JP2019075091A - Program for providing virtual experience, computer and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique which prevents a user absorbed in a virtual space from getting VR sickness.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to execute the steps to: move a virtual viewpoint arranged in a virtual space (Step S1422); control an eye direction of the virtual viewpoint in accordance with movement of a head of a user (Step S1430); detect a difference between a moving direction of the virtual viewpoint and the eye direction thereof (Step S1440); and, when an absolute value of the difference is larger than 0, make visibility of one or more predetermined objects included in a range of an eyesight from the virtual viewpoint determined in accordance with the eye direction of the virtual viewpoint lower than the visibility when the absolute value of the difference is equal to 0 (Step S1460).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present disclosure relates to programs, computers, and methods for providing a virtual experience.

  By using a head-mounted device (HMD) device to provide the user with a view image corresponding to a view from a virtual view on a virtual space, the user experiences virtual reality (VR) for the user. The technology to make

  By the way, a user experiencing virtual reality may cause so-called VR sickness. As the cause of occurrence of VR sickness, the sense obtained by the virtual experience may be confused with the sense that the user feels or is predicting.

  As a technique for suppressing VR sickness, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6092437 (Patent Document 1) is a technique for setting the size of blurring of an image and the range to which the blurring processing of the image is to be performed based on the magnitude of angular velocity of HMD. Is disclosed (see “Summary”).

Patent No. 6092437

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above has room for improvement in suppressing VR sickness.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of such actual circumstances, and an object in one aspect is to provide a technique for suppressing VR sickness that occurs in a user.

  According to an embodiment, a computer-executable program for providing a virtual experience via an image display associated with a user's head is provided. This program defines a virtual space for providing a virtual experience to a computer, moves a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space, and the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user. Controlling the virtual viewpoint, detecting the difference between the movement direction of the virtual viewpoint and the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint, and determining the virtual viewpoint according to the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0. Reducing the visibility of one or more predetermined objects included in the range of view than when the absolute value of the difference is 0, generating a view image that is an image corresponding to the range of the view, and a view image Output to the image display apparatus.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed technical features will be apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an HMD system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer according to one mode. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw view coordinate system set to HMD according to one Embodiment. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an aspect of representing a virtual space in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view of a head of a user 190 wearing an HMD according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing YZ section which looked at a field of view field from X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ section which looked at a field of view field from a Y direction in virtual space. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a computer according to an embodiment as a modular configuration. 7 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in the HMD system according to an embodiment. It represents a field of view image viewed when the user is facing the front. It represents a field of view image viewed when the user is facing in the lateral direction (right direction). FIG. 13 shows a view image when the viewability of an object is reduced in the view image of FIG. 12. It is a flowchart showing the process to which the visibility of an environmental object is reduced. It represents the configuration of another HMD system. Represents the configuration of another controller.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical concept will be described in detail 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. In addition, each embodiment and each modification which are explained below may be combined suitably suitably.

[Configuration of HMD system]
The configuration of the 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 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 in the virtual space 2 from among predetermined objects, or may present the object created by the user 190 in 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. 8, 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.

[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, and a communication control module 250.

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

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

  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. Objects may include, for example, 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.

  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, and user information 243.

  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 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.

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

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

  Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a hard disk or other memory module 240. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other computer readable non-volatile data storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or other network. Such software is temporarily stored in the 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.

  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 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.

[Mechanism that causes VR sickness]
The cause of the user 190 causing VR sickness will be described. As the cause of occurrence of VR sickness, the sense obtained by the virtual experience may be confused with the sense that the user feels or is predicting. For example, depending on the view image provided to the user using the HMD, the user may have an illusion as if the user is moving in a direction different from the user's sensation. Such an illusion is generally referred to as vision-induced self-motion (bection). In the following, it will be specifically described how vection is caused by the view image to cause VR sickness.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing an example of a view image corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space 2. The virtual viewpoint is a position at which the user is looking in the virtual space 2, that is, a viewpoint in the virtual space. As a virtual viewpoint, virtual camera 1 is mentioned, for example. The range of the view from the virtual viewpoint is determined according to the viewing direction 1180 from the virtual viewpoint. The viewing direction 1180 represents the direction in which the virtual camera 1 is facing. The viewing direction 1180 is the direction in the virtual space 2 corresponding to the direction in which the head (HMD 110) of the user 190 is facing.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the virtual space 2, a course object 1110, a car object 1120, obstacle objects 1130 and 1135, and tree objects 1140, 1145 and 1150 are arranged. The car object 1120 and the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 are arranged on the course object 1110, and the tree objects 1140, 1145 and 1150 are arranged outside the course object 1110.

