JP2018032131A - Method and device for supporting input in virtual space and program causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify object arrangement in a virtual space.SOLUTION: Processing executed by a processor 10 includes: step S1320 of displaying a virtual space on a monitor 112 of an HMD device 110; step S1330 of arranging the object to be arranged in the virtual space; step S1340 of arranging a guide object (for example, grid) in the virtual space; step S1350 of moving the guide object back and forth in conjunction with the movement of a hand object; step S1360 of arranging the object in a specified location; and step S1370 of setting the guide object displayed in a view region to non-display on the basis of arrangement of the object in a user-selected location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more specifically, to a technique for arranging objects in a virtual space.

  A technique for providing virtual reality using a head mounted display (HMD) device is known. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-231445 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for “improving usability when realizing gesture input using an HMD” (see [Summary]).

JP2015-231445A

  In the virtual space, it is possible to place the object in the air without worrying about the gravity acting in the real space. However, it is not easy to accurately place an object in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for easily arranging objects in a virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a method for easily arranging an object in a virtual space.

  An object in another aspect is to provide a program for causing a computer to execute a method for easily arranging an object in a virtual space. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for easily arranging objects in a virtual space.

  According to an embodiment, a method is provided for assisting input in a virtual space provided by a head mounted display device. This method includes a step of displaying in a virtual space an object whose location can be changed in the virtual space, a step of receiving an operation for changing the location of the displayed object, and a guide object for positioning the object Are displayed in the virtual space, the object is moved in the virtual space in accordance with the operation, and the guide object is moved in conjunction with the movement of the object.

  In an embodiment, since a guide object appears in the virtual space, the object can be easily arranged in the virtual space by referring to the guide object.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object is arranged in a view field area 23 in a virtual space 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of movement of a grid 950 arranged in a visual field region 23 of a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object 1410 is arranged in a virtual space 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object 1410 is arranged in a virtual space 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object 1410 is arranged in a virtual space 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object 1410 is arranged in a virtual space 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object 1410 is arranged in a virtual space 2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Configuration of HMD system]
A configuration of an HMD (Head Mount Display) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 can be connected to the Internet and other networks 19, and can communicate with the server 150 and other computers connected to the network 19. In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

  The HMD device 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide a virtual space to the user during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user visually recognizes each image, the user can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD device 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In one aspect, the monitor 112 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 112 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image together. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be displayed alternately so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD device 110. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space using this function.

  In another aspect, HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD device 110 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD device 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or by setting the transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device to be high. The real space may be visible from a part of the image.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects a direction (gaze direction) in which the gaze of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 is directed. The detection of the direction is realized by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris with respect to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

  The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 accepts an operation given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of an object arranged in a space that provides virtual reality.

In one aspect, the motion sensor 130 is attached to the user's hand and detects the movement of the user's hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, rotation speed, etc. of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in a glove-type controller 160, for example. In some embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be mounted on something that does not fly easily by being mounted on the hand of the user 190, such as a glove shape. In another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 190 may detect the hand movement of the user 190. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication form is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication methods are used.

[Hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to one aspect. The computer 200 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 15.

  The processor 10 executes a series of instructions included in the program stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 based on a signal given to the computer 200 or based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. In one aspect, the processor 10 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 12, for example. The data includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 10. In one aspect, the memory 11 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage 12 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120, or the motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to that described above.

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends the instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD device 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD device 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD device 110. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD device 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

  In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is set in advance. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-rear direction in the global coordinate system are defined as an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, respectively. More specifically, in the global coordinate system, the x axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of the real space. The y axis is parallel to the vertical direction of the real space. The z axis is parallel to the front-rear direction of the real space.

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects each infrared ray emitted from each light source of the HMD device 110, the presence of the HMD device 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further determines the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). To detect. More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 using each value detected over time.

  The global coordinate system is parallel to the real space coordinate system. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD device 110 based on the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 views an object in the virtual space.

