JP2019145120A - Method of providing virtual space, program, and information processing apparatus for executing the program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method of updating a field of vision which hardly provides a user with discomfort in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer execute: a step (step S1270) of detecting motion of a sight line of a user; a step (S1280) of specifying a range displayed on a display in a virtual space in response to the detected motion of the sight line; and a step (S1290) of updating a visual field image so that the visual field image corresponding to the specified range is displayed on the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

This disclosure relates to a technique for providing a virtual space, and more specifically, to a technique for providing a virtual space using a line of sight.

In recent years, technology development for presenting a virtual space to a head mounted device (hereinafter also referred to as “HMD”) has been actively performed. For example, International Publication No. 2017/051570 (Patent Document 1) states that “control for controlling the angle of view of a virtual camera that defines an image in the virtual space based on an observer's gaze point or gaze target for the image in the virtual space. And an image information output unit that outputs information related to an image in the virtual space.

International Publication No. 2017/051570

In order to immerse the user in the virtual space, it is desirable to provide the user with a field of view similar to the real space. This is because when the visual field update method in the real space and the visual field update method in the virtual space are different, the user feels uncomfortable and is hard to get into the virtual space.

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a configuration that controls the angle of view of a virtual camera that defines an image in the virtual space based on an observer's gaze point or gaze target with respect to the image in the virtual space. The method of updating the field of view in the space is greatly different from the method of updating the field of view in the virtual space. As a result, the user may feel uncomfortable with the method of updating the field of view in the virtual space, and the user may be less immersed in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a need for a method for updating the field of view in a virtual space where it is difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable.

This indication is made in order to solve the above problems, and the objective in a certain situation is to provide the update method of a user's field of view in which a user is hard to feel discomfort in virtual space.

According to an embodiment, a program is provided that is executed on a computer to provide a virtual space by a head mounted device. The program displays a visual field image on a display of the head mounted device on a computer to provide a virtual space to a user of the head mounted device, detects a movement of the user's line of sight, and detects the movement of the line of sight. In response, a step of specifying a range to be displayed on the display in the virtual space and a step of updating the view image to display the view image corresponding to the specified range on the display are executed.

A program according to an embodiment can provide a method of updating a field of view that makes it difficult for a user to feel uncomfortable. As a result, the user can be immersed in the virtual space.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed technical features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which is to be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of the user who wears HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure showing the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the Y direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the controller according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a sequence chart showing a part of process performed in the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the update method of the visual field in the virtual space according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the process in which a HMD system produces | generates visual field image data in a certain situation. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which updates a visual field image based on the motion of a user's eyes | visual_axis according to a certain embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing processing for controlling the tilt of a virtual camera according to a first modification. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between a user's eyes | visual_axis and the display area of a display.

Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical idea will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Each embodiment and each modified example described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[Configuration of HMD system]
The configuration of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, HM
The D system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, and a controller 16.
0 and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 1
40, a speaker 115, and a microphone 119. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

In one aspect, the computer 200 is connected to the Internet or other network 19.
To the server 150 and other computers connected to the network 19. In other aspects, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

The HMD 110 is mounted on the head of the user 190, and the virtual space 2 is moved to the user 190 during operation.
Can be provided to. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 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 realized as a non-transmissive display device, for example. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, the user 190 can immerse in the virtual space 2 when viewing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In an embodiment, the virtual space 2 includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 190, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 190. If a plurality of computers 200 deliver a signal based on each user's operation so that a plurality of users can virtually experience in one virtual space 2, an avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space 2. Is done.

The object is a virtual object that exists 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 simulated virtual posts. Furthermore, the avatar object is a character symbolizing the user 190 in the virtual space 2 and includes, for example, a human type, an animal type, a robot type, and the like. There are various shapes of objects.
The user 190 selects a desired object from among the predetermined objects in the virtual space 2.
The object created by the user may be presented in the virtual space 2.

In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

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

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

The speaker 115 outputs a sound (speech) corresponding to the sound data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs audio data corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can speak to another user using the microphone 119, and can listen to the voice (utterance) of the other user using the speaker 115.

