JP2019036122A - Information processing method, program and computer - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve a virtual experience.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes the steps of: specifying a reference focus position within a virtual space on the basis of a position of a virtual viewpoint within the virtual space; defining a visual axis associated with the virtual viewpoint on the basis of an attitude of a head-mount device and the reference focus position; and creating a view image on the basis of the position of the virtual viewpoint and the visual axis. By moving the reference focus position in accordance with a movement from the virtual viewpoint, the visual axis is defined again, and the view image from the virtual viewpoint is updated on the basis of the visual axis defined again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

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

  Patent Literatures 1 and 2 and Non-Patent Literature 1 disclose techniques for playing a VR game using a controller.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-232783 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-158794

“PlayStation (registered trademark) VR”, [online], SONY, [searched on August 3, 2017], Internet <http: // www. jp. playstation. com / psvr /? hfclick = HDR_psvrtopp>

  In a game such as a VR game where a virtual experience is provided based on visual effects via a display unit, there is room for further improvement of the virtual experience.

  The present disclosure provides a technique capable of improving a virtual experience.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head-mounted device including a display unit. Identifying virtual space data defining a virtual space for providing an experience; identifying a reference gaze position in the virtual space based on a position of a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space; and the head mount Defining a visual axis associated with the virtual viewpoint based on the posture of the device and the reference gaze position, and generating a visual field image to be displayed on the display unit based on the position of the virtual viewpoint and the visual axis And redefining the visual axis by moving the reference gaze position according to the movement of the virtual viewpoint. Based on the visual axis redefined, to update the field image from the virtual viewpoint, an information processing method.

  According to the present disclosure, the virtual experience can be improved.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD110 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A performs. It is a figure showing typically virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. It is a figure showing an example of the visual field image M1 provided to the user 190A. It is a sequence diagram showing the processing which HMD system 100A, HMD system 100B, and server 150 perform. It is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S23A in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the information processing method which concerns on this embodiment. An example of the movement path | route of the virtual camera 1 in this embodiment is shown. An example of the method for setting the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 in this embodiment is shown. An example of the method for setting the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 in this embodiment is shown. An example of the method for setting the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 in this embodiment is shown. An example of the setting method of the moving speed of the virtual camera 1 in this embodiment is shown.

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

[Configuration of HMD system]
A configuration of an HMD (Head Mount 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 110 (head mounted device), an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112 (display unit), a microphone 118, and a gaze sensor 140.

  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 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

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

  The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, the user can immerse in the virtual space when viewing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, an image of a menu that can be selected by the user, and the like. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal. The monitor 112 may be configured integrally with the main body of the HMD 110 or may be configured as a separate body.

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

  The 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 detection result may be reflected in an avatar's facial expression described later. The voice can also be used to give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2. Further, the sound may be sent to the HMD system used by another user via the network 19 and the server 150, and output from a speaker or the like connected to the HMD system. Thereby, the conversation (chat) between the users who share a virtual space is implement | achieved.

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting movements of the HMD 110 and the controller 160. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 and the position and inclination of the controller 160 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 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 and the position and inclination of the controller 160 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD 110 and controller 160 output from the camera. Can do.

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

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

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMDs 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 server 150 is configured by one or a plurality of computer devices, and includes a hardware configuration (processor, memory, storage, etc.) included in a general computer, similar to the hardware configuration of the computer 200 described later.

  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 the present embodiment, the controller 160 is an input device of the type that is held by the user 190 with both hands. 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. As described above, the position and inclination of the controller 160 in the real space can be detected by the HMD sensor 120 (or a camera or the like). In another aspect, the controller 160 may include a sensor (not shown) similar to the sensor 114 described above as a position detector. In this case, the position and inclination of the controller 160 can be detected by the sensor. Further, the HMD sensor 120 and the sensor included in the controller 160 may be used in combination. In this case, for example, the position of the controller 160 is detected by the HMD sensor 120, and the inclination of the controller 160 is detected by a sensor included in the controller 160.

[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 implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device.

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

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

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

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals between the HMD 110 and the HMD sensor 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized by using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above. For example, the input / output interface 13 may include a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the controller 160. 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, for example, as a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or as 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 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the server 150 connects a plurality of HMD systems 100 including the HMD system 100A having the HMD 110A and the HMD system 100B having the HMD 110B so that they can communicate with each other. Thereby, the virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to the user who uses each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration. However, each HMD system 100 may be a different model, or may have different performance (processing performance, detection performance, etc.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In order to provide the user's view in the virtual space 2, a virtual viewpoint is defined in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the virtual viewpoint is defined as a virtual camera 1 whose position and orientation can be defined in the virtual space 2. In the initial state of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2, for example. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, a view field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. 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 adapted to the roll direction (w) of the HMD 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted.