  FIG. 11 shows a field of view image 1100 viewed when the user 190 is facing in the front direction. The front direction may be the orientation of the HMD 110 when the HMD system 100 is activated, or the orientation of the HMD 110 defined by the operation of the controller 160 after the activation of the HMD system 100. In the latter case, the direction of the HMD 110 at the time when the controller 160 is operated may be the front direction. In one aspect, the viewing direction 1180 on the view image 1100 of the virtual camera 1 when the user 190 faces the front direction is the moving direction 1160 on the view image 1100 of the car object 1120 as shown in FIG. Match Specifically, when the XZ plane in the virtual space is a horizontal plane, the direction on the horizontal plane of the viewing direction 1180 in the virtual space 2 matches the direction on the horizontal plane of the movement direction 1160 in the virtual space 2. FIG. 12 shows a view image 1200 viewed when the user 190 is facing in the lateral direction (right direction).

  The view images 1100 and 1200 represent one scene of an automatic scroll game performed in the virtual space 2. The automatic scroll game is a so-called run game. In the run game, for example, under the premise that the car object 1120 to be operated by the user 190 automatically moves in the moving direction 1160, the user 190 does not collide with the obstacle object 1130, 1135, etc. It is a game that operates to aim at the goal.

  In the virtual space 2, the virtual camera 1 is disposed so as to be able to look at the vehicle object 1120 obliquely from the rear and above with respect to the movement direction 1160. The processor 10 moves the car object 1120 in the movement direction 1160 in the virtual space 2. The processor 10 further moves the virtual camera 1 in the movement direction 1160 in conjunction with the movement of the car object 1120 in the movement direction 1160. In another aspect, the processor 10 may be configured to be disposed at the position (for example, the driver's seat) of the vehicle object 1120 without placing the virtual camera 1 obliquely above the rear of the vehicle object 1120. In such a case, the user 190 can also feel as if he is driving a car object 1120.

  As described above, the virtual camera 1 is disposed obliquely upward rearward with respect to the moving direction 1160 of the car object 1120, and the virtual camera 1 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the car object 1120 in the moving direction 1160. In this case, the position of the car object 1120 on the view image 1100 is near the center of the lower end of the view image 1100. Further, since the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 move in the movement direction 1170 on the view image 1100, they move from near the center (rear side) of the view image 1100 to the lower end (front side) of the view image 1100. Similarly, the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 move in the movement direction 1190 on the view image 1100, and therefore move from near the center (rear side) of the view image 1100 to the lower right end (front side) of the view image 1100. It will be. As a result, the user 190 visually recognizes a view image in which the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 and the tree objects 1140, 1145 and 1150 approach the car object 1120.

  The user 190 operates the controller 160 to move the car object 1120 in the width direction of the course object 1110 to prevent the car object 1120 from colliding with the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135. In one aspect, the operation of the controller 160 for moving the car object 1120 in the width direction of the course object 1110 includes an input by the attitude of the controller 160. For example, in the case of moving the car object 1120 in the right direction, the controller 160 may be inclined in the right direction, and in the case of moving the car object 1120 in the left direction, the controller 160 may be inclined in the left direction.

  The course object 1110 is arranged to guide the car object 1120 in the movement direction 1160 in the virtual space 2. In other words, the course object 1110 guides the vehicle object 1120 to move in the movement direction 1160 in the virtual space 2.

  In the above example, the computer 200 adopts a configuration in which the car object 1120 and the virtual camera 1 are automatically moved in the movement direction 1160 in order to realize the automatic scroll game, but in another aspect, the car object 1120 And objects other than the virtual camera 1 may be moved in the direction opposite to the movement direction 1160. This configuration also allows the user 190 to feel that the car object 1120 and the virtual camera 1 are moving in the movement direction 1160.

  In the view image 1100, the moving direction 1160 and the viewing direction 1180 point in the same direction. In this state, vection by the view image 1100 is less likely to occur and VR sickness is less likely to occur. The reason is that when the moving direction 1160 and the line-of-sight direction 1180 point in the same direction, it is difficult for a wide range of objects to flow on the view image 1100 and the line of sight of the user 190 does not move much.

  For example, the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 disposed on the course object 1110 move from near the center (rear side) of the field of view image 1100 to the lower end (front side) of the field of view image 1100 as described above. At this time, as the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 move from the back side to the front side, the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 are gradually displayed larger on the view image 1100. For this reason, the movement of the position (for example, the center position) of the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 on the view image 1100 falls within a local range, and no widespread flow occurs on the view image 1100. Further, for example, the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 arranged outside the course object 1110 move from near the center (rear side) of the view image 1100 to the lower right end (front side) of the view image 1100 as described above. . At this time, on the view image 1100, the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 are gradually displayed as the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 move from the rear side to the front side. Therefore, the movement of the position (for example, the center position) of the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 on the view image 1100 also falls within the local range.

