JP2019175362A - Program, information processing device, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing device, and a method, which further minimize the chances of suffering from sickness induced by virtual reality experiences.SOLUTION: A program provided herein causes a processor to perform steps of: defining a virtual space for providing a user with a virtual experience; setting a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space; controlling a field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to an attitude of the head of the user and a position of the virtual viewpoint; moving the virtual viewpoint; controlling a movement direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the motion of the body of the user other than the head; defining a field-of-view image for the field of view from the virtual viewpoint; and outputting the field-of-view image to an image display device. The field-of-view image comprises a first effect moving in a second direction defined in reference to a first direction opposite the movement direction in the virtual space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and a method.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a game that allows a user to perform a virtual experience in a virtual space.

UBISOFT, "Eagle Flight", [online], UBISOFT, [March 28, 2018 search], Internet <https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/eagle-flight/>

  The conventional technology has room for further suppression of sickness in the virtual experience.

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to further suppress sickness in a virtual experience.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a computer with a processor is provided to provide a virtual experience via an image display device associated with a user's head. The program defines a virtual space for providing a virtual experience to the user to the processor, a step of setting a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint, A step of controlling the field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space; a step of moving the virtual viewpoint; a step of controlling the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the user's head; A step of defining a view image corresponding to the view and a step of outputting the view image to the image display device are executed. The field-of-view image includes a first effect that flows in a second direction with reference to a first direction opposite to the moving direction in the virtual space.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, sickness in a virtual experience can be further suppressed.

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 a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of the user who wears HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure showing the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the Y direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the controller according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of each direction of the yaw, roll, and pitch prescribed | regulated with respect to the user's right hand according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the server 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 set according to an embodiment. In a network, it is a mimetic diagram showing the situation where each HMD provides virtual space to a user. It is a figure which shows the visual field image of the user 5A in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process performed in the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the module of the computer according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a structure of the device according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the virtual space and visual field image according to a certain embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the change of the visual field image according to a certain embodiment, and control of the apparatus based on this change.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the 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. In one or more embodiments shown in the present disclosure, elements included in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the combined result is also part of the embodiments shown in the present disclosure.

[Configuration of HMD system]
A configuration of an HMD (Head-Mounted Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. The HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes a server 600, HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D, an external device 700, and a network 2. Each of the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D is configured to be able to communicate with the server 600 and the external device 700 via the network 2. Hereinafter, the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D are collectively referred to as the HMD set 110. The number of HMD sets 110 constituting the HMD system 100 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. The HMD set 110 includes an HMD 120, a computer 200, an HMD sensor 410, a display 430, and a controller 300. The HMD 120 includes a monitor 130, a gaze sensor 140, a first camera 150, a second camera 160, a microphone 170, and a speaker 180. The controller 300 can include a motion sensor 420.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 can be connected to the Internet and other networks 2, and can communicate with the server 600 and other computers connected to the network 2. Examples of other computers include computers of other HMD sets 110 and external devices 700. In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include a sensor 190 instead of the HMD sensor 410.

  The HMD 120 may be worn on the head of the user 5 and provide a virtual space to the user 5 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 120 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 130, respectively. When each eye of the user 5 visually recognizes each image, the user 5 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax between both eyes. The HMD 120 can include both a so-called head mounted display including a monitor and a head mounted device to which a terminal having a smartphone or other monitor can be attached.

  The monitor 130 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 130 is disposed on the main body of the HMD 120 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user 5. Therefore, the user 5 can immerse in the virtual space when viewing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 130. In one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 5, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 5. In one aspect, the monitor 130 can 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 another aspect, the monitor 130 can be realized as a transmissive display device. In this case, the HMD 120 may be an open type such as a glasses type instead of a sealed type that covers the eyes of the user 5 as shown in FIG. The transmissive monitor 130 may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. The monitor 130 may include a configuration that simultaneously displays a part of an image constituting the virtual space and the real space. For example, the monitor 130 may display a real space image taken by a camera mounted on the HMD 120, or may make the real space visible by setting a part of the transmittance high.

  In one aspect, the monitor 130 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 130 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image together. In this case, the monitor 130 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.

  In one aspect, the HMD 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 410 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 120. More specifically, the HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD 120 and detects the position and inclination of the HMD 120 in the real space.

  In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 120 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD 120 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include a sensor 190 instead of the HMD sensor 410 or in addition to the HMD sensor 410 as a position detector. The HMD 120 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 120 itself using the sensor 190. For example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor, the HMD 120 can detect its own position and inclination using any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 410. As an example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD 120 in real space over time. The HMD 120 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 120 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the temporal change of the angle.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects the direction in which the line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5 is directed. That is, the gaze sensor 140 detects the line of sight of the user 5. The detection of the direction of the line of sight 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 5 with infrared rays 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 of the user 5 based on each detected rotation angle.

  The first camera 150 captures the lower part of the face of the user 5. More specifically, the first camera 150 photographs the nose and mouth of the user 5. The second camera 160 photographs the eyes and eyebrows of the user 5. The housing on the user 5 side of the HMD 120 is defined as the inside of the HMD 120, and the housing on the opposite side to the user 5 of the HMD 120 is defined as the outside of the HMD 120. In one aspect, the first camera 150 may be disposed outside the HMD 120 and the second camera 160 may be disposed inside the HMD 120. Images generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 are input to the computer 200. In another aspect, the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 may be realized as a single camera, and the face of the user 5 may be photographed with the single camera.

  The microphone 170 converts the utterance of the user 5 into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it to the computer 200. The speaker 180 converts the sound signal into sound and outputs the sound to the user 5. In another aspect, HMD 120 may include an earphone instead of speaker 180.

  The controller 300 is connected to the computer 200 by wire or wireless. The controller 300 receives input of commands from the user 5 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be gripped by the user 5. In another aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 5 or a part of clothing. In yet another aspect, the controller 300 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal transmitted from the computer 200. In yet another aspect, the controller 300 receives an operation from the user 5 for controlling the position and movement of an object arranged in the virtual space.

  In one aspect, the controller 300 includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the controller 300 and detects the position and inclination of the controller 300 in the real space. In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and tilt of the controller 300 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the controller 300 output from the camera.

  In a certain aspect, the motion sensor 420 is attached to the hand of the user 5 and detects the movement of the user 5 hand. For example, the motion sensor 420 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 420 is provided in the controller 300, for example. In one aspect, the motion sensor 420 is provided in the controller 300 configured to be gripped by the user 5, for example. In another aspect, for safety in real space, the controller 300 is attached to something that does not fly easily by being attached to the hand of the user 5 such as a glove shape. In yet another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 5 may detect the movement of the user's 5 hand. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the user 5 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 5. As an example, the motion sensor 420 and the computer 200 are connected to each other 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.

  Display 430 displays an image similar to the image displayed on monitor 130. Thereby, a user other than the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 can view the same image as that of the user 5. The image displayed on the display 430 need not be a three-dimensional image, and may be a right-eye image or a left-eye image. Examples of the display 430 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL monitor.

  Server 600 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 600 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to the HMD 120 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 via the server 600, and the plurality of users in the same virtual space. Users can enjoy a common game. Each computer 200 may communicate a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200 without passing through the server 600.

  The external device 700 may be any device that can communicate with the computer 200. For example, the external device 700 may be a device that can communicate with the computer 200 via the network 2, or may be a device that can directly communicate with the computer 200 by short-range wireless communication or wired connection. Examples of the external device 700 include a smart device, a PC (Personal Computer), and a peripheral device of the computer 200, but are not limited thereto.

[Computer hardware configuration]
A computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to the present embodiment. The computer 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a storage 230, an input / output interface 240, and a communication interface 250 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 260.

  The processor 210 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 220 or the storage 230 based on a signal given to the computer 200 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 210 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device.

  The memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 230, for example. The data includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 210. In one aspect, the memory 220 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

  The storage 230 permanently holds programs and data. The storage 230 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. Programs stored in the storage 230 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 230 includes data and objects for defining a virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 230 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In yet another aspect, instead of the storage 230 built in the computer 200, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 240 communicates signals with the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410, the motion sensor 420, and the display 430. The monitor 130, the gaze sensor 140, the first camera 150, the second camera 160, the microphone 170, and the speaker 180 included in the HMD 120 can communicate with the computer 200 via the input / output interface 240 of the HMD 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 240 is implemented using a USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminal. The input / output interface 240 is not limited to the above.

  In certain aspects, the input / output interface 240 may further communicate with the controller 300. For example, the input / output interface 240 receives signals output from the controller 300 and the motion sensor 420. In another aspect, the input / output interface 240 sends the command output from the processor 210 to the controller 300. The instruction instructs the controller 300 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 300 receives the command, the controller 300 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 250 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 600) connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 250 is implemented as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 250 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 accesses the storage 230, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 230 into the memory 220, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 210 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 120 via the input / output interface 240. The HMD 120 displays an image on the monitor 130 based on the signal.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, a configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD 120 is shown. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 120. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 130 may function as the computer 200.

  The computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for a plurality of HMDs 120. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

  In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a real coordinate system that is a coordinate system in the real space is set in advance. The real coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-rear direction in the real coordinate system are defined as an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, respectively. More specifically, in the real 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 410 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 120, the presence of the HMD 120 is detected. The HMD sensor 410 further detects the position and inclination (orientation) of the HMD 120 in the real space according to the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the real coordinate system). To do. More specifically, the HMD sensor 410 can detect temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 120 using each value detected over time.

  Each inclination of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 120 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 views an object in the virtual space.

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD 120 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 410 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system when the HMD 120 is activated. The processor 210 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the detected value.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 120 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 as the center (origin). More specifically, the HMD 120 includes a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a front-rear direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) that define the real coordinate system by an inclination around each axis of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. Three directions newly obtained by tilting around the axis are set as the pitch axis (u-axis), yaw axis (v-axis), and roll axis (w-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120.

  In a certain situation, when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 stands upright and is viewing the front, the processor 210 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the real coordinate system to the HMD 120. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), vertical direction (y-axis), and front-rear direction (z-axis) in the real coordinate system are the pitch axis (u-axis) and yaw axis (v-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120. , And the roll axis (w axis).

  After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set to the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the inclination of the HMD 120 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD 120. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 detects the pitch angle (θu), the yaw angle (θv), and the roll angle (θw) of the HMD 120 in the uvw visual field coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD 120. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the pitch axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the yaw axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the roll axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

  The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120 after the HMD 120 moves based on the detected inclination of the HMD 120 in the HMD 120. The relationship between the HMD 120 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 120. When the position and inclination of the HMD 120 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 410 uses the HMD 120 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). May be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 410. The processor 210 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 11 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 11 has a spherical shape that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 12. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 11 is illustrated in order not to make the description complicated. In the virtual space 11, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in an XYZ coordinate system that is a global coordinate system defined in the virtual space 11. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting the panoramic image 13 (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 11 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the virtual space 11 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 12 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (up and down direction), and front and 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 real coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the real coordinate system, and the XYZ coordinate system The Z axis (front-rear direction) is parallel to the z axis of the real coordinate system.

  When the HMD 120 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 120, the virtual camera 14 is disposed at the center 12 of the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the processor 210 displays an image captured by the virtual camera 14 on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. The virtual camera 14 similarly moves in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 120 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 120 in the real space can be similarly reproduced in the virtual space 11.

  As with the HMD 120, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 14. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 is defined so as to be interlocked with the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD 120 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 14 changes accordingly. The virtual camera 14 can also move in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space.

  The processor 210 of the computer 200 defines the field-of-view area 15 in the virtual space 11 based on the position and tilt (reference line of sight 16) of the virtual camera 14. The visual field area 15 corresponds to an area of the virtual space 11 that is visually recognized by the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. That is, the position of the virtual camera 14 can be said to be the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11.

  The line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 visually recognizes the monitor 130. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line of sight of the user 5 in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 14.

[User's line of sight]
The determination of the line of sight of the user 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 5 wearing HMD 120 according to an embodiment from above.

  In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5. In a certain situation, when the user 5 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 5 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 axis w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll axis 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 N0 of the user 5 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects, as the line of sight N0, the extending direction of the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 5 and the gazing point N1. The line of sight N0 is a direction in which the user 5 is actually pointing the line of sight with both eyes. The line of sight N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 5 is actually pointing the line of sight with respect to the view field area 15.

  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 11.

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

[Visibility area]
The field-of-view area 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field region 15 as viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 11. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field region 15 as viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 11.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the field-of-view region 15 in the YZ section includes a region 18. The region 18 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the YZ section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space as the region 18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the field-of-view region 15 in the XZ section includes a region 19. The region 19 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space 11 as the region 19. The polar angles α and β are determined according to the position of the virtual camera 14 and the inclination (orientation) of the virtual camera 14.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 5 with a view in the virtual space 11 by displaying the view image 17 on the monitor 130 based on a signal from the computer 200. The visual field image 17 is an image corresponding to a portion corresponding to the visual field region 15 in the panoramic image 13. When the user 5 moves the HMD 120 mounted on the head, the virtual camera 14 moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the visual field area 15 in the virtual space 11 changes. As a result, the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 is updated to an image that is superimposed on the view region 15 in the direction in which the user 5 faces in the virtual space 11 in the panoramic image 13. The user 5 can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 11.

  Thus, the inclination of the virtual camera 14 corresponds to the line of sight of the user 5 (reference line of sight 16) in the virtual space 11, and the position where the virtual camera 14 is arranged corresponds to the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. Therefore, by changing the position or tilt of the virtual camera 14, the image displayed on the monitor 130 is updated, and the field of view of the user 5 is moved.

  While wearing the HMD 120, the user 5 can visually recognize only the panoramic image 13 developed in the virtual space 11 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can give the user 5 a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 can move the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space. In this case, the processor 210 specifies an image region (view region 15) projected on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 based on the position and inclination of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the virtual camera 14 may include two virtual cameras: a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Appropriate parallax is set in the two virtual cameras so that the user 5 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 11. In another aspect, the virtual camera 14 may be realized by one virtual camera. In this case, a right-eye image and a left-eye image may be generated from an image obtained by one virtual camera. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 14 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll axis (w) generated by combining the roll axes of the two virtual cameras is adapted to the roll axis (w) of the HMD 120. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted.

