JP2018175503A - Information processing method, device, and program for causing computer to execute the information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a battle with an attack target object in a virtual space in a character object.SOLUTION: An HMD device displays a view image from a play character PC, generated on the basis of an action of an enemy character K, an action of the play character PC, and a virtual space 2. In the virtual space 2, the enemy character K is arranged on a ground surface G of the virtual space 2, and the height of the enemy character K is set higher than the play character PC. Then, during an attack action of the enemy character K on the play character PC, the head K1 of the enemy character K is controlled so as to be moved toward the play character PC to approach the play character PC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technology for operating a character object such as a player character in a virtual space.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a technique for a user to operate a sword object using a virtual hand to fight against an enemy object.

Patent No. 5996138 gazette

  In a virtual space, when a character object associated with a user fights against an enemy object (attack target object) larger than the character object, the battle may lack excitement, and there is room for improvement.

  Therefore, in the present disclosure, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and apparatus for improving battle with an attack target object in a virtual space, and a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method.

  According to an aspect that the present disclosure indicates, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual space to a user via a head mounted device including a display unit, wherein the character object associated with the user is Providing virtual space data including an attack target object having a head as an attack target, acquiring a motion of the user, and an operation of the character object based on the motion of the user and the virtual space data And controlling the action of the attack target object based on the virtual space data, the action of the attack target object, the action of the character object, and the virtual space data generated based on the virtual space data. , View image or front from the character object Displaying a visual field image from behind the character object on the display unit, wherein, in the virtual space data, the attack target object is disposed on a reference plane of the virtual space data, and the attack target object is The height is higher than the character object, and in the step of controlling the action of the attack target object, the head of the attack target object is the character object during the attack action on the character object of the attack target object. It is moved to control so as to approach the character object.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus, and a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method, in which the battle with the attack target object larger than the character object is improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of computer 200 according to one mode. FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an uvw view coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an aspect of representing a virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view of a head of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section in which a view area 23 is viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section in which a visibility region 23 in the virtual space 2 is viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller 160 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a modular configuration. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100. It is a figure showing virtual space 2 containing a player character and an enemy character. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the visual field image M. FIG.

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

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

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a display 112, a camera 116, a microphone 118, and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 may include the motion sensor 130.

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

  The HMD device 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide the user with virtual space during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye on the display 112, respectively. When each eye of the user views each image, the user can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes. The display 112 may be integrally configured with the HMD device 110 or may be separate.

  The display 112 is realized, for example, as a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the display 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD device 110 so as to be located in front of the user's eyes. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the display 112, the user can immerse in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object operable by the user, and an image of a menu selectable by the user. In one embodiment, the display 112 can be realized as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display included in a so-called smart phone or other information display terminal.

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

  The camera 116 acquires a face image of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The face image acquired by the camera 116 may be used to detect the user's expression by image analysis processing. The camera 116 may be, for example, an infrared camera built in the HMD device 110 in order to detect movement of the pupil, opening and closing of the eyelid, movement of the eyebrows, and the like. Alternatively, the camera 116 may be an external camera located outside the HMD device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 to detect movement of the user's mouth, cheeks, jaws, etc. Also, the camera 116 may be configured by both the infrared camera and the external camera described above.

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

  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 light. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD device 110. The HMD sensor 120 uses this function to detect the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 in the physical space.

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

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. HMD device 110 may use sensor 114 to detect the position and tilt of HMD device 110 itself. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor or the like, the HMD device 110 uses one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to position and tilt itself. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates temporal changes in angles around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates inclination of the HMD device 110 based on temporal changes in angles. The HMD device 110 may also 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 thereof. Further, the view image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image constituting the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field of view image, or the field of view can be set by setting the transmittance of part of the transmissive display device high. The real space may be visible from part of the image.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects the 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 sensor for the right eye and a sensor for the left eye. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that emits infrared light to the right and left eyes of the user 190, and detects the rotation angle of each eye by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the gaze direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

  The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user.

