JP2007133738A - Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an optimum communication that corresponds to a user's request while exceeding constraints in a predetermined space in communication among a plurality of nodes sharing the predetermined space. <P>SOLUTION: On a radar chart 251 centering on a node icon 261A representing the coordinate position of a node A in the predetermined space shared by the plurality of nodes performing communication, node icons 262B, 262C and 262N are arranged at positions corresponding to relative positions between respective nodes and the node A in the predetermined space. The virtual position of the node A is calculated in accordance with the movement request of the node icon 261A by the user, an avatar icon 381A is moved and displayed in accordance with the virtual position, connection priority levels among nodes are changed, and data under communication is adjusted in accordance with the changed connection priority levels. This invention is applicable to a communication system in which the communication is performed among a plurality of terminals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, in communication between a plurality of nodes sharing a predetermined space, exceeding the restrictions imposed from the coordinate position of the user or avatar in the predetermined space, The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that can provide a user with optimal communication according to a user request of a node.

  Conventionally, it has been possible to display the coordinate positional relationship of a plurality of users in real space using a positioning and ranging device such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

  Also, for example, in the virtual space defined in specific rules, such as online RPG (Roll Playing Game) that communicates using virtual space via a network, the coordinate position of the user's alternate called avatar It was also possible to display the relationship.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a game in which a delay is eliminated in a game played using a virtual space, taking into account the transmission speed and data capacity that change every moment to the user terminal. Yes.

JP 2005-267347 A

  However, conventionally, only the coordinate position relationship of a plurality of users (or avatars) is displayed in both the former real space and the latter virtual space, and each space displayed as described above is displayed. There is no one that optimally processes video data and audio data communicated between users by changing the coordinate position relationship of a plurality of users according to user operations.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in communication between a plurality of nodes sharing a predetermined space, even in response to a user request exceeding the constraints received from the coordinate position in the predetermined space, This makes it possible to optimally control the communication balance among a plurality of nodes.

  An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus that performs communication via a network, a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses that share a predetermined space, and a self-unit in the predetermined space. And priority calculation means for calculating a connection priority for the other information processing device based on the coordinate position of the other information processing device, and based on the coordinate position of the self and the other information processing device in the predetermined space. Display control means for controlling display of first icons respectively arranged corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on a coordinate chart representing a coordinate system of the predetermined space, and the first by the user In response to a movement request for the icon, a virtual position calculation unit that calculates a virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon, and a virtual position calculation unit Based on the calculated virtual position, the connection priority changing means for changing the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus calculated by the priority calculating means and the priority changing means Data processing means for processing data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing device based on the connection priority with respect to the other information processing device.

  The display control means controls the display of a second icon that moves on the chart and represents the virtual position of the self or another information processing apparatus, and the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculation means Based on the above, the second icon can be moved and displayed on the chart.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed after the second icon is moved and displayed, the virtual position calculation means calculates the predetermined position from the virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon calculated last time. The virtual position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds can be recalculated so that the first icon returns to the coordinate position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds in predetermined space.

  The virtual position calculation means is configured to determine the virtual information of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds based on permission information indicating a degree of permission for the communication partner acquired from the self and another information processing apparatus. The position can be calculated.

  The display control means can also control the display of a third icon that moves along the chart together with the second icon and represents supplementary information attached to the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds. .

  The supplementary information may be still image data, moving image data, audio data, or user personal information.

  The apparatus further comprises receiving means for receiving a virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon calculated in the other information processing apparatus transmitted from the other information processing apparatus. The changing means changes the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus calculated by the priority calculating means based on the virtual position received by the receiving means, and the display control means The second icon can be moved and displayed on the chart based on the virtual position received by the means.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a transmission unit that transmits the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculation unit to the other information processing apparatus.

  Corresponding to a user's action, there is further provided an action input means for inputting own position information or direction information, and a change detecting means for detecting a change in the own position information or direction information inputted by the action input means. And when the change detection means detects a change in the position information or direction information of the self, the virtual position calculation means is configured to display the first icon in response to the change in the position information or direction information of the self. The virtual position of the corresponding information processing apparatus can be recalculated.

  The predetermined space may be a real space or a virtual space.

  An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing apparatus that performs communication via a network, and performs communication with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses that share a predetermined space. A connection priority for the other information processing device is calculated based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices, and the predetermined priority is calculated based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space. Information corresponding to the icon in response to a movement request for the icon by the user, controlling the display of the icons respectively arranged corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on a chart representing the coordinate system of the space Calculating a virtual position of the processing device, and changing the calculated connection priority for the other information processing device based on the calculated virtual position; Based on the connection priority for further been the other information processing apparatus, comprising the step of processing data to be transmitted or received in a communication with the other information processing apparatus.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program that causes an information processing device to perform processing for performing communication via a network, and performs communication with a plurality of other information processing devices that share a predetermined space. Based on the coordinate position of the self and other information processing apparatus in the space of the other, to calculate the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus, and based on the coordinate position of the self and other information processing apparatus in the predetermined space, On the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space, the display of icons respectively arranged corresponding to the self and other information processing devices is controlled, and the icons are displayed in response to a movement request for the icons by a user. The virtual position of the corresponding information processing device is calculated, and the calculated connection priority for the other information processing device based on the calculated virtual position Change the includes the step of based on the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus that has changed, to process the data to be transmitted or received in a communication with the other information processing apparatus.

  A program recorded on a recording medium according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes an information processing apparatus to perform processing for performing communication via a network, and a plurality of other information processing apparatuses that share a predetermined space Communication priority with respect to the other information processing device based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space, and the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space. Based on the coordinate position, the display of the icons respectively arranged corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space is controlled, and the movement request for the icon by the user And calculating the virtual position of the information processing apparatus to which the icon corresponds, and calculating the other information based on the calculated virtual position. Change the connection priority for management apparatus, comprising the steps based on the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus that has changed, to process the data to be transmitted or received in a communication with the other information processing apparatus.

  In one aspect of the present invention, communication is performed with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses sharing a predetermined space, and the other information is based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing apparatuses in the predetermined space. The connection priority for the processing device is calculated, and the self and other information processing devices are displayed on a chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space. The display of the icons respectively arranged corresponding to is controlled. And according to the movement request | requirement with respect to the said icon by a user, the virtual position of the information processing apparatus which the said icon respond | corresponds is calculated with respect to said other information processing apparatus calculated based on the calculated said virtual position. The connection priority is changed, and data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing apparatus is processed based on the changed connection priority with respect to the other information processing apparatus.

  The network is a mechanism in which at least two devices are connected and information can be transmitted from one device to another device. Devices that communicate via a network may be independent devices, or may be internal blocks that constitute one device.

  The communication is not only wireless communication and wired communication, but also communication in which wireless communication and wired communication are mixed, that is, wireless communication is performed in one section and wired communication is performed in another section. May be. Further, communication from one device to another device may be performed by wired communication, and communication from another device to one device may be performed by wireless communication.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in communication between a plurality of nodes sharing a predetermined space, it is possible to provide the user with optimal communication according to the user's request, exceeding the restrictions in the predetermined space. .

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, although there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

  An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a predetermined space in an information processing apparatus (for example, the terminal 1-1 in FIG. 1) that performs communication via a network (for example, the external communication line 11-2 in FIG. 1). Communication means (for example, the external communication interface 83 in FIG. 14) for communicating with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses (for example, the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 in FIG. 1), and the self in the predetermined space And a priority calculation means (for example, connection priority analysis unit 21 in FIG. 1) for calculating a connection priority with respect to the other information processing apparatus based on the coordinate position of the other information processing apparatus; Based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices, the chart corresponds to the self and other information processing devices on a chart (for example, the radar chart 251 in FIG. 19) representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space. Display control means (for example, the GUI processing unit 88 of FIG. 14) for controlling the display of the first icons (for example, the node icon 261A of FIG. 19) respectively arranged, and a movement request for the first icon by the user. Accordingly, a virtual position calculation unit (for example, virtual position calculation unit 215 in FIG. 18) that calculates a virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon, and the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculation unit. Connection priority changing means (for example, the priority information changing unit 216 in FIG. 18) for changing the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus calculated by the priority calculating means based on the position of the priority, and the priority Sent or received in communication with the other information processing device based on the connection priority for the other information processing device changed by the degree changing means Comprising data processing means for processing over data (e.g., data adjustment unit 85 of FIG. 14) and.

  The display control means also controls the display of a second icon (for example, a clone icon 281A in FIG. 20) that moves on the chart and represents a virtual position of the self or another information processing apparatus, and the virtual position The second icon can be moved and displayed on the chart based on the virtual position calculated by the calculating means.

  The display control means moves on the chart together with the second icon, and a third icon (for example, a music icon in FIG. 23) representing incidental information attached to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon. The display of 332) can also be controlled.

  Receiving means for receiving the virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon calculated in the other information processing apparatus transmitted from the other information processing apparatus (for example, position information in FIG. 18) A receiving unit 218), wherein the connection priority changing means is a connection priority for the other information processing device calculated by the priority calculating means based on the virtual position received by the receiving means. The display control means can move and display the second icon on the chart based on the virtual position received by the receiving means.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a transmitting unit (for example, the position information providing unit 217 in FIG. 18) that transmits the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculating unit to the other information processing apparatus.

  Corresponding to the user's motion, motion input means (for example, motion input unit 26 in FIG. 1) for inputting own position information or direction information, and the position information or direction information of the self input by the motion input means Change detection means (for example, the direction detection unit 51 in FIG. 1) for detecting a change in the position information, when the change detection means detects a change in the position information or direction information of the self, the virtual position calculation means Can recalculate the virtual position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds in accordance with the change in the position information or the direction information of the self.

  An information processing method or program according to an aspect of the present invention communicates with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses sharing a predetermined space in the information processing method or program of an information processing apparatus that performs communication via a network (for example, , Step S81 in FIG. 15), calculating the connection priority for the other information processing device based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space (for example, step S27 in FIG. 11), Based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space, icons arranged respectively corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space. The display is controlled (for example, step S201 in FIG. 27), and the icon is changed in response to a movement request for the icon by the user. The virtual position of the corresponding information processing apparatus is calculated (for example, step S234 in FIG. 28), and the calculated connection priority with respect to the other information processing apparatus is changed based on the calculated virtual position ( For example, in step S235 in FIG. 28, data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing apparatus is processed based on the changed connection priority with respect to the other information processing apparatus (for example, FIG. 15). Step S88).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In this communication system, the terminal 1-1 shares a plurality of terminals 1 (in the example of FIG. 1, terminals 1-2 and 1-3) that share a predetermined space (real space or virtual space) via the network 2. ), The information of the communication partner and the communication partner terminal 1, GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 3, virtual space management server 4, base station 5, etc. According to the connection priority of the plurality of terminals 1 calculated based on the information, the communication balance between the plurality of terminals 1 is controlled so as to optimally communicate with the plurality of terminals 1. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the terminals 1-1 to 1-3, they are collectively referred to as the terminal 1.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the network 2 represented by the Internet includes a terminal 1-1 operated by the user a, a terminal 1-2 operated by the user b, and a terminal 1-3 (not operated by the user). Is connected. Hereinafter, the user a and the terminal 1-1 are collectively referred to as a node A, the user b and the terminal 1-2 are collectively referred to as a node B, and the terminal 1-3 is also referred to as a node N. In this example, only three terminals 1 are shown, but an arbitrary number of terminals 1 are connected to the network 2.

  The network 2 also includes a virtual space (virtual space) to be displayed as a CG (Computer Graphic) on the screen of the terminal 1, and mascot (avatar) position information and direction information as a user symbol in the virtual space. The position of the terminal 1 is detected by embedding a wireless IC tag (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)) (not shown) in the virtual space management server 4 to be managed and provided, and the terminal 1, and a local positioning system (Local Positioning System) The base station 5 that provides location information and the like is connected. An arbitrary number of virtual space management servers 4 and base stations 5 are also connected to the network 2.

  The network 2 is between the terminals 1, the virtual space management server 4, or the base station 5 between the characteristic information communication line 11-1, which is a communication path for communicating the characteristic information of each terminal 1, and between the terminals 1. It is configured by an external communication line 11-2 which is a communication path for communicating various data. In the example of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the network 2 is described as being divided into two communication paths, but actually, characteristic information and various data are communicated through one communication path. Further, the network 2 is not limited to a wired line and may be configured wirelessly.

  The terminal 1-1 is composed of a personal computer or the like. The connection priority analysis unit 21, the internal communication processing unit 23, and the output control unit 24 of the terminal 1-1 include an operation input unit 26 and an information input unit that are appropriately attached to the input / output interface 25 via the input / output interface 25. 27 and the output unit 28. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the input / output interface 25 includes, for example, an audio output unit composed of headphones or speakers, a head mounted display, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like as the output unit 28. A display unit to be displayed is appropriately mounted, and a video / audio input unit including a microphone and a camera is also appropriately mounted as an input unit (not shown).

  That is, information from the operation input unit 26 or the information input unit 27 is input to the connection priority analysis unit 21, the internal communication processing unit 23, or the output control unit 24 via the input / output interface 25, and the internal communication processing unit 23 or information from the output control unit 24 is output to the output unit 28 via the input / output interface 25.

  The connection priority analysis unit 21 has a GPS function (not shown), receives a signal (radio wave) transmitted from the GPS satellite 3 to the earth, and analyzes the signal to obtain a reception position (latitude, longitude). Etc.) and the position information is stored. The connection priority analysis unit 21 also stores the direction information of the node A input from the operation input unit 26.

  When communicating with the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 via the external communication line 11-2, the connection priority analysis unit 21 transmits each terminal 1 (or virtual space) via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. The characteristic information of the node B and the node N is acquired from the management server 4). The characteristic information of the node A is also transmitted via the characteristic information communication line 11-1 in response to requests from the terminals 1-2 and 1-3.

  The characteristic information includes node ID (Identification) information, information on the position and direction of the node in a predetermined space (real space or virtual space), a connection establishment index that represents the degree to which the node requires communication with other nodes, and Directional filter index information (hereinafter also referred to as directional filter information) representing a connection establishment index for each direction around the node.

  The connection priority analysis unit 21 sets a reference space composed of a predetermined space (real space or virtual space) with reference to its own position information, and the characteristic information of itself and the communication partner is set in the set reference space. And calculating the connection priority of each node in communication with the terminal 1-2 and 1-3 by determining the relative position and relationship between the communication partner and the communication partner. The calculated connection priority is registered in the storage unit 22.

  Further, the connection priority analysis unit 21 determines the direction and position of the node A input from the operation input unit 26 based on the operation and operation of the user a during the communication with the terminals 1-2 and 1-3. When a change is detected, when the connection establishment index or directivity filter information is changed according to an instruction from the information input unit 27, or when the characteristic information changed from the communication partner terminal 1-2 or 1-3 is The reference space is updated according to a change in at least one characteristic information, such as when it is received, the relative position and relationship between itself and the communication partner are obtained, and the connection priority of each node is recalculated and calculated. The connection priority registered in the storage unit 22 is updated with the connection priority.

  The connection priority analysis unit 21 detects a change in the direction and position of the node A input from the operation input unit 26 during communication with the terminals 1-2 and 1-3, or information input When the connection establishment index and the directivity filter information are changed according to the instruction from the unit 27, the characteristics of the node A are transmitted to the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 of the communication partner via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. Send information.

  In the storage unit 22, the connection priorities of the communication partners (terminals 1-2 and 1-3) calculated by the connection priority analysis unit 21 are associated with the ID information as a connection priority list (FIG. 4). be registered. In the connection priority list, in addition to the connection priority, characteristic information of the self and the communication partner is also registered. The information of the connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22 includes the connection priority and the change calculated again by the connection priority analysis unit 21 when at least one change in the characteristic information of itself or the communication partner is detected. It is updated with the characteristic information.

  When the internal communication processing unit 23 receives data from the terminal 1-2 and the terminal 1-3 with which communication has been established via the external communication line 11-2, the internal communication processing unit 23 displays a connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22. The information is referred to, and the communication balance between the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 is controlled according to the information of the referenced connection priority list.

  That is, if the data being communicated is audio data, the internal communication processing unit 23 outputs, for example, a large volume of audio data from a terminal having a high connection priority among the plurality of terminals 1 or makes the sound quality clear. The communication balance of the audio data in the terminal 1-1 is controlled by adjusting the audio data according to the connection priority. Further, if the data being communicated is video data, the internal communication processing unit 23 reduces the size of the video data from the terminal 1 having a low connection priority, increases the transparency, or changes the display position. The communication balance of the video data in the terminal 1-1 is controlled by adjusting the video data according to the connection priority such as outputting.

  Further, the internal communication processing unit 23 receives the information on the connection priority list in accordance with the operation of the information input unit 27 by the user, exceeding the restriction of the predetermined space (the coordinate position of each node in each node). The communication balance between the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 can be controlled in accordance with the changed connection priority list information.

  Specifically, the internal communication processing unit 23 refers to the information of the connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22, represents a coordinate system of a predetermined space, and represents the position of each node on the coordinate system. A radar chart in which icons are arranged is generated, and the radar chart is output to a monitor or the like constituting the output unit 28 via the input / output interface 25. On the radar chart, a node representing the coordinate position of each node displayed based on the information of the connection priority list calculated by the connection priority analysis unit 21 (that is, the coordinate position information of each node in a predetermined space) An icon and an icon corresponding to the node icon, and a cloak icon whose position can be moved in accordance with an operation of the information input unit 27 by the user is displayed.

  The internal communication processing unit 23 moves the position of the clone icon corresponding to the node icon on the radar chart in response to a user's request to move the node icon on the radar chart, and the connection priority list of each node And the communication balance between the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 is controlled in accordance with the changed connection priority list information.

  That is, the update of the connection priority list information in the connection priority analysis unit 21 is performed in accordance with the change in the position and orientation of each node in the predetermined space, and the relationship between the nodes in the predetermined space, etc. Although it is executed in accordance with the above, changing the information of the connection priority list in the internal communication processing unit 23 is a process executed beyond the coordinate position relationship of each node in a predetermined space.

  As will be described in detail later, the change of the information in the connection priority list may be restricted based on the permissible information indicating the permissible degree with respect to other nodes set in advance in each node. .

  The output control unit 24 monitors the connection priority list in the storage unit 22 in response to a user instruction input from the information input unit 27, and the connection priority list is registered or connected. When the information in the priority list is updated according to changes in the direction or position of the communication partner or the communication partner, screen data for notifying the user of the connection priority of each node is generated. Thus, the data is output to a monitor or the like constituting the output unit 28.

  The motion input unit 26 includes a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an electronic compass, or a tilt (tilt) sensor, and is mounted on the user a or installed in the terminal 1-1. The motion input unit 26 corresponds to the operation of the user a wearing the motion input unit 26, or according to the operation of the user a moving the terminal 1-1 provided with the operation input unit 26, that is, the user The position information or direction information of node A is input in conjunction with. Further, the motion input unit 26 may be configured by a controller or the like provided with a direction key for inputting position information or direction information of the node A in accordance with a user operation.

  The information input unit 27 includes a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel configured to be superimposed on a monitor that configures the output unit 28, and sends an operation signal corresponding to a user operation via the input / output interface 25. The data is input to the connection priority analysis unit 21, the internal communication processing unit 23, and the output control unit 24.

