JP2018089230A - Information processing method and device, and program for causing computer to perform the information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate communication between users in a virtual experience in which a virtual space is shared by a plurality of users.SOLUTION: An information processing method for providing a virtual space to a first user through a first head-mounted display includes a step for creating virtual space data that defines a virtual space including a first player character associated with the first user, a second player character associated with a second user, and a virtual camera that defines a visual field image provided to the first head-mounted display, and a step for determining a display mode of the second player character included in the visual field image according to a state of the second player character with respect to the first player character.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for operating an avatar (player character) associated with each user based on the operation of each user in a virtual space shared by a plurality of users. According to such a technique, it becomes possible to provide a plurality of users with a chat function (hereinafter referred to as “VR chat”) in a common virtual space.

"Facebook Mark Zuckerberg Social VR Demo OC3 Oculus Connect 3 Keynote", [online], October 6, 2016, VRvibe, [Search December 5, 2016], Internet <https://www.youtube.com / watch? v = NCpNKLXovtE>

  By the way, when the same virtual space is shared by a plurality of users as in the above-described VR chat, if the number of users in the virtual space (that is, the number of avatars associated with the users) is large, an avatar to be noted at that time is selected. There may be situations where it cannot be easily identified. As a result, smooth communication can be hindered.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an information processing method, apparatus, and information that can facilitate communication between users in a virtual experience in which a virtual space is shared by a plurality of users. It is an object to provide a program for causing a computer to execute a processing method.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual space to a first user via a first head mounted display is provided. The information processing method includes: a first player character associated with a first user; a second player character associated with a second user; and a virtual camera defining a view image provided on a first head mounted display. Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space including the step, and determining a display mode of the second player character included in the view field image according to the state of the second player character relative to the first player character. .

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of facilitating communication between users in a virtual experience in which a virtual space is shared by a plurality of users, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. It becomes possible.

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. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A performs. It is a figure showing typically virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. It is a figure showing the visual field image M provided to the user 190A. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which HMD system 100A, HMD system 100B, HMD system 100C, and the server 150 perform. It is a figure showing an example (view image M1) of the view field image in the 1st example of transmission control of a player character. It is a figure showing an example (view image M2) of the view image in the 2nd example of transmission control of a player character. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A performs in the 3rd example of the transmission control of a player character. It is a figure showing an example (view image M3) of the view field image in the 3rd example of transmission control of a player character. It is a figure showing the other example (view image M4) of the view image in the 3rd example of the transmission control of a player character.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure 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, a camera 116, a microphone 118, 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 camera 116 acquires a face image of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The face image acquired by the camera 116 can be used to detect the user's facial expression through image analysis processing. The camera 116 may be, for example, an infrared camera built in the main body of the HMD device 110 in order to detect pupil movement, eyelid opening / closing, eyebrow movement, and the like. Alternatively, the camera 116 may be an external camera disposed outside the HMD device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 in order to detect movements of the user's mouth, cheeks, and jaws. The camera 116 may be configured by both the infrared camera and the external camera described above.

  The microphone 118 acquires the voice uttered by the user. The voice acquired by the microphone 118 can be used to detect a user's emotion by voice analysis processing. The voice can also be used to give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2. Further, the sound may be sent to the HMD system used by another user via the network 19 and the server 150, and output from a speaker or the like connected to the HMD system. Thereby, the conversation (chat) between the users who share a virtual space is implement | achieved.

  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 view 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 a part of the transmission-type display device may be set to have a high transmittance. 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 receives 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. Data stored in the memory 11 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, a program for realizing communication with another computer 200, and the like. 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 like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data in a batch.

  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 the above.

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives an input of a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends an 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.

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 150 includes an HMD system 100A having an HMD device 110A (first head mounted display), an HMD system 100B having an HMD device 110B, and an HMD system 100C having an HMD device 110C. A plurality of HMD systems 100 are communicably connected to each other. Thereby, the virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to the user who uses each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, the HMD system 100C, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD device 110 is illustrated. 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 such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in this embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 by the input / output interface 13. In addition, each function (for example, synchronization processing described later) of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

  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 1 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, 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 2 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 a virtual space to the user 190 by displaying a view field image on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The visual field image corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the visual field 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 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. That is, the visual field of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is defined by the virtual camera 1.