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

  The controller 160 receives an input of an instruction from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, controller 160 is configured to be graspable by user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of the clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output vibration, sound, light, and / or light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 receives operations given by the user 190 to control the position, movement, etc. of objects placed in the space providing virtual reality.

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

[Hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 200 according to an 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 respectively.

  The processor 10 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 based on a signal supplied to the computer 200 or based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. In one aspect, the processor 10 is realized as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other devices.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from, for example, the storage 12. The data stored in the memory 11 includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 10. In one aspect, the memory 11 is implemented as a random access memory (RAM) or another volatile memory.

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is implemented, for example, as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or another non-volatile 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, a program for realizing communication with another computer 200, and the like. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data, objects, etc. for defining a virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device like a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using programs 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, when a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used, such as an amusement facility, it is possible to perform updating of programs, data, etc. collectively.

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

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

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 to communicate with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), an NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Be done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the one described above.

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

  The server 150 is connected to the control devices of each of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19.

  Although the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD device 110 is shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD device 110 in another aspect. As one example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the display 112 may function as the computer 200.

  In addition, the computer 200 may be configured to be commonly used by a plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, since the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space. In such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in the present embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 by the input / output interface 13. In addition, each function of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD device 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered on the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110 (origin). More specifically, the HMD device 110 defines the global coordinate system in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) around each axis of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The pitch direction (u axis), the yaw direction (v axis), and the roll direction (w axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 are newly obtained by inclining each direction about each axis by the inclination of Set as.

  In one aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 stands upright and views the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD device 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) of the uvw view coordinate system in the HMD device 110 and the yaw direction (v Match the axis) and the roll direction (w axis).

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

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

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

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an aspect of representing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 2 is illustrated so as not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is previously defined as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (a still image, a moving image, etc.) that can be expanded in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2 to make the virtual space image 22 visible by the user. Provides the user with a virtual space 2 in which is deployed.

  In one aspect, in the virtual space 2, an XYZ coordinate system having a center 21 as an origin is defined. 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, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the 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-back direction) is parallel to the z-axis of the global coordinate system.

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

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

  Since the direction of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 1, the line of sight (reference line of sight 5) serving as a reference when the user views the virtual space image 22 depends on the direction of the virtual camera 1 It is decided. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines a view area 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

  The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes an object. The uvw view coordinate system of HMD device 110 is equivalent to the view coordinate system when user 190 views display 112. Further, the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is interlocked with the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to an aspect can regard the gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the gaze direction of the user in the uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's gaze]
The determination of the user's gaze direction will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the head of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 according to one embodiment.

  In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects the gaze of each of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190. In one aspect, when the user 190 is looking close, the gaze sensor 140 detects the sight lines R1 and L1. In another aspect, if the user 190 is looking far, the gaze sensor 140 detects the gazes R2 and L2. In this case, the angle between the lines of sight R2 and L2 with respect to the roll direction w is smaller than the angle between the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the direction of roll 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 detection result of the line of sight, the gaze point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 is specified based on the detection values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detection values of the sight lines R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the sight lines R2 and L2 as the gaze point. The computer 200 identifies the gaze direction N0 of the user 190 based on the identified position of the fixation point N1. The computer 200 detects, for example, 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 gaze point N1 is the line of sight direction N0. The gaze direction N0 is the direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the gaze with both eyes. Further, the line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually points the line of sight with respect to the view area 23.

  Also, in another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast receiver 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 be provided with a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet, or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

[View area]
The view area 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the virtual space 2 when the field of view 23 is viewed from the X direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section in which the visibility region 23 is viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the view area 23 in the YZ cross section includes the area 24. The area 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 centering on the reference gaze 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the view area 23 in the XZ cross section includes the area 25. The area 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 centered on the reference gaze 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 causing the display 112 to display a view image based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 superimposed on the view area 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 worn on the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the view area 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the view image displayed on the display 112 is updated to an image of the virtual space image 22 superimposed on the view area 23 in the direction to which the user turned in the virtual space 2. The user can view a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

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

  In one aspect, the processor 10 may move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 equipped with the HMD device 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image area (that is, a view area 23 in the virtual space 2) to be projected on the display 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and the orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. That is, the virtual camera 1 defines the field of view of the user 190 in the virtual space 2.