  The output unit 28 includes a monitor that displays an image and a light emitting diode (LED) that corresponds to data input from the output control unit 24 or the internal communication processing unit 23 via the input / output interface 25. Is done.

  Note that the configuration example of the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 is the same as the configuration example of the terminal 1-1, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The terminal 1 can be composed of a personal computer, and, for example, a mobile phone, other PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices, AV (Audio Visual) devices, home appliances (home appliances), and other CE (home appliances). Consumer Electronics) devices can also be used.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the connection priority analysis unit 21 has described the case of acquiring position information on the earth using the GPS function of the GPS satellite 3. For example, the connection priority analysis unit 21 is narrower than the case of GPS. In a space, when a wireless IC tag is embedded in the terminal 1 or the like, position information by the local positioning system may be acquired from the base station 5, or communication between terminals sharing the virtual space may be performed. When performing, you may make it acquire the positional information in a virtual space, etc. from the virtual space management server 4. FIG. In the case of the virtual space, the characteristic information of other nodes is also acquired from the virtual space management server 4.

  Further, although not shown, position detection using a wireless IC tag embedded in the ground, distance measurement function using radio waves or radar, a plurality of cameras provided in the terminal 1, a distance measurement function using stereo vision, or a camera in an indoor space The position information may be acquired using information acquired from the camera. In other words, this communication system is applied in a wide space on the earth, a space in a predetermined area, a large or small real space such as an indoor space, and a virtual space.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration example of the connection priority analysis unit of the terminal 1.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the connection priority analysis unit 21 includes a direction detection unit 51, a characteristic information setting unit 52, a spatial information setting unit 53, an information acquisition control unit 54, a characteristic information communication unit 55, a spatial information management unit 56, and The priority calculating unit 57 is configured.

  The direction detection unit 51 sets the direction information of the user (own node) input from the operation input unit 26 as the current direction of the own node according to the control from the information acquisition control unit 54, and This is supplied to the acquisition control unit 54. When the direction detection unit 51 detects a change in the direction or position of its own node input from the operation input unit 26, the direction detection unit 51 supplies the information acquisition control unit 54 with the direction information and the position information in which the change is detected. .

  That is, the direction detection unit 51 sets the current direction in advance as a calibration process in order to detect a change with respect to the direction when the direction of the node is set. The position may be set similarly. Specifically, the direction detection unit 51 adapts the motion input unit 26 to a specified reference position when the terminal 1 is activated or reset, or based on information from an electronic compass or a tilt sensor that configures the motion input unit 26. From the information from the gyro sensor, the acceleration sensor, or the controller constituting the motion input unit 26, the current direction or position of the own node is set and the current direction or position of the set node is used as a reference. Changes in the direction and position of its own node are detected.

  The characteristic information setting unit 52 supplies various setting information to the information acquisition control unit 54 in response to a user instruction input from the information input unit 27, and starts or ends communication according to the user instruction. Etc. That is, the characteristic information setting unit 52 responds to a user instruction input from the information input unit 27 and stores its own node ID information and its own node in the built-in memory (not shown). The information acquisition control unit 54 sets a connection establishment index that represents the degree of communication request with other nodes and a directivity filter index that represents the connection establishment index for each direction centered on its own node. To supply. Further, the characteristic information setting unit 52, when changing the connection establishment index and the directivity filter index of its own node in response to the user instruction input from the information input unit 27, establishes the connection of the changed own node. The index and the directivity filter index are supplied to the information acquisition control unit 54.

  In response to a user instruction input from the information input unit 27, the space information setting unit 53 selects a space (that is, which space is a reference space from among a space in a predetermined area, an indoor space, a virtual space, and the like). To communicate with a terminal sharing the information), and supplies space information as a reference space to the space information management unit 56.

  When the connection establishment index and directivity filter index of its own node are input from the characteristic information setting unit 52, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the direction detection unit 51 and the characteristic information communication unit 55, and The direction information, the position information, and the communication partner characteristic information are acquired, respectively, and the self and communication partner characteristic information from the direction detection unit 51, the characteristic information setting unit 52, or the characteristic information communication unit 55 is obtained as the spatial information management unit 56. To supply. Further, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the characteristic information communication unit 55 in response to a request from the communication partner received via the characteristic information communication unit 55, and transmits its own characteristic information to the communication partner.

  The information acquisition control unit 54 receives communication from the direction detection unit 51, the characteristic information setting unit 52, or the characteristic information communication unit 55 during communication via the external communication circuit 11-2 of another terminal 1. When the changed characteristic information is input, the changed characteristic information of itself or the communication partner is supplied to the spatial information management unit 56. At this time, when the changed characteristic information is input from the direction detection unit 51 or the characteristic information setting unit 52, the changed own characteristic information is transmitted to the communication partner via the characteristic information communication unit 55. Is transmitted to the terminal 1.

  The characteristic information communication unit 55 includes a characteristic information transmission unit 61 and a characteristic information reception unit 62. Under the control of the information acquisition control unit 54, the address of the communication partner (for example, stored in the terminal 1 in advance) IP (Internet Protocol) address, MAC (Media Access Control Address) address, or mobile phone number, etc.) are used to transmit / receive characteristic information of each node via the characteristic information communication line 11-1.

  When the information acquisition control unit 54 is instructed to transmit its own characteristic information or when the characteristic information is requested from the communication partner terminal 1, the characteristic information transmission unit 61 receives the node from the information acquisition control unit 54. Characteristic information is transmitted to each communication partner terminal 1 via the characteristic information communication line 11-1, or is communicated via the information communication line 11-1 under the control of the information acquisition control unit 54. Each characteristic information is requested | required of each terminal 1 of the other party.

  In response to a request from the characteristic information transmitting unit 61, the characteristic information receiving unit 62 acquires the respective characteristic information transmitted from each terminal 1 of the communication partner via the information communication line 11-1. The characteristic information receiving unit 62 has a GPS function (not shown), receives a signal (radio wave) sent from the GPS satellite 3 to the earth under the control of the information acquisition control unit 54, and receives the signal. Is received, the reception position (latitude, longitude, etc.) is calculated, and the position information is supplied to the information acquisition control unit 54.

  The position information may be acquired from the local positioning system of the base station 5 by embedding a wireless IC tag in the terminal 1 and by the characteristic information receiving unit 62. When performing communication between nodes sharing the virtual space provided by the virtual space management server 4, the characteristic information transmitting unit 61 and the characteristic information receiving unit 62 access the virtual space management server 4 and Position information, direction information, and the like are received, and changes in the information are also detected. In this case, the virtual space management server 4 may manage the characteristic information of each node as needed (including all).

  Based on the spatial information as a reference from the spatial information setting unit 53, the spatial information management unit 56 uses the user's positional information input from the information acquisition control unit 54 as a reference position, Define a reference space. When the characteristic information of the self and the communication partner is input from the information acquisition control unit 54, the spatial information management unit 56 sets the node of the communication partner in the reference space of the self node based on the characteristic information of the self and the communication partner. The reference space of its own node is set by arranging or reflecting each information, and the set reference space of its own node is managed and supplied to the priority calculation unit 57.

  Further, when the reference information of its own node is already managed, the spatial information management unit 56 receives the characteristic information of the own or the communication partner from the information acquisition control unit 54, and based on the input characteristic information. Then, the stored reference space of its own node is updated and supplied to the priority calculation unit 57.

  The priority calculation unit 57 uses the reference space of its own node supplied by the spatial information management unit 56 to obtain relative characteristic information (relative characteristic information) representing the relative position and relationship between the self and the communication partner. As a result, the connection priority from the own node to each node of the communication partner is calculated, and the connection priority related to each node is stored in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22 in association with the ID information. At this time, the priority calculation unit 57 also associates the relative characteristic information (for example, relative azimuth information, relative position information, and relative distance information) between the self and the communication partner obtained when calculating the priority with the ID information. The data is stored in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the case where the change in the position information is detected by the direction detection unit 51 has been described. However, the change in the position information by the direction detection unit 51 is detected in an indoor space, for example. Used for spaces that are not very wide. Therefore, in the case of a large space where a change in position information is acquired by the GPS function, the change in position information is detected using a GPS function (not shown) built in the characteristic information receiving unit 62. Composed.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22. The connection priority list is registered in the storage unit 22 in a list format in association with the ID information.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the connection priority list includes “node name”, “connection priority” calculated by the priority calculation unit 57, “order” that prioritizes connection, and “position” that is node position information. Is comprised.

  For example, in the connection priority list of FIG. 3, it is registered that “Node B” has a connection priority of “100” and a rank of “1”, and “Node N” has a connection priority of Is “65” and the ranking is “2”.

  Next, the reference space of the node A set in the space information management unit 56 will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, the reference space coordinates (system) of the node A with the position of the node A as the center (origin) are shown in two dimensions of x and y. Note that the reference space is actually configured in three dimensions of x, y, and z.

  In the reference space coordinates of the node A, with the position of the node A as the center, the upper direction in the figure of the y-axis is set as 0 degrees, and the azimuth (θ) of 360 degrees is set clockwise from 0 degrees. That is, in the case of the example in FIG. 4, the front direction pa of the node A is oriented at 0 degrees. Further, in the reference space coordinates of the node A, a node B facing the front direction pb, a node C facing the front direction pc, and a node N facing the front direction pn are arranged based on the characteristic information of each node. Further, in the reference space coordinates of the node A, the radii of six circles centered on the origin (node A) indicate the distance from the node A, respectively. For example, for convenience of explanation, the radius of the innermost circle is 10 m, the radius of the next circle is 20 m,..., And the radius of the outermost circle is 60 m.

  Specifically, in the reference space coordinates of the node A, the node B is arranged with a azimuth of about 225 degrees as a front direction pb at a position of a radius of 55 m (substantially) with an azimuth of about 315 degrees from the origin. Has been. The node C is arranged with a azimuth of about 70 degrees as a front direction pc at a position having a azimuth of about 70 degrees and a radius of 45 m (substantially) from the origin. The node N is arranged at an approximately 225 degree azimuth with respect to the origin and at a position separated by a radius of 40 m (substantially) with the azimuth of approximately 135 degrees as the front direction pn.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, the directional filter fa surrounding the node A is represented by a circle having a concave shape in the back direction of the front direction pa of the node A. It represents having directional filter information of directivity type. The omnidirectional filter Nfb surrounding the node B, the omnidirectional filter Nfc surrounding the node C, and the omnidirectional filter Nfn surrounding the node N are indicated by a perfect circle. It represents that it has the directivity filter information.

  Here, the directional filter information will be described with reference to FIG. The directivity filter information is the size of a request for communication to an orientation in a three-dimensional space of x, y, and z (that is, an angle θ (deg) on the xy plane and an angle φ (deg) on the yz plane). It represents a certain directional filter index f (θ, φ). This directivity filter information can be changed according to the operation of the information input unit 27 by the user.

  FIG. 5 illustrates the directivity filter index f (θ, θ, for each orientation in the three dimensions, in which the z dimension is omitted, that is, in the two dimensions x and y (xy plane) of the three dimensions. φ) and a graph 122 with the vertical axis indicating the directivity filter index f (θ, φ) and the horizontal axis indicating the direction θ (showing the same direction as the graph 121). Reference numeral 122 denotes a directivity filter index of each of the front directivity type directivity filter 131 and the non-directional type directivity filter 132.

  In the graph 121, the origin indicates the node position that is the center of the directional filter, and each circle on the xy plane represents the directional filter index in increments of -10 from -50 (origin). In the graph, the upward direction on the y-axis represents 0 degree, the 360 degree azimuth is set clockwise from 0 degree, and the 0 degree azimuth is the front direction q of each directional filter. Yes.

  The front directivity type directivity filter 131 has a large size of about 3 with respect to the direction of the front direction q, and gradually decreases from the direction of the front direction q around the origin to the back direction. For the azimuth of the direction (180 degrees), it has a directivity filter index that decreases suddenly to approximately −40. Therefore, the directivity filter index of the front directivity type directivity filter 131 is represented by a concave shape in the graph 121, and is represented by a convex quadratic curve in the graph 122.

  The omnidirectional directional filter 132 has a directional filter index that is constant and the same size (substantially 0) in all directions (that is, omnidirectional). Therefore, the directivity filter index of the omnidirectional directivity filter 132 is represented by a perfect circle shape in the graph 121, and is represented by a straight line parallel to the x axis in the graph 122.

  That is, when the terminal 1 uses the omnidirectional directional filter 132, there is a uniform connection demand (directional filter index) in any direction, but the directivity of the front directional type. When the filter 131 is used, the demand for connection in the front direction q is the largest, and the demand for connection is small in the rear direction.

  Therefore, in the reference space coordinates of the node A in FIG. 4, since the node A has the directivity filter fa, the directivity filter index to the node B located within ± 60 degrees from the front direction pa of the node A is one. The directional filter index to the node C located within ± 120 degrees from the front direction pa of the node A is smaller than the directional filter index of the node B and is positioned within ± 60 degrees from the back direction of the node A. It can be seen that the directivity filter index to the node N is the smallest.

In node A (terminal 1-1), as shown in FIG. 4, reference is made to the reference space of node A in which each node is arranged and each characteristic information such as directivity filter information is reflected (set). Then, the connection priority Y _AX from the node A to each node X is calculated. That is, the connection priority Y _AX is expressed by the following equation (1).

Here, P _A represents the connection establishment index of the node A, P _X represents the connection establishment index of the node X, and L _AX represents the connection priority attenuation index that increases with the distance from the node A to the node X. Represents. Further, f _A (θA _AX , φ _AX ) represents a directivity filter index in the direction of node A viewed from node A of the directional filter of node A, and f _X (θ _XA , φ _XA ) represents the directivity of node X. The directional filter index in the node A direction as viewed from node X of the directional filter is represented.

  In addition, when there is something that cannot be acquired among the characteristic information (that is, position information, direction information, ID information, directivity filter index information, connection establishment index information) of each node necessary for calculating the connection priority, The connection priority may be calculated by inputting a specified value.

  As described above, in the reference space coordinates of node A in FIG. 4, in the front direction of nodes B, C, and N having omnidirectional filter Nfb, omnidirectional filter Nfc, and omnidirectional filter Nfn, respectively. Accordingly, the directional filter information of each node does not change, but the directional filter information of the node A changes according to the front direction pa of the node A having the directional filter fa. Therefore, it can be seen that the connection priority calculated using the directional filter information also changes according to the front direction pa of the node A having the directional filter fa.

  Then, by linking the front direction of the directional filter fa having such characteristics (index) and the direction of the user a, for example, the user a can easily perform a natural operation such as turning around the direction of the node to which the user a wants to connect. The connection priority of each node can be changed.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the example of the front directivity type directivity filter has been described. However, the directivity filter is not limited to the above-described example. It is also possible to use filters having various directivities, such as a forward-priority directional filter and a front-back directional filter having directivity in the front-rear direction.

  Next, the transition of the node direction and the connection priority will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of coordinates in the reference space of the node A, and FIG. 7 shows directional filter information possessed by each node in the reference space of the node A in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the transition of connection priority when the directional filter information of FIG. 7 is included in the reference space of the node A of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 6, a relative position table between the reference space coordinates of the node A and each node arranged at the reference space coordinates of the node A and the node A is shown. Note that the reference space coordinates (system) of the node A shown in FIG. 6 are configured in the same way as the reference space coordinates of FIG. 4, and the upper direction of the y axis (upward direction in the figure) is set as 0 degree. An azimuth (θ) of 360 degrees is set clockwise from 0 degrees. That is, also in the example of FIG. 6, the front direction pa of the node A is oriented at 0 degrees. In the reference space of node A, the radii of six circles (dotted lines) centered on the origin (node A) indicate the distance from node A, the radius of the innermost circle is 10 m, and the next circle The radius is 20 m, and the radius of the outermost circle is 60 m.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 6, the coordinates of the node A are coordinates [0, 0] (indicating [x coordinates, y coordinates]). Node B, node C, and node D are arranged in the reference space coordinates of node A based on the characteristic information of each node.

  Node B has a relative distance Dab of 40 m and a relative orientation θab of 315 degrees (−45 degrees) with respect to node A, and is arranged at the coordinates [xb, yb]. The node C is arranged at a coordinate [xc, yc] with a relative distance Dac of 30 m from the node A and a relative orientation θac of 90 degrees with the node A. The node D has a relative distance Dad of 25 m from the node A, a relative azimuth θad of 157.5 degrees with respect to the node A, and is arranged at the position of coordinates [xd, yd].

  The reference space coordinates of the node A are set by transmitting / receiving between each node after the characteristic information of each node is acquired at each node by a GPS function or a local positioning system.

  In such a reference space coordinate of the node A in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a front directivity type directivity filter is used only by the node A as shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the node A includes the front directivity type directional filter fa described above with reference to FIG. 5, and the front direction pa of the node A is directed upward in the y axis. Yes. Further, the node B, the node C, and the node D arranged at the reference space coordinates of the node A respectively have an omnidirectional filter Nfb, an omnidirectional filter Nfc, and an omnidirectional type directional filter Nfd. ing.

  Therefore, in the reference space coordinates of the node A shown in FIG. 7, the omnidirectional filter Nfb, the omnidirectional filter Nfc, and the omnidirectional filter Nfd respectively correspond to the front directions of the nodes B, C, and D. Each directional filter information does not change, but the directional filter information of the node A changes according to the front direction of the node A having the directional filter fa.

  In the reference space coordinates of the node A using only the front directivity type directivity filter configured as described above, the node A and the node A for each azimuth of the node A using the above-described equation (1). As a result of calculating the connection priority with each node, the connection priority between the node A and each node changes according to the direction (θ) in which the front direction pa of the node A is directed, as shown in FIG. .

  In this case, for calculating the connection priority, as an example of a method for calculating a connection priority attenuation index that increases in accordance with the distance between nodes, there is a method for calculating a radio wave loss of a 2.4 GHz band electromagnetic wave in free space. Suppose that it is used. In equation (1), 0 [dB] is used as the connection establishment index of each node, and the unit of the directivity filter index f (θ, φ) described above with reference to FIG. Is used.

  The radio wave loss L [dB] of the 2.4 GHz band electromagnetic wave in free space is expressed by the following equation (2).

Here, λ represents the wavelength [m], d represents the radio wave distance [m], f represents the frequency [Hz], and c represents the speed of light (3.0 * 10 ⁸ ) [m / s. ].

  Further, in these simulations, 0 [dB] is used as the connection establishment index of each node. [DB] is also used as the unit of the directivity filter index f (θ, φ) described above with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing the transition of the connection priority between the node A and each node with respect to the front direction pa of the node A in the reference space coordinates of the node A of FIG. 6 using the directivity filter information of FIG. .

  In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the connection priority [dB], and the horizontal axis represents the orientation (θ) of the front direction pa of the node A in the reference space coordinates of the node A (that is, in the reference space coordinates of the node A, The direction in which the front direction of the node A is directed). In the example of FIG. 8, the azimuth (θ) of 180 degrees to 360 degrees in FIG. 7 is converted to −180 degrees to 0 degrees.