[controller]
An example of the controller 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of controller 300 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 300 may include a right controller 300R and a left controller (not shown). The right controller 300R is operated with the right hand of the user 5. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 5 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 300R and the left hand holding the left controller, respectively. In another aspect, the controller 300 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 300R will be described.

  The right controller 300R includes a grip 310, a frame 320, and a top surface 330. The grip 310 is configured to be held by the right hand of the user 5. For example, the grip 310 can be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 5 and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

  The grip 310 includes buttons 340 and 350 and a motion sensor 420. The button 340 is disposed on the side surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation with the middle finger of the right hand. The button 350 is disposed on the front surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation with the index finger of the right hand. In one aspect, the buttons 340 and 350 are configured as trigger buttons. The motion sensor 420 is built in the housing of the grip 310. The grip 310 does not have to include the motion sensor 420 when the operation of the user 5 can be detected from around the user 5 by a camera or other devices.

  The frame 320 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 360 arranged along the circumferential direction thereof. The infrared LED 360 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program while the program using the controller 300 is being executed. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 360 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 300R and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 360 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 330 includes buttons 370 and 380 and an analog stick 390. Buttons 370 and 380 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 370 and 380 receive an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 5. In a certain situation, analog stick 390 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller include a battery for driving the infrared LED 360 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, and a dry battery type. In another aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 300R and the left controller do not require a battery.

  As shown in the state (A) and the state (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand of the user 5. When the user 5 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the axis of the yaw direction and the axis of the roll direction is the pitch direction. Is defined as

[Hardware configuration of server]
A server 600 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of server 600 according to an embodiment. The server 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage 630, an input / output interface 640, and a communication interface 650 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 660.

  The processor 610 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 620 or the storage 630 based on a signal given to the server 600 or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 610 is implemented as a CPU, GPU, MPU, FPGA, or other device.

  The memory 620 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 630, for example. The data includes data input to the server 600 and data generated by the processor 610. In one aspect, the memory 620 is implemented as a RAM or other volatile memory.

  The storage 630 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 630 is realized as, for example, a ROM, a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other nonvolatile storage device. The program stored in the storage 630 may include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with the computer 200. The data stored in the storage 630 may include data and objects for defining the virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 630 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In yet another aspect, instead of the storage 630 built in the server 600, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 640 communicates signals with input / output devices. In one aspect, the input / output interface 640 is implemented using USB, DVI, HDMI, or other terminals. The input / output interface 640 is not limited to the above.

  The communication interface 650 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the computer 200 connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 650 is implemented as, for example, a LAN or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or the like. The communication interface 650 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 610 accesses the storage 630, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 630 into the memory 620, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the server 600, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 610 may send a signal for providing a virtual space to the computer 200 via the input / output interface 640.

[HMD control device]
With reference to FIG. 10, the control apparatus of HMD120 is demonstrated. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 10 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 200 includes a control module 510, a rendering module 520, a memory module 530, and a communication control module 540. In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 are implemented by the processor 210. In another aspect, multiple processors 210 may operate as control module 510 and rendering module 520. The memory module 530 is realized by the memory 220 or the storage 230. The communication control module 540 is realized by the communication interface 250.

  The control module 510 controls the virtual space 11 provided to the user 5. The control module 510 defines the virtual space 11 in the HMD system 100 using virtual space data representing the virtual space 11. The virtual space data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate virtual space data or acquire virtual space data from the server 600 or the like.

  The control module 510 arranges the object in the virtual space 11 using object data representing the object. The object data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate object data or acquire object data from the server 600 or the like. The objects include, for example, an avatar object that is a substitute of the user 5, a character object, an operation object such as a virtual hand operated by the controller 300, a landscape arranged in accordance with the progress of a game story, a mountain, etc., a cityscape, an animal Etc.

  The control module 510 places the avatar object of the user 5 of another computer 200 connected via the network 2 in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the control module 510 places the avatar object of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. In an aspect, the control module 510 arranges an avatar object that imitates the user 5 in the virtual space 11 based on an image including the user 5. In another aspect, the control module 510 places in the virtual space 11 an avatar object that has been selected by the user 5 from a plurality of types of avatar objects (for example, an object imitating an animal or a deformed human object). To do.

  The control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the HMD sensor 410. In another aspect, the control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the sensor 190 that functions as a motion sensor. The control module 510 detects organs (for example, mouth, eyes, eyebrows) constituting the face of the user 5 from the face image of the user 5 generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160. The control module 510 detects the movement (shape) of each detected organ.

  The control module 510 detects the line of sight of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140. The control module 510 detects a viewpoint position (a coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system) where the detected line of sight of the user 5 and the celestial sphere of the virtual space 11 intersect. More specifically, the control module 510 detects the viewpoint position based on the line of sight of the user 5 defined by the uvw coordinate system and the position and tilt of the virtual camera 14. The control module 510 transmits the detected viewpoint position to the server 600. In another aspect, the control module 510 may be configured to transmit line-of-sight information representing the line of sight of the user 5 to the server 600. In such a case, the viewpoint position can be calculated based on the line-of-sight information received by the server 600.

  The control module 510 reflects the movement of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 on the avatar object. For example, the control module 510 detects that the HMD 120 is tilted, and tilts and arranges the avatar object. The control module 510 reflects the detected movement of the facial organ on the face of the avatar object arranged in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 receives the line-of-sight information of the other user 5 from the server 600 and reflects it in the line-of-sight of the avatar object of the other user 5. In one aspect, the control module 510 reflects the movement of the controller 300 on the avatar object and the operation object. In this case, the controller 300 includes a motion sensor for detecting the movement of the controller 300, an acceleration sensor, or a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, infrared LEDs).

  The control module 510 arranges an operation object in the virtual space 11 for accepting the operation of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. The user 5 operates, for example, an object placed in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object that is a virtual hand corresponding to the hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the control module 510 moves the hand object in the virtual space 11 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the hand of the user 5 in the real space based on the output of the motion sensor 420. In one aspect, the operation object may correspond to a hand portion of the avatar object.

  The control module 510 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object. The control module 510 can detect, for example, a timing at which a collision area of a certain object and a collision area of another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The control module 510 can detect the timing when the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The control module 510 can detect that the object is touching the object. For example, when the operation object touches another object, the control module 510 detects that the operation object touches another object, and performs a predetermined process.

  In one aspect, the control module 510 controls image display on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. For example, the control module 510 arranges the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 controls the position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the tilt (orientation) of the virtual camera 14. The control module 510 defines the field of view 15 according to the inclination of the head of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 and the position of the virtual camera 14. The rendering module 520 generates a visual field image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 based on the determined visual field region 15. The view image 17 generated by the rendering module 520 is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  When the control module 510 detects an utterance using the microphone 170 of the user 5 from the HMD 120, the control module 510 specifies the computer 200 that is the transmission target of the audio data corresponding to the utterance. The audio data is transmitted to the computer 200 specified by the control module 510. When receiving audio data from another user's computer 200 via the network 2, the control module 510 outputs audio (utterance) corresponding to the audio data from the speaker 180.

  The memory module 530 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 11 to the user 5. In one aspect, the memory module 530 holds spatial information, object information, and user information.

  The spatial information holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 11.

  The object information includes a plurality of panoramic images 13 constituting the virtual space 11 and object data for arranging the objects in the virtual space 11. The panoramic image 13 may include a still image and a moving image. The panoramic image 13 may include an image in an unreal space and an image in a real space. As an image of unreal space, the image produced | generated by computer graphics is mentioned, for example.

  The user information holds a user ID that identifies the user 5. The user ID may be, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address set in the computer 200 used by the user. In another aspect, the user ID can be set by the user. The user information includes a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 530 are input by the user 5 of the HMD 120. Alternatively, the processor 210 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 600) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 530.

  The communication control module 540 can communicate with the server 600 and other information communication devices via the network 2.

  In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 can be implemented using, for example, Unity (registered trademark) provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 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 210. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 530 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other non-volatile computer-readable data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 600 or other computer via the communication control module 540 and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 210 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 210 executes the program.

[Control structure of HMD system]
The control structure of the HMD set 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in step S <b> 1110, the processor 210 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space data as the control module 510 and defines the virtual space 11.

  In step S1120, processor 210 initializes virtual camera 14. For example, the processor 210 places the virtual camera 14 in the center 12 defined in advance in the virtual space 11 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 14 in the direction in which the user 5 is facing.

  In step S1130, processor 210 generates, as rendering module 520, view image data for displaying an initial view image. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1132, the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 5 wearing the HMD 120 can recognize the virtual space 11 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1134, HMD sensor 410 detects the position and inclination of HMD 120 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 120. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1140, processor 210 identifies the viewing direction of user 5 wearing HMD 120 based on the position and tilt included in the motion detection data of HMD 120.

  In step S1150, processor 210 executes the application program and places an object in virtual space 11 based on an instruction included in the application program.

  In step S1160, controller 300 detects an operation of user 5 based on a signal output from motion sensor 420, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 300 by the user 5 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 5.

  In step S <b> 1170, processor 210 detects the operation of controller 300 by user 5 based on the detection data acquired from controller 300.

  In step S1180, processor 210 generates view field image data based on operation of controller 300 by user 5. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1190, the HMD 120 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 130.

[Avatar object]
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an avatar object according to the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, it is a figure explaining the avatar object of each user 5 of HMD set 110A, 110B. Hereinafter, the user of HMD set 110A is represented as user 5A, the user of HMD set 110B is represented as user 5B, the user of HMD set 110C is represented as user 5C, and the user of HMD set 110D is represented as user 5D. A is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110A, B is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110B, C is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110C, and the HMD set D is attached to the reference number of each component relating to 110D. For example, the HMD 120A is included in the HMD set 110A.

  FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where each HMD 120 provides the virtual space 11 to the user 5 in the network 2. The computers 200A to 200D provide the virtual spaces 11A to 11D to the users 5A to 5D via the HMDs 120A to 120D, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B are configured by the same data. In other words, the computer 200A and the computer 200B share the same virtual space. The avatar object 6A of the user 5A and the avatar object 6B of the user 5B exist in the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B. The avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A and the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B are each equipped with the HMD 120, but this is for easy understanding. In fact, these objects are equipped with the HMD 120. Not.

  In one aspect, the processor 210A may place the virtual camera 14A that captures the view image 17A of the user 5A at the eye position of the avatar object 6A.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a field-of-view image 17A of the user 5A in FIG. The view image 17A is an image displayed on the monitor 130A of the HMD 120A. The view image 17A is an image generated by the virtual camera 14A. The avatar object 6B of the user 5B is displayed in the view field image 17A. Although not specifically illustrated, the avatar object 6A of the user 5A is also displayed in the view image of the user 5B.

  In the state of FIG. 12 (B), the user 5A can communicate with the user 5B through the virtual space 11A through communication (communication). More specifically, the voice of the user 5A acquired by the microphone 170A is transmitted to the HMD 120B of the user 5B via the server 600 and output from the speaker 180B provided in the HMD 120B. The voice of the user 5B is transmitted to the HMD 120A of the user 5A via the server 600, and is output from the speaker 180A provided in the HMD 120A.

  The operation of the user 5B (the operation of the HMD 120B and the operation of the controller 300B) is reflected on the avatar object 6B arranged in the virtual space 11A by the processor 210A. Thereby, the user 5A can recognize the operation of the user 5B through the avatar object 6B.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. Although the HMD set 110D is not shown in FIG. 13, the HMD set 110D operates in the same manner as the HMD sets 110A, 110B, and 110C. In the following description, A is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110A, B is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110B, and C is assigned to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110C. It is assumed that D is added to the reference symbol of each component relating to the HMD set 110D.

  In step S1310A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A. The avatar information includes, for example, information related to the avatar such as motion information, face tracking data, and voice data. The motion information includes information indicating temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 120A, information indicating the motion of the hand of the user 5A detected by the motion sensor 420A and the like. The face tracking data includes data that specifies the position and size of each part of the face of the user 5A. The face tracking data includes data indicating the movement of each organ constituting the face of the user 5A and line-of-sight data. The voice data includes data indicating the voice of the user 5A acquired by the microphone 170A of the HMD 120A. The avatar information may include information for specifying the avatar object 6A or the user 5A associated with the avatar object 6A, information for specifying the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists, and the like. User ID is mentioned as information which specifies avatar object 6A and user 5A. Room ID is mentioned as information which specifies 11 A of virtual spaces in which the avatar object 6A exists. The processor 210A transmits the avatar information acquired as described above to the server 600 via the network 2.

  In step S1310B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B, and transmits the avatar information to the server 600, similarly to the process in step S1310A. Similarly, in step S1310C, the processor 210C in the HMD set 110C acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11C, and transmits it to the server 600.

  In step S1320, server 600 temporarily stores player information received from each of HMD set 110A, HMD set 110B, and HMD set 110C. The server 600 integrates avatar information of all users (users 5A to 5C in this example) associated with the common virtual space 11 based on the user ID and the room ID included in each avatar information. Then, the server 600 transmits the integrated avatar information to all users associated with the virtual space 11 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, a synchronous process is performed. By such synchronization processing, the HMD set 110A, the HMD set 110B, and the HMD set 110C can share each other's avatar information at substantially the same timing.

  Subsequently, based on the avatar information transmitted from the server 600 to the HMD sets 110A to 110C, the HMD sets 110A to 110C execute the processes of steps S1330A to S1330C. The process in step S1330A corresponds to the process in step S1180 in FIG.

  In step S1330A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A updates information on the avatar objects 6B and avatar objects 6C of the other users 5B and 5C in the virtual space 11A. Specifically, the processor 210A updates the position and orientation of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110B. For example, the processor 210 </ b> A updates information (position and orientation, etc.) of the avatar object 6 </ b> B included in the object information stored in the memory module 530. Similarly, the processor 210A updates the information (position, orientation, etc.) of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110C.

  In step S1330B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B updates the information of the avatar objects 6A and 6C of the users 5A and 5C in the virtual space 11B, similarly to the process in step S1330A. Similarly, in step S1330C, the processor 210C in the HMD set 110C updates information on the avatar objects 6A and 6B of the users 5A and 5B in the virtual space 11C.