  As described above, when the movement direction 1160 and the line-of-sight direction 1180 point in the same direction, the movement direction of the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 and the tree objects 1140 and 1145 and 1150 moving relative to the virtual camera 1 and the car object 1120 Is a moving direction approaching the car object 1120 or the virtual camera 1. For this reason, it is difficult to cause the flow of the object over a wide range on the view image 1100 and it is difficult for the line of sight of the user 190 to be caught in this flow, so vection by the view image 1100 is hard to occur and VR sickness does not easily occur.

  Next, the view image 1200 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The view image 1200 is an image displayed on the monitor 112 when the user 190 rotates the head in the right direction from the state of the view image 1100. Specifically, the view image 1200 is an image displayed on the monitor 112 when the head is turned 90 degrees around the y-axis right from the state where the user 190 is facing forward. In the view image 1200, the viewing direction 1180 is largely inclined with respect to the moving direction 1160. In this state, vection with the view image 1200 is likely to be caused and VR sickness is likely to occur. The reason is that, when the inclination between the moving direction 1160 and the line-of-sight direction 1180 is large, the flow of the object over a wide range is easily generated on the view image 1200 and the line of sight of the user 190 is easily moved. As a result, even if the user's 190 body is not moving actually, the illusion of moving is produced.

  In the view image 1200 shown in FIG. 12, the obstacle object 1130 moves in the movement direction 1170, and the tree objects 1145 and 1150 move in the movement direction 1190. Therefore, both the obstacle object 1130 and the tree objects 1145 and 1150 move from the left end to the right end of the view image 1100. As a result, the user 190 visually recognizes a view image in which the obstacle object 1130 and the tree objects 1145 and 1150 flow from left to right.

  As described above, when the viewing direction 1180 is largely inclined with respect to the moving direction 1160, the moving direction of the obstacle object 1130 or tree object 1145 or 1150 moving relative to the virtual camera 1 or car object 1120 is the virtual camera 1 The direction of movement is For this reason, the movement of the position (for example, the center position) of the obstacle object 1130 and the tree object 1145 and 1150 on the view image 1200 is extensive, and a wide flow occurs on the view image 1100. As a result, the line of sight of the user 190 is likely to be drawn in this flow, vection by the view image 1200 is easily caused, and VR sickness is easily caused.

[Configuration to suppress VR sickness]
As described above, the user 190 is likely to cause VR sickness when the angle between the moving direction 1160 and the line-of-sight direction 1180 (hereinafter also referred to as “difference angle”) is large. Specifically, the difference angle is an angle difference around the Y axis formed by the movement direction 1160 and the gaze direction 1180 in the virtual space 2. Thus, the processor 10 according to an embodiment suppresses VR sickness of the user 190 based on the absolute value of the difference angle. The absolute value of the difference angle represents the degree of inclination of the viewing direction 1180 with respect to the moving direction 1160. Therefore, the absolute value of the difference angle is the same even when the sight line direction 1180 is inclined 10 ° clockwise with respect to the movement direction 1160 and when the sight line direction 1180 is inclined 10 ° counterclockwise with respect to the movement direction 1160 Become.

  More specifically, when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”, the processor 10 sets the visibility of the object included in the view range (shooting range) of the virtual camera 1 to “absolute value of the difference angle Lower than in the case of 0 ". When the visibility of an object decreases, it becomes difficult to recognize the object, so the flow of the object on the view image also becomes difficult to recognize. As a result, the line of sight of the user 190 is less likely to be caught in this flow, vection is less likely to occur, and VR sickness is less likely to occur. According to this configuration, the HMD system 100 can suppress the occurrence of VR sickness due to the user 190 staring at the object when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. The process of reducing the visibility of an object will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a view image 1300 in the case where the viewability of an object is lowered in the view image 1200 of FIG.

(Reduce the number of environment objects)
In one embodiment, the processor 10 determines the virtual space 2 when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0” than the total number of environment objects arranged in the virtual space 2 when the absolute value of the difference angle is “0”. Reduce the total number of environment objects placed in Note that the total number of environmental objects may not be reduced on the virtual space 2 but on the view image. The environmental object is mainly assumed to be an object that moves relative to the car object 1120 or the virtual camera 1, but is not limited thereto.

