JP2019008751A - Information processing method, program, and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve user's virtual experiences.SOLUTION: An information processing method which is executed on a computer to provide a virtual space via a head-mounted display includes the steps of: specifying a virtual space; arranging an operation object, a mobile object, and a target object in the virtual space; causing the operation object to operate according to a user's motion; moving the mobile object on the basis of the operation of the operation object; determining an influence which the mobile object gives to the target object, on the basis of information on the speed of the mobile object; and giving, when the mobile object and target object have a first positional relation, an influence to the target object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, a program, and a computer.

  In Non-Patent Document 1, in a virtual reality (VR) space including a hand object, an object to be thrown, and a plurality of stacked objects, the object to be thrown is grabbed and thrown and thrown up. It is disclosed that a plurality of given objects are destroyed.

“Toybox Demo for Oculus Touch”, [online], October 13, 2015, Oculus, [Search June 28, 2017], Internet <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFEMiyGMa58 >

  However, with the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, the idea that an effect caused by an object thrown by a hand object colliding (contacting) with another object is controlled by information about the speed of the thrown object. Is not disclosed. For this reason, the technology disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has room for improving the virtual experience that the user experiences virtually.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, a program, and a computer capable of improving a user's virtual experience.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual space via a head-mounted display, the step of defining the virtual space, an operation object, and a moving object Placing a target object in the virtual space, moving the operation object according to a user's movement, moving the moving object based on the operation object's movement, and The step of identifying the influence of the moving object on the target object based on the information on the speed, and the influence on the target object when the moving object and the target object are in a first positional relationship. An information processing method including a step of giving There is provided.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method, a program, and a computer that can improve a user's virtual experience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to one aspect. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of the user wearing the HMD device according to an embodiment from above. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field region viewed from the X direction in the virtual space. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field region viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system used by the user to provide the user with a virtual space. FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a user wearing an HMD device and a controller. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual camera, a left hand object, a right hand object, a grenade object, and an enemy character arranged in the virtual space in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual field image obtained by capturing the inside of the virtual space illustrated in FIG. 11B with the visual field region of the virtual camera. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object in a state where the pin is removed from the grenade object. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a collision area control example when the speed of the grenade object is equal to or higher than a threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object in a state where the pin is removed from the grenade object. FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating a collision area control example when the speed of the grenade object is less than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object in a state where the pin is not removed from the grenade object. FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of collision effect control when the speed of the grenade object is equal to or higher than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user is performing an action of throwing an object in a state where the pin is not removed from the grenade object. FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating an example of collision effect control when the speed of the grenade object is less than the threshold in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the first modification. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the first modification. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating an example of a user wearing an HMD device and a controller. FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating an example of the virtual camera, the left hand object, the right hand object, the ball object, and the batter character arranged in the virtual space in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual field image M obtained by capturing the virtual space illustrated in FIG. 22B with the visual field region of the virtual camera. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a collision control process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a collision control process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object. FIG. 26B is a diagram illustrating a collision area control example when the speed of the ball object is equal to or higher than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 27A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object. FIG. 27B is a diagram illustrating a collision area control example when the speed of the ball object is less than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 28A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object. FIG. 28B is a diagram illustrating an example of collision effect control when the speed of the ball object is equal to or higher than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the user is performing an action of throwing an object. FIG. 29B is a diagram illustrating a collision effect control example when the speed of the ball object is less than the threshold value in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of information in which a corresponding sphere type and a rotation pattern of the sphere type are defined for each posture change pattern of the controller 160. It is explanatory drawing in the case of controlling a collision area also considering the time-sequential change of a user's hand attitude | position. It is explanatory drawing in the case of controlling a collision effect also considering the time-sequential change of a user's hand attitude | position.

<Details of Embodiments Shown by Present Disclosure>
Hereinafter, details of an embodiment shown in the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, basically, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. For this reason, in principle, the description of the components already described (components to which the reference numbers already described are assigned) is not repeated unless necessary.

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

  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 can include a motion sensor 130.

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

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

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

  In one aspect, the display 112 may 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 display a right-eye image and a left-eye image together. In this case, the display 112 includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be displayed alternately so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

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

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

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

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

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD device 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. In addition, an element for presenting the real space may be included in the view field image displayed on the display 112. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or a part of the transmission-type display device may be set to have a high transmittance. The real space may be visible from a part of the image.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data in a batch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each element (for example, an object, a still image, and a moving image) that can be expanded (arranged) in the virtual space 2 with a mesh corresponding to the expanded position (arranged position) in the virtual space 2. Provides the user with a virtual space 2 in which the visible virtual space elements are developed. The virtual space element is an element developed in the virtual space 2, for example, various objects (for example, an object that can be operated by the user, an object that operates based on a predetermined algorithm, and an object that does not operate), Various images (background images, menu images selected by the user, photos, moving images, etc.) are included.

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

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

  As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD device 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. Further, the virtual camera 1 may be moved in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space, or according to an operation by the user 190 received by the controller 160. , May be moved.

  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 element is determined according to the orientation of the virtual camera 1. . However, the orientation of the virtual camera 1 may be determined according to the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides a virtual space to the user 190 by causing the display 112 to display a view field image based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image is an image representing a virtual space element in a space corresponding to the view area 23 among the virtual space elements developed in the virtual space 2. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 worn on the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. Thus, the view image displayed on the display 112 is obtained after the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 from an image representing a virtual space element in the space corresponding to the view region 23 before the user 190 moves the HMD device 110. Is updated to an image representing a virtual space element in the space corresponding to the visual field region 23. The user can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

  While wearing the HMD device 110, the user 190 can visually recognize the virtual space element 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 movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image area (that is, the view area 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the display 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. That is, the visual field of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is defined by the virtual camera 1.

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

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

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

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

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

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt, orientation), etc., of the right controller 160R and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. An array of one or more columns may be used. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the controller 160 is a controller that is gripped by the user's hand, and thus the movement of the user's hand can be detected by detecting the position and posture (tilt and orientation) of the controller 160. When the controller 160 can be attached to the body of the user 190 or a part of clothing, the movement of the body of the user 190 or a part of the clothing is detected by detecting the position and posture (tilt, orientation) of the controller 160. Can be detected.

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

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

As shown in the state (A) and the state (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as
[Control device for HMD device]

  The control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a main control module 220, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The main control module 220 includes, as sub-modules, a virtual space control module 221, a virtual camera control module 222, an operation object control module 223, an object control module 224, a collision control module 225, a collision determination module 226, a visual field An image generation module 227 and a display control module 228 are included. However, it is not necessary to include all the modules described above in the main control module 220, and some of them may not be included. For example, in the present embodiment, the collision control module 225 may not be included in the main control module 220.