[Detailed module configuration]
Details of the module configuration of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of computer 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the control module 510 includes a virtual object generation module 1421, a virtual camera control module 1422, an avatar control module 1423, a collision detection module 1424, an association control module 1425, a reward control module 1426, and a virtual object control module 1427. , And a stimulus application module 1428.

  The virtual object generation module 1421 generates various virtual objects in the virtual space 11. In certain aspects, virtual objects may include, for example, landscapes, animals, etc., including forests, mountains, etc., arranged according to the progress of the game story. In certain aspects, virtual objects may include avatar objects, ball objects, goal objects, pointing objects, obstacle objects, and mesh objects.

  In one aspect, the virtual object generation module 1421 generates data for placing the avatar object of the user of another computer 200 connected via the network 2 in the virtual space 11. As an example, the virtual object generation module 1421 generates data for placing an avatar object of a user of another computer 200 in the virtual space 11 based on the avatar information received via the network 2. In one aspect, the virtual object generation module 1421 generates data for arranging the avatar object of the user 5 in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the virtual object generation module 1421 generates an avatar object that imitates the user 5 based on an image including the user 5. In another aspect, the virtual object generation module 1421 generates data for arranging in the virtual space 11 an avatar object that has been selected by the user 5 from a plurality of types of avatar objects. The plurality of types of avatar objects may be, for example, an object imitating an animal or a deformed human object.

  The virtual camera control module 1422 controls the behavior of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. For example, the virtual camera control module 1422 controls the arrangement position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the direction (tilt) of the virtual camera 14.

  The avatar control module 1423 controls the behavior of the avatar object in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the avatar control module 1423 controls the movement of the avatar object of the user of the other computer 200 in the virtual space 11 based on the avatar information received via the network 2. In one aspect, the avatar control module 1423 controls movement of the avatar object of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 based on the operation of the user 5.

  When the collision detection module 1424 detects a collision between each virtual object arranged in the virtual space 11 and another virtual object, the collision detection module 1424 detects the collision. The collision detection module 1424 can detect, for example, the timing when a certain virtual object touches another virtual object. The collision detection module 1424 can detect a timing away from a state in which a certain virtual object and another virtual object are touching. The collision detection module 1424 can also detect that a certain virtual object is touching another virtual object. For example, when the avatar object collides with another virtual object, the collision detection module 1424 detects that the avatar object collides with another object. The control module 510 executes a predetermined process based on these detection results.

  The association control module 1425 controls association between a virtual object placed in the virtual space 11 and another virtual object. In one aspect, the association control module 1425 controls association between the avatar object and the ball object. As an example, the association control module 1425 associates an avatar object with a ball object. As another example, the association control module 1425 cancels the association between the ball object and the avatar object and associates another avatar object with the ball object.

  The reward control module 1426 controls a reward given in a game executed in the virtual space 11.

  The virtual object control module 1427 controls the behavior of the virtual objects excluding the avatar object in the virtual space 11. As an example, the virtual object control module 1427 deforms a virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 1427 changes the arrangement position of the virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 1427 moves a virtual object.

  The stimulus applying module 1428 provides a stimulus to the sensory organ of the user 5 based on the virtual experience realized in the virtual space 11. As an example, the stimulation application module 1428 controls the device to provide stimulation to the haptic organ of the user 5.

[Detailed configuration of device]
With reference to FIG. 15, the detail of the apparatus structure for providing a virtual experience to a user is demonstrated. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an apparatus for providing a virtual experience to a user according to an embodiment.

  In one aspect, the apparatus shown in FIG. 15 is an apparatus for providing the user 5 with a virtual experience that moves on the board and moves through the virtual space 11. The apparatus includes a board 1531 (passenger part). As shown in FIG. 15, the user 5 puts the HMD 120 on the head and rides on the board 1531 for a virtual experience.

  The board 1531 is connected to the flat plate 1532 by two springs 1533 (elastic body). Accordingly, when the user 5 riding on the board 1531 moves the weight, the spring 1533 expands and contracts, and the board 1531 tilts from a horizontal state. Casters 1534 are attached to the four corners of the surface of the flat plate 1532 opposite to the surface on which the spring 1533 is provided. Accordingly, when the user 5 on the board 1531 moves the weight, the flat plate 1532 moves, and the board 1531 also moves with the movement. By configuring as described above, it is possible to give the user 5 a feeling of moving on a board while balancing.

  An inclination sensor 1537 is attached to the board 1531. The tilt sensor 1537 detects the tilt of the board 1531 on which the user 5 is riding, that is, the rotation angles of the pitch axis (u-axis), yaw axis (v-axis), and roll axis (w-axis). The tilt sensor 1537 transmits the detection result, that is, the detected rotation angle to the computer 200. As an example, the inclination sensor 1537 may detect the inclination of the board 1531 by detecting light such as infrared rays. Specifically, the board 1531 is provided with a plurality of media (not shown) that emit infrared rays, and the tilt sensor 1537 reads the infrared rays emitted by these media and detects the position of these media, thereby detecting the tilt of the board 1531. May be. As another example, the inclination sensor 1537 may be realized by a gyro sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the user 5 gets on the board 1531 in a space surrounded by the housing 1535. In other words, the housing 1535 is configured such that the board 1531 moves only within the space. The housing 1535 includes a bar 1536. The user 5 can grip the bar 1536 while riding on the board 1531. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a dangerous situation in which the user 5 falls over without being able to control the movement of the board 1531.

  A controller 1538 is provided on the bar 1536 provided in front of the user. The controller 1538 is connected to the computer 200 by wire or wireless. The controller 1538 receives an instruction input from the user 5 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 1538 is configured to be gripped by the user 5. In one aspect, the controller 300 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal transmitted from the computer 200.

[Virtual space and view image]
FIG. 16 shows virtual space 11 and view image 1617 according to an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the avatar object 6 and the virtual camera 14 are arranged in the virtual space 11 for providing a virtual experience to the user 5. Actually, other virtual objects are also arranged in the virtual space 11, but in FIG. 16A, the other virtual objects are omitted for easy viewing of the drawing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16A, the avatar object 6 includes a humanoid part imitating the user 5 and a board-like part imitating the board 1531. The avatar object 6 is arranged in the air in the virtual space 11. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16A, the virtual camera 14 is disposed on the head of the avatar object 6. The virtual camera 14 defines a field-of-view area 15 according to the position and orientation of the virtual camera 14. The processor 210 defines a visual field image 17 corresponding to the visual field region 15. Defining the view image 17 is synonymous with generating the view image 17.

  The processor 210 further displays the view image 17 on the HMD 120 by outputting the view image 17 to the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. For example, a visual field image 1617 corresponding to the visual field region 15 shown in FIG. 16A is displayed on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The user 5 visually recognizes a part of the virtual space 11 from the viewpoint of the avatar object 6 by visually recognizing the visual field image 17. Thereby, the user 5 can obtain a virtual experience as if the user 5 is the avatar object 6.

  The processor 210 controls the movement of the avatar object 6. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 automatically (regardless of the operation of the user 5). In other words, the avatar object 6 keeps moving without stopping. For example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 in the moving direction 1641 shown in FIG. 16, that is, in a direction parallel to the XZ plane in the virtual space 11 unless the operation of the user 5 is accepted.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a virtual space 11 and a view field image 1717 according to an embodiment. Here, control of the moving direction of the avatar object will be described with reference to FIG.

  The processor 210 controls the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the operation of the user 5. In one aspect, the operation is a weight shift of the user 5 on the board 1531. The processor 210 controls the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board 1531 based on the weight movement.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, when the user 5 puts weight on the back and lowers the rear side of the board 1531 as compared to the front side, the processor 210 changes the moving direction 1641 according to the inclination of the board 1531. The moving direction is changed to a direction 1741 tilted upward with respect to FIG. As a result, the avatar object 6 moves (rises) while turning upward in the virtual space 11.

  In addition, when the user 5 puts weight on the front and lowers the front side of the board 1531 compared to the rear side, the processor 210 moves in the direction of tilting downward with respect to the movement direction 1641 according to the tilt of the board 1531. To change. Thereby, the avatar object 6 moves (lowers) while turning downward in the virtual space 11. When the user 5 puts his weight on the right and lowers the right side of the board 1531 compared to the left side, the processor 210 changes the moving direction in a direction inclined to the right with respect to the moving direction 1641 according to the inclination of the board 1531. . Thereby, the avatar object 6 moves while turning rightward in the virtual space 11. When the user 5 puts his weight on the left side and lowers the left side of the board 1531 compared to the right side, the movement direction is changed in a direction inclined to the left with respect to the movement direction 1641 according to the inclination of the board 1531. Thereby, the avatar object 6 moves while turning leftward in the virtual space 11.

  As an example, the processor 210 changes the magnitude of the inclination in the movement direction with respect to the movement direction 1641 according to the magnitude of the inclination of the board 1531. That is, when the user 5 tilts the board 1531 more greatly, the avatar object 6 bends more in the virtual space.

  In one aspect, the virtual camera 14 moves following the movement of the avatar object 6. In other words, the virtual camera 14 is always placed on the head of the avatar object 6 even if the avatar object 6 moves. Further, the virtual camera 14 tilts according to the tilt of the avatar object 6 with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the avatar object 6 lowers the rear side of the board 1531 compared to the front side, the virtual camera 14 similarly lowers the rear side compared to the front side. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 17A, the upper side (the zenith side) of the virtual space 11 is defined as the visual field region 15 as compared to the example of FIG. A view field image 1717 corresponding to the view field area 15 is displayed on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG.

[Game progress processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 shows virtual space 11 and view image 1917 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 19, the virtual space 11 is shown in a top view for easy viewing of the drawing. The same applies to FIGS. 20 and 21 and FIGS.

  In step S1801, the processor 210 of the computer 200 (hereinafter simply “processor 210”) defines the virtual space 11 shown in FIG. In an embodiment, the virtual space 11 is a game in which a first team to which a plurality of avatar objects 6 including an avatar object 6A associated with the user 5A move the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952 is displayed as the user 5A. It is a virtual space for letting a virtual experience. As an example, the game is a game in which the first team and the second team to which a plurality of avatar objects 6 belong, which are different from the avatar objects 6 belonging to the first team, are played. More specifically, when the avatar object 6 moves the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952, the first team and the second team compete for the total points given to the team to which the avatar object 6 belongs. It is a game. The processor 210 defines the virtual space 11 represented by the virtual space data by specifying the virtual space data.

  In step S <b> 1802, the processor 210 generates the virtual camera 14 as the virtual object generation module 1421 and places it in the virtual space 11. In step SS1803, the processor 210 generates the avatar object 6 as the virtual object generation module 1421 and arranges it in the virtual space 11. In step S <b> 1804, the processor 210 generates a ball object 1951 and a goal object 1952 as the virtual object generation module 1421 and places them in the virtual space 11.

  As an example, the processor 210 arranges the virtual camera 14, the avatar objects 6 </ b> A to 6 </ b> D, the ball object 1951, and the goal object 1952 as the virtual object generation module 1421 in the virtual space 11 as shown in FIG. Note that an avatar object 6B (first object) shown in FIG. 19A is an avatar object 6 belonging to the first team and different from the avatar object 6A. The avatar objects 6C and 6D (second object) are avatar objects 6 belonging to the second team. Hereinafter, the avatar object 6B may be referred to as a friendly avatar object 6B. The avatar objects 6C and 6D may be referred to as an enemy avatar object 6C and an enemy avatar object 6D.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19A, there are two avatar objects 6 belonging to the first team and the second team, but the number of avatar objects belonging to each team is not limited to this example. Further, the number of avatar objects 6 belonging to the first team and the number of avatar objects 6 belonging to the second team may be different.

  In order to distinguish between the avatar objects 6A and 6B belonging to the first team and the avatar objects 6C and 6D belonging to the second team, the color, shape, and the like of the avatar object 6 may be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, the board portion of the avatar object 6 may be different.

  The avatar objects 6B to 6D will be described on the assumption that the avatar object 6 is associated with a user other than the user 5A, that is, moves in the virtual space 11 based on the weight shift of each user. However, at least one of the avatar objects 6 </ b> B to 6 </ b> D may move in the virtual space 11 based on automatic control by the processor 210.

  In step S1805, the processor 210 determines the orientation of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the movement of the HMD 120 as the virtual camera control module 1422. Note that the position of the virtual camera 14 is determined according to the position of the avatar object 6A as described above. More specifically, the processor 210 controls the visual field region 15 that is the visual field from the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the posture of the head of the user 5A and the position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. . This process corresponds to part of the process in step S1140 of FIG.

  In step S1806, the processor 210 outputs the view field image 17 to the monitor 130. Specifically, the processor 210 defines the movement of the HMD 120 (that is, the orientation of the virtual camera 14), the inclination of the board 1531 (that is, the inclination of the avatar object 6), the position of the virtual camera 14, and the first virtual space 11. Based on the virtual space data, a view field image 17 corresponding to the view field area 15 is defined. The processor 210 further displays the view image 17 on the HMD 120 by outputting the view image 17 to the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. This processing corresponds to the processing in steps S1180 and S1190 in FIG.

  In the case of the example of FIG. 19A, the processor 210 defines the field-of-view area 15. Then, the processor 210 displays a view image 1917 corresponding to the view field area 15 on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 1917 includes an avatar object 6B, an avatar object 6C, a ball object 1951 (target object), and a goal object 1952 (target position) arranged in the view field area 15. By visually recognizing the view field image 1917, the user 5A can recognize the positional relationship of various virtual objects as if the user 5A itself was the avatar object 6A.

  In step S1807, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 as the avatar control module 1423. Furthermore, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A. In step S1808, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board as the avatar control module 1423. Specifically, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6A according to the detection result of the inclination sensor 1537. In addition, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar objects 6B to 6D according to the information indicating the moving direction included in the avatar information received via the network 2. As an example, the information indicating the moving direction included in the avatar information is generated according to the detection result of the inclination sensor 1537 provided on the board 1531 on which the user associated with each of the avatar objects 6B to 6D rides.

  The processes in steps S1805 to S1808 described above, that is, the update of the view image 17 according to the movement of the HMD 120, the movement of the avatar object 6, and the change of the movement direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board 1531 will be described later. Even while steps S1809 to S1812 are executed, they are repeatedly executed continuously.