[controller]
An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment. The state (A) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the top surface of the controller 160, and the state (B) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the back side surface of the controller 160. Here, the upper surface of the controller 160 is a surface that faces the user 190 when the user 190 holds the controller 160 with both hands.

  As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 8, on the upper surface of the controller 160, as an input unit, a direction key 161, analog sticks 162 </ b> L and 162 </ b> R, four types of operation buttons 163, a touch pad 164, and function buttons 165 are provided. Etc. are provided. In addition, the controller 160 includes a grip unit 166 for the user 190 to grip the controller 160. The gripper 166 includes a left gripper 166L gripped by the left hand of the user 190 and a right gripper 166R gripped by the right hand of the user 190. Further, as shown in the state (B) of FIG. 8, light emission is performed on the back side surface of the controller 160 based on the upper buttons 167L and 167R serving as input units, instruction information transmitted from the controller 160, and the like. Part 168.

  The touch pad 164 is provided between the direction key 161 and the operation button 163. The function button 165 is provided between the left and right analog sticks 162L and 162R. The function button 165 can be used, for example, to activate the controller 160 and activate a communication connection between the controller 160 and the computer 200. The other input units (direction key 161, analog stick 162, operation button 163, and upper button 167) can be used for operations of avatars and player characters described later. For example, the analog stick 162 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position) in a certain situation. The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  The direction key 161 and the analog stick 162L are arranged on the assumption that the operation with the thumb of the left hand of the user 190 is received. The operation buttons 163 and the analog stick 162R are arranged on the assumption that an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190 is received. The upper button 167L is arranged on the assumption that the operation with the index finger of the left hand of the user 190 is accepted, and the upper button 167R is arranged on the assumption that the operation of the index finger with the right hand of the user 190 is accepted. However, the shape of the controller 160, the arrangement configuration of each part, and the function of each part are not limited to the above example. For example, the number of operation buttons 163 may be other than four (for example, two), and the analog sticks 162L and 162R may be omitted.

  In one aspect, the controller 160 includes a battery for driving the light emitting unit 168 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 controller 160 may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the controller 160 does not require a battery.

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, a controller information acquisition module 233, and a chat control module 234 as submodules.

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

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the direction of the head of the user wearing the HMD 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object control module 232 generates a target object arranged in the virtual space 2 based on object information 242 described later. The virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object control module 232 controls the actions (movement, state change, etc.) of the avatar and the player character based on the controller information acquired by the controller information acquisition module 233 described later. The target object may include, for example, a forest, a landscape including mountains, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story. An avatar is an object associated with a user wearing the HMD 110. The avatar is an object having a position as a user's alternation in the virtual space 2. On the other hand, the player character is a character object operated by the user in the game developed in the virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, a game developed in the virtual space 2 is a battle game in which a plurality of users fight their player characters on a game field (for example, a battlefield) prepared in the virtual space 2 (or a plurality of games). For example, an action game that the users cooperate to advance. The avatar is a humanoid object, and the player character is an object imitating an animal. However, the player character can take an appropriate form according to the content of the game developed in the virtual space 2. For example, the player character may be a human-type object, or may be an object that imitates a creature such as a robot. More specifically, when the game developed in the virtual space 2 is a racing game using a radio controlled car, the player character may be an object representing the radio controlled car.

  The controller information acquisition module 233 acquires controller information including state information for specifying the state of the controller 160 and operation information indicating the contents of an input operation performed by the user 190 on the controller 160. The state information is information for specifying the position and inclination of the controller 160 detected by the above-described HMD sensor 120 or the like, for example. The controller information is transferred to the virtual object control module 232 in order to reflect the state of the controller 160 and the content of the input operation on the controller 160 to the avatar or player character in the virtual space 2. In addition, the controller information acquisition module 233 also appropriately transfers the controller information of other users acquired via the chat control module 234 described later to the virtual object control module 232. Thereby, the avatar or player character linked | related with the other user can be operated based on the controller information of the other user.

