JP2018106682A - Method executed by computer to communicate through virtual space, program for causing computer to execute the method, and computer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for a user to communicate with other users without impairing an immersive feeling in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A method executed by a computer to communicate through a virtual space includes: a step of defining the virtual space; a step of presenting, to the virtual space, one or more panel objects corresponding respectively to one or more other users with whom a user of the computer can communicate; a step of presenting a post object to the virtual space; a step of selecting a panel object from the panel objects; a step S1910 to S1930 of associating the panel object with the post object; and a step S1940 of communicating with a computer of another user corresponding to the panel object on the basis of the fact that the panel object and post object are associated with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing a virtual space, and more particularly to providing communication via a virtual space.

A technique for providing a virtual space using a head mount device (HMD) has been widespread. For example, JP2009-223656A (Patent Document 1)
Discloses a technique for communication between a plurality of users by the action of an avatar object presented in a virtual space. In this technique, when a user inputs a desired search condition, communication is established between the user's computer and another user's computer extracted based on the search result. Thereby, the user can talk with the avatar object (henceforth other avatar object) corresponding to the other user who matched desired search conditions in virtual space.

JP 2009-223656 A

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a user can make contact with another user in a virtual space by simply inputting a desired search condition. In view of the approach to space, there is still room for improvement. For example, an operation for inputting a search condition may impair the immersive feeling in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for communicating with other users without impairing the sense of immersion in the virtual space.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object in one aspect is to provide a technique for communicating with other users without impairing an immersive feeling in a virtual space.

According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for communicating through a virtual space is provided. The method includes the steps of defining a virtual space, presenting one or more first objects, each corresponding to one or more other users with which a computer user can communicate, in the virtual space; Presenting different second objects in the virtual space, selecting one or more first objects from the one or more first objects, and associating the selected first object with the second object And communicating with another user's computer corresponding to the selected first object based on the association between the selected first object and the second object.

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

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of the user who wears HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure showing the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the Y direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the controller according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the server according to one situation. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the data structure in student information DB. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the data structure in teacher information DB. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode expressing the virtual space shown by each of a some computer. It is a sequence chart showing a part of process performed in the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process which the processor of a computer performs in one situation of a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process which the processor of a computer performs in one situation of a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process which the processor of a computer performs in one situation of a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process which the processor of a computer performs in one situation of a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process which the processor of a computer performs in one situation of a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the change of the object shown in the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the change of the object shown in the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the change of the object shown in the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the change of the object shown in the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the state where communication was established in the virtual space according to a certain embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components 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]
The configuration of the HMD 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, HM
The D system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, and a controller 16.
0 and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 1
40, a speaker 115, and a microphone 119. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

In one aspect, the computer 200 is connected to the Internet or other network 19.
To the server 150 and other computers connected to the network 19. In other aspects, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

The HMD 110 is mounted on the head of the user 190, and the virtual space 2 is moved to the user 190 during operation.
Can be provided to. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 190 visually recognizes each image, the user 190 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

The monitor 112 is realized as a non-transmissive display device, for example. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, the user 190 can immerse in the virtual space 2 when viewing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In an embodiment, the virtual space 2 includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 190, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 190. If a plurality of computers 200 deliver a signal based on each user's operation so that a plurality of users can virtually experience in one virtual space 2, an avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space 2. Is done.

The object is a virtual object that exists in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the object includes an avatar object corresponding to the user, a virtual accessory and virtual clothes worn by the avatar object, a virtual panel imitating a panel showing information about the user, a virtual letter imitating a letter, and a post. Includes simulated virtual posts. Furthermore, the avatar object is a character symbolizing the user 190 in the virtual space 2 and includes, for example, a human type, an animal type, a robot type, and the like. There are various shapes of objects.
The user 190 selects a desired object from among the predetermined objects in the virtual space 2.
The object created by the user may be presented in the virtual space 2.

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 other aspects, 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 gaze sensor 140 detects a direction (gaze direction) in which the gaze of the right eye and 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.

The speaker 115 outputs a sound (speech) corresponding to the sound data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs audio data corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can speak to another user using the microphone 119, and can listen to the voice (utterance) of the other user using the speaker 115.

More specifically, when the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119, the user 19
Voice data corresponding to the utterance of 0 is input to the computer 200. Computer 200
Outputs the voice data to the server 150 via the network 19. Server 15
0 outputs audio data received from the computer 200 to another computer 200 via the network 19. The other computer 200 outputs the audio data received from the server 150 to the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by another user. As a result, other users can hear the voice of the user 190 via the speaker 115 of the HMD 110. Similarly, utterances from other users are output from the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by the user 190.

The computer 200 monitors an image that moves another avatar object corresponding to the other user in accordance with the voice data received from the computer 200 of the other user.
12 is displayed. For example, in one aspect, the computer 200 displays an image that moves the mouth of another avatar object on the monitor 112, as if in the virtual space 2
The virtual space 2 is expressed as if the avatar objects are conversing with each other. As described above, voice data is transmitted and received between the plurality of computers 200, thereby realizing conversation (chat) between a plurality of users in one virtual space 2.

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

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

In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD 110 uses the sensor 114 to generate the HMD 11
The position and inclination of 0 itself can be detected. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a gyro sensor, the HMD 110
Instead of the MD sensor 120, any of these sensors can be used to detect its own position and inclination. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD 110 in real space over time. HMD11
0 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change of the angle.

