JP2019040326A - Method of providing virtual space, program, and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To present a position of an input device to a user with a head-mounted device mounted thereon.SOLUTION: Information representing a position (hereinafter referred to as reference position) of a reference section of an input device 170 is specified. The computer arranges an input device object 1000 so that a section (hereinafter referred to as virtual reference section) of the input device object 1000 corresponding to the reference section may be located in a position (hereinafter referred to as virtual reference position) on a virtual space corresponding to the reference position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  This disclosure relates to a technique for providing a virtual space.

  A technique for providing a virtual space using a head-mounted device (HMD) device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a virtual input device is displayed on the HMD. Specifically, it is described that in a real space, when a user touches any key on a keyboard as an input device, the color of the corresponding virtual keyboard key changes.

JP 2003-91353 A

  When operating an input device, it is preferable to know the position of the input device in order to perform an intended input. On the other hand, there is a case where it is desired to operate a real space input device while wearing a head mounted device and performing a virtual experience. In this case, the virtual experience can be improved if the user can grasp and input the position of the input device input device in the real space while wearing the head mounted device and performing the virtual experience.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object in one aspect is to improve the quality of a user's virtual experience.

  According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing virtual space via a head mounted device is provided. The method includes a step of defining a virtual space, a step of identifying a position of the tracking object when an input device is input using the tracking object based on a tracking result of the tracking object; The virtual corresponding to the reference part on the input device object corresponding to the input device at the virtual reference position, which is the position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the reference part on the input device, which can be identified from the position of the tracking object Placing the input device object such that the reference site is located.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of the arrangement | positioning method of the input device object by the computer according to this indication. It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of the user who wears HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure showing the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the Y direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the controller according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a sequence chart showing a part of process performed in the HMD system according to an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state before the movement of a virtual camera. It is a figure explaining the state after the movement of a virtual camera. It is a figure which shows a user's operation | movement when a computer arrange | positions an input device object in virtual space in a certain embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for placing an input device object in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows a user's operation | movement when a computer arrange | positions an input device object in virtual space in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain modification. It is a figure which shows a user's operation | movement when a computer arrange | positions an input device object in virtual space in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain modification. It is a figure which shows a user's operation | movement when a computer arrange | positions an input device object in virtual space in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain modification. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of an input device object in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of FIG.15 S40 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S432 of FIG. 25 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S442 of FIG. 26 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S444 of FIG. 26 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S446 of FIG. 26 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S434 of FIG. 25 in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detail of step S438 of FIG. 25 in a certain modification. It is a figure which shows the example of an input device and a tracking target object in a certain modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the modification of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the modification of the process shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of a computer that provides a virtual space will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[Configuration of HMD system]
In this embodiment and modification, a system for providing a virtual space to a user is referred to as an “HMD (Head Mount Device) system”. The HMD may include both a so-called head mounted display including a monitor and a device that provides a VR experience by attaching a smartphone or other terminal having a monitor to a dedicated housing for head mounting. The HMD system includes a head mounted device. The user is provided with a virtual space by using a head mounted device. The configuration of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, a speaker 210, and a computer 200. The computer 200 is an example of a computer for providing a virtual space via the head mounted device in the present disclosure. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 140. In one aspect, the computer 200 can be connected to the network 19 and can communicate with the server 150 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 according to an embodiment 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, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In one aspect, the monitor 112 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 112 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image 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 HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 110. Using this function, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space.

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

  In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD 110 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 gaze sensor 140 detects a direction (gaze direction) in which the gaze of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 is directed. The detection of the direction is realized by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris with respect to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

  The speaker 210 is connected to the computer 200 and outputs sound in accordance with a signal output from the computer 200. The speaker 210 may be a device (for example, a headphone, an earphone, etc.) that can be worn by the user.

  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 playing a game in which a plurality of users participate 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 share a common game in the same virtual space. Allowing you to enjoy.

  According to an embodiment, the HMD system 100 may further include a controller 160. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

  The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200.

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

  According to an embodiment, the HMD system 100 further includes an input device 170. The input device 170 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. In one aspect, the input device 170 performs input to the computer 200. However, the input device 170 may not be included in the HMD system 100. In this case, the input device 170 performs input to a computer different from the computer 200.

[Computer hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to one aspect. The computer 200 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 15.

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

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

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is realized 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, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

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

  In one embodiment, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD 110, the HMD sensor 120, the motion sensor 130, the controller 160, and the speaker 210. In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 further communicates signals with the input device 170. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to that described above.

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends the instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. 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, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication interface. Realized as a communication interface. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 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.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD 110. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

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

  In an embodiment, the plurality of computers 200 may be able to provide the same virtual space to each user of the plurality of computers 200 by sharing data via the server 150 on the network 19. .

  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. 4 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. 4, 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. 5 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. 5, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

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

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

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

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

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

[User's line of sight]
With reference to FIG. 6, determination of the user's line-of-sight direction will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD 110 according to an embodiment from above.