  According to an embodiment, the virtual camera 1 desirably includes two virtual cameras, ie, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye, and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Further, it is preferable that appropriate parallaxes be set to two virtual cameras so that the user 190 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll direction (w) generated by combining the roll directions of the two virtual cameras is the roll direction (w) of the HMD device 110. The technical idea according to the present disclosure is illustrated as being configured to be adapted.

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

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

  The right controller 160R comprises a grip 30, a frame 31, and a top surface 32. The grip 30 is configured to be gripped by the right hand of the user 190. For example, the grip 30 may be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 190 and three fingers (middle, ring and little fingers).

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

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 disposed along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program while the program using the controller 160 is being executed. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the position and attitude (tilt, orientation) of the right controller 160R and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. One or three or more arrays may be used.

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36, 37 are configured as push-type buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation by the thumb of the right hand of user 190. The analog stick 38 receives an operation in any direction 360 degrees from the initial position (the position of neutral) in a certain phase. The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller include batteries for driving the infrared LED 35 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery, a button battery, and a dry battery battery. In another aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller may be connected to, for example, a USB interface of the computer 200. In this case, the right controller 160R and the left controller do not require a battery.

  As shown in state (A) and state (B) of FIG. 8, for example, with respect to the right hand 810 of the user 190, yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined. When the user 190 stretches the thumb and forefinger, the extension direction of the thumb is the yaw direction, the extension direction of the forefinger is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw and roll axes is the pitch direction Defined as

[Control device of HMD device]
The control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the controller is implemented by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 9 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 as a modular configuration according to one embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes, as sub-modules, a virtual camera control module 221, a view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, and a reference gaze specification module 224. The virtual space control module 230 includes, as sub-modules, a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, and an operation object control module 233.

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

  In one aspect, display control module 220 controls image display on display 112 of HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 places the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, direction, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the display 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 determines the display mode of the player character (described in detail later) included in the view image. The reference gaze identification module 224 identifies the gaze of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object control module 232 generates a target object to be placed in the virtual space 2. Also, the virtual object control module 232 controls the motion (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object and the player character in the virtual space 2. The target object may include, for example, a forest, a landscape including mountains and the like, an animal, etc., arranged in accordance with the progress of the game story. The player character is an object associated with the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2 and may be referred to as an avatar. In the present disclosure, an object including an avatar is referred to as a player character.

  The operation object control module 233 arranges in the virtual space 2 an operation object for operating an object arranged in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the operation object is, for example, a hand object (virtual hand) corresponding to the hand of the user wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, a stick object corresponding to the stick used by the user, etc. May be included. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the part of the axis in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. The virtual space control module 230 can detect, for example, the timing at which an object touches another object, and performs predetermined processing when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object and the object are away from the touch, and performs predetermined processing when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in contact with the object. Specifically, when the operation object control module 233 touches an operation object and another object (for example, a target object arranged by the virtual object control module 232), the operation object and the other object touch each other. And to perform predetermined processing.

  Memory module 240 holds data used by computer 200 to provide virtual space 2 to user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined to provide the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging an object used in the content, and other attribute information such as drawing data of the player character and its size information. There is. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a scene similar to a real society, and the like. The user information 243 includes, for example, a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program using each content held in the object information 242, and the like.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

  Communication control module 250 may communicate with server 150 and other information communication devices via network 19.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may be implemented 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 implement 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 hard disk or other memory module 240. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other computer readable non-volatile data storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or other network. Such software is temporarily stored in the memory module 240 after being read from the 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. Ru. The software is read by the processor 10 from the memory module 240 and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware constituting the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is a program stored in computer 200. The operation of the hardware of computer 200 is well known, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated.