  In certain embodiments, the main control module 220 is implemented by the processor 10. In another embodiment, multiple processors 10 may operate as the main control module 220. 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.

  The virtual space control module 221 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. In the present embodiment, the virtual space control module 221 specifies the virtual space 2 in the HMD system 100 by specifying virtual space data representing the virtual space 2. In this embodiment, the case where a module other than the virtual space control module 221 performs the placement of virtual space elements such as the virtual camera 1, various objects, and background images in the virtual space 2 will be described as an example. However, the virtual space control module 221 may perform the process. In addition, the placement of the virtual space element in the virtual space 2 may be performed on the entire virtual space 2 or limited to the view field area 23 determined by the virtual camera control module 222 described later. Also good.

  The virtual camera control module 222 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the operation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera control module 222 is configured such that the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110 (movement of the HMD device 110) and key operations of the controller 160 by the user (the buttons 36 and 37 and the analog stick 38). The behavior, orientation, etc. of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 can be controlled based on the operation. In other words, the visual field area 23 of the virtual camera 1 may be defined based on the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110, or the key operation of the controller 160 by the user (the operation of the buttons 36 and 37 and the analog stick 38). ). However, the operation control of the virtual camera 1 is not limited to this.

  The operation object control module 223 arranges the operation object in the virtual space 2 and controls the operation (movement, state change, etc.) of the operation object in the virtual space 2. The operation object is an object associated with the user wearing the HMD device 110, and in the present embodiment, a case of a hand object will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the hand object of the player character corresponds to the hand of the user wearing the HMD device 110. For this reason, the operation object control module 223 determines the player character's hand object based on the movement of the controller 160 held by the user's hand and the key operation of the controller 160 by the user (the operation of the buttons 36 and 37 and the analog stick 38). To work. The hand object can be an operation object for operating an object placed in the virtual space 2.

  Further, the operation object may be a finger object (virtual finger), a foot object, a stick object corresponding to a stick used by the user, or the like instead of a hand object. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the axis portion in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The object control module 224 arranges an object other than the operation object in the virtual space 2 and controls the operation (movement, state change, etc.) of the object other than the operation object in the virtual space 2. Examples of objects other than the operation object include a moving object, a target object, a background object, and the like, but are not limited to these. The moving object may be any object as long as it is an object that is operated (handled) directly or indirectly by the operation object. Examples of the moving object include, but are not limited to, a grenade object and a ball object that are thrown by an operation object (hand object). Examples of the moving object that is indirectly operated by the operation object include a ball object that is thrown in an arbitrary direction by a bat object that is operated by the operation object (hand object), but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing.

  The target object is an object that is affected by the moving object. Examples of the target object include enemy characters and opponent characters, but are not limited thereto. Background objects may include, for example, forests, mountains and other landscapes, animals, etc. that are arranged according to the progress of the game story. Note that the object control module 224 may control an object that does not move while being placed at a fixed position.

  The collision control module 225 performs control for specifying (determining) at least one of the shape and size of the collision area associated with the moving object based on the movement of the moving object. Examples of the information related to the movement of the moving object include information that can be specified from the movement of the moving object, such as the speed, speed, acceleration, direction, and posture change of the moving object, but are not limited thereto. Further, the collision determination module 226 specifies (determines) the influence of the moving object on the target object based on the information regarding the speed of the moving object.

  The collision determination module 226 determines the collision between objects by determining the collision (contact) of the collision area between the objects. The collision determination module 226 can detect, for example, a timing when a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. In addition, the collision determination module 226 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and can perform a predetermined process when the detection is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the collision determination module 226 determines a collision between the moving object and the target object based on the positional relationship between the collision area associated with the moving object and the target object. When the collision determination module 226 determines that the moving object and the target object collide, the collision determination module 226 exerts a predetermined influence on the target object.

  The view image generation module 227 generates view image data displayed on the display 112 based on the view area 23 determined by the virtual camera control module 222. Specifically, the visual field image generation module 227 determines the collision of the virtual camera field of view defined based on the movement of the virtual camera 1, the virtual space data specified by the virtual space control module 221, and the collision determination module 226. Visibility image data is generated based on the result (the result of having a predetermined influence on the target object).

  The display control module 228 displays a visual field image on the display 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the visual field image data generated by the visual field image generation module 227. For example, the display control module 228 outputs the visual field image data generated by the visual field image generation module 227 to the HMD device 110 to display the visual field image on the display 112.

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

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

  The communication control module 250 can communicate with the server 150 and other information communication devices via the network 19.

  In one aspect, the main control module 220 can be implemented using, for example, Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the main control module 220 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each process.

  Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 240 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other non-volatile computer-readable data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the memory module 240. The The software is read from the memory module 240 by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

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

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

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100 used by the user 190 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space control module 221. Further, the processor 10 arranges an operation object and an object other than the operation object in the virtual space 2 as the operation object control module 223 and the object control module 224. The virtual space control module 221 defines the operation to be controllable in the virtual space 2.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 222. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 227. The display control module 228 transmits (outputs) the generated view field image data to the HMD device 110 via the communication control module 250.

  In step S <b> 4, the display 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 as the virtual camera control module 222 based on the position and inclination of the HMD device 110.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of the hand of the user 190 (for example, the movement of the hand when the user 190 swings to throw things). A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S <b> 8, the processor 10 operates as the operation object control module 223, the object control module 224, the collision control module 225, and the collision determination module 226, the motion detection data sent from the HMD sensor 120, and the detection content sent from the controller 160. The control contents of various objects are reflected in the virtual space 2.

  For example, the processor 10 moves the operation object (hand object) in the virtual space 2 as the operation object control module 223 based on the motion detection data of the HMD device 110 and the detection content of the controller 160. Further, for example, the processor 10 controls the operation of an object other than the operation object such as a moving object or a target object operated by the operation object as the object control module 224. Further, for example, the processor 10 controls the collision control module 225 to control at least one of the shape and size of the collision area associated with the moving object based on the movement of the moving object. Further, for example, the processor 10 performs the collision determination between the collision area of the operation object and the collision area of the target object as the collision determination module 226.

  In step S9, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying a view image based on the result of the process in step S8 as the view image generation module 227. The display control module 228 outputs the generated view field 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.