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD device 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 based on the detected value.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD device 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user wearing the HMD device 110 as the center (origin). More specifically, the HMD device 110 uses the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, z axis) that define the global coordinate system around each axis of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The three new directions obtained by inclining around the respective axes by the inclination of the pitch are the pitch direction (u-axis), yaw direction (v-axis), and roll direction (w-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110. Set as.

  In one aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 stands upright and is viewing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system in the HMD device 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), vertical direction (y-axis), and front-rear direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) and yaw direction (v Axis) and the roll direction (w-axis).

  After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set in the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD device 110. . In this case, the HMD sensor 120 detects the pitch angle (θu), yaw angle (θv), and roll angle (θw) of the HMD device 110 in the uvw visual field coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD device 110. The pitch angle (θu) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

  Based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 after the HMD device 110 has moved to the HMD device 110. The relationship between the HMD device 110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between the points). The position of the device 110 in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

  In one aspect, the virtual space 2 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 21 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the global coordinate system. Since the XYZ coordinate system is a kind of viewpoint coordinate system, the horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-rear direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively. Therefore, the X axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x axis of the global coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the global coordinate system, and The Z axis (front-rear direction) is parallel to the z axis of the global coordinate system.

  When the HMD device 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD device 110, the virtual camera 1 is disposed at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD device 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD device 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. The virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space.

  Since the orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the user visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 depends on the orientation of the virtual camera 1. Determined. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

  The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight direction of the user in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's line of sight]
With reference to FIG. 5, determination of the user's line-of-sight direction will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to an embodiment from above.

  In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of user 190's right eye and left eye. In a certain aspect, when the user 190 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 190 is looking far away, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R2 and L2. In this case, the angle formed by the lines of sight R2 and L2 with respect to the roll direction w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll direction w. The gaze sensor 140 transmits the detection result to the computer 200.

  When the computer 200 receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight detection result, the computer 200 identifies the point of sight N1 that is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detection value. On the other hand, when the detected values of the lines of sight R2 and L2 are received from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the point of sight. The computer 200 specifies the line-of-sight direction N0 of the user 190 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects the direction in which the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the gazing point N1 extends as the line-of-sight direction N0. The line-of-sight direction N0 is a direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the line of sight with both eyes. The line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs his / her line of sight with respect to the field-of-view area 23.

  In another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a microphone and a speaker in any part constituting the HMD system 100. The user can give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2 by speaking to the microphone.

  In another aspect, HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast receiving tuner. According to such a configuration, the HMD system 100 can display a television program in the virtual space 2.

  In still another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

[Visibility area]
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the visual field region 23 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the visual field region 23 in the YZ cross section includes a region 24. The region 24 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 of the virtual camera 1 and the YZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space as the region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visual field region 23 in the XZ cross section includes a region 25. The region 25 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the virtual space to the user 190 by displaying the view image 26 on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the view region 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 worn on the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the view image 26 displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to an image that is superimposed on the view region 23 in the direction in which the user faces in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space image 22. The user can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

  The user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world while wearing the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can give the user a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.

  According to an embodiment, the virtual camera 1 preferably includes two virtual cameras, that is, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Moreover, it is preferable that appropriate parallax is set in the two virtual cameras so that the user 190 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll direction (w) generated by combining the roll directions of the two virtual cameras is the roll direction (w) of the HMD device 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted so that it may be adapted.

[controller]
An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

  The right controller 800 includes a grip 30, a frame 31, and a top surface 32. The grip 30 is configured to be held by the right hand of the user 190. For example, the grip 30 can be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 190 and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

  The grip 30 includes buttons 33 and 34 and a motion sensor 130. The button 33 is disposed on the side surface of the grip 30 and receives an operation with the middle finger of the right hand. The button 34 is disposed in front of the grip 30 and accepts an operation with the index finger of the right hand. In one aspect, the buttons 33 and 34 are configured as trigger buttons. The motion sensor 130 is built in the housing of the grip 30. Note that when the operation of the user 190 can be detected from around the user 190 by a camera or other device, the grip 30 may not include the motion sensor 130.

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. An array of one or more columns may be used.