  Incidentally, the data recording medium is not limited to CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) ), IC (Integrated Circuit) cards (including memory cards), optical cards, mask ROMs, EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories), EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), semiconductor memories such as flash ROMs, etc. It may be a non-volatile data storage medium that carries a program fixedly.

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

Control structure
The control structure of the computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100 used by the user 190 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190.

  In step S1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and defines the virtual space 2. Also, the processor 10 arranges a virtual object and an operation object in the virtual space 2 as a virtual object control module 232 and an operation object control module 233. The virtual space definition module 231 controllably defines the operation in the virtual space 2.

  In step S2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, in the work area of the memory, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates visibility image data for displaying an initial visibility image as the visibility image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S4, the display 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the view image.

  In step S5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the plurality of infrared light beams emitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S6, the processor 10, as a view field determination module 222, specifies the view direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the position and the tilt of the HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes an application program, and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on an instruction included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects an operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by user 190. In another aspect, controller 160 detects movement (eg, shaking both hands, etc.) of user 190 in both hands. A signal indicating the content of detection is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S8, the processor 10 causes the virtual space 2 to reflect the detection content and the control content of the virtual object sent from the controller 160 as the virtual object control module 232 and the operation object control module 233. Specifically, the processor 10 moves an operation object (for example, a hand object or the like representing a player character's hand) in the virtual space 2 based on the signal indicating the detection content. Also, the processor 10, as the operation object control module 233, detects a predetermined operation (for example, a gripping operation or the like) on the target object by the operation object. The processor 10 also controls the operation of virtual objects in the virtual space 2.

  In step S9, the processor 10 causes the view image generation module 223 to generate view image data for displaying a view image based on the result of the process in step S8, and outputs the generated view image data to the HMD device 110.

  In step S10, the display 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram including the player character PC in the virtual space 2 and the enemy character K that is the attack target in the present disclosure. State (A) is a schematic view showing a state in which the enemy character K which is the attack target of the player character PC is not attacking. The virtual space definition module 231 and the virtual object control module 232 define a virtual space including the enemy character K. In state (A), the virtual object control module 232 places the player character PC on the tower object T in the virtual space 2. At that time, the virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in accordance with the eye position of the player character PC. Therefore, the user 190 feels that the player character PC is on the tower object.

  On the other hand, the virtual object control module 232 arranges the enemy character K at a predetermined distance from the player character PC (virtual camera 1). This position is the ground G which is a reference plane of the virtual space 2. As apparent from FIG. 11, the virtual object control module 232 divides the enemy character K into a head K1, a body K2, an arm K3, and a leg K4, and generates the enemy character K larger than the player character PC. For example, when the enemy character K is placed on the ground G, the head K1 is generated to be at a position higher than the player character PC. Then, the virtual camera control module 221 arranges the eye position (virtual camera 1) of the player character PC on the tower object T so as to be positioned between the waist of the torso portion K2 of the enemy character K and the head K1. Do.

  The state (B) shows a schematic view when the enemy character K tries to attack the player character PC. In the state (B), the virtual object control module 232 causes the enemy character K to attack the player character PC using the arm K3. Specifically, the virtual object control module 232 operates the enemy character K so that the head K1 of the enemy character K approaches the player character. At that time, the virtual object control module 232 operates the arm K3 of the enemy character K so as to surround the player character PC or the tower object T on which the player character PC is arranged. At this time, the body K2 may be expressed as being curved. When the enemy character K attacks, the position of the leg K4 does not change.