  Next, the relationship between the state of the user 190 and various objects arranged in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controllers 160L and 160R. FIG. 11B shows an example of the virtual camera 1, the left hand object 400L, the right hand object 400R, the grenade object 500, and the enemy character 600 arranged in the virtual space 2 in the state shown in FIG. It is. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual field image M captured (represented) by the visual field region 23 of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 illustrated in FIG. In the following drawings, for the sake of explanation, as shown in FIG. 11B, the hand object 400 may be represented by a simple circle or the enemy character 600 may be represented by a simple rectangular parallelepiped.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 is interlocked with the movement of the HMD 110 worn by the user 190. That is, the visual field of the virtual camera 1 is updated according to the movement of the HMD 110. In this embodiment, the left hand object 400L is an operation object that moves according to the movement of the controller 160L attached to the left hand of the user 190, and the right hand object 400R is the movement of the controller 160R attached to the right hand of the user 190. It is an operation object that moves in response to. Hereinafter, the left hand object 400L and the right hand object 400R may be simply referred to as a “hand object 400”. In the present embodiment, the grenade object 500 is a moving object operated by the hand object 400. Examples of operations by the hand object 400 for the grenade object 500 include grabbing the grenade object 500, removing the pin 510 from the grenade object 500, and throwing the grabbed grenade object 500 to the enemy character 600 that is the target object. It is not limited to this. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the grenade object 500 is held by the left hand object 400L.

  In the present embodiment, a collision area for determining collision (collision) between objects is set for each object. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, a collision area CAL is set for the left hand object 400L, a collision area CAR is set for the right hand object 400R, a collision area CB is set for the grenade object 500, and the enemy character 600 is set. Is a collision area CC. Hereinafter, the collision area CAL and the collision area CAR may be simply referred to as “collision area CA”. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B, the case where the collision area is set around the center position of the object will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The position may be the center. Further, the shape of the collision area may be any shape such as a spherical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, an elliptical shape, and a rod shape, and the size and shape may be different for each object.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the grenade object 500 is held by the left hand object 400L. The hand grenade object 500 can be held by the hand object 400 on condition that the collision between the collision area CA and the collision area CB. For example, the grenade object 500 may be held by the hand object 400 on condition that the collision determination module 226 determines that the collision area CA and the collision area CB collide. Further, for example, it is confirmed that the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 are continuously operated (pressed) by the user 190 in a state where the collision determination module 226 determines that the collision area CA and the collision area CB collide with each other. As a condition, the grenade object 500 may be held by the hand object 400. Note that the holding of the grenade object 500 by the hand object 400 may be realized in any way. For example, the object control module 224 moves the grenade object 500 in conjunction with the movement (motion) of the hand object 400. This can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the user 190 causes the hand object 400 to throw the held grenade object 500 toward the enemy character 600 by performing an action of throwing an object with the controller 160 attached to the hand. . Then, a predetermined influence is given to the enemy character 600 according to the result of the collision determination (hit determination) between the collision area CB of the thrown grenade object 500 and the collision area CC of the enemy character 600.

  The throwing of the grenade object 500 by the hand object 400 may be realized in any way. For example, while the user 190 is performing an operation of throwing an object with the controller 160 attached to the hand, the buttons 36 and 37 being operated (pressed) to hold the grenade object 500 or analog By releasing the operation (pressing) of the stick 38, the object control module 224 can provide the grenade object 500 with a speed based on the movement of the controller 160 and move the grenade object 500 based on the speed.

  Moreover, as an influence given to the enemy character 600, the fluctuation | variation of the parameter linked | related with the enemy character 600 is mentioned, for example. In the present embodiment, the parameters associated with the enemy character 600 are elements necessary for continuing the game, such as physical strength and life, and it is assumed that the parameters are reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. Note that the influence given to the enemy character 600 may be a change in the behavior of the enemy character 600 instead of a change in parameters, or a combination of both.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in order to explode the grenade object 500, it is assumed that the grenade object 500 is thrown to the hand object 400 after the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500. However, it is assumed that the user 190 who is immersed in the virtual space forgets the operation for pulling out the pin 510 from the grenade object 500 with excitement and throws the grenade object 500 to the hand object 400. Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed according to whether the grenade object 500 is thrown with the pin 510 pulled out or thrown without the pin 510 being pulled out.

  Note that the operation for removing the pin 510 from the grenade object 500 may be realized in any manner. For example, in a state where the grenade object 500 is held in the hand object 400, the user 190 operates (presses) the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 of the controller 160, so that the object control module 224 is changed to the grenade object. The pin 510 may be removed from the 500. Also, for example, a collision area is set on the pin 510, and this collision area collides with the collision area CA of the hand object 400 (mainly assuming the collision area CA of the hand object 400 that does not hold the grenade object 500). Subsequently, the object control module 224 is operated on the condition that the operation (pressing) of the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 of the controller 160 is performed or the collision is released (returned to the non-contact state). The pin 510 may be removed from the grenade object 500.

  Next, an information processing method according to the present embodiment, specifically, a collision area and a collision effect control method will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the present embodiment. 14 shows a collision control process when the grenade object 500 is thrown with the pin 510 removed, and FIG. 15 shows a case where the grenade object 500 is thrown without the pin 510 removed. The collision control process is shown. The collision control process shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 corresponds to an example of the detailed process of steps S7 to S8 in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is throwing an object with the pin 510 removed from the grenade object 500. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating FIG. ) Is a diagram illustrating a control example of the collision area CB when the speed of the grenade object 500 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is throwing an object with the pin 510 removed from the grenade object 500, and FIG. ) Is a diagram illustrating a control example of the collision area CB when the speed of the grenade object 500 is less than a threshold value. FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is throwing an object in a state where the pin 510 has not been removed from the grenade object 500, and FIG. In the state shown to A), it is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision effect in case the speed of the grenade object 500 is more than a threshold value. FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is throwing an object while the pin 510 is not removed from the grenade object 500, and FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating FIG. In the state shown to A), it is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision effect in case the speed of the grenade object 500 is less than a threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 13, first, in step S <b> 11, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines whether or not the grenade object 500 has been thrown by the hand object 400. For example, when the user 190 releases the operation (pressing) of the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 that are being operated (pressed) to hold the grenade object 500, the processor 10 (the object control module 224) It is determined that 500 has been thrown, and if it is not released, it is determined that the grenade object 500 has not been thrown. Note that the process of step S11 is periodically performed while it is determined that the grenade object 500 is not thrown (No in step S11).

  When it is determined that the grenade object 500 has been thrown (Yes in step S11), in step S12, the processor 10 (object control module 224) sets and sets the velocity v (speed vector) for the thrown grenade object 500. The grenade object 500 is moved at the speed v.

  The processor 10 (the object control module 224), for example, the controller 160 (the user 190 is the object 190) in which the operation (pressing) of the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 being operated (pressed) is released to hold the grenade object 500. The speed v is given to the grenade object 500 on the basis of the absolute speed of the controller 160 attached to the hand of the person performing the action of throwing. The velocity v given to the grenade object 500 may be any velocity obtained based on the absolute velocity of the controller 160, may be the absolute velocity of the controller 160 itself, or may be the absolute velocity of the controller 160. It may be a speed obtained by multiplying by a predetermined constant.