The HMD 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space 2. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or a part of the field-of-view image is set by setting a high transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device. Real space may be visible from a part.

Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In other aspects,
Server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD 110 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 2. Allows you to enjoy the games. Further, as described above, a plurality of computers 200 can enjoy conversations in one virtual space 2 by transmitting and receiving signals based on each user's operation.

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

The motion sensor 130 is attached to the hand of the user 190 in one aspect,
The movement of the hand of the user 190 is detected. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. Data (hereinafter also referred to as detection data) representing the detection result of the hand movement of the user 190 obtained by the motion sensor 130 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, the controller 160
It is desirable to attach to a thing that does not fly easily by being worn 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 movement of the hand 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, the communication form is not particularly limited. For example, Bluetooth (
Registered trademark) and other known communication methods are used.

In another aspect, the 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.

[Computer hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. 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 a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 10
CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), FP
Realized as GA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and other devices.

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

The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12
For example, it is realized as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The program stored in the storage 12 is H
The MD system 100 includes a program for providing the virtual space 2, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space 2.

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 collectively.

In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD 110, HMD sensor 120, or motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, D
VI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multi
media Interface) Realized using other terminals. Input / output interface 1
3 is not limited to the above.

In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 further includes a controller 16.
Can communicate with zero. 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 is
The instruction output from the processor 10 is sent to the controller 160. The command is vibration,
The controller 160 is instructed to output sound and emit light. 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 is connected to another computer (for example, the server 150, another user's computer 2) connected to the network 19.
00). In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is, for example, L
AN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or WiFi
(Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Com
munication) realized as other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12 and the storage 12
Is loaded into the memory 11 and a series of instructions included in the program is executed. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing the virtual space 2, game software that can be executed in the virtual space 2 using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing the virtual space 2 to the HMD 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

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

Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for a plurality of HMDs 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space 2 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 2.

In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is set in advance. The global coordinate system is 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.
It has two reference directions (axes). In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (up-down 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. Infrared sensor is H
When the infrared rays emitted from the light sources of the MD 110 are detected, the presence of the HMD 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 is
Using each value detected over time, the temporal change in the position and inclination of the HMD 110 can be detected.

The global coordinate system is parallel to the real space coordinate system. Therefore, the HMD sensor 120
Each inclination of the HMD 110 detected by (1) corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 is an HMD in the global coordinate system.
Based on the inclination of 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is set to HMD110. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 views an object in the virtual space 2.

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD 110 according to an embodiment. HMD sensor 12
0 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD 110 is activated. The processor 10 converts the uvw visual field coordinate system into the HMD based on the detected value.
Set to 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 as the center (origin). More specifically, HMD1
10 is to incline the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, z axis) defining the global coordinate system around each axis by an inclination around each axis of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The three new directions obtained by uvw in HMD110
The pitch direction (u-axis), yaw direction (v-axis), and roll direction (w-axis) of the visual field coordinate system are set.

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

After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set to HMD110, the HMD sensor 120 is connected to the HMD11.
Based on the movement of 0, the inclination of the HMD 110 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system (inclination change amount) can be detected. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 has the inclination of the HMD 110 as
The pitch angle (θu), yaw angle (θv), and roll angle (θw) of the HMD 110 in the uvw visual field coordinate system are detected. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

The HMD sensor 120 is based on the detected inclination angle of the HMD 110.
The uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after moving is set to the HMD 110. HM
The relationship between D110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

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

[Virtual space]
The virtual space 2 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. Virtual space 2 is 360 in the center 21
It has a spherical structure that covers the entire degree direction. 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 can be viewed by the user 190. The virtual space 2 in which 22 is deployed is provided to the user 190.

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, X in the XYZ coordinate system
The axis (horizontal direction) 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-back direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is It is parallel to the z axis of the global coordinate system.

When the HMD 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is
Arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 110 in the real space. Thereby, HMD1 in the real space
Ten position and orientation changes are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

As with the HMD 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, H
When the inclination of the MD 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. Also,
The virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space.

Since the orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the user 1
The reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the 90 visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 is the virtual camera 1
It depends on the direction of the. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The visual field area 23 is H in the virtual space 2.
This corresponds to the field of view of the user 190 wearing the MD 110.

The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. In addition, u of the virtual camera 1
The vw visual field coordinate system is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to an aspect includes the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140.
Can be regarded as the viewing direction of the user 190 in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

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

In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of user 190's right eye and left eye. In one aspect, when the user 190 is looking close, the gaze sensor 140
The lines of sight R1 and L1 are detected. 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 a 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.

[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. 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. Region 25
Is defined by the reference line of sight 5 and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

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

While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, HMD system 10
0 can give the user 190 a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space. in this case,
Based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2, the processor 10
The image area projected on the monitor 112 of D110 (that is, the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2) is specified.

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

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

As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller (not shown). Right controller 800
Is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

The grip 30 includes buttons 33 and 34 and a motion sensor 130. Button 33
Is arranged on the side of the grip 30 and accepts 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. When the operation of the user 190 can be detected from around the user 190 by a camera or other device, the grip 30 is
The motion sensor 130 may not be provided.

The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller. 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. Button 36,
37 is configured as a push button. 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 is
For example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2 is included.