More specifically, when the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119, the user 19
Voice data corresponding to the utterance of 0 is input to the computer 200. Computer 200
Outputs the voice data to the server 150 via the network 19. Server 15
0 outputs 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. As a result, other users can 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 monitors an image that moves another avatar object corresponding to the other user in accordance with the voice data received from the computer 200 of the other user.
12 is displayed. For example, in one aspect, the computer 200 displays an image that moves the mouth of another avatar object on the monitor 112, as if in the virtual space 2
The virtual space 2 is expressed as if the avatar objects are conversing with each other. As described above, voice data is transmitted and received between the plurality of computers 200, thereby realizing conversation (chat) between a plurality of users 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 rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 110. Using this function, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space.

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

In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD 110 uses the sensor 114 to generate the HMD 11
The position and inclination of 0 itself can be detected. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a gyro sensor, the HMD 110
Instead of the MD sensor 120, any of these sensors can be used to detect its own position and inclination. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD 110 in real space over time. HMD11
0 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change of the angle.

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

Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In other aspects,
Server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to 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, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space 2. Allows you to enjoy the games. Further, as described above, a plurality of computers 200 can enjoy conversations in one virtual space 2 by transmitting and receiving signals based on each user's operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12
For example, it is realized as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The program stored in the storage 12 is H
The MD system 100 includes a program for providing the virtual space 2, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space 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 a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD 110, HMD sensor 120, or motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, D
VI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multi
media Interface) Realized using other terminals. Input / output interface 1
3 is not limited to the above.

In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 further includes a controller 16.
Can communicate with zero. 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 is
The instruction output from the processor 10 is sent to the controller 160. The command is vibration,
The controller 160 is instructed to output sound and emit light. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19, and is connected to another computer (for example, the server 150, another user's computer 2) connected to the network 19.
00). In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is, for example, L
AN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or WiFi
(Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Com
munication) realized as other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12 and the storage 12
Is loaded into the memory 11 and a series of instructions included in the program is executed. 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 that can be executed 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 an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

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

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

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

The global coordinate system is parallel to the real space coordinate system. Therefore, the HMD sensor 120
Each inclination of the HMD 110 detected by (1) corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 is an HMD in the global coordinate system.
Based on the inclination of 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is set to HMD110. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 views an object in the virtual space 2.

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD 110 according to an embodiment. HMD sensor 12
0 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD 110 is activated. The processor 10 converts the uvw visual field coordinate system into the HMD based on the detected value.
Set to 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 as the center (origin). More specifically, HMD1
10 is to incline the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, z axis) defining the global coordinate system around each axis by an inclination around each axis of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The three new directions obtained by uvw in HMD110
The pitch direction (u-axis), yaw direction (v-axis), and roll direction (w-axis) of the visual field coordinate system are set.

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

After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set to HMD110, the HMD sensor 120 is connected to the HMD11.
Based on the movement of 0, the inclination of the HMD 110 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system (inclination change amount) can be detected. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 has the inclination of the HMD 110 as
The pitch angle (θu), yaw angle (θv), and roll angle (θw) of the HMD 110 in the uvw visual field coordinate system are detected. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

The HMD sensor 120 is based on the detected inclination angle of the HMD 110.
The uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after moving is set to the HMD 110. HM
The relationship between D110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

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

[Virtual space]
The virtual space 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. Virtual space 2 is 360 in the center 21
It has a spherical structure that covers the entire degree direction. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and can be viewed by the user 190. The virtual space 2 in which 22 is deployed is provided to the user 190.

In one aspect, the virtual space 2 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 21 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the global coordinate system. Since the XYZ coordinate system is a kind of viewpoint coordinate system, the horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-rear direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively. Therefore, X in the XYZ coordinate system
The axis (horizontal direction) 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) of the XYZ coordinate system is It 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
Arranged 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, HMD1 in the real space
Ten position and orientation changes are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

As with the HMD 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, H
When the inclination of the MD 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. Also,
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 orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the user 1
The reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the 90 visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 is the virtual camera 1
It depends on the direction of the. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The visual field area 23 is H in the virtual space 2.
This corresponds to the field of view of the user 190 wearing the MD 110.

The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. In addition, u of the virtual camera 1
The vw visual field coordinate system is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to an aspect includes the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140.
Can be regarded as the viewing direction of the user 190 in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, HMD system 10
0 can give the user 190 a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space. in this case,
Based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2, the processor 10
The image area projected on the monitor 112 of D110 (that is, the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2) is specified.

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

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

As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller (not shown). Right controller 800
Is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. An array of one or more columns may be used.

