JP2018128817A - Method to be executed by computer for performing communication via virtual space, program for causing computer to execute the same method, and information control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of identifying the other users sharing a virtual space as necessary.SOLUTION: Processing to be executed by a computer for providing a virtual space includes: a step (S1220) for defining the virtual space to users; a step (S1230) for selecting a room shared in the virtual space for performing communication with the other users; a step (S1250) for receiving the information of the other users from a server, and for storing the information in a memory module; a step (S1260) for respectively presenting avatar objects of the other users 190 to the selected room; a step (S1270) for detecting the lines of sight of the users to the avatar objects; and a step (S1290) for presenting identification information (names, photographs or the like) of the users facing forward in the vicinities of the avatar objects regardless of directions in which the avatar objects face forward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technology that provides virtual reality, and more particularly, to a technology that communicates via a virtual reality space.

  Conventionally, a technique for providing a virtual reality space (hereinafter also referred to as “virtual space”) is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-181056 (Patent Document 1) states that “a communication between users who have similar interest tendencies is constructed, the utility value of the network service is increased, and communication between users on the network is performed. ”And a technology for supporting user interaction in virtual space or real space” (see [Summary]).

JP 2006-181056 A

  Various objects are presented in the virtual space. For example, in order to perform communication via a chat room provided in the virtual space (hereinafter also referred to as “VR (Virtual Reality) chat”), the virtual space includes a plurality of objects. May be shared by users. At this time, an avatar object corresponding to each user may be presented. In this case, other users may not know which user sharing the virtual space with the presented avatar object. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for identifying other users who share a virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a technology that allows other users who share a virtual space to identify as necessary. It is.

  According to certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method for communicating via a virtual space is provided. The method includes the steps of defining a virtual space, establishing a communication with a user wearing a head-mounted device connected to a computer, another user via the virtual space, and an avatar representing each other user. Presenting an object in the virtual space; detecting the user's line of sight with respect to the virtual space; and when the user's line of sight is directed toward the avatar object, presents identification information of another user in the vicinity of the avatar object Steps.

  In a certain aspect, a user who communicates via a virtual space can easily identify the other user by visually recognizing the identification information presented when the other user's avatar object is visually recognized.

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

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD110 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. An example of the hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800 is shown. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode expressing the virtual space 2 presented by each of the computers 200, 200N, and 200X. 3 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage in memory module 240. FIG. It is a flowchart showing a part of process which the processor 10 of the computer 200 according to a certain embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing the process which the computer 200 performs when identification information is displayed. It is a flowchart showing the process which the processor 10 performs in order to show identification information after communication is interrupted | blocked in one embodiment. It is a figure showing the view image 1500 presented in HMD110 which the user 190 uses. It is a figure showing the change of the display mode of the identification information of the avatar object 1510. FIG.

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

  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, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 can communicate with other HMD systems 100N and 100X at remote locations via the network 19. The HMD system 100N can be used by a user 190N. The HMD 100X can be used by a user 190X. The configuration of the HMD systems 100N and 100X is the same as the configuration of the HMD system 100. Constituent elements similar to those of the HMD system 100 are denoted by reference signs N and X. Accordingly, each HMD system will be described below with reference to the configuration of the HMD system 100 as appropriate.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112, a speaker 115, a microphone 119, and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 can be connected to the Internet and other networks 19, and can communicate with the server 150, the computers 200 </ b> N, 200 </ b> X, 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 may be worn on the head of the user 190 and provide a virtual space to the user 190 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 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, when the user 190 visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user 190 can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 190, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 190.

  In one aspect, the computers 200, 200N, and 200X communicate signals with other computers based on the operations of the respective users 190, 190N, and 190X. For example, the computer 200 generates a video signal for providing a virtual space, and transmits the video signal to the HMD 110. When the HMD 110 transmits the video signal to the monitor 112, the monitor 112 displays a virtual space image based on the received video signal. The other computer and the HMD connected to the computer are the same as those of the computer 200 and the HMD 110.

  In one embodiment, when the computers 200, 200N, and 200X are executing a VR (Virtual Reality) chat application for communicating via a virtual space, the computers 200, 200N, and 200X are connected to the HMDs 110, 110N, Communication through the virtual space presented by 110X is realized. In communication via a virtual space, video and audio are communicated. At this time, an avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space. For example, when the user 190 is communicating with other users 190N and 190X, the HMD 110 worn by the user 190 presents an avatar object corresponding to the users 190N and 190X. The user 190 can communicate with other users 190N and 190X through the avatar object while being immersed in the virtual space.

  In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In one aspect, the monitor 112 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 112 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image integrally. 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 the left eye of the user 190 is directed. The detection of the direction is realized by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris with respect to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

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

  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 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD 110 uses any of these sensors in place of the HMD sensor 120 to determine its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates a temporal change in the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates an inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change in the angle.