  The chat control module 234 performs control for chatting with an avatar of another user who stays in the same virtual space 2. For example, the chat control module 234 transmits data necessary for chatting via the virtual space 2 (for example, voice data input to the microphone 118) to the server 150. The chat control module 234 outputs the other user's voice data received from the server 150 to a speaker (not shown). As a result, voice chat is realized. The chat control module 234 also transmits / receives data to be shared among other users to / from other users' HMD systems 100 via the server 150. The data to be shared includes movement information for controlling the movement of a part of the avatar's body, controller information for controlling the movement of the player character, and the like. The motion information is, for example, information for specifying the position and inclination of the HMD 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 or the like (hereinafter referred to as “orientation data”), eye tracking data detected by the gaze sensor 140 or the like. In the present embodiment, the chat control module 234 uses information (hereinafter referred to as “player information”) including voice data, movement information, and controller information as other information to be shared between users via the server 150. Data is transmitted to and received from the user's HMD system 100. The player information is transmitted / received by using a function of the communication control module 250 described later.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. For example, the virtual space control module 230 can detect a timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in contact with the object by executing a known hit determination based on, for example, a collision area set for each object.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The object information 242 includes drawing information for drawing each object (for example, a target object and an avatar). The object information 242 may also include attribute information indicating attributes associated with each object. Examples of the attribute information of the target object include information indicating whether the target object is a movable object or a fixed object. 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 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

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

  In an aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may be realized using, for example, Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each process.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and acquires virtual space data that defines the virtual space 2. Here, the processor 10 receives information related to the initial arrangement and the like of other users 'avatars and player characters sharing the virtual space 2 from the server 150 and the like, thereby including a virtual space including the other users' avatars and player characters. Virtual space data defining 2 can be generated. Alternatively, virtual space data defining a virtual space 2 common to a plurality of users may be generated by a server 150 connected to be communicable with each HMD system 100. In this case, the processor 10 can acquire the virtual space data by downloading the virtual space data from the server 150.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined position in the virtual space 2 so as to face a predetermined direction in the work area of the memory. Specifically, the virtual camera 1 is arranged so as to face a predetermined direction in the XZ plane in the virtual space 2 regardless of the attitude of the HMD 110, and in the YZ plane, the direction according to the attitude of the HMD 110 is set. Arranged to face. Thus, the orientation of the virtual camera 1 defined regardless of the orientation of the HMD 110 may be referred to as a reference visual axis.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The initial view image is defined based on the reference visual axis and the position of the virtual camera 1. The generated view field image data is sent to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view field image generation module 223.

  In step S <b> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190A wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when visually recognizing the view field image.

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

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of the user 190 </ b> A wearing the HMD 110 as the viewing area determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the HMD 110. Specifically, the processor 10 specifies the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 based on the attitude of the HMD 110. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is specified based on the difference between the attitude of the HMD 110 when the reference visual axis is specified and the current attitude of the HMD 110. In this embodiment, the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is specified based on the difference in the direction of the visual axis in the XZ plane, and the direction of the visual axis in the YZ plane is specified based on the attitude of the HMD 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190A in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190A. Further, as described above, the sensor included in the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 itself detects the position and inclination of the controller 160. A signal indicating the detection result is sent from the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 to the computer 200. In this way, controller information including operation information indicating the contents of the input operation performed by the user 190 </ b> A on the controller 160 and state information for specifying the state (position, inclination, etc.) of the controller 160 is sent to the computer 200. Then, the processor 10 acquires the controller information as the controller information acquisition module 233.

  In step S8, the processor 10 acquires player information (audio data, motion information, controller information, etc.) of other users who share the virtual space 2 from the server 150 as the controller information acquisition module 233 and the chat control module 234. To do.

  In step S <b> 9, the processor 10 controls the movement of each user's avatar and player character based on the player information of each user 190 including the user 190 </ b> A as the virtual object control module 232.

  In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing result of step S <b> 9 as the view image generation module 223, and outputs the generated view image data to the HMD 110. Specifically, the visual field image is defined based on the position of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and the visual axis specified based on the position of the virtual camera 1 and the attitude of the HMD 110.

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

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the virtual space 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 is operated based on an input operation on an avatar A1 (first avatar) associated with the user 190A and a controller 160A (first controller) used by the user 190A. A player character C1 (first character object), an avatar A2 (second avatar) associated with a user 190B (second user) different from the user 190A, and a controller 160B (second controller) used by the user 190B A player character C2 (second character object) that is operated based on an input operation, and a view field image M1 that is provided to the user 190A and provided to the HMD 110A (first head mounted device) that includes the monitor 112 (first display unit). Define virtual A virtual camera 1B (second virtual camera) that defines a view field image M2 that is provided to the camera 1A (first virtual camera) and the HMD 110B (second head mounted device) that is mounted on the user 190B and includes the monitor 112 (second display unit). Virtual camera). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 further includes controller objects VC1 and VC2 representing virtual controllers corresponding to the controllers 160A and 160B, and hand objects representing virtual hands of the avatars A1 and A2. VH1 and VH2 are included.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, in the virtual space 2, a battle game in which a plurality of users 190A and 190B fight their player characters C1 and C2 on the game field F (here, a game in which the bomb B1 is thrown) is developed. Has been. In the virtual space 2, not only the player characters C1 and C2 related to the game but also avatars A1 and A2 holding the controller objects VC1 and VC2 are arranged at predetermined positions. Thereby, in the virtual space 2, the situation where the avatars A1 and A2 of the users 190A and 190B are operating the player characters C1 and C2 is expressed. The virtual cameras 1A and 1B are associated with the viewpoints of the avatars A1 and A2. Thereby, view images M1 and M2 at the first person viewpoint of avatars A1 and A2 are provided to users 190A and 190B.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view field image M1 provided to the user 190A via the HMD 110A. As shown in FIG. 12, the user 190A can have a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A1 by recognizing the view image M1. Similarly, the user 190B can experience a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A2 by recognizing the view image M2.

