JP2019067222A - Program to be executed by computer for providing virtual reality, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To stop background video when an image is captured in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A processor executes processing including: a step (S1240) of reproducing video content in a virtual space; a step (S1250) of detecting that an image is captured in the virtual space; a step (S1260) of stopping reproducing the video content in response to the detection; a step (S1270) of executing image shooting in the virtual space; and a step (S1280) of recording user information (user of an HMD, type stamp (spot) of a content, shooting date and time, or the like).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present disclosure relates to providing moving image content in virtual reality space, and more particularly to control of capturing of moving image content in virtual reality space.

  There is known a technology for providing virtual reality using a head-mounted device. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6124985 (Patent Document 1) describes a video content distribution system capable of improving user satisfaction with a video content distribution service when the user views the same video content from different viewpoints. And “content management server” (see [Summary]).

Patent No. 6124985

  Even in the case where moving image content such as video content is presented in the virtual space, the user may wish to take a picture as in the real space. Accordingly, there is a need for techniques for capturing moving image content in virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the problems as described above, and an object in one aspect is to provide a technology that can easily realize shooting of moving image content reproduced in a virtual space.

  According to one embodiment, a computer implemented program is provided to provide virtual reality. The program defines in a computer a step of defining a virtual space provided by a head mounted device connected to the computer, a step of reproducing an image in the virtual space, and a step of detecting that photographing is performed in the virtual space. Stopping the reproduction of the image in response to the detection.

  In one aspect, the user can easily capture moving image content being played back in the virtual space.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of computer 200 according to one mode. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw view coordinate system set to HMD110 according to one Embodiment. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an aspect of representing a virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 who wears HMD110 according to one embodiment from the top. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section in which a view area 23 is viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section in which a visibility region 23 in the virtual space 2 is viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller 160 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a modular configuration. 7 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging control module 270. 5 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed by processor 10 of computer 200 in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 16 depicts an aspect of storage of data in memory module 240 in accordance with an embodiment. It is a figure showing the composition of the photography data 1400 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing the correspondence with the image displayed on monitor 112, and the arrangement of each object in virtual space 2 when the display is performed. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a part of processing executed by a processor 10 of a computer 200. It is a figure showing the correspondence with the image displayed on monitor 112, and the arrangement of each object in virtual space 2 when the display is performed.

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

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described 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, detailed description of these will not be repeated.

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

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

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

  The server 150 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, and a communication interface 153. The server 150 is implemented by a computer having a known configuration. The processor 151 executes an instruction. The memory 152 is a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory. The communication interface 153 communicates with the computer 200, the user terminals 201A, 201N, and the like. Storage 154 holds data received by server 150 from computer 200 or other external devices or data generated by processor 151. The storage 154 may be realized by, for example, a hard disk, a solid state disc (SSD) or other non-volatile storage device.

  The HMD 110 may be worn on the head of the user 190 and provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 190 visually recognizes each image, the user 190 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is implemented, for example, as 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 located in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, when the user 190 visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user 190 can immerse in the virtual space 2. In one embodiment, the virtual space 2 includes, for example, a background, an object operable by the user 190, and an image of a menu selectable by the user 190. As long as a plurality of users can virtually experience in one virtual space 2 by passing a signal based on each user's operation, avatar objects corresponding to each user are presented in the virtual space 2 Be done.

  The object is a virtual object existing in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the object includes an avatar object corresponding to the user, a virtual accessory and virtual clothes worn by the avatar object, a virtual panel imitating a panel showing information about the user, a virtual letter imitating a letter, and a post. Includes imitation virtual posts etc. Furthermore, the avatar object is a character that symbolizes the user 190 in the virtual space 2 and includes, for example, a human type, an animal type, and a robot type. The shapes of objects are various. The user 190 may present a favorite object to the virtual space 2 from among predetermined objects, or may present the object created by the user 190 to the virtual space 2.

  In one embodiment, the monitor 112 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smart phone 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 integrally display an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high speed shutter. The high speed shutter operates so as to alternately display the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye so that the image is recognized only for one of the eyes.

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

  The speaker 115 outputs voice (utterance) corresponding to voice data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs voice data corresponding to the speech of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can speak to another user using the microphone 119 while listening to the voice (speech) of the other user using the speaker 115.

  More specifically, when the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119, voice data corresponding to the speech of the user 190 is input to the computer 200. The computer 200 outputs the voice data to the server 150 via the network 19. The server 150 outputs the audio data received from the computer 200 to another computer 200 via the network 19. The other computer 200 outputs the audio data received from the server 150 to the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by another user. This allows other users to hear the voice of the user 190 via the speaker 115 of the HMD 110. Similarly, utterances from other users are output from the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by the user 190.