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

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

FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space 2 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, user 19
Yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of 0. For example, when an input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is held, and when the input operation is not performed on the button 34, a partial diagram ( As shown in B), the index finger of the hand object 810 can be extended. For example, when the thumb and index finger are extended in the hand object 810, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, and the direction in which the index finger extends is perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction, the yaw direction axis, and the roll direction axis. The direction is defined in the hand object 810 as a pitch direction.

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

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

The display control module 220 is a virtual camera control module 22 as a submodule.
1, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, a reference visual line identification module 224, and a visual line detection module 226.

The virtual space control module 230 has a virtual space definition module 2 as a submodule.
31, virtual object generation module 232, hand object control module 23
3 is included.

In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230
, And the voice control module 225 is realized by the processor 10. In other embodiments, multiple processors 10 may operate as display control module 220, virtual space control module 230, and audio control module 225. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. Communication control module 2
50 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 includes a virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.
To control the behavior and orientation of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the direction of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110.
The view image generation module 223 generates view image data (also referred to as view image data) displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Furthermore, 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 to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250. The reference line-of-sight identification module 224 detects the reference line of sight (the inclination of the HMD 110) based on a signal from the HMD sensor 120 or the sensor 114. The line-of-sight detection module 226 includes the gaze sensor 1
Based on the signal from 40, the line of sight of the user 190 is specified.

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

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

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

In other aspects, if a movement of a part of the user 190's body (eg, movement of the left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot, head, etc.) is associated with the controller 160, the virtual space control module 230 may Data for arranging a partial object corresponding to a part of the body in the virtual space 2 is generated. When the user 190 operates the controller 160 using a part of the body, the virtual space control module 230 generates data for moving the partial object. These data are output to the view field image generation module 223.

When the voice control module 225 detects an utterance using the microphone 119 of the user 190 from the HMD 110, the voice control module 225 identifies the computer 200 that is the transmission target of voice data corresponding to the utterance. The voice data is stored in the computer 2 specified by the voice control module 225.
Sent to 00. When the voice control module 225 receives voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 19, the voice control module 225 outputs a voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 115.

The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240
Holds spatial information 241, object information 242, and user information 243.

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

The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content is
For example, it may include content representing a scene similar to a game or real society. further,
The object information 242 includes data for arranging a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 who operates the controller 160 in the virtual space 2, data for arranging each user's avatar object in the virtual space 2, and a virtual panel. And other data such as for arranging other objects 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 that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 is a computer operated by a provider that provides the content (
For example, a program or data is downloaded from the server 150), and the downloaded program or data is stored in the memory module 240.

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

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

Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 240 such as a hard disk. Also, the software
In some cases, it is stored in a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is processor 1
0 is read from the storage module and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

The hardware that constitutes 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 the computer 200. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S <b> 1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

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

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

In step S <b> 1032, 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 visual field image.

In step S <b> 1034, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 110. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

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

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

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

In step S <b> 1065, the processor 10 detects the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 based on the detection data acquired from the controller 160.

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

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

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.

[Technology]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a visual field updating method in a virtual space according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11A, user 190 is wearing HMD 110. The gaze sensor 140 described above is a gaze sensor 1 for detecting the line of sight of the left eye of the user 190 (the position of the eyeball).
40L and a gaze sensor 140 for detecting the gaze (eyeball position) of the right eye of the user 190.
And R. The computer 200 detects the line of sight of the user 190 based on the line of sight of the left eye of the user 190 and the line of sight of the right eye.

In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 includes an infrared irradiation device (not shown) and a camera (not shown). The infrared irradiation device irradiates the user 190 with infrared rays. The gaze sensor 140 detects the line of sight of the user 190 by photographing the reflected infrared light irradiated to the eyes of the user 190 with a camera. According to this configuration, the HMD system 100 can detect the line of sight of the user 190 without contact, and thus can reduce the burden on the user 190. In another aspect, the gaze sensor 140 may employ a contact method such as a search coil method or an eye potential method.

In FIG. 11A, the user 190 and the line of sight of the user 190 are facing the front.
FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the range of the virtual space visually recognized by the user 190 in the state of FIG. Referring to FIG. 11B, an object 1300 that imitates a ghost is arranged in the visual field region 23 corresponding to the shooting range of the virtual camera 1. The computer 200 renders the object 1300 arranged in the view field area 23 and a part of the panoramic image, and displays them on the monitor 112. Thereby, the user 190 visually recognizes the object 1300.

