection port 8 of the virtual stick.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the virtual stick 1 is gripped by the player's hand as a grip for the virtual tennis racket 12. On the head of the player, for example, an HMD that displays a composite image in a virtual space and a position sensor that detects the movement of the head of the player are mounted. When a player is playing a game,
When the computer enters the field of view of the player in response to the movement of the player's head detected by the position sensor, the computer displays the racket image shown in FIG. So, instead of virtual stick 1, the player
It can be recognized that the player holds the racket 12 shown in FIG.

The computer generates, for example, an image of a virtual ball flying toward the player, combines the image with a background image, and displays the image on the HMD. The player swings the virtual stick 1 so as to hit a flying virtual ball with a virtual racket. At this time, for example, the three-dimensional spatial position of the virtual racket is calculated in real time by the virtual stick 1 or a position sensor attached to the arm of the player. The calculated position of the virtual racket and the position of the virtual ball are compared, and if they match, it is determined that the virtual racket 12 has hit the virtual ball, and a control signal is transmitted from the infrared transmitter.

[0021] receiving an infrared signal by the light receiving unit 3 provided in the virtual stick 1, and outputs a received signal S _R as shown in FIG. 1 the control circuit 4. The control signal 4 generates a control signal S _C for opening the electromagnetic valve 2. In response, the electromagnetic valve 2 opens and the virtual stick 1
FIG. 2B shows that compressed air is ejected from the ejection port 8 of FIG.
As shown in the figure, the reaction force F generated when the compressed air is jetted is transmitted to the player's hand via the virtual stick 1, and the player simulates the reaction force when the virtual racket 12 hits a virtual ball. be able to.

FIG. 3 shows another configuration example of the compressed air source in the virtual stick 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, a pump 7a is mounted on the main body of the virtual stick 1 instead of a cylinder.
The air compressed by the pump 7a is jetted to the air jet port via the electromagnetic valve. As shown in FIG.
A compressed air source, for example, a cylinder, a pump, etc., is provided outside the main body of the virtual stick 1, and compressed air is sent from the compressed air source to the virtual stick 1 through a pipe.

When the cylinder 7 shown in FIG. 1 or the pump 7a shown in FIG. 3A is mounted on the virtual stick 1, the cylinder 7 or the pump 7a needs to be small and lightweight. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, there is no need to provide a compressed air source in the main body of the virtual stick 1, and the weight of the virtual stick 1 is reduced. On the other hand, since the virtual stick 1 is connected to an external compressed air source via a pipe, the movement of the player is restricted to some extent by the pipe, so that the virtual stick 1 can be used for a game in which the movement range of the virtual stick 1 is small.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the compressed air jet 8 is formed in the virtual stick 1, and the jet 8 is connected to the cylinder 7 via the electromagnetic valve 2 and the pipe 6. When the control signal is received by the light receiving unit 3, the control circuit 4 responds to the received signal S _R by the electromagnetic valve 2
The control signal S _C generated to open, output to the electromagnetic valve 2. Opened according to solenoid valve control signal S _C, since the compressed air is ejected to the outside by ejection port 8, to simulate the recoil forces such collision in the virtual space as a reaction force generated by the ejection of the compressed air It is possible to simulate forces in virtual reality space with a small and lightweight device.

Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a virtual reality simulation apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the simulation device of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the virtual stick 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, in the virtual stick 1a of the present embodiment, in addition to the electromagnetic valve (or piezo) 2, the light receiving section 3, the control circuit 4, the power supply 5, the pipe 6, and the cylinder 7, the three-dimensional virtual stick 1a is provided in the main body. A position sensor 9 for detecting a spatial position, a position information transmission circuit 10 and a transmission antenna 11 are provided. The other components except the position sensor 9, the position information transmission circuit 10, and the transmission antenna 11 have the same functions as the respective components in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The virtual stick 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a transmission circuit 10 and a transmission antenna 11.
The configuration and operation of “a” will be described.

The position sensor 9 is, for example, a sensor for detecting the position coordinates of the virtual stick 1a in a three-dimensional space, and is constituted by, for example, a magnetic sensor. The position information transmitting circuit 10 includes a position sensor 9
Generates a radio signal modulated by a signal indicating a coordinate value in each coordinate axis of the three-dimensional space detected by the above, and outputs the signal to the transmitting antenna 11. The transmitting antenna 11 radiates a radio signal generated by the position information transmitting circuit 10 into space. The radio signal is received by a receiving circuit described later,
Since the data is transferred to the arithmetic device, the three-dimensional position of the virtual stick 1a can be calculated by the arithmetic device.