  The computer 200 displays, on the monitor 112, an image for moving another avatar object corresponding to the other user according to the voice data received from the computer 200 of the other user. For example, in one aspect, the computer 200 displays an image for moving the mouth of another avatar object on the monitor 112, so that the virtual space 2 is displayed as if the avatar objects are in conversation in the virtual space 2. Express. Thus, by transmitting and receiving audio data between the plurality of computers 200, conversation (chat) among a plurality of users is realized in one virtual space 2.

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared light. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 110. The HMD sensor 120 uses this function to detect the position and tilt of the HMD 110 in the physical space.

  In another aspect, the HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and the inclination of the HMD 110 by executing the image analysis process using the 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. HMD 110 may use sensor 114 to detect the position and tilt of HMD 110 itself. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a gyro sensor, the HMD 110 uses one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to determine its position and tilt. It can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around three axes of the HMD 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates temporal changes in angles around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates inclination of the HMD 110 based on temporal changes in angles.

  The HMD 110 may also include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance thereof. Further, the view image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image constituting the virtual space 2. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be superimposed and displayed on a part of the visual field image, or by setting the transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device to be high, The real space may be visible from part.

  The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to the HMD 110 used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200 so that a plurality of users share the same virtual space 2 Allows you to enjoy the game of. Further, as described above, the plurality of computers 200 can enjoy the conversation in the one virtual space 2 by transmitting and receiving signals based on the operations of the respective users.

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

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

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

  In yet another aspect, the HMD system 100 may be provided with a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

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

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

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

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is implemented, for example, as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or another non-volatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 12 include a program for providing the virtual space 2 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, objects and the like for defining the virtual space 2.

  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 programs and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used, such as an amusement facility, it is possible to perform updating of programs and data collectively.

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

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

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 to communicate with other computers (for example, the server 150, the computer 200 of another user, etc.) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, communication interface 14 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Be done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the one described above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing the virtual space 2, game software executable in the virtual space 2 using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing the virtual space 2 to the HMD 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

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

  In addition, the computer 200 may be configured to be commonly used for the plurality of HMDs 110. According to such a configuration, for example, since the same virtual space 2 can be provided to a plurality of users, each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space 2.

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

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared rays emitted from the respective light sources of the HMD 110, the presence of the HMD 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further detects the position and the 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 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 the visual point coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 views an object in the virtual space 2.

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

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered on the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 (origin). More specifically, the HMD 110 defines the global coordinate system in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) by inclination around each axis of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. Three directions newly obtained by tilting around the axes respectively are set as the pitch direction (u axis), the yaw direction (v axis), and the roll direction (w axis) of the uvw view coordinate system in the HMD 110.

  In one aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 stands upright and views the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), the vertical direction (y-axis), and the front-back direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) of the uvw view coordinate system in the HMD 110, the yaw direction (v-axis) , And in 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 the 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), the yaw angle (θv), and the roll angle (θw) of the HMD 110 in the uvw view coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD 110, respectively. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw view coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw view coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the roll direction in the uvw view coordinate system.

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

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

[Virtual space]
The virtual space 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an aspect of representing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 2 is illustrated so as not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is previously defined as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates virtual images that can be viewed by the user 190 with the partial images that constitute content (still images, moving images, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 associated with the corresponding meshes in the virtual space 2. 22 provides the user 190 with the virtual space 2 to be deployed.

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

  When the HMD 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 in the case of the HMD 110, a uvw visual field coordinate system is defined in the virtual camera 1. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined to interlock with the uvw view 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 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space.

  Since the direction of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 1, the line of sight (reference line of sight 5) serving as a reference when the user 190 views the virtual space image 22 depends on the direction of the virtual camera 1 It is decided. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines a view area 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user 190 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 an object. The uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 110 is equal to the view coordinate system when the user 190 views the monitor 112. Further, the uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to an aspect can regard the gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the gaze direction of the user 190 in the uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

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

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

  When the computer 200 receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the detection result of the line of sight, the gaze point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 is specified based on the detection values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detection values of the sight lines R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the sight lines R2 and L2 as the gaze point. The computer 200 identifies the gaze direction N0 of the user 190 based on the identified position of the fixation point N1. The computer 200 detects, for example, the direction in which the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the gaze point N1 is the line of sight direction N0. The gaze direction N0 is the direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the gaze with both eyes. Further, the line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually points the line of sight with respect to the view area 23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller (not shown). The right controller 800 is operated by the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated by the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 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 the operation of both hands. The right controller 800 will be described below.

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

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

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 disposed along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program while the program using the controller 160 is being executed. Infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect each position and orientation (tilt, orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. One or three or more arrays may be used.