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

FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space 2 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, user 19
Yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of 0. For example, when an input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is held, and when the input operation is not performed on the button 34, a partial diagram ( As shown in B), the index finger of the hand object 810 can be extended. For example, when the thumb and index finger are extended in the hand object 810, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, and the direction in which the index finger extends is perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction, the yaw direction axis, and the roll direction axis. The direction is defined in the hand object 810 as a pitch direction.

[HMD control device]
The control device of the HMD 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 9 is a block diagram 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, an audio control module 225, a memory module 240,
And a communication control module 250.

The display control module 220 is a virtual camera control module 22 as a submodule.
1, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224.

The virtual space control module 230 has a virtual space definition module 2 as a submodule.
31, virtual object generation module 232, hand object control module 23
3 is included.

In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230
, And the voice control module 225 is realized by the processor 10. In other embodiments, multiple processors 10 may operate as display control module 220, virtual space control module 230, and audio control module 225. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. Communication control module 2
50 is realized by the communication interface 14.

In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera control module 221 includes a virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.
To control the behavior and orientation of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the direction of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110.
The view image generation module 223 generates view image data (also referred to as view image data) displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Furthermore, the view image generation module 223 generates view image data based on the data received from the virtual space control module 230. The view image data generated by the view image generation module 223 is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

The virtual object generation module 232 generates data of objects arranged in the virtual space 2. Objects may include, for example, other avatar objects, virtual panels, virtual letters, virtual posts, and the like. The data generated by the virtual object generation module 232 is output to the view field image generation module 223.

The hand object control module 233 places the hand object in the virtual space 2. The hand object corresponds to the right hand or the left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160, for example. In one aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for arranging a hand object corresponding to the right hand or the left hand in the virtual space 2. Further, the hand object control module 233 generates data for moving the hand object in accordance with the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. The data generated by the hand object control module 233 is output to the view image generation module 223.

In other aspects, if a movement of a part of the user 190's body (eg, movement of the left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot, head, etc.) is associated with the controller 160, the virtual space control module 230 may Data for arranging a partial object corresponding to a part of the body in the virtual space 2 is generated. When the user 190 operates the controller 160 using a part of the body, the virtual space control module 230 generates data for moving the partial object. These data are output to the view field image generation module 223.

When the voice control module 225 detects an utterance using the microphone 119 of the user 190 from the HMD 110, the voice control module 225 identifies the computer 200 that is the transmission target of voice data corresponding to the utterance. The voice data is stored in the computer 2 specified by the voice control module 225.
Sent to 00. When the voice control module 225 receives voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 19, the voice control module 225 outputs a voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 115.

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 spatial information 241, object information 242, and user information 243.

The space information 241 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2.

The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content is
For example, it may include content representing a scene similar to a game or real society. further,
The object information 242 includes data for arranging a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 who operates the controller 160 in the virtual space 2, data for arranging each user's avatar object in the virtual space 2, and a virtual panel. And other data such as for arranging other objects in the virtual space 2.

The user information 243 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 is a computer operated by a provider that provides the content (
For example, a program or data is downloaded from the server 150), and the downloaded program or data is stored 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 can 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. Also, the software
In some cases, it is stored in a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is processor 1
0 is read from the storage module and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

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

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

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

[Hardware configuration of server]
The server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows the server 1 according to one aspect.
It is a block diagram showing an example of 50 hardware constitutions. The server 150 includes a processor 510, a memory 511, a storage 512, and a communication interface 514 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 515.

The processor 510 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 511 or the storage 512 based on a signal given to the server 150 or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 51
0 is realized as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, or other device.

The memory 511 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 512, for example. The data includes data input to the server 150 and data generated by the processor 510. In one aspect, the memory 51
1 is also realized as a RAM or other volatile memory.

The storage 512 permanently holds programs and data. Storage 512
Is implemented as a ROM, hard disk device, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The program stored in the storage 512 is the HMD system 10 of each user.
A program for providing the virtual space 2 provided in 0 is included.

The storage 512 is a student information DB as a DB (Database) for storing data.
512A and teacher information DB 512B are included. The server 150 according to an embodiment provides an online English conversation service in the virtual space 2. In this online English conversation service, an avatar object corresponding to a student can receive an English lesson from an avatar object corresponding to a teacher. The student information DB 512A stores data related to students who receive the online English conversation service. The teacher information DB 512B stores data related to teachers who receive online English conversation services.

The communication interface 514 communicates with other computers (for example, the computer 200 of each user) via the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 514 is, for example, a LAN or other wired communication interface, or WiF
i, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, and other wireless communication interfaces are realized. The communication interface 514 is not limited to the above.

[Data structure of student information DB]
An example of the structure of data stored in the student information DB 512A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a data structure in the student information DB 512A.

As shown in FIG. 11, in one aspect, the student information DB 512A includes user ID data 1101, user name data 1102, avatar data 1103, registration date data 1104, course data 1105, and status data 1106. Including.

The user shown in FIG. 11 is a student who takes an English conversation class. User ID data 11
01 is data indicating a user ID (user ID). User name data 1102 includes
This is data indicating a user name (user name). The avatar data 1103 is data indicating the user's avatar object. Registration date data 1104 is data indicating the date on which the user was registered in the online English conversation service. The course data 1105 is data indicating an online English conversation service course registered by the user. Status data 1
Reference numeral 106 denotes data indicating whether or not the user is online with the online English conversation service.