In one aspect, the user 190 moves the head from the state of FIG.
(Right direction) to shift to the state of FIG. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 detects that the head of the user 190 has rotated to the right based on the output of the sensor 114 (for example, angular velocity sensor) or the HMD sensor 120. Virtual camera control module 22
1 tilts the virtual camera 1 to the right so as to be interlocked with the movement of the head of the user 190.
Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11D, the object 1300 deviates from the view area 23. As a result, the object 1300 is not displayed on the monitor 112 as well.

In another aspect, user 190 changes his / her line of sight from the state of FIG.
And move to the state shown in FIG. The line-of-sight detection module 226 detects that the line of sight of the user 190 has moved to the right based on the output of the gaze sensor 140. The virtual camera control module 221 tilts the virtual camera 1 to the right so as to be interlocked with the movement of the user 190's line of sight. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11F, the object 1300 deviates from the visual field region 23. As a result, the object 1300 becomes the monitor 11.
2 is not displayed.

As described above, the virtual camera control module 221 according to an embodiment includes the gaze sensor 1.
The range displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 is specified (for example, the tilt of the virtual camera 1 is controlled) according to the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 detected based on the output of 40. Further, the virtual camera control module 221 according to an embodiment may include the sensor 114 or the HMD
A range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 is specified according to the movement of the head of the user 190 detected based on the output of the sensor 120.

Thereby, the HMD system 100 according to the embodiment can realize the same updating method in the virtual space as the visual field updating method in the real space. As a result, since the user 190 can update his / her field of view without feeling uncomfortable in the virtual space, the user 190 can be more immersed in the virtual space.

[Control structure]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in which the HMD system 100 generates view image data in a certain aspect.

In step S1210, the processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231. In step S1220, processor 10
As the virtual object generation module 232, the virtual camera 1 is arranged at an initial position (for example, the center 21) in the virtual space 2.

In step S1230, the processor 10 performs the view image generation module 223 as:
View image data for displaying an initial view image is generated. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1232, monitor 112 of HMD 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 recognizes the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

In step S1234, the sensor 114 detects the inclination of the HMD 110 (that is, the user 19
Motion detection data representing 0 head tilt is output to the computer 200. Step S1
At 240, the processor 10 of the computer 200 operates as the reference gaze identification module 224 based on the motion detection data received from the sensor 114 (see FIG.
(Tilt) is detected. In one aspect, the sensor 114 is configured by a combination of a triaxial angular velocity sensor and a triaxial acceleration sensor. The computer 200 calculates an angle with respect to the reference direction (for example, the gravity (vertical) direction) of the HMD 110 based on the outputs of these sensors.

In step S <b> 1260, gaze sensor 140 outputs the detection result of each line of sight of user 190 to computer 200. In step S1270, the processor 10
The line-of-sight detection module 226 detects the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 (for example, the inclination with respect to the reference line of sight (for example, the front)) based on the output of the gaze sensor 140.

In step S1280, the processor 10 specifies a range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2. More specifically, the processor 10 controls the tilt of the virtual camera 1 so as to be interlocked with the detected head movement and line-of-sight movement. For example, user 190
When the head tilts 10 ° to the right and the user 190 tilts the line of sight to 10 ° to the right, the processor 10 tilts the virtual camera 1 by 20 ° to the right. The processor 10 specifies the shooting range (viewing area 23) of the virtual camera 1 after being tilted as a range to be displayed on the monitor 112. At this time, the processor 10 refers to the setting of the virtual camera 1 and determines the shooting range of the virtual camera 1. For example, the setting of the virtual camera 1 includes the angle of view of the virtual camera 1.

In step S1290, processor 10 renders the object and panorama image included in the specified display range, and generates view field image data. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1292, the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

According to the above, the HMD system 100 according to the embodiment updates the view image provided to the user 190 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the head of the user 190 and the movement of the line of sight of the user 190. Thereby, the HMD system 100 according to the embodiment can realize the same updating method in the virtual space as the visual field updating method in the real space. As a result, since the user 190 can update his / her field of view without feeling uncomfortable in the virtual space, the user 190 can be more immersed in the virtual space.

