JP2001236291A - Device, method and system for processing information and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To link the contact of mutual objects in a three-dimensional virtual real space with chat. SOLUTION: A shared server 12 recognizes the positions of avatars (a) and b in a three-dimensional virtual real space, and when receiving the contact of the avatars (a) and b as shown by a number 11, informs a chat management server 13 that the avatars (a) and b are brought into contact with each other. When receiving information indicating that the avatars (a) and b are brought into contact with each other from the shared server 12, the chat management server 13 connects the chat of the mutual client PCs of users A and B operating the avatars (a) and b.

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 and method, an information processing system, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a method in which a contact between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space and a connection state of a chat are linked. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, an information processing system, and a recording medium that make a chat in a three-dimensional virtual reality space closer to communication in a real space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, NIFTY-Serve (trademark) and Com
A plurality of users, such as puServe (trademark), connect their personal computers to a 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.

[0003] Habitat was established in 1985 by LucasFilm of the United States.
Quark, a U.S. commercial network,
After operating for about three years at antumLink, the service was launched on NIFTY-Serve in February 1990 as Fujitsu Habitat (trademark). In this Habitat, “Popupolis” (Popupolis) drawn by two-dimensional graphics
lopolis) in a virtual city called avata
r; a user alter ego (an object representing the user himself) called the incarnation of God in Indian mythology,
Users can chat with each other (Chat; text-based real-time conversation by inputting and displaying characters). For a more detailed description of Habitat, see Cyberspace, edited by Michael Benedict, March 20, 1994.
First edition published in Japan, NTT Publishing ISBN4-87188-265-9C0010
(Original; Cyberspace: First Steps, Michael Benedikt,
ed. 1991, MIT PressCambrige, MA ISBN 0−262−02327−
X) Pages 282 to 307.

In a conventional cyberspace system operated by this kind of personal computer communication service, a virtual cityscape or a state inside a room is drawn in two-dimensional graphics, and an avatar is moved in a depth direction or a front direction. In the case of moving, the avatar is simply moved up and down on the background of the two-dimensional graphics. In order to simulate walking and moving in the virtual space, the expressive power on the display is poor. 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, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-81781, a function of displaying a virtual space in three-dimensional graphics so that a user can freely walk around from the viewpoint of an avatar has been proposed.
This is realized by using a description language of three-dimensional graphics data called VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language). The details of this VRML are, for example,
"Knowing VRML: Building and Browsing 3D Cyberspace [by Mark Pessi, Koichi Matsuda, Teruhisa Kamachi, Shoichi Takeuchi,
Translated by Yasuaki Honda, Junichi Koimoto, Masayuki Ishikawa, Ken Miyashita, Kazuhiro Hara, 1
First edition published March 25, 996, Prentice Hall Publishing
ISBN4-931356-37-0] (Original; VRML: Browsing & Buildi
ng Cyberspace, Mark Pesce, 1995 New Readers Publish
ing ISBN 1-56205-498-8) "or" The latest trends in VRML and CyberPassage [by Koichi Matsuda and Yasuaki Honda, bit (Kyoritsu Shuppan) / 1996 Vol.28 No.7 pp29-pp36, No.8 pp57-
pp65, No.9, pp29 to pp36, No.10, pp49 to pp58].

Also, “The Virtual Reality Modeling L
The official and complete specification of `` anguage Version 2.0, ISO / IEC CD14772 '' can be found at http://www.vrml.org/Specifications
/VRML2.0/FINAL/spec/index.html ",
The Japanese version is available at http://www.webcity.co.jp/info/an
doh / VRML / vrml2.0 / spec-jp / index.html ".

In VRML2.0, the latest language of VRML, it is possible to describe and express an autonomous behavior (Behavior) of an object in a three-dimensional virtual space. Thus, for example, when the user walks around the virtual space displayed by the VRML 2.0 browser in three-dimensional graphics, that is, the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the viewpoint of the avatar, the user himself / herself can use the three-dimensional virtual reality. You can enjoy the feeling as if you were actually in the space.

[0008] As the VRML 2.0 browser and shared server software, for example, Sony Corporation, which is the present applicant, describes “Community Place (trademark) Browser / Bure”.
au ”has been developed and commercialized, and its beta version (trial version) is available on the Internet at“ http: // vs.
sony.co.jp ".

In a three-dimensional virtual reality space, avatars (objects) can communicate with each other in a manner called chat. The chat means that a user who operates each avatar has a conversation through an avatar in a three-dimensional virtual reality space. Conventionally, in the chat between avatars in the three-dimensional virtual reality space, the avatar to be a chat partner is specified, and, for example, the user inputs a name or the like specifying the avatar to be the partner with a keyboard or the like, and chats. Was connected.

