JP2018085137A - Method executed by computer for displaying content in virtual space using head mount device, program enabling computer to execute the same and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance excitement in a virtual space provided by an application program.SOLUTION: A processor executes the steps to: identify a positional relation between a first character object and a second character object (S1135); generate data for displaying a field image in a manner that differentiates visibility in a direction where the second character object exists from the visibility in other directions (S1140); outputs the data (S1145); detect an action of a user who recognizes the objects with different visual effects on the basis of the data (S1150); and move the first character object or the second character object on the basis of the action of the user (S1155).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for presenting an object in a virtual space.

  When a virtual space is provided using a head mounted device, it is known that a so-called VR (Virtual Reality) sickness problem occurs. In order to reduce this VR sickness, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5869177 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for “providing a head-mounted display with a visual field image of a virtual space into which a user is immersed”. . Specifically, “when a visual field image of a virtual space in which a user is immersed is provided to a head-mounted display, an image generation that suppresses the amount of information that is visually recognized by the wearer of the HMD” is performed ([summary] reference). In order to prevent viewers from feeling uncomfortable in addition to VR sickness, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-116309 (Patent Document 2) states that “the panning and tilting directions of an imaging device that captures moving images are An image information reproducing apparatus that detects an angular velocity and suppresses the viewer from feeling uncomfortable due to abrupt movement in the panning and tilting directions of the reproduced image is disclosed (see paragraph [0001]).

Japanese Patent No. 5869177 JP 2007-116309 A

  When providing content in a virtual space, in order to increase interest, in addition to reducing VR sickness, a sense of reality may be required depending on the content.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of enhancing a sense of reality in a virtual space.

  According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for displaying content in a virtual space using a head mounted device is provided. The method includes the steps of defining a virtual space, presenting a field-of-view image in a first state to the head mounted device, defining a first character object and a second character object in the virtual space, Presenting a field-of-view image in the first state to the head-mounted device in the second state based on the relationship between the first character object and the second character object.

If a certain situation is followed, a sense of reality can be enhanced in the virtual space.
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 HMD110 according to a certain 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 HMD110 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. 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. 6 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of character objects in a virtual space 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an aspect after the arrangement of character objects in the virtual space 2 is changed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an aspect in which blurring processing is applied to objects included in a virtual circle 1221. It is a figure showing the case where transparency is lowered | hung as reduction of a visual effect. It is a figure (the 1) showing another aspect as reduction of a visual effect. It is a figure (the 2) showing another aspect in which a visual effect is reduced.

  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 Mounted Device) 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. In the present embodiment, the HMD may include both a so-called head mounted display including a monitor and a head mounted device on which a terminal having a smartphone or other monitor can be attached.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD 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, instead of the HMD system 100 including the HMD sensor 120, the HMD 110 may include the sensor 114.

  The server 150 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, and a communication interface 153. The server 150 is realized by a computer having a known configuration.

  The HMD 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide a virtual space to the user during operation. More specifically, the HMD 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 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 110. Using this function, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space.

  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 110 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD 110 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 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 110 detects its own position and inclination using any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120. Can do. 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 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates a temporal change in the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates an inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change in the angle. The HMD 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 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. Real space may be visible from a part.

  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 HMDs 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 110, HMD sensor 120, or 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 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 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 110. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD 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 a plurality of HMDs 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 the infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 110, the presence of the HMD 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 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 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 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 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the detected value.

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

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

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

  The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after the HMD 110 has moved to the HMD 110 based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD 110. The relationship between the HMD 110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 in the real space may be specified as a relative position to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 can display contents (still images,
Each partial image constituting the video is associated with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2 to provide the user with the virtual space 2 in which the virtual space image 22 visible by the user is developed.

  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 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 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 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As with the HMD 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 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD 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 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 visual field area 23 corresponds to the visual field of the user wearing the HMD 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 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. Further, the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 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 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.

  While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can view only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world. 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 the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, a view field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD 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 adapted to the roll direction (w) of the HMD 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted.

[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

[Control device of HMD110]
The control device of the HMD 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. 9 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, 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, a character management module 233, and a display state definition module 234 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 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 direction of the head of the user wearing the HMD 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 to be presented in the virtual space 2. The target object includes, for example, a tree object, a mountain object, a character object, a ball object, and the like.