In the above example, in step S1280, the processor 10 controls the tilt of the virtual camera 1 so as to be interlocked with the detected head movement and line-of-sight movement, and displays it on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2. Although the range is specified, the method for specifying the display range is not limited to this method.

In an embodiment, the processor 10 controls the tilt of the virtual camera 1 to be interlocked with the detected head movement, and generates a first view image corresponding to the shooting range of the virtual camera 1 whose tilt is controlled. To do. The first view image is assumed to be larger than the resolution of the monitor 112. The processor 10 cuts out a second view image that is a partial region of the first view image based on the detected movement of the line of sight. For example, if the detected line of sight is the front direction, the second
The view field image is set in the central region of the first view field image. In one aspect, the resolution of the second view image is set to be the same as the resolution of the monitor 112. The processor 10 may update the view image by displaying the second view image on the monitor 112.

[Modification 1—Conditions for Updating the View Image with the Eyes]
In the above example, the computer 200 is configured to control the tilt of the virtual camera 1 so as to always follow the movement of the line of sight of the user 190. In another example, computer 2
00 may control the inclination of the virtual camera 1 to follow the movement of the line of sight when a predetermined condition regarding the line of sight is satisfied.

(When the line of sight moves greatly)
In one aspect, the processor 10 of the computer 200 allows the virtual camera to interlock with the detected movement of the line of sight when the angle of the line of sight of the user 190 with respect to the reference line of sight exceeds a predetermined angle (for example, 15 °). Control the slope of 1. The reference line of sight is set in the front direction of the user 190, for example. As another example, when the line of sight of the user 190 is directed in substantially the same direction for a predetermined time, the processor 10 may set the direction as the reference line of sight.

The line of sight of the user 190 vibrates although it is minute. Therefore, if the inclination of the virtual camera 1 is always linked to the line of sight of the user 190, the user 190 recognizes the blurred view image. In such a case, the user 190 may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the computer 200 according to an embodiment controls the tilt of the virtual camera 1 to be linked to the line of sight when the above condition is satisfied (that is, when the line of sight of the user 190 moves greatly with respect to the reference line of sight). This can reduce the discomfort of the user 190.

In addition, when a person wants to visually recognize an object at a position (for example, an end) deviating from the center region of his / her field of view while fixing his / her head, he / she greatly moves his / her line of sight toward the object side. In other words, a large movement of the line of sight represents that a person wants to gaze at some object. Taking advantage of this characteristic, the computer 200 can be used only when the user 190 intends to change his / her field of view image by line of sight.
The tilt of the virtual camera 1 can be linked to the line of sight. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing processing for updating a view field image based on the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the line of sight of the user 190 and the reference line of sight. FIG. 13B shows a view field image 1310 that the user 190 visually recognizes in the state of FIG. FIG. 13C shows a view field image 1320 displayed after FIG.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the user 190 is watching the direction 1305 (that is, the direction 1305 is the line of sight of the user 190). A direction 1301 is a front direction of the user 190. In a certain aspect, the front direction (direction 1301) of the user 190 is set as the reference line of sight.

A center 1330 in the visual field image 1310 shown in FIG. 13B is a viewpoint corresponding to the front (direction 1301) of the user 190. The pointer 1350 represents the gazing point of the user 190 in the view field image 1310. In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the user 190 moves his / her line of sight in order to visually recognize the object 1300 imitating a ghost. A range 1340 represents a range of a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the reference line of sight.

In one aspect, the processor 10 of the computer 200 uses the reference line of sight (direction 1301).
The angle θ2 of the line of sight (direction 1305) of the user 190 with respect to) is a predetermined angle θ1.
It is judged that it is larger than. Thereby, the processor 10 controls the tilt of the virtual camera 1 so as to be linked to the line of sight of the user 190. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13C, a field-of-view image 1320 in which the object 1300 is located at the center 1330 is generated.

In one aspect, after updating the view image so as to be linked to the line of sight of the user 190, the processor 10 prohibits the update process of the view image based on the line of sight for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). The reason is that when the prohibition process is not performed, the processor 10
This is because the inclination of the virtual camera 1 continues to move in the direction of the line of sight of the user 190, and the target that the user 190 wants to view is out of the center of the view field image.