  Node B has a relative distance Dab of 40 m and a relative azimuth θab of −45 (315) degrees with respect to node A in the reference space coordinates of node A. Therefore, the connection priority Qab between the node A and the node B shown in FIG. 8 is the highest at about −71 [dB] when the front direction pa of the node A is directed to −45 degrees, When the front direction pa of A gradually turns around the node A from the direction of −45 degrees, when the front direction pa of the node A turns 90 degrees or 180 degrees, it is approximately −91. [DB], not shown, but lowest when the front direction pa of the node A faces 135 degrees.

  Similarly, the node C is located in an orientation in which the relative distance Dac to the node A is 30 m and the relative orientation θac to the node A is 90 degrees in the reference space coordinates of the node A. Therefore, the connection priority Qac between the node A and the node C shown in FIG. 8 is the highest at about −67 [dB] when the front direction pa of the node A is oriented 90 degrees, and the node A When the front direction pa of the node A turns from the azimuth of 90 degrees around the node A, the front direction pa of the node A turns to −45 (315) degrees or 225 degrees. −89 [dB], not shown, but lowest when the front direction pa of the node A is directed to 270 degrees.

  Node D has a relative distance Dad of 25 m and a relative azimuth θad of 157.5 degrees with respect to node A in the reference space coordinates of node A. Therefore, the connection priority Qad between the node A and the node D shown in FIG. 8 is the highest at about −66 [dB] when the front direction pa of the node A is directed to 157.5 degrees, The front direction pa of the node A gradually decreases from the azimuth of 157.5 degrees around the node A, and the front direction pa of the node A is 22.5 degrees or −67.5 (292. 5) When the angle is turned, it becomes approximately −87 [dB], which is not shown, but is lowest when the front direction pa of the node A is turned −22.5 (337.5).

  Therefore, when comparing the connection priority between the node A and each node in the reference space coordinates of FIG. 9 in which the node A has the front directivity type directivity filter fa, the front direction pa of the node A is −45. When heading in the direction of degree (that is, in the direction of Node B), as indicated by the circle on the dotted line L1, the connection priority Qab (approximately −71 [dB]) >> connection priority Qac (approximately −89 [dB]) > Connection priority Qad (−90 [dB] or less).

  Further, when the front direction pa of the node A faces 90 degrees (that is, the direction of the node C), as indicated by a circle on the dotted line L2, the connection priority Qac (approximately −67 [dB])> connection priority. Qad (approximately −72 [dB]) >> connection priority Qab (approximately −91 [dB]).

  Further, when the front direction pa of the node A is oriented in the direction of 157.5 degrees (that is, the direction of the node D), as indicated by a circle on the dotted line L3, the connection priority Qad (approximately −66 [dB]) >> Connection priority Qac (approximately −73 [dB]) >> connection priority Qab (−90 [dB] or less).

  In addition, when node A has reference spatial coordinates that do not have a front directivity type directional filter, that is, when connection priorities between node A and each node are compared in reference space coordinates in which each node has an omnidirectional filter. The direction of the front direction of the node A does not affect the connection priority with each node, and the connection priority Qad (approximately −66 [dB])> connection priority Qac (approximately −67) depending on the relative distance. [DB])> connection priority Qab (approximately -71 [dB]).

  As described above, in the case of FIG. 7 in which only the node A has the front directivity type directional filter, the connection priority of each node changes according to the front direction of the node A, and the node A It can be seen that the connection priority of the node in the front direction of is greater than the connection priority of the other nodes.

  Although illustration is omitted, when the terminal 1-1 has an omnidirectional filter and at least one of the terminals 1-2 to 1-4 has a front directivity type directional filter. Depending on the direction of the front direction of the node having the front directivity type directional filter, the connection priority of the node changes.

  In addition, when the terminal 1-1 also has a front directivity type directional filter, and at least one of the terminals 1-2 to 1-4 has a front directivity type directional filter, the above description is made. As described above, the connection priority of each node changes in accordance with the front direction of the node A, and the connection priority of the other nodes having the front directivity-type directional filter is the node A and that node. Transitions according to the direction of the front direction.

  As described above, using the characteristic information (ie, position information, direction information, ID information, directivity filter index information, connection establishment index information) possessed by each node, the relative position and relationship between itself and the communication partner can be determined. Thus, by calculating the connection priority between the node A and each node at a certain point in time and comparing the calculated connection priorities, it is possible to give priority among a plurality of nodes performing communication.

  The connection priority of each node can be adjusted by changing the direction information of the node from the operation input unit 26 (that is, the user operates the operation input unit 26). By using the front-directed directivity filter as described above in conjunction with the direction information of each node, each node can be easily operated by a natural operation such as turning the direction of the node to which the node A wants to connect. The connection priority of the node can be adjusted.

  In the above description, the connection priority is described using the reference space coordinates (system) shown in two dimensions of x and y. However, as described above, the reference space is actually three-dimensional. Consists of. Therefore, for example, in a three-dimensional reference space coordinate (system), when the node A does not want to be connected to other nodes very much, the angle (φ) of the yz plane is turned down, that is, the node is depressed. The connection priority of each node can be easily adjusted by natural operation.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of a connection priority list stored in the storage unit 22. That is, the connection priority list in FIG. 9 is another configuration example of the connection priority list in FIG.

  In the case of the example of FIG. 9, the connection priority list includes the “node name”, the “connection priority” calculated by the priority calculation unit 57 based on the node ID information, and the connection priority among the connected nodes. “Rank” indicating the rank, “position” that is the position information of the node, “direction” that is the direction information of the node, “address” for connecting to the node, “directivity filter index” that the node has, and node Listed by “connection establishment index”.

“Node B” has a connection priority of “100”, a rank of “2”, a position of [xb, yb, zb] ([x coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate]), and a direction of (θ _B , φ _B ) ((angle of xy plane, angle of yz plane)), address is “xx-xx-xx-”, directivity filter index is f _B (θ, φ), and connection The establishment index is “45”.

“Node C” has a connection priority “65”, a rank “3”, a position [xc, yc, zc] ([x coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate]), and a direction (θ _C , φ _C ) ((angle of xy plane, angle of yz plane)), address is “090-xxxx”, directivity filter index is f _C (θ, φ), and connection establishment index is “21”.

“Node N” has a connection priority “123”, a rank “1”, a position [xn, yn, zn] ([x coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate]), and a direction (θ _N , φ _N ) ((angle of xy plane, angle of yz plane)), address is “xx-xx-xx-”, directivity filter index is f _N (θ, φ), and connection The establishment index is “70”.

  That is, in this connection priority list, “position”, “direction”, “directivity filter index”, and “connection establishment index” that are characteristic information of each node are acquired, and relative characteristic information of node A and each node is acquired. The “connection priority” of each node is calculated using the equations (1) and (2), and based on the calculated “connection priority” of each node, The “order” indicating the connection priority of each node is set, and these pieces of information are registered in the storage unit 22 based on the node ID.

  Although not shown in the example of FIG. 9, the relative priority information of the node A and each node, for example, relative orientation information, relative position information, and relative distance information is also registered in the connection priority list. Yes.

  The connection priority list is supplied to the internal communication processing unit 23 and also to the output control unit 24, and is displayed on the monitor constituting the output unit 28 via the input / output interface 25. At this time, the output control unit 24 lists the information constituting the connection priority list in the form of a list having the same configuration as the connection priority list of FIG. 9 or only a part of the information in the connection priority list. Display on the monitor in the format. Further, the output control unit 24 uses information that configures the connection priority list, as shown in FIG. 10, using a video obtained by CG (Computer Graphics) synthesis of the reference space coordinates of the node A as a 3D (dimension) space. It can also be displayed.

  FIG. 10 shows a display example of the connection priority list output to the output unit 28.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the reference space coordinates of the three-dimensional node A consisting of x, y, and z are connected to the connection of FIG. 9 together with the avatar symbolizing each node arranged at the position based on the characteristic information of each node. The node name, the relative position (coordinates) with the node A, the relative distance, the front direction of the node, and the directivity filter index are displayed in the priority list. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the positive direction of the y-axis is 0 degree and the azimuth is 360 degrees clockwise from 0 degree on the xy plane.

  On the output unit 28, the node A, the node B, and the node C are respectively displayed as a mascot-shaped avatar for the user a, the user b, and the user c that operate each terminal 1, and the node N is connected to the terminal 1 The terminal 1 is displayed as an avatar having a database shape. The direction of each node is represented by the direction of the front direction of each avatar, and a directional filter representing directional filter index information possessed by each node is displayed below each avatar.

  That is, the avatar AA of the node A is displayed at the origin of the reference space coordinates of the node A, the front direction pa is directed to the node C (approximately 135 degrees direction), and the directivity of the node A is below the avatar AA. As the directional filter index information, a front-directed directional filter fa is displayed as a recessed circle. In addition, a node name “node A” and position information “coordinate values [0, 0, 0]” are displayed in a balloon on the upper part of the avatar AA.

  The avatar AB of the node B is displayed at the position of the relative distance Dab with respect to the node A in the orientation in the back direction (approximately 315 degrees) of the node A, and the front direction pb is displayed in the orientation of approximately 180 degrees. A omnidirectional filter Nfb having a perfect circle is displayed as directional filter index information of the node B. In addition, a node name “node B” and position information “coordinate values [xb, yb, zb]” are displayed in a balloon above the avatar AB.

  The avatar AC of the node C is displayed at the position of the relative distance Dac from the node A in the front direction (about 135 degrees) of the node A, and the front direction pc is displayed in the direction of about 270 degrees. A omnidirectional filter Nfc having a perfect circle is displayed as directional filter index information of the node C. In addition, a node name “node C” and position information “coordinate values [xc, yc, zc]” are displayed in a balloon on the upper part of the avatar AC.

  The avatar AN of the node N is displayed at the position of the relative distance Dan with respect to the node A in the direction of about 45 degrees of the node A, and the front direction pn is displayed in the direction of the node A (direction of about 225 degrees). In the lower part, a perfect circle omnidirectional filter Nfb is displayed as the directional filter index information of the node N. In addition, a node name “node N” and position information “coordinate values [xn, yn, zn]” are displayed in a balloon on the upper part of the avatar AN.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the relative distance to the node A is Dac> Dab> Dan.

  As described above, the information of the connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22 (that is, the calculated connection priority, each characteristic information, each relative characteristic information, etc.) is displayed on the monitor. By operating the operation input unit 26 based on the displayed connection priority list, the user a can immediately know the effect due to the change in the direction information of the node from the operation input unit 26, and easily The connection priority of each node can be adjusted.

  Furthermore, even if the user does not know the position of each node and other information related to the node in advance, the position and information of each node can be easily grasped based on the displayed connection priority list.

  Next, the connection priority setting process of the terminal 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  A user a who operates the terminal 1-1 uses, for example, video between a plurality of nodes via the terminal 1-2 of the node B, the terminal 1-3 of the node N, and the external communication line 11-2. In order to communicate video data with each other by using an application for chatting, the information input unit 27 such as a mouse is operated to instruct the terminal 1-1 to start communication. At this time, for example, the user a can, for example, spatial information to be communicated, a connection establishment index indicating the degree to which a node requests communication with another node, and each direction around the node. A directivity filter index representing the connection establishment index for the is input.

  The information input unit 27 inputs an operation signal corresponding to a user operation to the characteristic information setting unit 52 and the spatial information setting unit 53. The characteristic information setting unit 52 supplies the node A ID information, connection establishment index information, directivity filter index information, and the like to the information acquisition control unit 54 in response to the instruction of the user a input from the information input unit 27. At the same time, the information acquisition control unit 54 is notified of the start of communication. The space information setting unit 53 supplies space information serving as a reference space to the space information management unit 56 in response to an instruction from the user a input from the information input unit 27.

  The information acquisition control unit 54 is on standby until a communication start notification is input from the characteristic information setting unit 52, the connection establishment index information and the directivity filter index information of the node A are input, and the communication start notification is input. Then, it is determined that the communication start is instructed, and the connection priority setting process in FIG. 11 is started.

  In step S21, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the characteristic information reception unit 62, receives a signal (radio wave) transmitted from the GPS satellite 3 to the earth, acquires its own position information, and obtains a spatial information setting unit. 53.

  In step S22, the spatial information management unit 56 uses the positional information of the user a input from the information acquisition control unit 54 as a reference position based on the spatial information as a reference from the spatial information setting unit 53, and uses itself as a reference. Define a reference space for node A.

  In step S23, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the direction detection unit 51 to set the current direction of the node A based on the direction information of the user a (node A) input from the operation input unit 26. The set current direction of the node A is supplied to the spatial information management unit 56 and reflected in the reference space of the node A.

  In step S24, the spatial information management unit 56 acquires the ID information, connection establishment index information, and directivity filter index information of the terminal 1-1 (node A) supplied to the information acquisition control unit 54.

  In step S25, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the characteristic information transmission unit 61, and transmits the characteristic information (position information, direction information, ID information) to each node of the communication partner via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. , Connection establishment index information, directivity filter index information, etc.) by requesting each characteristic information transmitted from each node of the communication partner via the information communication line 11-1 The information is acquired by the data 62 and supplied to the spatial information management unit 56.

  That is, in the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 of the communication partner node, for example, the position information of the self (communication partner) is acquired in advance in the same manner as in step S21, and in the same manner as in step S24. The self direction information is acquired, and the self ID information, the connection establishment index information, and the directivity filter index information are acquired in the same manner as in the process of step S24, and these are received in response to a request from the characteristic information transmission unit 61. Characteristic information is transmitted to the terminal 1-1 through the information communication line 11-1. Note that the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 of the communication partner node may acquire the characteristic information when a request from the characteristic information transmission unit 61 is received.

  When the characteristic information of the terminal 1-1 (node A) is requested by the process of step S25 executed by the terminals 1-2 and 1-3, the information acquisition control unit 54 includes the characteristic information transmission unit 61. The position information from the characteristic information receiving unit 62, the ID information of the node A, the connection establishment index information, and the directivity filter index information from the characteristic information setting unit 52, and the direction of the node A from the direction detecting unit 51 Information is transmitted to the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 via the information communication line 11-1.

  When the characteristic information of each node of the communication partner is supplied from the information acquisition control unit 54, the spatial information management unit 56 places the acquired information in the reference space of the node A in step S26, and The reference space of the node A in which the node is arranged is supplied to the priority calculation unit 57.

  That is, the spatial information management unit 56 transmits the ID information, connection establishment index information, and directivity filter index information of the terminal 1 (node) acquired in step S24, and each communication partner from the information acquisition control unit 54 in step S25. Based on the node characteristic information, each node is arranged in the reference space of the node A in which the current direction is reflected in step S23, and the connection establishment index information and the directivity filter index information are reflected. Then, the space information management unit 56 stores and manages the reference space of the node A in which the communication partner node is arranged and each information is reflected, and supplies the reference space to the priority calculation unit 57.

  In step S27, the priority calculation unit 57 uses the reference space of the node A supplied from the spatial information management unit 56 (that is, using the formula (1) and the formula (2)), By calculating the relative characteristic information representing the relative positional relationship, the connection priority from the own node (node A) to the other nodes (node B, node N, etc.) is calculated. The node-related characteristic information and the connection priority analysis result are registered in the storage unit 22 as a connection degree priority list in association with the ID information. At this time, the priority calculation unit 57 also registers the relative characteristic information in the connection priority list.

  As described above, the connection priority setting process is terminated and the connection priority list is registered in the storage unit 22, so the output control unit 24 determines that the connection priority list is registered, and Screen data or the like for notifying the user of the information on the connection priority list is generated, and a screen corresponding to the screen data is output to a monitor or the like constituting the output unit 28 via the input / output interface 25. As a result, information on the connection priority list as described above with reference to FIG. 9 or 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a connection priority notification screen) is displayed.

  As a result, the user “a” to which the operation input unit 26 is attached (installed) refers to the notification screen of the connection priority list displayed on the monitor, for example, the node A turns around the node to be connected. It is possible to set a desired connection priority such as performing a very natural operation or changing the connection establishment index and the directivity filter index of the node A via the information input unit 27.

  The internal communication processing unit 23 also monitors the storage unit 22, and when the information of the connectivity priority list is registered in the storage unit 22, the internal communication processing unit 23 registers the information in the storage unit 22. As described later, according to the information of the connection priority list, a radar chart showing coordinates of a predetermined space and displaying a node icon corresponding to each node is displayed, and according to the user's request, the connection priority Depending on the information of the list being changed or the information of the connection priority list registered in the storage unit 22 or the information of the changed connection priority list, the terminals 1-2 and 1-3 are provided inside the terminal 1-1. The communication balance with is controlled.

  Next, a connection priority update process of the connection priority list registered by the connection priority setting process of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The connection priority update process in FIG. 12 is performed in parallel with an internal communication control process by the internal communication control unit 24 described later with reference to FIG. 15 and a connection priority change process described later with reference to FIG. Processing, the characteristic information setting unit 53 notifies the information acquisition control unit 54 of the end of communication based on an operation signal instructing the user a to end communication input from the information input unit 27, and the information acquisition control unit 54 Is a process that can be repeated until it is determined that communication is to be terminated.

  When the connection priority list is registered in step S28 of FIG. 11, for example, a connection priority notification screen for notifying the user of information on the connection priority list of each node is displayed on the monitor.

  The user a refers to the connection priority notification screen displayed on the monitor while communicating the video data with the other nodes via the external communication line 11-2. For example, the user a It performs very natural actions such as turning around. Note that the operation input unit 26 configured by a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like is attached to the user a, for example, and inputs position information or direction information of the node A according to the operation of the user a.

  Alternatively, for example, the user a refers to the notification screen of the connection priority list displayed on the monitor, and instructs to change the connection establishment index or the directivity filter index of the node A via the information input unit 27. I do.

  Alternatively, for example, the communication partner user b refers to the notification screen of the connection priority list displayed on the monitor of the terminal 1-2 in the same manner as in the case of the terminal 1-1, for example, the terminal 1-2. The user b wearing the operation input unit 26 performs a natural operation such as turning the direction of the node to be connected, or the node B connection establishment index via the information input unit 27 of the terminal 1-2. Or, change the directivity filter index. In this case, the terminal 1-2 sends the changed node B characteristic information to the terminal via the characteristic information communication line 11-1 in the same manner as in step S72, S74, or S76 of FIG. 1-1.

  In response to this, the priority information analysis unit 21 executes a change information supply process in step S51 of FIG. This change information supply processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S71, the direction detection unit 51 uses the current direction and position of the node A set in step S23 of FIG. 11 as a reference, based on the position information or direction information of the node A input from the operation input unit 26. When it is determined whether or not a change in the direction or position of A has been detected, and it is determined that a change in the direction or position of node A has been detected, the position information of node A input from the operation input unit 26 in step S72 Alternatively, the direction information is supplied to the spatial information management unit 56 via the information acquisition control unit 54.

  At this time, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the characteristic information transmission unit 61 with respect to the position information or the direction information of the node A in which the change is detected, and the node terminal via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. It is also transmitted to 1-2 and the terminal 1-3.

  If it is determined in step S71 that no change in the direction or position of node A is detected from the input position information or direction information of node A, the process of step S72 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S73. move on.