  The game according to an embodiment is a game in which the avatar object 6 moves the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952 as described above. Therefore, the user 5A moves the weight on the board 1531, and first tries to move the avatar object 6A to the position where the ball object 1951 is arranged. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 1941 according to the inclination of the board 1531 based on the weight movement.

  FIG. 20 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 2017 according to an embodiment. As a result of moving the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 1941, the avatar object 6A approaches the ball object 1951 as shown in FIG. The processor 210 displays a view image 2017 corresponding to the view region 15 shown in FIG. 20A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. In the view field image 2017, the ball object 1951 is larger than the view field image 1917. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 6A is approaching the ball object 1951 by visually recognizing the view field image 2017.

  In FIG. 20A, since the relation with the description is weak, the positions of the avatar objects 6B to 6D are not changed from the example of FIG. However, actually, the avatar objects 6B to 6D also move in the virtual space 11 in real time. Similarly, in the following drawings, when the relation with the description is weak, the movement of the avatar object 6 is not shown in the diagram showing the virtual space 11.

  In step S1809, as the collision detection module 1424, the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 collide when the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 are in the first positional relationship. The first positional relationship is, for example, that the distance between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 is less than the first distance. Alternatively, the collision area defined by the avatar object 6A and the collision area defined by the ball object 1951 collide at least partially.

  In step S1810, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A collides with the ball object 1951, the processor 210 associates the ball object 1951 with the avatar object 6A as the association control module 1425. As an example, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A collides with the ball object 1951, the processor 210 associates the ball object 1951 with the avatar object 6A by placing the ball object 1951 in front of the avatar object 6A. The processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 associated with the avatar object 6A following the movement of the avatar object 6A.

  The user 5A moves the weight on the board 1531 to achieve the movement of the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952, and moves the avatar object 6A associated with the ball object 1951 to the position where the goal object 1952 is arranged. Try to move. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 2041 according to the inclination of the board 1531 based on the weight movement.

  FIG. 21 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2117 according to an embodiment. As a result of moving the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 2041, the avatar object 6A approaches the goal object 1952 and reaches the goal object 1952 as shown in FIG.

  In step S1811, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A has reached the goal object 1952, the processor 210 determines that the movement of the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952 has been achieved. As an example, the detection that the avatar object 6A has reached the goal object 1952 is realized by detecting that the avatar object 6A collides with the goal object 1952. The processor 210 detects, as the collision detection module 1424, that the avatar object 6A and the goal object 1952 collide when the avatar object 6A and the goal object 1952 are in the second positional relationship. The second positional relationship is, for example, that the distance between the avatar object 6A and the goal object 1952 is less than the second distance. Alternatively, the collision area defined by the avatar object 6A and the collision area defined by the goal object 1952 collide at least partially.

  In step S1812, the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team as the reward control module 1426. Specifically, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A associated with the ball object 1951 has reached the goal object 1952, the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team to which the avatar object 6A belongs. In other words, the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team as a reward for moving the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952 by the avatar object 6A.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2117 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 21A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. When the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team, the processor 210 may display the explanation image 2161 on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 2117 as shown in FIG. The explanation image 2161 is an image indicating that one point is given to the first team as the first point.

  As described above, when the avatar object 6A reaches the position of the goal object 1952 with the ball object 1951 associated therewith, the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team to which the avatar object 6A belongs.

  Similarly, when the avatar object 6B reaches the position of the goal object 1952 in a state where the ball object 1951 is associated, the processor 210 similarly gives the first point to the first team to which the avatar object 6B belongs.

  On the other hand, when the avatar object 6C or the avatar object 6D reaches the position of the goal object 1952 with the ball object 1951 associated therewith, the processor 210 sets the second point to the second team to which the avatar object 6C and the avatar object 6D belong. Is granted. As an example, the second point may be the same point as the first point.

(Ball object path)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 23 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2317 according to an embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is assumed to start from a state in which the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6A as shown in FIG.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2317 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 23A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 2317 includes a ball object 1951 disposed in front of the avatar object 6A. The user recognizes that the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6A by visually recognizing the view field image 2317.

  In step S2201, as the avatar control module 1423, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A so as to approach the ally avatar object 6B. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> A in the movement direction 2341 according to the inclination of the board 1531. Further, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> B in the movement direction 2342 according to the avatar information received via the network 2.

FIG. 24 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2417 according to an embodiment.
As a result of the processor 210 moving the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 2341 and moving the ally avatar object 6B in the movement direction 2342, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B Approaches. The processor 210 displays a view image 2417 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 24A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view field image 2417 is larger in the ally avatar object 6B than the view field image 2317. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are approaching each other by visually recognizing the view field image 2417.

  In step S2202, the processor 210 detects, as the collision detection module 1424, that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B collide when the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are in the third positional relationship. To do. The third positional relationship is, for example, that the distance between the avatar object 6A and the friendly avatar object 6B is less than the third distance. Alternatively, the collision area set for the avatar object 6A and the collision area set for the ally avatar object 6B collide at least partially.

  FIG. 25 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2517 according to an embodiment. In step S2203, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the teammate avatar object 6B collide, the processor 210 cancels the association between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 as the association control module 1425, and The ball object 1951 is associated with the object 6B. Then, the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 placed in front of the avatar object 6A in FIG. 24A in front of the ally avatar object 6B as shown in FIG.

  In step S2204, based on the association change in step S2203, the processor 210 gives the first team the first right that can acquire the first additional point at the time of the goal as the reward control module 1426. When the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 from the front of the avatar object 6A to the front of the ally's avatar object 6B, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 (A), the ball object 1951 is increased by one to two. To do. For example, one of the two ball objects 1951 indicates a first point (one point) given to the first team when the ally avatar object 6B reaches the goal object 1952. The other indicates a first additional point (one point) given to the first team in addition to the first point when the ally avatar object 6B reaches the goal object 1952.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2517 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 25A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 2517 includes two ball objects 1951 arranged in front of the ally avatar object 6B. When the user 5A visually recognizes that the ball object 1951 is moving in front of the ally avatar object 6B in the view image 2517, the association between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 is canceled, and the ally avatar object It is recognized that the ball object 1951 is associated with 6B. In other words, the user 5A recognizes the visual field image 2517 as if the ball object 1951 is passed from the avatar object 6 to the ally avatar object 6B. Further, the user 5A visually recognizes the two ball objects 1951 included in the view field image 2517, whereby the first right is granted to the first team. Specifically, the ally avatar object 6B is the goal object 1952. Recognize that 2 points will be awarded to the first team.

  FIG. 26 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2617 according to an embodiment. After the collision, the processor 210 continues to move the avatar object 6A and the friendly avatar object 6B. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A and the friendly avatar object 6B without changing the moving direction, as shown in FIG. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26A, the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are separated from each other. Further, the processor 210 moves the two ball objects 1951 following the ally's avatar object 6B as shown in FIG.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2617 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 26A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The user 5 </ b> A recognizes that the teammate avatar object 6 </ b> B and the two ball objects 1951 have moved outside the field-of-view area 15 by viewing the field-of-view image 2617.

  FIG. 27 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 2717 according to an embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 27A as a result of moving in the virtual space 11.

  In step S2205, as the avatar control module 1423, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A so as to approach the ally avatar object 6B. As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> A in the movement direction 2741 according to the inclination of the board 1531. Further, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> B in the movement direction 2742 according to the avatar information received via the network 2.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2717 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 27A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 27B. The field-of-view image 2717 includes two ball objects 1951 arranged in front of the ally avatar object 6B. The user recognizes that the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6B and that the first right is given to the first team by visually recognizing the view image 2717.

FIG. 28 shows virtual space 11 and view image 2817 according to an embodiment.
As a result of the processor 210 moving the avatar object 6A in the movement direction 2741 and moving the ally avatar object 6B in the movement direction 2742, as shown in FIG. 28 (A), the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B Approaches. The processor 210 displays a view image 2817 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 28A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. In the view image 2817, the avatar object 6B is larger than the view image 2717. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are approaching each other by visually recognizing the view field image 2817.

  In step S2206, as the collision detection module 1424, the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B collide when the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B are in the third positional relationship. To do.

  FIG. 29 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 2917 according to an embodiment. In step S2207, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B collide, the processor 210 cancels the association between the ally avatar object 6B and the ball object 1951 as the association control module 1425. The ball object 1951 is associated with the object 6A. Then, the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 placed in front of the friendly avatar object 6B in FIG. 28A in front of the avatar object 6A as shown in FIG.

  In step S2208, the processor 210 increases the value of the first additional point as a reward control module 1426 within a range not exceeding the upper limit value based on the association change in step S2207. When the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 from the front of the avatar object 6B to the front of the avatar object 6A, as shown in FIG. 29A, for example, the ball object 1951 is increased by one to three. To do. For example, one of the three ball objects 1951 indicates a first point (one point) given to the first team when the avatar object 6A reaches the goal object 1952. The remaining two indicate first additional points (two points) given to the first team in addition to the first point when the avatar object 6A reaches the goal object 1952.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 2917 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 29A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 2917 includes three ball objects 1951 arranged in front of the avatar object 6A. The user 5A visually recognizes that the ball object 1951 is moving in front of the avatar object 6A in the view image 2917, whereby the association between the ally avatar object 6B and the ball object 1951 is canceled, and the avatar object 6A It is recognized that the ball object 1951 is associated. In other words, the user 5A recognizes the visual field image 2917 as if the ball object 1951 is passed from the ally avatar object 6B to the avatar object 6A. In addition, the user 5A visually recognizes the three ball objects 1951 included in the field-of-view image 2917, thereby increasing the value of the first additional point. Specifically, when the avatar object 6A reaches the goal object 1952 Recognize that 3 points are awarded to the first team.

  For example, the upper limit value of the first additional point may be two points. In other words, the total of the first point and the first additional point given at the time of the goal may be three points. In this example, even if the avatar object 6A and the ally avatar object 6B collide again after step S2208, the value of the first additional point, that is, the number of ball objects 1951 does not increase. In addition, an upper limit value may not be set for the first additional point. In this case, the value of the first additional point increases each time the avatar object 6A collides with the friendly avatar object 6B.

  If one of the enemy avatar objects 6C and 6D contacts the other with the ball object 1951 associated with it, the processor 210 gives the second team the second right to acquire the second additional point at the time of the goal. To do. Further, when one of the enemy avatar objects 6C and 6D contacts the other with the second right granted to the second team, the processor 210 sets the value of the second additional point within a range not exceeding the upper limit value. Increase. As an example, the initial value of the second additional point may be the same point as the first additional point. Further, as an example, the upper limit value of the second additional point may be the same value (for example, two points) as the first additional point.

  FIG. 30 shows virtual space 11 and view image 3017 according to an embodiment. The processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> A so as to approach the goal object 1952 according to the inclination of the board 1531. As a result, the avatar object 6A approaches the goal object 1952 and reaches the goal object 1952 as shown in FIG. That is, the avatar object 6A collides with the goal object 1952.

  In step S2209, as the collision detection module 1424, the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the goal object 1952 collide when the avatar object 6A and the goal object 1952 are in the second positional relationship.

  In step S2210, the processor 210 gives the first point to the first team as the reward control module 1426. In step S2211, the processor 210 gives a first additional point to the first team as the reward control module 1426. In the example of FIG. 30, the processor 210 gives 1 point as the first point, and further gives 2 points to the first team as the first additional point.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3017 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 30A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 30B, the processor 210 may display the explanation image 3061 on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 3017. The explanation image 3061 is an image indicating that three points are given to the first team as a total of the first point and the first additional point.

  As described above, when the avatar object 6 associated with the ball object 1951 collides with the avatar object 6 belonging to the same team, a reward is given to the team.

  Since the moving direction of the avatar object 6 is determined by the weight shift of the user 5 riding on the board 1531, adjustment is difficult. Moreover, since the virtual space 11 is a three-dimensional space, the user 5 controls the moving direction of the avatar object 6 in the three-dimensional space by the weight movement. For this reason, it is also difficult to move the avatar object 6 in the virtual space 11 in the direction intended by the user 5. From the above, it is very difficult to cause the avatar object 6 to collide with another moving avatar object 6. By giving a reward when such a collision is realized, the user 5A tries to aim at the collision with the ally avatar object 6B when the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6A. As a result, the interest of the game is improved.

(Robbing ball objects)
FIG. 31 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 3117 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31A, three ball objects 1951 are arranged in front of the avatar object 6A. That is, the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6A, and the first right is given to the first team. Further, the value of the first additional point is two points.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3117 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 31A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The visual field image 3117 includes three ball objects 1951 arranged in front of the avatar object 6A. By visually recognizing the view field image 3117, the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6 </ b> A, the first right is granted to the first team, and the value of the first additional point is 2 Recognize that it is a point.

  As an example, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 </ b> A in the movement direction 3141 according to the inclination of the board 1531 as the avatar control module 1423. Further, the processor 210 moves the enemy avatar object 6 </ b> C in the movement direction 3142 according to the avatar information received via the network 2.

  FIG. 32 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 3217 according to an embodiment. As a result of the processor 210 moving the avatar object 6A in the moving direction 3141 and moving the enemy avatar object 6C in the moving direction 3142, as shown in FIG. 32 (A), the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C Approaches. The processor 210 displays a view image 3217 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 32A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. In the view image 3217, the enemy avatar object 6C is larger than the view image 3117. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C are approaching each other by visually recognizing the view field image 3217.

  As the collision detection module 1424, the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C collide when the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C are in the fourth positional relationship. The fourth positional relationship is, for example, that the distance between the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C is less than the fourth distance. Alternatively, the collision area set for the avatar object 6A and the collision area set for the enemy avatar object 6C collide at least partially.

  FIG. 33 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 3317 according to an embodiment. When the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the enemy avatar object 6C collide, the processor 210 cancels the association between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 as the association control module 1425, Associate the ball object 1951. Then, the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 placed in front of the avatar object 6A in FIG. 32A in front of the enemy avatar object 6C as shown in FIG.

