JP2002245488A - Texture and model dynamic distributing method and three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system applied with the same method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adds a model while using a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system without actuating another tool and to dynamically distribute necessary data to respective users. SOLUTION: A user drags and drops a desired three-dimensional model to be added or desired texture to be changed in a three-dimensional virtual space or on a three-dimensional model to distribute necessary data to respective users.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for sharing a three-dimensional virtual space built on a computer terminal connected via a network with a plurality of users located at remote places, and expressing the three-dimensional virtual space in computer graphics. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system that operates an alter ego and presents information while talking with other users, and in particular, changes the texture of a three-dimensional virtual object in this three-dimensional cooperative virtual space or adds a three-dimensional virtual object. For dynamically distributing textures and models, and a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system to which the method is applied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a two-dimensional chat system in which a plurality of users have a conversation by text via a network, data files such as images are dynamically distributed to other users participating in the conversation. It was possible.

In addition, when adding a three-dimensional virtual object or changing the texture of a three-dimensional virtual object in a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, a tool called an authoring tool for creating a three-dimensional virtual space has been used.

[0004]

Since the conventional method is based on a two-dimensional chat system, it does not share the same space with each other as in a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system. It has not been possible to associate model data or texture data with a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space in which the alter ego of the user exists.

Further, in the conventional method of changing a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space using an authoring tool, it is impossible to dynamically distribute three-dimensional model data and texture data while using the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Therefore, each user needs to re-read the data from the virtual space management device. In addition, other tools, such as authoring tools and editors, had to be used to make changes to the three-dimensional collaborative virtual space.

An object of the present invention is to change the texture of a three-dimensional model while using a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system or add a new model to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space without starting other tools. 3D model and 3D virtual model texture and model dynamic distribution method capable of dynamically distributing accurate data to each user, and a 3D cooperative virtual space system to which the method is applied. That is.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a user performs a drag-and-drop operation on a three-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model to be added and a texture to be changed. Thus, the most important feature is to dynamically distribute necessary data to each user.

Conventionally, dynamically adding and changing a three-dimensional virtual space and a three-dimensional model while using a three-dimensional virtual space system, and adding data required by performing the addition and change. The most different point is that it can be dynamically distributed to each user.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Apparatus Configuration> The configuration of an apparatus and a system for carrying out the present invention will be described. First, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system applied to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this configuration, a virtual space management device 2 and a plurality of user terminal devices 3 are connected to a network 1.
The virtual space management device 2 receives and processes various information such as the position and orientation of a user's alter ego in a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space transmitted from a plurality of user terminal devices 3 and processes the processed information respectively. Is distributed to the user terminal device 3.

Each user terminal 3 is composed of a multimedia personal computer having a video camera, a microphone, a mouse, etc., and is connected to the network 1. Each user terminal 3 uses three-dimensional computer graphics.
It draws a dimensional coordinated virtual space, transmits the position information of the user's alter ego input from a mobile input device such as a mouse operated by the user to the virtual space management device 2, and according to the information received from the virtual space management device 2. An alter ego of another user is redrawn in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space.

<First Embodiment> FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 4 denotes a window displaying a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, 5 denotes a window displaying a file, 6 denotes a file icon representing an image file, and 7 denotes a file icon representing a three-dimensional model file. It is. Reference numeral 8 denotes a window existing in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space.
Is displayed.

When communicating with a plurality of other users using a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space as shown in FIG. 2, it is desired to display other images on the spot to other users. As shown in FIG. 3, the user performs a drag-and-drop operation 9 on an icon of an image file displayed in another window to a three-dimensional model for which an image in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is to be displayed.

In the case shown in FIG. 3, a drag and drop operation 9 is performed on the icon 6 of the image file displayed in the file window 5 with respect to the window 8 in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Then, together with the image data displayed by the icon 6 of the image file on which the drag-and-drop operation 9 has been performed, the number of the three-dimensional model in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space where the drag-and-drop operation 9 has been performed, and the drag-and-drop operation 9 Is transmitted to the virtual space management device 2. The number of the three-dimensional model and the number of the user are unique in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system, and can specify the three-dimensional model and the user, respectively.