  The HMD 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or 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, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to the 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 interact in the same virtual space ( VR chat) can be enjoyed.

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

  In one aspect, the motion sensor 130 is attached to the hand of the user 190 and detects the movement of the user 190 hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. Data indicating 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, it is desirable that the controller 160 be mounted on something that does not fly easily by being mounted on the hand of the user 190, such as a glove shape. In another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 190 may detect the 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 mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or 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.

  More specifically, in one aspect, the user 190 can select a communication partner (hereinafter also referred to as “chat partner”) by using a controller or by selecting an avatar object desired to be communicated with the line of sight. Hereinafter, a case where the user 190N is selected as the chat partner will be described. The chat partner is not limited to one person, and two or more may be selected.

  After the user 190 selects the user 190N and speaks into the microphone 119, a sound signal based on the sound is transmitted to the computer 200. The gaze sensor 140 detects the movement of the line of sight of the user 190. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as eye tracking data. The computer 200 transmits audio data and eye tracking data based on the received audio signal to the user 190N. For example, the computer 200 transmits audio data and eye tracking data to the server 150 via the network 19. Each of the audio data and the eye tracking data includes a network address of the computer 200N used by the user 190N. The server 150 transmits the audio data and eye tracking data received from the computer 200 to the computer 200N via the network 19, respectively. Note that the timing at which the audio data and the eye tracking data are received by the computer 200N is not always the same, and either data may be delayed from the other data.

  The computer 200N outputs the audio data received from the server 150 to the speaker 115 of the HMD 110N worn by the user 190N. In addition, the computer 200N generates data for changing the line of sight of the user 190's avatar object based on the received eye tracking data, and transmits the data to the monitor 112. The user 190N can hear the voice of the user 190 through the speaker 115 of the HMD 110N and can visually recognize the avatar object presented on the monitor 112.

  When the user 190N speaks to the user 190, the audio data and the eye tracking data are transmitted from the computer 200N to the computer 200 in the same manner as described above. In this way, the user 190 and the user 190N can interact in the virtual space using each avatar object.

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

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

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

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

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used 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 realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HMDI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to that described above.

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

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150, the computers 200N and 200X, etc.) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is implemented as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

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

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

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

  In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is set in advance. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (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. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 110, the presence of the HMD 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 110 using each value detected over time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190. For example, when the 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, FIG. As shown, 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, an audio control module 225, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, a gaze detection module 233, an identification information control module 234, and a chat control module 235 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220, the audio control module 225, and the virtual space control module 230 are realized by the processor 10. In other embodiments, the plurality of processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220, the voice control module 225, or the virtual space control module 230, respectively. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. The communication control module 250 is realized by the communication interface 14.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior 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 a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 generates a view image 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 voice control module 225 detects that a voice signal based on the utterance of the user 190 is input from the HMD 110 to the computer 200. The voice control module 225 attaches the input time to the voice signal corresponding to the utterance and generates voice data. The voice control module 225 transmits the voice data to the computer used by the user selected by the user 190 among the other computers 200N and 200X in a state where the computer 200 can communicate as the chat partner of the user 190.

  The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. First, 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. For example, the virtual object generation module 232 generates data of avatar objects representing the other users 190N and 190X who chat with the user 190 via the virtual space 2. Furthermore, the virtual object generation module 232 can change the line of sight of the user's avatar object based on the line of sight detected in response to speech from other users 190N and 190X.

  The line-of-sight detection module 233 detects the line of sight of the user 190 based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. In one aspect, the line-of-sight detection module 233 detects the line of sight of the user 190 at that time based on the detection of the utterance by the user 190. The detection of the line of sight is realized by a known technique such as non-contact type eye tracking. As an example, like the scleral reflection method, the gaze sensor 140 applies the infrared rays to the eyes of the user 190, and based on the data obtained by photographing the reflected light with a camera (not shown), the gaze of the user 190 Motion can be detected. In one aspect, the line-of-sight detection module 233 specifies each position according to the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 as a coordinate value (x, y) based on one of the display areas of the monitor 112.

[Presentation of identification information]
The identification information control module 234 controls the presentation of the identification information of the avatar object presented in the virtual space 2. For example, in one aspect, the identification information control module 234 detects that the line of sight of the user 190 is directed to the avatar object presented in the virtual space 2 based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. The identification information control module 234 presents identification information of other users (for example, users 190N and 190X) corresponding to the avatar object. The identification information includes, for example, the name of the other user, the handle name, and other information that distinguishes it from other users.

  In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 presents the object so that the object representing the identification information faces the viewpoint of the user 190 independently of the orientation of the avatar object. For example, the identification information control module 234 outputs data for rendering the image representing the identification information so as to face the front of the user 190 on the monitor 112. The user 190 can easily know who is using the avatar object.

  In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 measures the time that has elapsed since the identification information was presented. When the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, several seconds), the identification information control module 234 ends the presentation of the identification information. In this way, since the identification information recognized by the user 190 is not continuously presented in the virtual space 2, it is possible to prevent the other objects arranged in the virtual space 2 from becoming difficult to see.