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

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

  Part (B) of FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the hand object 810 disposed in the virtual space 2 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 gripping the right controller 800. For example, with respect to the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190, yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined. For example, when the input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is held in a state where it is held in, and the division operation is performed if the input operation is not performed on the button 34. As shown in B), the forefinger of the hand object 810 can be extended. For example, when the thumb and forefinger extend in the hand object 810, the extending direction of the thumb is perpendicular to the yaw direction, and the extending direction of the forefinger is perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction, the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis. The direction is defined in the hand object 810 as the pitch direction.

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, an audio control module 225, a memory module 240, a communication control module 250, a reproduction control module 260, and imaging control. And a module 270.

  The display control module 220 includes, as sub-modules, a virtual camera control module 221, a view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, and a reference gaze specification module 224.

  The virtual space control module 230 includes, as sub-modules, a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, and a hand object control module 233.

  In one embodiment, display control module 220, virtual space control module 230, and voice control module 225 are implemented by processor 10. In other embodiments, multiple processors 10 may operate as display control module 220, virtual space control module 230, and voice control module 225. 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, direction, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. The view image generation module 223 generates data (also referred to as view image data) of a view image displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 generates view image data based on the data received from the virtual space control module 230. The view image data generated by the view image generation module 223 is output by the communication control module 250 to the HMD 110. The reference gaze identification module 224 identifies the gaze of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object generation module 232 generates data of an object arranged in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, other avatar objects, virtual panels, virtual letters, virtual posts, and the like. The data generated by the virtual object generation module 232 is output to the view image generation module 223.

  The hand object control module 233 places the hand object in the virtual space 2. The hand object corresponds, for example, to the right hand or left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160. In one aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for arranging the hand object corresponding to the right hand or the left hand in the virtual space 2. In addition, the hand object control module 233 generates data for moving the hand object in response to the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. The data generated by the hand object control module 233 is output to the view image generation module 223.

  In another aspect, if movement of a portion of the body of the user 190 (eg, movement of a left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot, head, etc.) is associated with the controller 160, the virtual space control module 230 may It generates data for arranging a partial object corresponding to a part of the body in the virtual space 2. The virtual space control module 230 generates data for moving a partial object when the user 190 operates the controller 160 using a body part. These data are output to the view image generation module 223.

  When the speech control module 225 detects an utterance of the user 190 using the microphone 119 from the HMD 110, the speech control module 225 identifies the computer 200 to which speech data corresponding to the utterance is to be transmitted. The voice data is sent to the computer 200 identified by the voice control module 225. When the voice control module 225 receives voice data from the computer 200 of another user via the network 19, the voice control module 225 outputs a voice (speech) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 115.

  Memory module 240 holds data used by computer 200 to provide virtual space 2 to user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, user information 243, content data 244, and history data 245.

  Spatial information 241 holds one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2.

  The object information 242 holds content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2 and information for arranging an object used in the content. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a scene similar to real society, and the like. Furthermore, the object information 242 includes data for placing a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 operating the controller 160 in the virtual space 2, and data for placing an avatar object of each user in the virtual space 2. And data for arranging other objects such as a virtual panel in the virtual space 2.

  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 using each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

  Content data 244 is data for expanding content in the virtual space 2. This data is created by the content provider. In another aspect, the content data 244 may be provided by a general user who has registered in advance in the community providing the content. In this case, the general user may receive points and other rewards based on the predetermined criteria based on the viewing of the content posted by the user.

  The history data 245 includes a history of reproduction, shooting and other operations performed in the virtual space 2.

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

  The playback control module 260 controls playback in the virtual space 2 using the content data 244. The imaging control module 270 controls imaging by the user 190 in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the imaging control module 270 detects that imaging is performed in the virtual space 2 and stops the reproduction of the image in response to the detection. In one aspect, the imaging control module 270 detects that imaging is performed in the virtual space 2 and, in response to the detection, presents in the virtual space 2 a user interface object for controlling image reproduction.

  In one aspect, the shooting control module 270 detects that shooting is performed based on the fact that the camera object is presented in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the playback control module 260 stops playback of the image being played back in the direction taken by the camera object in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the playback control module 260 may stop playback of an image included in the shooting range of the camera object.

  In one aspect, the shooting control module 270 presents the camera object in a manner that allows the user 190 to take a selfie. For example, the shooting control module 270 presents a camera object such that the in-camera is directed to the user 190.

  In one aspect, the shooting control module 270 presents an avatar object corresponding to the user 190 and an image in the background of the avatar object on a preview screen of the camera object. The playback control module 260 stops playback of the image displayed on the preview screen.

  In one aspect, the imaging control module 270 detects an operation of the user 190. For example, the imaging control module 270 detects that imaging is performed based on the fact that the detected operation is an operation predetermined as an operation suggesting imaging.

  In one aspect, the imaging control module 270 presents a camera object having a preview screen in the virtual space 2 and presents an avatar object corresponding to the user 190 in the virtual space 2. The shooting control module 270 detects that shooting is performed based on the gaze of the avatar object facing the preview screen.