(If you keep looking at the same part)
In another aspect, the processor 10 tilts the virtual camera 1 so as to be linked to the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 when the line of sight of the user 190 faces substantially the same direction for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). May be controlled. This is because it is estimated that the user 190 wants to visually recognize an object existing in the direction when the line of sight of the user 190 is facing substantially the same direction.

In yet another aspect, the processor 10 is a case where the angle formed by the line of sight of the user 190 and the reference line of sight exceeds a predetermined angle, and for a predetermined time.
The tilt of the virtual camera 1 may be controlled so as to be interlocked with the movement of the line of sight of the user 190.

(Control structure)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing for controlling the tilt of the virtual camera 1 according to the first modification. The processing shown in FIG. 14 is realized by the processor 10 of the computer 200.

In step S <b> 1410, the processor 10 detects the line of sight of the user 190 based on the output of the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight detection module 226.

In step S1420, processor 10 determines whether or not the angle formed by the line of sight of user 190 with respect to a reference line of sight (for example, the front direction) exceeds a predetermined angle. If the processor 10 determines that the angle formed by the line of sight of the user 190 with respect to the reference line of sight exceeds a predetermined angle (YES in step S1420), the processor 10 executes the process of step S1430. Otherwise (NO in step S1420), the processor 10 executes the process of step S1450.

In step S1430, the processor 10 detects the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 (
The range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 is specified according to (tilt). More specifically, the processor 10 makes the inclination of the virtual camera 1 interlock with the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 detected. For example, when the angle formed by the line of sight of the user 190 with respect to the reference line of sight is 30 ° in the right direction in step S1420, the processor 10 moves the virtual camera 1 3 in the right direction.
Tilt 0 °.

In step S1440, the processor 10 prohibits the tilt control process (the process of step S1430) of the virtual camera 1 according to the line of sight for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

In step S1450, processor 10 determines whether or not user 190 has a line of sight in substantially the same direction for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). For example, the processor 10 determines that the line-of-sight variation of the user 190 is 5 over a predetermined time.
When the angle is less than 0 °, it is determined that the line of sight of the user 190 is substantially the same direction.

If the processor 190 determines that the user 190's line of sight is in substantially the same direction for a predetermined time (YES in step S1450), the processor 10 steps S1460.
Execute the process. Otherwise (NO in step S1450), processor 10
The process of step S1410 is executed again.

In step S1460, the processor 10 detects the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 (
The range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 is specified according to (tilt). More specifically, the processor 10 makes the inclination of the virtual camera 1 interlock with the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 detected. After that, the processor 10 executes the process of step S1410 again.

Based on the above, the processor 10 according to the modification may provide the user 190 with a view field image in which the user 190 is less likely to feel discomfort.

[Modification 2—Change the display area of the display]
The processor 10 according to the second modification changes the display area of the monitor 112 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the line of sight of the user 190.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the line of sight of the user 190 and the display area of the display. Referring to FIG. 15A, the user 190 is watching the direction 1305 (that is, the direction 1305 is the line of sight of the user 190). A direction 1301 is a front direction of the user 190.

FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining a display area on the monitor 112. User 19
When 0 is gazing at the center 1520 in the monitor 112 corresponding to the front direction (direction 1301), the processor 10 sets the center area 1510 centered on the center 1520 as the display area. The processor 10 displays a view image corresponding to the shooting range (view region 23) of the virtual camera 1 in the set display region. In one aspect, the aspect ratio of the display area is set to the aspect ratio of the monitor 112.

The monitor 112 according to the modification 2 (including the display for each of the right eye and the left eye)
The field of view of the user 190 determined according to the distance between the eyes of the user 190 and the monitor 112 may be sufficiently larger.

When the user 190 is gazing at a position 1530 on the monitor 112 corresponding to the direction 1305, the processor 10 sets an area 1540 centered on the position 1530 as a display area. The processor 10 displays a view field image generated by the virtual camera 1 whose inclination is controlled so as to be linked to the line of sight of the user 190 (direction 1305) in the display area.

Based on the above, the user 190 can recognize a field-of-view image centered on its own line-of-sight direction.
In other words, the user 190 can grasp the object that he / she wants to visually recognize at the center of his / her field of view.

The computer 200 does not display an image on all of the large monitors 112 but generates a view image corresponding to the line of sight (view) of the user 190 and displays it in the display area. Therefore, the computer 200 does not have to generate an image for all the pixels of the monitor 112, and thus can suppress the processing load and power consumption.