  As shown in the view image 1300 as a specific example, the tree object 1150 which is supposed to exist is not arranged in the area 1310 when the absolute value of the difference angle is “90 °”.

  According to this configuration, the processor 10 reduces the possibility of the user 190 staring at the environmental object by reducing the total number of environmental objects when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. That is, by reducing the total number of environmental objects, the possibility that the line of sight of the user 190 is caught in the flow of environmental objects is reduced. As a result, it can be suppressed that the user 190 causes VR sickness.

(Change the color of environmental object)
In one embodiment, the processor 10 reduces the difference between the color of the environmental object and the surrounding color of the environmental object when the absolute value of the difference angle is greater than “0”.

  For example, if the color of the tree object 1145 is "red" and the color of the surroundings of the tree object 1145 (eg, the virtual space image 22) is "blue", the processor 10 causes the color of the tree object 1145 to approach blue. Or change to blue.

  According to the configuration, when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”, it is difficult for the user 190 to distinguish between the environment object and the surroundings of the environment object. That is, by matching the color of the environmental object with the surrounding color, it is difficult to recognize the flow of the environmental object on the view image. As a result, the possibility that the line of sight of the user 190 is caught in the flow of environmental objects is reduced, and it becomes difficult to cause VR sickness. The color of the environmental object may be matched with the surrounding color on the virtual space 2 or on the view image.

(Other configuration)
In one embodiment, processor 10 reduces the resolution of the texture used for the environmental object if the absolute value of the difference angle is greater than "0". In another embodiment, the processor 10 reduces the number of polygons of the environmental object if the absolute value of the difference angle is greater than "0". That is, the processor 10 may roughly represent the environment object when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. This configuration also reduces the visibility of the environmental object, thereby reducing the possibility that the line of sight of the user 190 is caught in the flow of the environmental object, making it less likely to cause VR sickness. The roughness adjustment of the environmental object may be performed on the virtual space 2 or may be performed on the view image.

  In still another embodiment, the processor 10 reduces the visibility of the view image by changing the setting value associated with the virtual camera 1 when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. The setting values include, for example, the “depth of field” of the virtual camera 1 and the function of the virtual camera 1 corresponding to the “aperture” of the actual camera. The processor 10 can output a blurred view image to the monitor 112 by changing these setting values. As a result, it becomes difficult for the user 190 to visually recognize the environmental object, and it becomes difficult to recognize the flow of the environmental object on the view image, so that it is difficult to cause VR sickness.

  In still another embodiment, the processor 10 performs processing for reducing the visibility of the environmental object around the environmental object or in front of the virtual camera 1 when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. May be Specifically, at least the space between the environmental object and the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 may be processed to reduce the visibility of the environmental object. For example, the processor 10 applies "fogging" to the environment object or entirely on the virtual space 2 by applying fog processing. This configuration also makes it difficult for the user 190 to visually recognize the environmental object, and also makes it difficult to recognize the flow of the environmental object on the view image, so that it is difficult to cause VR sickness.

(Decrease visibility of objects placed outside the course)
In one embodiment, the environment object may be an object that moves relative to the car object 1120 or the virtual camera 1 and is disposed outside the course object 1110. The processor 10 according to this embodiment is configured to reduce the visibility of an environmental object (hereinafter also referred to as an “out-of-course object”) disposed outside the course object 1110 among a plurality of environmental objects.

  If the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”, the environment object may move in the movement direction across the virtual camera 1 regardless of whether the difference object is placed on the course object 1110 or not. However, since the environmental objects arranged on the course object 1110 are closer to the virtual camera 1 than the off-course objects, the time for crossing the virtual camera 1 is shorter than the off-course objects. That is, the environmental object placed on the course object 1110 has a higher speed of crossing the virtual camera 1 than the off-course object. Here, when the speed across the virtual camera 1 of the environmental object becomes equal to or higher than a certain speed, the speed of the environmental object is too fast, and the line of sight of the user 190 is less likely to reach the flow of the environmental object. Therefore, with regard to an environmental object placed on a course object 1110 that ensures that the speed at which the environmental object crosses the virtual camera 1 becomes equal to or higher than a certain speed, the visibility is not reduced and the out-of-course object is May reduce the visibility. In this way, unnecessary processing for reducing visibility can be reduced, and processing load can be reduced.

(Occlusion objects reduce the visibility of off-course objects)
In one embodiment, the processor 10 places the shielding object 1320 at the boundary of the course object 1110 (both ends in the course width direction in this example). The shielding object 1320 shields at least a part of the off-course object.

  The processor 10 sets the transparency of the shielding object 1320 to 100% when the absolute value of the difference angle is “0”. That is, when the absolute value of the difference angle is “0”, the user 190 can not visually recognize the shielding object 1320.