For example, in the case of a student, Mr. Yamada, the user ID data 1101 is “00001”.
It is. The user name data 1102 is “Yamada”. Avatar data 1103
Is “A”. The registration date data 1104 is “20151011”. The course data 1105 is “intermediate / advanced”. The status data 1106 is “online” or “offline”. The data stored in the student information DB 512A is not limited to the above.

[Data structure of teacher information DB]
An example of the structure of data stored in the teacher information DB 512B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a data structure in the teacher information DB 512B.

As shown in FIG. 12, in one aspect, teacher information DB 512 </ b> B includes user ID data 1201, summary information data 1210, detailed information data 1220, and status data 1208.

The user shown in FIG. 12 is a teacher who teaches English conversation. User ID data 120
1 is data indicating a user ID (user ID). The summary information data 1210 is data indicating summary information about the user. The detailed information data 1220 is data indicating detailed information about the user. The detailed information data 1220 is more detailed information about the user than the summary information data 1210. The status data 1208 is data indicating whether or not the user is online with the online English conversation service.

In one aspect, the summary information data 1210 includes user name data 1202, avatar data 1203, and enrollment period data 1204. The user name data 1202 is data indicating a user name (user name). The avatar data 1203 is data indicating a user's avatar object. The enrollment period data 1204 is data indicating a period during which the user is provided with an online English conversation service (enrollment period).

In one aspect, the detailed information data 1220 includes difficulty level data 1205, evaluation data 1206, and university data 1207. The difficulty level data 1205 is data indicating an online English conversation service course that the user is in charge of. The evaluation data 1206 is data indicating an evaluation from the student with respect to the user. The university data 1207 is data indicating the university where the user has graduated or is enrolled.

For example, in the case of Michael, a teacher, the user ID data 1201 is “abc
Is. The user name data 1202 is “Michael”. Avatar data 12
03 is “a”. The enrollment period data 1204 is “3 years”. Difficulty level data 12
05 is “for advanced users”. The evaluation data 1206 is “3 stars”. The university data 1207 is “University A”. Status data 1208 may be “online” or “
"Offline". Note that the data stored in the teacher information DB 512A is not limited to the above.

[Interaction between users on the network]
With reference to FIG. 13, the exchange between users on the network 19 will be described. FIG.
These are figures which express notionally one mode which expresses virtual space 2 presented by each of a plurality of computers 200.

As shown in FIG. 13, each of the computers 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F can communicate with the server 150 via the network 19. In one aspect, computers 200A-2
One of 00F is a computer owned by a student and a teacher who receive an online English conversation service. Each computer 200A-200F has corresponding HMD110A.
At ~ 110F, virtual space images 22A to 22F are provided. Each virtual space image 22A ~
22F presents avatar objects corresponding to the users of the computers 200A to 200F.

For example, the avatar object 901 corresponds to the user 190 of the HMD 110A. In one aspect, the user 190 of the HMD 110A is a teacher who is provided with an online English conversation service. On the other hand, the avatar object 904 corresponds to the user 190 of the HMD 110B. In one aspect, the user 190 of the HMD 110B is a student who is provided with an online English conversation service. When the teacher and the student have a conversation in the virtual space 2, the avatar object 904 corresponding to the student is displayed in the virtual space image 22A visually recognized by the teacher.
Is presented. On the other hand, in the virtual space image 22B visually recognized by the student, an avatar object 901 corresponding to the teacher is presented.

Each HMD 110 </ b> A to 110 </ b> F transmits motion detection data corresponding to the position and inclination of each user to the server 150. The server 150 transmits the motion detection data received from each of the HMDs 110 </ b> A to 110 </ b> F to other HMDs 110 in the network 19. Other HMD11
0 changes the position or inclination of the other avatar object according to the motion detection data.

Each of the HMDs 110A to 110F transmits audio data corresponding to each user's utterance to the server 150.
Send to. The server 150 receives the audio data received from each of the HMDs 110A to 110F.
It transmits to other HMDs 110 in the network 19. The other HMD 110 changes the opening degree of the other avatar object according to the audio data. In addition, other HMD11
0 outputs a sound based on the sound data from the speaker 115.

Thus, when a certain user 190 moves or talks in the real space, the position or expression of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 in the virtual space 2 changes. In response to this, when another user moves or talks in the real space, the position or expression of the avatar object corresponding to the other user in the virtual space 2 changes. In this way, by using communication on the network 19, exchange between users wearing different HMDs 110 is realized in the virtual space 2.

[Control structure of HMD system]
A control structure of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence chart representing a part of processing executed in HMD system 100 according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in step S <b> 1410, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

In step S1420, processor 10 initializes virtual camera 1. For example,
In the work area of the memory, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

In step S1430, the processor 10 performs the view image generation module 223 as
View image data for displaying an initial view image is generated. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1432, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

In step S1434, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD 110 based on a plurality of infrared rays transmitted from HMD 110. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

In step S1440, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD 110 based on the position and tilt included in the motion detection data of HMD 110.

In step S1450, processor 10 executes an application program,
An object is presented in the virtual space 2 based on an instruction included in the application program. The objects presented at this time include other avatar objects.

In step S1460, controller 160 detects the operation of user 190 based on the signal output from motion sensor 130, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 190.

In step S1465, processor 10 detects the operation of controller 160 by user 190 based on the detection data acquired from controller 160.

In step S1470, processor 10 generates view field image data for presenting the hand object to virtual space 2.