  In step S73, the characteristic information setting unit 52 receives an instruction to change the connection establishment index information of the node A or the directivity filter index information based on the operation signal of the user a input via the information input unit 27. If it is determined that an instruction to change the connection establishment index information of node A or the directivity filter index information is input via the information input unit 27, the connection establishment index information of node A, or The directivity filter index information is changed. In step S74, the changed connection establishment index information of node A or the directivity filter index information is supplied to the spatial information management unit 56 via the information acquisition control unit 54.

  At this time, the information acquisition control unit 54 controls the characteristic information transmission unit 61 to change the connection establishment index information or the directivity filter index information of the node A via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. , The node terminal 1-2 and the terminal 1-3 are also transmitted.

  In step S73, when it is determined that the connection establishment index of node A and the directivity filter information change instruction are not input, the process of step S74 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S75.

  Further, for example, as described above, when the characteristic information of the node B is changed, the terminal 1-2 transmits the changed characteristic information of the node B to the terminal 1 via the characteristic information communication line 11-1. To -1.

  Correspondingly, in step S75, the characteristic information receiving unit 62 determines whether or not characteristic information has been received from another node, and if it is determined that the characteristic information has been received from another node, in step S76. Then, the characteristic information is supplied to the spatial information management unit 56 from the other received nodes. Thereafter, the process returns to step S51 in FIG. 18 and proceeds to step S52.

  If it is determined in step S75 that the characteristic information has not been received from another node, the process in step S76 is skipped, and the process returns to step S51 in FIG. 12 and proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52 of FIG. 12, the spatial information management unit 56 at least one piece of information among the position information of the node A, the direction information, the connection establishment index information, the directivity filter index information, and the characteristic information of other nodes. It is determined whether or not is supplied.

  In step S52, the spatial information management unit 56 is supplied with at least one of the node A position information, direction information, connection establishment index information, directivity filter index information, and characteristic information of other nodes. When it determines with it not being, a process returns to step S51 and the process after it is repeated. That is, until it is determined in step S52 that at least one of the position information, the direction information, the connection establishment index information, the directivity filter index information, and the characteristic information of other nodes is supplied. The process of step S51 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S52 that at least one of the position information, direction information, connection establishment index information, directivity filter index information, and characteristic information of other nodes is supplied. In step S53, the spatial information management unit 56 changes the arrangement position of the node arranged in the reference space of the node A based on the supplied information, and updates the stored reference space of the node A. At the same time, it is supplied to the priority calculation unit 57.

  In step S54, the priority calculation unit 57 uses the reference space of the node A supplied from the spatial information management unit 56 (that is, the formula (1) and the formula (2)) to determine the relative relationship between itself and the communication partner. By obtaining the relative characteristic information representing the positional relationship, the connection priority from the own node (node A) to the other nodes (node B, node N, etc.) is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S55, where the storage unit 22 Is updated in association with the ID information, which is a connection priority analysis result, which is a connection priority analysis result. At this time, the relative characteristic information registered in the connection priority list is also updated.

  As described above, the connection priority update process is completed, and screen data for notifying the user of the connection priority of each node is newly generated by the output control unit 24, and the screen data is transmitted via the input / output interface 25. The screen corresponding to is updated and output.

  As described above, the characteristic information of the own node and the characteristic information of the communication partner node are acquired, and by using them, the relative characteristic information indicating the relative positional relationship between the self and the communication partner is obtained. Since the priority is calculated, the connection priority and relative characteristic information can be used to control the communication with a plurality of communication partners, such as weighting, and the communication balance is controlled. Even when the number of counterpart nodes increases, the optimum communication quality can be obtained.

  Also, since these connection priorities and relative characteristic information are sequentially changed according to changes in the position information and direction information of each node, or the connection establishment index and the directivity filter index, this connection priority and relative characteristics information. Even when the state of each node changes using the characteristic information, control according to the state can be performed.

  Furthermore, the user can change the connection priority and the relative characteristic information simply by instructing the direction with a natural and simple operation such as turning around, or the direction indication button provided on the remote controller or the like, that is, the connection priority. The controlled process can be changed according to the above.

  Next, the process of the internal communication processing unit 23 executed according to the connection priority described above will be described.

  FIG. 14 shows a detailed configuration example of the internal communication processing unit of the terminal 1.

  In the example of FIG. 14, for example, an internal communication processing unit 23 in the case where video data and audio data are mutually communicated between a plurality of terminals 1 via an external communication line 11-2 is shown. In the unit 23, the size, transparency, display position of each video data communicated between the plurality of terminals 1 via the external communication line 11-2, the volume of the audio data, the sound quality, the sound source position, etc. are supported. It is adjusted according to connection priority and relative characteristic information.

  The internal communication processing unit 23 includes a communication control unit 81, a priority information acquisition change unit 82, an external communication interface (I / F) 83, a codec unit 84, a data adjustment unit 85, a mixer 86, a distributor 87, and a GUI ( (Graphical User Interface) processing unit 88.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the input / output interface 25 includes, for example, an LCD stacked under the information input unit 27 as the output unit 82 in addition to the information input unit 27 configured by a touch panel. A configured display unit 91, an audio output unit 92 including a stereo speaker that outputs audio, a camera that captures an image of a subject and inputs video data corresponding to the captured video, and collects and collects audio A video / audio input unit 93 composed of a microphone or the like for inputting audio data corresponding to the selected audio is also mounted.

  The communication control unit 81 controls the external communication interface 83 in response to a user instruction input from the information input unit 27 via the GUI processing unit 88 or a notification from the priority information acquisition change unit 82, Communication is performed with the communication partner terminal 1 via the external communication line 11-2. Also, the communication control unit 81 supplies the node ID information received by the external communication interface 83 to the priority information acquisition / change unit 82, and information on the connection priority list of the node corresponding to the ID information (for example, connection priority) Degree and relative characteristic information such as relative azimuth information) is acquired, the data adjustment unit 85 is controlled, and the video data is adjusted according to the information of the connection priority list of the node from the priority information acquisition change unit 82.

  The priority information acquisition changing unit 82 monitors the connection priority list in the storage unit 22 and notifies the communication control unit 81 when the connection priority list is registered. Further, the priority information acquisition changing unit 82 acquires information on the connection priority list corresponding to the ID information supplied from the communication control unit 81 from the storage unit 22, and transmits the acquired information on the connection priority list to the communication control unit. 81 and supplied to the GUI processing unit 88.

  The priority information acquisition change unit 82 also changes the connection priority list information acquired from the storage unit 22 based on the user request information input via the GUI processing unit 88, and changes the connection priority. The list information is supplied to the communication control unit 81 and also supplied to the GUI processing unit 88. In practice, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 not only receives user request information, but also sets allowance information indicating the degree of allowance for preset other nodes of the user and the communication partner terminal 1. The information of the connection priority list acquired from the storage unit 22 is changed based on the permissible information for this node of the communication partner acquired from. Details of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 together with details of the GUI processing unit 88.

  Furthermore, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 monitors the connection priority list information corresponding to the ID information supplied from the communication control unit 81, and updates it when it is determined that the connection priority list information has been updated. Changed the connection priority list information by reflecting the updated connection priority list information to the updated connection priority list information. Information on the connection priority list is supplied to the communication control unit 81 and also supplied to the GUI processing unit 88.

  The external communication interface 83 includes a data reception unit 101 and a data transmission unit 102, and is connected to a communication partner terminal (establishes a line) via the external communication line 11-2 under the control of the communication control unit 81. Send and receive video data. When the data receiving unit 101 receives video data and audio data via the external communication line 11-2, the data receiving unit 101 supplies the received video data and audio data to the codec unit 84, and is added to the video data and audio data. ID information of the existing node is extracted, and the extracted ID information is supplied to the communication control unit 81. Under the control of the communication control unit 81, the data transmission unit 102 transmits the video data and audio data encoded by the codec unit 84 to the corresponding terminal 1 via the external communication line 11-2.

  The codec unit 84 includes a decoding unit 103 and an encoding unit 104. The decoding unit 103 decodes the video data and audio data received by the data receiving unit 101, and supplies the decoded video data and audio data to the data adjustment unit 85. The encoding unit 104 encodes the video data and audio data adjusted by the data adjustment unit 85 and supplies the encoded video data and audio data to the data transmission unit 102. For example, the codec unit 84 uses an encoding method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2.

  The data adjustment unit 85 includes an output data adjustment unit 105 and an input data adjustment unit 106. Under the control of the communication control unit 81, the data adjustment unit 85 is in accordance with connection priority and relative orientation information that are information on the connection priority list. (That is, weighting according to connection priority and relative orientation information), adjustment of video characteristic information such as size, transparency and display position of input video data, or volume, sound quality, and Adjusts sound characteristics information such as sound source position.

  The output data adjustment unit 105 adjusts the video data and audio data from the decoding unit 103 to video and audio according to the connection priority and relative orientation information of each node under the control of the communication control unit 81. The communication balance of video data and audio data in the terminal 1 is controlled and output to the mixer 86. The input data adjustment unit 106 adjusts the video data and audio data from the distributor 87 to video and audio according to the connection priority and relative orientation information of each node under the control of the communication control unit 81. The communication balance of video data and audio data in the terminal 1 is controlled and output to the encoding unit 104.

  That is, the output data adjustment unit 105 and the input data adjustment unit 106 adjust video data and audio data (hereinafter also simply referred to as data) according to the connection priority and relative orientation information of each node. The communication balance of video data and audio data in the terminal 1 is controlled, not the communication balance of the communication path between the terminals.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the data receiving unit 101 receives the data Ab1 from the node B (terminal 1-2) and the data An1 from the node N (terminal 1-3). The data receiving units 101-2,... To be received are configured separately according to communication partners, and the data transmitting unit 102 includes a data transmitting unit 102-1 that transmits data Ab2 to the node B, and a node N. The data transmitters 102-2,... For transmitting the data An2 are separately configured according to the communication partner.

  The output data adjustment unit 105 adjusts the size, transparency, display position, and the like of the data Ab1 from the node B (that is, in the case of video data, adjusts the size, transparency, display position, etc. In this case, the output data adjusting unit 105-1, the output data adjusting unit 105-2 for adjusting the data An1 from the node N,... Are adjusted according to the communication partner. Has been.

  The input data adjustment unit 106 includes an input data adjustment unit 106-1 for adjusting the data Ab2 for the node B, an input data adjustment unit 106-2 for adjusting the data An2 for the node N,. It is divided according to.

  That is, the data receiving unit 101-1 receives the data Ab1 from the node B and supplies the data Ab1 to the output data adjusting unit 105-1 via the decoding unit 103. The output data adjustment unit 105-1 determines the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data Ab 1 from the node B, such as the size, transparency, and display position of the video data Ab 1 from the node B, and the connection priority of the node B. It adjusts according to the information of the list and supplies it to the mixer 86.

  The data reception unit 101-2 receives the data An1 from the node N, and supplies the data An1 to the output data adjustment unit 105-2 via the decoding unit 103. The output data adjustment unit 105-2 determines the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data An1 from the node N, such as the size, transparency, and display position of the video data An1 from the node N, and the connection priority of the node N. It adjusts according to the information of the list and supplies it to the mixer 86.

  The input data adjustment unit 106-1 also connects the node B with the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data from the distributor 87 such as the size, transparency, and display position of the video data from the distributor 87. It adjusts according to the information of the priority list, and supplies the data or audio data Ab2 to the data transmission unit 102-1 via the encoding unit 104. The data transmission unit 102-1 transmits the data Ab2 for the node B to the corresponding terminal 1-2.

  The input data adjustment unit 106-2 determines the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data from the distributor 87, such as the size, transparency, and display position of the video data from the distributor 87, and the connection priority of the node N. It adjusts according to the information of the list, and supplies it to the data transmission unit 102-2 via the encoding unit 104 as video or audio data An2. The data transmission unit 102-2 transmits the data An2 for the node N to the corresponding terminal 1-3.

  The mixer 86 mixes the adjusted video data and audio data from the output data adjustment units 105-1, 105-2,..., And mixes the video data from the display unit 91 via the input / output interface 25. Audio data that has been output or mixed is output from the audio output unit 92 via the input / output interface 25.

  The distributor 87 receives the video data and audio data input from the video / audio input unit 93 via the input / output interface 25 and distributes them to the input data adjustment units 106-1, 106-2,.

  The GUI processing unit 88 represents a radar chart that represents a coordinate system of a predetermined space based on the information of the connection priority list from the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 and in which a node icon indicating the position of each node is arranged. It is generated and displayed on the display unit 91 via the input / output interface 25.

  On the radar chart, a node icon that is displayed based on the information of the connection priority list and that represents the position of each node on the radar chart corresponding to the actual coordinate position of each node in a predetermined space, and the node icon Corresponding icons are displayed that are movable icons whose positions can be moved according to the user's operation of the information input unit 27. That is, the alternation icon indicates the virtual position of each node on the radar chart.

  The GUI processing unit 88 also acquires the user movement request information for the node icon by detecting a position corresponding to the operation of the user information input unit 27, and the user movement request information is used as the priority. It supplies to the information acquisition change part 82.

  The display unit 91 displays a video corresponding to the video data from the mixer 86 and displays a GUI image (for example, a radar chart) generated by the GUI processing unit 88. The sound output unit 92 outputs sound corresponding to the sound data from the mixer 86.

  The video / audio input unit 92 supplies video data corresponding to the captured video and audio data corresponding to the collected audio to the distributor 87. Note that video data or audio data from the video / audio input unit 93 may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 22.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the output data adjustment unit 105 adjusts the data received via the external communication line 11-2, and the input data adjustment unit 106 adjusts the data input from the video / audio input unit 93. However, the data stored in the storage unit 22 may be adjusted.

  For example, when the video or audio data of each node is registered in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22 in association with the ID information, the video or audio data is also acquired when reading the information of the connection priority list. Then, after decoding it, the output data adjustment unit 105 may adjust it so that it is displayed on the display unit 91 or output to the audio output unit 92.

  Further, instead of the data from the video / audio input unit 93, the video data or audio data stored in the storage unit 22 is read out, decoded, distributed by the distributor 87, and adjusted by the output data adjustment unit 105. Then, it may be transmitted to another information processing apparatus.

  Next, an example of the internal communication control process executed by the internal communication processing unit 201 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  Note that this control process is stored in the connection priority analysis unit 21 in FIG. 2 and updated sequentially, or the priority information acquisition in FIG. 14 is further performed according to the user's operation. It is an example of the internal communication control process of the terminal 1-1 performed based on the connection priority list changed by the change part.

  In step S <b> 28 of FIG. 11, the priority calculation unit 57 registers the connection priority list in the storage unit 22. The priority information acquisition changing unit 82 monitors the connection priority list in the storage unit 22 and notifies the communication control unit 81 when the connection priority list is registered. The communication control unit 81 waits for the notification from the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 to be input, and determines that the notification from the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 has been input. Control processing is started.

  In step S81, the communication control unit 81 controls the data transmission unit 102-1 to connect to the communication partner node (for example, the terminal 1-2 of the node B) via the external communication line 11-2.

  At this time, the data transmission unit 102-1 requests the node ID of the node B from the terminal 1-2 via the external communication line 11-2. When the terminal 1-2 receives the request from the terminal 1-1, the terminal 1-2 transmits the node ID information of the node B to the terminal 1-1 via the external communication line 11-2.

  The data receiving unit 101-1 receives the node ID information of the node B from the terminal 1-2 and supplies it to the communication control unit 81. In step S82, the communication control unit 81 acquires the node ID information of the node B from the data reception unit 101-1, and supplies the node ID information to the priority information acquisition change unit 82. At this time, together with the node ID information, allowance information of the node B described later is also acquired and supplied to the priority information acquisition changing unit 82.

  In step S83, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 determines whether or not there is a node ID of the node B in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22, and the node B has a connection priority list of the storage unit 22 in the connection priority list. If it is determined that there is a node ID, the process proceeds to step S84.

  In step S84, the priority information acquisition changing unit 82 acquires connection priority information corresponding to the node B, supplies the acquired connection priority list information to the communication control unit 81, and the process is performed in step S86. Proceed to

  If it is determined in step S83 that there is no node ID information of node B in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22, the process proceeds to step S85. The fact that there is no node ID of node B in the connection priority list of the storage unit 22 means that information such as the connection priority of node B and relative orientation information is not set.

  Therefore, in step S85, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 assigns information of the specified connection priority list to the node B for which connection priority and relative orientation information are not set (that is, connection priority and relative orientation information). Is supplied to the communication control unit 81 and supplied to the GUI processing unit 88.

  If there is no node ID information in the connection priority list and the connection priority is not set, the connection with the node B may be stopped, and the specified connection priority is set or the connection is stopped. The setting of whether to make it possible can be changed by the user a operating the information input unit 27 or the like.

  In step S86, the communication control unit 81 determines whether or not it is connected to all communication partners that are communication candidates, and if it is determined that it is not connected to all communication partners that are communication candidates, Returning to S81, the next communication partner (for example, node N) and the subsequent processing are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S86 that all communication partners as communication candidates have been connected, the communication control unit 81 gives priority to the data adjustment unit 85 that processes data received from each node in step S87. Among the information on the connection priority list from the degree information acquisition / change unit 82, information (for example, connection priority and relative orientation information) as required is supplied.

  In step S88, the communication control unit 81 controls the external communication interface 83 and the data adjustment unit 85, and executes data adjustment processing. Details of this data adjustment processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  For example, in step S88, the communication control unit 81 controls the reception unit 83 to receive audio data from each node via the external communication line 11-2, controls the output data adjustment unit 105, and controls each node. According to the connection priority and relative orientation information, the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data from each node are adjusted, and the audio corresponding to the audio data adjusted according to the connection priority and relative orientation information is A process of outputting to the audio output unit 92 is performed.

  Thereby, from the speaker which comprises the audio | voice output part 92, the audio | voice corresponding to the audio | voice data adjusted according to the connection priority and relative orientation information is output.

  In addition, for example, the communication control unit 81 controls the input data adjusting unit 106 with the video data input and distributed by the video / audio input unit 93 in step S88, and converts it into connection priority and relative orientation information of each node. Accordingly, the size, transparency, and display position of the video data to be transmitted to each node are adjusted, and the video data adjusted according to the connection priority and the relative orientation information is controlled by the transmission unit 102, and the external communication line 11 -2 is transmitted to each node via -2.

  Thereby, from the display unit 91 of the terminal 1 of each node, an image corresponding to the image data adjusted according to the connection priority and the relative orientation information is output.

  Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 27, if it is determined in step S86 that all communication partners as communication candidates have been connected, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 causes the GUI processing unit 88 to The connection priority list information is supplied, and the GUI processing unit 88 represents the coordinate system of a predetermined space based on the connection priority list information from the priority information acquisition / change unit 82, and the position of each node is indicated. A radar chart in which icons to represent are generated is generated and displayed on the display unit 91 via the input / output interface 25.

  On the radar chart, there are a node icon indicating the coordinate position of each node based on the information of the connection priority list (that is, the coordinate position information of each node in a predetermined space), and an icon corresponding to the node icon. In response to the operation of the information input unit 27, a position icon whose position can be moved is displayed.

  The priority information acquisition changing unit 82 changes the information of the connection priority list according to the operation of the information input unit 27 by the user who has seen the radar chart, and the information of the changed connection priority list is transmitted to the communication control unit. 81 and supplied to the GUI processing unit 88.