  The processor 10 reduces the transparency of the shielded object 1320 when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. Thereby, the user 190 visually recognizes the shielding object 1320. As a result, the shielding object 1320 hides at least a part of the off-course object. This makes it difficult for the user 190 to view out-of-course objects, making it difficult to cause VR sickness.

  The shielding object 1320 may be any object as long as it is an object that can shield the off-course object. For example, the shielding object 1320 may be a static object such as a guardrail object or a wall object, or may be a dynamic object such as a large car object traveling in parallel with the car object 1120. Moreover, in order to prevent the shielding object 1320 from causing a noticeable flow on the view image 1300, it is preferable to keep the color of the shielding object 1320 in harmony with the surrounding color. That is, it is preferable that the color of the shielding object 1320 be configured in a single color that is in harmony with the surrounding color.

(Reduce the density of out-of-course objects)
When the user 190 tries to view an off-course object, the user 190 rotates his own head (that is, the HMD 110). As a result, the absolute value of the difference angle increases, and the user 190 may cause VR sickness.

  Thus, the processor 10 according to an embodiment arranges the off-course object such that the density of the off-course object is less than a predetermined density. For example, the processor 10 arranges the out-of-course objects such that the number of out-of-course objects arranged per unit length along the course object 1110 is less than a predetermined number.

  According to the configuration, the processor 10 may suppress the user 190 from causing VR sickness by reducing the opportunity for the user 190 to view the off-course object.

Control structure
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of reducing the visibility of the environmental object. The processing shown in FIG. 14 is executed by the processor 10 executing various control programs stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12.

  In step S1410, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 to provide a virtual experience for the user 190 wearing the HMD 110.

  In step S1420, processor 10 arranges virtual camera 1, car object 1120, course object 1110, and environment object in virtual space 2.

  In step S1422, the processor 10 automatically moves the virtual camera 1 and the car object 1120 along the course object 1110.

  In step S1424, the processor 10 detects the movement (tilt) of the HMD 110. As an example, the processor 10 detects head movement of the user 190 (that is, movement of the HMD 110) based on an output of a sensor 114 (for example, a gyro sensor) provided in the HMD 110.

  In step S1430, the processor 10 changes the direction (line-of-sight direction) in which the virtual camera 1 (virtual viewpoint) is facing in accordance with the detected head movement (inclination) of the user 190.

  In step S1440, the processor 10 detects a difference angle formed by the moving direction of the virtual camera 1 (virtual viewpoint) and the gaze direction. In one aspect, the processor 10 calibrates the orientation of the virtual camera 1 so that the movement direction and the front direction of the HMD 110 are in the same direction before the process of step S1422. As one example, the processor 10 prompts the user to press a predetermined button of the controller 160 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) while facing the user 190 in the front direction. The processor 10 matches the sight line direction (the direction in which the virtual camera 1 is facing) with the movement direction at the timing when it is detected that the button is pressed for a predetermined time. In this case, the processor 10 detects the yaw angle (θv) of the HMD 110 as the difference angle.

  In step S1450, processor 10 determines whether the detected difference angle satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the processor 10 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than the first angle (for example, 30 °).

  If the processor 10 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in step S1450), the visibility of a predetermined object (for example, an off-course object) included in the range of the field of view of the virtual camera 1 is a difference angle A process is executed to reduce the absolute value of the value of "0" compared with the case of "0" (step S1460). On the other hand, when determining that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in step S1450), processor 10 executes the process of step S1470.

  The processor 10 decreases the visibility of the predetermined object as the absolute value of the difference angle increases until the absolute value of the difference angle reaches the second angle (for example, 90 °) in the process of step S1460. The degree may be increased. In addition, the processor 10 decreases the degree of decrease in the visibility of the predetermined object as the absolute value of the difference angle decreases until the absolute value of the difference angle changes from the second angle to the third angle (for example, 180 °). It may be smaller.

As an example, the processor 10 may execute the following processing (1) to (5) as the absolute value of the difference angle increases until the absolute value of the difference angle reaches the second angle.
(1) To increase the number of objects to be reduced.
(2) Increase the degree of bringing the color of a predetermined object closer to the color of the surrounding object (3) Increase the degree of decreasing the resolution of the texture used for the predetermined object (4) Polygons constituting the predetermined object (5) Increase the degree of decreasing the transparency of the shielded object In step S1470, the processor 10 generates a view image, which is an image corresponding to the range of the view of the virtual camera 1. In step S1480, the processor 10 outputs the generated view image to the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. After that, the processor 10 executes the process of step S1422 again.