  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 state (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 160R and a left controller. The right controller 160R 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 160R and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 160R 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 160R will be described.

  The right controller 160R 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, orientation), etc., of the right controller 160R and the left controller. 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 160R 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 160R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 160R and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in the state (A) and the state (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 for HMD device]
The 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. 9 is a block diagram showing 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 control module 232, and an operation 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 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 determines a display mode of a player character (described in detail later) included in the view image. 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 control module 232 generates a target object placed in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object and the player character in the virtual space 2. The target object may include, for example, a forest, a landscape including mountains, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story. The player character is an object (so-called avatar) associated with the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

  The operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object for manipulating an object arranged in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the operation objects may include, for example, a hand object corresponding to the user's hand wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, a stick object corresponding to the stick used by the user, and the like. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the axis portion in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The chat control module 234 performs control for chatting with an avatar of another user who stays in the same virtual space 2. For example, the chat control module 234 transmits information such as the position and orientation of the user's avatar and voice data input to the microphone 118 to the server 150. The chat control module 234 outputs the other user's voice data received from the server 150 to a speaker (not shown). As a result, voice chat is realized. The chat is not limited to voice data, but may be based on text data. In this case, the chat control module 234 controls transmission / reception of text data.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. For example, the virtual space control module 230 can detect a timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in a touched state. Specifically, the operation object control module 233 touches the operation object and another object when the operation object touches another object (for example, a target object arranged by the virtual object control module 232). Is detected, and a predetermined process is performed.

  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 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The user information 243 includes, for example, 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 memory module 240. The The software is read from the memory module 240 by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 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 (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically 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 computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100A used by the user 190A (first user) to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190A.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. 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 S <b> 3, 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 S <b> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the 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> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 as the visual field region determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the 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 S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (for example, shaking both hands). A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S <b> 8, the processor 10 reflects the detected content sent from the controller 160 in the virtual space 2 as the operation object control module 233. Specifically, the processor 10 moves an operation object (for example, a hand object representing a player character's hand) in the virtual space 2 based on a signal indicating the detected content. Further, the processor 10 detects, as the operation object control module 233, a predetermined operation (for example, a grip operation) on the target object by the operation object.

  In step S9, the processor 10 determines the player associated with the other user based on information (player information described later) sent from the HMD systems 100B and 100C used by the other users 190B and 190C (second user). Update character information. Specifically, the processor 10 updates, as the virtual object control module 232, information such as the position and orientation of the player character associated with another user in the virtual space 2.

  In step S10, the processor 10 generates, as the view image generation module 223, view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing results in steps S8 and S9, and sends the generated view image data to the HMD device 110. Output. When generating the view image data, the processor 10 determines the display mode of the player character included in the view image. Whether or not the player character is included in the view field image is determined based on whether or not the player character is included in the view field area 23 determined based on the view direction specified in step S6, for example.

  In step S11, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a player character PC1 (first player character) associated with the user 190A wearing the HMD device 110A and a player character PC2 (second player) associated with the user 190B wearing the HMD device 110B. Character) and the player character PC3 (second player character) associated with the user 190C wearing the HMD device 110C are arranged in the same virtual space 2. According to such virtual space 2 common to a plurality of users, it is possible to provide each user with a communication experience such as chat (VR chat) with other users via the player character PC.

  In this example, each player character PC is defined as an object imitating an animal (cat, rabbit, bear). The player character PC includes a head that moves in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 and the like, a hand that moves in conjunction with the movement of the user's hand detected by the motion sensor 130 and the like, It includes a torso part and an arm part displayed along with the head and hand. Note that the player character PC does not include the leg portion because the motion control is complicated for the leg portion below the waist.

  The visual field of the player character PC1 matches the visual field of the virtual camera 1 in the HMD system 100A. As a result, the view image M at the first person viewpoint of the player character PC1 is provided to the user 190A. That is, a virtual experience is provided to the user 190A as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the player character PC1. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a view field image M provided to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. Similarly, a view image at the first person viewpoint of the player characters PC2 and PC3 is provided to the users 190B and 190C.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, the HMD system 100C, and the server 150 in order to realize the VR chat described above.