  In one aspect, after the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X is erased, the identification information control module 234 determines that the line of sight of the user 190 is the avatar object of the other users 190N and 190X based on the output from the gaze sensor 140. It can be detected that the camera is turned again. In this case, the identification information control module 234 does not present the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X again. Since the user 190 has already recognized the other users 190N and 190X, the troublesomeness caused by the unnecessary identification information being presented again in the virtual space 2 can be prevented.

  In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 differs from the aspect of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X is already displayed, to the aspect of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented. Then, it may be presented to the HMD 110. In this way, the user 190 can easily distinguish an avatar object for which identification information has already been presented from other avatar objects.

  In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 can detect the movement of the avatar object in the virtual space 2 based on a signal sent from the server 150. For example, other users 190N and 190X may operate their right controller 800 to move their avatar objects. In such a case, the virtual object generation module 232 presents the avatar object at the destination location. The identification information control module 234 presents identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar object. In this way, even if the location of the avatar object corresponding to each user in the virtual space 2 changes according to the operation of the other users 190N and 190X during the presentation of the identification information, each identification information is also in the vicinity of the avatar object. Presented to. The user 190 can accurately identify the other users 190N and 190X without overlooking the correspondence between the identification information and the avatar object.

  In one aspect, the identification information control module 234 detects that communication with the other user 190N or the user 190X has been interrupted based on a signal received from the server 150. The interruption may occur, for example, when the communication line is unstable, when radio waves used in the mobile communication network are interrupted, or when a power failure occurs. The identification information control module 234 may end the presentation of the avatar object and the identification information in response to the communication interruption. The identification information control module 234 may present the avatar object in the virtual space 2 when detecting that communication with the blocked other user is established again based on the signal received from the server 150. If the time from when the communication is interrupted until it is reestablished is less than a predetermined time, the identification information control module 234 may present the avatar object and the identification information again. When the communication is cut off in a state where the identification information is presented, when the cut-off time is short, the user 190 recognizes the avatar object and the identification information again, and then uses the other avatar object. Users can be made easy.

  On the other hand, when the time during which communication is interrupted becomes long, when the avatar object is presented again in the virtual space 2, the user 190 may not visually recognize the avatar object. In this case, when the user 190 visually recognizes the avatar object again, the identification information control module 234 can present the identification information again in the vicinity of the avatar object.

  In yet another aspect, the identification information control module 234 presents the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X to the virtual space 2 only when the other users 190N and 190X permit the presentation of the identification information. Also good. For example, in the user registration aspect of VR chat, each user who desires registration may set whether or not to disclose personal information. A user who does not wish to disclose personal information such as a real name, a photograph, or the like can register a setting for prohibiting the disclosure of the personal information in the server 150. In such a case, the user can enjoy VR chat with only the avatar object in the chat room without disclosing personal information. Therefore, when a specific user makes such a setting, the identification information control module 234 does not display the identification information even if the user 190 continues to see the avatar object.

  The chat control module 235 controls communication via the virtual space. In one aspect, the chat control module 235 reads a chat application from the memory module 240 based on an operation of the user 190 or based on a chat start request transmitted by another computer 200N, and passes through the virtual space 2. Communication started. When the user 190 inputs a user ID and password to the computer 200 and performs a login operation, the user 190 becomes one of the chat members via the virtual space 2 and participates in the chat session (also referred to as “room”). Associated. Thereafter, when the user 190N using the computer 200N logs in to the chat in the session, the user 190 and the user 190N are associated with each other as members of the chat. When the chat control module 235 recognizes the user 190N of the computer 200N that is the communication partner of the computer 200, the virtual object generation module 232 uses the object information 242 to generate data for presenting the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N. Generate the data and output the data to the HMD 110. When the HMD 110 displays the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N on the monitor 112 based on the data, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 recognizes the avatar object in the virtual space 2.

  In one embodiment, the chat control module 235 waits for input of voice data based on the utterance of the user 190 and input of data from the gaze sensor 140. When the user 190 performs an operation for selecting an avatar object in the virtual space 2 (for example, operation of a controller, gesture, selection by voice, gaze by line of sight, etc.), the chat control module 235 is based on the operation. , It is detected that a user (for example, user 190) corresponding to the avatar object is selected as a chat partner. When the chat control module 235 detects an utterance by the user 190, the chat control module 235, based on the network address of the computer 200N used by the user 190N, voice data based on a signal sent from the microphone 119 via the communication control module 250; The eye tracking data based on the signal sent from the gaze sensor 140 is transmitted to the computer 200N. The computer 200N updates the line of sight of the user 190's avatar object based on the eye tracking data, and transmits the audio data to the HMD 110N. When the computer 200N has a synchronization function, the change in the line of sight of the avatar object on the monitor 112 and the output of the sound from the speaker 115 are realized at substantially the same timing, so that the user 190N feels uncomfortable. It becomes difficult to feel.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, user information 243, and chat monitor information 244.