  Here, the design of the controller objects VC1 and VC2 in the virtual space 2 may be determined according to the models of the controllers 160A and 160B. For example, the processor 10 may acquire information indicating the model of the controller 160A from the controller 160A and draw the controller object VC1 based on the drawing data of the controller object prepared in advance for each model as the object information 242. As a result, each user 190A, 190B can use the type of controller 160 (for example, two-handed or one-handed) used by other users based on the design of the controller objects VC1, VC2 displayed in the view images M1, M2. Can be grasped).

  According to such a virtual space 2, a chat and a multi-play game via avatars A1 and A2 can be provided to each user 190A and 190B. The virtual space 2 includes both the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2 of the users 190A and 190B. For this reason, each user 190A, 190B can enjoy a common game in the virtual space 2 while recognizing each other's presence via the avatars A1, A2. Thereby, each user 190A, 190B can easily obtain a sense that a plurality of people are excited in the virtual space 2. As a result, the entertainment property of the virtual experience of each user 190A, 190B can be improved.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed by the HMD systems 100A and 100B and the server 150 in order to allow the plurality of users 190A and 190B to share the same virtual space 2. The process shown in FIG. 13 partially overlaps the process shown in steps S7 to S9 in FIG.

  In step S21A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A acquires the controller information about the controller 160A as the controller information acquisition module 233. Further, the processor 10 acquires the voice data of the user 190A as the chat control module 234. Further, the processor 10 acquires motion information including orientation data and eye tracking data detected by the HMD sensor 120, the gaze sensor 140, and the like. Thereby, player information including audio data, controller information, and movement information is acquired. Further, the player information may include information (user ID or the like) for specifying the avatar A1 (or the user 190A) and information (room ID or the like) for specifying the virtual space 2 where the avatar A1 exists. . As the chat control module 234, the processor 10 transmits the player information acquired as described above to the server 150 via the network 19.

  In step S <b> 21 </ b> B, the processor 10 of the HMD system 100 </ b> B acquires player information of the user 190 </ b> B and transmits it to the server 150 in the same manner as in step S <b> 21 </ b> A.

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

  Subsequently, based on the player information transmitted from the server 150 to the HMD systems 100A and 100B, the HMD systems 100A and 100B execute the processes of steps S23A and S23B. The process of step S23A corresponds to the process of step S9 in FIG.

  In step S23A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A controls the movements of the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2 in the virtual space 2 as the virtual object control module 232. The process of step S23B is the same as the process of step S23A.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of step S23A. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, the processing content of step S23A (basic motion control for the avatar and the player character) will be described.

  In step S <b> 31, the processor 10 acquires player information (audio data, movement information, and controller information) for each user 190 </ b> A, 190 </ b> B from the server 150.

  In step S32, the processor 10 controls the operations of the avatars A1 and A2 based on the movement information (direction data and eye tracking data) included in the player information of each user 190A and 190B. For example, the processor 10 changes the orientation of the heads of the corresponding avatars A1 and A2 based on the orientation data of the users 190A and 190B. Further, the processor 10 blinks the corresponding avatars A1 and A2 or changes the line-of-sight directions of the avatars A1 and A2 based on the eye tracking data of the users 190A and 190B. Further, the processor 10 determines the relative positions of the controllers 160A and 160B in the real space with respect to the HMDs 110A and 110B based on the position information of the HMDs 110A and 110B included in the motion information and the position information of the controllers 160A and 160B included in the controller information. calculate. Then, the processor 10 determines the positions of the controller objects VC1 and VC2 held by the respective avatars A1 and A2 based on the relative positions. For example, the processor 10 determines that the relative positions of the controllers 160A and 160B in the real space with respect to the HMDs 110A and 110B coincide with the relative positions of the controller objects VC1 and VC2 in the virtual space 2 with respect to the heads of the avatars A1 and A2. VC1 and VC2 are arranged in the virtual space 2. Further, the processor 10 determines the positions of the hand objects VH1 and VH2 of the avatars A1 and A2 based on the positions of the controller objects VC1 and VC2 thus determined. For example, the processor 10 arranges the hand objects VH1 and VH2 so that the hand objects VH1 and VH2 hold both sides of the controller objects VC1 and VC2 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

  In step S33, the processor 10 controls the movement of the player characters C1 and C2 based on the controller information included in the player information of each user 190A and 190B. For example, the processor 10 changes the positions of the player characters C1 and C2 based on the contents (operation information) of the input operation to the controllers 160A and 160B, or performs a specific action (for example, an action of throwing a bomb and an action of defending). ).