  In step S <b> 21 </ b> A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> A acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 1 in the virtual space 2 as the chat control module 234. This player information includes, for example, motion information, face tracking data, audio data, and emotion data. The movement information includes, for example, information indicating temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD device 110A detected by the HMD sensor 120 and the like, and information indicating the movement of the hand of the user 190A detected by the motion sensor 130 and the like. . The face tracking data is data that specifies the position and size of each part of the face of the user 190A. The face tracking data is generated, for example, by image analysis processing on image information acquired by the camera 116 of the HMD device 110A. The voice data is data indicating the voice of the user 190A acquired by the microphone 118 of the HMD device 110A. The emotion data is information indicating the emotion of the user 190A, for example, information including the type of emotion (joy, anger, sadness, etc.) and the degree of emotion (for example, a level expressed in 10 levels). For example, the processor 10 generates emotion data by an arbitrary emotion recognition process using face tracking data or audio data. The player information includes information (user ID and the like) for specifying the player character PC1 (or the user 190A associated with the player character PC1) and information (room ID and the like) for specifying the virtual space 2 in which the player character PC1 exists. Etc. may be included. The processor 10 transmits the player information acquired as described above to the server 150 via the network 19.

  In step S <b> 21 </ b> B, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> B acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 2 in the virtual space 2 and transmits it to the server 150 in the same manner as in step S <b> 21 </ b> A. Similarly, in step S <b> 21 </ b> C, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> C acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 3 in the virtual space 2 and transmits it to the server 150.

  In step S22, the server 150 temporarily stores player information received from each of the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the HMD system 100C. The server 150 integrates player information of all users (users 190A to 190C in this example) associated with the common virtual space 2 based on the user ID, room ID, and the like included in each player information. Then, the server 150 transmits the integrated player information to all users associated with the virtual space 2 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, a synchronous process is performed. By such synchronization processing, the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the HMD system 100C can share each other's player information at substantially the same timing.

  Subsequently, based on the player information transmitted from the server 150 to each of the HMD systems 100A to 100C, each of the HMD systems 100A to 100C executes the processes of steps S23A to S23C. The process of step S23A corresponds to the process of step S9 in FIG.

  In step S23A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A updates the information of the player characters PC2 and PC3 of the other users 190B and 190C in the virtual space 2 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, the processor 10 updates the position and orientation of the player character PC2 in the virtual space 2 based on the motion information included in the player information transmitted from the HMD system 100B. For example, the processor 10 updates information (position and orientation, etc.) of the player character PC2 included in the object information 242 stored in the memory module 240. Similarly, the processor 10 updates the information (position and orientation, etc.) of the player character PC3 in the virtual space 2 based on the motion information included in the player information transmitted from the HMD system 100C.

  In step S23B, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100B updates the information of the player characters PC1 and PC3 of the users 190A and 190C in the virtual space 2, similarly to the processing in step S23A. Similarly, in step S23C, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100C updates the information of the player characters PC1 and PC2 of the users 190A and 190B in the virtual space 2.

  Subsequently, each of the HMD systems 100A to 100C executes the processes of steps S24A to S24C. The process of step S24A corresponds to a part of the process of step S10 in FIG.

  In step S24A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A determines the display mode of the player character PC included in the view image M as the view image generation module 223. Specifically, the processor 10 extracts the player character PC included in the visual field area 23 determined based on the visual field direction of the virtual camera 1 (player character PC1). In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the player character PC2 or PC3 is included in the view area of the virtual camera 1 in the HMD system 100A. For this reason, the processor 10 extracts the player characters PC2 and PC3 as the player characters PC included in the view field image M, and determines their display mode.

  Here, the processing in steps S24B and S24C in the HMD systems 100B and 100C is the same as the processing in step S24A in the HMD system 100A. Further, the process related to the determination of the display mode of the player character PC3 in step S24A is the same as the process related to the determination of the display mode of the player character PC2. Therefore, only the process relating to the determination of the display mode of the player character PC2 in step S24A will be described in detail below.

  For example, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A may generate motion data that defines the motion of the face portion of the player character PC2 based on the face tracking data of the user 190B received as the player information. According to this motion data, the expression of the player character PC2 included in the view field image M can be changed. For example, the processor 10 may generate an image indicating the position and shape of each part of the face of the player character PC2 based on the position and shape of each part of the face of the user 190B indicated by the face tracking data. Then, the processor 10 may determine the image as the face image of the player character PC2. Thereby, the change in the expression of the user 190B participating in the VR chat can be reflected as the expression of the player character PC2 in the virtual space 2. As a result, emotion understanding among users in the virtual space 2 can be improved.