  The absolute speed of the controller 160 indicates the speed of the HMD 110 observed from a fixed position in the real space. In the present embodiment, the case where the absolute speed of the controller 160 is the speed of the controller 160 with respect to the HMD sensor 120 installed at a predetermined location in the real space will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, every time the information detected by the HMD sensor 120 is acquired, the processor 10 identifies the position of the controller 160 based on the information, and identifies the identified position information and the previously identified position information. Based on this, the absolute speed in the moving direction of the controller 160 is specified. For example, if the position of the controller 160 in the nth frame (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) is Pn, the position of the controller 160 in the (n + 1) th frame is Pn + 1, and the time interval between frames is ΔT, n The absolute speed avn of the controller 160 in the second frame is avn = (position (Pn + 1) −position Pn) / ΔT. ΔT is 1 / frame rate. For example, if the frame rate is 90 fps (frames per second), ΔT = 1/90. The module for specifying the absolute speed of the controller 160 may be, for example, the operation object control module 223 or the object control module 224.

  Returning to FIG. 13, in step S <b> 13, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines whether or not the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500. For example, when the processor 10 (the object control module 224) detects an operation for removing the pin 510 from the grenade object 500 described above before the grenade object 500 is thrown, the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500. If it is determined that the pin is pulled out and the operation is not detected, it may be determined that the pin 510 is not pulled out from the grenade object 500. If the pin 510 has been removed from the grenade object 500 (Yes in step S13), the process proceeds to A (specifically, step S21 in FIG. 14), and if the pin 510 has not been removed from the grenade object 500 (No in step S13). , B (specifically, step S31 in FIG. 15).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14, a control example when the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500 (when the process proceeds to “A” in step S13 in FIG. 13) will be described. In step S <b> 21 of FIG. 14, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines whether or not it is an explosion timing of the grenade object 500. The explosion timing of the grenade object 500 can be set, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500 (for example, after 5 seconds). For this reason, the processor 10 (the object control module 224) sets a timer when the pin 510 is removed from the grenade object 500, and determines that the grenade object 500 has an explosion timing when the measurement of a predetermined time is completed by this timer. If the measurement for the predetermined time is not completed, it may be determined that it is not the explosion timing of the grenade object 500. The process of step S21 is periodically performed while it is determined that it is not the explosion timing of the grenade object 500 (No in step S21).

  When it is determined that it is the explosion timing of the grenade object 500 (Yes in step S21), in step S22, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines the predetermined speed vth at which the speed v of the thrown grenade object 500 is a threshold value. Judge whether it is above. The predetermined speed vth may be appropriately set according to the game content, or may be set by measuring in advance the speed at which the user 190 moves his / her hand.

  When the speed v of the grenade object 500 is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed vth (v ≧ vth) (Yes in step S22), the processor 10 (collision control module 225) determines the size of the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 in step S23. Is specified (set) as R2 (R <R1 <R2), and in step S25, the grenade object 500 is exploded.

  On the other hand, when the speed v of the grenade object 500 is less than the predetermined speed vth (v <vth) (No in step S22), the processor 10 (collision control module 225) in the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 in step S24. The size diameter is specified (set) as R1 (R <R1 <R2), and in step S25, the grenade object 500 is exploded. “R” is the diameter of the default size of the collision area CB.

  Here, the size of the collision area CB set in step S23 or step S24 corresponds to a range that is affected by the blast when the grenade object 500 explodes. For this reason, in this embodiment, the influence of the blast 550 when the speed of the grenade object 500 is higher than the range (the collision area CB having a diameter R1) where the influence of the blast 550 when the speed of the grenade object 500 is slow affects. The range (collision area CB having a diameter R2) is larger (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

  In the real space, due to the laws of physics, the slower the throwing speed, the shorter the flying distance, and the faster the throwing speed, the longer the flying distance. For this reason, assuming that a grenade is thrown to explode in real space, the grenade may reach farther when thrown faster than if thrown late, and the impact of the blast may reach the target. Is considered high. Therefore, by performing the control as described above, it is possible to provide reality to the range affected by the blast, and to increase the sense of immersion in the virtual space for the user 190.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the size of the collision area CB is changed by changing the diameter of the collision area CB has been described as an example. However, the elements (parameters) of the collision area CB used for changing the size of the collision area CB are not limited to this, and any value such as a radius may be used.

  Subsequently, in step S26, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines whether or not the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 (blast 550) and the collision area CC of the enemy character 600 collide (contact). .

  If the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines that the collision area CB and the collision area CC collide (Yes in step S26), the processor 10 (the collision determination module 226) has a predetermined influence on the enemy character 600 (step S27). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 16 (when the speed of the grenade object 500 is high), since the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 (blast 550) collides with the collision area CC of the enemy character 600, the processor 10 ( The collision determination module 226) reduces the parameters associated with the enemy character 600.

  On the other hand, if the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines that the collision area CB and the collision area CC do not collide (No in step S26), the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) does not affect the enemy character 600 (step S27). Not performed). In the case of the example shown in FIG. 17 (when the speed of the grenade object 500 is low), the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 (blast 550) does not collide with the collision area CC of the enemy character 600. The collision determination module 226) does not decrease the parameters associated with the enemy character 600.

  Next, a control example when the pin 510 is not removed from the grenade object 500 (when the process proceeds to “B” in step S13 in FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S31 of FIG. 15, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines whether or not the collision area CB of the grenade object 500 and the collision area CC of the enemy character 600 collide (contact).

  If the collision area CB does not collide with the collision area CC (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, when the collision area CB and the collision area CC collide (Yes in step S31), in step S32, the processor 10 (object control module 224) sets the speed v of the thrown grenade object 500 as a threshold value. It is determined whether or not the speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed vth.

  When the speed v of the grenade object 500 is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed vth (v ≧ vth) (Yes in step S32), in step S33, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) affects the enemy character 600 with the first effect. Set to impact.

  On the other hand, when the speed v of the grenade object 500 is less than the predetermined speed vth (v <vth) (No in step S32), in step S34, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) has an effect on the enemy character 600. Set to 2 impact.