  Further, the processor 210 resets the first right given to the first team as the reward control module 1426. When the processor 210 moves the ball object 1951 from the front of the avatar object 6A to the front of the enemy avatar object 6C, as an example, as shown in FIG. 33A, the ball object 1951 is reduced by two to be one. To do.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3317 corresponding to the view region 15 shown in FIG. 33A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 3317 includes an enemy avatar object 6C and a ball object 1951 disposed in front of the enemy avatar object 6C. By visually recognizing that the ball object 1951 is moving in front of the enemy avatar object 6C in the view image 3317, the user 5A cancels the association between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951, and the enemy avatar object It is recognized that the ball object 1951 is associated with 6C. In other words, the user 5A recognizes the visual field image 2517 as if the ball object 1951 held by the avatar object 6A was robbed by the enemy avatar object 6C. In addition, the user 5A recognizes that the first right granted to the first team has been reset by visually recognizing one ball object 1951 included in the view field image 2517.

  When the ball object 1951 is associated with the enemy avatar object 6C (or 6D) and the second right is granted to the second team, the enemy avatar object 6C (or 6D) is given an avatar. When the object 6A (or a friend's avatar object 6B) collides, the processor 210 cancels the association between the enemy avatar object 6C and the ball object, and places the ball object 1951 on the avatar object 6A (or the friend's avatar object 6B). Associate. In addition, the processor 210 resets the second right.

  As described above, when the avatar object 6 collides with the avatar object 6 associated with the ball object 1951 belonging to another team, the reward given to the other team is reset. Accordingly, when the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6A, the user 5A tries to avoid a collision with the avatar object 6C or 6D by moving the weight on the board 1531. On the other hand, the user of the avatar object 6C or 6D tries to aim at the collision with the avatar object 6A with which the ball object 1951 is associated by moving the weight on the board 1531.

  In addition, when the ball object 1951 is associated with the avatar object 6C or 6D belonging to the second team, the user 5A moves to the avatar object 6C or 6D with which the ball object 1951 is associated with the weight movement on the board 1531. Try to aim for a collision. On the other hand, the user of the avatar object 6C or 6D tries to avoid a collision with the avatar object 6A or 6B by moving the weight on the board 1531.

  As described above, since the moving direction of the avatar object 6 is determined by the weight shift of the user 5 riding on the board 1531, adjustment is difficult. Moreover, since the virtual space 11 is a three-dimensional space, the user 5 controls the moving direction of the avatar object 6 in the three-dimensional space by the weight movement. For this reason, it is also difficult to move the avatar object 6 in the virtual space 11 in the direction intended by the user 5. As a result, the collision of the avatar object 6 with another avatar object 6 and the avoidance of the collision are highly difficult. Therefore, the interest of the game is improved.

  As described above, the game according to an embodiment is a game in which the first team and the second team compete for the total of points. As an example, when the battle between the first team and the second team is completed, the processor 210 adds the first point and the first additional point given to the first team, and the second given to the second team. Based on the total of the points and the second additional points, the game win / loss is determined. For example, the processor 210 determines that the team with the higher total has won the battle. The game end condition may be, for example, that a preset time has elapsed since the start of the match, or the total of points of any team (for example, the first point and the first point in the first team) The sum of the additional points) may have reached a preset value.

(Boost)
In an embodiment, the processor 210 accepts an input of the first operation of the user 5A to the controller 1538. Furthermore, as the avatar control module 1423, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A faster than before the first operation is input in accordance with the input of the first operation. In other words, the processor 210 increases the moving speed of the avatar object 6A according to the input of the first operation.

  Here, it is assumed that the avatar object 6A and another avatar object 6 are moving in the same moving direction. Further, it is assumed that another avatar object 6 is in front of the avatar object 6A. In this case, the user 5 </ b> A can cause the avatar object 6 </ b> A to catch up with another avatar object 6 and collide with it by inputting the first operation to the controller 1538. Thereby, the 1st reward can be given to the 1st team more strategically, the value of the 1st additional point can be increased, or the 2nd reward can be reset.

  Further, for example, the user 5A places the avatar object 6A behind the ally avatar object 6B while moving the avatar object 6A in the same movement direction as the ally avatar object 6B, and inputs the first operation. Thereby, the collision between the avatar object 6A and the friendly avatar object 6B can be easily realized, and as a result, the first right can be easily given to the first team. Further, after the collision, when the avatar object 6A is positioned in front of the ally avatar object 6B, the user associated with the ally avatar object 6B can easily enter the first operation by inputting the first operation. The value of additional points can be increased.

  The processor 210 may maintain the increased moving speed as long as the input of the first operation is continued. In addition, when the first period in which the increased movement speed is maintained is set, and the input of the first operation is continued beyond the first period, the processor 210 may return the movement speed to the original. . In this example, the processor 210 may display a gauge (not shown) indicating the first period on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 17. The gauge indicating the first period decreases when the first operation is input, and becomes 0 when the input of the first operation is continued until the first period.

  The processor 210 may increase the decreased gauge when the input of the first operation is released. The processor 210 may increase the decreased gauge when the avatar object 6A reaches a predetermined position or collides with a predetermined item object.

[Embodiment 2]
In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which an instruction object indicating the first position to which the avatar object 6A (first object) is to be directed to the user 5A is arranged in the virtual space 11. The first position may be a dynamic position that moves during the virtual experience, or may be a static position that does not move during the virtual experience.

[Game progress processing]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment. The flowchart shows the game progress process after the process of step S1804 shown in FIG. 18 is executed. FIG. 35 shows virtual space 11 and view image 3517 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 35, the virtual space 11 is shown in a top view for the same reason as in FIG. The same applies to FIGS.

  In step S3401, the processor 210 generates a sphere 3571 shown in FIG. 35A, which is one of the instruction objects, as the virtual object generation module 1421 and arranges it in the virtual space 11.

  In one embodiment, the sphere 3571 is a solid centered on the position (first position) where the ball object 1951 is arranged. More specifically, the sphere 3571 is the largest solid that can be placed in the virtual space 11 with the position where the ball object 1951 is placed as the center. For example, the sphere 3571 may be a sphere as shown in FIG.

  In step S3402, the processor 210, as the virtual camera control module 1422, determines the orientation of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the movement of the HMD 120. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1805 shown in FIG. In step S3403, the processor 210 outputs the view field image 17 to the monitor 130. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1806 shown in FIG.

  The processes in steps S3402 and S3403, that is, the update of the view image 17 according to the movement of the HMD 120 is continuously and repeatedly executed while steps S3403 to S3414 described later are executed.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3517 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 35A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view field image 3517 includes a part of the sphere 3571 centering on the position where the ball object 1951 is arranged. On the other hand, the ball object 1951 is not included in the view image 3517 because it is outside the range of the view region 15 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the user 5A can visually recognize a part of the sphere 3571 by visually recognizing the visual field image 3517, but it is difficult to easily recognize the position of the ball object 1951.

  In the first embodiment, the first object corresponds to the avatar objects 6A and 6B, but in the present embodiment, the first object corresponds to the avatar object 6A. As shown in FIG. 35A, when the virtual camera 14 is placed on the head of the avatar object 6A, the first object can also be expressed as the virtual camera 14.

  In step S3404, the processor 210 reduces the sphere 3571 toward the ball object 1951 as the virtual object control module 1427. Specifically, the processor 210 reduces the surface of the sphere 3571 toward the center.

  FIG. 36 shows virtual space 11 and view image 3617 according to an embodiment. The sphere 3571 shown in FIG. 36A is smaller than the sphere 3571 shown in FIG. The processor 210 displays a view image 3617 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 36A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG.

  In the view field image 3517, a part of the sphere 3571 exists in the entire image, but in the view field image 3617, the sphere 3571 exists only on the right side of the image. In other words, the user 5A visually recognizes the visual field image 3517 and the visual field image 3617, whereby the surface of the sphere 3571 appears in the visual field image 17, moves in the direction 3649, and disappears from the visual field image 17 (that is, the sphere 3571). ). Since the sphere 3571 shrinks toward the first position, that is, the ball object 1951, the user 5A moves the head (ie, the HMD 120) so as to follow the reduction of the sphere 3571. As a result, the direction of the reference line of sight 16, that is, the direction of the visual field region 15 changes.

  FIG. 37 shows virtual space 11 and view image 3717 according to an embodiment. The sphere 3571 shown in FIG. 37A is further reduced compared to the sphere 3571 shown in FIG. Further, as the user 5A moves his / her head, the direction of the visual field region 15 changes as shown in FIG. The ball object 1951 is included in the visual field area 15 by changing the direction of the visual field area 15.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3717 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 37A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 3717 further includes a reduced sphere 3571 and a ball object 1951. That is, the user 5A can visually recognize the ball object 1951 by moving the head so as to follow the reduction of the sphere 3571.

  As shown in FIG. 35A or the like, the sphere 3571 may have a mesh pattern on the surface. Thereby, compared with the case where the sphere 3571 is expressed by a single texture, the consciousness of the user 5 </ b> A tends to face the sphere 3571. In other words, it becomes easier for the user 5A to notice the sphere 3571. Therefore, the user 5 </ b> A can easily recognize that the sphere 3571 is arranged in the virtual space 11. As a result, the user 5A can easily recognize the position of the ball object 1951.

  In the example described above, the sphere 3571 is a solid centered at the position where the ball object 1951 is disposed, but may be a solid centered at the position where the goal object 1952 is disposed. That is, the sphere 3571 may be a solid that reduces toward the goal object 1952.

  FIG. 38 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 3817 according to an embodiment. In step S3405, the processor 210 generates, as the virtual object generation module 1421, a guide 3872 shown in FIG. 38A, which is one of the instruction objects, and arranges it in the virtual space 11.

  The guide 3872 extends from the avatar object 6A (that is, the virtual camera 14) to the first position. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38A, the guide 3872 includes a first portion 3873 extending from the avatar object 6A to a second position advanced by a first distance in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. And a second portion 3874 extending from the second position to the first position. In the first embodiment, the first distance is a threshold value used for collision detection between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951. In the present embodiment, as described above, the avatar object 6A and the second position are Is the distance between.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 arranges the guide 3872 in which the second portion 3874 extends from the second position to the position (first position) where the ball object 1951 is arranged. The processor 210 moves the second portion 3874 of the guide 3872 from the second position until any avatar object 6 collides with the ball object 1951, that is, until the ball object 1951 is associated with any avatar object 6. The state of extending to the position where the object 1951 is arranged is maintained.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3817 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 38A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 38B. The field-of-view image 3817 includes a guide 3872 extending in the right direction in FIG. On the other hand, the ball object 1951 is not included in the field-of-view image 3817 because it is outside the field-of-view area 15 as shown in FIG. The user 5A visually recognizes the guide 3872 by visually recognizing the visual field image 3817. As described above, since the guide 3872 extends to the position where the ball object 1951 is disposed, the user 5A moves the head (that is, the HMD 120) in the extending direction of the guide 3872.

  FIG. 39 shows virtual space 11 and view image 3917 according to an embodiment. As described above, as the user 5A moves the head, the direction of the visual field region 15 changes as shown in FIG. The ball object 1951 is included in the visual field area 15 by changing the direction of the visual field area 15.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 3917 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 39A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 39B. The view image 3917 includes a second portion 3874 of the guide 3872 and a ball object 1951. That is, the user 5A can visually recognize the ball object 1951 by moving the head in the extending direction of the guide 3872. The first portion 3873 of the guide 3872 is a portion extending to the second position advanced by the first distance in the moving direction of the butter object 6A, and thus is outside the range of the visual field region 15. For this reason, the first portion 3873 is not included in the view field image 3917.

  In step S3406, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 as the avatar control module 1423. Furthermore, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG. In step S3407, as the avatar control module 1423, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG.

  The processes in steps S3406 and S3407, that is, the movement of the avatar object 6 and the change in the movement direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board 1531 are continued even while steps S3408 to S3414 described later are executed. Repeatedly.

  In step S3408, the processor 210 deforms the guide 3872 as the virtual object control module 1427 according to the movement of the avatar object 6A. Specifically, the processor 210 deforms the guide 3872 in accordance with a change in the positional relationship between the avatar object 6A and the virtual camera 14 and the ball object 1951 accompanying the movement of the avatar object 6A. More specifically, the processor 210 maintains the state where the guide 3872 extends from the avatar object 6A (virtual camera 14) to the ball object 1951 even when the avatar object 6A moves in the virtual space 11. The two portions 3874 are deformed. Thereby, even if the avatar object 6A moves, the user 5A can recognize the position of the ball object 1951 by visually recognizing the guide 3872 included in the view field image 17.

  FIG. 40 shows virtual space 11 and view image 4017 according to an embodiment. As a result of moving the avatar object 6A toward the position where the ball object 1951 is arranged, when the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 are in the first positional relationship, the processor 210, in step S3409, the collision detection module 1424. As a result, it is detected that the avatar object 6A collides with the ball object 1951 (YES in step S3409).

  When it is detected that the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 collide, in step S3410, the processor 210 associates the ball object 1951 with the avatar object 6A as the association control module 1425, as shown in FIG. The ball object 1951 is placed in front of the avatar object 6A.

  Further, in step S3411, the processor 210, as the virtual object control module 1427, as illustrated in FIG. 40A, the second portion 3874 of the guide 3872 extends from the avatar object 6A (virtual camera 14) to the goal object 1952. Deform. As an example, the processor 210 changes the first position from the position where the ball object 1951 is disposed to the position where the goal object 1952 is disposed. As a result, the processor 210 changes the extension destination of the second portion 3874 from the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4017 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 40A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 40B. The user 5A can easily recognize the position where the goal object 1952 is placed, which is the position where the avatar object 6A should go next, by visually recognizing the view image 4017.

  In addition, since the goal object 1952 is outside the range of the visual field area 15, the goal object 1952 may not be included in the visual field image 17. In this case, the field-of-view image 17 includes a guide 3872 that extends to either the top, bottom, left, or right end of the image. The user 5A can predict the position of the goal object 1952 by visually recognizing the guide 3872. When the user 5A moves his / her head in the extending direction of the guide 3872, the goal object 1952 is included in the view field image 17. Thereby, the user 5A can visually recognize the goal object 1952.

  The processor 210 may detect a collision between another avatar object 6 (second object) and the ball object 1951 before detecting a collision between the avatar object 6A and the ball object 1951 (NO in step S3409). And YES in step S3412). FIG. 41 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 4117 according to an embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the second object corresponds to the avatar objects 6C and 6D, but in the present embodiment, the second object is the other avatar object 6, that is, the avatar objects 6C and 6D. It corresponds to the avatar objects 6B to 6D.