[0010]

By the way, communication with another person in the real space is usually performed together with contact with the other party (meeting or approaching). However, in the above-mentioned chat, for example, inputting the other party with a keyboard,
Chatting is established by an action different from contact in the real space, regardless of the positional relationship between avatars. For this reason, there is a problem that chatting between avatars (objects) in the three-dimensional virtual reality space causes a user to lose a sense of a simulated experience.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, a contact state between objects and a connection state of a chat are linked in a three-dimensional virtual reality space. It is possible to make the chat between the objects in the space closer to the communication in the real space.

[0012]

According to a first information processing apparatus of the present invention, a detecting means for detecting a contact state between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a contact between the objects detected by the detecting means. A supply unit that supplies the state information to another information processing apparatus that manages the chat.

According to a first information processing method of the present invention, a detecting step for detecting a contact state between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and information on a contact state between the objects detected in the processing of the detecting step is provided. And a supply step of supplying the information to another information processing device that manages the chat.

[0014] The program of the first recording medium of the present invention comprises:
A detection step of detecting a contact state between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a supply of information on a contact state between the objects detected in the processing of the detection step to another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. And a supply control step.

According to a second information processing apparatus of the present invention, obtaining means for obtaining information on a contact state between objects from another information processing apparatus which manages an object in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and obtaining the information by the obtaining means. And a chat control unit for connecting or disconnecting a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information.

According to a second information processing method of the present invention, an acquiring step of acquiring information on a contact state between objects from another information processing apparatus which manages an object in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and processing of the acquiring step And a chat control step of connecting or disconnecting a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information obtained in step (1).

The program of the second recording medium of the present invention comprises:
An acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of information on a contact state between objects from another information processing apparatus that manages an object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; and, based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquisition control step, Connect chat between objects in 3D virtual reality space, or
Disconnecting a chat control step.

The first information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
The information processing device of the present invention, detecting means for detecting the contact state between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space, and information on the contact state between the objects detected by the detecting means,
Supply means for supplying to the second information processing apparatus;
The information processing device includes: an obtaining unit that obtains information on a contact state between objects from the first information processing device; And a chat control unit for connecting or disconnecting the chat.

The information processing method of the first information processing system according to the present invention is the information processing method of the first information processing apparatus, wherein the detecting step detects a contact state between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space; Supplying the information of the contact state between the objects detected in the processing of the detection step to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing method of the second information processing apparatus includes the first information processing apparatus. Acquiring the information on the state of contact between objects from the object, and chat control for connecting or disconnecting a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquiring step. And a step.

A program for controlling the first information processing system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus which includes a detecting step of detecting a contact state between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space; And a supply control step of controlling supply of the information on the contact state between the objects detected in the second information processing device to the second information processing device. An acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of information on the contact state between objects, and a connection or disconnection of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquisition control step. And a chat control step of controlling the process.

According to a third information processing apparatus of the present invention, a chat request acquiring unit for acquiring a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space, and a chat request based on the request acquired by the chat request acquiring unit. Mediation means for mediating connection or disconnection, information on the connection state of the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated by the mediation means, and other information for managing the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space Supply means for supplying to the processing device.

According to a third information processing method of the present invention, a chat request obtaining step for obtaining a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space and a request obtained in the processing of the chat request obtaining step are performed based on the request. Manages an arbitration step of arbitrating chat connection or disconnection, and information on the chat connection state between objects in the 3D virtual reality space arbitrated in the arbitration step processing, and objects in the 3D virtual reality space. And supplying to another information processing apparatus.

The program of the third recording medium of the present invention comprises:
A chat request acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space; and a chat connection based on the request acquired in the processing of the chat request acquisition control step.
Alternatively, another information processing for managing an object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on information on a connection state of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space that has been arbitrated in the arbitration step and an arbitration step for mediating the disconnection. And a supply control step of controlling supply to the device.

According to a fourth information processing apparatus of the present invention, an obtaining means for obtaining information on a connection state of a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus which manages a chat; 3 based on the information on the connection state of the chat between the objects obtained by the means.
A positional relationship control unit for controlling a positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space.

According to a fourth information processing method of the present invention, an obtaining step of obtaining information on a connection state of a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus that manages a chat; A positional relationship control step of controlling a positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a chat connection state between the objects obtained in the step processing.

The program of the fourth recording medium of the present invention comprises:
An acquisition step of acquiring information on a connection state of a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus that manages a chat, and a connection state of a chat between objects acquired in the processing of the acquisition step A positional relationship control step of controlling the positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space based on the information of

[0027] The second information processing system of the present invention comprises a first information processing system.
The information processing device of the present invention arbitrates connection or disconnection of a chat based on a request obtained by a chat request obtaining unit for obtaining a request for a chat from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space and a request obtained by the chat request obtaining unit. Arbitration means, and supply means for supplying, to the second information processing apparatus, information on the connection state of the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated by the arbitration means, A connection state information acquiring unit that acquires information on a connection state of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the first information processing apparatus, and a chat between the objects acquired by the connection state information acquisition unit. A positional relationship system that controls the positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space based on information on the connection state. Characterized in that it comprises a means.