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

  The object information 242 includes data for displaying an avatar object used for communication via the virtual space 2, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, and information for arranging objects used in the content. keeping. The content may include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The data for displaying the avatar object may include, for example, image data that schematically represents a communication partner with which a relationship has been established in advance as a chat partner, a photograph of the communication partner, and the like.

  The user information 243 includes 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, a user ID required when executing the application program, I have a password etc. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

  The chat monitor information 244 includes information on communication via the virtual space 2 shared between the computer 200 and the other computers 200N and 200X. The chat monitor information 244 includes, for example, the identification information of each user participating in the chat using the virtual space 2, the login status of each user, the data for controlling whether or not the identification information can be presented, The date and time etc. presented in

  In one aspect, when each user logs in to a chat room prepared in advance for VR chatting, information of the logged-in user is transmitted to a computer used by another user who has logged in the chat room. For example, when the users 190N and 190X log in to the chat room, the user IDs, identification information, login status (eg, “login”) of the users 190N and 190X, and whether or not the identification information can be presented are determined from the computers 200N and 200X. To the computer 200.

  The communication control module 250 can communicate with the server 150 and other information communication devices via the network 19. The communication control module 250 is realized by a known communication technique such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

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

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

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

  The program here may include not only a program 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.

[Operation between computers by communication between two users]
Here, the operation of the computers 200 and 200N when the two users 190 and 190N communicate via the virtual space 2 will be described. Hereinafter, a case where the user 190N wearing the HMD 110N connected to the computer 200N speaks to the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200 will be described.

  (Transmitter) In one aspect, the user 190N wearing the HMD 110N speaks into the microphone 119 in order to chat with the user 190. The voice signal of the utterance is transmitted to the computer 200N connected to the HMD 110N. The voice control module 225 converts the voice signal into voice data and associates the voice data with a time stamp indicating when speech is detected. The time stamp is, for example, time data of an internal clock of the processor 10. In one aspect, time data when the audio signal is converted into audio data by the communication control module 250 is used as a time stamp.

  When the user 190N is speaking, the movement of the line of sight of the user 190N is detected by the gaze sensor 140. The detection result (eye tracking data) by the gaze sensor 140 is sent to the computer 200N. The line-of-sight detection module 233 identifies each position (for example, the position of the pupil) representing a change in the line of sight of the user 190N based on the detection result.

  The computer 200N transmits audio data and eye tracking data to the computer 200. Audio data and eye tracking data are first sent to the server 150. The server 150 refers to the destination in each header of the audio data and the eye tracking data, and transmits the audio data and the eye tracking data to the computer 200. At this time, the timing at which the audio data reaches the computer 200 may not match the timing at which the eye tracking data reaches the computer 200.

  (Reception Side) The computer 200 receives data transmitted from the computer 200N from the server 150. In one aspect, the processor 10 of the computer 200 detects that audio data has been received based on data sent from the communication control module 250. When the processor 10 specifies the voice data transmission source (ie, the computer 200N), the processor 10 displays the chat screen on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 as the chat control module 235.

  The processor 10 further detects that eye tracking data has been received. When the transmission source of eye tracking data (that is, the computer 200N) is specified, the processor 10 generates data for displaying the avatar object of the user 190N as the virtual object generation module 232.

  In another aspect, the processor 10 may receive eye tracking data prior to audio data. In this case, when detecting the transmission source identification number from the eye tracking data, the processor 10 determines that there is audio data transmitted corresponding to the eye tracking data. The processor 10 waits for output of data for displaying the avatar object until it receives audio data including the same transmission source identification number and time data as the transmission source identification number and time data included in the eye tracking data.

  In yet another aspect, the processor 10 may receive audio data prior to eye tracking data. In this case, when detecting the transmission source identification number from the audio data, the processor 10 determines that there is eye tracking data transmitted corresponding to the audio data. The processor 10 waits for output of audio data until it receives eye tracking data including the same transmission source identification number and time data as the transmission source identification number and time data included in the audio data.

  In each of the above aspects, the time data to be compared does not have to indicate the completely same time.

  When the processor 10 confirms the reception of the audio data and the eye tracking data including the same time data, the processor 10 outputs the audio data to the speaker 115 and monitors the data for displaying the avatar object in which the change based on the eye tracking data is reflected. To 112. As a result, since the user 190 can recognize the voice and the avatar uttered by the user 190N at the same timing, the user 190 does not feel a time lag due to a signal transmission delay (for example, a change in the timing of the avatar object and the voice output). Can enjoy chatting.

  The processor 10 of the computer 200N used by the user 190N can also synchronize the output timing of the audio data and the output timing of the avatar object reflecting the movement of the line of sight of the user 190, as in the above-described processing. it can. As a result, the user 190N can also recognize the output of the voice uttered by the user 190 and the change of the avatar object at the same timing, so that the user can enjoy the chat without feeling a time lag due to a signal transmission delay.