The virtual stick 1a of the present embodiment
Is grasped by the player's hand, for example, by displaying an image of a virtual racket synthesized by a computer on an HMD attached to the head of the player,
The player can have a virtual experience of hitting a virtual tennis ball with a virtual racket.

Information relating to the position of the virtual stick 1a is input to the arithmetic unit at any time by the position sensor 9, the position information generating circuit 10 and the transmission antenna 11 provided on the virtual stick 1a. The position of 1a is calculated in real time. When the position of the virtual stick 1a coincides with the position of the virtual ball, a control signal is generated by the arithmetic unit and input to, for example, an infrared transmitter. An infrared signal modulated by the control signal is transmitted by the infrared transmitter.

The infrared signal is received by the light receiving unit 3 is provided at an end portion of the virtual stick 1a, the received signal S _R is input to the control circuit 4. The control circuit 4 generates a control signal S _C for opening the electromagnetic valve 2 in response to the received signal S _R , so that the electromagnetic valve operates and compressed air is blown out from the compressed air outlet 8. The reaction force at the moment of hitting the virtual ball with the virtual racket is simulated by the reaction force when the compressed air is jetted.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a game device configured using the virtual stick 1a of the present embodiment. As shown, a headphone 21 for transmitting sound to the head of a player 20 and an HMD 22 for transmitting an image
And a head position sensor 23 for detecting the movement of the head of the player 20 is attached. The player 20 has the virtual stick 1a and the HMD 22
Can be recognized as having the virtual racket 12. Then, the virtual ball 13 projected on the HMD 22 is hit with the virtual racket.

Information on the position of the virtual stick 1a is modulated into a radio signal and transmitted by the transmitting antenna 11. Antenna 41 connected to transceiver 40
Receives the signal transmitted by the transmission antenna 11 of the virtual stick 1a, and transmits the image and audio signals generated by the arithmetic unit 42.

The sound and image signals are received by the transceiver 24 attached to the player 20 and output to the headphones 21 and the HMD 22. Further, a signal regarding the player's head movement detected by the head position sensor 23 is input to the transceiver 24, and a radio signal modulated according to the signal is transmitted.

The arithmetic unit 42 generates an image signal to be displayed on the HMD 22 based on the player's head movement signal input from the transceiver 40 and transmits the image signal via the transceiver 40. Further, based on the received position information of the virtual stick 1a, the position of the virtual stick 1a is calculated and compared with the position of the virtual ball 13. When both positions match, a control signal is sent to the infrared transmitter 30. Is output.

The infrared transmitter 30 is mounted on, for example, a wall or a ceiling, and outputs an infrared signal modulated by a control signal from the arithmetic unit 40. The infrared signal is received by the light receiving unit 3 provided on the virtual stick 1a, and the electromagnetic valve 2 of the virtual stick 1a is opened according to the received signal, and compressed air is ejected. The generated reaction force is the player 20
The player can experience the reaction force at the moment of hitting the virtual ball 13 with the virtual racket 12 in a pseudo manner.

As described above, the movement of the head of the player 20 and the movement of the virtual stick 1a are determined by the head position sensor 23 attached to the head of the player 20 and the position sensor 9 provided on the virtual stick 1a. Is detected and input to the arithmetic unit. The computing device calculates the field of view of the player, generates an image signal to be displayed on the HMD 22, and incorporates the image of the virtual racket 12 and the virtual ball 13 into the image signal when necessary. The synthesized image signal is displayed on the HMD 22 of the player 20 via the transmission / reception circuit.

On the other hand, the position of the virtual stick 1a is calculated by the arithmetic unit 40, the position of the virtual stick 1a is compared with the position of the virtual ball 13, and when both match, the virtual racket 12 is moved to the virtual ball 13
Is determined and a control signal is output, so that the electromagnetic valve of the virtual stick 1a is opened according to the control signal, and compressed air is ejected. The reaction force from the compressed air is transmitted to the player 20, and the player 20 can experience the reaction force when the virtual racket 12 hits the virtual ball 13 projected on the HMD 22.