The information processing method of the second information processing system according to the present invention is the information processing method of the first information processing apparatus, wherein a chat request obtaining step of obtaining a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space is provided. An arbitration step of arbitrating the connection or disconnection of the chat based on the request acquired in the processing of the chat request acquisition step, and a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated in the arbitration step. Supplying the information of the connection state to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing method of the second information processing apparatus comprises: The connection status information acquisition step of acquiring the connection status information of the chat between two users, and the connection status information acquisition step Based on the object between the chat information of the connection state of being, characterized in that it comprises a positional relationship control step of controlling the positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space.

[0029] A program for controlling the second information processing system according to the present invention comprises: a first information processing apparatus, a chat request acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space; An arbitration step for mediating connection or disconnection of a chat based on the request acquired in the processing of the chat request acquisition control step, and a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated in the arbitration step processing. And a supply control step of controlling the supply of the connection state information to the second information processing device. The second information processing device causes the second information processing device to execute a process in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the first information processing device. Connection information acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of information on the connection status of the chat between objects in the connection, and the connection status Performing a process including a positional relationship control step of controlling a positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a chat connection state between objects acquired in the process of the information acquisition control step. Features.

In the first information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the present invention, the contact state between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is detected, and the detected contact state between the objects is detected. The information is supplied to another information processing device that manages the chat.

In the second information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, information on the contact state between objects from another information processing apparatus that manages objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is used. The chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is connected or disconnected based on the supplied and supplied information.

In the first information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, the first information processing apparatus detects a contact state between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space, and detects the state. The information on the contact state between the objects is supplied to the second information processing device,
By the second information processing device, information on the contact state between the objects from the first information processing device is acquired, and based on the acquired information, the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is connected, Or, it is disconnected.

[0033] In the third information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium of the present invention, a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space is obtained.
Based on the obtained request, the connection or disconnection of the chat is arbitrated, and the information of the connection state of the chat between the objects in the arbitrated three-dimensional virtual reality space is:
The information is supplied to another information processing device that manages objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space.

According to the fourth information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, a connection state of a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. Information is obtained,
The positional relationship between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual space is controlled based on the acquired information on the connection state of the chat between the objects.

In the second information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the present invention, the first information processing apparatus acquires a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space and acquires the chat request. Based on the request, the connection or disconnection of the chat is arbitrated, and the information on the connected state of the chat between the objects in the arbitrated three-dimensional virtual reality space is supplied to the second information processing apparatus, Information of the connection state of the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the first information processing apparatus is acquired by the information processing apparatus, and based on the acquired information of the connection state of the chat between the objects. Thus, the positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space is controlled.

[0036]

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional virtual reality space image providing system to which the present invention is applied.
Client PCs (Personal Computers) 1-3
Is connected to the Internet 7 through IPs (Internet connection service providers) 4 to 6.

Each of the client PCs 1 to 3 has a VRML browser and a WWW (World Wide Web) browser installed and installed, and periodically or when necessary, position information of its own avatar in a three-dimensional virtual reality space. And the like, and has a function of receiving shared information (VRML file) of another 3D object sent from the shared server 12 and displaying the same.

A WWW server 1 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 9 connected to the Internet 7 via a router 8.
0, WLS (World Location Server) 11, Shared server 1
2. Chat management server 13, AO (Application Objec)
t) Servers 14 and 15, mail server 16 and communication server 17 are connected. Each of these servers 10 to 17 has a hard disk (HDD) 10
a, 10b, 11a to 17a are provided respectively.

The shared server 12 operates according to installed shared server software (Bureau). Further, the shared server 12 is a client PC 1
The position information of the 3D object (avatar) corresponding to each of the client PCs 1 to 3 is managed, and the position information of each 3D object is provided to the other client PCs 1 to 3 as necessary. Further, the shared server 12 provides the position information to the chat management server 13 and connects the 3D objects from the chat management server 13 (actually, the client PCs 1 to 3 that operate the 3D objects). The information on the state is received, and the position of each 3D object is controlled based on the information on the connection state of the chat.

The chat management server 13 is a shared server 1
The connection or disconnection of the chat between the 3D objects is controlled based on the position information of each 3D object from 2. In addition, the chat management server 13 arbitrates the connection state of the chat between the 3D objects in response to the chat request from each 3D object, controls the connection or disconnection of the chat, and controls the connection or disconnection between the 3D objects. Information on the chat state connection is provided to the shared server 12.

The AO servers 14 and 15 are shared server 12
And an application object (AO) such as a robot or an electronic pet that operates autonomously in, for example, a three-dimensional virtual reality space. Like the 3D client, the AO servers 14 and 15 communicate with the shared server 12, notify their own information, and receive the shared information of other 3D objects.