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

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

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

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

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

[Visibility area]
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the visual field region 23 will be described. FIG. 7 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. 8 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. 7, the visual field region 23 in the YZ cross section includes a region 24. The region 24 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 of the virtual camera 1 and the YZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space as the region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the visual field region 23 in the XZ cross section includes a region 25. The region 25 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

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

  While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can 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.

  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. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 9, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

  The plate 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction thereof. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9. An array of one or more columns may be used.

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

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

  FIG. 9B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190. For example, when the user is performing an input operation on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the hand object 810 is in a state of grasping the index finger, and the user is not performing an input operation on the button 34. As shown in the drawing (B), the index finger of the hand object 810 is extended. For example, as shown in the partial diagram (B), when the thumb and the index finger are extended in the hand object 810, the direction in which the thumb extends is defined as the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is defined as the roll direction, A direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the axis along the axis and the axis along the roll direction is defined as the pitch direction.

[HMD control device]
The control device of the HMD 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 10 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, a communication control module 250, and a voice control module 211. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, and a hand object control module 233 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. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image 26 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 generation module 232 generates an object displayed in the virtual space 2. In one example, the object includes an avatar of a user of another HMD system 100 on the network 19 and an installation such as a stage and a screen in an event venue. In other examples, objects include forests, mountains and other landscapes, animals, etc. that are displayed as the game story progresses. In yet another example, the objects may include objects such as friendly and enemy warrior avatars, structures, folding screens and chairs installed on the camp, and horses and tanks used in combat displayed in battle games. including. In yet another example, the object is an object such as a vase that is set to move (fall) when a user-operable avatar object and / or hand object collide, and the user can operate the object. Includes enemy objects that move toward the avatar object. In an embodiment, the movement (falling) mode of an object such as the vase follows physical calculation. In yet another example, the target object includes an object set to collide with a floor object by being thrown in a virtual space by a user input operation, and to generate a sound by the collision. In yet another example, the target object includes an enemy object set to move toward a sound generated by the collision between the floor object and the object. When the object is arranged with a light source with a relatively small amount of light in a virtual space based on a horror work, the object can provide the user with a fear of moving in the dark.

  The hand object control module 233 places a hand object (hand object) in the virtual space 2. In the following description, the hand object arranged in the virtual space 2 is also referred to as “virtual hand”. The hand object corresponds to the right hand or the left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160, for example. In one aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for placing the left hand object or the right hand object in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the hand object control module 233 is data for indicating an operation in which the left hand object or the right hand object rotates another object (for example, the object 900 or the object 1000) in response to the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. Is generated. The operation includes, for example, that a hand holding a handle shown as the object 900 rotates the handle.

  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 (content information), and user information 243.

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

  The object information 242 holds content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for displaying an object used in the content, and audio data output in the content. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society.

  The user information 243 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 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.

  The sound control module 211 controls the sound output from the speaker 210. For example, the sound control module 211 causes the speaker 210 to output sound according to the sound data held by the object information 242.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can be realized using Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies.

[Control structure]
A control structure of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart representing a part of processing executed in HMD system 100 according to an embodiment.

  In step S1110, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231.

  In step S1110, the processor 10 may transmit information for applying to participate in the event to the server 150, for example. In response to this, the server 150 may transmit image data (virtual space image data) of the virtual space representing the venue of the event to the computer 200.

  In step S1120, processor 10 initializes virtual camera 1. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S1130, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. 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 S1132, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays an initial view image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1134, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1140, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD 110 based on the position and inclination of HMD 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and displays objects in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program. The user 190 enjoys content that is visible in the virtual space 2 by executing the application program.

  In one aspect, the content includes an application (hereinafter, also referred to as “event application”) for allowing the user to experience the event venue. The event application provides the user with the scenery in the event venue as a virtual space. The processor 10 changes the virtual space image to be visually recognized by the user according to the position and inclination of the HMD 110.

  In step S1150, controller 160 detects the operation of user 190 and transmits a signal indicating the detected operation to computer 200. The signal includes an operation of designating one or more objects among the two or more displayed objects. More specifically, the signal includes a signal indicating an operation of displaying a virtual hand and touching one or more objects among the two or more displayed objects with the virtual hand. The signal includes a signal indicating an operation of selecting one or more menus from two or more selected menus.

  In step S1152, processor 10 determines the state of the user (the state of the application) based on the signal received from controller 160.

  In step S1160, processor 10 updates the view image according to the position and tilt of HMD 110, the operation of user 190, and / or the setting of each object, and data for displaying the updated view image (view image). Data) to the HMD 110. The update of the view field image may include any of the change of the transparency of the object in the virtual space, the deletion of the object, and the movement of the object.

  In step S1162, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image. The update of the view field image in step S1162 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S1170, processor 10 updates the audio data according to the position and tilt of HMD 110, the operation of user 190, and / or the setting of each object, and transmits the updated audio data to HMD 110.

  In step S1162, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 outputs a sound based on the received sound data.

[Update the view image]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the update of the view field image in step S1162 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state before the virtual camera 1 is moved. As shown in the partial diagram (A), in one aspect, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 is viewing the visual field image 1100 in the virtual space 2. The view image 1100 includes a tree object 1110 and a mountain object 1120. At this time, as shown in the partial diagram (B), the virtual camera 1 is photographing the visual field region 23 corresponding to the visual field image 1100.