  According to the above, the processor 10 makes the visibility of the object lower than the visibility in the case where the absolute value of the difference angle is “0” when the absolute value of the difference angle is larger than “0”. The user 190 has difficulty in recognizing the object when the visibility of the object is lowered. As a result, it is also difficult to recognize the flow of the object on the view image. As a result, the line of sight of the user 190 is less likely to be caught in this flow, vection is less likely to occur, and VR sickness is less likely to occur.

[When virtual camera 1 does not move automatically]
In the above example, the virtual camera 1 (that is, the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space 2) is configured to move automatically. In another aspect, the virtual camera 1 is configured not to move automatically, but to move according to the input of the user 190.

  In such a case, the processor 10 reduces the visibility of the object based on the difference angle between the movement direction of the virtual camera 1 determined by the input of the user 190 and the direction (line-of-sight direction) to which the virtual camera 1 faces. Run. That is, when the virtual camera 1 does not move automatically, the processor 10 executes processing to reduce the visibility of the object only while the user 190 inputs an instruction to move the virtual camera 1.

[Reduction of off-course objects from the beginning]
Referring to FIG. 11, the movement of obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 on the view image 1100 is compared with the movement of tree objects 1140, 1145 and 1150. Since the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 are arranged on the course object 1110, the movement of the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135 is from the vicinity of the center of the view image 1100 to the lower end of the view image 1100. On the other hand, since the tree objects 1140, 1145, 1150 are not arranged on the course object 1110, the movement of the tree objects 1140, 1145, 1150 is from the vicinity of the center of the view image 1100 to the lower right end of the view image 1100. It will be a move. Therefore, although any movement on the view image 1100 is local movement, the movement range of the tree objects 1140, 1145, and 1150 is larger than the movement of the obstacle objects 1130 and 1135, and the movement range of the object is Flow is likely to occur. Therefore, regardless of the absolute value of the difference angle, the off-course object may be reduced from the beginning.

[Other HMD configuration]
In the above example, the HMD system 100 includes the HMD 110 and the computer 200, and the processor 10 of the computer 200 is configured to execute various arithmetic processing. Hereinafter, another configuration example of the HMD system will be described.

  FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the HMD system 300. The HMD system 300 includes an HMD 310 and a portable information processing terminal 320. The HMD 310 is a so-called mobile HMD of a type in which a smartphone can be attached to a housing. The HMD 310 described below includes the above-described sensor 114, and can detect the orientation of the HMD 110 using the sensor 114.

  The HMD 310 has a housing 311, a belt 312, an adjustment member 313, a front cover 314, and a protrusion 316. The user 190 fixes the HMD 310 to his / her head by adjusting the length of the belt 312 with the adjustment member 313 after hooking the belt 312 to his / her head.

  The front cover 314 is attached to the front lower portion of the housing 311, and is configured to be rotatable about an attachment point. The front cover 314 is provided with a hook 315. The user 190 closes the front cover 314 with the information processing terminal 320 placed on the front cover 314. The user 190 further secures the information processing terminal 320 to the HMD 310 by hooking the hook 315 to the protrusion 316 with the front cover 314 closed.

  The housing 311 further includes a lens 317. The lens 317 includes a left eye lens and a right eye lens. A front portion of the lens 317 of the housing 311 is opened. The user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 321 of the information processing terminal 320 via the lens 317 in a state where the HMD 310 is worn on the head. The HMD 310 may further have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the lens 317.

  The information processing terminal 320 further includes components (not shown) corresponding to the processor 10, the memory 11, the storage 12, the communication interface 14, the sensor 114, the speaker 115, and the microphone 119 described above. In the HMD system 300, the above-described various processes (such as a process of generating a view image) are realized by the processor provided in the information processing terminal 320 in cooperation with various components.

[Other controller configuration]
FIG. 16 shows the configuration of another controller 400. The user 190 uses the controller 400 while holding the controller 400 in hand. The user 190 holds the controller 400 with one hand or both hands.

  The controller 400 includes a touch pad 410, an application button 420, a home button 430, a volume button 440, a motion sensor 130, and a communication interface 450.

  The touch pad 410 is configured of a plurality of touch sensors. The touch pad 410 is configured to be capable of determining which area of the areas 411 to 413 divided in the longitudinal direction of the controller 400 is touched by the user 190. For example, the user 190 may slide an object placed in the virtual space 2 forward by sliding a finger from the area 412 to the area 411. However, the touch pad 410 may be configured by a single touch sensor.