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller include a battery for driving the infrared LED 35 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, a dry battery type, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 800 and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in the partial diagrams (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

  With reference to FIG. 9, the grid arrange | positioned in the virtual space 2 is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an object is arranged in the view field area 23 of the virtual space 2.

  In an embodiment, an object 910 is arranged in the view area 23. The object 910 is, for example, a block, tree, building, or other object that can be operated in the virtual space 2. A grid 940 is arranged on the xy plane of the virtual space 2. The object 910 is arranged in the grid of the grid 940.

  When the hand object 930 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 performs a predetermined operation, a new object 920 appears in the view area 23. The user 190 can grip the object 920 by moving the hand object 930 in the virtual space 2. When the hand object 930 performs a predetermined operation for arranging the grid 950, a signal corresponding to the operation is sent from the controller 160 to the computer 200.

  When detecting that the signal has been received, the processor 10 of the computer 200 generates a signal for placing the grid 950 in the virtual space 2 and transmits the signal to the HMD device 110. The HMD device 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal. When the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 visually recognizes the image, the user 190 can recognize that the grid 950 is arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the grid 950 is arranged on the back side of the object 920 that appears as a new arrangement. In the view field area 23, the virtual user moves the object 920 and places the object 920 at the intended location. The grid 950 is parallel to the xz plane. In another aspect, the grid 950 includes a grid defined in advance according to the size of the object arranged in the virtual space 2. For example, when objects having a plurality of different sizes can be arranged in the virtual space 2, a grid 950 having grids corresponding to the objects may be displayed.

  The movement of the grid 950 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating one mode of movement of the grid 950 arranged in the visual field region 23 of the virtual space 2.

  As shown in state (A), in a certain situation, object 920 is newly placed in view field region 23. When the hand object 930 based on the actual motion in the real space of the user's 190 hand performs a predetermined operation, or when the story of the program that provides the virtual space 2 satisfies a predetermined condition The object 920 is arranged in the view area 23.

  When the user 190 moves the right hand in the real space, the hand object 930 also moves according to a signal output from the controller 160 that has detected the movement.

  For example, the processor 10 determines that the hand object 930 is based on a signal output from the controller 160 according to the movement of the hand object 930 and data held by the memory 11 as arrangement information of each object in the view field area 23. It is detected that the object 920 is approaching. When the processor 10 detects that the distance between the hand object 930 and the object 920 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance in the field-of-view region 23, the processor 10 arranges the grid 950 in parallel with the xz plane. A virtual user who recognizes the view area 23 can move the location of the object 920 in the virtual space 2 with reference to the grid of the grid 950. In addition, unlike the real space, there is no need to consider gravity in the virtual space 2, and in some aspects, the virtual user may place the object 920 in the air of the virtual space 2 along the grid of the grid 950. it can.

  As shown in the state (B), the grid 950 moves in conjunction with the movement of the hand object 930. For example, when the hand object 930 extends in a direction away from the virtual user (toward the depth of the visual field area 23), the grid 950 also moves in the y-axis direction so as to move away from the virtual user. Conversely, when the hand object 930 moves toward the virtual user, the grid 950 also moves closer to the virtual user.

  For example, when the hand object 930 performs a predetermined operation in the virtual space 2, the controller 160 that detects the operation transmits a detection signal to the computer 200. When the operation is an operation for hiding the grid 950, the processor 10 of the computer 200 outputs a signal that does not include the image signal output for arranging the grid 950 in the virtual space 2 to the HMD. Output to device 110. If monitor 112 displays an image that does not include grid 950 based on the signal, user 190 may recognize that grid 950 has been hidden.

[Control device for HMD device]
A control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 11 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, and a guide object control module 233 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 are realized by the processor 10. In another embodiment, multiple processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. The communication control module 250 is realized by the communication interface 14.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image 26 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23.

  The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

  The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. The virtual space definition module 231 defines the virtual space 2 in the HMD system 100 by generating virtual space data representing the virtual space 2.

  The virtual object generation module 232 generates an object placed in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains, landscapes, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story.