  In the state shown in FIG. 12, the user 190 gives a movement instruction to the controller 160. As an example, the user 190 tilts an analog stick included in the controller 160 forward. Thereby, the state shown in FIG. 12 is shifted to the state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state after the virtual camera 1 is moved. The processor 10 moves the virtual camera 1 according to the detection signal input from the controller 160. More specifically, the processor 10 specifies the reference line of sight 5 of the virtual camera 1 before movement as the movement direction, and moves the virtual camera 1 in the identified movement direction.

  In the partial view (B) of FIG. 13, the arrangement position of the virtual camera 1 (that is, the viewpoint of the user 190) has moved forward from the state shown in the partial view (B) of FIG. The user visually recognizes the field-of-view image 1200 taken by the virtual camera 1 after movement.

[Outline of Disclosure]
When a computer according to the present disclosure displays an input device object on a head mounted device (hereinafter referred to as an HMD) such as a head mounted display used by a user, the computer specifies the position of the reference portion of the input device in the real space. The input device object is arranged using the specified position. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a method for arranging input device objects by a computer according to the present disclosure.

  In each of the partial diagrams (A) and (B) of FIG. 1, the upper diagram shows the visual field region 23 defined in the virtual space, and the lower diagram shows the real space corresponding to the visual field region 23. ing. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD 110 in the virtual space.

  In the example shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 1, an input device 170 is arranged in the real space. The input device 170 is a device for inputting to the computer. This computer may be a computer providing the virtual space and the view area 23 to the user, or may be another computer. The input device 170 is, for example, a keyboard, but may be another input device such as a mouse or a touch panel. On the other hand, an input device object 1000 corresponding to the input device 170 is arranged in the view area 23. However, the computer providing the virtual space does not recognize the position of the input device 170. For this reason, the position of the input device object 1000 may not correspond to the position of the input device 170.

  Therefore, as will be described in detail later, in an embodiment, information indicating the position of the reference portion of the input device 170 (hereinafter referred to as a reference position) is specified. Then, in this computer, a part (hereinafter referred to as a virtual reference part) corresponding to the reference part of the input device object 1000 is located at a position in the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as a virtual reference position) corresponding to the reference position. The input device object 1000 is arranged so as to be positioned. Thereby, as shown in the partial diagram (B) of FIG. 1, the position of the input device object 1000 in the visual field region 23 corresponds to the position of the input device 170 in the real space. Accordingly, the computer can indirectly present the position of the input device 170 by presenting the position of the input device object 1000 to the user wearing the HMD.

[Place virtual input object]
Processing for placing the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 performed by the computer 200 will be described. Note that the processing described below can also be applied when adjusting the position of the input device object 1000 that is already arranged in the virtual space 2.

  FIG. 14 shows a user's operation in the real space when the computer 200 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in an embodiment. The user holds the tracking object 180 in hand. The user operates the input part of the input device 170 with the tracking object 180. When the input device 170 is a keyboard, the input device 170 has a plurality of input parts (input keys). When these input parts are operated, the input device 170 performs different outputs for each operated input part. The input part operated by the user may be any input part, but here, a case where the user operates the input part 172 will be described. When the input device 170 is a mouse, the input part 172 is a button for clicking. When there are a plurality of these buttons, the input device 170 performs different outputs when these buttons are operated.

  The tracking object 180 is a controller 160, for example. The processor 10 can specify the position and orientation (tilt and orientation) of a specific part of the tracking target 180 in the global coordinate system. Hereinafter, the specific part described above is referred to as a tracking part 182. There are various methods for detecting the position and orientation. In one example, the tracking object 180 is provided with a plurality of infrared sensors, and these infrared sensors detect the infrared rays irradiated from the base station, and the detection result is processed, whereby the position and posture of the tracking portion 182 are specified. The In another example, a camera that captures the tracking object 180 is provided, and a moving image generated by the camera is processed to identify the position and orientation of the tracking portion 182. In this case, a marker may be set on the tracking portion 182. In an example, the tracking part 182 is a part that directly touches the input part 172, but is not limited thereto.

  In an example, the condition for the processor 10 to perform the placement processing of the virtual input object 1000 includes that the user operates the input part using a predetermined part of the tracking object 180. In this case, even if the user operates the input part of the input device 170 using another part of the tracking target 180, the processor 10 does not perform the process of arranging the input device object 1000. In an example, the processor 10 specifies a part of the tracking target 180 that contacts the input part of the input device 170 using the position of the tracking target 182 of the tracking target 180 and the posture of the tracking target 180.

  In the tracking object 180 illustrated in FIG. 14, an example of the predetermined portion described above is a lower end portion. However, when the tracking object 180 is a glove-type controller 160 and the part corresponding to the tip of each finger in the controller 160 can be specified, an example of the predetermined part is the tip of any finger. is there. For example, an example of the predetermined portion described above is the tip of the little finger.