  The character management module 233 manages the arrangement of character objects presented in the virtual space 2. For example, the character management module 233 moves the position of the character object indicating the user 190 or the character object controlled by the user 190 in accordance with the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190.

  The display state defining module 234 controls the display state of the view field image presented in the virtual space 2 based on an operation by the user 190. For example, the display state defining module 234 displays the periphery of the character object in a manner different from the central portion of the character object according to the relationship between the character object corresponding to the user 190 and another character object. More specifically, in a certain aspect, the display state defining module 234 displays in a manner that blurs the periphery of the character object. The blurring mode may include, for example, a foggy state, a state where the color is displayed lightly, and the like.

  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 includes data for presenting the object in the virtual space 2. The data includes, for example, an object that is defined in the application program and can move in the virtual space 2 and an object that is stationary in the virtual space 2. Objects that can move include, for example, a player object and an opponent object in the game program. The stationary object includes, for example, a tree object, a mountain object, and other stationary objects.

  The user information 243 includes identification information of the user 190 of the HMD 110, authority associated with the user 190, and the like.

  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 that constitutes the computer 200 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]
With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of HMD system 100 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100.

  In step S1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and defines the virtual space.

  In step S1020, 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 S1030, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view field image data is sent to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view field image generation module 223.

  In step S <b> 1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1034, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1040, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD 110 based on the position and inclination of HMD 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 S <b> 1042, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the operation of the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera disposed around the user 190.

  In step S1050, the processor 10 defines a first character object in the virtual space 2. The first character object corresponds to the user 190, for example.

  In step S1060, processor 10 defines a second character object in virtual space 2. The second character object corresponds to, for example, an object facing the first character object, such as an opponent, or a stationary object in the virtual space 2, such as a tree or a rock.

  In step S1070, processor 10 specifies the relationship between the first character object and the second character object. The relationship includes, for example, a positional relationship, a force relationship, and other relationships that can be relatively defined. For example, in one aspect, when the first character object and the second character object are the same type, the processor 10 associates the attribute value associated with the first character object and the second character object. It is determined which of the first character object and the second character object is superior based on the magnitude relationship with the attribute value. The attribute value may include, for example, data that virtually represents an energy amount or other physical quantity in the virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the amount of energy represents, for example, virtual energy necessary for moving a character object in the virtual space 2, and is defined in an application program in which the character object appears. For example, the energy of the character object controlled by the user 190 may vary according to the amount of movement of the character object by the user 190 or according to the content of the action received from the opponent character object.

  In another aspect, the processor 10 specifies the positional relationship between these objects based on the coordinate values of the first character object and the coordinate values of the second character object in the virtual space 2.

  In step S1072, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on the signal output from the motion sensor 130. As in the case of step S1042, in another aspect, the operation of the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 190.

  In step S1080, processor 10 generates a view image corresponding to the relationship, and outputs the view image data to HMD 110 as view image data.

  In step S1092, the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

  The control structure of the computer 200 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment.

  In step S1110, the processor 10 starts executing the application program based on the instruction of the user 190. The application program is a program that can display events in the real space in a virtual space. Application programs include, for example, sports, races, and other game programs in which an opponent may exist, but may be application programs other than game programs.

  In step S1115, processor 10 defines virtual space 2 in HMD 110, and transmits data for presenting virtual space 2 to HMD 110.

  In step S1120, processor 10 detects the operation of user 190 in the real space based on the signal from controller 160.

  In step S1125, the processor 10 defines a first character object (user character) in the virtual space 2 based on the detected motion of the user 190 in the real space.

  In step S1130, processor 10 defines a second character object (an opponent object) in virtual space 2.

  In step S1135, the processor 10 specifies the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.

  In step S1140, processor 10 generates data for displaying a view field image so that the visibility in the direction in which the second character object exists differs from the visibility in the other direction. In some embodiments, the visibility aspect includes, for example, blurring the perimeter of the view image. In this case, the blurring is realized as a process for reducing the visual effect. For example, the object displayed in the virtual space 2 is darkly displayed, and the transparency of the peripheral object is increased to make the object more transparent than the other objects. This includes making it inconspicuous and using a blur effect.