  The guide object control module 233 arranges guide objects in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the guide object is arranged in the virtual space 2 as an object having a grid, for example, grids 940 and 950. In another aspect, the guide object may be configured as an object having a ruler or other scales instead of the grid. Note that the guide object is not limited to those indicating positions based on absolute coordinates, such as the grids 940 and 950. For example, a grid, a ruler, and other guide objects with the already placed object 910 as the origin may be arranged in the view field area 23.

  In another aspect, the guide object control module 233 may change the position of the grid 950 or other guide object in accordance with the operation of the hand object 930 or other operation object in the virtual space 2.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The user information 243 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

  The communication control module 250 can communicate with the server 150 and other information communication devices via the network 19.

  In an aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may be realized using, for example, Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each process.

  Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 240 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other non-volatile computer-readable data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware constituting the computer 200 shown in FIG. 11 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is a program stored in the computer 200. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The data recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but is a magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). ), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. It may be a non-volatile data recording medium that carries a fixed program.

  The program here may include not only a program directly executable by the processor 10, but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[Control structure]
A control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the HMD system 100. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in step S1210, processor 10 of computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as virtual space definition module 231, and defines a virtual space.

  In step S1220, processor 10 initializes virtual camera 1. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S1230, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S1232, monitor 112 of HMD device 110 displays a visual field image based on the signal received from computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1234, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1240, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 based on the position and tilt of HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S1242, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the right controller 800, which is an aspect of the controller 160, detects that the buttons 190 and 37 or the analog stick 38 are pressed by the user 190. A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S1250, processor 10 executes display control of the object in virtual space 2. For example, the processor 10 generates view image data for placing the object 910 in the view area 23 and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110. When the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the view image data (step S1290), the user 190 can recognize that the object is arranged in the view area 23.

  In step S1260, processor 10 performs guide object display control. For example, the processor 10 generates view image data for arranging the grids 940 and 950 in the view area 23 and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110. When the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the view image data (step S1290), the user 190 can recognize that the grids 940 and 950 are arranged in the view area 23.

  In step S1270, processor 10 executes object arrangement control. For example, the processor 10 can change the positions of the objects 910 and 920 arranged in the view field area 23 according to the operation of the controller 160 of the user 190. For example, when the virtual user's hand object 930 performs an operation of placing the object 920 in any square of the grid 950, the object 920 is placed in the square. When the place where the objects 910 and 920 are arranged is changed, the processor generates view image data for arranging the objects 910 and 920 at the changed place, and sends the view image data to the HMD device 110. Send. When the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the field-of-view image data (step S1290), the user 190 can recognize that the arrangement of the objects 910 and 920 has changed.

  In step S1280, the processor 10 executes non-display control of the guide object. For example, when the operation of arranging the object 920 at a place desired by the user 190 is completed, the processor 10 generates view image data that does not include the grids 940 and 950 arranged in the view area 23 and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110. To do. When the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the view image data (step S1290), the user 190 can recognize that the grids 940 and 950 have disappeared.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in step S <b> 1310, processor 10 starts executing an application program stored in memory 11.

  In step S1320, the processor 10 generates image data for displaying the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231, and transmits the image data to the HMD device 110. When the monitor 112 displays an image based on the image data, the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2. Furthermore, the processor 10 can generate data for arranging background objects (for example, mountains and other backgrounds) arranged in the virtual space 2 according to the configuration of the application program. The computer 200 transmits this data to the HMD device 110.

  In step S <b> 1330, the processor 10 generates visual field image data for arranging the objects 910 and 920 to be arranged by the user 190 in the visual field area 23 as the virtual object generation module 232. The computer 200 transmits the view image data to the HMD device.

  In step S1340, the processor 10 uses the guide object control module 233 to generate a grid 950 having a plane parallel to the z axis of the virtual space 2 (in the xy plane) based on the operation of the user 190 in the real space. The view field image data to be arranged in 2 is generated. The processor 10 transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110 via the input / output interface 13.