The communication server 17 is connected to a telephone 19 and a facsimile 20 via a public telephone line network 18, is connected to a PHS terminal 23 via a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) service provider 21 by radio, and is further connected to a pocket. It is wirelessly connected to a pager terminal 24 via a bell service provider 22.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the client PC 1. In this example, the CPU 30 connected to the main bus 47 executes the program recorded in the ROM 34 and the magnetic disk 1 connected to the drive 51.
01, a program read from the optical disk 102, the magneto-optical disk 103, or the semiconductor memory 104 and installed on the HDD 31, or a modem 39 from a server (not shown) connected to the Internet 7.
The program downloaded via the HDD 31 and installed in the HDD 31 is loaded into the RAM 46 and executed.

The HDD 31 stores a VRML file, Java (S
VRML content and the like, which is composed of a predetermined script program and the like described by un Microsystems, Inc.). The CD-ROM drive 32 reads information such as VRML contents stored in the CD-ROM 33.

The sound processing circuit 35 is connected to a microphone 36 and left and right speakers 37 and 38, and inputs a sound from the microphone 36 and outputs music and sound effects from the speakers 37 and 38. Modem 39
Functions as a communication unit, connects to the Internet 7,
Communicate data. I / O (input / output) interface 40
Receives operation signals from the mouse 41 and the keyboard 42. The graphics processing circuit 43 stores the image data subjected to various processes in the built-in VRAM 44,
The image data read from the VRAM 44 is transferred to the CRT monitor 45
And display it.

In the RAM 46, for example, Windows 98 (Mic, USA)
Net, a WWW browser that runs on ro Soft's trademark)
scape Navigator (TM), Java interpreter, and
VRML developed by Sony Corporation, the present applicant
The Community Place Browser, which is a browser, loads when they run.

The VRML browser includes QvLib, a library (parser) for interpreting VRML, which is developed by the United States Silicon Graphics Corporation and is freely available, and Crite, a British company.
Rende, a software renderer from rionSoftware Ltd.
A parser or renderer having functions equivalent to rWare or the like is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the Community Place Browser is a Netscape Naviga as a WWW browser.
NCAPI (Netscape Client Applicat
Various types of data are exchanged based on ion programming interface (trademark).

Netscape Navigator is an Internet 7
When the HTML file and the image data are supplied from the WWW server 10 via the .NET server, they are stored in the local HDD 31 respectively. Netscape Navigator is HT of these
Process ML files and display text and images on CRT monitor 45
To be displayed.

On the other hand, Community Place Browser uses VRML
The file is processed and the VR of the graphics processing circuit 43 is processed.
3D virtual reality space stored in AM44 on CRT monitor 4
5, and changes the behavior of the object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space and other display states in accordance with the processing result of the script program by the Java interpreter.

The configuration of the client PCs 2 and 3 is the same as that of the client PC 1 and will not be described.

FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of the shared server 12. The basic configuration is the same as that of the client PC 1 in FIG. That is, the CPU 61 and the ROM
62, I / O interface 63, mouse 64, keyboard 65, graphics processing circuit 66, VRAM 67,
The CRT monitor 68, the RAM 69, and the main bus 70
It has the same function as the part with the same name of the client PC 1 in FIG. However, the shared server 12 uses the CP
The processing capability of the U61 and the graphics processing circuit 66 (including the VRAM 67) is
It is more reinforced than U30 and graphics processing circuit 44. In this example, the shared server 12 is a Windows NT (US Micro
Soft's trademark).

FIG. 4 shows a hardware configuration of the chat management server 13. The basic configuration is the same as that of shared server 12 in FIG. That is, the CPU 81, R
OM 82, I / O interface 83, mouse 84,
Keyboard 85, graphics processing circuit 86, VRAM8
7, CRT monitor 88, RAM 89, and main bus 90
Have the same functions as those of the shared server 12 shown in FIG.

The operation of this system will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 5, the client P
First, as indicated by number 1, the user of C1 or the client PC 2 browses the homepage of a Web site providing VRML content using a WWW browser. In this example, "http://pc.sony.co.jp/sapari/" is browsed. Next, as indicated by the numeral 2, the user of the client PC 1 or the client PC 2 has a VRML content composed of a VRML file and a script program (a script program in Java) for realizing an autonomous movement in the VRML space. Download each.

Of course, VRML contents provided on the CD-ROM 33 may be read by the CD-ROM drive 32.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In the C1 or the client PC 2, the VRML downloaded to each and temporarily stored in the local HDD 31
Copy the file to Community Place Brow, a VRML browser
interpreted and executed by ser, and as indicated by number 3, VSCP (Virtual Society Server Client Protocol)
The WLS 11 is inquired of the URL of the shared server 12 based on the URL. At this time, the WLS 11
Refers to the shared server URL management table stored in the HDD 11a, and refers to the client PC 1 or the client P
The URL of the shared server 12 is notified to C2.