The virtual space management device 2 authenticates the attribute of the three-dimensional model based on the transmitted number of the three-dimensional model and the number of the user. Attributes are set for each three-dimensional model to limit the three-dimensional models and users who can change the texture. The virtual space management device 2 performs authentication based on the information transmitted from the user terminal device 3, and the transmitted three-dimensional model can change the texture. If it is determined that the texture of the three-dimensional model can be changed, the transmitted image data and the number of the three-dimensional model are transmitted to all the user terminals 3 existing in the same three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Send. If the virtual space management device 2 determines that it is impossible to change the texture for the three-dimensional model as a result of the authentication, the virtual space management device 2 does not transmit the texture to the other user terminal device 3.

In the user terminal device 3, the virtual space management device 2
When the user receives data from the 3D model, the texture image 10D of the 3D model can be obtained based on the immediately received image data and 3D model number even when the user is communicating in the 3D cooperative virtual space. Is dynamically changed to the transmitted image data 6 ′, and the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is redrawn.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a screen of the user terminal device 3.

As in the first embodiment, when communicating with a plurality of other users using the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, another new three-dimensional model is immediately provided to the other users. When the user wants to display and display, as shown in FIG.
A drag-and-drop operation 9 is performed on the icon 7 of the three-dimensional model file in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Then, together with the three-dimensional model data displayed by the icon 7 of the three-dimensional model on which the drag-and-drop operation 9 has been performed, the number of the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space where the drag-and-drop operation 9 has been performed and the drag-and-drop operation 9 are performed. Information such as the number of the user who has made the request is transmitted to the virtual space management device 2. The number of the three-dimensional virtual space is unique in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system, and can each specify the three-dimensional virtual space.

The virtual space management device 2 authenticates the attribute of the three-dimensional virtual space based on the transmitted number of the three-dimensional virtual space and the number of the user. Attributes are set in each three-dimensional virtual space to limit a three-dimensional virtual space and a user who can add a new three-dimensional object. The virtual space management device 2 performs authentication based on the information transmitted from the user terminal device 3, and the transmitted three-dimensional virtual space can add a new three-dimensional object. Determines that it is possible to add a new three-dimensional object to the three-dimensional virtual space, and transmits the transmitted three-dimensional model data and the number of the three-dimensional virtual space to the same three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Is transmitted to all of the user end devices 3 that are not in use. If the virtual space management device 2 determines that it is impossible to add a new object to the three-dimensional virtual space as a result of the authentication, the virtual space management device 2 does not transmit the new object to the user terminal device 2.

In the user terminal device 3, the virtual space management device 2
When the data is received from the user, even when the user is communicating in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, the three-dimensional model data received immediately is transmitted based on the number of the three-dimensional virtual space. A three-dimensional object is added to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, and the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is redrawn.

<Flowchart of Main Process of User Terminal Device 3 in First and Second Embodiments> FIG. 5 shows main processes of the user terminal device 3 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart of a process for dynamically distributing texture data and three-dimensional model data to other user terminal devices 3 in particular. Step S51: Collect and distribute the location information of the user's alter ego. Step S52: Perform drag and drop. Step S53: Transmit files and information to the virtual space management device 2. Step S54: Receive information from the virtual space management device 2. Step S55: Redraw the three-dimensional virtual space and the three-dimensional model.

<Flowchart of Main Processing of Virtual Space Management Apparatus 2 in First and Second Embodiments> FIG. 6 shows main processing in the virtual space management apparatus 2 of the first and second embodiments. In particular, it is a flowchart of a process for dynamically distributing texture data and three-dimensional model data to another user terminal device 3. Step S61: Collect and distribute the location information of the alter ego of the user. Step S62: It is checked whether or not a request for change or addition has been made from the user terminal device 3. Step S63: A file or information is received from the user terminal device 3. Step S64: Authenticate the attributes of the three-dimensional virtual space and the three-dimensional model. Step S65: A file or information is transmitted to all the user terminal devices 3.