  Through the motion control as described above, the motions of the users 190A and 190B (here, head and eye motions) and the motions corresponding to the input operations on the controllers 160A and 160B are applied to the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2. Can be reflected. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the process of step S33 may be executed prior to the process of step S32, or may be executed concurrently with the process of step S32.

  The information processing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the information processing method according to the present embodiment. 16 to 20 show a method for setting the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 associated with the avatar A3 moving around the game field in the present embodiment. 16 to 19 are diagrams of the virtual space 2 viewed from the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the avatar A <b> 3 moves around the field F based on the movement input by the user U. The movement input is an input to the analog stick 162 (162R or 162L) by the user U, for example, and based on the lateral component included in the movement input, the avatar A3 and / or the virtual camera 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the virtual camera 1). ) Moves around field F. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 is associated with the avatar A3, and the user U can enjoy the virtual experience in the virtual space 2 from the first person viewpoint or the third person viewpoint of the avatar A3 via the HMD 110. As will be described later, the reference visual axis BS1 is defined based on the position of the virtual camera 1, and the user U can select the field F according to the position of the virtual camera 1 by a simple lateral movement input to the controller 160. It can be visually recognized from the direction. Note that the sense of distance in the depth direction between the virtual camera 1 and the field F may be adjusted based on the vertical direction component included in the movement input.

  In this embodiment, the field is rectangular, one side of the field F extends in the Z direction, which is the first direction D1, and the other side extends in the X direction, which is the second direction D2. In the following description, the virtual camera 1 when the virtual camera 1 moves from the first viewpoint position VP1 to the fourth viewpoint position VP4 via the second viewpoint position VP2 and the third viewpoint position VP3 based on the movement input. A method for setting the reference visual axes BS1 to BS4 associated with is shown.

  Since the method of setting the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 based on the reference visual axis is the same as the method described in step S6, the repeated description will not be repeated. The processor 10 specifies the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 based on the reference visual axis specified according to the position of the virtual camera 1 and the attitude of the HMD 110. The processor 10 generates a visual field image having the visual axis as the visual field direction and causes the display unit 112 to display the visual field image.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, in step S <b> 41, the processor 10 specifies a reference gaze position based on the position of the virtual camera 1. As shown in FIG. 17, a reference gaze position BP1 is defined at the first viewpoint position VP1 at a position separated by a first distance d1 in the X direction. In the second viewpoint position VP2, a reference gaze position BP2 is defined at a position separated by a second distance d2 in the X direction.

  In step S <b> 42, the processor 10 defines a visual axis associated with the virtual camera 1 based on the attitude of the HMD 110 and the reference gaze position. When the virtual camera 1 is located at the first viewpoint position VP1, the direction from the first viewpoint position VP1 toward the first reference gaze position BP1 is specified as the reference visual axis BS1. Based on the attitude of the HMD 110 and the reference visual axis BS1, the processor 10 specifies the visual axis associated with the virtual camera 1 as described above.

  In step S43, the processor 10 detects an input for moving the virtual camera 1. In step S44, the processor 10 moves the virtual camera 1 based on the input. In the present embodiment, as described above, the virtual camera 1 is moved in the circumferential direction of the field F based on the lateral component of the input to the analog stick 162 by the user U. FIG. 17 shows a case where the virtual camera 1 is moved from the first viewpoint position VP1 to the second viewpoint position VP2 along the first direction D1 in which one side of the field F extends. FIG. 18 illustrates a case where the virtual camera 1 is moved from the second viewpoint position VP2 to the third viewpoint position VP3 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. FIG. 19 shows a case where the virtual camera 1 is moved from the third viewpoint position VP3 to the fourth viewpoint position VP4 along the second direction D2 in which the other side of the field F extends.