[Overview of chat]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an outline of chat performed through the virtual space according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an aspect of expressing the virtual space 2 presented by each of the computers 200, 200N, and 200X.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the computers 200, 200 </ b> N, and 200 </ b> X can communicate with the server 150 via the network 19. The computers 200, 200N, and 200X provide the virtual space images 22, 22N, and 22X via the HMDs 110, 110N, and 110X connected to the computers 200, 200N, and 200X, respectively. Virtual space images 22, 22N and 22X present avatar objects 1010, 1010N and 1010X corresponding to users of computers 200, 200N and 200X, respectively.

  For example, avatar objects 1010, 1010N, and 1010X correspond to users 190, 190N, and 190X, respectively. For example, the avatar objects 1010N and 1010X are presented as the communication partner of the user 190 in the virtual space image 22 visually recognized by the user 190. In the virtual space image 22N visually recognized by the user 190N, avatar objects 1010 and 1010X are presented as communication partners of the user 190N. In the virtual space image 22X visually recognized by the user 190X, avatar objects 1010 and 1010N are presented as communication partners of the user 190X.

  The HMDs 110, 110N, and 110X transmit motion detection data corresponding to the positions and inclinations of the users 190, 190N, and 190X to the server 150 via the computers 200, 200N, and 200X, respectively. The motion detection data may include eye tracking data. The server 150 transmits the motion detection data received from the HMD 110 to the HMDs 110N and 110X, respectively. The HMDs 110N and 110X change the display mode of the chat partner's avatar object presented in the virtual space 2 (for example, the position and inclination of the avatar object) according to the motion detection data.

  In one aspect, the HMDs 110, 110N, and 110X transmit audio data corresponding to the utterances of the users 190, 190N, and 190X to the server 150, respectively. For example, the server 150 transmits the audio data and eye tracking data received from the HMD 110 to the computers 200N and 200X. The computers 200N and 200X change the display mode of the avatar object (for example, the direction of the eyes and head) according to the eye tracking data. The HMDs 110N and 110X output sound based on the sound data from the speaker 115.

  As described above, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 moves his / her eyes and speaks, the display mode of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 is displayed in the virtual space 2 presented by the other HMDs 110 </ b> N and 110 </ b> X that can communicate with the HMD 110. Is changed, and sound is output from the speaker 115. Since the timing at which the display mode changes and the timing at which the audio is output are synchronized, each communication partner can perform communication using the audio and the avatar object without a sense of incongruity in communication via the virtual space 2.

[data structure]
The data structure of the memory module 240 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage in memory module 240. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds chat monitor information 244. The chat monitor information 244 includes a user ID 1110, a name 1120, a status 1130, a control flag 1140, and a presentation start date 1150.

  The user ID 1110 is used by the computer 200 to identify users who share the virtual space 2. The name 1120 is used to notify each user who shares the virtual space 2. The name 1120 may be either the real name or the pen name of the user, for example. The status 1130 represents a login state to the chat room where the user is established in the virtual space 2. The control flag 1140 controls whether or not the identification information (for example, real name, pen name, etc.) of the user is allowed to be presented to other users. The presentation start date and time 1150 represents the date and time when the identification information of the user was first presented in a session with a chat room established in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the presentation start date and time 1150 is reset every time a chat session ends. Therefore, when the identification information presentation condition is satisfied again in the next session, the user who has already presented the identification information may be presented with the new identification information.

[Control structure]
The control structure of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart representing a part of processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 according to an embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, in step S <b> 1210, the processor 10 connects to the server 150 based on an operation of the user 190 that requests a chat via the virtual space 2. In step S1220, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2, and presents the virtual space 2 to the user 190 through the HMD 110.

  In step S1230, processor 10 selects a shared room to communicate with other users (for example, users 190N and 190X) based on operation of user 190. In one aspect, the computer 200 presents a menu of one or more VR chat rooms (hereinafter also simply referred to as “rooms”) for communication via the virtual space 2 to the HMD 110. Each user 190, 190N, 190X can select at least one room by operating the controller or by looking. In another aspect, a single user may select a plurality of rooms and appropriately communicate with other users using each of the plurality of rooms by switching presentation of a view field image corresponding to the room.

  In step S1240, processor 10 logs in to the room selected by user 190 based on the login operation by user 190. The login operation is realized by, for example, a controller operation, line-of-sight detection in the virtual space 2, and the like. In the case of line-of-sight detection, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can be realized by continuously looking at a login icon presented in the virtual space 2 for a predetermined time.

  In step S1250, processor 10 receives information of other users 190N and 190X logged in to the room from server 150 and stores them in memory module 240. In step S1260, processor 10 presents the avatar objects of other users 190N and 190X to the selected rooms.