  In step S1350, as the guide object control module 233, the processor 10 moves the planar grid 950 back and forth (in parallel to the Y axis) in conjunction with the movement of the hand object 930 that moves according to the user movement in the real space. Field-of-view image data to be generated.

  In step S1360, the processor 10 arranges the object 920 as a virtual object generation module 232 at a location designated by the hand object 930 based on the action of the user 190 in real space. More specifically, the processor 10 detects the movement of the right controller 800 held by the user 190 and, based on the detection result and data for arranging the grid 950, the object 920 and the grid in the virtual space 2 The positional relationship with 950 is specified. Based on the positional relationship, the processor 10 generates view image data for arranging the object 920 in any grid of the grid 950 and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110.

  In step S1370, the processor 10 as the guide object control module 233, the guide objects (grids 940 and 950) displayed in the view field area 23 based on the object 920 being placed at the location selected by the user 190. Hide.

[Guide object layout]
The arrangement of guide objects in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 14 to 18 are diagrams illustrating states in which the object 1410 is arranged in the virtual space 2. More specifically, the partial diagram (A) represents a visual field image visually recognized by the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110. The partial diagram (B) represents a view of the virtual space 2 as viewed from above.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 14, in one aspect, the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 is viewing the visual field image 1400. The view image 1400 includes an object 1410. As shown in the partial diagram (B), the object 1410 is arranged in the range of the visual field of the virtual camera 1. In this state, when the user who recognizes the view field image 1400 arranges another object, the user does not have positioning information for arranging the other object.

  Referring to FIG. 15, when a user holding controller 160 performs a predetermined operation for placing a guide object in virtual space 2, computer 200 displays view image data for placing the guide object. It generates and transmits view field image data to the HMD device 110. When the HMD device 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the view image data, the user 190 can recognize the guide object.

  For example, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 15, the user 190 can visually recognize the view field image 1500. In the view field image 1500, a grid 950 is arranged as a guide object in addition to the object 1410. The grid 950 is arranged in parallel with the uv plane in accordance with the position of the object 1410.

  As shown in the partial diagram (B), in one aspect, the grid 950 may be disposed between the virtual camera 1 and the object 1410. For example, when the user 190 performs an operation for causing a new object to appear in the virtual space 2 using the controller 160, the grid 950 for supporting the placement of the new object is placed in the vicinity of the object 1410. .

  With reference to FIG. 16, another aspect of the arrangement of the grid 950 will be described. As shown in the partial diagram (A), when the object 1410 and the grid 950 are arranged in the virtual space 2, the user 190 can recognize the view image 1600 according to the arrangement. Depending on the shape or color of the object 1410 and other objects to be newly placed, the grid 950 and other guide objects are not between the object 1410 and the virtual camera 1 but behind the object 1410 as viewed from the virtual user. It is desirable to be arranged. In this way, the user 190 can easily arrange other objects while viewing the view field image 1600 shown in the partial diagram (A).

  Therefore, with reference to FIG. 17, the arrangement of new objects will be further described. As shown in the partial diagram (A), in addition to the object 1410, a new object 1710 to be arranged in the virtual space 2 is displayed. For example, when the user 190 operates the controller 160, based on the operation, the computer 200 generates view image data for placing the object 1710 in the virtual space 2 and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110. When the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the view image data on the monitor 112, the user wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the view image 1700 in which the object 1710 appears.

  As shown in the partial diagram (B), when the virtual user uses the hand object to determine the location of the object 1710 while referring to the grids of the grid 950, the object 1710 is a gap of the object 1410 that has already been arranged. Placed in. When the arrangement of the new object is completed, the grid 950 and other guide objects become unnecessary. Therefore, the placement of the guide object ends based on the end of the placement of the object in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 detects that the arrangement of the object 1710 in the virtual space 2 is completed and there is no other object to be arranged based on, for example, an operation of the controller 160. In another aspect, the computer 200 may determine that the arrangement of the objects is to be terminated in accordance with the progress of the program being executed to provide the virtual space 2. When the computer 200 detects that the object is no longer arranged, the computer 200 ends the arrangement of the guide object in the virtual space 2. For example, the computer 200 generates view image data for displaying a view image that does not include the guide object, and transmits the view image data to the HMD device 110. The HMD device 110 displays an image based on the image data on the monitor 112. When the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 visually recognizes the image, it is detected that the display of the grid 950 has disappeared.