  In step S89, the communication control unit 81 determines whether the information on the connection priority list has been changed. Upon receiving the information on the connection priority list changed by the priority information acquisition / change unit 82, the communication control unit 81 determines in step S89 that the information on the connection priority list has been changed. Thereby, a process returns to step S87 and the process after it is repeated. That is, in this step S87, the communication control unit 81 supplies the changed connection priority and relative orientation information to the data adjustment unit 85, so that it is based on the changed connection priority and relative orientation information. The subsequent processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S89 that the information in the connection priority list has not been changed, the communication control unit 81 outputs an operation signal instructing the end of communication of the user a input from the information input unit 27 in step S90. Based on this, it is determined whether or not to end communication, and if it is determined not to end communication, the process returns to step S87, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  That is, in this case, the data adjustment process according to the connection priority and the relative orientation information that has not been changed is repeatedly executed.

  In step S <b> 90, if the communication control unit 81 determines to end communication based on the operation signal instructing the user a to end communication input from the information input unit 27, the communication control unit 81 stops connection with each terminal. Thereby, the internal communication control process is ended.

  Next, an example of the data adjustment processing in step S87 in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the example of FIG. 16, data adjustment processing executed on the audio data from each node by the output data adjustment unit 105 is shown.

  The data reception unit 101-1 of the external communication interface 83 receives the audio data from the node B under the control of the communication control unit 211 and supplies the received audio data to the decoding unit 103 in step S111 of FIG. To do.

  In step S112, the decoding unit 103 decodes the audio data received by the data reception unit 101-1, and supplies the decoded audio data to the output data adjustment unit 105-1.

  The output data adjusting unit 105-1 connects the volume of the audio data Ab1 from the node B decoded by the decoding unit 103 in step S113 to the connection of the node B supplied by the communication control unit 81 in step S87 of FIG. Adjust according to priority.

  In step S114, the output data adjustment unit 105-1 converts the sound quality of the audio data Ab1 from the node B whose volume has been adjusted to the connection priority of the node B supplied by the communication control unit 81 in step S87 of FIG. Adjust accordingly. In this sound quality adjustment process, for example, a band limiting filter or a blur filter is used.

  The output data adjustment unit 105-1 generates the right audio data Ab1-1 and the left audio data Ab1-2 from the audio data Ab1 whose sound quality has been adjusted in step S115, and the communication control unit 81 in step S87 of FIG. The audio characteristics of the left and right audio data are adjusted according to the relative orientation information of the node B supplied by the above. In this sound source position adjustment process, for example, a sound image localization digital filter is used.

  Then, the output data adjustment unit 105-1 outputs the right audio data Ab1-1 and the left audio data Ab1-2 to the mixer 86.

  In steps S111 to S115, the example in which the data reception unit 101-1 receives the audio data Ab1 from the node B and the output data adjustment unit 105-1 processes has been described. The same is executed in the data receiving unit 101-2 and the output data adjusting unit 105-2 that receive and process the audio data An1.

  In step S116, the mixer 86 mixes the right audio data and the left audio data whose audio characteristics are adjusted from the output data adjustment units 105-1, 105-2,..., And the audio corresponding to the mixed audio data. Are output from the audio output unit 92 via the input / output interface 25.

  As a result, the sound output unit 92 composed of a stereo speaker or the like outputs sound adjusted according to the connection priority and the like, and the sound characteristic adjustment processing is ended. And a process returns to step S88 of FIG. 15, and progresses to step S89.

  As described above, when communicating with a plurality of nodes, the volume, sound quality, sound source position, etc. are adjusted as the characteristics of the voice data to be communicated according to the obtained connection priority of each node. , The voice from the high priority node is loud and clear, the voice from the low priority node is small and unclear, and there is sufficient out-of-headness, direction and sense of reality. Is obtained.

  Next, another example of the data adjustment process executed in step S87 in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the example of FIG. 17, data adjustment processing executed on the video data transmitted to each node by the input data adjustment unit 106 is shown.

  In step S131, the distributor 87 converts the video data corresponding to the video of the subject input from the video / audio input unit 93 via the input / output interface 25 to the input data adjustment units 106-1, 106-2,. Distribute.

  For example, the distributor 87 outputs the distributed video data to the input data adjustment unit 106-1 as the video data Ab2 for the node B, and the input data adjustment unit 106- as the video data Ac2 for the node C. Output to 2.

  First, in step S132, the input data adjustment unit 106-1 determines the size of the video data Ab2 for the node B from the distributor 87, and the node B supplied by the communication control unit 81 in step S87 of FIG. Adjust according to connection priority.

  Next, in step S133, the input data adjustment unit 106-1 determines the degree of transparency (ie, clarity) of the video data of the video data Ab2 with respect to the node B whose size has been adjusted, in step S87 of FIG. In FIG. 4, the adjustment is made according to the connection priority of the node B supplied by the communication control unit 81.

  Further, in step S134, the input data adjustment unit 106-1 controls the display position in the image frame of the video data of the video data Ab2 for the node B whose degree of transparency has been adjusted in step S134, and performs communication control in step S87 of FIG. The adjustment is made according to the relative orientation information of the node B supplied by the unit 81 and supplied to the encoding unit 104.

  In step S135, the encoding unit 104 encodes the video data whose video characteristic information (that is, size, transparency, display position) is adjusted by the data adjustment unit 85, and the encoded video data is transmitted to the data transmission unit 102-. 1 is supplied.

  In step S136, under the control of the communication control unit 81, the data transmission unit 102-1 transmits the video data encoded by the encoding unit 104 to the corresponding node B terminal via the external communication line 11-2. Send to 1-2.

  In steps S132 to S136, an example in which the input data adjustment unit 106-1 processes the video data Ab2 for the node B, and the data transmission unit 102-1 transmits to the terminal 1-2 of the node B will be described. However, this processing is similarly executed in the input data adjustment unit 106-2 and the data transmission unit 102-2 that process and transmit the video data An2 for the node N. Is terminated. And a process returns to step S88 of FIG. 15, and progresses to step S89.

  Thereby, on the display unit 92 of the terminal 1-2, an image corresponding to the node A received from the node A and adjusted according to the connection priority and the relative orientation information of the node B in the node A is displayed.

  As described above, when communicating with a plurality of nodes, the size, transparency, display position, etc. are adjusted as the characteristics of the video data to be communicated according to the obtained connection priority of each node. The video from the node with high priority is displayed so as to be clearly noticeable, and the video from the node with low priority is displayed so as not to be unclearly noticeable.

  In the above description, in the control of communication balance between a plurality of nodes sharing a predetermined space (real space or virtual space), a natural and simple operation such as a user turning around, or a remote control is provided. It has been described that the connection priority and the relative characteristic information are changed only by instructing the direction with the direction instruction button or the like, that is, the data processing controlled according to the connection priority is changed.

  However, the control of the communication balance between the plurality of nodes sharing the predetermined space described above is performed while maintaining the mutual positional relationship of the plurality of nodes defined in the predetermined space, that is, the plurality of nodes in the predetermined space. Therefore, only the connection priority update process described above cannot meet the user's communication request beyond the restriction on the mutual positional relationship between the nodes.

  Therefore, when it is desired to communicate closely with a certain node, the user must actually turn around or move to change the mutual positional relationship among multiple nodes in a given space. I had to. However, such operations performed by the user may be difficult due to restrictions such as being unable to move spatially and due to situational restrictions such as the user being unable to move. there were.

  Then, next, the method of performing the optimal communication control which each user desires exceeding the restriction | limiting of the mutual positional relationship of the some node in a predetermined space is demonstrated in detail below.

  This represents the coordinate system of a predetermined space based on the information of the connection priority list by the priority information acquisition changing unit 82 and the GUI processing unit 88 of FIG. 14, and the position of each node is indicated on the coordinate system. This is realized by a process of changing information in the connection priority list, which is executed in response to a user operation for moving an icon displayed on the radar chart.

  FIG. 18 shows a detailed configuration example of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 and the GUI processing unit 88 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 18, the input / output interface 25 is not shown.

  In the example of FIG. 18, the priority information acquisition change unit 82 includes a priority information acquisition unit 211, an allowable information acquisition provider 212, an allowable information storage unit 213, a virtual position calculation unit 215, a priority information change unit 216, and position information. A providing unit 217 and a position information receiving unit 218 are configured.

  The GUI processing unit 88 includes a GUI position detection unit 221, a GUI image generation unit 222, and a GUI display control unit 223.

  The priority information acquisition unit 211 monitors the connection priority list in the storage unit 22 and notifies the communication control unit 81 when the connection priority list is registered. Also, the priority information acquisition unit 211 acquires connection priority list information corresponding to the ID information supplied from the communication control unit 81 from the storage unit 22, and calculates the acquired connection priority list information as a virtual position calculation. To the unit 215.

  After that, the priority information acquisition unit 211 monitors the information of the connection priority list corresponding to the ID information supplied from the communication control unit 81, and when it is determined that the information of the connection priority list has been changed, the information is changed. Information on the connection priority list is acquired, and the acquired information on the connection priority list is supplied to the virtual position calculation unit 215.

  The permissible information acquisition / providing unit 212 acquires permissible information indicating the degree of permissibility or restriction on each communication partner of the user input in advance via the information input unit 27 at the start of the internal communication control processing of FIG. To do.

  In addition, the allowable information acquisition / providing unit 212 requests the allowable information for the communication partner's self at the same time as the node ID at the time of communication connection with each node, so that the allowable information acquired and supplied by the communication control unit 81 is supplied. Is stored in the permissible information storage unit 213, and when the permissible user information is requested by the communication control unit 81, the permissible user information stored in the permissible information storage unit 213 is provided to the communication control unit 81.

  The permissible information may be obtained from each node every time the communication control unit 81 requests user permissible information.

  The permissible information storage unit 213 stores the permissible information of the users of the self and other nodes acquired by the permissible information acquisition / providing unit 212.

  The permissible information is permissible information indicating how close the communication partner is to be approached (that is, to what extent the connection priority is increased) or the degree of permissibility to restrict. On the other hand, the permissible information is set for each of various information of the user that is attached to the user and can be provided to the communication partner. Then, the permissible degree of each of the various types of information indicated by the permissible information restricts how much the disclosure of the various types of information of the user is permitted.

  The various information of the user includes, for example, content data such as music, movies (moving images and sounds), still images, user nickname, handle name, real name, address, URL of the site the user has, etc. It consists of user personal information, user conversation (image and sound) data, node position information on the displayed radar chart, and the like.

  The permissible information can be set for each level by dividing the communication partner into a predetermined level instead of for each communication partner.

  When the information on the connection priority list from the priority information acquisition unit 211 is input, the virtual position calculation unit 215 stores the information in a built-in memory, supplies the information to the GUI image generation unit 222, and via the priority information change unit 216. To the communication control unit 81.

  When the user movement request information is input from the GUI position detection unit 221, the virtual position calculation unit 215 receives the input user movement request information and the permission of the user and the communication partner stored in the permission information storage unit 213. Based on the information, on the radar chart, the virtual position of the node corresponding to the movement target icon requested to be moved by the user is calculated, and the virtual position information is converted into the GUI image generation unit 222, the priority information change unit. 216 and the position information providing unit 217.

  At this time, the virtual position information is also provided by the position information providing unit 217 to the nodes where the disclosure of the position information is permitted, based on the user permission information in the permission information storage unit 213. Further, the virtual position information calculated by other nodes and received by the position information receiving unit 218 is also supplied to the GUI image generating unit 222 and the priority information changing unit 216 via the virtual position calculating unit 215. .

  In addition, the virtual position calculation unit 215 performs a timing operation using a built-in timer, determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last calculation of the virtual position, and finally calculates the virtual position. If it is determined that a predetermined time has passed since the determination, the position information of the connection priority list acquired by the priority information acquisition unit 211 from the calculated virtual position (that is, the actual position in the predetermined space) In addition, a virtual position for returning by a predetermined amount at a predetermined interval is calculated, and the virtual position information is supplied to the GUI image generation unit 222 and the priority information change unit 216.

  Further, when the information on the connection priority list updated by the connection priority analysis unit 21 is input from the priority information acquisition unit 211, the virtual position calculation unit 215 calculates a difference from the information before the update, and stores the difference. The connection priority list information to be updated is updated, and the difference information is supplied to the GUI image generation unit 222 and the priority information change unit 216.

  The priority information change unit 216 supplies the connection priority list information from the virtual position calculation unit 215 to the communication control unit 81. Further, when the virtual position information and difference information are input from the virtual position calculation unit 215, the priority information change unit 216 reflects the input virtual position information and difference information in the information of the connection priority list. Thus, the connection priority list information is changed, and the changed connection priority list information is supplied to the communication control unit 81.

  The position information providing unit 217 sends the virtual position information from the virtual position calculation unit 215 to the node where disclosure of the position information is permitted based on the user permission information stored in the permission information storage unit 213. -2 to transmit.

  When the position information receiving unit 218 receives virtual position information calculated and transmitted by another node via the external communication line 11-2, the position information receiving unit 218 calculates the received virtual position information as virtual position calculation. To the unit 215.

  When the user's operation on the information input unit 27 is input, the GUI position detection unit 221 refers to the radar chart generated by the GUI image generation unit 222 and detects the position on the radar chart, thereby moving the icon. The operation of the information input unit 27 in response to the instruction is supplied to the virtual position calculation unit 215 as user movement request information.

  The GUI image generation unit 222 is a radar chart that represents a coordinate system of a predetermined space in which icons representing each node are arranged based on the information on the connection priority list from the virtual position calculation unit 215 and the virtual position information. Is supplied to the GUI position detection unit 221 and the GUI display control unit 223.

  As will be described in detail later, on the radar chart, a node icon that is arranged based on the information of the connection priority list and that represents the position of each node corresponding to the coordinate position of a predetermined space, and on the radar chart, A virtual position corresponding to the node icon is represented, and a position icon whose position can be moved is arranged in accordance with an operation of the information input unit 27 by the user.

  That is, the display position of the node icon on the radar chart is based on the connection priority list information from the virtual position calculation unit 215, and the display position of the clone icon on the radar chart is from the virtual position calculation unit 215. This is based on connection priority list information and virtual location information.

  The GUI display generation unit 223 causes the display unit 91 to output a radar chart in which each icon from the GUI image generation unit 222 is arranged.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a radar chart displayed on the display unit 91 of the node A. In the example of FIG. 19, the display unit 91 is configured by an LCD, and a case where the information input unit 27 that is a touch panel is stacked will be described.

  A radar chart 251 shown in FIG. 19 is a circular radar chart composed of a coordinate system centered on itself (node A), similarly to the reference space coordinates of node A described with reference to FIG.

  In the radar chart 251, a black star-shaped node icon 261A that represents the coordinate position of the node A in a predetermined space shared by a plurality of nodes that perform communication is arranged at the center. The front direction (0 degree) is shown.

  On the radar chart 251, nodes B, C, and positions corresponding to the relative coordinate positions of the nodes N and A in a predetermined space are each a black star shape slightly smaller than the node icon 261. Node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N are arranged.

  Specifically, the radar chart 251 shows a plurality of circles (four circles in the example of FIG. 19) representing the distance from the node icon 261 of the center node A, and the radii thereof are respectively Suppose 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 40 m in order from the innermost circumference. In this case, the node icon 262B of the node B is arranged at a position of about 38 m in a direction of about 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the position of the node icon 261 of the node A facing upward in the figure. The node icon 262C of the node C is arranged at a position of about 32 m in the direction of about 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the position of the node icon 261 of the node A facing upward in the figure. The icon 262N is arranged at a position of approximately 27 m in a direction of approximately 135 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the position of the node icon 261 of the node A facing upward in the drawing.

  That is, even in an actual predetermined space, there is a node B at a position of about 45 m in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the front direction and the position of the node A at a position of about 38 m. With respect to the position, the node C exists at a position of approximately 90 degrees clockwise, and at a position of approximately 32 m, with a direction of approximately 135 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the front direction and position of the node A. The node N exists at a position of approximately 27 m.

  The radar chart 251 is generated based on the connection priority list information stored in the storage unit 22 when the connection priority list information is calculated by the connection priority analysis unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 22. And displayed on the display unit 91 of the node A.

  At this time, in accordance with the information of the same connection priority list in parallel, for example, it corresponds to the audio data whose volume, sound quality, and sound source position are adjusted by the internal communication control process described above with reference to FIG. The sound is output from the sound output unit 92, so that the user's ear can hear a sound of a magnitude corresponding to each connection priority from the direction of each node in the radar chart 251.

  In the state of the radar chart 251 displayed as described above, if the user of the node A wants to hear the sound from the node N more clearly, for example, as shown in FIG. To move the chart 251 closer to the node icon 262N of the node N, the finger 271 is brought into contact with the touch panel on which the node icon 261A is displayed, and the touched finger 271 is moved to the node icon 262N of the node N. Move to the vicinity.

  That is, when a strong request for communication with another node is generated, the user inputs the request by inputting a request for moving his / her icon closer to the other node.

  In response to this, the virtual position calculation unit 215 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 calculates the virtual position of the node A on the radar chart 251 in accordance with the movement of the user's finger 271, and the GUI processing unit 88. Causes a star-shaped white icon 281A representing the virtual position of the node A to appear at the virtual position of the node A on the radar chart 251 calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215.

  Thereby, on the radar chart 251, as shown by the arrow P, the alternation icon 281A is moved and displayed as the user's finger 271 touching the touch panel moves instead of the node icon 261A. At this time, the display of the node icon 261A may be dimmed.

  In addition, in the priority information change unit 216 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82, the position information of the user A in the connection priority list is changed based on the virtual position of the node A calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215. Accordingly, information related thereto (relative position information and connection priority) is also changed.

  The internal communication processing unit 23 executes internal communication control processing based on the changed connection priority list information. For example, the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data are adjusted to output the audio. Output from the unit 92.

  As a result, the user's ear sees the changed connection priority from the direction of each node centering on the division icon 281A in the radar chart 251 as if he were at the position of the division icon 281A. You can hear the sound of the corresponding volume.

  That is, since not only the node N but also the connection priority of the node B or the node C is changed, the voice corresponding to the voice data from the node B or the node C is output accordingly.

  The position information of the clone icon 281A is also transmitted to other nodes that communicate with each other via the external communication line 11-2, and the clone icon 281A is displayed on the other nodes and connection priority is given. The information of the degree list is also changed.

  In addition, after the predetermined time has elapsed after the user's finger 271 is released from the touch panel, the alternation icon 281A is displayed at a predetermined ratio (speed) set in advance as indicated by an arrow R in FIG. The node icon 261A on the radar chart 251 is moved and displayed so as to return to the position of the node icon 261A (that is, the actual position of the node A in the predetermined space), and finally returns to the position of the node icon 261A and is hidden by the node icon 261A. As shown, the display of the parting icon 281A disappears from the radar chart 251.

  Also at this time, the priority information acquisition / change unit 82 calculates the position of the alternation icon 281A that moves at a predetermined rate (that is, the virtual position of the node A). Based on the position, the position information of the user A in the connection priority list is changed, and information related thereto (relative position information and connection priority) is changed.