  If it is detected that another avatar object 6 (avatar object 6C in FIG. 41A) collides with the ball object 1951, in step S3413, the processor 210 sets the ball on the avatar object 6C as the association control module 1425. The objects 1951 are associated with each other, and the ball object 1951 is placed in front of the avatar object 6C as shown in FIG.

  Further, in step S3414, the processor 210, as the virtual object control module 1427, as illustrated in FIG. 41A, the second portion 3874 of the guide 3872 extends from the avatar object 6A (virtual camera 14) to the avatar object 6C. Deform. As an example, the processor 210 changes the first position from the position where the ball object 1951 is placed to the position where the avatar object 6C is located. Thereby, the processor 210 changes the extension destination of the second portion 3874 from the ball object 1951 to the avatar object 6C.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4117 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 41A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 41B. By visually recognizing the view field image 4117, the user 5A can easily recognize the position where the avatar object 6C is located, which is the position where the avatar object 6A should go next.

  In addition, since the avatar object 6C is outside the range of the view field 15, the avatar object 6C may not be included in the view image 17. In this case, the field-of-view image 17 includes a guide 3872 that extends to either the top, bottom, left, or right end of the image. The user 5A can predict the position of the avatar object 6C by visually recognizing the guide 3872. The avatar object 6 </ b> C is included in the view field image 17 when the user 5 </ b> A moves the head in the extending direction of the guide 3872. Thereby, the user 5A can visually recognize the avatar object 6C.

  As described above, the processor 210 deforms the pointing object according to the present embodiment, that is, the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 so that both are directed to the first position. The user 5 </ b> A can easily recognize the first position to which the avatar object 6 </ b> A should go by visually recognizing these pointing objects included in the view field image 17. As a result, the interest of the virtual experience is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the avatar object 6A always moves regardless of the operation of the user 5A. For this reason, the positional relationship between the avatar object 6A and the first position always changes, and the user 5A easily loses sight of the first position. On the other hand, since the processor 210 deforms the guide 3872 so as to extend toward the first position, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the user 5A loses sight of the first position.

  The information regarding the guide 3872 may not be transmitted to the computer 200 associated with the other user 5. That is, the guide 3872 extending from the avatar object 6 associated with the other user 5 to the first position may not be displayed in the view field image 17 visually recognized by the user 5A. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a plurality of guides 3872 are included in the view field image 17 and it becomes difficult to visually recognize various objects such as the ball object 1951 and the goal object 1952.

  The processor 210 may further display an instruction image indicating the direction of the first position on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 17. For example, the processor 210 may cause the monitor 130 to display an arrow-type instruction image facing the direction of the first position. The processor 210 may change the direction indicated by the instruction image according to the movement of the avatar object 6A. Further, the processor 210 may change the mode of the instruction image according to the change of the first position. As an example, the processor 210 includes the avatar object 6 associated with the ball object 1951 when the first position is the position where the ball object 1951 is disposed, when the goal object 1952 is disposed, and so on. The color of the instruction image may be changed depending on the position. In addition, the processor 210 is that the avatar object 6 associated with the ball object 1951 is an avatar object 6 (that is, a friend) belonging to the first team or an avatar object 6 (that is, an enemy) belonging to the second team. The color of the instruction image may be changed accordingly.

  Further, the processor 210 arranges an object (for example, an arrow type) indicating the direction of the first position in the virtual space 11 instead of displaying the instruction image on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 17. May be. As an example, the processor 210 may place the object at a position advanced by a predetermined distance in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A, and move the object so as to follow the movement of the avatar object 6A.

  The processor 210 may extend the first portion 3873 of the guide 3872 from the avatar object 6A in the visual field direction of the virtual camera 14. Accordingly, since the first portion 3873 is always included in the view field image 17, the user 5A can easily travel the route to the first position as compared with the configuration in which the first portion extends in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. Can be recognized.

  In the game progress process described with reference to FIG. 34, the example in which the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 are arranged in the virtual space 11 has been described. However, the processor 210 arranges only one of the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 in the virtual space 11. May be.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 are arranged in the virtual space 11 that allows the user 5A to virtually experience the game described in the first embodiment has been described. However, the virtual space in which the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 are arranged is not limited to the virtual space 11 that allows the user 5A to virtually experience the game described in the first embodiment. As an example, at least one of the sphere 3571 and the guide 3872 may be arranged in a virtual space that allows the user 5A to virtually experience a game for competing time to reach the target position.

  In addition, the operation of the user 5A for controlling the movement of the avatar object 6A according to the present embodiment is not limited to the weight movement on the board 1531.

[Embodiment 3]
In the present embodiment, an example of control for suppressing the collision between the avatar object 6A (first object) and the obstacle object will be described.

[Game progress processing]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment. The flowchart shows the game progress process after the process of step S1804 shown in FIG. 18 is executed. FIG. 43 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 4317 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 43, the virtual space 11 is shown in a top view for the same reason as in FIG. The same applies to FIG.

  In step S4201, the processor 210 arranges an obstacle object as the virtual object generation module 1421. As an example, the obstacle object is an object that prevents movement of the avatar object 6A in the movement direction when it is detected that the avatar object 6A collides with the obstacle object. Specifically, the obstacle object may be an object that stops the colliding avatar object 6A. As an example, the obstacle object is an obstacle object 4353 (second object) shown in FIG. However, the mode (shape, size, color, etc.) of the obstacle object is not limited to the mode of the obstacle object 4353.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4317 corresponding to a view area (not shown in FIG. 43) from the virtual camera 14 on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 4317 includes a part of the obstacle object 4353. By visually recognizing the visual field image 4317, the user 5A recognizes that the obstacle object 4353 exists on the extension line in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A and that the obstacle object 4353 needs to be avoided.

  In the first embodiment, the first object corresponds to the avatar objects 6A and 6B, but in the present embodiment, the first object corresponds to the avatar object 6A. As shown in FIG. 43A, when the virtual camera 14 is placed on the head of the avatar object 6A, the first object can also be expressed as the virtual camera 14. In the first embodiment, the second object corresponds to the avatar objects 6C and 6D, but in the present embodiment, the second object corresponds to the obstacle object 4353.

  As the collision detection module 1424, the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 collide when the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 are in the fifth positional relationship. The fifth positional relationship is, for example, that the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is less than the fifth distance. Alternatively, the first collision area 4381 defined in the avatar object 6A (see FIG. 43A) and the collision area 4383 defined in the obstacle object 4353 (see FIG. 43A) at least partially collide. It is to be.

  In step S4202, as the virtual camera control module 1422, the processor 210 determines the orientation of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the movement of the HMD 120. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1805 shown in FIG. In step S4203, the processor 210 outputs the view field image 17 to the monitor 130. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1806 shown in FIG.

  In step S4204, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 as the avatar control module 1423. Furthermore, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG. In step S4205, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board as the avatar control module 1423. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG.

  The processes in steps S4202 to S4205 described above, that is, the update of the view image 17 according to the movement of the HMD 120, the movement of the avatar object 6, and the change of the movement direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board 1531 will be described later. Even while steps S4206 to S4208 are executed, they are repeatedly executed continuously.

  In step S4206, the processor 210 determines, as the collision detection module 1424, whether or not a first condition indicating that a collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is expected is satisfied. As an example, the processor 210 determines that the first condition is satisfied when the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 are in the sixth positional relationship. Specifically, the processor 210, as shown in FIG. 43 (A), the second collision area 4382 defined by the avatar object 6 </ b> A, which is larger than the first collision area 4381, and the collision defined by the obstacle object 4353. When the area 4383 collides at least partially, it may be determined that the first condition is satisfied. Further, the processor 210 determines that the first condition is satisfied when the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is less than the sixth distance and the obstacle object 4353 exists on the extension line in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. You may determine that you did.

  If it is determined that the first condition is satisfied (YES in step S4206), in step S4207, the processor 210 decreases the moving speed of the avatar object 6A as the avatar control module 1423. Furthermore, the processor 210 reduces the moving speed of the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A.

  The processor 210 reduces the moving speed of the avatar object 6A to the extent that the avatar object 6A can avoid the obstacle object 4353 in time by changing the moving direction of the avatar object 6A based on the weight movement of the user 5A. As an example, the processor 210 may decrease the moving speed of the avatar object 6A in accordance with a decrease in the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353. Thereby, the collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 can be easily avoided.

  FIG. 44 shows virtual space 11 and view image 4217 according to an embodiment. In step S4208, the processor 210 further moves the obstacle object 4353 as the virtual object control module 1427 in the direction in which the collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is suppressed as shown in FIG. Let

  As an example, the processor 210 may determine the moving direction of the obstacle object 4353 based on the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 44A, when the avatar object 6A moves in the moving direction 4441, that is, when the avatar object 6A turns to the right to avoid the obstacle object 4353, the processor 210 moves The obstacle object 4353 may be moved in a moving direction 4444 that is the opposite direction to the direction 4441. Thereby, compared with the structure which moves the obstruction object 4353 to the direction different from the moving direction 4444, the collision with the avatar object 6A and the obstruction object 4353 can be suppressed more. For example, based on the detection result of the inclination sensor 1537, the processor 210 may determine the movement direction of the obstacle object 4353 in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the avatar object 6A that can be identified from the detection result.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4417 corresponding to a view area (not shown in FIG. 44) from the virtual camera 14 on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 4417 is a view image when the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 44A, and the avatar object 6A moves in the moving direction 4441 (that is, turns right). It is a view image immediately before. The obstacle object 4353 included in the view field image 4417 has its end moved to the left of the view field image compared to the obstacle object 4353 included in the view field image 4317. That is, the processor 210 moves the obstacle object 4353 to the left in FIG. 44 based on the detection result of the inclination sensor 1537. The user 5A recognizes that the obstacle object 4353 has moved by visually recognizing the view image 4417. Further, the user 5 </ b> A visually recognizes the view field image 4417 to move the avatar object 6 </ b> A in the movement direction 4441 (that is, move it so as to turn right), whereby the collision between the avatar object 6 </ b> A and the obstacle object 4353 is performed. Recognize that there is a high possibility that it can be avoided.

  Further, the processor 210 may move the obstacle object 4353 as the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 decreases. In other words, the processor 210 may increase the moving distance of the obstacle object 4353 from the position at which the obstacle object 4353 is initially arranged, as the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 decreases. . In other words, the processor 210 may increase the total movement distance of the obstacle object 4353 according to the decrease in the distance between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353. Thereby, the collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 can be easily avoided.

  If processor 210 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (NO in step S4206), it does not execute steps S4207 and S4208, and ends the game progress process shown in FIG.

  As described above, when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, the processor 210 controls the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 so that the collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is suppressed. Thereby, since the collision of the avatar object 6A with the obstacle object 4353 is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the interest of the virtual experience and the decrease in the sense of immersion in the virtual space.

  Specifically, in order to resume the movement, it is necessary to largely change the movement direction so that the obstacle object 4353 is not positioned ahead of the movement direction. In the case of the configuration in which the movement of the avatar object 6A is controlled by the weight movement on the board 1531 as in the present embodiment, such a change in the movement direction is difficult for the user 5A. If the collision with the object object 4353 frequently occurs, the motivation of the user 5A is reduced. In addition, when the collision frequently occurs, the user 5A's consciousness concentrates on greatly changing the moving direction, and it becomes difficult for the user 5A to feel the floating feeling obtained from the user 5A riding on the board 1531. As a result, the immersive feeling is hindered. As described above, by controlling the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 so that the collision between the avatar object 6A and the obstacle object 4353 is suppressed, the motivation of the user 5A is reduced and the immersion is inhibited. It can be avoided.

  The above configuration is particularly effective when the obstacle object 4353 is an object that prevents movement of the avatar object 6A in the movement direction. This is because, when the avatar object 6A collides with the obstacle object 4353, the avatar object 6A cannot be controlled as desired by the user 5A, so that it is possible to suppress a great decrease in the interest of the virtual experience.

  In the game progress process described with reference to FIG. 42, the example in which both the decrease in the moving speed of the avatar object 6A and the movement of the obstacle object 4353 have been described has been described. Only one of the decrease in the moving speed of the moving object and the movement of the obstacle object 4353 may be executed.

  The obstacle object is not limited to an object that prevents the avatar object 6A from moving in the moving direction. As an example, in addition to an object that prevents the avatar object 6A from moving in the moving direction, such as the obstacle object 4353, the processor 210 does not prevent the avatar object 6A from moving in the moving direction even if the avatar object 6A collides. Object objects may be arranged in the virtual space 11. As an example, the obstacle object may be an object that is destroyed when the avatar object 6A collides. The processor 210 may arrange the obstacle object in the virtual space 11 together with the obstacle object that prevents the avatar object 6 </ b> A from moving in the moving direction, or may arrange only the obstacle object in the virtual space 11. Good.

  In addition, the operation of the user 5A for controlling the movement of the avatar object 6A according to the present embodiment is not limited to the weight movement on the board 1531. Specifically, the operation may be an operation of the lower body of the user 5A. As an example, the operation may be a step on a pedal provided in a device for providing a virtual experience to a user.

[Embodiment 4]
In the present embodiment, effects included in the view field image 17 will be described.

[Control of view field 15]
FIG. 45 shows virtual space 11 and view image 4517 according to an embodiment. As described above, the processor 210 controls the visual field region 15 that is the visual field from the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 based on the posture of the head of the user 5A. Specifically, the processor 210 determines the direction of the virtual camera 14 (that is, the reference line of sight 16) based on the posture of the head of the user 5A. Then, the processor 210 defines the visual field area 15 based on the reference line of sight 16. Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the virtual camera 14 is arranged on the head of the avatar object 6A, as in the above-described embodiment. Further, as described above, the processor 210 controls the moving direction of the avatar object 6A based on the weight movement of the user 5A on the board 1531. That is, the direction of the reference line of sight 16 and the moving direction of the avatar object 6A are controlled by different operations by the user 5A.