In step S <b> 1480, the processor 10 causes the controller 160 by the user 190.
Visual field image data based on the above operation is generated. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1492, the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

[Computer control structure]
A control structure of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Each of FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment. 15 to 19 show processing executed by Mr. Yamada's computer 200 who is provided with the online English conversation service.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 in step S1510.

In step S1520, processor 10 generates view image data for presenting the start object in the view image. The start object is an object for starting an online English conversation service provided by the server 150. In one aspect, user 1
The student who is 90 moves the hand object in the virtual space 2 by operating the controller 160, and can receive the online English conversation service by operating the start object with the hand object.

In step S1530, processor 10 outputs the view image data generated in step S1520 to HMD 110, and ends the process.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in step S <b> 1610, the processor 10 determines whether or not the student has detected an operation on the start object. If processor 10 has not detected an operation on the start object (NO in step S1610), it ends the process.
On the other hand, when the processor 10 detects an operation on the start object (step S161).
In step S1620, the computer 200 of the teacher who is currently online and has received the online English conversation service is specified.

In step S <b> 1630, processor 10 identifies a teacher for intermediate or advanced teachers among teachers currently online, and acquires summary information of the teacher from the teacher information DB of server 150. In this step S1630, the processing contents differ among users based on information about students. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the case of Mr. Sato's computer 200, in step S <b> 1630, a teacher for advanced users is specified, and summary information of the teacher is acquired from the teacher information DB of the server 150. Further, for example, in the case of Mr. Suzuki's computer 200, in step S <b> 1630, a teacher for beginners is specified, and outline information of the teacher is acquired from the teacher information DB of the server 150. Thus, step S
At 1630, the computer 200 is based on information about the student who is the user 190,
Outline information of a teacher suitable for the student is acquired from the teacher information DB of the server 150.

In step S1640, processor 10 generates view field image data for presenting the panel object indicating the summary information acquired in step S1630 on the view field image. The panel object is an object for selecting a desired teacher. In one aspect, the student can select a desired teacher by moving a hand object and selecting a panel object.

In step S1650, processor 10 generates view field image data for presenting the frame object on the view field image. The frame object is an object for arranging the panel object selected by the student. In one aspect, the student can place the panel object on the frame object by moving the hand object to move the panel object to the frame object.

In step S1660, processor 10 generates view image data for presenting the post object to the view image. The post object is an object for associating the panel object selected by the student. In a certain aspect, when a student places a panel object on a frame object, the panel object is changed to a letter object. The student can place the letter object on the post object by moving the hand object to move the letter object to the post object. When the letter object is placed on the post object, the letter object disappears on the post object as if the letter entered the post in real space. In this way, the panel object selected by the student is associated with the post object.

In step S1670, the processor 10 performs steps S1640 to S166.
The view image data generated at 0 is output to the HMD 110, and the process ends.

As shown in FIG. 17, in step S <b> 1710, the processor 10 determines whether or not a selection operation for a panel object by a student has been detected. If processor 10 has not detected a selection operation on the panel object (NO in step S1710), it ends the process. On the other hand, when processor 10 detects a selection operation on a panel object (YES in step S1710), processor 10 acquires detailed information of the teacher corresponding to the selected panel object from teacher information DB of server 150 in step S1720. To do.

In step S1730, processor 10 obtains a panel object indicating summary information.
Visibility image data for changing to a panel object indicating detailed information is generated.

In step S1740, processor 10 outputs the view image data generated in step S1730 to HMD 110, and the process ends.

As shown in FIG. 18, in step S1810, the processor 10 determines whether or not an operation for placing a panel object on a frame object has been detected. Processor 10
If the operation of placing the panel object on the frame object is not detected (NO in step S1810), the process ends. On the other hand, when processor 10 detects an operation of placing a panel object on a frame object (YES in step S1810).
) In step S1820, view field image data for changing the panel object arranged on the frame object into a letter object is generated.

In step S1830, processor 10 outputs the view image data generated in step S1820 to HMD 110, and ends the process.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step S1910, the processor 10 determines whether or not an operation for associating a letter object with a post object has been detected. Processor 1
0 indicates that an operation for associating a letter object with a post object has not been detected (
In step S1910, NO), the process ends. On the other hand, when processor 10 detects an operation for associating the letter object with the post object (YES in step S1910), in step S1920, the view for displaying the view image so that the letter object is erased on the post object is displayed. Generate image data. According to an embodiment, associating a letter object with a post object includes moving the letter object and placing it on the post object. The operation for associating the letter object with the post object is not limited to the above.

In step S1930, processor 10 outputs the view image data generated in step S1920 to HMD 110.

In step S1940, processor 10 starts communication with the computer 200 of the teacher selected by the student, and ends the process.

In addition, although the aspect in which the computer 200 performs each process step is illustrated as one aspect | mode of said process, when HMD110 is provided with a processor, the processor may perform each process step.

[Changes in objects presented in virtual space]
With reference to FIGS. 20-23, the change of the object shown in the virtual space 2 is demonstrated. 20 to 23 are diagrams showing an example of changes of objects presented in virtual space 2 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows view images 1001 and 1002 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110.
Indicates. The view images 1001 and 1002 are images that the HMD 110 provides to the user 190. The user 190 in this example is Mr. Yamada who is a student.