  The internal communication processing unit 23 executes internal communication control processing based on the changed connection priority list information. For example, the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data are adjusted to output the audio. Output from the unit 92.

  As a result, each changed connection priority is given to the user's ear from the direction of each node centered on the division icon 281A in the radar chart 251 that moves at a predetermined rate at the same rate as the movement of the division icon 281A. A sound having a magnitude corresponding to the degree of sound is heard, and finally, a sound having a magnitude corresponding to each connection priority is heard again from the direction of each node in the radar chart 251 of FIG. .

  As described above, during communication between a plurality of nodes in a predetermined space, a radar chart representing a coordinate system in the predetermined space is displayed, and a plurality of icons are displayed according to an operation of an icon placed on the radar chart by the user. Since the information on the connection priority of the node is changed, communication between a plurality of nodes sharing a predetermined space can be performed in accordance with the user's request, exceeding the restrictions in the predetermined space. Can be provided to the user.

  Further, when the user strongly requests communication with another node, the user's own node arranged on the radar chart representing the coordinate system in the predetermined space to be displayed is brought close to the other node. By performing the operation, the mobile node's movement request information (that is, communication request information) is input to the terminal, so that the user can easily understand the correspondence between the operation and the result, and the user can easily In addition, you can communicate according to your request.

  Further, on the radar chart 251, the clone icon 281A moved in response to the user's request returns to the original position (node icon 261A) at a predetermined rate when a predetermined time has elapsed, and accordingly, Information on the connection priority of a plurality of nodes can also be returned to the original position. That is, the restriction on the positional relationship of the predetermined space supplied by the plurality of nodes is not completely broken, and the positional relationship of the predetermined space is restored over time. This provides a communication environment in which the actual positional relationship of the predetermined space is not destroyed even if the user's request exceeds the constraints on the positional relationship of the predetermined space.

  Although the radar chart 251 is configured in a circular shape, it is of course not limited to a circular shape and may be a polygonal shape.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the restriction | limiting with respect to the user's request | requirement in the radar chart 251 is demonstrated.

  In the example of FIG. 22, a radar chart 301 including a plurality of small circles (two circles in FIG. 22) around the node icon 262N around the node icon 262N of the node N on the radar chart 251 of FIG. Is displayed.

  The radar chart 301 represents the degree of tolerance (level) in the tolerance information for the node N to the node A. For example, the inner circle in the radar chart 301 represents level 1 with the highest tolerance, the outer circle represents level 2, and the outer circle represents level 3 outside.

  For example, the node N does not allow the node A to approach itself (that is, increase the connection priority) from the circle outside the radar chart 301 (that is, level 3 is set). And

  In such a case, the user of the node A moves the node icon 261A of the node A on the radar chart 251 so as to approach the node icon 262N of the node N, and on the touch panel on which the node icon 261A of the node A is displayed. Even if the finger 271 is touched and the touched finger is moved into the circle inside the radar chart 301 of the node N as shown by the arrow P2, the clone icon 281A of the node A As indicated by P1, it is not displayed inside the outer circle of the radar chart 301 and cannot approach the node icon 262N.

  That is, the movement of the clone icon 281A (that is, the virtual position of the node A) is limited to the permissible information of the node N and is stopped on the circle outside the radar chart 301, and the connection between the node A and the node N is performed. The priority is also limited to the permissible information of the node N, and the priority does not exceed the permissible information of the node N.

  Therefore, no matter how high the communication with the node N is requested by the node A, if the node N refuses, the connection priority between the node A and the node N will not increase. As a result, even when the request of the node A exceeds the restriction of the positional relationship of a predetermined space supplied by a plurality of nodes, communication according to the request of the node A is realized within a range that is not inconvenient to the communication partner. The

  In other words, the radar chart 301 represents a permissible level in permissible information for the node N of the node A. Therefore, no matter how much the node A requests communication with the node N, even if the permissible information of the node A is set low beforehand and the permissible information of the node A is rejected, the alternation icon 281A (virtual ) Does not approach the node icon 262N, and therefore the connection priority between the node A and the node N does not increase. That is, the movement of the virtual position of the node is limited according to the mutual permission information between the self and the communication partner.

  Here, the above-described branch icon has been described as representing the virtual position of the node A on the radar chart 251. However, together with the branch icon, as shown in FIG. Can also be displayed.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed on the radar chart.

  In the example of FIG. 23, a node icon 262N (not shown) of the node N of FIG. 22 is arranged on the right side in the drawing, and circles 301-1 to 301-4 representing each allowable level in the radar chart 301. A part of is shown. In the case of the example of FIG. 23, the circle 301-1 is the innermost circle and has the highest tolerance level 1, and the circle 301-4 is the outermost circle and has a low tolerance level. 4 and the outside of the circle 301-4 represents level 5 with the lowest tolerance.

  On the circle 301-4, a clone icon 331 representing the virtual position of the node A corresponding to the clone icon 281A of FIG. 20 is displayed, and below the song icon 332 representing the song content of the node A. , A video icon 333 representing movie content possessed by node A, an image icon 334 representing still image content possessed by node A, an ID icon 335 representing user information regarding the user of node A, and a conversation with the user of node A Are displayed side by side.

  In the radar chart 251, when the music icon 332 of the node A approaches the node icon 262N, the relative distance between the node A and the node N with respect to the music becomes close, the connection priority increases, and the node N is provided to the node N. Or the music content provided from the node N is adjusted according to the connection priority and output. For example, as the music icon 332 gradually approaches the node N with the circles 301-4 to 301-1, the music that was initially output with a small sound is clearly output at the terminal 1 of each node. Eventually, detailed information such as the name of the music content and the music content list of the communication partner will be presented.

  Similarly, in the radar chart 251, when the video icon 333 of the node A approaches the node icon 262N, the relative distance between the node A and the node N with respect to the movie content is reduced, and the connection priority is increased. Movie content provided to N or provided from node N is adjusted and output according to the connection priority. For example, as the video icon 333 gradually gets closer to the node N with the circles 301-4 to 301-1, the movie that was initially output in a small window is clearly output in the terminal 1 of each node. Eventually, detailed information such as the name of the movie content and the movie content list owned by the communication partner will be presented.

  In the radar chart 251, when the image icon 334 of the node A approaches the node icon 262N, the relative distance between the node A and the node N with respect to the still image becomes closer, the connection priority becomes higher, and the node N is provided to the node N. Or the still image content provided from the node N is adjusted and output according to the connection priority. For example, as the image icon 334 gradually approaches the node icons 262N with the circles 301-4 to 301-1, the image that was initially output in a small window is clearly output in the terminal 1 of each node. As a result, detailed information such as the name of the image content, the album name of the image content, and the image content list of the communication partner will be presented.

  In the radar chart 251, when the ID icon 335 of the node A approaches the node icon 262N, the relative distance between the node A and the node N with respect to the ID information becomes closer, the connection priority becomes higher, and the node N is provided to the node N. Or user information provided from the node N is adjusted and output according to the connection priority. For example, as the ID icon 335 gradually approaches the circle icons 301-4 to 301-1 and the node icon 262N, at the terminal 1 of each node, the communication partner user who was initially presented with only the handle name or the like. The information is presented to the URL of the communication partner user's personal site or blog, the user's hobbies, and even detailed information such as the user's real name and address.

  In the radar chart 251, when the user conversation icon 336 of the node A approaches the node icon 262N, the relative distance between the node A and the node N with respect to the conversation becomes closer, the connection priority becomes higher, and the node N is provided to the node N. Or a conversation with the communication partner user provided from the node N is adjusted according to the connection priority and output. For example, as the user conversation icon 336 gradually approaches the circle icons 301-4 to 301-1 and the node icon 262 N, the communication that was initially output with only unclear voice at the terminal 1 of each node. The voice of the other party becomes clearer and clearer, video is added, and a moving image is output, so that conversation with the moving image becomes possible.

  As described above, in the radar chart 251, as the distance between each icon of the node A and the node icon of the node N approaches, the level of tolerance for the information indicated by each icon increases. A lot of information indicated by each icon will be disclosed.

  Here, in the example of FIG. 23, the disclosure of the conversation to the node N in the permission information of the node A is up to the circle 301-3 (that is, level 4), and the disclosure of the still image and the user information is the circle. A case will be described in which the disclosure of movie content is limited to 301-1 (ie, level 2) up to 301-2 (ie, level 3). That is, the permissible information of node N for node A is omitted for convenience of explanation, but in the actual processing, the permissible information is taken into account.

  In this case, when the finger 271 of the user of the node A touches the clone icon 331 (corresponding touch panel) and the touched finger 271 moves on the outermost circle 301-4, the song icon 331 and the music icon 332, a video icon 333, an image icon 334, an ID icon 335, and a user conversation icon 336 move side by side.

  Further, when the finger 271 that has touched the split icon 331 moves on the circle 301-3 inside the circle 301-4, the music icon 332, the video icon 333, and the image icon 334 together with the split icon 331 are displayed. And the ID icon 335 move together, but the display of the user conversation icon 336 disappears from the radar chart 251.

  That is, in the permissible information for node N of node A, the conversation of the user of node A is level 4 and is restricted (rejected) by circle 301-3, so it is filtered and corresponds to circle 301-3. The user conversation icon 336 is not displayed in the area within it.

  Therefore, according to the request of the node A, the music and video of the node A with respect to the node N based on the information of the connection priority list changed so that the connection priority is higher than the connection priority in the circle 301-3. , Image, and ID data are adjusted, so that more information about the music, video, image, and ID of node A is provided to node N, but the conversation data of the user of node A is Adjustment is made based on the information of the connection priority list in the circle 301-3 before the change, and the disclosure of the information is limited to the node N.

  When the finger 271 that has touched the clone icon 331 moves on the circle 301-2 inside the circle 301-3, the music icon 332 and the video icon 333 move together with the clone icon 331, but the image The display of the icon 334 and the ID icon 335 disappears from the radar chart 251.

  That is, in the permissible information for node N of node A, the still image and user information of node A are level 3 and are restricted (rejected) by circle 301-2, so are filtered to circle 301-2, Corresponding image icon 334 and ID icon 335 are not displayed in the area inside.

  Therefore, the music and video of node A with respect to node N based on the information of the connection priority list changed so that the connection priority is higher than the connection priority in circle 301-2 in response to the request of node A Therefore, more information on the music and video of the node A is provided to the node N, but the image and ID data of the user of the node A are stored in the circle 301-2 before the change. Will be adjusted based on the information of the connection priority list in FIG.

  Further, when the finger 271 that has touched the split icon 331 moves on the innermost circle 301-1, the music icon 332 moves together with the split icon 331, but the video icon 333 is displayed on the radar chart 251. It disappears from the top.

  In other words, in the permissible information for node N of node A, the movie content of node A is level 2 and is restricted (rejected) by circle 301-1. The icon 333 is not displayed in the area inside it.

  Therefore, based on the information of the connection priority list changed so that the connection priority is higher than the connection priority in the circle 301-1 in response to the request of the node A, the data of the music of the node A for the node N Therefore, more information on the music of node A is provided to node N, but the video data of the user of node A is based on the information on the connection priority list in circle 301-1 before the change. The disclosure of information is restricted to the node N.

  In the example of FIG. 23, the example in which the adjustment of the data of the node A with respect to the node N is adjusted based on the information of the connection priority list has been described, but the node A is based on the information of the connection priority list. Node N data for can also be adjusted.

  As described above, in each node, it is possible to set the permissible information for each type of data to be communicated, and not only the user request but also the connection priority according to the mutual permissible information along with the request. Since the information in the list is changed, communication according to the user's request is realized within a range that is not inconvenient for the user and the communication partner.

  FIG. 24 shows another display example of the icon of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 24, as in the example of FIG. 23, the node icon 262N of the node N in FIG. A part of circles 301-1 to 301-4 constituting a radar chart 301 representing permissible information for node A of A is shown. The circle 301-1 is the innermost circle and has the highest tolerance level 1, and the circle 301-4 is the outermost circle and has the lower tolerance level 4, and the circle 301- Outside 4 is level 5 with the lowest tolerance.

  A split icon 331 is displayed on the circle 301-4, and a music icon 332, a video icon 333, an image icon 334 representing still image content, an ID icon 335, and a user conversation icon 336 are connected to the circle 301-4. Displayed to form a group.

  In the example of FIG. 24, the disclosure of the conversation and the still image for the node A in the permission information of the node N is up to the circle 301-2 (ie, level 3), and the disclosure of the user information and the music is the circle 301. A case where the number is limited to −1 (that is, level 2) will be described. That is, contrary to the example of FIG. 23, the permissible information of node A with respect to node N is omitted for convenience of explanation, but in the actual processing, mutual permissible information is taken into account.

  In the example of FIG. 23, the adjustment of the data of the node A with respect to the node N based on the information of the connection priority list has been described above. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 24, based on the information of the connection priority list, An example in which data of node N with respect to node A is adjusted will be described.

  In this case, when the finger 271 of the user of the node A touches the clone icon 331 (corresponding to the touch panel) and the touched finger 271 moves on the outermost circles 301-4 and 301-3, the clone icon 331 is displayed. At the same time, the music icon 332, the video icon 333, the image icon 334, the ID icon 335, and the user conversation icon 336 to be connected are moved.

  Further, when the finger 271 that has touched the split icon 331 moves on the circle 301-2 inside the circle 301-3, all the other surrounding icons move together with the split icon 331. The image icon 334 and the user conversation icon 336 are displayed lightly (dotted line in the figure).

  That is, in the permissible information for node A of node N, provision of still image content and user conversation of node N are level 3 and are restricted (rejected) by circle 301-2. The corresponding image icon 334 and user conversation icon 336 are not normally displayed in the area within it.

  Therefore, according to the request of node A, the music and video of node N for node A based on the information of the connection priority list changed so that the connection priority is higher than the connection priority in circle 301-2. , And ID data are adjusted, so that more information of node N's music, video, and ID is provided to node A, but the image of node N and each data of user's conversation are changed. Adjustment is made based on the information of the connection priority list in the previous circle 301-2, and the disclosure of the information is limited to the node N.

  When the finger 271 that has touched the clone icon 331 moves on the circle 301-1 inside the circle 301-1, all other surrounding icons move together with the clone icon 331. In addition to the icon 334 and the user conversation icon 336, the music icon 332 and the ID icon 335 are displayed lightly.

  That is, in the permissible information for node A of node N, the music and user information of node N are restricted (rejected) by circle 301-1, and thus filtered to circle 301-1 and the corresponding music icon 332 and The ID icon 335 is not normally displayed in the area inside it.

  Therefore, the video data of the node N for the node A based on the information of the connection priority list changed so that the connection priority is higher than the connection priority in the circle 301-1 in response to the request of the node A. Therefore, more information on the video of the node N is provided to the node A, but the image and ID data of the node N are included in the connection priority list information in the circle 301-1 before the change. Information disclosure will be restricted to node A.

  Note that the icon display examples are not limited to the examples in FIGS. In the example of FIG. 23, the filtered icon (for example, the conversation icon 336) may be displayed so as to remain on the filtered circle (for example, the circle 301-3). In this case, the remaining icons are displayed so as to return to the original position together in the process in which the clone icon 331 returns to the original position.

  FIG. 25 shows another example of the radar chart of FIG.

  In the case of the radar chart 251 shown in FIG. 25, a scroll bar 351 is displayed beside the radar chart 251 in the display unit 91.

  This scroll bar 351 is used when the user of the node A wants to increase (strongly) the degree of communication demand for all nodes corresponding to the node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N shown in the radar chart 251, or It is operated when you want to make it low (weak).

  For example, when the user of the node A brings the finger 271 into contact with the touch panel corresponding to the scroll thumb 351A of the scroll bar 351 and moves the finger 271 (scroll thumb 351A) in the upward direction in the figure, the arrow F1 indicates. As shown, each circle (solid line) that has moved from the position of each circle (dotted line) representing the distance of the radar chart 251 toward the node icon 261A (center of the radar chart 251) densely appears. A chart 361 is displayed. That is, the radar chart 361 has a smaller distance scale than the radar chart 251.

  At the same time, the nodes B, C on the radar chart 251 correspond to the node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N according to the virtual positions of the nodes calculated according to the scale of the dense radar chart 361. , N representing the virtual positions of N and N respectively move from the positions of the node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N on the radar chart 361 toward the node icon 261A. In addition to the display, the connection priority between the node A and each node is also changed according to the calculated virtual position of each node.

  Thereby, the user of the node A can perform closer communication with the users of all the nodes that are performing communication with one operation.

  On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 26, the user of the node A touches the finger 271 on the touch panel corresponding to the scroll thumb 351A of the scroll bar 351, and moves the finger 271 (scroll thumb 351A) downward in the figure. I am letting.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 26, as indicated by the arrow F2, each circle moved away from each circle (dotted line) representing the distance of the radar chart 251 with respect to the node icon 261A (center of the radar chart 251). A radar chart 381 in which (solid line) appears is displayed. That is, the radar chart 381 has a sparser scale than the radar chart 251.

  At the same time, according to the virtual position of each node calculated according to the scale of the sparse radar chart 381, each of the icons 371B, 371C, and 371N is changed to each node icon 262B, 262C, And 262N are moved and displayed further away from the node icon 261A, and the connection priority between the node A and each node is also lowered according to the calculated virtual position of each node.

  Thereby, the user of the node A can perform remote communication with the users of all the nodes that are performing communication with one operation.

  Each circle representing the distance in the radar chart 251 is indicated by a dotted line in the radar charts 361 and 381 after the scale movement, and the circle after the scale movement is indicated by a solid line. When a predetermined time elapses after the finger 271 is released on the touch panel corresponding to the scroll thumb 351A as in 281A, the position before the scale movement indicated by the dotted line is set at a predetermined ratio (speed) set in advance. In response to this, the clone icons 371B, 371C, and 371N also return to the node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N, respectively, and finally return to the display of the radar chart 251.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27, the priority information change processing by the priority information acquisition change unit 82 and the GUI processing unit 88 of FIG. 18 will be described.

  In step S85 of FIG. 15 described above, when it is determined that all communication partners that are communication candidates are connected, the virtual position calculation unit 215 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 receives the priority information acquisition unit from the storage unit 22. Information of connection priority lists of all communication partners that are communication candidates acquired in 211 is supplied to the GUI image generation unit 222.

  In step S201, the GUI image generation unit 222 generates a radar chart representing a coordinate system of a predetermined space in which icons representing the respective nodes are arranged based on the connection priority list information from the virtual position calculation unit 215. The GUI position detector 221 and the GUI display controller 223 are supplied. The GUI display control unit 223 causes the display unit 91 to output the radar chart from the GUI image generation unit 222.

  Thereby, for example, the radar chart 251 of FIG. 19 in which the node icon 261A is arranged at the center and the node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N are arranged at the relative positions from the respective node icons 261A is displayed.

  Further, in step S87 in FIG. 15, the audio data received from each node is subjected to data adjustment processing based on the information in the connection priority list, and the audio corresponding to the audio data that has been adjusted is The sound is output from a speaker constituting the output unit 92.

  For example, the user of node A moves his / her node icon 261A on the radar chart 251 as described above with reference to FIG. 20 in order to more strongly request communication with the user of node N. In order to approach the node icon 262N of the node N, a finger is brought into contact with the touch panel (information input unit 27) on which the node icon 261A of the node N is displayed, and the touched finger is brought close to the node icon 262N of the node N. Move.