  In step S45, the processor 10 moves the reference gaze position according to the movement of the virtual camera 1. In step S46, the processor 10 redefines the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 based on the moved reference gaze position. In step S47, the processor 10 updates the visual field image based on the position of the virtual camera 1 and the redefined visual axis. The method of updating the visual field image based on the redefined visual axis is the same as that in steps S7 to S11, and thus the repeated description is not repeated. Hereinafter, the redefinition of the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 according to the movement of the virtual camera 1 will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 17, the virtual camera 1 is moved along the first direction D1. Thereby, the second gaze position BP2 associated with the second viewpoint position VP2 is defined. The second gaze position BP2 is a position away from the second viewpoint position VP2 by a second distance d2 in the X direction that intersects the first direction D1. Then, based on the second viewpoint position VP2 and the second gaze position BP2, the reference visual axis BS2 is specified. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is redefined based on the reference visual axis BS2. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 is defined to be equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1, and the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 are equal to each other. It is particularly preferred that Thereby, when the virtual camera 1 is moved along the first direction D1, it is possible to prevent the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 from changing without being based on the change in the attitude of the HMD 110. Therefore, VR sickness that occurs with the movement of the virtual camera 1 due to the movement input of the user U can be prevented.

  In FIG. 18, the virtual camera 1 is moved around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 at the intersection of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this case, the virtual camera 1 is moved from the second viewpoint position VP2 to the third viewpoint position VP3 by being moved around the second gaze position BP2. The second gaze position BP2 is a position away from the second viewpoint position VP2 by the second distance d2, and is a position away from the third viewpoint position VP3 by the third distance d3. Further, the second gaze position BP2 is a position that is separated from the arbitrary viewpoint position VPt on the path along which the virtual camera 1 moves to the second viewpoint position VP2 and the third viewpoint position VP3 by the distance dt.

  During the movement, the reference visual axis BSt is specified based on the arbitrary viewpoint position VPt and the second gaze position BP2. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is redefined based on the reference visual axis BSt. When the movement to the third viewpoint position VP3 is completed, the reference visual axis B3 is specified based on the third viewpoint position VP3 and the second gaze position BP2. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is redefined based on the reference visual axis BS3.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the difference between the distances in any combination of the second distance d2, the third distance d3, and the distance dt is defined so as to be equal to or less than the second threshold TH2. It is particularly preferable that the second distance d2, the third distance d3, and the distance dt match. As a result, when the virtual camera 1 is moved around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 can be controlled so as to be in a direction in line with the intention of the user U. Therefore, VR sickness that occurs with the movement of the virtual camera 1 due to the movement input of the user U can be prevented. Note that, based on such a purpose, the position of the second gaze position BP2 is allowed to slightly change during the movement.

  In FIG. 19, the virtual camera 1 is moved along the second direction D2. Thereby, the fourth gaze position BP4 associated with the fourth viewpoint position VP4 is defined. The third gaze position BP3 is a position away from the fourth viewpoint position VP4 by a fifth distance d5 in the Z direction that intersects the second direction D2. Then, the reference visual axis BS4 is specified based on the fourth viewpoint position VP4 and the third gaze position BP3. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is redefined based on the reference visual axis BS4.

  In the present embodiment, after the virtual camera 1 reaches the third viewpoint position VP3, the reference gaze position is not set to the second gaze position BP2, but is moved along the second direction D2 in which the virtual camera 1 moves. It is preferable to take. This is because the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 can be prevented from changing without being based on the change in the attitude of the HMD 110, and VR sickness can be prevented. From this point of view, when the distance between the fourth viewpoint position VP4 and the second gaze position BP2 is the fourth distance d4, if the fourth distance d4 exceeds the third distance d3, the reference gaze position is It is preferable to move from the second viewpoint position BP2 to the third gaze position BP3 along the second direction D2. Further, when the distance between the fourth viewpoint position VP4 and the third gaze position BP3 is the fifth distance d5, the difference between the fourth distance d4 and the fifth distance d5 is equal to or less than the third threshold value TH3. It is preferable to move the reference gaze position. Then, the reference visual axis BS3 is specified based on the fourth viewpoint position VP4 and the third viewpoint position VP3. The visual axis of the virtual camera 1 is redefined based on the reference visual axis BS3. As a result, when the virtual camera 1 is moved along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and then moved along the second direction D2, the visual axis of the virtual camera 1 changes in the attitude of the HMD 110. It is possible to suppress fluctuations without being based on.

  Thus, when the virtual camera 1 moves along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 and when it moves around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the reference gaze position The movement mode is different. Thereby, since the movement of the reference line of sight BS with respect to the movement input is also different, the user U who visually recognizes the view field image may feel uncomfortable.