  Here, both the first effect set in step S33 and the second effect set in step S34 lower the parameters associated with the enemy character 600, but the first effect is greater than the second effect. , It is assumed that the amount of parameter decrease (for example, damage received by the enemy character 600) is larger. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the grenade object 500 is thrown without the pin 510 being pulled out, the enemy character 600 receives when the grenade object 500 has a higher speed than when the grenade object 500 has a lower speed. The influence (the parameter reduction amount of the enemy character 600) increases (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

  As described above, it is assumed that the user 190 who is immersed in the virtual space forgets the operation for pulling out the pin 510 from the grenade object 500 with great excitement and throws the grenade object 500 onto the hand object 400. . In this case, since the grenade object 500 does not explode, even if the grenade object 500 collides with the enemy character 600, it can be considered that the enemy character 600 is not affected (the parameter of the enemy character 600 is not reduced). However, such control is not preferable from the viewpoint of immersing the user 190 in the virtual space 2. Also, in actual experience, if you hit a lump of iron like a grenade, you will usually feel pain, and the faster you hit it, the more pain will be. For this reason, in the present embodiment, by performing the control as described above, it is possible to give reality to the influence on the enemy character 600, and it is possible to increase the sense of immersion in the virtual space for the user 190. However, from the viewpoint of giving reality to the influence on the enemy character 600, it is preferable that the amount of parameter decrease due to the first effect is smaller than the amount of parameter decrease due to the blast effect of the grenade object 500 described above.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 35, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) performs an effect of exploding the grenade object 500 and gives the set influence to the enemy character 600.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the size of the collision area of the moving object used for collision determination with other objects such as the target object is changed according to the moving speed of the moving object, Change the collision effect when colliding with other objects. For this reason, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the feeling of immersion of the user 190 in the virtual space.

  In this embodiment, according to the moving speed of the moving object, the size of the collision area of the moving object used for collision determination with another object such as the target object is changed, or the moving object is changed to another object such as the target object. The case of changing the collision effect when colliding with an object has been described as an example. However, such control may be performed using information regarding the speed of the moving object such as the speed (scalar amount) and acceleration of the moving object, not the moving speed of the moving object.

  In the present embodiment, the size of the collision area of the moving object used for collision determination with other objects such as the target object is changed or moved depending on whether or not the moving speed of the moving object is equal to or higher than the threshold. The case where the collision effect when the object collides with another object such as the target object is changed has been described as an example. However, the moving speed of the moving object is divided into stages, and the size of the collision area of the moving object used for collision determination with other objects such as the target object is changed according to this stage, or the moving object is changed to the target object, etc. You may make it change the collision effect at the time of colliding with other objects. In this way, the size of the collision area of the moving object and the collision effect of the moving object can be set more finely.

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the case where the moving speed of the moving object is uniform has been described as an example. However, by applying physical laws such as the law of motion to the movement of moving objects (more specifically, by applying an equation of motion to moving objects), the moving speed of moving objects over time is the same as in real space. You may make it change (decelerate). In this case, the equation of motion to be applied to the moving object may be prepared by the developer himself and applied to the moving object, or the equation of motion is applied to the moving object by using the function implemented in the above-mentioned Unity. You may make it do.

For example, the air resistance R may be applied in a direction opposite to the speed (speed vector) of the grenade object 500 in order to cause the thrown grenade object 500 to reproduce deceleration due to air resistance. The air resistance R can be expressed by, for example, R = kv, R = kv ² or the like. Note that k is a proportional constant, and v is the moving speed of the grenade object 500.

  When the physical law is applied to the movement of the moving object and the moving speed of the moving object is changed as in the first modification, the collision control processing flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14 is modified as in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. However, the collision control process described with reference to FIG. 15 may be modified as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is that step S20 is added. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, the processor 10 (object control module 224) periodically determines the speed of the moving object while it is determined in step S21 that it is not the explosion timing of the grenade object 500 (No in step S21). Apply physical laws to v and update (decelerate) the velocity v of the moving object.

  21 is different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 in that step S30 is added. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 21, the processor 10 (object control module 224) periodically moves the moving object until the collision / non-collision between the collision area CB and the collision area CC is determined (confirmed) in step S30. The physical law is applied to the velocity v of the object to update (decelerate) the velocity v of the moving object.

  Thus, if the moving speed of the moving object is updated in consideration of the laws of physics, the movement of the moving object can be given reality, and the range affected by the blast and the reality of the influence on the enemy character 600 can be improved. It is possible to improve the user 190's feeling of immersion in the virtual space.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a moving object is a grenade object 500, a target object is an enemy character 600, and a game that affects the enemy character 600 by throwing the grenade object 500 to the enemy character 600 has been described. . However, the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to various games. In the second embodiment, a case where the present disclosure is applied to a baseball game will be described. However, the description similar to that of the first embodiment will not be repeated. That is, in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The relationship between the state of the user 190 and the various objects arranged in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating an example of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controllers 160L and 160R. 22B shows an example of the virtual camera 1, the left hand object 400L, the right hand object 400R, the ball object 700, and the batter character 800 arranged in the virtual space 2 in the state shown in FIG. It is. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual field image M that is captured (represented) by the visual field region 23 of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 illustrated in FIG. Note that the catcher character 900 illustrated in FIG. 23 is not illustrated in FIG. In the following drawings, the hand object 400 may be represented by a simple circle as shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment, the ball object 700 is a moving object operated by the hand object 400. Examples of the operation by the hand object 400 for the ball object 700 include throwing the ball object 700 to the batter character 800 that is the target object, but are not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, a collision area CD is set for the ball object 700, and a collision area CE is set for the bat object 810 that is a target object possessed by the batter character 800.
A collision area CF is set for the batter character 800.

  Also in the second embodiment, the user 190 performs an action of throwing an object with the controller 160 attached to the hand, so that the held ball object 700 is thrown toward the catcher character 900 on the hand object 400. Let Then, the game proceeds according to the result of the collision determination (winning determination) between the collision area CD of the thrown ball object 700 and the collision area CE of the bat object 810 or the collision area CF of the batter character 800.

  Note that the pitching of the ball object 700 by the hand object 400 may be realized in any way. For example, the object control module is operated by operating (pressing) the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38 while the user 190 is performing an operation of throwing an object with the controller 160 attached to the hand. 224 can be realized by giving a speed based on the movement of the controller 160 to the ball object 700 and moving the ball object 700 based on the speed.