  In step S1145, processor 10 outputs the generated data to HMD 110. When the HMD 110 receives the data, the HMD 110 can present the second character object to the virtual space 2 in a state in which the visibility is different based on the data.

  In step S1150, processor 10 detects an operation of user 190 in the real space. If the action is an action for instructing character movement, the processor 10 switches the control to step S1155. If the operation is another instruction, the processor 10 switches the control to step S1160. If the operation is an operation for instructing the end of the application program, the processor 10 ends the process.

  In step S1155, the processor 10 moves the first character object or the second character object based on the action of the user 190 in the real space. After that, the processor 10 returns the control to step S1135.

  In step S1160, processor 10 executes a process associated with the operation of user 190. For example, when the user 190 performs an operation on the controller 160 for temporarily interrupting the execution of the application program, the processor 10 temporarily interrupts the application program being executed.

  In another aspect, when the HMD 110 has an information processing function and a communication function, and includes a processor, a memory, and a communication device, for example, the processing by the processor 10 is executed by the processor of the HMD 110, for example. Also good. In this case, the HMD 110 can communicate directly with the server 150 without going through the computer 200. As an example, when a smartphone is detachable from the HMD 110, the processor of the smartphone can communicate with the server 150 using the communication function.

  According to the present embodiment, the peripheral edge of the field-of-view image is blurred according to the positional relationship between the player character object appearing in the application program or the virtual camera and the enemy character (for example, reducing the visual effect from the video) By performing processing such as darkening, increasing transparency, blurring, etc., the view from the character object is reflected in the view image of the user 190. In this way, for example, in a soccer, basketball or other sports game, the field of view of the character object is narrowed when the player's ability is lower than the opponent's ability, or when the player's ability is lower than the opponent's ability. Since the phenomenon of becoming is reflected in the virtual space 2, the interest is further enhanced. As an example, the blur range in the direction in which the enemy is present in the virtual space 2 is increased so that the player's character object is difficult to see, or only the enemy is blurred, or the player's character object ability (for example, virtual power, virtual The blur range is changed according to the exercise ability, virtual battle ability, etc.

  Thus, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the arrangement of character objects according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of character objects in the virtual space 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an aspect after the placement of the character object is changed in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the partial diagram (A) represents an example of a field-of-view image 1200 that can be recognized by the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. The view image 1200 includes character objects 1210 and 1220 and tree objects 1230 and 1240. The character object 1210 is controlled in the virtual space 2 by the user 190, for example. The character object 1220 is a target of the character object 1210. In an embodiment, the target represents an opponent or a target to be captured. Whether the target is an opponent, a target of capture, or the other depends on the application program.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the arrangement of character objects 1210 and 1220 and tree objects 1230 and 1240 in the virtual space image 22. The character object 1210 is separated from the tree object 1230, and the character object 1210 corresponding to the user 190 can visually recognize other character objects 1220 and tree objects 1230 and 1240. Thereafter, when the user 190 operates the controller 160, the character object 1210 moves in accordance with the operation.

  More specifically, in a certain aspect, in the virtual space 2, the magnitude relationship between the attribute value of the character object 1210 (for example, a numerical value of the ability, energy, skill level, etc.) and the attribute value of the character object 1220 is shown. The corresponding virtual territories are defined as virtual circles 1211 and 1221 centering on the character objects 1210 and 1220, respectively. As an example, when the attribute value of the character object 1220 is larger than the attribute value of the character object 1210 (when the opponent character object is superior to the character object of the user 190), a virtual circle 1221 indicating the territory of the character object 1220 Is longer than the radius of the virtual circle 1211 indicating the territory of the character object 1210. In this case, while the virtual circle 1211 and the virtual circle 1221 are separated from each other, that is, when there is a sufficient space between the character object 1210 and the character object 1220, the character object 1210 corresponding to the user 190 has a sufficient field of view. And can move freely in the virtual space 2.