  The application button 420 is a button used in an application such as a game. For example, when detecting that the application button 420 is pressed, the processor 10 displays a menu screen on the monitor 112 (monitor 321). The home button 430 is a button for displaying a predetermined screen (for example, a screen of an application different from the application using the application button 420) on the monitor 112 (monitor 321). The volume button 440 is a button for adjusting the volume of the speaker 115.

  The motion sensor 130 provided in the controller 400 has a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a 3-axis angular velocity sensor. Also, as described above, the controller 400 is gripped by the hand of the user 190. Therefore, the computer 200 (the information processing terminal 320) can detect the inclination of the hand of the user 190 based on the output of the motion sensor 130.

  The communication interface 450 transmits, to the computer 200 (the information processing terminal 320), a signal representing an operation content of the user 190 with respect to the controller 400. For example, communication interface 450 communicates with the opposing device in accordance with Bluetooth® or other near field communication standard.

[Constitution]
The technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows.

  (Configuration 1) According to an embodiment, a computer-executable program for providing a virtual experience to a user 190 via an image display device (for example, a monitor 112, 321) associated with the head of the user 190 Is provided. This program defines, on a computer, a virtual space 2 for providing a virtual experience (step S1410), and moves a virtual viewpoint (for example, virtual camera 1) arranged in the virtual space 2 (step S1422) Controlling the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user 190 (step S1430) and detecting the difference between the moving direction of the virtual viewing and the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint (difference angle) In step S1440), when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0, visual recognition of one or more predetermined objects (for example, off-course objects) included in the range of view from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint Reducing the polarity compared to the case where the absolute value of the difference is 0 (step S1460), and an image corresponding to the range of visibility And step (step S1470) of generating a certain field image, to execute a step (step S1480) to output visual image on the image display device.

  The step of moving the virtual viewpoint includes the absolute movement and the relative movement of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space 2. Relative movement includes moving the virtual viewpoint relative to the object by moving an object other than the virtual viewpoint. In addition, the absolute movement of the virtual viewpoint includes an automatic movement not based on the input of the user 190 and a movement according to the input of the user 190.

  The step of controlling the sight line direction of the virtual viewpoint may include detecting a motion of the head of the user 190 according to a sensor provided in the HMD (or an information processing apparatus mounted on the HMD) worn by the user 190 including.

  (Configuration 2) If the absolute value of the difference is greater than the first value greater than 0 (YES in step S1450), the program causes the visibility of one or more predetermined objects to be an absolute value of the difference. Make it lower than the visibility in the case of 0.

  (Configuration 3) In the above-described decreasing step, the program increases the degree of decrease in the visibility of one or more predetermined objects as the absolute value of the difference increases until the absolute value of the difference reaches the second value. Do.

  According to the configuration, the program lowers the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects as the VR sickness is likely to occur. This makes it difficult to recognize the flow of the object on the view image. As a result, the line of sight of the user 190 is less likely to be caught in this flow, vection is less likely to occur, and VR sickness is less likely to occur.

  (Configuration 4) In the above-described decreasing step, the program reduces the total number of one or more predetermined objects when the absolute value of the difference is larger than zero than when the absolute value of the difference is zero.

  (Configuration 5) In the program, in the above-mentioned reducing step, the color of the one or more predetermined objects and the one or more predetermined objects are the one in the case where the absolute value of the difference is larger than 0 than in the case Reduce the difference with the surrounding color of.

  (Configuration 6) The above program causes the computer to further execute the step of moving the moving object in the depth direction (step S1422) along the guide object that guides the moving object to move in the depth direction. The virtual viewpoint is located behind or on the moving object. In the step of moving the virtual viewpoint, the virtual viewpoint is moved in the depth direction in conjunction with the movement of the moving object in the depth direction. The one or more predetermined objects are included in the range of the view from the virtual viewpoint and arranged outside the range defined by the guide object.

  The guide object is not limited to the above-described course object 1110, and includes, for example, a sign object indicating a depth direction. Further, the moving object is not limited to the above-described car object 1120, and may be an object that moves in conjunction with the virtual viewpoint (virtual camera 1).

  (Structure 7) A shielding object 1320 capable of shielding at least a part of one or more predetermined objects from the virtual viewpoint is disposed at the boundary portion of the guide object. The program makes the degree of transparency of the shielding object smaller when the absolute value of the difference is larger than zero in the above-mentioned decreasing step than when the absolute value of the difference is zero.