<Flowchart of Main Information Exchange between Virtual Space Management Device 2 and User Terminal Device 3 in First and Second Embodiments> FIG. 7 shows the first embodiment and the second embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of an example of file and information exchange between a virtual space management device 2 and a user terminal device 3. Step S71: In the user terminal device 3, the user drags and drops the file into the space and the model. Step S72: The user terminal 3 transmits the file body, the user name, the space and the model name to the server. Step S73: The virtual space management device 2 receives the file body, the user name, the space and the model name from the client. Step S74: The virtual space management device 2 performs user authentication as to whether the space and the model can be changed. Step S75: In the virtual space management device 2, if the change is possible, the file main body and the names of the space and the model are transmitted to all clients. Step S76: The user terminal 3 receives the file body and the names of the space and the model from the server. Step S77: In the user terminal device 3, the space and the model are changed and displayed again.

Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, it is possible to change the texture of a three-dimensional model and add a three-dimensional model to a three-dimensional virtual space. Authentication for judging whether or not the virtual space management device 2 was performed. However, the authentication can be performed on the user terminal device 3 side, and it is also possible to use the present invention in a peer-to-peer type system in which each terminal has an equal relationship, instead of the client-server type.

When authentication is performed on the user terminal device 3 side, 3
In a file describing the three-dimensional model and the three-dimensional virtual space, authentication information such as whether a texture can be changed or a three-dimensional model can be added is described, and authentication is performed based on the information. After this authentication is performed, the texture change and the
Data necessary for adding a three-dimensional model is dynamically distributed, and the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is redrawn.

<User Terminal Device 3 in Third Embodiment>
FIG. 8 shows the main processing in the user terminal device 3 of the third embodiment, particularly for dynamically distributing texture data and three-dimensional model data to other user terminal devices 3. It is a flowchart about a process. Step S81: Collect and distribute the location information of the alter ego of the user. Step S82: Drag and drop is performed. Step S83: Authenticate the attributes of the three-dimensional virtual space and the three-dimensional model. Step S84: Transmit files and information to the virtual space management device 2. Step S85: Information is received from the virtual space management device 2. Step S86: Redraw the three-dimensional virtual space and the three-dimensional model.

<Example of Description of Three-Dimensional Virtual Space> FIG. 9 is an example of description of a three-dimensional virtual space.

In FIG. 9, the description is as follows. That is, the first three-dimensional virtual space [ROOM-1] is
Created by user-a, all people can add and change 3D model data. However, [BOX-1] existing in the three-dimensional virtual space [ROOM-1]
Was created by user-a, but only the author, user-a, can modify the texture data. Similarly, [SPHERE-1] is created by user-b, but no one can change the texture data.

Here, X, Y, and Z in the description represent the space and the size of the object.
SX, POS-Y, and POS-Z represent positions of the object in the space.

[0032]

As described above, according to the present invention, a user performs a drag-and-drop operation of a texture to be changed and a file of a three-dimensional model to be added into a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, thereby enabling a three-dimensional cooperative operation. While talking with other users in the virtual space, the texture data of the 3D model and the 3D model data are dynamically distributed,
It is possible to dynamically change the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen of a user terminal device 3;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of a drag-and-drop operation of an image file in the user terminal device 3;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of a drag-and-drop operation of a three-dimensional model file in the user terminal device 3.