As shown in FIG. 20, in a certain aspect, the view image 1001 presents a user object 910 representing a user ID and a user name that are part of student information corresponding to Mr. Yamada. In the view image 1001, a title object 920 representing "Welcome to Virtual English!", Which is the title of the online English conversation service, is presented. Further, in the view image 1001, the start object 930,
A hand object 940 is presented. Presentation of the start object 930 is based on the processing of S1520 and S1530 shown in FIG.

When the student moves the hand object 940 and operates the start object 930, the view image 1001 is switched to the view image 1002. In the view field image 1002, a plurality of panel objects 950 to 970 are presented. The presentation of panel objects 950-970 is
Based on the processing of S1640 and S1670 shown in FIG.

The panel object 950 includes the user name “M” as summary information of Dr. Michael.
ichael ", an avatar object corresponding to" a ", and" 3 years "of the enrollment period. The panel object 960 indicates the user name “Anderson”, the avatar object corresponding to “c”, and the enrollment period “1 year” as summary information of Dr. Anderson. The panel object 970 shows the user name “Emily”, the avatar object corresponding to “e”, and the enrollment period “1 month” as summary information of Mr. Emily. Michael, Anderson, and Emily are teachers who are online and match the student's course (intermediate or advanced course). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, Professor Olivia is for advanced users, but is not presented as a panel object because it is offline. Also,
Bob is online but is not presented as a panel object because it is for beginners. Depending on the relationship between the teacher's online status and the student's course, only a panel object corresponding to one teacher may be presented, or a panel object corresponding to any teacher may not be presented. .

In the view field image 1002, a frame object 980 is presented. Frame object 9
The presentation of 80 is based on the processing of S1650 and S1670 shown in FIG. further,
In the view image 1002, a post object 990 is presented. Post object 9
The presentation of 90 is based on the processing of S1660 and S1670 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 shows view images 1003 and 1004 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110.
Indicates. The view images 1003 and 1004 are images that the HMD 110 provides to the user 190 after the view image 1002.

As shown in FIG. 21, the student can select a desired panel object from a plurality of panel objects 950 to 970 by moving the hand object 940. In this way, the student can select a desired teacher from the plurality of presented teachers. For example, in the view image 1003, the hand object 940 is Michael
A panel object 950 corresponding to the teacher is touched. As described above, in a certain aspect, the student can select the panel object 950 by touching the panel object 950 with the hand object 940. When only the panel object corresponding to one teacher is presented, the student can select only the panel object corresponding to the one teacher. If no panel object corresponding to any teacher is presented, the student cannot select the panel object.

The student can confirm the detailed information of the selected teacher by moving the hand object 940. For example, in the view image 1004, the panel object is changed from the panel object 950 indicating the outline information of Dr. Michael to the panel object 955 indicating the detailed information of Dr. Michael by turning over the panel object 950 by the hand object 940. Is done. Thus, in a certain situation, the student can confirm the detailed information of the teacher by turning the panel object 950 upside down with the hand object 940. The change from panel object 950 to panel object 955 is
Based on the processing of S1730 and S1740 shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 shows field-of-view images 1005 to 1007 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The view images 1005 to 1007 are displayed after the view image 1004 by the HMD 110 as the user 19.
It is an image provided to 0.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the view image 1005, the hand object 940 holds the panel object 955. In the view image 1006, the panel object 955 corresponding to Mr. Michael is moved onto the frame object 980 by the hand object 940. Thereafter, in the view field image 1007, the panel object 955 is arranged on the frame object 980. In this way, in one aspect, the student has the hand object 9
The panel object 955 can be placed on the frame object 980 by moving the panel object 955 by 40.

FIG. 23 shows field-of-view images 1008 to 1010 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The view images 1008 to 1010 are displayed after the view image 1007 by the HMD 110.
It is an image provided to 0.

As shown in FIG. 23, the student can associate the selected panel object 950 (955) with the post object 990 by moving the hand object 940. For example, in the view field image 1008, the panel object 955 arranged on the frame object 980 is changed to a letter object 995. The change from the panel object 955 to the letter object 995 is performed in steps S1820 and S1 shown in FIG.
Based on 830 processing.

In the view image 1009, the letter object 995 is arranged on the post object 990 by the hand object 940. When the letter object 995 is placed on the post object, the letter object 995 disappears on the post object 990 in the view image 1010 as if the letter entered the post in the real space. The association of the panel object 950 (955) to the post object 990 is shown in FIG.
Is based on the processing of steps S1920 and S1930.

[Communication established]
With reference to FIG. 24, a state where communication is established between the student computer 200 and the teacher computer 200 will be described. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which communication is established in virtual space 2 according to an embodiment.

24 shows a view image 1000 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 worn by Mr. Yamada as a student in a certain situation. 24 shows a view image 2000 displayed on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 worn by teacher Michael, in one aspect.

As shown in the partial diagram A of FIG. 24, the view field image 1000 is the computer 20 of Mr. Yamada.
0 presents an object 1100 indicating a state in which communication is established with Dr. Michael's computer 200. The field-of-view image 1000 presents an avatar object 1020 corresponding to Mr. Yamada.

On the other hand, as shown in the diagram B of FIG. 24, the view field image 2000 presents an object 2100 indicating a state in which communication between the computer 200 of Dr. Michael and the computer 200 of Mr. Yamada is established. The field-of-view image 2000 presents an avatar object 2020 corresponding to Mr. Michael.