  For example, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 18, the field-of-view image 1800 includes an object 1410 that has already been arranged and an object 1710 that has been newly arranged. Not included. As shown in the partial diagram (B), when the virtual space 2 is viewed from above the xz plane, an object 1710 is arranged in the space of the object 1410 where the space is present.

From the above, the subject matter disclosed in the present specification is shown as the following configuration, for example.
[Configuration 1]
According to an embodiment, a method is provided that is executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200 to assist input in the virtual space 2 provided by the HMD device 110. The input may include an operation input for changing the location of the object arranged in the virtual space 2. This method includes a step of displaying an object 920 whose place to be arranged in the virtual space 2 can be changed in the virtual space 2, a step of receiving an operation for changing the place of the arranged object 920, A guide object (for example, a grid 950) for display in the virtual space 2, a step of moving the object 920 in the virtual space according to an operation, and a movement of the guide object in conjunction with the movement of the object 920 Steps.

  [Configuration 2] Preferably, the step of displaying the guide object includes the step of displaying a grid 950 parallel to the vertical direction (xz plane) in the virtual space 2.

  [Configuration 3] Preferably, the step of displaying the guide object further includes a step of displaying a grid 940 parallel to the xy plane in the virtual space 2.

  [Configuration 4] Preferably, the step of displaying the grid 940 parallel to the xy plane includes displaying the grid 940 until the state of the virtual space 2 becomes a predetermined state. The predetermined state includes, for example, a state in which the arrangement of an object that newly appears in the virtual space 2 is completed. Displaying the grid 950 includes displaying the grid 950 while the placement of the object 920 is being adjusted. Adjustment of the placement of the object 920 includes, for example, placing the hand object 930 based on the motion of the user 190 at a location intended by the user 190 while holding the object 920 in the virtual space 2.

  [Configuration 5] Preferably, in addition to the above configuration, the method displays an operation object (for example, a hand object 930) for performing an operation of moving the object in response to the operation being accepted. The method further includes a step. The step of displaying the grid 950 parallel to the vertical direction in the virtual space 2 includes displaying the grid 950 while the object 920 is held by the operation object.

  [Configuration 6] Preferably, the method further includes a step of placing the object 920 at a location specified by the guide object in accordance with the movement of the operation object.

  [Configuration 7] Preferably, the step of displaying the operation object includes a step of displaying a body object corresponding to one of both hands, both feet, or two fingers. The step of moving the object in the virtual space includes the step of the body object constraining the object and the step of moving the constrained object.

  [Configuration 8] Preferably, the method further includes a step of detecting a state of a limb of the user of the head mounted display device. The step of displaying the body object includes displaying the body object according to the state of the limbs.

  [Configuration 9] Preferably, in the step of displaying the operation object, when the object is moving, the operation object is displayed in a manner to constrain the object, and the object is released after the placement of the object is completed. Displaying the operation object in such a manner.

  [Configuration 10] Preferably, the step of displaying the object includes displaying the object in the vicinity of the operation object.

  [Configuration 11] Preferably, the above method further includes a step of confirming a change in the location of the object, and a step of hiding the guide object in response to the confirmation of the change in the location.

  [Configuration 12] Preferably, the step of arranging the object includes a step of arranging the object in the air of the virtual space.

  [Configuration 13] Preferably, the mode when the object is displayed in the virtual space includes a first mode in which the location of the object can be changed and a second mode in which the location of the object cannot be changed. The step of displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes the step of displaying the guide object in the first mode.

  [Configuration 14] Preferably, the step of displaying the guide object in the first mode includes a step of displaying the guide object when an operation is accepted.

  [Configuration 15] Preferably, the step of displaying the object in the virtual space includes a step of displaying the object whose size has been changed by changing the size of the object. The step of displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes displaying the guide object without changing the scale of the guide object when the size of the object is changed.