  In a certain example, the processing for specifying the position of the tracking portion 182 of the tracking object 180 and the posture of the tracking object 180 is performed by the processor 10 of the computer 200. However, this process may be performed by other parts constituting the HMD system 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, the tracking part 182 is a part that directly touches the input part 172. Then, the processor 10 specifies the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part 172 is pressed by the tracking part 182 as the position of the input part 172. Then, the processor 10 sets the input device object 1000 so that the portion corresponding to the input portion 172 of the input device object 1000 is located at the specified position in the virtual space 2, that is, the position corresponding to the reference position. Deploy.

  Details of this processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 using the virtual space definition module 231. And the visual field image 26 is specified by performing the process demonstrated using FIGS. 5-8, and the specified visual field image 26 is displayed on the monitor 112 of HMD110. In an example, an input device object 1000 is displayed in the view field image 26 as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. However, since the position of the input device object 1000 in this state is a provisional position, there is a high possibility that the position does not correspond to the position of the input device 170 in the real space.

  In the real space, the user operates the input part 172 of the input device 170 using the tracking object 180. As an example, the tracking part 182 of the tracking object 180 contacts the input part 172. Then, the input device 170 outputs a signal specifying the input part 172 to the outside. This signal or a signal generated by processing this signal is input to the computer 200.

  In step S20, the processor 10 of the computer 200 advances the control to step S30 when the above signal is input (Yes in step S20).

  In step S <b> 30, the processor 10 specifies the position of the tracking portion 182 of the tracking object 180. In step S <b> 40, the processor 10 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 using the position of the identified tracking part 182.

  Next, an example of details of the processing in step S40 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16 and FIG. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the positions of the input device 170 and the tracking part 182 in the real space. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing the position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2. In step S <b> 402, the processor 10 specifies an input part 172 operated by the tracking object 180 from among a plurality of input parts of the input device 170 using the input signal. In step S404, the processor 10 specifies the position of the tracking part 182 at the timing when the input part 172 is operated as the position of the input part 172, and specifies the position of the virtual space 2 corresponding to this position, that is, the reference position. To do. Hereinafter, the position in the virtual space 2 is referred to as a virtual reference position. In step S406, the processor 10 specifies the virtual input part 1072 corresponding to the input part 172 specified in step S402 from the plurality of virtual input parts of the input device object 1000. When the processor 10 specifies the position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 as shown in the partial diagrams (A) and (B) of FIG. Overlap with position. When the virtual input part 1072 has a certain size, the processor 10 arranges the input device object 1000 so that the center of the virtual input part 1072 is located at the virtual reference position.

  Accordingly, the position of the input device 170 and the position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 correspond to each other. Therefore, the position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 can correspond to the position of the input device 170 in the real space. Therefore, the user wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the position of the input device 170 and operate the input device 170 via the position of the input device object 1000 included in the view field image 26.

(Modification 1)
Next, a modified example of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 shows the operation of the user when the computer 200 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in this modification. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, in the tracking target 180, the tracking part 182 where the computer 200 can specify the position matches the operation part 184 that touches and operates the input part 172. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the operation performed by the user is the same as the operation shown in FIG. 14, but the tracking part 182 and the operation part 184 are different from each other.

  As an example, the tracking part 182 is a part of the tracking target 180 that is unlikely to be covered with the user's hand, for example, at least a part of the upper end, for example, the center of the upper surface. Then, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the position of the operation part 184 using the first offset that is the difference between the positions of the tracking part 182 and the operation part 184. The first offset is determined for each coordinate axis in the local coordinate system of the tracking object 180, for example. Specifically, the first offset is a value indicating a difference between the value of the tracking part 182 and the value of the operation part 184. This difference is determined for each coordinate axis. The first offset is stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 of the computer 200, for example.

  However, after specifying the position of the virtual space 2 corresponding to the position of the tracking part 182, the processor 10 uses the position of the virtual space 2 and the first offset to use the virtual space 2 corresponding to the position of the operation part 184. The position of may be specified.

  An example of the details of step S40 in FIG. 15 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG. In step S401, the processor 10 specifies the position of the operation part 184 by adding a first offset to the position of the tracking part 182 specified in step S30 of FIG. The subsequent processing (steps S402 to S406) is as described with reference to FIG.

  Note that, in another modification example to be described later, a case where the tracking part 182 and the operation part 184 coincide with each other will be described. However, in these modified examples, the same processing can be performed even when the tracking part 182 and the operation part 184 are different.

(Modification 2)
Next, another modification of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 shows the operation of the user when the computer 200 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in this modification.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, the part (reference part) used when specifying the position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in the input device 170 matches the input part 172. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the reference part 171 is different from the input part 172. As an example, the reference portion 171 is the center of the input device 170 in plan view. Then, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the position of the reference part 171 using the difference between the position of the input part 172 and the position of the reference part 171, that is, the second offset. The second offset is determined for each coordinate axis in the local coordinate system of the input device 170, for example. Specifically, the second offset is a value indicating a difference between the value of the input part 172 and the value of the reference part 171. This difference is determined for each coordinate axis. The second offset is stored in 11 of the computer 200 or in the storage 12 for each input part, for example.