  Thereafter, when the character object 1210 approaches the tree object 1230 and enters the range of the virtual circle 1221, the field of view of the character object 1210 becomes narrower than the normal field of view.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the partial diagram (A) represents a view field image 1300 when the character object 1210 approaches the tree object 1230. At this time, the tree object 1230 is displayed largely in the field-of-view image 1300 as the field of view of the user 190 corresponding to the character object 1210. Further, when the character object 1210 approaches the tree object 1230, the character object 1220 deviates from the view of the user 190 in the virtual space 2.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the arrangement of each object when the character object 1210 approaches the tree object 1230 in the virtual space image 22. When the character object 1210 approaches the character object 1220, an overlapping region may be generated between the virtual circle 1221 corresponding to the attribute value of the character object 1220 and the virtual circle 1211 corresponding to the attribute value of the character object 1210. At this time, if the attribute value of the character object 1220 (for example, power value, energy amount, skill level, etc.) exceeds the attribute value of the character object 1210, this overlapping area is controlled by the virtual circle 1221 of the character object 1220. . As a result, the range that the virtual circle 1211 of the character object 1210 can occupy becomes narrow. In addition, since the overlapping area is controlled by the virtual circle 1221, the visual effect of the user 190 who operates the character object 1210 in the virtual space 2 is narrowed as shown in the diagram (A). Reduction processing is reflected. In the present embodiment, the visual effect reduction processing includes processing that makes it difficult for the virtual user to visually recognize the peripheral portion, blur processing, processing to reduce luminance, and the like as shown in the view field image 1300. When the user 190 visually recognizes the field-of-view image 1300 that has been subjected to such visual effect reduction processing, the user 190 recognizes that the user 190 exists in an area affected by the opponent character object 1220, and a part of the field of view. This can increase the feeling of immersion.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the character object 1210 enters the territory of the character object 1220, the blurring process is performed on the entire peripheral portion of the field-of-view image 1300. The mode in which the blurring process is performed is not limited to the mode illustrated. For example, in another aspect, the blurring process may be applied only in the direction in which the character object 1220 exists (for example, in the vicinity of the tree object 1230). In this way, it is possible to notify the user 190 that another character object superior to the character object 1210 exists in that direction, so that it is possible to enhance the interest according to the progress of the story. Further, the region where the visual effect is reduced can change according to the change in the positional relationship between the character object 1210 and the character object 1220. For example, when the character object 1220 enters the area 23, the blurring process can be applied to the upper part of the visual field image 1300 (in front of the character object 1210).

  With reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 17, another aspect in which the visual effect is reduced will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an aspect in which the blurring process is applied to the objects included in the virtual circle 1221. FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which a part of the territory of the character object 1210 is eroded by the territory of the character object 1220 as a result of the character object 1220 approaching the character object 1210.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A), the field-of-view image 1400 recognized by the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 includes a region 1410 on which a blurring process has been performed. Area 1410 includes a partner character object 1220 and a tree object 1230. By being displayed in a form like the area 1410, the character object 1210 corresponding to the user 190 becomes difficult to visually recognize the character object 1220 (or cannot be visually recognized).

  More specifically, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 12, the user 190 initially recognized the opponent character object 1220 in the view field image 1200 as the character object 1210. When the attribute value of the character object 1220 exceeds the attribute value of the character object 1210, when the character object 1220 approaches the character object 1210, the character object 1220 or the tree object is displayed as shown in a diagram (A) of FIG. 1230 is presented with the blurring process applied. As shown in the partial diagram (B), at this time, it can be seen that the virtual circle 1221 indicating the territory of the character object 1220 erodes a part of the virtual circle 1211 indicating the territory of the character object 1220.

  In the field-of-view image 1400 that is viewed with the HMD 110 mounted, the presentation of the character object 1220 also changes in accordance with the change in the positional relationship between the character object 1220 and the character object 1210. The interest of application programs to be used can be enhanced.

  In another aspect, when the attribute value of the character object 1210 becomes the same as the attribute value of the character object 1220, the character object 1210 can visually recognize the character object 1220. In this case, the radius of the virtual circle 1211 and the radius of the virtual circle 1221 are the same, and there is no overlap between the virtual circle 1211 and the virtual circle 1221. Therefore, the user 190 visually recognizes the visual field image presented with a normal visual effect.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another aspect in which the visual effect is reduced. In the example of FIG. 15, the magnitude relationship between the attribute value of the character object 1210 and the attribute value of the character object 1220 is the same as in the case of FIG. Further, as shown in the partial diagram (B), the positional relationship between the character object 1210 and the opponent character object 1220 is the same as the positional relationship illustrated in FIG. Therefore, differences from the case of FIG. 14 will be described.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 15, in another aspect, the user 190 may recognize the view image 1500. At this time, the character object 1220 is displayed lighter than, for example, other objects (for example, the character object 1210 and the tree objects 1230 and 1240) in the virtual space 2. That is, the transparency of the character object 1210 is higher than the transparency of the other object. As a result, it becomes difficult for the user 190 to visually recognize the character object 1220. If the transparency of the character object 1210 reaches 100%, the user 190 cannot see the character object 1220 at all.