FIG. 5 is a user terminal device 3 in the first and second embodiments.
3 is a flowchart of the main processing of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of main processing of the virtual space management device 2 in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of main information exchange between the virtual space management device 2 and the user terminal device 3 in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of main processing of the user terminal device 3 in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an example of a three-dimensional virtual space description.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Network 2: Virtual space management device 3: User terminal device 4: 3D cooperative virtual space window 5: File window 6: Image file icon 7: Model file icon 8: Window in 3D cooperative virtual space 9: Drag And drop operation 10: Texture image 11: 3D object

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional virtual space constructed on a computer terminal connected via a network is shared by a plurality of users at remote locations, and his / her own self is represented by computer graphics. In a texture and model dynamic distribution method for presenting information while talking with another user, a user changes the texture of a three-dimensional virtual object for a three-dimensional virtual object existing in a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. In response to this, the texture data is distributed to each other user, and the texture of the three-dimensional virtual object is dynamically changed on each user's side. In response to the addition of the object, the model data of the three-dimensional virtual object and its positional information are distributed to each other user, and each user is distributed. Side dynamically changes the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, sets attributes for the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space and the three-dimensional virtual object, and when the user dynamically changes the texture and adds an object. A texture and model dynamic distribution method, comprising authenticating the attribute and determining whether the user can perform dynamic distribution. 2. The texture and model dynamic distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a three-dimensional coordinated virtual space is displayed in a window.
The user drags and drops the texture data file to the three-dimensional virtual object, thereby dynamically changing the texture of the three-dimensional virtual object, distributing the texture data to each user, and simultaneously A texture and model dynamic distribution method, wherein a texture of a three-dimensional virtual object is dynamically changed. 3. The texture and model dynamic distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a user drags and drops a file icon of three-dimensional model data to a window in which a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is displayed. A three-dimensional virtual object is dynamically added to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, the three-dimensional model data is distributed to each other user, and the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space of each user is dynamically changed. Texture and model dynamic distribution method. 4. The texture and model dynamic distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the texture of the three-dimensional model arranged in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is changed, and the three-dimensional model is added to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Attribute to restrict the user who can perform the setting and, when the user changes the texture of the 3D model and / or adds the 3D virtual object, refers to the attribute, changes and / or A texture and model dynamic distribution method characterized by performing authentication as to whether addition is possible. 5. A three-dimensional virtual space built on a computer terminal connected via a network is shared by a plurality of users at remote locations, and his / her own self represented in computer graphics is operated. In a three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system that presents information while talking with other users, the user has changed the texture of the three-dimensional virtual object for the three-dimensional virtual object existing in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Means for distributing texture data to each other user and dynamically changing the texture of the three-dimensional virtual object on each user's side; In response to the addition of the virtual object, the model data of the three-dimensional virtual object and its position information are distributed to each other user, and each user is distributed. Means for dynamically changing the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space on the side, and setting attributes for the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space and the three-dimensional virtual object, and the user dynamically changing the texture and adding the object Means for authenticating the attribute at the time and determining whether or not the user can perform dynamic distribution. A three-dimensional cooperative virtual space to which a texture and model dynamic distribution method is applied. system. 6. The three-dimensional coordinated virtual space system according to claim 5, wherein the three-dimensional coordinated virtual space is displayed in a window in which the three-dimensional coordinated virtual space is displayed.
The user drags and drops the texture data file to the three-dimensional virtual object, thereby dynamically changing the texture of the three-dimensional virtual object, distributing the texture data to each user, and simultaneously A three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system to which a texture and model dynamic distribution method is applied, comprising means for dynamically changing a texture of a three-dimensional virtual object. 7. The three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system according to claim 5, wherein a user drags and drops a file icon of the three-dimensional model data to a window in which the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is displayed. Means for dynamically adding a three-dimensional virtual object to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space, distributing the three-dimensional model data to each other user, and dynamically changing the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space of each user. A three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system to which a texture and model dynamic distribution method characterized by the following is applied. 8. The three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system according to claim 5, wherein a texture of a three-dimensional model arranged in the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space is changed, and a three-dimensional model is added to the three-dimensional cooperative virtual space. Means for setting an attribute for restricting a user who can perform the operation, and referring to the attribute when the user changes the texture of the 3D model and / or when adding a 3D virtual object, and changes and / or Or a means for performing authentication as to whether or not addition is possible. A three-dimensional cooperative virtual space system to which a texture and model dynamic distribution method is applied.