  An example of the details of step S40 of FIG. 15 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 402, the processor 10 specifies the input part 172 operated by the tracking object 180. In step S412, the processor 10 specifies the position of the reference part 171 by using the position of the input part 172 specified in step S30 (that is, the position of the tracking part 182) and the second offset. For example, the processor 10 specifies the position of the reference part 171 by adding the second offset to the position of the tracking part 182. Then, the processor 10 specifies the position (virtual reference position) of the virtual space 2 corresponding to the specified position (reference position) of the reference portion 171. In step S414, the processor 10 arranges the input device object 1000 such that a part (virtual reference part) corresponding to the reference part 171 specified in step S412 is located at the virtual reference position in the input device object 1000. .

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 21, the processor 10 specifies the virtual reference position after specifying the position of the reference portion 171. However, after specifying the position of the virtual space 2 corresponding to the position of the input part 172, the processor 10 may specify the virtual reference position using the position of the virtual space 2 and the second offset.

  In step S414, the position of the virtual reference part in the input device object 1000 may be defined in advance, or specified by using the position of the virtual input part corresponding to the input part 172 and the second offset. Also good.

(Modification 3)
Next, another modification of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, and 24. FIG. 22 shows the operation of the user when the computer 200 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in this modification.

  In the example described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17, the input device 170 has one input part that the user operates using the tracking object 180. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the user operates a plurality of input parts. As an example, the user operates a plurality of input parts using two tracking objects 180. As another example, the user operates a plurality of input parts by operating the input device 170 a plurality of times using one tracking object 180. For each of the plurality of input parts, the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part is operated is specified. Then, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the arrangement position of the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 using the positions of the plurality of tracking parts 182.

  An example of the details of step S40 of FIG. 15 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG. First, before entering the processing shown in FIG. 23, the user operates a plurality of different input parts using the tracking object 180. An example of the plurality of input parts is the input parts 172 and 174. In FIG.15 S30, when the signal which specifies each operated input site | part is output from the input device 170, the processor 10 of the computer 200 will carry out the tracking site | part in the timing when the signal was output for each of these signals. The position of 182 is specified.

  In step S422 of FIG. 23, the processor 10 specifies the input part (for example, the input parts 172 and 174) corresponding to the position using the signal output from the input device 170 at the position of each tracking part 182.

  In step S424 of FIG. 23, when the input part is operated, the processor 10 specifies the position of the tracking part 182 at the operated timing. Then, the processor 10 specifies the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part is pressed, that is, the position of the virtual space 2 corresponding to the reference position, that is, the virtual reference position, for each input part. For example, the processor 10 specifies the virtual reference position corresponding to the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part 172 is operated, and the virtual reference position corresponding to the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part 174 is operated. Is identified.

  In step S426 of FIG. 23, the processor 10 performs input so that the virtual input parts corresponding to the plurality of input parts (reference parts) specified in step S422 are located at the virtual reference position corresponding to the input parts. A device object 1000 is arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, it is assumed that the input part 172 corresponds to the virtual input part 1072, and the input part 174 corresponds to the virtual input part 1074. In this case, the processor 10 sets the input device object 1000 so that the virtual input part 1072 overlaps the virtual reference position corresponding to the input part 172 and the virtual input part 1074 overlaps the virtual reference position corresponding to the input part 174. Deploy.

  Next, a modified example of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, the reference site of the input device 170 is, for example, the center of the input device 170 and is different from any of the plurality of input sites operated using the tracking object 180. For this reason, the second offset described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 is used.

  An example of the details of step S40 of FIG. 15 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG. The operations performed by the user and the processing shown in steps S30 and S422 in FIG. 15 are as described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S432 in FIG. 25, the processor 10 of the computer 200 corrects the positions of the plurality of tracking portions 182 identified in step S30 in FIG. Details of this correction will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S434, for each position of the tracking part 182, the processor 10 uses the corrected position of the tracking part 182 and the second offset corresponding to the input part corresponding to the position of the tracking part 182 to temporarily The provisional reference position which is the reference position) is specified. Here, since there are a plurality of operated input parts, a plurality of provisional reference positions are also specified. A method for specifying the provisional reference position will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S436, the processor 10 specifies a virtual reference position using a plurality of provisional reference positions. As an example, the processor 10 sets an average position of a plurality of provisional reference positions as a virtual reference position. Here, an example of a method for specifying the average position is to calculate the average value of the values of the axes for each coordinate axis. For example, the temporary reference position calculated using the input part 172 is (x ₁ , y ₁ , z ₁ ), and the temporary reference position calculated using the input part 174 is (x ₂ , y ₂ , z ₂ ). In this case, the virtual reference position is ((x ₁ + x ₂ ) / 2, (y ₁ + y ₂ ) / 2, (z ₁ + z ₂ ) / 2).

  In step S438, the processor 10 arranges the input device object 1000 so that the virtual reference portion of the input device object 1000 is located at the virtual reference position specified in step S436.