Using this URL, the client PC 1 and the client PC 2 are connected to the shared server 12 as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown by the numeral 5, a shared message relating to the position and movement of the shared 3D object is transmitted via the shared server 12, and as shown by the numeral 6, the transfer is performed, and the multi-user environment is transmitted. Is realized. Further, the client PC 1 and the client PC 2 also connect to the chat management server 13.
As a result, for example, when the chat is connected between the object (avatar) operated by the client PC 2 and the object (avatar) operated by the client PC 1, the chat computer is indicated by the numeral 7 from the client PC 2. When the chat message is transmitted via the chat management server 13, the chat management server 13 sends the chat message to the client PC 1 as shown by numeral 8.
Then, the transfer is performed, thereby enabling chatting.

A detailed description of the above connection procedure is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-81781.

Next, the relationship between the user and the avatar (object) in the three-dimensional virtual reality space will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, A and B are
Shows the user. A and b are the users A,
B represents an avatar operated by operating each of the client PCs 1 and 2, for example. Each of the users A and B operates the mouse 41 or the keyboard 42 while watching the avatars a and b displayed on the CRT monitor 45 of the client PCs 1 and 2 to make the avatars a and b three-dimensional virtual. It can be moved in the real space. However, the corresponding avatar image may be made invisible to the corresponding user (for example, the avatar a may be made invisible to the user A).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14, the processing of the shared server 12 and the chat management server 13 when the chat is connected or disconnected depending on the state of contact between the avatars a and b will be described. I do.

First, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing of the shared server 12 will be described. Step S1
In, the CPU 61 of the shared server 12 determines whether or not the avatars have contacted each other based on the input position information of each avatar. That is, as indicated by reference numeral 11 in FIG. 10, the CPU 61 of the shared server 12
1 and the client PC 2 supply the position information of the corresponding avatars a and b. Based on this position information, it is determined whether or not the avatars a and b have contacted each other. When the avatars are not in contact with each other, the process proceeds to step S3, and the CPU 61 determines whether or not the avatars have been in contact so far. If your avatar has not contacted you before,
The process returns to step S1. Such processing is repeated in step S1 until it is determined that the avatars have contacted each other.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the avatars a and b come into contact with each other (when they are located within a predetermined distance), the CPU 61
Determines that there is contact between avatars, and proceeds to the process of step S2.

In step S 2, the CPU 61 sets the chat management server 13 as indicated by reference numeral 12 in FIG.
Is notified that avatars a and b have come into contact with each other, and step S
It returns to the process of 1.

Here, the process of the chat management server 13 when receiving the notification from the shared server 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the notification from the shared server 12 is received as shown by the numeral 12 in FIG. 10 in the process of step S2 in FIG. 9, the CPU 81 of the chat management server 13 Whether or not the avatars have contacted each other based on the notification (whether or not they have separated)
Is determined. In this case, since the notification is a notification that the avatars have contacted each other, it is determined that the avatars have contacted each other, and in step S12, the CPU 81 operates the avatars a and b as indicated by reference numeral 13 in FIG. The users A and B perform a chat between the client PCs 1 and 2 (hereinafter, this is simply referred to as connecting the chat), and the process returns to the step S11.

With the above processing, when the avatars a and b come into contact in the three-dimensional virtual reality space (approaching within a predetermined distance), the chat is connected between the avatars a and b.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, even if the avatar c operated by the user C passes by the contacting avatars a and b, a chat is connected to the avatar c. Since there is no chat, the contents of the chat exchanged between the avatars a and b cannot be known. However, since the avatars a and b are in contact with each other, the avatar c can recognize that both are chatting. Such a chat in which the contents of the conversation during the chat can be recognized only between the avatars who are chatting is particularly called a private chat.

Of course, if the avatar c comes into contact with the avatars a and b, a private chat between the three parties becomes possible.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the avatars a and b are separated from each other, the client PCs 1 and 2
, New position information of the avatars a and b is input to the shared server 12.

At this time, the shared server 12 determines in step S1 of FIG. 9 whether or not the avatars a and b have come into contact based on the position information of the new avatars a and b from the client PCs 1, 2. No) is determined. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, since the avatars a and b have been separated, it is determined that they are not in contact with each other, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the avatars a and b have been in contact so far. If it is determined that no contact has been made, the process returns to the process of step S1, but in this case, the avatars a and b have contacted so far, so the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the CPU 61 sends a notification to the chat management server 13 indicating that the avatars a and b have separated from each other, as indicated by reference numeral 22 in FIG. 14, and returns to the processing in step S1. The subsequent processing is repeated.

When the avatars a and b from the shared server 12 at step S4 receive a notification that the avatars a and b are separated from each other, the CPU 81 of the chat management server 13 determines at step S11 the avatars a and b based on the received notification.
b determines whether or not there is contact. In this case, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, since the avatars a and b are separated, it is determined that the avatars are not in contact with each other, and the process proceeds to step S13.