  In one aspect, the shooting control module 270 presents a camera object in the virtual space 2. The virtual object generation module 232 generates data for presenting in the virtual space 2 a limb object corresponding to any of the user's limbs. The view image generation module 223 presents the limb object in the virtual space 2 based on the data. The limb objects are, for example, a right hand object, a left hand object, a right foot object, and a left foot object. The processor 10 moves the limb object based on the movement of the user 190. The shooting control module 270 detects that shooting is performed based on the fact that the limb object is in the vicinity of the camera object.

  In one aspect, the reproduction control module 260 presents the reproduced image by going back a predetermined time. In one aspect, the playback control module 260 records the location at which playback was stopped in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

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

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

[Control structure of HMD system]
The control structure of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a part of the process performed in the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and defines the virtual space 2.

  In step S1020, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1. For example, in the work area of the memory, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S1030, the processor 10 generates visibility image data for displaying an initial visibility image as the visibility image generation module 223. The generated view image data is output by the communication control module 250 to the HMD 110.

  In step S1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the view image.

  In step S1034, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 based on the plurality of infrared light beams emitted from the HMD 110. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1040, the processor 10 specifies the view direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the position and the inclination included in the motion detection data of the HMD 110.

  In step S1050, the processor 10 executes an application program, and presents an object in the virtual space 2 based on an instruction included in the application program. The objects presented at this time include other avatar objects.

  In step S1060, controller 160 detects an operation of user 190 based on the signal output from motion sensor 130, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera disposed around the user 190.

  In step S1065, the processor 10 detects the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 based on the detection data acquired from the controller 160.

  In step S1070, the processor 10 generates view image data for presenting the hand object in the virtual space 2.

  In step S1080, processor 10 generates view image data based on the operation of controller 160 by user 190. The generated view image data is output by the communication control module 250 to the HMD 110.

  In step S1092, the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

[Technical thought]
Next, technical ideas according to the present disclosure will be described. According to an embodiment, the technical idea is summarized as follows. The computer 200 can control the reproduction of the background moving image while the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 determines the shooting angle in the virtual space 2 or from the angle determination to the shooting. The control of the reproduction of the background moving image at the time of shooting includes, for example, stopping the reproduction of the background moving image, rewinding the background moving image, and slightly advancing the reproduction of the background moving image (fast forward). In addition, with regard to control of reproduction of a background moving image, reproduction of the entire background moving image may be stopped. Alternatively, reproduction of part of the background that is the shooting range may be stopped. In yet another aspect, a still image may be displayed on the preview screen of the smartphone object arranged in the virtual space for self-portrait.

  As a method of controlling the reproduction of the background moving image, for example, it is conceivable that the computer 200 first buffers the image data in the buffer area for a predetermined time while reproducing the background moving image. The following can be considered as the timing for reading the buffering data.

When the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 calls the self-shooting camera object from a menu or the like and causes the avatar to hold the camera object, the computer 200 buffers the buffered data Reproduce.

When the camera for self-portrait is held and it is about to be photographed At this time, the line of sight of the user 190 is directed to the preview portion of the camera for self-portrait in the virtual space 2. In the virtual space 2, a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 is presented near a user interface (for example, a shooting button) for shooting.

  In the present embodiment, since the user 190 can control in more detail the reproduction timing of the background moving image included in the photographed image of self-portrait, the reproduction timing reflects the preference of the user 190. The computer 200 stores the captured image in association with the reproduction timing.

  Also, angle information at the time of shooting is stored in the memory module 240 in association with the ID of the background moving image. The angle information indicates from what position in the virtual space 2 to which direction and at what time. The angle information can recommend (recommend) the angle to other users at positions captured by many users. For example, whether the user has taken an image based on the recommendation may be based on the user's preference. Therefore, by accumulating the place where the reproduction of the moving image content is stopped, it is possible to grasp the user's preference for the moving image content. For example, when the background moving image stopped for shooting represents a landscape, it can be inferred that the preference of the user is directed to nature. Alternatively, if the background moving image is in front of a restaurant, it can be inferred that the preference of the user is directed to food. Therefore, advertisement distribution based on the preference can also be realized.

  Details of the imaging control module 270 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging control module 270. The imaging control module 270 includes a camera object presentation module 1110, an imaging detection module 1120, an object of interest extraction module 1130, a viewing history recording module 1140, and an imaging information generation module 1150.

  The camera object presentation module 1110 presents a camera object in the virtual space 2. For example, the camera object presentation module 1110 presents a camera object based on an operation by the user 190 (e.g., an operation of the controller 160, a gaze of an icon presented at an end of the virtual space 2, etc.). In another aspect, the camera object presentation module 1110 may present a camera object based on the arrival of a point pre-designated by the provider of the content as a shooting point in the content being played back. This point may be defined, for example, as an elapsed time from the beginning of the content.