  On the other hand, the operation object control module 233 generates virtual hands (right hand RH and left hand LH) of the player character PC, and operates these virtual hands in accordance with the operation of the user. Specifically, the operation object control module 233 operates the player character PC to attack the enemy character K using the right hand RH of the player character PC according to the user's action detected by the controller 160, thereby causing the left hand LH to be Use it to operate to protect the attack from the enemy character K.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing a view image M of the player character PC in the virtual space 2. In the state (A), the enemy character K is arranged at a position at a predetermined distance from the player character PC. In the view image M, virtual hands (right hand RH and left hand LH) are displayed. These virtual hands are generated by the operation object control module 232. The operation object control module 232 controls the right hand RH to hold a sword and the left hand LH to hold a shield.

  Then, in the state (B), the enemy character K operates so that its head K1 approaches the player character at the time of attack. When the enemy character K moves its head K1 closer to the player character PC, the position of the enemy character K does not change. Therefore, the torso portion K2 of the enemy character K operates to lean toward the player character PC in accordance with the movement of the head K1.

  In the above description, although the first-person viewpoint from the player character PC is described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a tracking camera for shooting the player character PC and the enemy character K from behind the player character PC may be disposed, and a shot image from the tracking camera may be used as a view image. This tracking camera is a virtual camera that can track the movement of the player character PC and shoot the background.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user 190 is immersed by the HMD device 110 is described as an example, but a transmissive HMD device may be adopted as the HMD device 110. In this case, an augmented reality (AR) space or a composite image is output by outputting a view image obtained by synthesizing a part of the image forming the virtual space in the real space viewed by the user 190 through the transmissive HMD device. A virtual experience in mixed reality (MR) space may be provided to the user 190. In this case, instead of the right hand RH or the left hand LH, an action on the target object in the virtual space 2 may be generated based on the hand movement of the user 190. Specifically, the processor 10 may specify coordinate information of the position of the hand of the user 190 in the real space, and define the position of the target object in the virtual space 2 in relation to the coordinate information in the real space . Thereby, the processor 10 grasps the positional relationship between the hand of the user 190 in the real space and the target object in the virtual space 2, and performs the processing corresponding to the collision control etc. described above between the hand of the user 190 and the target object. It becomes executable. As a result, it is possible to affect the target object based on the hand movement of the user 190.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated, for example, as the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer 200 for providing a virtual space 2 to a user 190 via a head mounted device (HMD device 110) including a display unit (display 112),
Providing virtual space data including an attack target object (enemy character K) having a head K1, which is a target of attack by a character object (player character PC) associated with the user 190 (step S1 in FIG. 10) ,
Acquiring movement of the user 190 (S5 in FIG. 10) and controlling movement of the character object (player character PC) based on the movement of the user 190 and the virtual space data (step SS8 in FIG. 10) )When,
Controlling an action of the attack target object (enemy character K) with respect to the character object (player character PC) based on the virtual space data (step S8 in FIG. 10);
The view image M from the character object (player character PC) or the view image from the back of the character object, defined based on the action of the character object, the action of the attack target object, and the virtual space data, Displaying on the display unit (display 112) (steps S3 and S9 in FIG. 10);
Equipped with
In the virtual space data, the attack target object (enemy character K) is disposed on the reference plane (ground G) of the virtual space data, and the height of the attack target object (enemy character K) is the character object ( Higher than the player character PC),
In the step of controlling the motion of the attack target object (enemy character K),
At the time of attacking the character object (player character PC) of the attack target object (enemy character K), the head K1 of the attack target object (enemy character K) is directed to the character object (player character PC) Control to move closer to the character object (player character PC),
Information processing method.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to improve the sense of reality when facing an attack target object such as an enemy character set larger than the character object. That is, in general, a huge attack target object is often arranged apart from the character object to some extent. In that case, it may be difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the character object and the attack target object, and it may be difficult for the user to fight. According to the present disclosure, at the time of predetermined operation of the attack target object, for example, when the attack target object tries to attack the character object, at least the head of the attack target object approaches the character object. Therefore, the reality of the battle can be improved, and it is possible to make it easy for the user to understand what is happening. Therefore, the battle with the attack target object can be enhanced.
(Item 2)
Providing the virtual space data,
Providing virtual space data in which a scaffold object for placing the character object is placed on the reference plane, and placing the character object on the scaffold object
The information processing method according to claim 1.
According to the information processing method of this item, the height difference when facing a huge attack target object as compared to the character object by using the scaffold object such as the tower object T capable of arranging the character object Can be filled. Therefore, the user can check the virtual space from above the scaffold object in all directions, and can intuitively recognize that the attack target object is huge. Furthermore, the positional relationship with the attack target object can be easily grasped visually. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform attack defense operation intuitively.
(Item 3)
In the step of controlling the action of the attack target object,
When the attack target object attacks the character object, control is performed such that an attack triggering part of the attack target object surrounds the character object or the scaffold object.
The information processing method according to Item 1 or 2.
According to the information processing method of this item, an attack-triggered part such as an arm operates so as to surround a character object or a scaffold object. Therefore, the sense of being attacked by the attack target object can be improved.
(Item 4)
Any of the items 1 to 3, wherein the torso portion of the to-be-attacked object is disposed at a position away from the character object from the disposed position of the head and is formed to extend toward the head The information processing method according to one item.
According to the information processing method of this item, since the arrangement position of the body portion hardly moves, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the approaching head. Therefore, the user can easily fight against the attack target object.
(Item 5)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
(Item 6)
An apparatus, comprising at least a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the control of the processor executes the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Reference gaze, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 12 ... Storage, 13 ... I / O interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ... Bus, 19 ... Network, 21 ... Center, 22 virtual space image 23 view area 24 25 area 31 frame 32 top surface 33 34 36 37 button button 35 infrared LED 38 analog stick 100 HMD system , 110 ... HMD device, 112 ... display, 114 ... sensor, 116 ... camera, 118 ... microphone, 120 ... HMD sensor, 130 ... motion sensor, 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... server, 160 ... controller, 160 R ... right controller, 190: User, 200: Computer, 220: Display control module 221 ... virtual camera control module, 222 ... view area determination module, 223 ... view image generation module, 224 ... reference gaze specification module, 230 ... virtual space control module, 231 ... virtual space definition module, 232 ... virtual object control module, 233 ... operation object control module, 240 ... memory module, 241 ... space information, 242 ... object information, 243 ... user information, 250 ... communication control module, M ... view image.