At the step S13, the CPU 81
The avatars a and b determine whether or not a chat connection has been established. If the avatar has not been chat-connected, the process returns to step S11. In this case, however, the avatar has been chat-connected, and the process proceeds to step S14.

At the step S14, the CPU 81
As shown by numeral 23 in FIG.
The chats 1 and 2 are disconnected, the process returns to step S11, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined in step S13 that no chat is being performed, the process proceeds to step S1.
The process returns to 1 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

As described above, the chat can be automatically connected by bringing the avatars a and b into contact with each other, and the chat can be automatically disconnected by separating the avatars a and b from each other.

In the above description, the example in which the chat is connected or disconnected based on the positional relationship between the avatars has been described. Next, referring to FIGS. An example of controlling the positional relationship of the avatar will be described.

In step S21 of FIG. 15, the CPU 81 of the chat management server 13 determines whether or not there is a chat request from the avatar. If there is no request, the process returns to step S21, and the chat request from the avatar is returned. Until there is, wait for input.
For example, when avatar a requests a chat to avatar b, as indicated by reference numeral 31 in FIG. 16, since there is a chat request from user A of avatar a, the process proceeds to step S22.

At the step S22, the CPU 81
It is determined whether the received request is a chat connection request. In this case, since the request is to request the avatar b to connect, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, FIG.
As indicated by 2, the CPU 81 asks the user B of the avatar b of the other party to establish a chat connection with the user A of the avatar a. At this time, the chat management server 13 informs the client PC 2 of the user A who operates the avatar b of the consultation of this chat, and based on the notification, the user B
Sends back an answer to accept or reject chat.

At the step S24, the CPU 81
Receives the answer from client PC2, and the answer is
It is determined whether the answer is to accept the chat. For example, when the user B operates the client PC 2 and transmits a message indicating that the chat is accepted, as indicated by reference numeral 33 in FIG. 16, it is determined that the received answer indicates that the chat is accepted, and step S25 is performed. In step S21, the CPU 81 connects the chat between the client PCs 1 and 2 that operate the avatars a and b, transmits the fact that the chat is connected between the avatars a and b to the shared server 12, and proceeds to step S21. Return.

Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the processing of the shared server 12 notified from the chat management server 13 that the chat has been connected will be described.

When the shared server 12 receives the information indicating the state of the chat from the chat management server 13, as indicated by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 16, in step S31, the information indicates that the chat has been connected. Is determined. In this case, since it indicates that the chat has been connected, the processing is performed in step S3.
Proceed to 2.

In step S32, the CPU 61
Since the avatars a and b are in the chat connection state, the positions of the avatars a and b are controlled, and as shown by reference numeral 35 in FIG. The contact is made (the avatar a and the avatar b are positioned within a predetermined distance), and the process returns to the step S31.

If it is determined in step S22 in FIG. 15 that the request is not a chat connection request (a request to disconnect the chat), the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the CPU 81 disconnects the chat between the client PCs 1 and 2 operating the avatars a and b, and notifies the shared server 12 that the chat has been disconnected.

At this time, shared server 12 determines in step S
At 31, it is determined that the received notification does not indicate chat connection (it indicates chat disconnection), and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the CPU 61 determines that the avatar a whose chat has been disconnected,
The position b is moved (moved) to a position before the chat is connected, the process returns to the step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In step S24 of FIG. 15, if user B of avatar b who has consulted the chat operates client PC2 and replies that he or she does not accept the chat, the process returns to step S21. , And the subsequent processes are repeated.

In the above, the chat between the avatars has been described. However, the chat may be performed between the avatar and other objects (the user of the avatar and the user who manages the other objects). good. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when an object called an Internet shop d is provided in a three-dimensional virtual space, and an avatar a comes into contact therewith, an avatar a and an Internet shop d are connected between the avatar a and the Internet shop d in the same manner as in FIGS. User D who manages the Internet shop d and user A who operates the avatar a
A chat may be connected between the Internet and the Internet, and Internet shopping or the like may be performed on the connected chat.

As shown in FIG. 16, avatars a and b
When contacting the avatars, light that wraps around the avatars a and b is displayed, or BGM (Back Ground Musi)
By performing c), the avatars a and b may express the chat connected state in an easy-to-understand manner for the avatar as the third party.

Further, in the above description, the private chat in the case of one-to-one objects has been described. However, three or more objects may be in contact (objects participating in the private chat).

The above-described series of processing can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may be executed by a computer built into dedicated hardware or by installing various programs to execute various functions. It is installed from a recording medium to a possible general-purpose personal computer or the like.