  In step S1270, processor 10 detects the line of sight of user 190 with respect to the avatar object based on the signal output from gaze sensor 140. In step S1280, in response to the detection of the line of sight, the processor 10 reads identification information (for example, name, photograph, etc.) of another user corresponding to the avatar object, for example, the user 190N, from the memory module 240.

  In step S1290, processor 10 presents identification information (name, photo, etc.) facing the front of user 190 in the vicinity of the avatar object regardless of the direction in which the front of the avatar object is facing. Therefore, even if the back or profile of the avatar object is presented, the user 190 can recognize the identification information, so that the user corresponding to the avatar object can be easily known. In a certain aspect, when a predetermined time elapses after the identification information is displayed, or when the user 190 gives a non-display command to the computer 200, the processor 10 hides the identification information. By not displaying the identification information, a decrease in immersive feeling in the virtual space 2 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by computer 200 when identification information is displayed. For example, the process is executed while the user 190 continues communication via the virtual space 2.

  In step S1310, based on the output from gaze sensor 140, processor 10 detects again the line of sight of the avatar object for which the identification information has already been presented.

In step S1320, processor 10 determines whether or not a condition for presenting the identification information again is satisfied. The conditions include, for example, any of the following.
(1) When the avatar object enters the virtual space 2 again after the avatar object disappears from the virtual space 2 (2) Communicates with the computer 200 used by the user 190 via the virtual space 2 When communication with computers 200N and 200X used by other users 190N and 190X is temporarily interrupted, and then communication is restored, processor 10 determines that the condition is satisfied (YES in step S1320). The control is switched to step S1330. If not (NO in step S1320), processor 10 ends the process.

  In step S1330, processor 10 presents the identification information again in virtual space 2. If it does in this way, since the user 190 can visually recognize the identification information erase | eliminated before identifying the other user who uses an avatar object, it can specify the said other user.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart representing a process executed by processor 10 to present identification information after communication is interrupted in an embodiment.

  In step S1410, processor 10 detects that communication with another user has been interrupted based on a signal received from server 150. For example, when a signal transmitted from the computer 200 to the computer 200N is not received by the computer 200N, a signal indicating this may be transmitted from the server 150 to the computer 200. Alternatively, a signal transmitted to the computer 200N may be returned to the computer 200. In such a case, the computer 200 detects that communication with another computer has been interrupted. When communication with another computer, for example, the computer 200N is interrupted, the processor 10 ends the presentation of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190N who uses the computer 200N.

  In step S1420, processor 10 ends the presentation of identification information of user 190N. In step S1430, processor 10 detects that communication with the other user (for example, user 190N) has been established again. For example, when the processor 10 receives a signal indicating that the computer 200N has logged into the chat room from the server 150, the processor 10 detects that communication with the computer 200N used by the user 190N is established again.

  In step S1440, processor 10 determines whether or not the time from when communication is interrupted until it is re-established exceeds a predetermined time. If the processor determines that the time exceeds the predetermined time (YES in step S1440), the processor switches control to step S1450. Otherwise (NO in step S1440), processor 10 ends the process.

  In step S1450, processor 10 presents the identification information of the avatar object again. If it does in this way, since the user 190 can see the identification information of another user again, it becomes easy to confirm who the user corresponding to an avatar object is.

[Display mode]
With reference to FIG. 15, the display mode of a view field image is demonstrated. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a view field image 1500 presented on the HMD 110 used by the user 190. For example, in one aspect, when the user 190 logs in to a VR chat room and shares the virtual space 2 with other users 190N and 190X logged in to the same room, a view field image 1500 is presented.

  For example, as shown in the state (A), in one aspect, when the user 190 shares the virtual space 2 with three users including the users 190N and 190X, the HMD 110 displays three on the monitor 112. A view field image 1500 including avatar objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 corresponding to the respective users is presented. As shown in the field-of-view image 1500, the avatar objects 1510 and 1530 face the front of the user 190. This indicates that, in a certain aspect, each user corresponding to the avatar objects 1510 and 1530 faces the avatar object of the user 190 presented in the virtual space 2. On the other hand, the avatar object 1520 is showing a profile to the user 190 in the virtual space 2. This means that the user corresponding to the avatar object 1520 is facing the direction 90 degrees lateral to the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  As shown in the state (B), when the user 190 continues to look at the avatar object for a predetermined time or more, identification information of the avatar object is presented in the view field image 1500. For example, when the user 190 continues to look at the avatar objects 1510 and 1520, the name objects 1511 and 1521 are presented. Name object 1511 represents the name of the user corresponding to avatar object 1510. Name object 1521 represents the name of the user corresponding to avatar object 1520. At this time, even if the avatar object 1520 does not face the front of the user 190, the name object 1521 is presented so as to face the front of the user 190 independently of the orientation of the avatar object 1520. Therefore, the user 190 who has visually recognized the name object 1521 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object 1520.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses after the name objects 1511 and 1521 are presented, the name objects 1511 and 1521 are deleted as shown in the state (C). Thereby, the fall of visibility by name object 1511, 1521 continuing being presented in virtual space 2 can be prevented.