  The imaging detection module 1120 detects that imaging by the user 190 is performed in the virtual space 2. For example, when the user 190 presses the shutter button of the camera object, or when a predetermined operation is performed to instruct shooting, as when emitting a predetermined voice, shooting detection The module 1120 detects that imaging is to be performed.

  In another aspect, the shooting detection module 1120 detects that the direction (reference line of sight) of the virtual camera 1 collides with the object for preview display, and the result of eye tracking causes the line of sight of the user 190 to be an object for preview display. Based on detection of being turned off, it is detected that shooting is performed. That is, the line of sight of the user 190 is an object to which the user 190 is directing attention, and can be determined by the direction of the virtual camera 1 and the result of eye tracking. According to such a configuration, when an operation similar to the operation in the real space that the user 190 looks at the object for preview display in the virtual space 2 is detected, it is detected that shooting is performed, so that the virtual reality can be performed without discomfort. Immerse yourself in

  In another aspect, the imaging detection module 1120 detects that imaging is to be performed based on any movement of the user's 190 limbs (hands and feet). For example, the virtual object generation module 232 generates data for displaying a camera object and data for presenting an extremity object corresponding to an extremity (hand) in a virtual space, and the visual field image generation module 223 The camera object and the limb object are presented in the virtual space 2 based on the data of. The hand object control module 233 moves the limb object in accordance with the detection result of the motion of the limb (hand). For example, when a limb object is present in the vicinity of the camera object, the imaging detection module 1120 detects that “imaging is to be performed”.

  The interest object extraction module 1130 extracts objects that the user 190 is interested in. For example, based on the time when the user 190 is watching the virtual space 2, the interest object extraction module 1130 draws interest in an object whose area being watching is included in an area longer than a predetermined time. Extract as an object.

  The viewing history recording module 1140 records the history of the content viewed by the user 190. For example, the viewing history recording module 1140 may include an identification number of the content, an identification number of the user 190, a point (time) at which the viewing of the content is started and ended, and an operation (photographing or recommending) performed while viewing the content. The operation etc.) is recorded in the memory module 240. In another aspect, the viewing history recording module 1140 transmits the viewing history to the server 150.

  The imaging information generation module 1150 generates imaging information and records the imaging information in the memory module 240. The shooting information includes identification information of the photographer (the user 190 of the HMD 110), the point (time) of the content on which the shooting was performed, and the shooting date and time.

Control structure
The control structure of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed by processor 10 of computer 200 in accordance with one embodiment.

  In step S1210, the processor 10 defines a virtual space 2 provided by the head mount device. The user 190 can experience virtual reality via the virtual space 2.

  In step S1220, the processor 10 displays a list of reproducible moving image contents in the virtual space. For example, the processor 10 presents a list of video content based on an action by the user 190. The operation includes an operation of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 using the controller 160, an utterance of the user 190, and the like.

  In step S1230, the processor 10 reads out the moving image content selected from the list. The video content is, for example, 360 degrees video content, but is not limited thereto. Video content may be provided by a content provider or by a user registered in a community as a set of members providing the content. In this case, the members who provided the content viewed by many users may receive points or other awards from the community based on predetermined criteria.

  In step S1240, the processor 10 reproduces the moving image content in the virtual space 2. The user 190 views the moving image content via the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The user 190 may find a scene desired to be shot while viewing the video content. Alternatively, if the user is already viewed by another user, a point (scene) recommended as a shooting point by the other user may come. Furthermore, the creator of the moving image content may have the moving image content marked with a shooting point in advance as a recommended scene. In such a case, the user 190 will call a camera object for shooting in the virtual space 2.

  In step S1250, the processor 10 detects that imaging is performed in the virtual space 2. For example, when the camera object is presented in the virtual space 2, the processor 10 detects that shooting is performed. In another aspect, the processor 10 detects that imaging is performed based on the fact that the detected operation is an operation predetermined as an operation suggesting imaging.

  In step S1260, the processor 10 stops the reproduction of the moving image content in response to the detection of the shooting. For example, the processor 10 stops the reproduction of the entire moving image content expanded in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the processor 10 may stop reproduction of only the area of the moving image content expanded in the virtual space 2 that includes the shooting range and a certain margin. In this case, the processor 10 includes, in the memory 11, a memory area for drawing moving image content in an area not including the area, and a memory area for drawing moving image content to be photographed in the area as a still image. Divide and execute drawing processing.

  In step S1270, the processor 10 executes imaging in the virtual space. More specifically, the processor 10 sets the shooting mode by the camera object as the self-shooting mode based on the command of the self-shooting mode by the user 190. When the user 190 adjusts the angle in the virtual space 2, the angle is temporarily fixed, and the avatar object of the user 190 is disposed between the camera object and the background to be photographed. The processor 10 executes the imaging process in the state of the arrangement, and stores the image of the area to be imaged in the memory 11.