This recording medium is provided to the user in a state in which the program is stored in the client PC 1 in advance as shown in FIG. 2, and the program is provided to the user separately from the computer in addition to the HDD 31 in which the program is recorded. A magnetic disk 101 (including a floppy (registered trademark) disk) on which a program is recorded and an optical disk 102 (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Re
ad Only Memory), a DVD (including a Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical disk 103 (including an MD (Mini-Disk)), or a package medium including a semiconductor memory 104 or the like.

In this specification, the step of describing a program recorded on a recording medium is not limited to processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. , And processing executed in parallel or individually.

[0095] In this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of apparatuses.

[0096]

According to the first information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, the state of contact between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is detected, and the detected contact between objects is performed. The state information is supplied to another information processing apparatus that manages the chat.

According to the second information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, information on the contact state between objects from another information processing apparatus that manages objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. , And the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is connected or disconnected based on the obtained information.

According to the first information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, the first information processing apparatus detects a contact state between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, The information on the contact state between the detected objects is supplied to the second information processing apparatus, and the second information processing apparatus acquires the information on the contact state between the objects from the first information processing apparatus and acquires the acquired information. According to the information, the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is connected or disconnected.

According to the third information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, a chat request from an object in a three-dimensional virtual space is acquired, and a chat request is made based on the acquired request. Connection, or
The disconnection is arbitrated, and information on the connected state of the chat between the arbitrated objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is supplied to another information processing apparatus that manages the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space.

According to the fourth information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, connection of a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. The information on the state is acquired, and the positional relationship between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual space is controlled based on the acquired information on the connection state of the chat between the objects.

According to the second information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium of the present invention, the first information processing apparatus obtains a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space, and obtains the chat request. Based on the request, the connection or disconnection of the chat is arbitrated, and the information on the connection state of the chat between the objects in the arbitrated three-dimensional virtual reality space is supplied to the second information processing apparatus.
The information processing device acquires information on the connection state of the chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the first information processing device, and based on the information on the connection state of the chat between the acquired objects, The positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space is controlled.

Therefore, in any case, it is possible to make the chat in the three-dimensional virtual reality space closer to the actual communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a three-dimensional virtual reality space image providing system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client PC in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a shared server in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a chat management server in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a user and an avatar.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a shared server.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining contacting an avatar.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where avatars connect a chat;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the chat management server.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which chat between avatars is connected.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a case where avatars disconnect a chat.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the chat management server receives a chat request from an avatar.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating that an avatar requests a chat and the chat is connected based on the request;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the shared server receives chat status information from the chat management server.

[FIG. 18] An avatar contacts an Internet shop,
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating that Internet shopping is performed by chat.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-3 client PC, 7 Internet,
10 WWW server, 12 shared server, 12a HD
D, 13 chat management server, 13a HDD, 30
CPU, 31 hard disk, 34 ROM, 39
Modem, 43 graphics processing circuit, 43 VRA
M, 45 CRT monitor, 46 RAM, 47 main bus, 61 CPU, 62 ROM, 81 CPU, 82 ROM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA11 AA17 BA00 BA08 BB00 BB10 CA02 CB00 CB08 CC02 CC08 5B080 AA00 5B089 GA11 GA21 GB04 JA17 JA18 JB01 JB03 KA18 KC28 LB17 LB21 5E501 AB19 EB21 FB21 FA04 BB06 DD12 HH20 HH29 HH30 JZ76 KK62