  On the other hand, while the name objects 1511 and 1521 are being presented, the user who is facing sideways may face the front of the user 190. In this case, the avatar object 1520 also faces the front of the user 190 so as to shift from the state (B) to the state (D). At this time, the direction of the avatar object 1520 changes independently of the display direction of the name object 1521. Therefore, the display direction of the name object 1521 continues to face the front of the user 190 as in the case of the state (B). Furthermore, after that, when the avatar object 1520 turns sideways, the name object 1521 is deleted with the movement as a trigger so as to shift from the state (D) to the state (C). Therefore, a decrease in visibility can be prevented as described above.

  Thereafter, as shown in the state (E), in order to distinguish between the avatar object for which the identification information is already presented and the avatar object for which the identification information is not presented, the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 and the avatar object 1530 Different display modes are used between the display modes. For example, a color different from the color of the avatar object 1530 is used as the color of the avatar objects 1510 and 1520. Alternatively, in another aspect, the transparency of the avatar object 1530 is used as the color of the avatar objects 1510 and 1520. In yet another aspect, avatar objects 1510 and 1520 are displayed blinking.

  Thereafter, when the user 190 continues to look at the avatar object 1530, as shown in the state (F), a user name object 1531 corresponding to the avatar object 1530 is presented.

  As shown in state (G), when the avatar object 1530 moves so as to approach the avatar object 1520, the name object 1531 is presented until a predetermined time elapses in order to hide the identification information. to continue. Therefore, the user 190 can identify the corresponding user even when the avatar object 1530 moves.

  Thereafter, as shown in the state (H), the name object 1531 is hidden. The display mode of the avatar object 1530 is changed to a display mode indicating that the identification information is an avatar object already presented. For example, the same display mode as that of other avatar objects 1510 and 1520 is used. Thereby, the avatar object in which the identification information is presented is easily distinguished from the object that is not.

  With reference to FIG. 16, another display mode of the identification information will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display mode of the identification information of the avatar object 1510. In an embodiment, the identification information presented is not limited to a name object. For example, a photograph may be used as identification information.

  As shown in the state (A), in one aspect, the name object of the user who uses the avatar object is presented as identification information in the vicinity of the avatar object. In other aspects, something other than a name may be used as identification information.

  For example, as shown in the state (B), instead of the name object 1511, a user's photograph 1611 may be presented in the vicinity of the avatar object. The photograph 1611 is transmitted to the computer 200 from the computer 200N used by the user 190N or the server 150 that manages the chat when another user 190N using the avatar logs in to the chat room in the virtual space 2, and is sent to the memory module 240. Stored. Alternatively, when face authentication is performed when each user logs in to the room, the user's face may be photographed, and the photograph may be uploaded to the room as identification information. By presenting the photograph in the vicinity of the avatar object, the user 190 can easily recognize the user of the avatar object.

  Furthermore, as shown in the state (C), the name object 1511 and the photograph 1611 of another user 190N may be presented together. The user 190 can easily confirm the user 190N.

[Summary]
As described above, according to an embodiment, when an avatar object is presented in the virtual space 2, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 visually recognizes the avatar object, the identification information of the user corresponding to the avatar object Is displayed near the avatar object. Therefore, the user 190 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object. For example, when a user wants to know a speaker in a video conference or the like, the user 190 can confirm the speaker by turning his gaze toward the avatar object that has spoken.

  In a certain aspect, this identification information is presented so as to face the front of the user 190 viewing the virtual space 2 regardless of the orientation of the avatar object. Since the identification information is easy to see, the user 190 who has visually recognized the identification information can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object. Thus, for example, the name object, photo object, and other identification information of an avatar object talking to a user different from the user 190 in the video conference is presented so as to face the front of all users including the user 190. The user of the avatar object is easily confirmed.

  In a certain aspect, when a predetermined time elapses after the identification information is presented, the identification information is not displayed. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user 190 to visually recognize other objects arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, after the other user's identification information is erased, if the user 190's line of sight is directed again to the other user's avatar object, the processor 10 does not present the other user's identification information again. . Therefore, a decrease in visibility in the virtual space 2 can be suppressed.

  In one aspect, the manner of presenting an avatar object in which identification information of another user has already been displayed is different from the manner of presenting an avatar object in which identification information is not presented. Therefore, the user 190 can easily know which avatar object identification information has already been presented.

  In a certain aspect, when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the line of sight of the user 190, identification information of the avatar object is presented in the virtual space 2. Since the identification information of all the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 is not presented, the necessary identification information is easily transmitted to the user 190.

  In one aspect, when the avatar object moves in the virtual space 2, the identification information of the avatar object is also presented according to the movement. Therefore, the avatar object is reliably identified.