  Here, the memory module 240 of the HMD system 100A previously stores a plurality of facial expression images (for example, an image corresponding to surprise and an image corresponding to sadness) corresponding to a plurality of facial expressions of the player character PC2 as the object information 242. It may be. In this case, the processor 10 may determine the facial expression image corresponding to the type and degree of emotion indicated by the emotion data of the user 190B received as the player information as the facial image of the player character PC2. According to this, since it is not necessary to use face tracking data in order to express the facial expression of the player character PC2 in the view field image M, the data communication amount can be reduced by omitting communication of the face tracking data. In addition, the processing necessary for expressing the expression of the player character PC2 is only to extract an image corresponding to emotion data from a plurality of facial expression images prepared in advance. High speed can be realized.

  Further, when switching the facial expression of the player character PC2 between a plurality of facial expression images prepared in advance as described above, the processor 10 may execute a process called morphing. Morphing is a process of complementing a video in an intermediate state between two different states (here, facial expressions) by a computer. For example, the processor 10 has a facial expression image (for example, a facial expression image indicating surprise) corresponding to the emotion data of the user 190B received by the previous synchronization process and the emotion data of the user 190B received by the current synchronization process. A video (motion data) in an intermediate state with a facial expression image of the player character PC2 corresponding to (for example, a facial expression image showing pleasure) may be generated by morphing. The intermediate state image generated in this way can represent a natural facial expression change of the player character PC2 in the view image M provided to the user 190A. Specifically, the processor 10 includes the intermediate state generated as described above together with the facial expression image of the player character PC2 corresponding to the emotion data of the user 190B received by the current synchronization process as a part of the view image data. May be output to the HMD device 110A. As a result, the natural facial expression change of the player character PC2 can be expressed in the view image M provided to the user 190A. As a result, it is possible to provide the user 190A with a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  Note that the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A may output the audio data included in the player information to a speaker or the like as the chat control module 234 in parallel with the process in step S24A. That is, the processor 10 may output audio data in accordance with the action of the player character PC2. In this case, the user 190A can feel the utterance content of the user 190B as the utterance content of the player character PC2. Thereby, the user 190A can be provided with a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  According to the processing in step S24A as described above, the view image M in which the actions and expressions of the other users 190B and 190C are reflected on the player characters PC2 and PC3 can be provided to the user 190A. Similarly, the same view field image as described above can be provided to the users 190B and 190C by the processing in steps S24B and S24C.

[Transparent display of player character]
As an application of the VR chat described above, for example, a plurality of users can view the same 360-degree moving image. An example of a 360-degree moving image is a moving image in which a landscape image rich in nature such as a forest is displayed as the virtual space image 22. In such a case, if the number of simultaneous viewing users (that is, the number of users sharing the virtual space 2) is large, the field of view in the virtual space 2 is blocked by the avatar associated with other users, and viewing of the 360-degree moving image May become difficult. Therefore, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A sets the transmittance of the player character PC as part of the process of determining the display mode of the player character PC included in the view field image M. That is, the processor 10 executes processing (transmission control) for transparently displaying a part or all of the player character PC as described below. Hereinafter, first to third examples of the transmission control of the player character PC will be described.

(First example)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view field image (view field image M1) in the first example of the transmission control of the player character PC. Here, the view image M1 is an image provided to the user 190A (first user) who uses the HMD system 100A via the HMD device 110A. That is, the view image M1 is a view image at the first person viewpoint of the player character PC (first player character) associated with the user 190A. Further, the four player characters PC11 to PC14 (second player characters) included in the view field image M1 are player characters PC associated with other users 190B to 190E (second user) for the user 190A. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 14, five player characters PC associated with each of the five users 190 </ b> A to 190 </ b> E are arranged in the common virtual space 2.