  Next, an information processing method according to the second embodiment, specifically, a collision area and a collision effect control method will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 25 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the collision control process according to the second embodiment. The collision control process shown in FIGS. 24 to 25 corresponds to an example of the detailed process of steps S7 to S8 in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 26A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is performing an action of throwing an object. FIG. 26B is a diagram illustrating the speed of the ball object 700 in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision area CD in the case of being more than a threshold value. FIG. 27A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is performing an action of throwing an object, and FIG. 27B is a diagram illustrating the speed of the ball object 700 in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision area CD in the case of being less than a threshold value. FIG. 28A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is performing an action of throwing an object, and FIG. 28B is a diagram illustrating the speed of the ball object 700 in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision effect in the case of being more than a threshold value. FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the user 190 is performing an action of throwing an object, and FIG. 29B is a diagram illustrating the speed of the ball object 700 in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the collision effect in the case of less than a threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 24, first, in step S111, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines whether or not the ball object 700 is thrown by the hand object 400. For example, when the user 190 operates (presses) the buttons 36 and 37 or the analog stick 38, the processor 10 (the object control module 224) determines that the ball object 700 has been thrown and does not operate (press) It is determined that the ball object 700 is not thrown. Note that the process of step S111 is periodically performed while it is determined that the ball object 700 is not thrown (No in step S111).

  If it is determined that the ball object 700 has been thrown (Yes in step S111), in step S112, the processor 10 (object control module 224) sets the velocity v (velocity vector) for the thrown ball object 700 and sets it. The ball object 700 is moved at the speed v. Note that the method for setting the velocity v of the ball object 700 can be the same as the method for setting the velocity v of the grenade object 500 described in the first embodiment.

  In step S113, the processor 10 (object control module 224) determines whether or not the speed v of the thrown ball object 700 is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed vth that is a threshold value.

  When the velocity v of the ball object 700 is equal to or higher than the predetermined velocity vth (v ≧ vth) (Yes in Step S113), as shown in FIG. 26, the processor 10 (collision control module 225), in Step S114, The diameter of the size of the collision area CD is specified (set) as R′1 (R′1 <R ′).

  On the other hand, when the velocity v of the ball object 700 is less than the predetermined velocity vth (v <vth) (No in step S113), as shown in FIG. 27, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) The diameter of the size of the collision area CD of the object 700 is specified (set) as R ′. “R ′” is the diameter of the default size of the collision area CD.

  In actual baseball, batters are generally harder to hit as the speed of the ball increases. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the speed v of the ball object 700 is higher than when the speed is low, the size of the collision area CD is controlled so as to make it less likely to collide with the collision area CE of the bat object 810. . Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for the batter character 800 to hit the ball object 700.

  Subsequently, in step S116, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines whether or not the collision area CD of the ball object 700 and the collision area CE of the bat object 810 collide (contact). When the batter character 800 is operated by another user, the other user operates the batter character 800 (bat object 810) so that the collision area CD and the collision area CE collide with each other. When the batter character 800 is an NPC (Non Player Character), the batter character 800 (bat object 810) is controlled to collide with the collision area CD and the collision area CE.

  When the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines that the collision area CD and the collision area CE have collided (Yes in step S116), in step S117, the processor 10 (object control module 224) At 810, the ball object 700 is hit back.

  On the other hand, when the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines that the collision area CD and the collision area CE do not collide (No in step S116), via “C” in FIG. 24 and FIG. The process proceeds to step S118 in FIG. In step S118, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines whether or not the collision area CD of the ball object 700 and the collision area CF of the batter character 800 collide (contact).

  When the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) determines that the collision area CD and the collision area CF collide (Yes in step S118), the processor 10 (object control module 224) is thrown in step S119. It is determined whether the velocity v of the ball object 700 is equal to or higher than a predetermined velocity vth that is a threshold value.

  When the velocity v of the ball object 700 is equal to or higher than the predetermined velocity vth (v ≧ vth) (Yes in step S119), in step S120, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) affects the batter character 800 with the first effect. Set to impact.

  On the other hand, when the velocity v of the ball object 700 is less than the predetermined velocity vth (v <vth) (No in step S119), in step S121, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) determines the effect on the batter character 800. Set to 2 impact.

  Here, both the first influence set in step S120 and the second influence set in step S121 cause the batter character 800 to be hurt, but the first influence is more than the second influence. It is assumed that the degree of pain is greater in the influence of. That is, in this embodiment, in the case of a dead ball where the ball object 700 hits the batter character 800, the batter character 800 is more painful when the ball object 700 has a higher speed v than when the ball object 700 has a low speed v (FIGS. 28 and 29). reference). For this reason, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to give reality to the reaction of the batter character 800, and it becomes possible to increase the sense of immersion in the virtual space for the user 190. However, the first influence and the second influence are not limited to the above example.

  Subsequently, in step S122, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) gives the set influence to the batter character 800.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the size of the collision area of the moving object used for collision determination with other objects such as the target object is changed according to the moving speed of the moving object, or the moving object is the target object. Change the collision effect when colliding with other objects. For this reason, also in 2nd Embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the immersion feeling of the user 190 to virtual space.

  Also in the second embodiment, the modifications described in the first embodiment and the first modification can be applied. Note that when the first modification is applied to the second embodiment, the moving object (ball) is periodically used until the collision / non-collision between the collision area CD and the collision area CE or the collision area CF is determined (confirmed). The physical law may be applied to the speed v of the object 700) to update (decelerate) the speed v of the moving object (ball object 700). For example, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the processes in steps S112 to S115 are periodically performed until the collision / non-collision between the collision area CD and the collision area CE or the collision area CF is determined (confirmed). (However, in the second and subsequent steps S112, the speed v is updated by applying the physical law to the previous speed v). In this way, the size of the collision area CD can be changed in conjunction with the speed change of the speed v, and the reality of the difficulty of hitting the moving object (ball object 700) and the ease of hitting can be improved. It becomes possible to improve the feeling of immersion in the virtual space.

(Modification 2)
In the second embodiment, not only the speed but also the rotation may be given to the moving object to be moved, and the physical law described in the first modification may be applied to the moved moving object. In this way, it is possible to control the movement trajectory of the moving object when moving the moving object while changing the trajectory of the moving object, that is, to move the moving object, and to provide reality by moving the moving object. it can.

  In this case, based on the movement of the user's hand for giving speed to the moving object, that is, based on the time-series change of the posture in the controller 160 used for giving speed to the moving object, the moving object is rotated. What should I do? For example, each time the processor 10 (the object control module 224) acquires information detected by the HMD sensor 120, the processor 10 identifies the posture of the controller 160 based on the information, and based on the identified posture information, The change in posture may be specified, and the ball object 700 may be rotated based on the specified change in posture of the controller 160. The rotation given to the ball object 700 may be any rotation as long as it is based on the posture change of the controller 160. For example, rotation with the orientation change direction of the controller 160 as the rotation direction may be used. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, for each posture change pattern of the controller 160, the corresponding ball type (specifically, a ball type assumed when the posture change pattern of the controller 160 is regarded as a hand movement), And the information (table) defining the rotation pattern of the ball type is prepared in the memory module 240, and the processor 10 (the object control module 224) rotates the ball type associated with the identified posture change pattern of the controller 160. A pattern may be given to the ball object 700.