  In another aspect, instead of transparency, resolution may be used to reduce visual effects. In this case, when the attribute value of the character object 1220 is larger than the attribute value of the character object 1210, the character object 1220 can be presented at a low resolution. For example, the resolution may be set low enough that the character object 1220 blends into the background in the vicinity thereof. In this way, the user 190 cannot recognize an object presented at a low resolution as the character object 1220, so that the interest can be improved depending on the story of the application program being executed.

  With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, yet another aspect in which the visual effect is reduced will be described. A part (A) in FIG. 16 represents a view image 1600 viewed by the user 190, and a part (A) in FIG. 17 represents a view image 1700 viewed by the user 190. FIG. 16B and FIG. 17B show the positional relationship between the character object 1610 and the character object 1620 when the user 190 corresponds to the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. According to the example shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, if the attribute value of the character object 1620 exceeds the attribute value of the character object 1610 when the distance between the character object 1610 and the character object 1620 is small, the character object This is different from the above example in that the area 1610 (that is, the field of view of the user 190) is reduced.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 16, in one aspect, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 recognizes the view field image 1600. The view image 1600 includes a character object 1620 representing a soccer player. The soccer presented in the virtual space 2 may be either an actual soccer play video or animation. Since the viewpoint of the user 190 corresponds to the virtual camera 1 (partition (B)), the view field image 1600 does not include the character object 1610 corresponding to the user 190.

  In one aspect, when the attribute value of the character object 1620 (for example, the level of soccer) exceeds the attribute value of the character object 1610, the positional relationship between the character object 1610 (virtual camera 1) and the character object 1620 in the virtual space 2 Accordingly, the visual effect of the character object 1620 can be reduced.

  Specifically, as shown in a partial diagram (A) of FIG. 17, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 visually recognizes the visual field image 1700 as the soccer play progresses. The view image 1700 includes a character object 1620 corresponding to a player running toward the user 190. When the soccer level of the character object 1620 exceeds the soccer level of the user 190 (character object 1610), the field of view of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is narrowed. For example, in the example of the visual field image 1700, the visual effect is reduced in the areas 1710 and 1711 in the vicinity of the character object 1620 (the surroundings of the character object 1620 are less visible to the eyes of the user 190).

  Thereafter, as the story progresses in the virtual space 2, the area where the visual effect is reduced may change. For example, when the user 190 dominates the ball as a player in the virtual space 2, the areas 1710 and 1711 are narrowed and the range that the user 190 can visually recognize is widened (the field of view is opened). Furthermore, when the character object 1610 turns into an attack, the character object 1620 and other opponent characters can move backward for defense. In this case, for example, as the positional relationship (interval) between the character object 1620 and the player (character object 1610) increases, the areas 1710 and 1711 may be narrowed and the field of view of the user 190 may be widened. In this way, the presence in the virtual space 2 can be improved. Moreover, in the case of an animation game, interest can increase.

  The aspect of reducing the visual effect (blurring, changing the transparency, reducing the field of view, etc.) can be changed according to the settings of the character objects 1210, 1220, 1610, 1620. It can be changed according to the setting by the user 190. For example, when the user 190 executes the application program, the setting of the character object 1210 or the character object 1610 may be defined as blurring, changing the transparency, changing the view area, and the like. In another aspect, the aspect of reducing the visual effect may be defined as a random setting by the application program. In this case, since the user 190 cannot know the content of the specific visual effect in advance, unexpectedness can be brought to the user 190.

<Summary>
The technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows, for example.