  Each of the player characters PC11 to PC14 includes a first part whose movement in the virtual space 2 is controlled in accordance with the movements of the users 190B to 190E, and a second part displayed along with the first part. In the present embodiment, the first part is a head and a hand. As described above, the head of the player character PC is a part in which the movement in the virtual space 2 is controlled according to the movement of the HMD device 110. The hand of the player character PC is a part in which the movement in the virtual space 2 is controlled according to the movement of the user's hand. On the other hand, the second part is a body part (a part above the waist) and an arm part displayed along with the head and the hand. An arm part is a part which connects a trunk | drum part and a hand. However, the first part and the second part are not limited to the above example. For example, the arm portion may be included in the first portion like the hand, or may not be included as part of the player character PC in the first place. Information indicating which part of each player character PC is the first part or the second part is stored in advance in the memory module 240 as, for example, object information 242. In this case, the processor 10 can specify the first part and the second part of each player character PC by referring to the object information 242.

  In the first example, the processor 10 executes the following processing as the visual field image generation module 223 in the processing for determining the display mode described above (processing corresponding to step S10 in FIG. 10 and step S24A in FIG. 13). To do. Specifically, for each of the player characters PC11 to PC14 included in the field-of-view image M1, the processor 10 causes at least part of the transmittance (transparency) of the second portion to be greater than the transmittance of the first portion. The transmittance of the first part and the second part is set. The transmittance can be set in the range from 0% (non-transparent) to 100% (completely transparent).

  Here, as an example, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the first portion (head and hand) of each player character PC11 to PC14 to 0%. However, the transmittance of the first portion may be set to a value larger than 0%. On the other hand, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the second part (the body part and the arm part) of each player character PC11 to PC14 to be larger than the transmittance (here 0%) of the first part and smaller than 100%. Set as follows. By making the transmittance of the first portion smaller than 100%, it is possible to make the user recognize the presence of the entire trunk of each player character while preventing the user from viewing the 360-degree moving image. In addition, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the second portion so that the entire transmittance of the second portion is constant.

  The processor 10 (view image generation module 223) generates and outputs view image data in which the transmittance is set as described above, whereby the view image M1 shown in FIG. 14 is transmitted to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. Provided. In the view image M1, the first part (head and hand) that operates in conjunction with the movement of each user 190B to 190E is clearly displayed compared to the other second parts (body part and arm part). The This makes it possible for the user 190A to easily recognize the facial expressions and gestures of the player characters PC11 to PC14 and promote communication between users. In addition, it is possible to give the user 190A a sense of sharing the common virtual space 2 with the other users 190B to 190E (such as a sense of unity). As a result, it is possible to ensure entertainment of a virtual experience in which a virtual space is shared by a plurality of users.

  On the other hand, in the view field image M1, the second part (body part and arm part) displayed accompanying the first part is displayed semi-transparently. Thereby, the visibility of the 360-degree moving image of the user 190A in the virtual space 2 can be improved. Further, in the view image M1, since the second portion is not completely transparent (not displayed), there is an unnatural situation in which there is no trunk of the player characters PC11 to PC14 (that is, only the head is floating in the air). It can be prevented from occurring. That is, a natural avatar expression can be realized. Thereby, it can prevent that the immersion feeling to the virtual experience of the user 190A is impaired.

(Second example)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view field image (view field image M2) in the second example of the transmission control of the player character PC. The second example is different from the first example in that the transmittance of the second part is set so that the player characters PC11 to PC14 included in the view image M2 gradually increase as the distance from the first part increases. The other points are the same as in the first example. Here, as an example, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the arm so as to gradually increase from the side closer to the hand toward the side farther from the hand. Similarly, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the body part so as to gradually increase from the side closer to the head to the side farther from the head.

  The processor 10 (view image generation module 223) generates and outputs view image data in which the transmittance is set as described above, so that the view image M2 shown in FIG. 15 is transmitted to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. Provided. In the view field image M2, the transmittance of the second part is increased stepwise from the side closer to the first part toward the side farther from the side. As described above, the gradation expression in which the transmittance gradually changes can reduce the uncomfortable feeling that the user 190A may feel when the player characters PC11 to PC14 are transparently displayed.

(Third example)
In the third example, the processor 10 (field-of-view image generation module 223) has each player associated with each user 190B to 190E (second user) corresponding to the player character PC (first player character) associated with the user 190A. The transmittances of the player characters PC11 to PC14 are set according to the states of the characters PC11 to PC14 (second player character). Specifically, the processor 10 performs the processing shown in FIG. 16 as the visual field image generation module 223 in the processing for determining the display mode described above (processing corresponding to step S10 in FIG. 10 and step S24A in FIG. 13). Run. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the HMD system 100A in the third example of the player character transmission control.