As described above, when communication is established between the student computer 200 and the teacher computer 200, each avatar object is presented on the monitor 112 of each HMD 110. After the communication is established, the students and teachers can use the speakers 115 of their respective HMDs 110.
And it is sufficient to have a conversation using the microphone 119.

As described above, as the user 190 sends a letter to the communication partner in the real space, the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 also sends the letter to the communication partner in the virtual space. Communication with the other computer 200 is established.

[Other configurations]
In other aspects, not only teacher choice in online English conversation services,
The configuration of the present disclosure is applied to any service as long as one or more other users are selected from one or more other users presented in the virtual space 2. For example, the configuration of the present disclosure is applied to services such as selection of a conversation partner in a chat, selection of an opponent or teammate in a battle game, and selection of a teammate in a role playing game.

In another aspect, the user 190 may select a plurality of other users from a plurality of other users presented in the virtual space 2. In this case, the computer 200 of the user 190 may establish communication with each of the computers 200 of the selected other users. The computer 200 may present an avatar object corresponding to each of a plurality of other selected users in the virtual space 2.

In another aspect, the computer 200 may present not only the panel object corresponding to the other user in the online state but also the panel object corresponding to the other user in the offline state in the virtual space 2. For example, when the user 190 selects a plurality of other offline users in the battle game, the computer 200 presents the avatar objects corresponding to the selected other users in the virtual space 2. Good. Alternatively, in the battle game, when the user 190 selects another user in the offline state, the computer 200 presents the avatar object corresponding to the other user in the selected offline state in the virtual space 2 and The avatar object may be moved without being operated by another user. Or in a competitive game,
When the user 190 selects another user who is offline, the computer 200
Thereafter, when the other user is switched to the online state, an avatar object corresponding to the other user may be presented in the virtual space 2.

In another aspect, each user may select a favorite user in advance from a plurality of users, and the data of the favorite user may be stored in the memory 11 of the computer 200 or the memory 511 of the server. In this case, the computer 200 may present one or more other users including other users selected as favorites by the user 190 in the virtual space 2 as selection targets. When the user 190 does not select one user as a favorite, the computer 200 selects one or more other users including the other users automatically selected by the computer 200 or the server 150 as a selection target in the virtual space. 2 may be presented. Further, the computer 200 may present one or more other users including other users who have selected the user 190 as a favorite in the virtual space 2 as selection targets. Note that when no other user has selected the user 190 as a favorite, the computer 200 selects one or more other users including the other users selected by the computer 200 or the server 150 as a selection target in the virtual space 2. May be presented. In this case, the computer 200 or the server 150 may present one or more other users including other users that match the information in the virtual space 2 based on the information of the user 190.

In another aspect, the computer 200 may present one or more other users having information close to the information related to the user 190 in the virtual space 2 as selection targets based on the information related to the user 190. For example, in chat, the computer 200 may present one or more other users having the same hobby as the user 190 in the virtual space 2 as selection targets. For example, in a battle game, the computer 200 may present in the virtual space 2 one or more other users having a battle history that is the same as or close to that of the user 190 as a selection target.

In another aspect, the user 190 may select not only a hand object but also an object corresponding to another user by moving a partial object corresponding to a part of the user 190's body. Further, the user 190 is not limited to the hand object, but by moving a partial object corresponding to a part of the body of the user 190, the object corresponding to the other user in order to establish communication with the other user. May be associated with other objects.

[Summary of this disclosure]
The disclosed technical features include, for example, the following configurations.

(Configuration 1)
According to an embodiment, a method executed by the computer 200 to communicate via the virtual space 2 is provided. This method includes the step of defining the virtual space 2 (S14).
10, S1510), and the step of presenting one or more panel objects 950 to 970 corresponding to one or more other users with whom the user 190 of the computer 200 can communicate with each other in the virtual space 2 (S1640, S1670), Steps for presenting a post object 990 different from the panel objects 950 to 970 in the virtual space 2 (S1660, S1)
670), a step of selecting one or more panel objects 950 from the one or more panel objects 950 to 970 (S1710), and a step of associating the selected panel object 950 with the post object 990 (S1910, S1920). ,
S1930) and a step of communicating with the computer 200 of another user corresponding to the selected panel object 950 based on the association between the selected panel object 950 and the post object 990 (S1940). .

(Configuration 2)
According to an embodiment, the method includes a panel object 955 indicating detailed information about another user from a panel object 950 indicating summary information about the other user.
Steps (S1730, S1740) of changing the panel object are further included.

(Configuration 3)
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a computer 20 communicating via a virtual space 2.
A step of presenting a hand object 940 corresponding to the hand of the user 190 of 0 to the virtual space 2 (S1470), a step of detecting a hand motion (S1465), and a step of moving the hand object 940 based on the hand motion ( The step of changing the panel object includes changing the panel object from the panel object 950 indicating the summary information to the panel object 955 indicating the detailed information (S1710). .

(Configuration 4)
According to one embodiment, the method includes changing the panel object from a panel object 955 showing detailed information to a letter object 995 for associating with a post object 990 for communication with another user's computer 200. (S1
820, S1830).

(Configuration 5)
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a computer 20 communicating via a virtual space 2.
A step of presenting a hand object 940 corresponding to the hand of the user 190 of 0 to the virtual space 2 (S1470), a step of detecting a hand motion (S1465), and a step of moving the hand object 940 based on the hand motion ( The step of changing the panel object is to change the panel object from the panel object 955 indicating the detailed information to the letter object 995 for associating with the post object 990 by the hand object 940 (S1910). )including.