  Further, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) may control the collision area in consideration of time-series changes in the posture of the user's hand (specifically, the controller 160). For example, the posture change pattern of the controller 160 specified by the processor 10 (the object control module 224) is a rotation to the lower right direction, and the processor 10 (the object control module 224) has a ball as shown by an arrow 780 in FIG. It is assumed that the object 700 is controlled so as to move to the lower right. In this case, as shown in FIG. 31, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) specifies (determines) the shape of the collision area CD of the ball object 700 as an elliptical shape whose long side is the lower right direction (change direction). You may do it. In the example shown in FIG. 31, instead of the diameter of the collision area CD described in the second embodiment, the size of the short side of the elliptical collision area CD is specified (determined) based on the speed of the ball object 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In this way, if the bat object 810 is not operated in accordance with the movement trajectory of the ball object 700, the collision area CD of the ball object 700 and the collision area CE of the bat object 810 are less likely to collide. The reality of the difficulty of hitting and the ease of hitting of the object 700) can be further improved, and the feeling of immersion in the virtual space of the user 190 can be improved.

  In the second modification, the example in which the size of the collision area CD is determined by the speed of the ball object 700 and the shape of the collision area CD is specified by time-series changes in the posture of the user's hand (controller 160) has been described. It is not limited to. For example, the shape of the collision area CD is specified by the speed of the ball object 700, the size of the collision area CD is specified by a time-series change of the user's hand posture (controller 160), and the speed of the ball object 700 is determined. In addition, the shape and size of the collision area CD may be specified in consideration of both time-series changes in the posture of the user's hand (controller 160). Further, the above-described control may be performed using the movement trajectory of the ball object 700 instead of the time-series change of the user's hand posture (controller 160).

  Further, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) may control the collision effect in consideration of time-series changes in the posture of the user's hand (specifically, the controller 160). For example, the posture change pattern of the controller 160 specified by the processor 10 (the object control module 224) is the rotation to the left, and the processor 10 (the object control module 224) indicates that the ball object as shown by the arrow 791 in FIG. Assume that control is performed so that 700 changes to the left. As a result, it is assumed that the collision area CD of the ball object 700 and the collision area CF of the batter character 800 collide. In this case, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) determines the movement trajectory of the ball object 700 (arrow 792 in FIG. 32) and the posture of the user's hand when the time-series change in the posture of the user's hand is not considered. The influence on the batter character 800 may be set in consideration of the similarity between the movement trajectory of the ball object 700 (arrow 791 in FIG. 32) in consideration of time-series changes.

  In general, humans feel more pain when hitting things at the same speed when they are unable to predict things than when they are expected to hit. For this reason, it is considered that the lower the similarity is, the harder it is to predict that the ball object 700 will hit the batter character 800 (the degree of change of the ball object 700 is larger), and the processor 10 (collision control module 225) A large influence on the character 800 may be set. By performing the control as described above, it is possible to give reality to the influence on the enemy character 600, and to increase the sense of immersion in the virtual space for the user 190.

  In the second modification, the influence to be set (the degree of pain of the batter character 800) may be set as a parameter. For example, when the velocity v of the ball object 700 is equal to or higher than a predetermined velocity vth (v ≧ vth), the processor 10 (collision control module 225) adds +1 to the parameter of the pain level as an effect on the batter character 800. . On the other hand, when the speed v of the ball object 700 is less than the predetermined speed vth (v <vth), the processor 10 (collision control module 225) does not add the parameter of the pain level as an effect on the batter character 800. Further, for example, when the above-described similarity is equal to or less than the predetermined similarity, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) adds +1 to the parameter of the pain level as an effect on the batter character 800. On the other hand, when the above-described similarity exceeds the predetermined similarity, the processor 10 (collision control module 225) does not add the pain degree parameter as an effect on the batter character 800. Then, the processor 10 (collision determination module 226) gives the parameter value of the final pain level to the batter character 800, and produces an effect corresponding to the value of the parameter (an effect that causes pain as the parameter value increases). The batter character 800 is made to perform.

  In the above description of each embodiment, the first-person viewpoint from the player character has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a virtual camera may be arranged so that the player character and the enemy character are photographed from behind the player character PC, and an image photographed from the virtual camera may be used as the view image. In this case, the virtual camera tracks the movement of the player character and shoots behind it.

  In the above description of each embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user 190 is immersed by the HMD device 110 has been described as an example, but a transmission type HMD device may be employed as the HMD device 110. Good. In this case, the augmented reality (AR :) is output by outputting the view field image so that a part of the image constituting the virtual space is superimposed as the view field image on the real space visually recognized by the user 190 via the transmissive HMD device. The user 190 may be provided with a virtual experience in an Augmented Reality (MR) space or a Mixed Reality (MR) space. In this case, instead of the head object of the player character, an action on the target object in the virtual space 2 may be generated based on the movement of the HMD device 110. Specifically, the processor 10 may specify the coordinate information of the position of the HMD device 110 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 can grasp the positional relationship between the HMD device 110 in the real space and the target object in the virtual space 2, and can execute processing corresponding to the above-described collision control and the like between the HMD device 110 and the target object. It becomes. As a result, it is possible to act on the target object based on the movement of the HMD device 110.