  In step S31, the processor 10 determines whether or not the second player character is included in the view field image. When the second player character is not included in the view field image, the processor 10 ends the transmission control process in the third example. On the other hand, when the view field image includes one or more second player characters, the processor 10 executes the process of step S32.

  In steps S32 to S36, the processor 10 executes the determination of step S33 for each of the second player characters included in the view field image, and executes the process of step S34 or S35 depending on the determination result. In step S36, the processor 10 determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all the second player characters included in the view field image. When the processing is completed for all the second player characters (step S36: YES), the processor 10 ends the transmission control processing in the third example. Hereinafter, the determination process executed for each of the second player characters will be described.

  In step S32, the processor 10 selects one second player character to be determined. Subsequently, in step S33, the processor 10 determines whether or not the state of the second player character with respect to the first player character is a predetermined state with respect to the selected second player character. If it is not determined that the second player character is in the predetermined state, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of at least a part of the second player character to a value greater than 0 in step S34. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second player character is in the predetermined state, in step S35, the processor 10 sets the transmittance of the second player character to 0 (non-transparent).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view image (view image M3) in the third example of the transmission control of the player character PC. The field-of-view image M3 is shown in FIG. 16 with the state in which the second player character is speaking toward the first player character (or a group including the first player character) (hereinafter referred to as “speech state”) as the predetermined state. It is a visual field image obtained when the process which is performed is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the view image M3, only the player character PC12 speaks toward the group including the first player character. Therefore, the processor 10 determines that the player character PC12 is in an utterance state in step S33, and executes the process of step S35. On the other hand, the processor 10 determines that the other player characters PC11, PC13, and PC14 are not in an utterance state in step S33, and executes the process of step S34.

  The determination of the utterance state (step S33) is performed as follows, for example. That is, the processor 10 is in a state where the utterance voice of the second player character is transmitted to the user 190A (HMD system 100A) and the second player character is speaking. It may be determined that the player character is in an utterance state. On the other hand, the processor 10 may determine that the second player character is not in an utterance state in cases other than the above. Here, the state in which the voice of the second player character is transmitted to the user 190A (HMD system 100A) is, for example, that the distance between the first player character and the second player character in the virtual space 2 is within a predetermined distance. In this state, a predetermined condition such as

  By the processing as described above, the processor 10 generates a view field image M3 in which only the player character PC12 is displayed in a non-transparent manner and the other player characters PC11, PC13, and PC14 are displayed in a transparent manner. In the example shown in FIG. 17, in step S <b> 34 described above, the processor 10 causes each player character PC <b> 11 to be transparently displayed so that the transmittance gradually increases from the bottom to the top of each player character. The transmittance of PC13 and PC14 is set. Thereby, in the visual field image M3, each player character PC11, PC13, PC14 is displayed so that the degree of transparency increases from the lower part (waist) to the upper part (the top of the head).

  According to the transmission control based on the utterance state described above, in the view field image M3, the second player character (player character PC12 in the example of FIG. 17) that is in the utterance state and is notable is another player character PC11, PC13, PC14. Can stand out more. Thereby, even when there are many users (player characters PC) sharing the virtual space 2, the user 190A can easily grasp who is speaking in the virtual space 2. Therefore, communication between users in VR chat can be made smoother.

  Further, by setting the transmittance of the target player character PC to be transparently displayed as described above so as to increase from the lower portion toward the upper portion, the upper portion (head) that is likely to attract the human eye is reduced in the lower portion (the head portion). It can be larger than the waist). Thereby, the presence in the virtual space 2 of the player character PC to be transparently displayed can be appropriately weakened. On the other hand, the transmittance of the portion close to the lower portion (waist portion) is made smaller than that of the upper portion (head portion), and the portion close to the lower portion of the player character PC is visually recognized, whereby the presence of the player character PC is indicated to the user 190A. Can be noticed. Thereby, entertainment (such as a sense of unity) of a virtual experience in which a common virtual space 2 is shared by a plurality of users can be appropriately ensured.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example (view image M4) of the view image in the third example of the transmission control of the player character PC. The field-of-view image M4 is a field-of-view image obtained when the process shown in FIG. 16 is executed with the state in which the second player character is facing the first player character (hereinafter “face-to-face state”) as the predetermined state. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the view image M4, only the player character PC13 faces the first player character, and the other player characters PC11, PC12, and PC14 turn their backs with respect to the first player character. It is aimed. Therefore, the processor 10 determines that the player character PC13 is in a face-to-face state in step S33, and executes the process of step S35. On the other hand, the processor 10 determines that the other player characters PC11, PC12, and PC14 are not in a face-to-face state in step S33, and executes the process of step S34.