  In one aspect, when communication between the user 190 and another user is temporarily interrupted in a state where the identification information is presented, when communication is established again, a time until communication is established again is determined in advance. If the time is exceeded, the identification information is presented again. Thereby, since the user 190 can easily identify the user corresponding to the avatar object in the state after the communication is resumed, the subsequent communication can be performed smoothly.

The technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows, for example.
[Configuration 1] According to an embodiment, a method executed by the computer 200 for communicating via the virtual space 2 is provided. The method includes defining a virtual space 2, establishing communication between the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200, and other users 190N, 190X, etc. via the virtual space 2, and the like. Presenting an avatar object representing each of the users 190N, 190X, etc. in the virtual space 2, detecting the user's 190 line of sight with respect to the virtual space 2, and indicating that the user's 190 line of sight is directed toward the avatar object. Presenting identification information (name object, photo object, etc.) of other users 190N, 190X, etc. in the vicinity of the object.
[Configuration 2] According to an embodiment, the step of presenting identification information includes the step of presenting an object representing the identification information so as to face the viewpoint of the user 190.
[Configuration 3] According to an embodiment, in addition to the configuration described above, the method further includes a step of terminating the presentation of the identification information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information was presented. .
[Configuration 4] According to an embodiment, in addition to the above-described configuration, the above-described method is configured such that after the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X is erased, the line of sight of the user 190 is changed to the other user 190N, When it is detected that the user is directed again to the avatar object such as 190X, the method further includes a step of prohibiting the redisplay of the identification information of the other users 190N and 190X.
[Configuration 5] According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the avatar object in the virtual space 2 is a mode of presenting the avatar object in which identification information of other users 190N, 190X, etc. has already been displayed (for example, color, transparency). , Line type or thickness, presence / absence of blinking, etc.) in a manner different from the manner of presenting the avatar object for which identification information is not presented.
[Configuration 6] According to an embodiment, the step of presenting includes the step of presenting identification information when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the line of sight of the user 190.
[Configuration 7] According to an embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the method further includes a step of detecting movement of the avatar object in the virtual space 2. Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space 2 includes presenting the avatar object at a destination location in the virtual space 2. The step of presenting identification information includes the step of presenting identification information in the vicinity of the avatar object after movement.
[Configuration 8] According to a certain embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the above method responds to the step of detecting that communication with other users 190N, 190X, etc. is cut off, and the cut off of communication. And the step of ending the presentation of the identification information and the step of detecting that the communication with the other users 190N, 190X, etc. is established again. The step of presenting the identification information of other users 190N, 190X, etc. includes the step of presenting the identification information again when the time from when communication is interrupted until it is re-established is less than a predetermined time.
[Configuration 9] According to an embodiment, there is provided a program that causes a computer to execute any of the methods described above. The computer may include, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, and the like.
[Configuration 10] According to an embodiment, an information control apparatus is provided. The information control apparatus includes a memory that stores the program and a processor that is coupled to the memory and executes the program.

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

  1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 22, 22N, 22X virtual space image, 23 field of view Area, 24,25 area, 26,1500 view image, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 button, 38 analog stick, 100, 100N, 100X system, 112 monitor, 114, 120 sensor , 115 speaker, 119 microphone, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190, 190N, 190X, ID, ID1110 user, 200, 200N, 200X computer 800 right controller.

Claims (10)

A computer-implemented method for communicating through a virtual space, comprising:
Defining a virtual space;
Establishing communication between a user wearing a head mounted device connected to the computer and another user via the virtual space;
Presenting the avatar objects respectively representing the other users in the virtual space;
Detecting the line of sight of the user with respect to the virtual space;
Presenting identification information of the other user in the vicinity of the avatar object when the user's line of sight is directed to the avatar object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein presenting the identification information includes presenting an object representing the identification information to face the user's viewpoint.   The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of terminating the presentation of the identification information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information was presented.   When it is detected that the user's line of sight is again directed to the other user's avatar object after the other user's identification information is erased, the other user's identification information is again displayed. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of prohibiting the display of.   The step of presenting the avatar object in the virtual space is different from the aspect of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information of the other user is already displayed, and the aspect of presenting the avatar object in which the identification information is not presented. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of:   The method according to claim 1, wherein the presenting step includes the step of presenting the identification information when the avatar object is within a predetermined range from the user's line of sight. Further comprising detecting the movement of the avatar object in the virtual space;
Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space includes presenting the avatar object at a destination location in the virtual space;
The method according to claim 1, wherein presenting the identification information includes presenting the identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar object. Detecting that communication with the other user is interrupted;
Ending the presentation of the identification information in response to the interruption of the communication;
Detecting that communication with the other user is re-established,
The step of presenting the identification information of the other user includes the step of presenting the identification information again when the time from when the communication is interrupted until it is reestablished is less than a predetermined time. Item 8. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 7.   The program which makes a computer perform the method in any one of Claims 1-8. A memory storing the program according to claim 9;
An information control apparatus comprising: a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

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