(Configuration 6)
According to an embodiment, the detailed information includes detailed information about other users than the summary information.

(Configuration 7)
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a computer 20 communicating via a virtual space 2.
A step of presenting a hand object 940 corresponding to the hand of the user 190 of 0 to the virtual space 2 (S1470), a step of detecting a hand motion (S1465), and a step of moving the hand object 940 based on the hand motion ( And selecting the panel object 950 includes selecting one or more panel objects 950 from the one or more panel objects 950 to 970 by the hand object 940 (S1710).

(Configuration 8)
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a computer 20 communicating via a virtual space 2.
A step of presenting a hand object 940 corresponding to the hand of the user 190 of 0 to the virtual space 2 (S1470), a step of detecting a hand motion (S1465), and a step of moving the hand object 940 based on the hand motion ( S1480), and the step of associating the selected panel object 950 and the post object 990 with the hand object 940 selects the selected panel object 950 and the post object 9
90 (S1910).

(Configuration 9)
According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the panel objects 950 to 970 in the virtual space 2 presents a plurality of the panel objects 950 to 970 based on information of the user 190 of the computer 200 communicating via the virtual space 2. (S1630).

(Configuration 10)
According to an embodiment, a program for causing a computer to execute any of the above methods is provided.

(Configuration 11)
According to an embodiment, a computer 200 is provided that includes a memory 11 storing the above-described program and a processor 10 for executing the program.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the user 190 can select one or more panel objects from one or more panel objects respectively corresponding to one or more other users presented in the virtual space 2. Select. When the user 190 associates the selected panel object with the post object 990, the computer 200 of the user 190 communicates with the computer 200 of another user corresponding to the selected panel object. As described above, when the user 190 performs the same operation as the operation in the real space in the virtual space, the user 190 can communicate with other users. Therefore, user 190
Can communicate with other users without losing a sense of immersion in the virtual space. Here, when the user 190 associates the selected panel object with the post object 990, the computer 200 of the user 190 communicates with another user's computer 200 corresponding to the selected panel object. It may include sending a message to invite the avatar object corresponding to the other user to the virtual space 2 defined by the computer 200 of the user 190 to the computer 200 of the other user.

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

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10,510 processor, 11, 5
11 memory, 12, 512 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14, 51
4 communication interface, 15,515 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 2
2 virtual space image, 23 field of view, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top surface, 3
3, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog stick, 100 system, 110
HMD, 112 monitor, 114, 120 sensor, 115 speaker, 119 microphone, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221
Virtual camera control module, 222 visual field region determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 224 reference visual line identification module, 225 audio control module, 230
Virtual space control module, 231 Virtual space definition module, 232 Virtual object generation module, 233 Hand object control module, 240 Memory module,
241 Spatial information, 242 Object information, 243 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810 Right hand, 910 User object, 9
20 Title object, 930 Start object, 940 Hand object, 9
50, 955, 960, 970 Panel object, 980 Frame object, 990
Post object, 995 letter object, 1000, 2000 view image, 1
100,2100 objects.

Claims (11)

A method performed by a computer to communicate through a virtual space, comprising:
Defining the virtual space;
Presenting in the virtual space one or more first objects respectively corresponding to one or more other users with which the computer user can communicate;
Presenting a second object different from the first object in the virtual space;
Selecting one or more first objects from the one or more first objects;
Associating the selected first object with the second object;
Communicating with the computer of another user corresponding to the selected first object based on the association between the selected first object and the second object. The method according to claim 1, further comprising changing the first object from an object indicating first information about the other user to an object indicating second information about the other user. Presenting in the virtual space an object corresponding to a part of a user's body of a computer communicating through the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the body part;
Moving the object corresponding to the body part based on the movement of the body part,
The step of changing the first object includes changing the first object from an object indicating the first information to an object indicating the second information by an object corresponding to a motion of a part of the body. The method of claim 2 comprising: The method of claim 2, further comprising changing the first object from an object indicating the second information to an object to associate with the second object for communication with the other user's computer. Method. Presenting in the virtual space an object corresponding to a part of a user's body of a computer communicating through the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the body part;
Moving the object corresponding to the body part based on the movement of the body part,
In the step of changing the first object, the first object is changed from an object indicating the second information to an object to be associated with the second object by an object corresponding to a movement of a part of the body. 5. The method of claim 4, comprising: The method according to claim 2, wherein the second information includes more detailed information about the other user than the first information. Presenting in the virtual space an object corresponding to a part of a user's body of a computer communicating through the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the body part;
Moving the object corresponding to the body part based on the movement of the body part,
The step of selecting the first object includes selecting one or more first objects from among the one or more first objects by an object corresponding to an action of the body part. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Presenting in the virtual space an object corresponding to a part of a user's body of a computer communicating through the virtual space;
Detecting the movement of the body part;
Moving the object corresponding to the body part based on the movement of the body part,
The step of associating the selected first object with the second object comprises associating the selected first object with the second object by an object corresponding to a movement of a part of the body. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The step of presenting the first object in the virtual space includes presenting a plurality of the first objects based on information of a user of a computer communicating via the virtual space. The method according to claim 1. The program which makes a computer perform the method of any one of Claims 1-9. A memory storing the program according to claim 10;
A computer apparatus comprising: a processor for executing the program.

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