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

The subject matter disclosed in this specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer (eg, computer 200) to provide a virtual space via a head-mounted display (eg, HMD 110),
Defining the virtual space (eg, virtual space 2) (eg, step S1 in FIG. 10);
Arranging an operation object (for example, hand object 400), a moving object (for example, grenade object 500, ball object 700) and a target object (for example, enemy character 600, batter character 800, bat object 810) in the virtual space. (For example, step S1 in FIG. 10);
A step (for example, step S7 in FIG. 10) of operating the operation object in accordance with the movement of the user (for example, the user 190);
Moving the moving object based on the action of the operation object (for example, step S8 in FIG. 10);
Steps for specifying the influence of the moving object on the target object based on information about the speed of the moving object (for example, speed) (for example, steps S33 and S34 in FIGS. 15 and 21 and step S120 in FIG. 25). , S121)
When the moving object and the target object are in the first positional relationship (for example, when the collision area CB and the collision area CC collide, the collision area CD and the collision area CF collide). And the step of affecting the target object (for example, step S35 of FIG. 15, FIG. 21, step S122 of FIG. 25),
An information processing method including:
In the information processing method of this item, since the collision effect when the moving object collides with the target object changes according to the moving speed of the moving object, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 2)
In the step of moving the moving object, the moving object is further moved based on a physical law (for example, step S20 in FIG. 20, step S30 in FIG. 21),
In the step of specifying the influence, the information processing method according to item 1 further specifies the influence based on the physical law (for example, steps S33 and S34 in FIG. 21).
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the influence on the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 3)
In the step of identifying the influence, the influence is identified based on information about the speed of the moving object when the moving object and the target object are in the first positional relationship (for example, FIG. 21 (Steps S33 and S34) The information processing method according to item 2.
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the influence on the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 4)
The movement of the user is a movement of a part of the user's body (eg, the hand of the user 190);
In the step of moving the moving object, the moving trajectory of the moving object (for example, the moving trajectory of the ball object 700 indicated by the arrow 791 in FIG. 32) is further based on the time-series change in the posture of the body part. Control
In the step of identifying the influence, the movement trajectory of the moving object (for example, the movement trajectory of the ball object 700 indicated by the arrow 792 in FIG. 32) when the time-series change in the posture of the part of the body is not considered. Based on the degree of similarity between the moving object's movement trajectory based on a time-series change in the posture of the body part (for example, the movement trajectory of the ball object 700 indicated by the arrow 791 in FIG. 32), 4. The information processing method according to item 2 or 3, which specifies
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the influence on the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 5)
Identifying at least one of the shape and size of the collision area associated with the moving object based on the movement of the moving object (for example, steps S23 and S24 in FIGS. 14 and 20, and step S114 in FIG. 24) , S115),
In the step of affecting, when the collision area and the target object are in the second positional relationship (for example, when the collision area CB and the collision area CC collide, the collision area CD and the collision area CE The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 4 that influences the target object (for example, step S27 in FIG. 14, FIG. 20, step S117 in FIG. 24). .
In the information processing method of this item, the size of the collision area of the moving object used for the collision determination with the target object changes according to the moving speed of the moving object, so that the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 6)
In the step of moving the moving object, the moving object is further moved based on a physical law,
In the step of specifying at least one of the shape and size, at least one of the shape and size is further specified based on the physical law (for example, paragraph 0169, modification 2). Information processing method.
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the collision between the moving object and the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 7)
In the step of specifying at least one of the shape and size, item 6 for specifying at least one of the shape and size (for example, paragraph 0169) so as to be linked to information on the speed of the moving object. The information processing method described.
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the collision between the moving object and the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 8)
The movement of the user is a movement of a part of the user's body (eg, the hand of the user 190);
In the step of moving the moving object, the moving trajectory of the moving object (for example, the moving trajectory of the ball object 700 indicated by the arrow 780 in FIG. 31) is further based on the time-series change in the posture of the body part. Control
In the step of specifying at least one of the shape and size, at least one of the shape and size is specified based on a time-series change in the posture of the part of the body (for example, FIG. 31). Collision area CD) Information processing method according to item 7.
In the information processing method of this item, since the reality of the movement of the moving object is given and the reality of the collision between the moving object and the target object can be improved, the virtual experience of the user can be improved.
(Item 9)
A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of items 1 to 8.
(Item 10)
A computer for providing a virtual space via a head mounted display,
By control of a processor included in the computer,
Defining the virtual space;
Arranging an operation object, a moving object, and a target object in the virtual space;
Moving the operation object in response to a user's movement;
Moving the moving object based on the action of the operation object;
Identifying the effect of the moving object on the target object based on information about the speed of the moving object;
Influencing the target object when the moving object and the target object are in a first positional relationship;
The computer on which is run.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Base line of sight, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 1
2 ... Storage, 13 ... I / O interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ...
Bus, 19 ... Network, 21 ... Center, 23 ... Field of view, 24, 25 ... Region, 31 ... Frame, 32 ... Top, 33, 34, 36, 37 ... Button, 35 ... Infrared LED, 38 ... Analog stick, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... HMD system, 110 ... HMD apparatus, 112 ... Display, 114 ... Sensor, 116 ... Camera, 118 ... Microphone, 120 ... HMD sensor, 130
... motion sensor, 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... server, 160 ... controller, 1
60R ... Right controller, 190 ... User, 200 ... Computer, 220 ... Main control module, 221 ... Virtual space control module, 222 ... Virtual camera control module, 223
... Player character control module, 224 ... Object control module, 225 ...
Collision control module, 226 ... collision determination module, 227 ... view image generation module, 228 ... display control module, 240 ... memory module, 241 ... spatial information, 242 ... object information, 243 ... user information, 250 ... communication control module, M
... Visibility image

Claims (10)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual space via a head mounted display,
Defining the virtual space;
Arranging an operation object, a moving object, and a target object in the virtual space;
Moving the operation object in response to a user's movement;
Moving the moving object based on the action of the operation object;
Identifying the effect of the moving object on the target object based on information about the speed of the moving object;
Influencing the target object when the moving object and the target object are in a first positional relationship;
An information processing method including: In the step of moving the moving object, the moving object is further moved based on a physical law,
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of identifying the influence, the influence is further identified based on the physical law.   The step of identifying the influence identifies the influence based on information about the speed of the moving object when the moving object and the target object are in the first positional relationship. Information processing method. The user movement is a movement of a part of the user's body;
In the step of moving the moving object, further, the movement trajectory of the moving object is controlled based on a time-series change in the posture of the part of the body,
In the step of identifying the influence, the movement trajectory of the moving object when the time-series change of the posture of the body part is not considered, and the time-series change of the posture of the body part The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the influence is specified based on a similarity with a movement trajectory of the moving object. Further comprising identifying at least one of the shape and size of a collision area associated with the moving object based on the movement of the moving object;
5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of affecting, when the collision area and the target object are in a second positional relationship, the target object is affected. . In the step of moving the moving object, the moving object is further moved based on a physical law,
The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein in the step of specifying at least one of the shape and size, further, at least one of the shape and size is specified based on the physical law.   The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the step of specifying at least one of the shape and the size, at least one of the shape and the size is specified so as to be linked to information on the speed of the moving object. . The user movement is a movement of a part of the user's body;
In the step of moving the moving object, further, the movement trajectory of the moving object is controlled based on a time-series change in the posture of the part of the body,
The step of specifying at least one of the shape and size identifies at least one of the shape and size based on a time-series change in the posture of the part of the body. Information processing method.   The program for making a computer perform the method of any one of Claims 1-8. A computer for providing a virtual space via a head mounted display,
By control of a processor included in the computer,
Defining the virtual space;
Arranging an operation object, a moving object, and a target object in the virtual space;
Moving the operation object in response to a user's movement;
Moving the moving object based on the action of the operation object;
Identifying the effect of the moving object on the target object based on information about the speed of the moving object;
Influencing the target object when the moving object and the target object are in a first positional relationship;
The computer on which is run.