  (Configuration 8) According to an embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising a processor and a memory for storing a program. This processor defines a virtual space 2 for providing a virtual experience by executing a program, moves a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space 2, and in accordance with the movement of the head of the user 190, the virtual The gaze direction of the viewpoint is controlled, the difference between the movement direction of the virtual viewpoint and the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint is detected, and when the absolute value of the difference is larger than 0, from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint The visibility of one or more predetermined objects included in the range of visibility is made lower than when the absolute value of the difference is 0, and a visibility image, which is an image corresponding to the range of the visibility, is generated. It is output to an image display device associated with the head.

  Configuration 9 According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for providing a virtual experience via an image display associated with the head of a user 190. This method comprises the steps of defining a virtual space 2 for providing a virtual experience, moving a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space 2, and viewing the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user 190. Step of controlling the direction, step of detecting the difference between the movement direction of the virtual viewpoint and the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint, and from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the gaze direction of the virtual viewpoint when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0. Reducing the visibility of one or more predetermined objects included in the field of view of the range from when the absolute value of the difference is 0, generating a field of view image which is an image corresponding to the range of the field of view, Outputting the image to an image display device.

  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 10 processor 11 memory 12 storage 13 input / output interface 14 450 communication interface 15 bus 19 network 21 center 22 virtual space image 23 view area 100 300 HMD System, 112, 321 monitor, 114 sensor, 115 speaker, 119 microphone, 120 HMD sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160, 400 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 identification module, 225 voice control module, 226 gaze detection Joule 230 virtual space control module 231 virtual space definition module 232 virtual object generation module 233 hand object control module 240 memory module 241 space information 242 object information 243 user information 250 communication control module 311 chassis , 312 belt, 313 adjustment member, 314 front cover, 315 hook, 316 projection, 317 lens, 320 information processing terminal, 410 touch pad, 420 app button, 430 home button, 440 volume button, 1110 course object, 1120 car object, 1130, 1135 obstacle object, 1140, 1145, 1150 tree object, 1160 movement direction, 1180 gaze direction, 1320 shielding Object.

Claims (9)

A computer-executable program for providing a virtual experience to a user via an image display device associated with the head of the user, the program comprising
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience;
Moving a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space;
Controlling the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user;
Detecting the difference between the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint and the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint;
When the absolute value of the difference is larger than 0, the absolute value of the difference of the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects included in the range of the view from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint Lower than in the case of 0,
Generating a view image, which is an image corresponding to the range of the view;
A program for causing the image display device to output the view image.   The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the reducing, the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects is reduced when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0 when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0. The program described in 1.   In the decreasing step, the degree of decrease in the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects is increased as the absolute value of the difference increases until the absolute value of the difference reaches a second value. Or the program described in 2.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the decreasing step, the total number of the one or more predetermined objects is smaller when the absolute value of the difference is larger than zero than when the absolute value of the difference is zero. Or the program described in paragraph 1.   In the step of decreasing, the color of the one or more predetermined objects and the surroundings of the one or more predetermined objects are greater when the absolute value of the difference is greater than 0 than when the absolute value of the difference is 0. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the difference between the color and the color is reduced. The program is stored in the computer
Moving the moving object in the depth direction along a guide object that guides the moving object in the depth direction;
The virtual viewpoint is located behind the moving object or on the moving object,
In the step of moving the virtual viewpoint, the virtual viewpoint is moved in the depth direction in conjunction with the movement of the moving object in the depth direction,
The said one or more predetermined | prescribed objects are contained in the range of the said view from the said virtual viewpoint, and are arrange | positioned out of the range prescribed | regulated by the said guide object. Programs. At a boundary portion of the guide object, a shielding object capable of shielding the one or more predetermined objects from the virtual viewpoint is disposed;
The program according to claim 6, wherein in the reducing step, the transparency of the shielding object is smaller when the absolute value of the difference is larger than zero than when the absolute value of the difference is zero. A computer for providing a virtual experience to a user via an image display device associated with the head of the user,
A processor,
And a memory for storing programs,
The processor executes the program to
Define a virtual space to provide the virtual experience,
Moving a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space;
Controlling the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user;
Detecting a difference between the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint and the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint;
When the absolute value of the difference is larger than 0, the absolute value of the difference of the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects included in the range of the view from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint Lower than in the case of 0,
Generating a view image which is an image corresponding to the range of the view;
A computer which causes the image display device to output the view image. A computer-implemented method for providing a virtual experience to a user via an image display associated with the user's head, comprising:
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience;
Moving a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space;
Controlling the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the head of the user;
Detecting the difference between the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint and the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint;
When the absolute value of the difference is larger than 0, the absolute value of the difference of the visibility of the one or more predetermined objects included in the range of the view from the virtual viewpoint determined according to the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint Lower than in the case of 0,
Generating a view image, which is an image corresponding to the range of the view;
Outputting the view image to the image display device.