Claims (6)

An information processing method performed by a computer to provide a virtual space to a user via a head mounted device comprising a display unit, the information processing method comprising:
Providing virtual space data including an attack target object having a head, which is targeted by the character object associated with the user.
Acquiring the motion of the user, and controlling the motion of the character object based on the motion of the user and the virtual space data;
Controlling an operation of the attack target object based on the virtual space data;
The view image from the character object or the view image from behind the character object generated based on the action of the attack target object, the action of the character object, and the virtual space data is displayed on the display unit. Step and
Equipped with
In the virtual space data, the attack target object is disposed on a reference plane of the virtual space data, and the height of the attack target object is higher than the character object,
In the step of controlling the action of the attack target object,
During an attacking action on the character object of the attack target object, the head of the attack target object is moved toward the character object to control so as to approach the character object.
Information processing method. Providing the virtual space data,
Providing virtual space data in which a scaffold object for placing the character object is placed on the reference plane, and placing the character object on the scaffold object
The information processing method according to claim 1. In the step of controlling the action of the attack target object,
When the attacking object attacks the character object, the attacking part of the attacking object is controlled to surround the character object.
The information processing method according to claim 1. The attack target object has a head and a torso,
In the step of controlling the action of the attack target object,
When the attack target object attacks the character object, the torso portion of the attack target object is disposed at a position away from the character object from the placement position of the head and directed to the head The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing method is formed to extend.   The program which makes a computer perform the information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-4. An apparatus, comprising at least a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the control of the processor executes the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5.