  The determination of the above-mentioned facing state (step S33) is performed as follows, for example. That is, the processor 10 determines that the second player character is in a face-to-face state when a predetermined face part (for example, eyes) of the second player character is displayed in the view field image M4. Also good. On the other hand, the processor 10 may determine that the second player character is not in a facing state in cases other than the above.

  By the processing as described above, the processor 10 generates a view field image M4 in which only the player character PC13 is displayed in a non-transparent manner and the other player characters PC11, PC12, and PC14 are displayed in a transparent manner. In the example shown in FIG. 18, as in the example shown in FIG. 17, each player character PC11, PC12, PC14 has a degree of transparency that increases from the lower part (waist) to the upper part (the top of the head). Is displayed.

  According to the transmission control based on the facing state described above, in the view image M4, the second player character that is in the facing state and is communicating (or highly likely to communicate) with the first user (example in FIG. 18). Then, the player character PC13) can be made more conspicuous than the other player characters PC11, PC12, and PC14. As a result, even when there are many users (player characters PC) sharing the virtual space 2, the user 190A can communicate with the other party (or the other party who is likely to communicate in the future) in the virtual space 2. ) Can be easily grasped. Therefore, communication between users in VR chat can be made smoother.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, the technical scope of this invention should not be limitedly interpreted by description of this embodiment. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, the process for setting the transmittance of the second player character according to the state of the first player character described as the third example of the transmission control may be applied to the first or second example of the transmission control. . Specifically, in the first or second example, the processor 10 may cause a difference in the transmittance between the second player characters in accordance with the state of the second player character relative to the first player character. Thereby, in addition to the effects obtained by the first or second example described above, the effects obtained by the third example described above are exhibited.

  In the third example of transparency control, in step S35, the processor 10 does not necessarily need to set the transparency of the second player character to 0 (non-transparent). For example, in step S35, the processor 10 may set a transmittance (> 0) smaller than the transmittance set in step S34 as the transmittance of the second player character. Even with such a configuration, the second player character in the predetermined state can be made more conspicuous than the second player character that is not in the predetermined state, and the effect obtained by the above-described third example is achieved.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the example which makes the 2nd player character which is a predetermined state conspicuous by making the 2nd player character which is not a predetermined state transparently displayed, the 2nd player character which is a predetermined state is demonstrated. The method of making it stand out is not limited to this. For example, the processor 10 may display darkly by reducing the brightness of the second player character that is not in a predetermined state. Alternatively, the processor 10 may increase the brightness of the second player character in a predetermined state and display it brightly. As described above, the processor 10 may execute display mode control other than the transmission control in order to make the second player character in a predetermined state easy to stand out.

  Further, the sharing of functions executed between each HMD system 100 and the server 150 in order to realize VR chat is not limited to the above example, and various distributed configurations can be adopted. For example, in the above-described example, the configuration in which the HMD system 100 on the player information transmission side generates emotion data indicating the emotion of the user who uses the system has been described. The processing configuration for sharing with is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the HMD system 100 on the player information receiving side may generate emotion data based on face tracking data or audio data included in the received player information. In this case, since it is not necessary to include emotion data in the player information, the amount of data communication related to transmission / reception of player information can be reduced.