  For this reason, the moving direction of the avatar object 6A and the reference line of sight 16 may or may not match. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the face of the user 5 (user 5 </ b> A) is oriented in the positive direction of the roll axis (w axis), the moving direction 1641 and the reference line of sight 16 are in the same direction. . For this reason, the processor 210 defines the field-of-view area 15 in the moving direction 1641 of the avatar object 6 (avatar object 6A) as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 45, when the face of the user 5 (user 5A) faces in the positive direction of the pitch axis (u-axis), the moving direction 4541 and the reference line of sight 16 are different directions. . Therefore, the processor 210 defines the field-of-view area 15 in a direction different from the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6 (avatar object 6A) as shown in FIG. The processor 210 displays a view image 4517 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 45A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 45B. Since the direction of the visual field region 15 is different between FIG. 16A and FIG. 45A, the visual field image 4517 is different from the visual field image 1617. Specifically, the scenery of the virtual space 11 included in the view field image 1617 is a scenery in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. On the other hand, the scenery included in the field-of-view image 4517 is a scenery when facing right with respect to the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. In this way, the user 5A can obtain a virtual experience of moving in the virtual space 11 and facing in a direction different from the moving direction and viewing the scenery in that direction.

[Game progress processing]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment. The flowchart shows the game progress process after the process of step S1804 shown in FIG. 18 is executed. FIG. 47 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 4717 according to an embodiment. 47, the virtual space 11 is shown in a top view for the same reason as in FIG. The same applies to FIGS. 48 and 49.

  In step S4601, the processor 210 specifies a vanishing point (first position) on an extension line in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. In step S4602, the processor 210 generates a first mesh object 4754 (first object) as the virtual object generation module 1421 and places it at the specified vanishing point. In step S4603, the processor 210 generates a second mesh object (second object) (not shown) as the virtual object generation module 1421 and places it below the avatar object 6A. The first mesh object 4754 is an object that emits first particles to be described later. The second mesh object is an object that emits second particles described later. Both the first mesh object 4754 and the second mesh object are objects that the user 5A cannot visually recognize. As an example, the processor 210 generates the first mesh object 4754 and the second mesh object as transparent objects and places them in the virtual space 11.

  In the second embodiment, the first position corresponds to the position to which the avatar object 6A should go, but in the present embodiment, the first position is a position on an extension line in the moving direction of the avatar object 6A. For example, it corresponds to the position of the vanishing point. In the present embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiments, the first object corresponds to the first mesh object 4754 and the second object corresponds to the second mesh object.

  In step S4604, the processor 210 determines the orientation of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the movement of the HMD 120 as the virtual camera control module 1422. For example, when the face of the user 5A is oriented in the positive direction of the roll axis (w axis), the processor 210 performs a virtual camera in the same direction as the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A as shown in FIG. Turn 14 The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1805 shown in FIG. In step S4605, the processor 210 outputs the view field image 17 to the monitor 130. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1806 shown in FIG.

  In step S4606, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 as the avatar control module 1423. Furthermore, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG. In step S4607, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board as the avatar control module 1423. The processing in this step is the same as the processing in step S1807 shown in FIG.

  The processes in steps S4604 to S4607 described above, that is, the updating of the view image 17 according to the movement of the HMD 120, the movement of the avatar object 6, and the change of the movement direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board 1531 will be described later. While steps S4608 to S4611 are executed, the operations are repeatedly executed continuously.

  In step S4608, as the virtual object control module 1427, the processor 210 moves the first mesh object 4754 and the second mesh object so as to follow the avatar object 6A. That is, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A while maintaining the positional relationship between the first mesh object 4754 and the second mesh object.

  In step S4609, the processor 210, as the virtual object control module 1427, causes the first mesh object 4754 to flow the first particle 4755 flowing in the second direction 4746 with reference to the first direction 4745 facing the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A. To release from. Specifically, the processor 210 emits, from the first mesh object 4754, first particles 4755 that flow in a second direction 4746 that is a radial direction centered on the first direction 4745. In FIG. 47 (A), the first particles 4755 that pass above and below the avatar object 6A are not shown in consideration of the visibility of the drawing, but in reality, the first particles 4755 are not included in the avatar object. It also passes above and below 6A.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4717 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 47A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 47B. The view image 4717 includes first particles 4755. As described above, since the first mesh object 4754 is an object that cannot be visually recognized by the user 5A, it is not included in the view field image 4717. As shown in FIG. 47A, since the virtual camera 14 faces the same direction as the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A, the first particle 4755 in the view field image 4717 is the avatar object 6A (ie, virtual viewpoint). It flows in a radial direction centered on the direction opposite to the moving direction of.

  FIG. 48 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 4817 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 48A, as in FIG. 47A, the first particles 4755 that pass above and below the avatar object 6A are not shown, but in reality, the first particles 4755 are not included in the avatar object 6A. Also passes above and below.

  When the user 5A points his / her face in the positive direction of the pitch axis (u-axis), the processor 210 virtually moves in a direction tilted to the right with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A, as shown in FIG. The camera 14 is pointed. In other words, the reference line of sight 16 is a direction inclined to the right with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4817 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 46A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. The view image 4817 includes first particles 4755. As described above, the virtual camera 14 faces in the direction tilted to the right with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A. On the other hand, the relationship between the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A and the second direction 4746 in which the first particles 4755 flow does not change. In other words, even if the direction of the visual field region 15 changes, the second direction 4746 is a direction based on the first direction 4745 that faces the moving direction 4541. Therefore, the first particle 4755 in the view image 4817 flows in a direction 4846 opposite to the direction 4841 corresponding to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A in the view image 4817. That is, the first particle 4755 flows from the left end to the right end of the view field image 4817 (crosses the view field image 4817).

  As described above, when the direction in which the virtual camera 14 is facing (reference line of sight 16) is different from the moving direction of the avatar object 6A, the first particle 4755 has a moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A in the visual field image 17. It flows in the opposite direction to the corresponding direction. Although not shown, when the user 5A faces his face in the negative direction of the pitch axis (u-axis), the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 in a direction inclined to the left with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A. Turn. In this case, the first particle 4755 flows from the right end to the left end of the field-of-view image 17. When the user 5A points his / her face in the positive direction of the yaw axis (v-axis), the processor 210 points the virtual camera 14 in a direction inclined upward with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A. In this case, the first particle 4755 flows from the lower end to the upper end of the view field image. When the user 5A points his / her face in the negative direction of the yaw axis (v-axis), the processor 210 points the virtual camera 14 in a direction inclined downward with respect to the moving direction 4541 of the avatar object 6A. In this case, the first particle 4755 flows from the upper end to the lower end of the view image. Note that the top, bottom, left, and right described in this paragraph are the same as the top, bottom, left, and right of the field-of-view image 4817 shown in FIG.

  If the virtual camera 14 is pointed in a direction different from the moving direction of the avatar object 6A, a line of sight is drawn in the moving direction of the virtual object, causing an illusion (vectoring effect) of the moving direction, leading to sickness. On the other hand, the first particles 4755 displayed in the view image 17 hide the virtual object included in the view image 17. Thereby, the amount of information that enters the eyes of the user 5A from the view field image 17 can be reduced, and sickness can be reduced.

  The processor 210 may cause the first particles 4755 that are translucent to be emitted to the first mesh object 4754. In other words, the processor 210 may cause the first mesh object 4754 to emit the first particles 4755 subjected to the transparent process. The first particle 4755 also contributes to giving a virtual experience as if the user 5A is moving in the virtual space 11 while cutting the wind. In other words, the first particles 4755 are for expressing the state of moving while cutting the wind, and are not a motif of what exists in the real world. Therefore, by making the first particle 4755 semi-transparent, it is possible to suppress a deviation from the real world and to prevent the user 5A from being immersed in the virtual space 11.

  Further, since the first particle 4755 is translucent, when the first particle 4755 crosses the field-of-view image 17, the first particle 4755 is less likely to cause a vection effect than when the first particle 4755 is a non-transparent object. Can do. Thereby, the amount of information entering the eyes of the user 5A while hiding the virtual object can be reduced, and sickness can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress inhibition of the sense of immersion in the virtual space 11 of the user 5A due to sickness.

  FIG. 49 shows virtual space 11 and field-of-view image 4917 according to an embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 46, it is assumed that the processor 210 determines the orientation of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 according to the movement of the HMD 120 as the virtual camera control module 1422 after executing the process of step S4607. In other words, the processor 210 changes the moving direction of the avatar object 6A from the first moving direction 4941 to the second moving direction 4948 as shown in FIG.

  In step S4610, the processor 210 determines whether or not the angle formed by the first movement direction 4941 and the second movement direction 4948 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. That is, the processor 210 determines whether or not the avatar object 6A has greatly changed the moving direction. If it is determined that the angle is greater than or equal to the first threshold (YES in step S4610), in step S4611, the processor 210 uses the second mesh object as a virtual object control module 1427 as shown in FIG. The second particles 4956 spreading in the direction toward the avatar object 6A are emitted from the second mesh object. The second particles 4956 may be bowl-shaped as shown in FIG. As a result, the user 5A can obtain a virtual experience as if he / she shaved and scattered the clouds by greatly tilting the board 1531.

  The processor 210 displays a view image 4917 corresponding to the view area 15 shown in FIG. 49A on the monitor 130 as shown in FIG. 49B. The view image 4917 includes second particles 4956 in addition to the first particles 4755. The second particles 4956 spread from the lower end of the view image 4917 to the view image 4917.

  When the moving direction of the avatar object 6A is greatly changed in the virtual space 11, it is easy to induce sickness. Therefore, when the moving direction of the butter object 6A is largely changed, the second particle 4956 is displayed in the view field image 17 so that the user 5A can visually recognize the effect as if the cloud was shaved and scattered. The amount of information that enters can be further reduced, and sickness can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress inhibition of the sense of immersion in the virtual space 11 of the user 5A due to sickness.

  The first particle 4755 expresses a state of moving while cutting the wind, and the second particle 4956 expresses a shaved cloud. Therefore, the processor 210 transmits more than the first particle 4755. The second particles 4956 having a low degree may be emitted from the second mesh object. As an example, the processor 210 may cause the white second particles 4956 that have not been subjected to the transparency process to be emitted from the second mesh object. As another example, the processor 210 may cause the second mesh object to emit white second particles 4956 that have been subjected to transparency processing and have lower transparency than the first particles 4755.

  Information indicating the emission of the first particles 4755 and the second particles 4956 is not transmitted to the computer 200 associated with the other user 5. That is, the state in which the first particles 4755 and the second particles 4956 are emitted around the avatar object 6 associated with the other user 5 is not displayed in the view field image 17 visually recognized by the user 5A.

  The 1st particle 4755 and the 2nd particle 4956 are not limited to the structure discharge | released from the 1st mesh object 4754 and the 2nd mesh object respectively arrange | positioned in the virtual space 11. For example, the processor 210 may display the first effect in which the first particles 4855 are emitted and the second effect in which the second particles 4956 are emitted on the monitor 130 so as to be superimposed on the view field image 17. .

[Embodiment 5]
This embodiment demonstrates the structure which gives the user 5A the stimulus according to a visual field image in the real world.

[Game progress processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment.

  In step S5001, the processor 210 defines a virtual space 11 for providing a virtual experience to the user. In an embodiment, the virtual space 11 is a game in which a first team to which a plurality of avatar objects 6 including an avatar object 6A associated with the user 5A move the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952 is displayed as the user 5A. It is a virtual space for letting a virtual experience.

  In step S <b> 5002, the processor 210 generates the virtual camera 14 as the virtual object generation module 1421 and places it in the virtual space 11. As an example, the processor 210 generates an avatar object 6A associated with the user 5A and arranges it in the virtual space. Then, the processor 210 places the virtual camera 14 on the head of the avatar object 6A.

  In step S5003, the processor 210 starts the first part in the virtual space 11. As an example, the first part may be an introduction part of the game.

  In step S5004, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6A as the avatar control module 1423 irrespective of the action of the user 5A. In step S5005, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 to follow the avatar object 6A as the virtual camera control module 1422. In other words, the processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 without depending on the operation of the user 5A.

  FIG. 51 is a diagram showing changes in the field-of-view image 17 and device control based on the changes according to an embodiment.

  In step S5006, the processor 210 generates a first view image corresponding to the view of the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422. As an example, the processor 210 sequentially generates first view images 5117A to 5117D illustrated in FIG. 49 in accordance with the movement of the virtual camera 14. The view images 5117A to 5117D are view images that automatically move on the rail (view images 5117A to 5117C) and jump out into the air (view image 5117D) to give a virtual experience to the user. In step S5007, the processor 210 causes the view image 17 to be displayed on the HMD 120 by sequentially outputting the view images 5117A to 5117D shown in FIG.

  In step S5008, the processor 210 provides the user 5A with the first stimulus corresponding to the first view image as the stimulus applying module 1428 regardless of the operation of the user 5A. As an example, the board 1531 according to the present embodiment is fixed to the flat plate 1532 so as not to tilt due to the weight shift of the user 5A. The processor 210 unlocks the board 1531 to provide the first stimulus. Thereby, the peristalsis of the board 1531 is given to the tactile organ of the user 5A as the first stimulus. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 51, the board 1531 is fixed to the flat plate 1532 by the fixing mechanism 5139 during the period indicated by the arrow 5191, that is, the period during which the view images 5117 </ b> A to 5117 </ b> C are displayed on the HMD 120. The processor 210 allows the spring 1533 to be expanded and contracted by removing the fixing mechanism 5139 at the timing when the view image 5117D is displayed on the HMD 120. Thereby, the peristalsis of the board 1531 is given to the tactile organ of the user 5A as the first stimulus. Then, the user 5A can obtain a virtual experience as if he / she jumped out into the air. Then, during the period indicated by the arrow 5192, that is, after the view field image 5117 </ b> D is displayed on the HMD 120, the board 1531 is connected to the flat plate 1532 only by the spring 1533.

  In step S5009, the processor 210 ends the first part and starts the second part. For example, the second part may be the main part of the game. As an example, the processor 210 may generate the avatar object 6 other than the avatar object 6A, the ball object 1951, and the goal object 1952 as the virtual object generation module 1421 and place them in the virtual space 11.

  In step S5010, the processor 210 moves the avatar object 6 as the avatar control module 1423. In step S5011, the processor 210 determines the moving direction of the avatar object 6 according to the inclination of the board as the avatar control module 1423. In step S5012, the processor 210 further moves the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422 so as to follow the avatar object 6A. In other words, the processor 210 controls the movement of the virtual camera according to the operation of the user 5A.