  Alternatively, as described above with reference to FIG. 25, the user of the node A brings his / her finger on the touch panel on which the scroll thumb 351A is displayed in order to bring the other node icon 262 closer to the node icon 261A. The finger (scroll thumb 351A) is moved upward. In the case of the scroll thumb, the icon moves as a result of the movement of the scroll thumb.

  When the user's operation of the information input unit 27 is input in step S202, the GUI position detection unit 221 refers to the radar chart generated by the GUI image generation unit 222, detects the position on the radar chart, It is determined whether or not the movement of the icon on the radar chart is instructed.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the movement of the icon on the radar chart is instructed, the GUI position detection unit 221 supplies the user movement request information to the virtual position calculation unit 215, and the virtual position calculation unit 215 In step S203, a virtual position calculation reflection process is executed. Details of this virtual position calculation reflection processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The virtual position calculation reflecting process in step S203 calculates the virtual position of the node corresponding to the icon to be moved based on the user movement request information and the permissible information of each user, and based on the virtual position information. The connection priority list information and the radar chart display are changed, the changed connection priority list information is supplied to the communication control unit 81, and the changed radar chart is displayed on the display unit 91. . Further, the virtual position information of the node is transmitted to another node via the external communication line 11-2.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the movement of the icon on the radar chart is not instructed, the process skips step S203 and proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the virtual position calculation unit 215 performs a timing operation using a built-in timer, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual position was last calculated.

  That is, in step S204, the virtual position calculation reflection process in step S203 or the return virtual position calculation reflection process in the previous step S205 is executed, and the calculated virtual position is reflected in the connection priority and the radar chart. It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In step S204, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual position was last calculated, in step S205, the virtual position calculation unit 215 executes return virtual position calculation reflection processing. Details of the return virtual position calculation reflection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Based on the position information of the original node and the virtual position information of the node corresponding to the moved icon, the node corresponding to the moved icon is returned to the original position at a predetermined ratio by the return virtual position calculation reflecting process in step S205. A virtual position (also referred to as a return position) in the course of returning is calculated. Then, based on the return position information, the information of the connection priority list and the display of the radar chart are changed, and the changed connection priority list information is supplied to the communication control unit 81 and the changed radar. A chart is displayed on the display unit 91. Further, the calculated return position information of the node is transmitted to another node via the external communication line 11-2.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the movement of the icon on the radar chart is not instructed, the process skips step S205 and proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the position information receiving unit 218 determines whether or not virtual position information from another node is received via the external communication line 11-2, and the virtual position information from the other node is obtained. If it is determined that the virtual position information has been received, the virtual position information received from the other nodes is supplied to the virtual position calculation unit 215. In step S207, the virtual position calculation unit 215 executes position information reflection processing. The details of the position information reflection process are basically the same as those of the position information reflection process in step S235 of FIG. This position information reflection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  By the position information reflection processing in step S207, the virtual position information from other nodes is reflected in the connection priority list information and the radar chart display, and the connection priority list information and the radar chart display are changed. The information of the changed connection priority list is supplied to the communication control unit 81, and the changed radar chart is displayed on the display unit 91.

  If it is determined in step S206 that virtual position information from another node has not been received, the process skips step S207 and proceeds to step S208.

  In step S <b> 208, the priority information acquisition unit 211 determines whether or not the connection priority list in the storage unit 22 has been updated by the connection priority analysis unit 21, and the connection priority list is updated by the connection priority analysis unit 21. When it is determined that the connection priority list has been updated, the updated connection priority list information is supplied to the virtual position calculation unit 215, and the virtual position calculation unit 215 executes an update information reflection process in step S209. Details of this update information reflection processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Difference information between the updated connection priority list information and the connection priority list information before the update is calculated by the update information reflecting process in step S208, and is calculated in the connection priority list information and the radar chart display. The reflected difference information is reflected, the connection priority list information and the radar chart display are changed, the changed connection priority list information is supplied to the communication control unit 81, and the changed radar chart is displayed. Displayed on the part 91.

  If it is determined in step S208 that the connection priority list has not been updated by the connection priority analysis unit 21, the process skips step S209 and proceeds to step S210.

  In step S <b> 210, the virtual position calculation unit 215 determines whether to end the priority information change process in response to a user operation input via the information input unit 27 and the GUI position detection unit 221. If it is determined in step S210 that the priority information change process is to be ended, the priority information change process is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the priority information change process has not yet been terminated, the process returns to step S202, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, the virtual position calculation reflection process in step S203 of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 231, the virtual position calculation unit 215 acquires user movement request information input from the GUI position detection unit 221.

  In step S232, the virtual position calculation unit 215 acquires user permission information from the permission information storage unit 213. In step S233, the virtual position calculation unit 215 acquires user permission information of another node from the permission information storage unit 213.

  In step S234, the virtual position calculation unit 215 calculates the virtual position of the node corresponding to the movement target icon desired by the user based on the user's movement request information and the permissible information of each user.

  That is, the virtual position calculation unit 215 determines whether or not the movement request indicated by the user movement request information is permitted or restricted by the permission information of each user, and the user movement request is permitted by the permission information of each user. If it is determined, the virtual position of the node corresponding to the icon to be moved is calculated based on the user's movement request.

  If it is determined that the user's movement request is not permitted by the permission information of each user, the virtual position of the node corresponding to the icon to be moved is determined based on the range permitted by the permission information of each user. calculate.

  In step S235, the virtual position calculation unit 215 supplies the calculated virtual position of the node as virtual position information to the priority information change unit 216 and the GUI image generation unit 222, and executes position information reflection processing. Details of this position information reflection processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S251, the priority information change unit 216 changes the connection priority list information based on the virtual position information of the node from the virtual position calculation unit 215. In step S252, the priority information change unit 216 changes the connection priority list information. Information is supplied to the communication control unit 81.

  That is, based on the virtual position information of the node, the position information of the node to be moved in the information of the connection priority list is changed, and according to the changed position information, the information of the connection priority list Connection priority, relative position information, etc. are changed.

  Correspondingly, in step S88 of FIG. 15 described above, the communication control unit 81 determines that the information of the connection priority list has been changed, and the process returns to step S86 to change the information of the changed connection priority list. Based on the above, the data adjustment processing by the data adjustment unit 85 is executed.

  On the other hand, in step S253, the GUI image generation unit 222 reflects the virtual position information of the node from the virtual position calculation unit 215 on the display of the radar chart. That is, in step S253, the GUI image generation unit 222 generates a radar chart whose display is changed based on the virtual position information, and generates the generated radar chart image as a GUI position detection unit 221 and a GUI display control unit. 223.

  In step S254, the GUI display control unit 223 causes the display unit 91 to display the radar chart in which the virtual position information is reflected from the GUI image generation unit 222.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S235 in FIG. 28 and proceeds to step S236. In step S236, the virtual position calculation unit 215 refers to the permissible information of the users of the self and other nodes in the permissible information storage unit 213, and calculates the virtual position information calculated for the node where the disclosure of the position information is permitted. Is transmitted to the position information providing unit 217 via the external communication line 11-2.

  Thereby, the virtual position calculation reflection process ends, the process returns to step S203 in FIG. 27, and proceeds to step S204.

  Next, the return virtual position calculation reflection process in step S205 of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S271, the virtual position calculation unit 215 sets the nodes corresponding to the moved icon to the original position at a predetermined ratio based on the position information of the original node and the virtual position information of the node corresponding to the moved icon. The return virtual position (return position) of the node that is in the process of returning is calculated.

  In step S272, the virtual position calculation unit 215 supplies the calculated return position information of the node to the priority information change unit 216 and the GUI image generation unit 222, and executes position information reflection processing. Details of the return position information reflection process are basically the same as the position information reflection process described above with reference to FIG.

  Based on the calculated return position information of the node in step S272, the connection priority list information and the radar chart display are changed based on the calculated return position information of the node, and the changed connection priority list information is communicated. While being supplied to the control unit 81, the changed radar chart is displayed on the display unit 91.

  In step S273, the virtual position calculation unit 215 refers to the permissible information of the users of the self and other nodes in the permissible information storage unit 213, and calculates the virtual return position information calculated for the node where the disclosure of the position information is permitted. Is transmitted to the position information providing unit 217 via the external communication line 11-2.

  Thereby, the return virtual position calculation reflection process ends, the process returns to step S205 in FIG. 27, and proceeds to step S206.

  Next, the update information reflecting process in step S209 in FIG. 27 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S291, the virtual position calculation unit 215 obtains a difference between the connection priority list information updated by the connection priority analysis unit 21 from the priority information acquisition unit 211 and the connection priority list information before the update. The difference information is calculated and supplied to the priority information changing unit 216 and the GUI image generating unit 222.

  In step S292, the priority information changing unit 216 changes the information on the connection priority list based on the difference information from the virtual position calculating unit 215, and in step S293, the information on the changed connection priority list is communicated. This is supplied to the control unit 81.

  Correspondingly, in step S88 of FIG. 15 described above, the communication control unit 81 determines that the information of the connection priority list has been changed, and the process returns to step S86 to change the information of the changed connection priority list. Based on the above, the data adjustment processing by the data adjustment unit 85 is executed.

  In step S294, the GUI image generation unit 222 reflects the difference information from the virtual position calculation unit 215 on the display of the radar chart. That is, in step S294, the GUI image generation unit 222 generates a radar chart whose display is changed based on the difference information, and sends the generated radar chart image to the GUI position detection unit 221 and the GUI display control unit 223. Supply.

  In step S295, the GUI display control unit 223 causes the display unit 91 to display the radar chart in which the difference information is reflected from the GUI image generation unit 222.

  After the process of step S295, the update information reflecting process ends, the process returns to step S209 of FIG. 27, and proceeds to step S210.

  As described above, during communication between a plurality of nodes in a predetermined space, a radar chart representing a coordinate system in the predetermined space is displayed, and the radar chart is displayed according to a user operation requesting communication with other nodes. Calculate the virtual position of the above node, change the connection priority information of multiple nodes according to the calculated virtual position of the node, and control the communication balance according to the changed information Therefore, the user can communicate with a desired communication balance even if the positional relationship of each node in a predetermined space is exceeded.

  That is, the user can perform communication with a desired communication balance even if there is a restriction such as being unable to move spatially or a situational restriction such as being unable to move the user. .

  Also, when requesting communication with another node, the request information is input by performing an operation to bring the other node's alternation closer to the other node on the radar chart. The user can easily input his / her request for communication.

  Furthermore, when the predetermined time elapses, the clone icon 281A moved by the user returns to the original position (node icon 261) at a predetermined rate, and accordingly, connection priority information of a plurality of nodes is also displayed. Since the original position is restored, it is possible to provide a communication environment in which the actual positional relationship in a predetermined space is not destroyed.

  In addition, since the virtual position of the node on the radar chart is calculated based not only on the user operation (request) but also on the permissible information between the nodes, a communication environment that is inconvenient for the nodes is provided. Can do.

  In the above description, on the radar chart, the node icon (corresponding to the corresponding icon) is operated so as to be close to the node icon of the communication partner. However, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to bring the icon (corresponding to the corresponding icon) closer to its own node icon.

  Hereinafter, another display example of the above-described radar chart 251 will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 32, a radar chart 401 having the same configuration as the radar chart 251 is shown. That is, in the radar chart 401, a node icon 261A representing the coordinate position of its own node (node A) in a predetermined space is arranged at the center, and node B, node C, and node N in the predetermined space Node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N are arranged at positions corresponding to positions relative to the node A, respectively.

  In such a state of the radar chart 401, when the user of the node A wants to hear the voice from the node C more clearly, the user of the node A moves the node icon 262C of the node C on the radar chart 401, for example. Then, in order to approach the node icon 261A of itself, the finger 271 is brought into contact with the touch panel on which the node icon 262C of the node C is displayed, and the touched finger 271 is moved to the vicinity of the node icon 261A of the node A.

  The virtual position calculation unit 215 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 calculates the virtual position of the node C on the radar chart 401 according to the movement of the user's finger 271. Correspondingly, the GUI processing unit 88 causes a white star-shaped icon 411C representing the position of the virtual node on the radar chart 401 to appear from the position of the node icon 262C on the radar chart 401, and the arrow As shown in P, the alternation icon 411C is moved and displayed as the user's finger 271 touching the touch panel moves instead of the node icon 262C.

  Further, in the priority information change unit 216 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82, the position information of the user C in the connection priority list is changed based on the virtual position of the node C calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215. Accordingly, information related thereto (relative position information and connection priority) is also changed.

  Then, as in the case of the example of FIG. 19, the internal communication processing unit 23 executes internal communication control processing based on the changed information of the connection priority list. For example, the volume, sound quality, The sound source position is adjusted and output from the audio output unit 92.

  As a result, the user's ear can hear a sound of a magnitude corresponding to the connection priority changed as if the node C was at the position of the clone icon 411C.

  Then, as in the case of the example of FIG. 21, the self-contained icon 411C is also stored in advance as indicated by an arrow R in FIG. 33 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the user's finger 271 is released from the touch panel. A split icon 411C-1 and a split icon 411C- so as to return to the position of the node icon 262C on the radar chart 401 (that is, the actual position of the node C in the predetermined space) at the set predetermined rate (speed). 2 and the movement icon 411 </ b> C- 3, and finally, the display returns to the position of the node icon 262 </ b> C, and the display of the branch icon 411 </ b> C disappears from the radar chart 401 as hidden by the node icon 262 </ b> C.

  Also, in the priority information acquisition changing unit 82, as in the case of the example of FIG. 21, the position of the calculated parting icon 411C (that is, the virtual position of the node C) so as to move at a predetermined rate. Based on the above, the position information of the node C in the connection priority list is changed.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 33, on the radar chart 401, as a part icon 411C-1, a part icon 411C-2, and a part icon 411C-3, the part icon 411C approaches the position of the original node icon 262C. The display is controlled so as to remain, and further, the display is controlled such that as the position of the original node icon 262C is approached, the alternation icon becomes darker.

  FIG. 34 shows another example of the restriction on the user request of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 34, each circle indicating the distance from the center (node icon 261A) is distorted and displayed so as to avoid the node icon 262C in the radar chart 401 of FIG.

  That is, the user of node A touches the finger 271 on the touch panel on which the node icon 262C of node C is displayed as in the case of the example of FIG. An attempt is made to move to the vicinity of the node icon 261A.

  However, for example, when the node C does not allow the node A to approach itself (that is, increase the connection priority), the user of the node A makes the finger 271 touch, Even if the node icon 262C of the node C is brought closer to the own node icon 261A, it is refused to be moved and displayed on the circle of the radar chart 251 around the node A, and the radar chart 301 is displayed as shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 34, each circle is displayed in a distorted manner so that a barrier is stretched around the node icon 262C.

  In this case as well, the connection priority between the node A and the node C is also limited to the allowable information of the node C, and does not increase beyond the allowable information of the node C.

  Therefore, even in the example of FIG. 34, no matter how much communication with the node C is requested by the node A, if the node C refuses, the connection priority between the node A and the node C will not increase. . As a result, even when the request of the node A exceeds the restriction of the positional relationship of a predetermined space supplied by a plurality of nodes, communication according to the request of the node A is realized within a range that is not inconvenient to the communication partner. The

  FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating another example of the icon of FIG. 23 displayed on the radar chart.

  In the example of FIG. 35, a black note icon 431C is displayed beside the node icon 262C of the radar chart 401. This musical note icon 431C corresponds to the music icon 332 described above with reference to FIG. 23 and represents the music content that the node C has. In this case, in order to make the display easier to see, a note icon 431C is displayed beside the node icon 262C, but actually, it exists at the same position as the node icon 262C.

  In the case of the example of FIG. 35, the user of the node A, for example, touches the finger 271 on the touch panel on which the musical note icon 431C is displayed instead of the node icon 262C of the node C, and the touched finger 271 is placed. The node A (self) is to be moved to the vicinity of the node icon 261A.

  In response to this, the virtual position calculation unit 215 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 calculates the virtual position of the node C on the radar chart 251 in accordance with the movement of the finger 271. Corresponding to this, the GUI processing unit 88, from the position of the musical note icon 431C on the radar chart 401, shows a white musical note indicating the position where the virtual music content is on the radar chart 401 (ie, the position of the node C). And the note icon 432C is moved and displayed in accordance with the movement of the user's finger 271 touching the touch panel instead of the note icon 431C, as indicated by the arrow PC.

  Further, in the priority information change unit 216 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82, the position information of the user C in the connection priority list is changed based on the virtual position of the node C calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215. Accordingly, information related thereto (relative position information and connection priority) is also changed.

  Then, in the internal communication processing unit 23, internal communication control processing is executed based on the information of the changed connection priority list, for example, the volume, sound quality, and sound source position of the audio data of the music are adjusted, Output from the audio output unit 92.

  As a result, the sound of the music of the node C in the sound from the sound output unit 92 is heard as if it is heard from the user's ear from the note parting icon 432C and according to the changed connection priority. I hear a certain amount of sound.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 35, only the audio data of the music from the node C is adjusted according to the changed connection priority, and if the video data is also communicated, the video data is It is adjusted according to the connection priority that has not been changed.

  As in the case of the example of FIG. 21, the note alternation icon 432C is also displayed as indicated by an arrow RC in FIG. 36 after a predetermined time elapses after the user's finger 271 is released from the touch panel. The display is moved and displayed so as to return to the position of the note icon 431C on the radar chart 401 (that is, in the vicinity of the actual position of the node C in the predetermined space) at a predetermined ratio (speed) set in advance. In addition, the display of the note parting icon 432C disappears from the radar chart 401 as it returns to the position of the note icon 431C and is hidden by the note icon 431C.

  FIG. 37 shows another example of node icons displayed on the radar chart.

  In the radar chart 401 of the example of FIG. 37, similarly to the case of the example of FIG. 32, a node icon 261A representing the coordinate position of the node A in a predetermined space is arranged at the center, and the node B in the predetermined space , Node C, and node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N are arranged at positions corresponding to the relative positions of the node N and the node A, respectively.

  Further, in the case of the example in FIG. 37, a circle outside the outermost circle indicating the distance from the center (node icon 261A) (that is, outside the radar chart 401) is a circle regardless of the distance scale represented by the circle. Node icons 451D, 451E, and 451F of nodes that are too far to be represented by the distance scale represented by are arranged. That is, when the radar chart 401 represents a spatial coordinate system in the visible range, the outside of the radar chart 401 is a region where a node that does not exist in the visible range is displayed, and the display unit 92 in the case of FIG. An actual spatial coordinate system on the radar chart 401 and a virtual coordinate system outside the radar chart 401 are displayed in a merged manner.

  For example, with respect to the node A existing in Tokyo which is the center of the radar chart 401, the node icon 451D of the node D in New York, the node icon 451E of the node E in London, and Paris are outside the radar chart 401. A node icon 451F of the node F is displayed as a black circle.

  Note that, on the outside of the radar chart 401, the orientation information of each node may or may not be taken into account.