  Next, an example of the details of step S432 in FIG. 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 26 and FIGS. In this example, the user operates two input parts 172 and 174. The processor 10 keeps the two positional relationships between the position of the tracking part 182 specified at the time of input to the input part 172 and the position of the tracking part 182 specified at the time of input to the input part 174, while maintaining these two positional relationships. Correction is made so as to approach the positional relationship of a predetermined position on the input part.

First, in step S442, the processor 10 specifies a line segment connecting the center of the input part 172 and the center of the input part 174, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. This line segment, the ideal line segment _{A 1.} As an example, information for specifying the ideal line A ₁ it is stored in advance in the memory 11 or storage 12. There may be a plurality of combinations of the input parts 172 and 174. Therefore, the memory 11 or storage 12 for each combination, and stores the information for identifying the ideal line A _1.

Similarly, in step S442, the processor 10, as shown in FIG. 27B, shows the position of the tracking part 182 when the input part 172 is pressed and the tracking when the input part 174 is pressed. A line segment connecting the position of the part 182 is specified. This segment, and the solid line component _{A 2.} When the tracking part 182 presses the center of the input part, there is no difference between the position of the tracking part 182 and the position of the input part. However, since the user cannot grasp the position of the input device 170, when the input part is operated using the tracking object 180, the tracking part 182 may be shifted from the center of the input part. An input part 174 in the partial diagram (B) is an example. For this reason, the tracking portion 182 needs to be corrected.

In step S444, the processor 10, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 28, ends of the solid line segment A _{2 on} the input part 172 side and the ideal line segment A _{1 on} the input part 172 side. Are overlaid on the position of the tracking portion 182 corresponding to the input portion 172. For example, the processor 10 moves the ideal line _{A 1,} the end portion of the input portion 172 side of the ideal line _{A 1,} superimposed on the end portion of the input portion 172 side of the solid content _{A 2.} At this time, the slope of the ideal line A ₁ and the solid line content A ₂ is maintained. In this state, the angle θ ₁ formed by the ideal line segment A ₁ and the solid line segment A ₂ is specified. The processor 10, as shown in the partial diagram of FIG. 28 (B), the the end portion of the input portion 174 side of the solid content A _2, the respective ends of the input portion 174 side of the ideal line A ₁ , It is overlaid on the position of the tracking part 182 corresponding to the input part 174. For example, the processor 10 moves the ideal line _{A 1,} the end portion of the input portion 174 side of the ideal line _{A 1,} superimposed on the end portion of the input portion 174 side of the solid content _{A 2.} In this case, the slope of the ideal line A ₁ and the solid line content A ₂ is maintained. Then, in this state, to identify the ideal line A ₁ and the solid line worth A ₂ and forms an angle theta _2.

Processor 10, in step S446, as shown in the partial diagram of FIG. 29 (A), the angle theta _1, to correct the inclination of the solid line component _{A 2} with theta _2. As an example, processor 10, around the end of the input portion 172 side, the solid line component _{A 2,} the angle theta _1/2, is rotated in a direction to approach the ideal line _{A 1.} Further, the processor 10, around the end of the input portion 174 side, the solid line component _{A 2,} the angle theta _2/2, is rotated in a direction to approach the ideal line _{A 1.} Note that the order of rotation may be reversed.

As a result, as shown in the partial diagram (B) of FIG. 29, the slope of the solid line segment A ₂ (shown by the solid line) causes a problem in the process of specifying the position of the input device object 1000, which will be described with reference to FIG. It is corrected to a level that does not occur.

FIG. 30 shows a detailed example of step S434 of FIG. In step S434, the processor 10 sets the input part of the input device 170 in the input device object 1000 at the end of the corrected solid line A ₂ ′ on the input part 172 side, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. The input device object 1000 is provisionally arranged so that portions corresponding to the predetermined position 173 of 172 overlap. As an example, the predetermined position 173 is the center of the input part 172. At this time, the processor 10 specifies the direction of the input device object 1000 using the slope of the corrected solid line segment A ₂ ′. For example, when the input device object 1000 is a keyboard object, the processor 10 specifies the orientation of the input device object 1000 so that the center of the input portion 174 is positioned on the corrected solid line A ₂ ′ or an extension line thereof. .

Then, the processor 10 specifies the position of the virtual reference part in the temporarily arranged input device object 1000 as the temporary reference position. As an example, the processor 10 specifies the provisional reference position B ₁ using the corrected position of the tracking part 182 corresponding to the input part 172 and the second offset OF ₁ corresponding to the input part 172.

Further, as shown in the partial diagram (B) of FIG. 30, the input corresponding to the predetermined position 175 of the input part 174 of the input device 170 in the input device object 1000 at the end on the input part 174 side of the corrected solid line segment A ₂ ′ The input device object 1000 is temporarily arranged so that the parts to be overlapped. As an example, the predetermined position 175 is the center of the input part 174. At this time, the processor 10 specifies the orientation of the input device object 1000 by using a method similar to the method described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, in partial Figure (B), the second offset corresponding to the input portion 174 are denoted by reference numerals OF _2. The processor 10, the position of the virtual reference portions in the input device object 1000 which is temporarily arranged to identify the provisional reference position B _2. This specifying method is the same as the method described with reference to FIG. 30 (A).