In the above example, the processor 10 of the computer 200 is configured to change the position of the display area on the monitor 112 so as to be interlocked with the line of sight of the user 190. In other aspects, the processor 10 may be configured to change the size of the display area based on the line of sight of the user 190.

In one aspect, the processor 10 calculates an angle θ2 formed by the line of sight (direction 1305) of the user 190 and the front direction (direction 1301). The processor 10 performs control so that the display area on the monitor 112 increases as the angle θ2 increases. FIG. 15 (C)
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the area 1550 is set as the display area. As an example, the processor 10 may determine that the distance 1560 between the center 1520 and the position 1530 is equal to the distance 1570 from the outer peripheral position of the central area 1510 to the outer peripheral position of the area 1550 in the direction extending from the center 1520 to the position 1530. 1550 is set.

Further, the processor 10 further moves the virtual camera 1 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the line of sight of the user 190.
Control the angle of view. More specifically, the processor 10 controls the virtual camera control module 221.
As the angle θ2 increases, the angle of view of the virtual camera 1 is increased. As the angle of view of the virtual camera 1 increases, the field of view area 23 increases. As the view image generation module 223, the processor 10 displays a view image corresponding to the expanded view region 23 in the region 1550. Even with this configuration, the user 190 can grasp the object that the user 190 is trying to visually recognize at the center of the field of view.

[Modification 3—Updates the field-of-view image to be linked to the movement of the torso]
In the above example, the processor 10 detects the movement of the HMD 110 detected by the output of the sensor 114 or the HMD sensor 120 as the movement of the head of the user 190, and the user 1
The view field image is updated so as to be interlocked with the movement of the head 90. In another aspect, the processor 10 may update the view field image so as to be interlocked with the movement of the torso of the user 190.

A person also changes his field of view by tilting the torso (eg, bending forward). Therefore, in another embodiment, the processor 10 of the computer 200 detects the movement (tilt) of the torso of the user 190 and updates the view image so as to be interlocked with the detected torso movement.

As an example, the processor 10 detects the inclination of the trunk of the user 190 by analyzing an image generated by photographing the user 190 with a camera (not shown). As another example, the processor 10 detects the inclination of the torso of the user 190 based on the output of a motion sensor attached to the torso of the user 190.

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

(Configuration 1) A program executed by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 by the HMD 110 is provided. This program is stored in the computer 200 and the HMD 1
The step of displaying the visual field image on the ten monitors 112 and providing the virtual space 2 to the user 190 of the HMD 110 (step S1230), the step of detecting the movement of the line of sight of the user 190 (step S1270), A step of specifying a range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 according to the movement (step S1280) and a step of updating the view image so that the view image corresponding to the specified range is displayed on the monitor 112 (step S1290). ) And execute.

According to the above, the user 190 can visually recognize the updated view field image by moving the line of sight in the virtual space as in the real space. As a result, the user 190 can be immersed in the virtual space. Conventionally, when it is desired to change the field of view in the virtual space in a predetermined direction, the HMD
The user 190 using the HMD system 100 only needs to move his / her line of sight in a predetermined direction.

(Configuration 2) In (Configuration 1), the program causes the computer 200 to further execute a step (step S1240) of detecting a partial movement of the user 190 excluding the movement of the line of sight. The step of specifying the range includes specifying a range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 according to the detected movement of the line of sight and the detected partial movement.

Even in the real space, the user's field of view is changed by the inclination of the user's head and body. Therefore, the computer 200 can immerse the user in the virtual space by changing the field of view of the user in the virtual space according to the inclination of the user's head or body.

(Configuration 3) In (Configuration 1) or (Configuration 2), the step of providing the virtual space 2 displays a view field image corresponding to the shooting range of the virtual camera 1 arranged in the virtual space 2 on the monitor 112 ( Steps S1220, S1230). The steps to identify the range are:
Controlling the tilt of the virtual camera 1 so as to be linked to the detected movement of the line of sight, and specifying the range to be displayed on the HMD 110 in the virtual space 2 based on the setting (for example, the angle of view) of the virtual camera 1 (step) S1280).

(Configuration 4) In (Configuration 2), a part of the user 190 includes the head of the user 190. The step of detecting a part of the movement of the user 190 includes the movement of the HMD 110 by the user 190.
Detection as a part of movement.