  [Configuration 16] Preferably, the step of displaying the object in the virtual space includes a step of changing the size of the object and displaying the object with the changed size. The step of displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes changing the scale of the guide object to display the guide object having the changed scale in response to the change in the size of the object.

  [Configuration 17] According to an embodiment, there is provided a program that causes a computer to execute the method described in any of the above configurations.

  [Configuration 18] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for supporting input in a virtual space is provided. The apparatus includes a memory that stores the program and a processor that is coupled to the memory and executes the program.

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an object is arranged in the virtual space 2, the grid 950 and other guide objects are temporarily arranged in the view area 23. Since the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can place an object in the virtual space 2 while referring to the guide object, the placement in the intended place can be easily realized.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 viewing area, 24, 25 area, 26, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800 view image, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 button, 35 infrared LED, 38 analog stick, 100 system, 110 device, 112 monitor, 114, 120 sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module 222, visual field region determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 224 reference visual line identification module, 230 virtual space control module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 guide object control module, 240 memory module, 241 space Information, 242 Object information, 243 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810 Right hand, 910, 920, 1410, 1710 Object, 930 Hand object, 940, 950 Grid.

Claims (18)

A method for assisting input in a virtual space provided by a head-mounted display device, comprising:
Displaying in the virtual space an object capable of changing the location in the virtual space;
Receiving an operation for changing the location of the displayed object;
Displaying a guide object for positioning the object in the virtual space;
Moving the object in the virtual space in response to the operation;
Moving the guide object in conjunction with the movement of the object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the guide object includes displaying a grid parallel to a vertical direction in the virtual space.   The method of claim 2, wherein displaying the guide object further comprises displaying a grid parallel to a plane in the virtual space. Displaying the grid parallel to the plane includes displaying the grid parallel to the plane until the state of the virtual space is a predetermined state;
The method of claim 3, wherein displaying the grid parallel to the vertical direction includes displaying the grid parallel to the vertical direction while the placement of the object is being adjusted. In response to receiving the operation, the method further includes a step of displaying an operation object for performing an operation of moving the object,
The method according to claim 2, wherein displaying the grid parallel to the vertical direction includes displaying the grid while the object is held by the operation object.   The method according to claim 5, further comprising placing the object at a location specified by the guide object in response to movement of the operation object. The step of displaying the operation object includes a step of displaying a body object corresponding to either both hands, both feet or two fingers,
Moving the object in the virtual space comprises:
The body object restrains the object;
7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, comprising the step of moving the constrained object. Detecting a state of a limb of a user of the head mounted display device;
The method according to claim 7, wherein displaying the body object includes displaying the body object according to a state of the limb. The step of displaying the operation object includes:
Displaying the operation object in a manner of restraining the object when the object is moving;
The method according to claim 5, further comprising displaying the operation object in a mode of releasing the object after the arrangement of the object is completed.   The method according to claim 5, wherein displaying the object includes displaying the object in the vicinity of the operation object. Confirming a change in the location of the object;
The method according to claim 1, further comprising hiding the guide object in response to the change in the location being confirmed.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of arranging the object includes a step of arranging the object in the air of the virtual space. The mode when the object is displayed in the virtual space includes a first mode in which the location of the object can be changed, and a second mode in which the location of the object cannot be changed,
The method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes displaying the guide object in the first mode.   The method according to claim 13, wherein displaying the guide object in the first mode includes displaying the guide object when the operation is accepted. Displaying the object in the virtual space includes changing the size of the object and displaying the object with the changed size;
15. The step of displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes displaying the guide object without changing a scale of the guide object when a size of the object is changed. The method according to any one. Displaying the object in the virtual space includes changing the size of the object and displaying the object in the changed size;
The step of displaying the guide object in the virtual space includes displaying a guide object having a scale after the change by changing the scale of the guide object in response to a change in the size of the object. The method according to claim 1.   The program which makes a computer perform the method in any one of Claims 1-16. A memory storing the program according to claim 17;
An apparatus for supporting input in a virtual space, comprising a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

Images