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, comprising: a detecting unit configured to detect a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; An information processing apparatus, comprising: a supply unit configured to supply the information on the contact state between the objects to another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. 2. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, comprising: a detecting step of detecting a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; A supply step of supplying information on a contact state between the objects detected in the processing of the detection step to another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. 3. A program for controlling an information processing device that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, comprising: a detection step of detecting a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. And a supply control step of controlling supply of information on a contact state between the objects detected in the processing of the detection step to another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. A recording medium on which a program is recorded. 4. An information processing apparatus that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein a contact state between the objects from another information processing apparatus that manages the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space is determined. Acquiring means for acquiring information, based on the information acquired by the acquiring means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a chat control unit that connects or disconnects a chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. 5. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein the objects from another information processing apparatus that manages the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space are connected to each other. And a chat control for connecting or disconnecting a chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information obtained in the processing of the obtaining step. And an information processing method. 6. A program for controlling an information processing device that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, the program being a program from another information processing device that manages objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. An acquisition control step of controlling the acquisition of information on the contact state between objects, and connecting the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquisition control step, Alternatively, a recording medium in which a computer-readable program is recorded, comprising a chat control step of disconnecting. 7. Information comprising a first information processing device for managing a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space and a second information processing device for managing a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. In the processing system, the first information processing apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; and information on a contact state between the objects detected by the detection unit. Supply means for supplying the information processing apparatus to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the second information processing apparatus obtains information on a contact state between the objects from the first information processing apparatus, and Based on the information acquired by the acquiring unit,
An information processing system comprising: a chat control unit that connects or disconnects a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. 8. Information comprising a first information processing device that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a second information processing device that manages a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. In the information processing method of the processing system, the information processing method of the first information processing apparatus includes: a detecting step of detecting a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; Supplying the information on the contact state between the objects to the second information processing device, wherein the information processing method of the second information processing device comprises: An acquiring step of acquiring information on a contact state between the objects, and the three-dimensional temporary based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquiring step. A chat control step of connecting or disconnecting a chat between objects in the virtual reality space. 9. Information comprising a first information processing device that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space and a second information processing device that manages a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. A program for controlling a processing system, wherein the first information processing device detects a contact state between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space; And a supply control step of controlling supply of the information on the contact state between the objects to the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus executes the processing from the first information processing apparatus. An acquisition control step of controlling the acquisition of information on the contact state between the objects, and based on the information acquired in the processing of the acquisition control step. And a chat control step of controlling connection or disconnection of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. Medium. 10. An information processing apparatus for managing a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein: a chat request obtaining means for obtaining a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space; Based on the request obtained by the means, arbitration means for mediating the connection or disconnection of the chat, and information on the connection state of the chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated by the arbitration means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies an object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space to another information processing apparatus that manages the object. 11. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, a chat request obtaining step of obtaining a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space, An arbitration step of arbitrating connection or disconnection of a chat based on the request acquired in the processing of the chat request acquisition step, and an object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated in the arbitration step. Supplying the information of the connection state of the chat to another information processing apparatus that manages the object in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. 12. A program for controlling an information processing apparatus that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, the chat request controlling acquisition of a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space. An acquisition control step, an arbitration step of arbitrating a chat connection or disconnection based on the request acquired in the processing of the chat request acquisition control step, and the three-dimensional virtual reality arbitrated in the arbitration step processing. A supply control step of controlling supply of information on a connection state of a chat between objects in the space to another information processing device that manages the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. A recording medium on which a possible program is recorded. 13. An information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein a connection of a chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from another information processing apparatus for managing a chat. Acquiring means for acquiring state information; positional relationship controlling means for controlling a positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a chat connection state between the objects acquired by the acquiring means; An information processing apparatus comprising: 14. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space are transmitted from another information processing apparatus that manages a chat. An acquisition step of acquiring information on a connection state of a chat, and controlling a positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a connection state of the chat between the objects acquired in the processing of the acquisition step. An information processing method comprising: 15. A program for controlling an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, wherein the program is used to control a plurality of objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. An acquisition step of acquiring information on a connection state of a chat between objects, and a positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space based on the information on a connection state of a chat between the objects acquired in the processing of the acquisition step. And a positional relation control step of controlling the computer-readable recording medium, on which a computer-readable program is recorded. 16. A first information processing apparatus for managing a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a second information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. In the information processing system, the first information processing apparatus includes: a chat request obtaining unit configured to obtain a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space; and a request obtained by the chat request obtaining unit. Arbitration means for arbitrating connection or disconnection of a chat, and information on a connection state of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated by the arbitration means,
Supply means for supplying to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the second information processing apparatus has a connection state of a chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from a first information processing apparatus. Connection state information acquiring means for acquiring the information of the connection state of the chat between the objects acquired by the connection state information acquisition means.
An information processing system comprising: a positional relationship control unit that controls a positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space. 17. A first information processing apparatus which manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a second information processing apparatus which manages a plurality of objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. In the information processing method of the information processing system, the information processing method of the first information processing apparatus includes: a chat request obtaining step of obtaining a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space; and the chat request obtaining step. An arbitration step of arbitrating the connection or disconnection of the chat based on the request acquired in the processing of the above, and the connection state of the chat between the objects in the 3D virtual reality space arbitrated in the processing of the arbitration step Supplying the information to the second information processing apparatus. An information processing method of the information processing device, wherein a connection state information obtaining step of obtaining information on a connection state of a chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from a first information processing device; A positional relationship control step of controlling a positional relationship between objects in a three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a connection state of the chat between the objects acquired in the process of the acquiring step. Method. 18. A first information processing device that manages a chat between objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space, and a second information processing device that manages a plurality of objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. A request for controlling the acquisition of a chat request from an object in the three-dimensional virtual space by the first information processing apparatus; An arbitration step of arbitrating connection or disconnection of a chat based on a request obtained in the processing of the control step, and a connection of a chat between objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space arbitrated in the processing of the arbitration step. A supply control step of controlling supply of state information to the second information processing apparatus. Connection state information that controls the second information processing apparatus to acquire information on the connection state of the chat between the objects in the three-dimensional virtual reality space from the first information processing apparatus. An acquisition control step; and a positional relationship control step of controlling a positional relationship between objects in the three-dimensional virtual space based on information on a chat connection state between the objects acquired in the processing of the connection state information acquisition control step. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program.