(Configuration 5) In (Configuration 2), the step of providing the virtual space 2 includes displaying on the monitor 112 a view field image corresponding to the shooting range of the virtual camera 1 arranged in the virtual space 2. In the step of specifying the range, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 is controlled so as to be interlocked with the detected movement of the line of sight and the detected partial movement, and the virtual space 2 is determined based on the setting of the virtual camera 1.
Includes specifying a range to be displayed on the HMD 110 (step S1280).

(Configuration 6) In any one of (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 5), in the step of specifying the range, the detected line-of-sight angle (θ2) with respect to a predetermined line-of-sight direction is a predetermined angle (θ1). This includes specifying the range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 according to the movement of the line of sight (step S1430).

(Configuration 7) In any one of (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 6), the step of specifying the range is when the lines of sight detected over a predetermined time point in substantially the same direction (YES in Step S1450). In addition, specifying a range to be displayed on the monitor 112 in the virtual space 2 according to the movement of the line of sight (step S1460).

(Configuration 8) In any one of (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 7), the step of updating the view field image changes the display area of the monitor 112 based on the detected movement of the line of sight (FIG. 15).
)including.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10, 1720 processor, 11
Memory, 12 Storage, 13 Input / output interface, 14 Communication interface, 15 Bus, 19 Network, 22 Virtual space image, 100 HMD system,
112 monitor, 114 sensor, 115 speaker, 119 microphone, 120 HMD
Sensor, 130 Motion sensor, 140 Gaze sensor, 150 Server, 160 Controller, 190 User, 200 Computer, 220 Display control module, 2
21 virtual camera control module, 222 visual field determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 224 reference visual line identification module, 225 audio control module, 22
6 Gaze detection module, 230 Virtual space control module, 231 Virtual space definition module, 232 Virtual object generation module, 233 Hand object control module, 240 Memory module, 241 Spatial information, 242 Object information, 24
3 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810 Hand object, 1300 object, 1310, 1320 View image, 1350
Pointer.

Claims (10)

A program executed by a computer to provide a virtual space by a head mounted device, the program being stored in the computer,
Displaying a field-of-view image on a display of the head-mounted device to provide a virtual space to a user of the head-mounted device;
Detecting the movement of the user's line of sight;
Identifying a range to be displayed on the display in the virtual space according to the detected movement of the line of sight;
Updating the view image so that a view image corresponding to the specified range is displayed on the display. The program further causes the computer to execute a step of detecting a movement of a part of the user excluding the movement of the line of sight,
The step of specifying the range includes specifying a range to be displayed on the display in the virtual space according to the detected movement of the line of sight and the detected partial movement. Program. Providing the virtual space includes displaying a view field image corresponding to a shooting range of a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space on the display;
The step of specifying the range controls the tilt of the virtual camera to be interlocked with the detected movement of the line of sight, and the range to be displayed on the head mounted device in the virtual space based on the setting of the virtual camera The program according to claim 1 or 2, comprising specifying: The portion of the user includes a user's head;
The program according to claim 2, wherein detecting the movement of the part of the user includes detecting movement of the head mounted device as a movement of the part of the user. Providing the virtual space includes displaying a view field image corresponding to a shooting range of a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space on the display;
The step of specifying the range includes controlling the tilt of the virtual camera to interlock with the detected movement of the line of sight and the detected partial movement, and based on the setting of the virtual camera, The program according to claim 2, comprising specifying a range to be displayed on the head mounted device in space. The step of specifying the range includes displaying on the display in the virtual space according to the movement of the line of sight when the angle of the detected line of sight exceeds a predetermined angle with respect to a predetermined line-of-sight direction. The program of any one of Claims 1-5 including specifying the range to perform. The step of specifying the range specifies a range to be displayed on the display in the virtual space according to the movement of the line of sight when the detected line of sight is directed in substantially the same direction over a predetermined time. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of updating the visual field image includes changing a display area of the display based on the detected movement of the visual line. A memory storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor for executing the program. A computer-implemented method for providing virtual space by a head-mounted device, comprising:
Displaying a field-of-view image on a display of the head-mounted device to provide a virtual space to a user of the head-mounted device;
Detecting the movement of the user's line of sight;
Identifying a range to be displayed on the display in the virtual space according to the detected movement of the line of sight;
Updating the view image to cause the display to display a view image corresponding to the specified range.

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