  In such a state of the radar chart 401, when the user of the node A wants to hear the sound from the node E more clearly, the user of the node A moves the node icon 451E of the node E on the radar chart 441, for example. The finger 271 is brought into contact with the touch panel on which the node icon 451E of the node E is displayed in order to bring it close to the node icon 261A of the node E, and the contacted finger 271 is in the vicinity of the node icon 261A of the node A (self). Move to.

  In response to this, the virtual position calculation unit 215 of the priority information acquisition change unit 82 calculates the virtual position of the node E on the radar chart 251 in accordance with the movement of the user's finger 271. The GUI processing unit 88 causes a white circle icon 452E that represents the virtual position of the node E on the radar chart 401 calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215 to appear. As a result, as indicated by the arrow PE, the clone icon 452E moves from the position of the node icon 451E on the radar chart 401 as the user's finger 271 touches the touch panel instead of the node icon 451E. Display.

  Further, based on the virtual position of the node E calculated by the virtual position calculation unit 215, the position information of the user E in the connection priority list is changed, and the related information (relative position information and connection priority) is also changed. The

  Then, as in the case of the example of FIG. 19, the internal communication processing unit 23 executes internal communication control processing based on the changed information of the connection priority list. For example, the volume, sound quality, The sound source position is adjusted and output from the audio output unit 92.

  As a result, the voice of the node E in the voice from the voice output unit 92 corresponds to the user's ear as if the node E is at the position of the clone icon 452E and according to the changed connection priority. I hear a loud sound.

  As described above, for nodes that do not exist in the visible range (that is, nodes that exist at different distance scales), by moving the clone icon corresponding to the node icon on the radar chart, the nodes that exist in the visible range As with, the audio can be adjusted.

  FIG. 38 shows another display example of the chart displayed on the display unit 91.

  The chart 471 in FIG. 38 is configured as an area notation grid chart. That is, in the chart 471, the node icons 261A, 262B, and 262C of each node are arranged in an absolute coordinate system in a predetermined space, and the node icons 261A, 262B, and 262C of each node Is different from the circular radar chart 251 of FIG. 19 arranged at a relative position (coordinate system) with the node A as the center, and the other configuration is the same as that of the radar chart 251. The description will be omitted because it will be repeated.

  In this chart 471, in response to the user's operation, when the clone icon corresponding to the node icon 261A, 262B, 262C is moved, or the connection priority analysis unit 21 positions the original node in the predetermined space ( That is, when the node icons 261A, 262B, and 262C are moved), as shown in FIG. 39, each node is included in the grid area indicated by the chart 471. The area itself is scrolled (moved) in the corresponding direction among the arrow 481D, the right arrow 481R, and the left arrow 481L.

  In the example of FIG. 39, the case where the area of the chart 471 is scrolled up, down, left, or right has been described. However, for example, the relative distance between the node icon 261A and the node icon 262B is increased, and one of them is When the chart 471 goes out of the display area, the distance scale of the area in the chart 471 is also changed so that each node is included in the display area.

  As described above, the radar chart 251 is advantageous in that the relationship between the radar chart 251 and the other is easy to understand because the radar chart 251 always moves with the user, such as a car navigation system. In the case of 471, there is an advantage that the relationship between a predetermined space in which a node exists and each node is easily understood.

  Here, in the above description, a case where a chart including a radar chart or a grid chart is displayed on the display unit 91 including an LCD or the like has been described. For example, the display unit 91 is, for example, as illustrated in FIG. A head mounted display 501 can also be configured.

  In the example of FIG. 40, user a and user b when viewed from the front, and user a when viewed from above are shown. In FIG. 40, although not shown, the user a and the user b have (carried) terminals 1-1 and 1-2 each including a portable terminal. That is, the terminals 1-1 and 1-2 are linked with the user a and the user b, respectively, and constitute the node A and the node B, respectively.

  A see-through type head mounted display 501 is attached to the face of the user a so as to cover both eyes. Further, a see-through type head mounted display 502 is attached to the face of the user b so as to cover the right eye.

  Since the head mounted display 501 is attached to the face of the user a, when the front direction pa of the user a (node A) moves, the head mounted display 501 also moves correspondingly, that is, the front direction pa of the user a. It has a configuration that is linked to.

  In addition, the head mounted display 501 is a see-through type and provides a radar chart that is generated and displayed by the terminal 1-1 based on the information of the connection priority list for the user a wearing the head mounted display 501. Through the head mounted display 501, an image of the real space where the user a exists is also provided.

  The one-eye head mounted display 502 attached to the user b has the same configuration as the head mounted display 501. That is, the head-mounted display 501 does not have to be for both eyes. For example, the head-mounted display 502 for one eye attached to the user b may be used as the display unit 91.

  FIG. 41 shows an example of a radar chart displayed on the head mounted display. Actually, the radar chart 511 displayed on the head mounted display 501 is only a solid line portion, and the dotted line portion is shown for easy understanding of the entire radar chart 511 for convenience of explanation.

  In the example of FIG. 41, the radar chart 511 is displayed in 3D (dimension) on the head mounted display 501 with the center lower part of the field of view of the user a (display area of the head mounted display 501) as the center. On the node icons 262B and 262C arranged at 511, user images 521B and 521C representing the users of the node B and the node C, respectively, are displayed in a 3D overlay (superimposed) according to the relative distance to the node A. .

  That is, on the head mounted display 501, the user image 521B of the node B that is far away is displayed smaller than the user image 521C of the node C that is far from the center of the radar chart 511 (that is, the node A). Yes.

  Further, a music icon 531C representing the music content of the node C is displayed in the vicinity of the user image 521C and has a size corresponding to the relative distance between the node A and the node C, and the node A is displayed in the vicinity of the user image 521B. The image icon 532B representing the image content of the node B is displayed with a size corresponding to the relative distance between the node B and the node B (that is, a size smaller than the music icon 531C).

  FIG. 42 shows another example of the radar chart displayed on the head mounted display.

  In the example of FIG. 42, the radar chart 551 is displayed small on the right side of the field of view of the user a (display area of the head mounted display 501).

  On the radar chart 551, similarly to the radar chart 151 of FIG. 19, node icons 262B, 262C, and 262N of the respective nodes are arranged at relative positions with the node icon 261A of the node A as the center. Further, a music icon 531C representing the music content of the node C is displayed in the vicinity of the node icon 262C on the radar chart 551, and an image icon 532B representing the image content of the node B is displayed in the vicinity of the node icon 262B. It is displayed.

  Further, the user image 521B described above with reference to FIG. 41 is displayed on the head mounted display 501 so as to correspond to the relative positions of the node icon 261A and the node icons 262B and 262C on the radar chart 511. The user image 521 </ b> C is displayed in 3D around the lower center of the head mounted display 501.

  Here, in the example of FIGS. 41 and 42, for example, when the user wears a headphone stereo constituting the audio output unit 92, the sound can be heard from the headphone stereo from the direction of the user image 251B. Thus, the voice and music of the user of node B are output, and the voice and music of the user of node C are output so that they can be heard from the direction of the user image 251C.

  Accordingly, even when the radar chart 511 and the radar chart 551 are displayed on the head mounted display 501, if the movement request for each node icon is operated, as in the radar chart 151 of FIG. Based on the above, a clone icon corresponding to each node icon is displayed, information in the connection priority list is changed, and data in communication is adjusted according to the changed information.

  41 and 42, when the display unit 91 is configured with a head mounted display 501, the information input unit 27 may not be a touch panel, but may be configured with a mouse or other input device. In response to the operation of the information input unit 27, icons and images on the radar chart 511 are moved and displayed.

  In the above description, the example in which the head mounted display 501 is configured as the display unit 91 has been described. However, the radar chart generated and displayed by the terminal 1-1 based on the information on the connection priority list is provided. Examples of the display unit 91 that is linked to the front direction pa of the user a include not only the head mounted display 501 but also the LCD 562 included in the small terminal 561 shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 41, when the display unit 91 is configured by the LCD 562 provided in the terminal 1-1 configured by the small portable terminal 561, the user a holds the terminal 1- held in the hand. The front direction of the LCD 562 of the terminal 1-1 held in the hand of the user a is also interlocked with the front direction pa of the user a by facing the front direction pa while looking at the LCD 562 of the one.

  Therefore, the LCD 562 provided in the terminal 1-1 including a small portable terminal can also be used as the display unit 91 instead of the head mounted display 501.

  However, when the display unit 91 is configured with a see-through type head mounted display 501, an actual real space image obtained through the head mounted display 501 and a chart displayed on the head mounted display 501 are displayed on the head mounted display 501. Are superimposed and displayed, so that it is possible to realize a fusion of the real world and the virtual world.

  Even in the case of the LCD 562 of the small portable terminal 561 described above, an image of an actual real space can be obtained by the user a raising his / her face. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly realize the fusion of the real world and the virtual world.

  Thus, the user can perform optimal communication with other nodes by operating the images and icons on the radar chart while viewing the real space image and the displayed radar chart.

  Further, the display unit 91 is provided in the terminal 1 using not only a see-through type but also a light-shielding type head-mounted display or an immersive immersive display. The same effect can be obtained by displaying the video information of the real space input from the video / audio input unit 93 to be superimposed on the chart.

  In the above description, the optimization of the relative positional relationship between users (nodes) in the real space has been described. However, the relative positional relationship between avatars in a virtual space such as an online game space provided by a server or the like is optimized. It is also possible. In other words, the position of the virtual space provided by the server or the like is defined by the server or the like, and the virtual space coordinates defined by the server are displayed on the radar chart, and then the virtual space according to the user's request is displayed. Is calculated, the calculated virtual position is displayed, and optimal communication control is performed.

  In other words, it is possible to perform optimal communication control according to the user's desire beyond the definition of the virtual space in the server.

  As described above, when a plurality of nodes share a conversation or content in a predetermined space, a chart showing the positional relationship of the plurality of nodes in the predetermined space is displayed, and based on the user's request and the permission of each user Since the positional relationship of the predetermined space is changed and the data to be communicated is adjusted accordingly, the user of each node desires beyond the constraints imposed by the user or avatar's positional coordinate information, etc. It is possible to achieve optimal communication control to be performed without any mutual failure within a range where there is no inconvenience for each user.

  Further, since the positional relationship changed in this way is also returned to the original positional relationship of the predetermined space with the passage of time, the constraints on the coordinates of the predetermined space are maintained.

  Furthermore, since a chart representing the positional relationship (coordinate system) of a plurality of nodes in a predetermined space is displayed and the position on the chart is moved, the user's request is input. An easy-to-understand interface can be provided.

  At this time, since a clone icon representing the virtual position on the chart is displayed separately from the node icon representing the coordinate position of the node in the predetermined space, the user can change the actual position and the virtual position. Since comparison can be made and a communication request can be input after that, an easy-to-understand operation can be performed.

  In the above description, for convenience of explanation, the network 2 is divided into the characteristic information communication line 11-1 and the external communication line 11-2. Therefore, in the terminal 1, the characteristic information communication unit 55 and the external communication are classified by function. Although it is configured separately from the interface 83, when there is no need to separate the characteristic information communication line 11-1 and the external communication line 11-2, it may be configured as one communication unit.

  Further, in the above description, the description has been given using the system including each terminal whose connection priority is updated according to the communication environment and the user's operation that change from moment to moment, but the coordinate position information simply acquired by GPS Alternatively, by using the coordinate position information of the virtual space acquired from the server, a radar chart representing the coordinates is displayed, and the coordinate position is changed based on the virtual position calculated according to the user's operation. You can also.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. In this case, for example, the terminals 1-1 to 1-3 in FIG. 1 are configured by a personal computer 801 as shown in FIG.

  44, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 811 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 812 or a program loaded from a storage unit 818 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 813. Execute. The RAM 813 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 811 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 811, ROM 812, and RAM 813 are connected to each other via a bus 814. An input / output interface 815 is also connected to the bus 814.

  The input / output interface 815 includes an input unit 816 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an output unit 817 including a speaker, and a hard disk. A communication unit 819 including a storage unit 818, a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like is connected. The communication unit 819 performs communication processing via a wireless network.

  A drive 820 is also connected to the input / output interface 815 as necessary, and a removable medium 821 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read therefrom is It is installed in the storage unit 818 as necessary.

  When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a network or a recording medium into a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  Note that the form of the program is not particularly limited as long as the above-described series of processes can be executed as a whole. For example, the module configuration may include a module corresponding to each of the blocks described above, a module in which some or all of the functions of several blocks are combined, or the functions of the blocks are divided. It may be a module configuration made up of modules. Or the program which has only one algorithm may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the recording medium on which the program is recorded is a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, which is distributed to provide the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body. , Optical disk (including compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disk (including MD (mini-disk) (trademark)), or semiconductor memory In addition to the removable medium 821, the program is stored in the ROM 812 provided to the user in a state of being preinstalled in the apparatus main body, the hard disk included in the storage unit 818, and the like.

  Here, in this specification, the processing steps for describing a program for causing a computer to perform various types of processing do not necessarily have to be processed in time series according to the order described in the flowchart, but in parallel or individually. This includes processing to be executed (for example, parallel processing or processing by an object).

  Further, the program may be processed by a single computer, or may be distributedly processed by a plurality of computers. Furthermore, the program may be transferred to a remote computer and executed.

  In the present specification, the term “system” represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the connection priority analysis part of the terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the connection priority list memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the terminal of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reference space of node A. It is a figure explaining a directional filter index. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the reference space coordinates of the node A. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example which reflected the directivity filter index | exponent in the reference | standard space coordinate of the node A of FIG. It is a figure explaining the transition of the connection priority in the case of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a connection priority list | wrist. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the connection priority list | wrist output to the monitor which comprises the output part of the terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the connection priority setting process of the connection priority analysis part of the terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the connection priority update process of the connection priority analysis part of the terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the change information supply process of step S51 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the internal communication process part of the terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the internal communication control process of the internal communication process part of the terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the data adjustment process of step S88 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of the data adjustment process of step S88 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the priority information acquisition change part of FIG. 14, and a GUI process part. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the radar chart displayed on a display part. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a clone icon in the radar chart of FIG. 19. It is a figure explaining the return movement of the self-portrait icon of FIG. It is a figure explaining the restriction | limiting of the user request | requirement in the radar chart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the other icon in the radar chart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of the icon of FIG. It is a figure explaining the scroll bar displayed with a radar chart. FIG. 26 is a diagram for further explaining the scroll bar of FIG. 25. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the priority information change process by the priority information acquisition change part and GUI process part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the virtual position calculation reflection process of FIG.27 S203. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the positional information reflection process of step S235 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the return virtual position calculation reflection process of step S205 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the update information reflection process of step S209 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the radar chart of FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the return movement of the clone icon in FIG. 32. It is a figure explaining the restriction | limiting of the user request | requirement in the radar chart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the other icon in the radar chart of FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a return movement of the clone icon of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the node icon in the radar chart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of the chart displayed on a display part. It is a figure explaining the scroll of the chart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific structural example of the display part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the radar chart displayed on the head mounted display of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the radar chart displayed on the head mounted display of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another specific configuration example of the display unit in FIG. 14. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the personal computer to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  1-1 to 1-3 terminal, 2 network, 3 GPS satellite, 4 virtual space management server, 5 base station, 11-1 characteristic information communication line, 11-2 external communication line, 21 connection priority analysis unit, 22 storage 23, internal communication processing unit, 24 output control unit, 25 input / output interface, 26 operation input unit, 27 information input unit, 28 output unit, 81 communication control unit, 82 priority information acquisition change unit, 83 external communication interface, 84 Coding section, 85 Data adjustment section, 88 GUI processing section, 91 Display section, 92 Audio output section, 93 Video / audio input section, 211 Priority information acquisition section, 212 Permissible information acquisition provision section, 213 Permissible information storage section, 215 Virtual position calculation unit, 216 priority information changing unit, 217 position information providing unit, 218 position information receiving unit, 221 GUI position detecting unit, 2 2 GUI image generating unit, 223 GUI display control unit

Claims (13)

In an information processing apparatus that communicates via a network,
Communication means for communicating with a plurality of other information processing apparatuses sharing a predetermined space;
Priority calculating means for calculating a connection priority for the other information processing device based on the coordinate positions of the self and the other information processing device in the predetermined space;
Based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing apparatuses in the predetermined space, the first and the other information processing apparatuses are respectively arranged on the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space in correspondence with the self and other information processing apparatuses. Display control means for controlling the display of the icon of
Virtual position calculation means for calculating a virtual position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds in response to a movement request for the first icon by a user;
A connection priority changing means for changing a connection priority for the other information processing apparatus calculated by the priority calculating means based on the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculating means;
Data processing means comprising: data processing means for processing data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing apparatus based on the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus changed by the priority changing means apparatus. The display control means controls the display of a second icon that moves on the chart and represents a virtual position of the self or another information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second icon is moved and displayed on the chart based on the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculation unit. When the predetermined time has elapsed after the second icon is moved and displayed, the virtual position calculation means calculates the predetermined position from the virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon calculated last time. The virtual position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds is recalculated so that the first icon returns to the coordinate position of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds in predetermined space. Information processing device. The virtual position calculation means is configured to determine the virtual information of the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds based on permission information indicating a degree of permission for the communication partner acquired from the self and another information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the position is calculated. The display control means also controls display of a third icon that moves along the chart together with the second icon and represents supplementary information attached to the information processing apparatus to which the first icon corresponds. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the incidental information is still image data, moving image data, audio data, or user personal information. Receiving means for receiving a virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the first icon calculated in the other information processing apparatus, which is transmitted from the other information processing apparatus;
The connection priority changing means changes the connection priority for the other information processing apparatus calculated by the priority calculating means based on the virtual position received by the receiving means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit moves and displays the second icon on the chart based on the virtual position received by the receiving unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the virtual position calculated by the virtual position calculation unit to the other information processing apparatus. In response to the user's action, an action input means for inputting own position information or direction information;
Change detection means for detecting a change in the position information or direction information of the self input by the operation input means;
When the change of the position information or direction information of the self is detected by the change detection means, the virtual position calculation means corresponds to the first icon according to the change of the position information or direction information of the self. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the virtual position of the information processing apparatus is recalculated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined space is a real space or a virtual space. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that performs communication via a network,
Communicate with multiple other information processing devices that share a given space,
Based on the coordinate position of the self and another information processing device in the predetermined space, the connection priority for the other information processing device is calculated,
Based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space, icons arranged respectively corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space. Control the display,
In response to a movement request for the icon by the user, the virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the icon is calculated,
Based on the calculated virtual position, change the calculated connection priority for the other information processing apparatus,
An information processing method including a step of processing data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing device based on the changed connection priority with respect to the other information processing device. A program for causing an information processing apparatus to perform processing for communicating via a network,
Communicate with multiple other information processing devices that share a given space,
Based on the coordinate position of the self and another information processing device in the predetermined space, the connection priority for the other information processing device is calculated,
Based on the coordinate positions of the self and other information processing devices in the predetermined space, icons arranged respectively corresponding to the self and other information processing devices on the chart representing the coordinate system of the predetermined space. Control the display,
In response to a movement request for the icon by the user, the virtual position of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the icon is calculated,
Based on the calculated virtual position, change the calculated connection priority for the other information processing apparatus,
A program including a step of processing data transmitted or received in communication with the other information processing device based on the changed connection priority with respect to the other information processing device.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.

Images