  When the user operates three or more input parts, the processor 10 selects, for example, two input parts from these three or more input parts, and performs the above-described processing.

FIG. 31 shows a detailed example of step S438 of FIG. In step S436 of FIG. 25, the processor 10 uses the provisional reference position _B 1, _{B 2,} identifies the virtual reference position _{B 3.} As an example, as described above, the processor 10 sets the average position of the temporary reference positions B ₁ and B ₂ as the virtual reference position B ₃ . Then, the processor 10, the virtual reference position of the input device object 1000 so as to overlap the virtual reference position _{B 3,} to place the input device object 1000. The method for specifying the virtual reference region is as described with reference to FIGS. At this time, the processor 10 specifies the inclination of the input device object 1000 using the inclination of the corrected solid line segment A ₂ ′. The method for specifying the inclination is the same as the method used when temporarily placing the input device object 1000 described with reference to FIG.

  In each example described above, a keyboard is shown as an example of the input device 170, and a keyboard object is shown as an example of the input device object 1000. However, as shown in FIG. 32, when the tracking object 180 is a glove-type controller 160 and the part corresponding to the tip of each finger in the controller 160 can be specified, the input device 170 is a touch panel, and the input The device object 1000 may be a touch panel object.

(Modification 4)
Next, an example of a modification of the process shown in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the HMD system 100 has a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the processor 10 places the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 based on the input to the input device 170. In the second mode, the processor 10 performs processing other than the first mode, for example, processing for operating other objects included in the virtual space 2, and input processing using the input device 170. The processor 10 determines the mode of the HMD system 100 according to an input using the controller 160, for example.

  In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 and displays the view image 26 on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. Details of this processing are as described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 15, the processor 10 determines the mode of the HMD system 100. When the mode is not the first mode (No in step S15), the processor 10 does not proceed to step S20. If the mode is the first mode (Yes in step S15), the processor 10 moves to step S20. Subsequent processing (steps S20 to S40) performed by the processor 10 is as shown in any of the above-described examples (including modified examples).

  In this way, when the user does not intend to place the input device object 1000, the processor 10 can be prevented from performing processing for placing the input device object 1000.

(Modification 5)
Next, another example of a modification of the process shown in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the tracking object 180 is a user's hand wearing the HMD 110 or an object (for example, a glove-type controller 160) attached to the hand. And the processor 10 performs the process shown to step S10-step S40. This process is as shown in any of the above-described examples (including modifications). After placing the input device object 1000 in the virtual space 2 in step S40, the processor 10 places a hand object in the virtual space 2 in step S50. In step S <b> 50, the processor 10 specifies the position where the hand object is placed using the result of specifying the position of the tracking object 180. Then, the processor 10 places the hand object at the specified position.

  If it does in this way, a hand object can be arranged in a position corresponding to a user's hand in real space among virtual space 2. Therefore, the user can grasp the positional relationship between the input device 170 and his / her hand by looking at the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. For this reason, the user can easily input to the input device 170.

[Summary of disclosure]
The technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows, for example.

(1) According to an embodiment, there is provided a method executed by a computer (computer 200) to provide a virtual space via a head mounted device (HMD 110). The control executed by the computer 200 includes the step of defining the virtual space (step S10 in FIG. 15) and the input when the input is performed to the input device using the tracking target object based on the tracking result of the tracking target object. The step of specifying the position of the tracking object (step S30 in FIG. 15), and the virtual reference position that is the position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the reference part on the input device that can be specified from the position of the tracking object And placing the input device object so that the virtual reference portion corresponding to the reference portion is positioned on the input device object corresponding to the input device (step S40 in FIG. 15).

(2) In one example, the position of the tracking object is the position of the tracked part of the tracking object. In the step of arranging the input device object, the computer 200 determines the difference between the position of the tracking object and the position of the tracking object and the position of the part of the tracking object to be input to the input device. The virtual reference position may be specified using the offset.

(3) In one example, the input device may have a plurality of input parts that perform different outputs to the computer when input is performed. In this case, the control executed by the computer 200 is a step of identifying the input part based on the output from the input part that is input using the tracking target object among the plurality of input parts (step of FIG. 19). S402) may further be included. In this case, in the step of arranging the input device object, the computer 200 specifies the virtual reference position by using the position of the tracking target object, and also specifies the virtual reference part by using the specified input part. Good.

(4) In one example, the input device may have a plurality of input parts that perform different outputs to the computer when input is performed. In this case, the control executed by the computer 200 further includes a step of specifying the input part based on the output from the input part that is input using the tracking target object among the plurality of input parts. Also good. In this case, in the step of arranging the input device object, the computer 200 uses the second offset that defines the difference between the position of the tracking target object, the identified input part, and the reference part to determine the virtual object. A reference position may be specified.

  In this case, input may be performed on two or more input parts using one or more tracking objects, and a step of specifying an input part and a step of specifying a position of the tracking object may be performed. . In this case, in the step of arranging the input device object, the computer 200 determines the position of the tracking object specified at the time of input to each of the two or more specified input parts and the two or more specified input parts. The virtual reference position may be specified using each of the second offsets.