  In addition, some or all of the functions executed by the computer 200 of each HMD system 100 described above may be integrated into the server 150. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the server 150 executes processing up to the generation and output of the view image and each HMD device 110 displays the view image received from the server 150 as described below. That is, the server 150 holds data defining the virtual space 2 shared by the plurality of HMD devices 110 (for example, space information 241 and object information 242). The HMD sensor 120 of each HMD device 110 transmits information on the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 to the server 150. The server 150 generates a view image corresponding to the position and inclination of each HMD device 110 and transmits view image data for displaying the view image to each HMD device 110. In this case, for example, the main body that executes the processes of steps S1, S9, and S10 in FIG.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer 200 to provide a virtual space 2 to a first user (user 190A) via a first head mounted display (HMD device 110A),
A first player character associated with the first user, a second player character (player characters PC11 to PC14) associated with a second user (users 190B to 190E), and the first head mounted display. Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space 2 including the virtual camera 1 defining the view image M (for example, S1 in FIG. 10);
Determining a display mode of the second player character included in the view image M according to a state of the second player character with respect to the first player character (for example, S10 in FIG. 10);
Including an information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, the visibility of the second player character can be adjusted by determining the display mode of the second player character according to the state of the second player character with respect to the first player character. Become. Therefore, in the view field image, it is possible to present the notable second player character to the first user in a conspicuous manner. Thereby, communication between users in a virtual experience in which the virtual space 2 is shared by a plurality of users can be made smoother.
(Item 2)
In the determining step, the transmittance of the second player character is set according to the state of the second player character with respect to the first player character.
Item 1. Information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, the visibility of the second player character is appropriately adjusted by setting the transmittance of the second player character according to the state of the second player character with respect to the first player character. It becomes possible.
(Item 3)
In the determining step, the transmittance is set to gradually increase from the lower part of the second player character toward the upper part of the second player character.
Item 2. Information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to increase the transmittance of the upper part (for example, the head) that easily attracts human eyes compared to the lower part (for example, the lower back). Thereby, the presence in the virtual space 2 of the second player character to be transparently displayed can be appropriately weakened.
(Item 4)
In the determining step, the transmittance when the second player character is speaking into the first player character is greater than the transmittance when the second player character is not in the speaking state. Setting the transmittance of the second player character to be smaller;
Item 2 or 3 information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, even if there are many users (player characters PC) sharing the virtual space 2, the user (player character PC) speaking in the virtual space 2 can easily be the first user. Can be grasped. Therefore, communication between users in VR chat can be made smoother.
(Item 5)
In the determining step, the transmittance when the second player character is in the facing state facing the first player character is smaller than the transmittance when the second player character is not in the facing state. So as to set the transmittance of the second player character,
Item 2 or 3 information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, even if there are many users (player characters PC) sharing the virtual space 2, the other party (or the possibility of communication from now on) in the virtual space 2 is communicating. It is possible for the first user to easily grasp a high partner). Therefore, communication between users in VR chat can be made smoother.
(Item 6)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any of items 1 to 5.
(Item 7)
A memory storing the program of item 6;
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Base 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 ... Field of view, 24, 25 ... Area, 31 ... Frame, 32 ... Top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 ... Button, 35 ... Infrared LED, 38 ... Analog stick, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C ... HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B, 110C ... HMD device, 112 ... monitor, 114 ... sensor, 116 ... camera, 118 ... microphone, 120 ... HMD sensor, 130 ... motion sensor, 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... Server, 160 ... Controller, 160R ... Right controller, 190,1 0A, 190B, 190C, 190D, 190E ... 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 control module, 233 ... Operation object control module, 240 ... Memory module, 241 ... Spatial information, 242 ... Object information, 243 ... User information, 250 ... Communication control module, 810 ... right hand, M, M1, M2, M3, M4 ... view image, PC, PC1, PC2, PC3, PC11, PC12, PC13, PC14 ... player character.

Claims (7)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual space to a first user via a first head mounted display,
A virtual space including a first player character associated with the first user, a second player character associated with the second user, and a virtual camera defining a view image provided on the first head mounted display. Generating virtual space data to be defined;
Determining a display mode of the second player character included in the view image according to a state of the second player character with respect to the first player character;
Including an information processing method. In the determining step, the transmittance of the second player character is set according to the state of the second player character with respect to the first player character.
The information processing method according to claim 1. In the determining step, the transmittance is set to gradually increase from the lower part of the second player character toward the upper part of the second player character.
The information processing method according to claim 2. In the determining step, the transmittance when the second player character is speaking into the first player character is greater than the transmittance when the second player character is not in the speaking state. Setting the transmittance of the second player character to be smaller;
The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3. In the determining step, the transmittance when the second player character is in the facing state facing the first player character is smaller than the transmittance when the second player character is not in the facing state. So as to set the transmittance of the second player character,
The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3.   The program which makes a computer perform the information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-5. A memory storing the program according to claim 6;
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.