In the above example, one player is used, but two players can enjoy the game at the same time. In this case, a so-called fighting game in which each player has a virtual stick and strikes one virtual ball synthesized by the computer in the direction of the opponent can be formed by the computer. Arithmetic unit 4
0 calculates the motion of each player and the motion of the virtual stick, generates an image signal to be displayed on the HMD of each player, and further includes the image of the virtual ball in the image of each player. Based on the position information of each player's virtual stick, it is determined whether or not each player's virtual stick hits the virtual ball, and when hit, a control signal is output and the virtual stick hitting the virtual ball is compressed accordingly. The air is blown out, and the reaction generated by the air is transmitted to the player as the reaction at the moment when the virtual ball is hit.

The virtual stick described above includes:
Although only one compressed air jet is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of jets are provided on each side of the virtual stick, and these jets are controlled by electromagnetic valves respectively. Thereby, reaction forces can be generated in different directions. Furthermore, it goes without saying that, for example, by providing an air outlet in the axial direction at the end of the virtual stick, an axial reaction force can be generated. Further, the control signal for controlling the air ejection timing of the virtual stick can be transmitted to the virtual stick by radio waves in addition to infrared rays. Further, it is also possible to connect a cable between the virtual stick and the arithmetic unit, and to transmit a control signal directly to the virtual stick via the cable.

[0039]

As described above, according to the virtual reality simulation apparatus of the present invention, a small and lightweight apparatus can simulate a force such as a reaction force at the time of a collision in a virtual reality space, and the player has a natural feeling. This has the advantage that it can entertain virtual reality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a virtual reality simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a virtual tennis racket simulated according to the present embodiment and a reaction force generated when compressed air is jetted out.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the virtual reality simulation apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the virtual reality simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a game device including the virtual reality simulation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual stick, 2 ... Electromagnetic valve, 3 ... Light receiving part, 4 ... Control circuit, 5 ... Power supply, 6 ... Pipe, 7 ... Cylinder, 7a ... Pump, 8 ... Compressed air ejection port, 9 ... Position sensor, 10 ... Transmission circuit, 11: transmission antenna, 12: virtual racket, 13: virtual ball, 20: player, 21
... Headphones, 22 ... HMD, 30 ... Infrared transmitter, 4
0: transceiver, 41: antenna, 42: arithmetic unit.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A virtual reality space that is gripped or attached to a predetermined part of the body of a user who experiences the virtual reality space, generates a reaction force by jetting a compressed gas, and simulates a force in the virtual reality. A virtual reality simulation apparatus, comprising: a container having a predetermined shape; a gas outlet provided at a predetermined location of the container; and a compressed gas source connected to the gas outlet via a valve. A virtual reality simulation device having opening and closing control means for opening and closing the valve at a predetermined timing. 2. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressed gas source is a cylinder provided in the container. 3. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressed gas source is a pump provided in the container. 4. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressed gas source is provided outside the container, and is connected to the valve provided in the container through a pipe. 5. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is formed in a rod shape. 6. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gas ejection port is formed at a predetermined position on a side surface of the rod-shaped container. 7. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gas outlet is provided at one end in the axial direction of the rod-shaped container. 8. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the gas ejection ports are provided at both ends in the axial direction of the rod-shaped container. 9. A virtual reality space, which is gripped by a user or attached to a predetermined part of the body of the user, generates a reaction force by jetting a compressed gas, and simulates a force in the virtual reality. A virtual reality simulation apparatus, comprising: a container having a predetermined shape; a gas outlet provided at a predetermined location of the container; and a compressed gas source connected to the gas outlet via a valve. Position detecting means for detecting the position of the container; a virtual target in the virtual space; and a predetermined control when the position of the container detected by the position detecting means substantially coincides with the position of the target. A control means for outputting a signal; and an opening / closing control means for opening the valve when receiving the control signal from the control means and causing the compressed gas to be ejected from the gas ejection port. Virtual reality simulation device. 10. The arithmetic unit for calculating the position of the container in the virtual space based on the position information from the position detecting unit, and the control unit calculates the position of the container calculated by the arithmetic unit and the virtual position of the container. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a control signal output circuit that compares the position of the target with the target and outputs the control signal when the two substantially coincide with each other. 11. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said arithmetic unit is a computer. 12. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said compressed gas source is a cylinder provided in said container. 13. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said compressed gas source is a pump provided in said container. 14. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the compressed gas source is provided outside the container, and is connected to the valve provided in the container through a pipe. 15. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said container is formed in a rod shape. 16. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said gas ejection port is formed at a predetermined position on a side surface of said rod-shaped container. 17. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the gas ejection port is provided at any one end of the rod-shaped container in the axial direction. 18. The virtual reality simulation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said gas ejection ports are provided at both ends in the axial direction of said rod-shaped container.