  In this case, in the step of arranging the input device object, the computer 200 specifies the position of the tracking target specified at the time of input to each of the two or more specified input parts while maintaining the positional relationship. You may correct | amend so that the positional relationship of the predetermined position on two or more input parts may be approximated. Then, the computer 200 obtains a temporary reference position for each corrected position of the tracking object using the second offset of the input part specified when the position of the tracking object is specified, and sets the provisional reference position to the provisional reference position. Based on this, the virtual reference position may be specified.

(5) As an example, the HMD system 100 includes a first mode in which an input device object is arranged in a virtual space based on an input to the input device, and a process other than the first mode based on an input to the input device. And a second mode for performing. Then, in the first mode, the computer 200 performs at least a step of specifying the position of the tracking object and a step of arranging the input device object.

(6) As an example, the position of the part of the tracking target to be input to the input device is determined.

(7) As an example, the tracking target object is a user's hand wearing the head mounted device or an object attached to the hand. In this case, the control executed by the computer 200 further includes a step of placing a hand object corresponding to the user's hand at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the tracking target (step S50 in FIG. 34). Also good.

(8) As an example, the control executed by the computer 200 includes a step of moving the virtual camera based on the movement of the head mounted device (FIG. 8), and a visual field image representing the virtual space in the visual field range of the virtual camera. And displaying on the mount device (FIG. 8).

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

(10) According to an embodiment, a computer device (computer 200) for controlling image provision in a virtual space, comprising a memory storing the above-described program and a processor for executing the program. Is provided.

  Each embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modified example is intended to be carried out independently or in combination as much as possible.

  1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 viewing area, 24, 25 area, 26,1100,1200 Field of view image, 30 grip, 31 plate, 32 top surface, 100 HMD system, 112 monitor, 114,161 sensor, 120 HMD sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 170 input Device, 172, 174 input part, 180 tracking object, 182 tracking part, 184 operation part, 200 computer, 1000 input device object, 1072, 1074 virtual input Place

Claims (12)

A computer-implemented method for providing virtual space via a head-mounted device, comprising:
Defining a virtual space;
Based on the tracking result of the tracking object, the step of specifying the position of the tracking object when input to the input device using the tracking object;
The virtual corresponding to the reference part on the input device object corresponding to the input device at the virtual reference position, which is the position in the virtual space corresponding to the position of the reference part on the input device, which can be identified from the position of the tracking object Placing the input device object so that the reference site is located;
Including methods. The method of claim 1, wherein
The location of the tracking target is the location of the tracked part of the tracking target,
In the step of arranging the input device object, a position of the tracking target, and a first offset that defines a difference between the position of the tracking target and the position of the part of the tracking target to be input to the input device, A method of using to identify a virtual reference position. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The input device has a plurality of input parts that perform different outputs to the computer when input is performed,
Further including the step of identifying the input part based on the output from the input part that is input using the tracking object of the plurality of input parts,
In the step of arranging an input device object, a method of identifying a virtual reference position using a position of a tracking target object and identifying a virtual reference part using the identified input part. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The input device has a plurality of input parts that perform different outputs to the computer when input is performed,
Further including the step of identifying the input part based on the output from the input part that is input using the tracking object of the plurality of input parts,
A method of identifying a virtual reference position using a second offset that defines a position difference between a tracking target object position, a specified input part, and a reference part in the step of arranging an input device object . The method of claim 4, wherein
For two or more input parts, input is performed using one or more tracking objects, a step of specifying the input part and a step of specifying the position of the tracking object are performed,
In the step of arranging the input device object, the position of the tracking object specified at the time of input to each of the two or more specified input parts, and the second offset of each of the two or more specified input parts A method of specifying a virtual reference position using The method of claim 5, wherein
In the step of placing the input device object,
The position of the tracking target specified at the time of input to each of the two or more specified input parts is brought close to the positional relation of the predetermined positions on the two or more specified input parts while maintaining the positional relation. Correct,
For each corrected tracking object position, a temporary reference position, which is a temporary virtual reference position, is obtained using the second offset of the input part specified when the position of the tracking object is specified. A method for identifying a virtual reference position based on: In the method as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
A first mode for placing an input device object in a virtual space based on an input to the input device;
A second mode for performing processing other than the first mode based on an input to the input device;
Have
A method for performing at least a step of specifying a position of a tracking target and a step of arranging an input device object in a first mode. In the method as described in any one of Claims 2-7,
A method in which the position of a part of a tracking target to be input to an input device is determined. In the method as described in any one of Claims 1-8,
The tracking object is the hand of the user wearing the head-mounted device, or an object attached to the hand,
A method further comprising disposing a hand object corresponding to the user's hand at a position in a virtual space corresponding to the position of the tracking object. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
Moving the virtual camera based on the movement of the head mounted device;
Displaying a visual field image representing the virtual space in the range of the visual field of the virtual camera on the head mounted device;
A method further comprising:   The program for making a computer perform the method of any one of Claims 1-10. A memory storing the program according to claim 11;
A processor for executing the program;
A computer apparatus for controlling provision of an image in a virtual space.

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