  FIG. 20 shows the trajectory of the virtual camera 1 when the virtual camera 1 moves around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The virtual camera 1 draws a linear movement locus when moving along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. On the other hand, when moving around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, a curved movement locus is drawn. Assuming that the movement distance per unit of movement input by the user U is equal, that is, the movement speed of the virtual camera 1 due to movement input is constant, the user U can view the field-of-view image by movement of the virtual camera 1 along a curved movement locus. The fluctuation speed may be felt slower than the fluctuation speed in the case of movement of the virtual camera 1 by a curved movement trajectory. This is because the user U feels that the movement amount per unit of movement input is small. As described above, the fact that the user U feels that the changing speed of the view field image changes according to the movement mode of the virtual camera 1 causes VR sickness.

  In the present embodiment, the speed of the virtual camera when the virtual camera 1 moves along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 with respect to the movement input is set as the first movement speed. The speed of the virtual camera when moving around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is defined as the second movement speed. In this case, it is preferable to make the first movement speed and the second movement speed different. In particular, the first movement speed is preferably smaller than the second movement speed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, when the virtual camera 1 moves around the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the trajectory of the virtual camera 1 is represented by the virtual camera per unit of movement input. Approximation is made with a polygon having one side as the amount of movement of 1. Then, the moving speed of the virtual camera 1 can be set so that the moving time of the virtual camera 1 corresponding to the one side becomes closer to the moving time based on the distance of the actual moving locus of the virtual camera 1 corresponding to the one side. preferable. Thereby, it is prevented that the user U feels VR sickness based on the change of the movement mode of the virtual camera 1.

  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.

  In the present embodiment, the movement of the hand object is controlled according to the movement of the external controller 320 indicating the movement of the user U's hand, but the hand in the virtual space is controlled according to the movement amount of the user U's hand itself. The movement of the object may be controlled. For example, instead of using an external controller, by using a glove-type device or a ring-type device worn on the user's finger, the position sensor 120 can detect the position and amount of movement of the user U's hand, The movement and state of the user's U finger can be detected. Further, the position sensor 120 may be a camera configured to image the user U's hand (including fingers). In this case, by capturing the user's hand using a camera, the position and movement of the user's U hand can be determined based on the image data on which the user's hand is displayed without directly attaching any device to the user's finger. The amount can be detected, and the movement and state of the finger of the user U can be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the collision effect that defines the influence of the hand object on the target object is set according to the position and / or movement of the hand that is a part of the body other than the head of the user U. The embodiment is not limited to this. For example, depending on the position and / or movement of a foot that is a part of the body other than the head of the user U, the influence of a foot object (an example of an operation object) linked to the movement of the user U's foot on the target object A prescribed collision effect may be set.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed by the HMD 110 has been described as an example, but a transmissive HMD may be adopted as the HMD 110. In this case, a virtual experience as an AR space or an MR space may be provided by synthesizing and outputting an image of the target object 500 in a real space visually recognized by the user U via the transmissive HMD 110. Then, instead of the first operation object and the second operation object, the selection of the target object 500 based on the movement of the first part of the user's body and the second part (both hands of the user U), and An operation may be performed. In this case, the coordinate information of the real space and the first part and the second part of the user's body is specified, and the coordinate information of the target object 500 is defined in relation to the coordinate information in the real space. Thus, an action can be given to the target object 500 based on the movement of the user U's body.

  In the embodiment, the rectangular field F is illustrated, but the shape of the field F is not limited to this. For example, it may be a polygonal field F or a field F having a curved side portion. In this case, it is preferable that the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are appropriately defined so that the virtual camera 1 can move around the field F as described above.