  In step S1280, the processor 10 records shooting information (shooter (= user 190 of the HMD 110), content type stamp (location), shooting date / time, etc.).

  In step S1290, the processor 10 generates viewing history data, and transmits the viewing history data to the server. After that, the processor 10 ends the process.

  In the above process, regarding playback of 360-degree moving image content, for example, the processor 10 pastes a panoramic moving image inside a celestial sphere that may be defined by the virtual space 2. The processor 10 stores data of the panoramic video in the memory 11 and other buffer areas, and sequentially reproduces the panoramic video based on the data. The data is held in the buffer area for a predetermined time which is preset even after the panoramic video is played. When the user 190 makes a predetermined gesture, or places a predetermined object as a camera object or other trigger in the virtual space 2, the processor 10 buffers the data used for the past reproduction. Can be presented to the user 190 as if the background had stopped.

[data structure]
The data structure of the memory module 240 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram representing an aspect of storage of data in memory module 240 in accordance with an embodiment. The memory module 240 holds content data 244 and history data 245 in addition to the space information 241, the object information 242, and the user information 243.

  Content data 244 includes content ID 1310, content data 1311, download date 1312 and management data 1313. Content ID 1310 identifies content. Content data 1311 identifies actual data of the content. The download date 1312 indicates the date when the content is downloaded from the server 150. Management data 1313 represents other data associated with the content. The management data 1313 includes, for example, the number of times of reproduction given by the provider of the content in advance, the reproducible time, and the like.

  The history data 245 holds a record of the history in which the content is reproduced. More specifically, the history data 245 includes a content ID 1310, a reproduction date and time 1321, an operation record 1322, a reproduction start point 1323, a reproduction end point 1324, and a shooting point 1325.

The playback date 1321 indicates the date when the content is played back.
The action record 1322 identifies the action taken by the user 190 when playing back the content. The operation may include playback, content shooting, fast forward, reverse feed, and the like.

  The reproduction start point 1323 represents a place where reproduction of content by the user 190 is started. In one aspect, the playback start point 1323 is indicated, for example, using time data attached to the content. In the time data, for example, the head of the content is set to 0. When the content includes a plurality of chapters, the top of the chapter may be set to 0 in addition to the chapter number.

  The reproduction end point 1324 represents a place where the reproduction of the content by the user 190 is ended. Similarly to the reproduction start point 1323, the reproduction end point 1324 is also indicated using time data.

  The shooting point 1325 specifies the location of the shooting when shooting is performed in the virtual space while the content is being played back. In one aspect, this location is also specified using time data, as with the reproduction start point 1323 and the reproduction end point 1324. For example, the shooting point 1326 includes time data and the direction in which the virtual camera 1 is facing (= shooting direction). The shooting direction may include a subject that the user 190 is interested in. Therefore, collecting data in the direction in which the virtual camera 1 is pointing makes it easier to identify content that is interesting to the user 190.

  In another aspect, when the computer 200 is shared by a plurality of different users, the record of each history constituting the history data 245 may further include each user ID.

  The imaging data 1400 sent from the computer 200 to the server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of imaging data 1400 according to an embodiment. The shooting data 1400 includes a header 1410, a user ID 1420, a content ID 1430, a shooting point 1440, and a shooting date 1450.

  The header 1410 includes a transmission source, a destination, a transmission date and the like of the shooting data 1400. The user ID 1420 identifies the transmitter of the imaging data 1400, that is, the user 190 who generated the imaging data 1400 by performing imaging in the virtual space 2. The content ID 1430 identifies the content reproduced by the user (for example, the user 190) specified by the user ID 1420. The shooting point 1440 specifies the location where shooting was performed in the virtual space 2 for the content identified by the content ID 1430. This location is identified by the position information in the virtual space 2 (see FIG. 4). The shooting date and time 1450 represents the date and time when shooting was performed at the location specified by the shooting point 1440. This date and time may be the date and time in the real space or the date and time in the virtual space 2.

  The transition of the image displayed on the monitor 112 and the arrangement of the objects in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the image displayed on the monitor 112 and the arrangement of each object in the virtual space 2 when the display is performed.

  In one aspect, computer 200 plays the content selected by user 190. When the reproduction of the content starts, the content is displayed on the monitor 112. As shown in state (A), the monitor 112 displays an object 1501 and an object 1502. At this time, the arrangement of each object in the virtual space 2 is shown as a state (B).

  As playback of content proceeds, the object 1502 moves and flies in front of the object 1501, the monitor 112 displays an image as shown in the state (C). At this time, the object 1501 and the object 1502 are in the positional relationship shown in the state (D) in the virtual space 2.