  (Configuration 1) According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for displaying content in the virtual space 2 using a head-mounted device (HMD 110) is provided. This method is based on the step of defining the virtual space 2 and the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 and the view image in the first state (for example, a state that provides a preset initial visual effect). A first character object (for example, a character object controlled by an operation of the controller 160 by the user 190) and a second character object (for example, an object facing the first character object) in the virtual space 2 ) And a visual field image in the first state based on the relationship between the first character object and the second character object in the second state (the state that provides the initial visual effect) Conditions that produce different visual effects, such as blurring, high transparency And a step to be presented to the HMD110 in that, etc.).

  (Configuration 2) According to an embodiment, the relationship is the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object (for example, the distance from the first character object to the second character object in the virtual space 2). )including.

  (Configuration 3) According to an embodiment, the relationship includes a vertical relationship between the abilities of the first character object and the second character object in the virtual space 2. The hierarchical relationship of abilities can include, for example, the virtual power of each character object in the virtual space 2, the skill level associated with each character object, and the like.

  (Configuration 4) According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the visual field image to the HMD 110 in the second state has a visual effect obtained from at least a partial region of the visual field image in the second state. Generating a view image so as to reduce the visual effect obtained by the view image in the state of The reduction of the visual effect includes, for example, that the character object or the vicinity thereof is less visible than other areas.

  (Configuration 5) According to an embodiment, the visual effect provided by at least a part of the view image in the second state corresponds to at least a part of the view image in the first state. Less than the visual effect provided by the area. The partial region includes, for example, a peripheral portion of the view field image, a portion surrounding any character object, and the like.

  (Configuration 6) According to an embodiment, at least a part of the area is changed according to the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.

  (Configuration 7) According to an embodiment, the transparency or resolution of at least some of the regions is changed according to the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.

  (Configuration 8) According to an embodiment, a method executed by a computer to display content in the virtual space 2 using the HMD 110 is based on the content of the first parameter associated with the first character object. Based on this, the method further includes determining an aspect of the second state.

  (Arrangement 9) According to an embodiment, a method executed by a computer to display content in the virtual space 2 using the HMD 110 includes the content of the first parameter associated with the first character object. The method further includes the step of determining the mode of the second state based on the difference from the content of the second parameter associated with the second character object.

  Depending on the above, according to an embodiment, in VR, the setting of the field of view is left to the HMD 110 operation by the user 190. Therefore, by changing the visual effects such as blurring according to the situation, It is possible to enhance the feeling.

  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, 10,151 processor, 11,152 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14,153 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 field of view, 24, 25 region, 26, 1200, 1300 field of view image, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top, 33, 34, 36, 37 button, 38 analog stick, 100 system, 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 view area determination module, 2 23 Visibility Image Generation Module, 224 Reference Gaze Identification Module, 230 Virtual Space Control Module, 231 Virtual Space Definition Module, 232 Virtual Object Generation Module, 233 Character Management Module, 234 Display State Definition Module, 240 Memory Module, 241 Spatial Information, 242 Object information, 243 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810 Right hand, 1210, 1220, 1610, 1620 Character object, 1230, 1240 Tree object.

Claims (11)

A computer-implemented method for displaying content in a virtual space using a head-mounted device, comprising:
Defining the virtual space;
Presenting a field-of-view image to the head mounted device in a first state based on the movement of the user wearing the head mounted device;
Defining a first character object and a second character object in the virtual space;
Based on the relationship between the first character object and the second character object, the view field image in the first state is presented to the head mounted device in a second state different from the first state. Comprising the steps of:   The method according to claim 1, wherein the relationship includes a positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the relationship includes a hierarchical relationship between the abilities of the first character object and the second character object in the virtual space.   In the step of presenting the view image to the head mounted device in the second state, the visual effect obtained from at least a partial region of the view image in the second state is in the first state. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising generating the view image so as to reduce the visual effect obtained by the view image.   The visual effect provided by at least a portion of the view image in the second state is a visual effect provided by a region corresponding to the at least a portion of the view image in the first state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is less than an effect.   The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least part of the region is changed according to a positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.   The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the transparency or resolution of the at least part of the region is changed according to a positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object.   The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining an aspect of the second state based on a content of a first parameter associated with the first character object. .   The aspect of the second state based on the difference between the content of the first parameter associated with the first character object and the content of the second parameter associated with the second character object The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining   The program which makes a computer perform the method in any one of Claims 1-9. A memory storing the program according to claim 10;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor for executing the program.