<Additional notes>
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
Identifying virtual space data defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience;
Identifying a reference gaze position in the virtual space based on a position of a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space;
Defining a visual axis associated with the virtual viewpoint based on the posture of the head mounted device and the reference gaze position;
Generating a visual field image to be displayed on the display unit based on the position of the virtual viewpoint and the visual axis;
With
Redefining the visual axis by moving the reference gaze position according to the movement of the virtual viewpoint;
Updating the view image from the virtual viewpoint based on the redefined visual axis;
Information processing method.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 2)
When the virtual viewpoint moves from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position along the first direction, the reference gaze position is moved from the first gaze position to the second gaze position along the first direction;
When the distance between the first viewpoint position and the first gaze position is a first distance, and the distance between the second viewpoint position and the second gaze position is a second distance, the first distance and The information processing method according to Item 1, wherein the reference gaze position is moved so that a difference from the second distance is equal to or less than a first threshold value.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 3)
When the virtual viewpoint moves further from the second viewpoint position to the third viewpoint position around the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, the virtual viewpoint moves around the second gaze position The information processing method of item 2.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 4)
The information processing of item 3, wherein the reference gaze position is moved so that the third distance is equal to or less than a second threshold when the distance between the third viewpoint position and the second gaze position is the third distance. Method.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 5)
When the virtual viewpoint moves from the third viewpoint position to the fourth viewpoint position along the second direction,
When the distance between the fourth viewpoint position and the second gaze position is a fourth distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the third distance, the second viewpoint position is along the second direction. To the third gaze position
When the distance between the fourth viewpoint position and the third gaze position is a fifth distance, the reference gaze position is moved so that the fourth distance and the fifth distance are equal to or less than a third threshold. Item 4. Information processing method.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 6)
The virtual viewpoint is moved based on input from the user,
The first movement speed, which is the speed at which the virtual viewpoint moves from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position based on the input, is calculated based on the input from the second viewpoint position. The information processing method according to any one of items 3 to 5, which is different from a second moving speed that is a speed when moving to the third viewpoint position.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 7)
The information processing method according to item 6, wherein the first movement speed is lower than the second movement speed.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 8)
When the trajectory of the virtual viewpoint moving from the second viewpoint position to the third viewpoint position is approximated by a polygon whose unit movement amount by the input is a length of one side, the movement time of the one side corresponds to the one side. The information processing method according to Item 7, wherein the two moving speeds are set so as to approach the moving time of the length of the locus to be performed.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 9)
The virtual space includes a game field, the virtual viewpoint moves around the game field;
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first direction and the second direction are defined based on a shape of the game field.
Thereby, the unintentional fluctuation | variation of a visual field image is suppressed and a virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 10)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 9.
(Item 11)
A computer comprising at least a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, and executing the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 9 under the control of the processor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Base line of sight, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 12 ... Storage, 13 ... Input / output interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ... Bus, 19 ... Network, 21 ... Center, 22 ... Virtual space image, 23 ... Field of view, 24, 25 ... Region, 100, 100A, 100B ... HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B ... HMD, 112 ... Monitor, 114 ... Sensor, 118 ... Microphone, 120 ... HMD sensor 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... server, 160, 160A, 160B ... controller, 190, 190A, 190B ... user, 200 ... computer, 220 ... display control module, 221 ... virtual camera control module, 222 ... view area determination module, 223 ... Field of view image generation module, 22 Reference line-of-sight identification module 230 Virtual space control module 231 Virtual space definition module 232 Virtual object control module 233 Controller information acquisition module 234 Chat control module 240 Memory module A1 to A3 avatar , F ... Game field

Claims (11)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
Identifying virtual space data defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience;
Identifying a reference gaze position in the virtual space based on a position of a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space;
Defining a visual axis associated with the virtual viewpoint based on the posture of the head mounted device and the reference gaze position;
Generating a visual field image to be displayed on the display unit based on the position of the virtual viewpoint and the visual axis;
With
Redefining the visual axis by moving the reference gaze position according to the movement of the virtual viewpoint;
Updating the view image from the virtual viewpoint based on the redefined visual axis;
Information processing method. When the virtual viewpoint moves from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position along the first direction, the reference gaze position is moved from the first gaze position to the second gaze position along the first direction;
When the distance between the first viewpoint position and the first gaze position is a first distance, and the distance between the second viewpoint position and the second gaze position is a second distance, the first distance and The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the reference gaze position is moved so that a difference from the second distance is equal to or less than a first threshold value.   When the virtual viewpoint moves further from the second viewpoint position to the third viewpoint position around the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, the virtual viewpoint moves around the second gaze position The information processing method according to claim 2.   4. The information according to claim 3, wherein the reference gaze position is moved so that the third distance is equal to or less than a second threshold when the distance between the third viewpoint position and the second gaze position is the third distance. Processing method. When the virtual viewpoint moves from the third viewpoint position to the fourth viewpoint position along the second direction,
When the distance between the fourth viewpoint position and the second gaze position is a fourth distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the third distance, the second viewpoint position is along the second direction. To the third gaze position
When the distance between the fourth viewpoint position and the third gaze position is a fifth distance, the reference gaze position is moved so that the fourth distance and the fifth distance are equal to or less than a third threshold. The information processing method according to claim 4. The virtual viewpoint is moved based on input from the user,
The first movement speed, which is the speed at which the virtual viewpoint moves from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position based on the input, is calculated based on the input from the second viewpoint position. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein the information processing method is different from a second moving speed that is a speed when moving to the third viewpoint position.   The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the first movement speed is smaller than the second movement speed.   When the trajectory of the virtual viewpoint moving from the second viewpoint position to the third viewpoint position is approximated by a polygon whose unit movement amount by the input is a length of one side, the movement time of the one side corresponds to the one side. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the two moving speeds are set so as to approach the moving time of the length of the trajectory. The virtual space includes a game field, the virtual viewpoint moves around the game field;
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are defined based on a shape of the game field.   The program which makes a computer perform the information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-9. A computer comprising at least a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, and executing the information processing method according to claim 1 under the control of the processor.