  When the user 190 performs a predetermined operation to shoot content, a camera object 1510 representing a camera for shooting in the virtual space 2 is presented in the virtual space 2. For example, as shown in state (E), the camera object 1510 is presented in the center of the monitor 112. At this time, as shown in state (F), the camera object 1510 is disposed between the virtual camera 1 and the object 1502.

  When the user 190 selects the self-portrait mode in the virtual space 2, as shown in state (G), an avatar object 1520 corresponding to the user 190 is arranged. In the positional relationship in the virtual space 2 at this time, as shown in the state (H), an avatar object 1520 is disposed between the camera object 1510 and the object 1502. An interval between the avatar object 1520 and the camera object 1510 is an interval predetermined as a photographing condition in the self-portrait mode. In another aspect, the preview screen may be displayed and the user 190 may be able to adjust his distance while viewing the preview screen. Thereafter, when the user 190 performs a predetermined operation for photographing, or when a predetermined time for automatic photographing elapses, photographing in the virtual space 2 is performed.

  In addition, the aspect of presentation of 360-degree moving image content is not limited to the aspect shown in FIG. For example, a celestial sphere object is defined for the virtual space 2, and a panoramic video is pasted inside the celestial sphere. The virtual camera 1 disposed inside the celestial sphere takes an image of the interior of the celestial sphere according to its direction, and outputs it to the HMD 110 as 360 moving image content. The direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 is controlled according to the output from the gyro sensor attached by the HMD 110.

  The control structure of computer 200 according to another aspect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a part of the process executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200. The same step number is assigned to the same process as the process described above. Therefore, the description of the same process will not be repeated. When the process shown in FIG. 16 is executed, a user interface object for controlling reproduction of content in the virtual space 2 is presented.

  In step S1610, the processor 10 presents a user interface object for controlling reproduction of moving image content. For example, the processor 10 may arrive at a scene designated by the content provider in advance based on the operation of the user 190, or at predetermined time intervals, or as a scene for presenting a user interface object. The user interface object is presented to the virtual space 2 based on

  In step S1620, processor 10 detects an input of an instruction on a user interface object. For example, when the user 190 wearing the controller 160 performs an effective operation in the virtual space 2, the operation is detected as an instruction for a user interface object.

  In step S1630, processor 10 controls reproduction of the moving image content in accordance with the input instruction. For example, the processor 10 pauses and ends playback of the content and fast-forwards the content forward or backward.

  In step S1640, processor 10 detects the end of imaging. For example, when the user 190 ends the shooting operation, the processor 10 determines that the shooting has ended.

  In step S1650, processor 10 hides the user interface object. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The transition of the image displayed on the monitor 112 and the arrangement of the objects in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the image displayed on the monitor 112 and the arrangement of each object in the virtual space 2 when the display is performed.

  In one aspect, computer 200 plays the content selected by user 190. When the reproduction of the content starts, the content is displayed on the monitor 112. As shown in state (A), the monitor 112 displays an object 1501 and an object 1502. At this time, the arrangement of each object in the virtual space 2 is shown as a state (B).

  As playback of content proceeds, the object 1502 moves and flies in front of the object 1501. When the user 190 makes a gesture of constructing a frame with the thumb and forefinger of both hands, a signal corresponding to the gesture is detected by the controller 160 mounted on each of the hands, and the computer 200 performs the gesture based on the signal. Identify and determine what kind of gesture was made. This gesture is presented as a left hand object 1710 and a right hand object 1711 in the virtual space 2. For example, the monitor 112 displays an image as shown in the state (C). At this time, the object 1501, the object 1502, the left hand object 1710 and the right hand object 1711 are in the positional relationship shown in the state (D) in the virtual space 2.

  Thereafter, as shown in state (E), the computer 200 presents a user interface object 1720 for controlling playback of content in the virtual space 2. The user interface object 1720 includes a switch similar to a switch that receives an instruction to control playback of a moving image in real space. At this time, as shown in the state (F), the user interface object 1720 is disposed between the object 1501 and the object 1502 and the virtual camera 1.

  In this manner, when the user 190 tries to shoot moving image content to be expanded in the virtual space 2, the playback of the moving image content is temporarily stopped, so that a clear image can be shot.

The technical features disclosed above are summarized, for example, as follows.
(Configuration 1) According to an embodiment, a program is provided which is executed by computer 200 to provide virtual reality. This program detects, in the computer 200, the steps of defining the virtual space 2 provided by the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200, reproducing the image in the virtual space 2, and photographing in the virtual space 2. A step and a step of stopping reproduction of an image in response to the detection are performed.
(Configuration 2) According to an embodiment, the program causes the computer 200 to further execute the step of presenting the camera object 1510 in the virtual space 2. The detecting step includes a step of detecting that shooting is performed based on the fact that the camera object 1510 is presented in the virtual space 2.
(Configuration 3) According to an embodiment, the step of stopping the reproduction of the image includes the step of stopping the reproduction of the image being reproduced in the direction taken by the camera object 1510 in the virtual space 2.
(Configuration 4) According to an embodiment, stopping the reproduction of the image includes stopping the reproduction of the image included in the shooting range of the camera object 1510.
(Configuration 5) According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the camera object 1510 includes the step of presenting the camera object 1510 in a manner that allows the user 190 of the HMD 110 to take a selfie.
(Configuration 6) According to an embodiment, the program further executes the steps of presenting the computer 200 with an avatar object corresponding to the user 190 and an image in the background of the avatar object on the preview screen of the camera object 1510 Let The step of stopping the reproduction of the image includes the step of stopping the reproduction of the image displayed on the preview screen.
(Configuration 7) According to an embodiment, the program causes the computer 200 to further execute the step of detecting the operation of the user 190 of the HMD 110. The step of detecting includes the step of detecting that imaging is performed based on the fact that the detected operation is an operation predetermined as an operation suggesting imaging.
(Configuration 8) According to an embodiment, the program presents a step of presenting a camera object 1510 in the virtual space 2 to the computer 200, an avatar object corresponding to the user 190, and an image in the background of the avatar object The step of presenting on the preview screen of the camera object 1510 is further executed. The step of detecting that the shooting is performed includes the step of detecting that the shooting is performed when the gaze of the avatar object is directed to the preview screen.
(Composition 9) According to an embodiment, detecting motion includes detecting motion of any of the limbs of the user 190. The step of detecting that the imaging is performed includes the step of detecting that the imaging is performed based on any movement of the limbs.
(Arrangement 10) According to an embodiment, the program causes the computer 200 to further execute the step of presenting a reproduced image by going back a predetermined time.
(Structure 11) According to an embodiment, the program causes the computer 200 to further execute the step of recording the place where reproduction is stopped in the virtual space 2.
(Arrangement 12) According to an embodiment, the program causes the computer 200 to further execute the step of presenting a user interface object 1720 for controlling the reproduction of the image in response to the detection that photographing is performed.
(Structure 13) According to an embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a memory storing the program described in any of the above and a memory for executing the program.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all the modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  Reference Signs List 1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10, 151 processor, 11, 152 memory, 12, 154 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 buses, 19 network, 21 centers, 22 virtual space images, 23 field of view, 24, 25 area, 30 grips, 31 frame, 32 top, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog sticks, 100 systems, 112 monitors, 114, 120 sensors, 115 speakers, 119 microphones, 130 Motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 153 communication interface, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 View area determination module, 223 view image generation module, 224 reference gaze specification module, 225 audio control module, 230 virtual space control module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 hand object control module, 240 memory module.

Claims (13)

A program run on a computer to provide a virtual reality, said program on the computer,
Defining a virtual space provided by a head mounted device connected to the computer;
Reproducing the image in the virtual space;
Detecting that imaging is performed in the virtual space;
And stopping the reproduction of the image in response to the detection. The program further causes the computer to present a camera object in the virtual space.
The program according to claim 1, wherein the detecting includes detecting that the photographing is performed based on the fact that the camera object is presented in the virtual space.   The program according to claim 2, wherein the step of stopping the reproduction of the image includes stopping the reproduction of the image being reproduced in the direction taken by the camera object in the virtual space.   The program according to claim 3, wherein stopping reproduction of the image includes stopping reproduction of the image included in the shooting range of the camera object.   The program according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the step of presenting the camera object includes presenting the camera object in a mode that enables a user of the head mounted device to take a picture. The program further causes the computer to present an avatar object corresponding to the user and an image in the background of the avatar object on a preview screen of the camera object.
The program according to claim 5, wherein the step of stopping playback of the image includes stopping playback of the image displayed on the preview screen. The program further causes the computer to detect an action of a user of the head mounted device.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting includes detecting that the photographing is performed based on the fact that the detected movement is a movement predetermined as the movement suggesting the photographing. program. The program is stored in the computer
Presenting a camera object in the virtual space;
The step of presenting an avatar object corresponding to the user and an image in the background of the avatar object on a preview screen of the camera object is further executed.
The program according to claim 7, wherein detecting that the shooting is performed includes detecting that the shooting is performed when a gaze of an avatar object is directed to the preview screen. Detecting the movement includes detecting movement of any of the user's limbs,
The program according to claim 7, wherein the detecting that the imaging is performed includes detecting that the imaging is performed based on any movement of the four limbs.   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the program further causes the computer to present a reproduced image by going back a predetermined time.   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the program further causes the computer to record a place where the reproduction is stopped in the virtual space.   12. The program according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the program further causes the computer to present a user interface object for controlling playback of the image in response to the detection that the taking is performed. Programs. A memory storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
An information processing apparatus, comprising: a memory for executing the program.

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