  In step S <b> 5013, the processor 210 generates a second view image corresponding to the view of the virtual camera 14 as the virtual camera control module 1422. As an example, the processor 210 generates a view image such as the view image 2017 shown in FIG. 20 according to the movement of the virtual camera 14 based on the weight shift of the user 5A on the board 1531. In step S5014, the processor 210 causes the HMD 120 to display the second view field image.

  In step S5015, the second stimulus corresponding to the second view image is given to the user according to the operation of the user 5A. Since the second part is the period indicated by the arrow 5192 in FIG. 51, the board 1531 is connected to the flat plate 1532 only by the spring 1533. For this reason, peristalsis caused by the expansion and contraction of the spring 1533 based on the weight movement of the user on the board 1531 is given to the tactile organ of the user 5A as the second stimulus.

  As described above, the processor 210 provides the user 5A with the first stimulus corresponding to the first view image in the first part, which is a game introduction unit, regardless of the operation of the user 5A. Specifically, a visual field image 5117D that gives the user 5A a virtual experience that jumps out into the air is displayed on the HMD 120, and the peristalsis of the spring 1533 caused by removing the fixing mechanism 5139 is given to the user 5A. Thereby, it is possible to give the user 5A a feeling as if it was thrown into the sky. In the present embodiment, the sensation of being thrown into the sky is a sensation reminiscent of the contents of the second part that is started thereafter, that is, the main game. Specifically, it is a feeling reminiscent of the contents of the main game of floating in the air and moving. By giving such a feeling to the user 5A at the introduction part of the game, it is possible to improve the sense of immersion of the user 5A into the main game. Specifically, since the user 5A is given a virtual experience of jumping out into the air at the introductory part, even if the stimulus given to the user 5A in the main part of the game is a stimulus caused by the perturbation of the spring 1533 If the user is floating in the air, the user 5A can be illusioned.

  In addition, it is considered that the immersive feeling in the main part of the game increases as the reality of the stimulus given by the introduction part increases. For this reason, the processor 210 forcibly gives a stimulus (first stimulus) to the user 5A in the introduction unit. Thereby, the immersion feeling in the main game can be further improved.

  The processor 210 may perform processing other than removing the fixing mechanism 5139 in order to give the first stimulus. As an example, the processor 210 may lift the user in the air in the real space by controlling a wire pulling mechanism (not shown) attached to the user 5A at the timing when the view image 5117D is displayed on the HMD 120. .

  Further, the processor 210 may give the second stimulus to the user according to the operation of the user 5A. For example, when the processor 210 detects that the avatar object 6A has collided with the obstacle object as a result of controlling the moving direction of the avatar object 6A based on the weight shift of the user 5A, the processor 210 detects a vibration mechanism (not suitable) (Shown) may be vibrated.

  Further, the game according to the present embodiment is not limited to a game in which the first team to which a plurality of avatar objects 6 including the avatar object 6A associated with the user 5A move the ball object 1951 to the goal object 1952. As an example, the game according to the present embodiment may be a game based on the theme of a race such as a bobsled or a time trial. Specifically, in the game, the avatar object 6A associated with the user 5A rides on an object imitating a bobsled sled (hereinafter referred to as a sled object), and the time for sliding down the course is associated with another user 5. It may be a game that competes with the avatar object 6.

  In this example, the user 5 </ b> A controls the movement of the sled object by riding on a riding part simulating a bobsled sled and moving the weight. The riding portion is connected to the casing by a spring and is fixed to the casing by a fixing mechanism. In the first part, the processor 210 causes the HMD 120 to display the view image 17 (first view image) corresponding to the view from the avatar object jumping on the sled object waiting at the start point. The processor 210 removes the fixing mechanism at the timing when the view field image 17 is displayed on the HMD 120. As a result, as the first stimulus corresponding to the view field image 17, the riding portion is perturbed to the tactile organ of the user 5 </ b> A. Then, the user 5A can obtain a virtual experience as if the sled was shaken by jumping on the sled.

  The processor 210 starts the second part immediately after giving the start signal. The processor 210 moves the virtual camera 14 so as to follow the movement of the sled object based on the weight movement of the user riding on the riding section. That is, the processor 210 causes the HMD 120 to display the view image 17 (second view image) based on the weight shift of the user. In the second part, as the second stimulus corresponding to the visual field image 17, peristalsis caused by the expansion and contraction of the spring based on the weight shift of the user riding on the riding portion is given to the tactile organ of the user 5A.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, the technical scope of this invention should not be limitedly interpreted by description of this embodiment. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

[Additional Notes]
The contents according to one aspect of the present invention are listed as follows.

  (Item 1) The program was explained. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a program includes a processor (processor 210) for providing a virtual experience via an image display device (HMD 120) associated with a user (user 5A) head. (Computer 200). The program defines a virtual space (virtual space 11) for providing a virtual experience to the user in the processor (S1801), and sets a virtual viewpoint (virtual camera 14, avatar object 6A) in the virtual space ( S1802), a step of controlling the field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint (S4604), a step of moving the virtual viewpoint (S4606), The step of controlling the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the head (S4607), the step of defining the view image (view image 17) corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint, and the view image And outputting to the display device (S4605). The field-of-view image is a first effect (first particle 4755) that flows in a second direction (second direction 4746) based on a first direction (first direction 4745) opposite to the moving direction (movement direction 4541) in the virtual space. )including.

  (Item 2) In (Item 1), the second direction is a radial direction centered on the first direction.

  (Item 3) In (Item 1) or (Item 2), the program causes the processor to identify a first position on the extension line in the direction of travel of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space (S4401); A step of arranging, at the first position, a first object (first mesh object 4554) that emits first particles (first particles 4555) that flow radially from the first position toward the virtual viewpoint and that represents the first effect. (S4402) is further executed.

  (Item 4) In (Item 3), the first particles are subjected to a transmission process.

  (Item 5) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 4), in the step of moving, the virtual viewpoint is changed according to the inclination of the riding portion based on the weight shift of the user riding on the riding portion (board 1531). In the step of changing the movement direction from the first movement direction (first movement direction 4741) to the second movement direction (second movement direction 4748) and outputting, the first movement direction and the second movement When the angle formed by the direction is equal to or greater than the first threshold, a view field image including a second effect (second particle 4756) different from the first effect is output to the image display device.

  (Item 6) In (Item 5), the program causes the processor to specify a second position below the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and to expand in the direction from the second position to the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space. The step (S4403) of placing the second object that emits the second particle (second particle 4756) representing the second effect at the second position is further executed.

  (Item 7) In (Item 6), in the virtual space, a step of specifying a first position on an extension line of the traveling direction of the virtual viewpoint, and a radial flow in a direction from the first position toward the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, The step of placing the first object that emits the first particle representing the first effect at the first position is further executed, and the second particle is lower in transparency than the first particle.

  (Item 8) The information processing apparatus has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device (computer 200) includes an image display device (HMD 120) associated with the user's head and a processor to provide a virtual experience via the image display device. A storage unit (storage 230) that stores a program executed by the computer, and a control unit (processor 210) that controls the operation of the information processing apparatus by executing the program. The control unit defines a virtual space (virtual space 11) for providing a virtual experience to the user (user 5A), sets a virtual viewpoint (virtual camera 14, avatar object 6A) in the virtual space, and the user's head Controls the field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to the posture of the user and the position of the virtual viewpoint, moves the virtual viewpoint, and controls the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the user's head Then, a view image (view image 17) corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint is defined, and the view image is output to the image display device. The field-of-view image includes a first effect that flows in a second direction (second direction 4746) based on a first direction (first direction 4745) facing the moving direction in the virtual space.

  (Item 9) A method for executing a program has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a program (computer 210) includes a processor (processor 210) to provide a virtual experience via an image display device (HMD 120) associated with a user's (user 5A) head. Executed by the computer 200). In the program, the processor defines a virtual space (virtual space 11) for providing a virtual experience to the user (S1801), and sets a virtual viewpoint (virtual camera 14, avatar object 6A) in the virtual space ( S1802), a step of controlling the field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint (S4604), a step of moving the virtual viewpoint (S4606), The step of controlling the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the head (S4607), the step of defining the view image (view image 17) corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint, and the view image And outputting to the display device (S4605). The field-of-view image is a first effect (first particle 4755) that flows in a second direction (second direction 4746) based on a first direction (first direction 4745) opposite to the moving direction (movement direction 4541) in the virtual space. )including.

  In the embodiment described above, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed by the HMD has been described as an example. However, a transmissive HMD may be adopted as the HMD. In this case, an augmented reality (AR) space or mixed reality (AR) space or mixed reality (AR) is generated by outputting a visual field image obtained by synthesizing a part of an image constituting the virtual space to the real space visually recognized by the user via the transmissive HMD. A virtual experience in an MR (Mixed Reality) space may be provided to the user. In this case, instead of the operation object, an action on the target object in the virtual space may be generated based on the movement of the user's hand. Specifically, the processor may specify the coordinate information of the position of the user's hand in the real space and define the position of the target object in the virtual space in relation to the coordinate information in the real space. As a result, the processor can grasp the positional relationship between the user's hand in the real space and the target object in the virtual space, and can execute processing corresponding to the above-described collision control or the like between the user's hand and the target object. . As a result, it is possible to act on the target object based on the movement of the user's hand.

  2 network, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C virtual space, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D user, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D avatar object, 11 virtual space, 12 center, 13 panoramic image, 14, 14A virtual camera , 15 field of view, 16 reference line of sight, 17, 17A field of view image, 18, 19 area, 100 HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D HMD set, 120, 120A, 120B, HMD, 130, 130A monitor, 140 , 140 Gaze sensor, 150 First camera, 160 Second camera, 170, 170A Microphone, 180, 180A, 180B Speaker, 190 sensor, 200, 200A, 200B Computer, 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 610 Processor 220, 620 Memory, 230, 630 Storage, 240, 640 I / O interface, 250, 650 Communication interface, 260, 660 Bus, 300, 300B Controller, 300R Right controller, 310 Grip, 320 Frame, 330 Top, 340, 340, 350, 370, 380 buttons, 360 infrared LED, 390 analog stick, 410 HMD sensor, 420, 420A motion sensor, 430 display, 510 control module, 520 rendering module, 530 memory module, 540 communication control module, 600 server, 700 External device, 1421 Virtual object generation module, 1422 Virtual camera control module, 1423 Control module, 1424 collision detection module, 1425 association control module, 1426 reward control module, 1427 virtual object control module, 1428 stimulus module, 1531 board, 1532 flat plate, 1533 spring, 1534 caster, 1535 housing, 1536 bar, 1537 Tilt sensor, 1538 controller, 1641, 1941, 2041, 2341, 2342, 2174, 2742, 3141, 3142, 4441, 4444, 4541 travel direction, 1617, 1717, 1917, 2017, 2117, 2317, 2417, 2517, 2617, 2717, 2817, 2917, 3017, 3117, 3217, 3317, 3517, 3617, 3717, 3817, 3917 4017, 4117, 4317, 4417, 4617, 4717, 4817, 4917, 5117A, 5117B, 5117C, 5117D view image, 1741, 4841, 4846 direction, 1951 ball object, 1952 goal object, 2161, 3061 description image, 3571 sphere, 3872 Guide, 3873 1st part, 3874 2nd part, 4353 Obstacle object, 4381 Collision collision, 4382 Collision expected collision, 4745 1st direction, 4746 2nd direction, 4754 Mesh object, 4755 1st particle, 4941 1st Moving direction, 4948 Second moving direction, 4956 Second particle, 5139 Fixing mechanism, 5191, 5142 Arrow

Claims (9)

A program executed by a computer with a processor to provide a virtual experience via an image display device associated with a user's head,
The program is stored in the processor.
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Setting a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space;
Controlling the view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint;
Moving the virtual viewpoint;
Controlling the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the user's head;
Defining a view image corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint;
Outputting the visual field image to the image display device; and
The visual field image includes a first effect that flows in a second direction based on a first direction opposite to the moving direction in the virtual space.   The program according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is a radial direction centered on the first direction. The program is stored in the processor.
Identifying a first position in the virtual space that is on an extension of the direction of travel of the virtual viewpoint;
A step of arranging, at the first position, a first object that emits first particles representing the first effect that flows radially from the first position toward the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space. The program according to claim 1 or 2.   The program according to claim 3, wherein the first particles are subjected to a transmission process. In the step of moving, the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint is changed from the first moving direction to the second moving direction according to the inclination of the riding unit based on the weight shift of the user riding on the riding unit,
In the outputting step, when the angle formed by the first movement direction and the second movement direction is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the visual field image including a second effect different from the first effect is the image. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is output to a display device. The program is stored in the processor.
Identifying a second position below the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space;
A step of placing a second object that emits second particles representing the second effect, which spreads in a direction from the second position toward the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, at the second position; Item 6. The program according to item 5. The program is stored in the processor.
Identifying a first position in the virtual space that is on an extension of the direction of travel of the virtual viewpoint;
A step of arranging, at the first position, a first object that emits first particles representing the first effect that flows radially from the first position toward the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space. Let
The program according to claim 6, wherein the second particles have lower transparency than the first particles. An information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An image display device associated with the user's head;
A storage unit for storing a program executed by a computer having a processor to provide a virtual experience via the image display device;
A control unit that controls the operation of the information processing apparatus by executing the program,
The controller is
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Set a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space,
According to the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint, control the field of view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space,
Moving the virtual viewpoint,
In accordance with the movement of the body excluding the user's head, the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint is controlled,
Defining a view image corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint;
Outputting the view image to the image display device;
The information processing apparatus includes a first effect that flows in a second direction based on a first direction facing the moving direction in the virtual space. A method in which a computer with a processor executes a program to provide a virtual experience via an image display device associated with a user's head,
The program is executed by the processor,
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Setting a virtual viewpoint in the virtual space;
Controlling the view from the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space according to the posture of the user's head and the position of the virtual viewpoint;
Moving the virtual viewpoint;
Controlling the moving direction of the virtual viewpoint according to the movement of the body excluding the user's head;
Defining a view image corresponding to the view from the virtual viewpoint;
Outputting the field-of-view image to the image display device,
The method, wherein the field-of-view image includes a first effect that flows in a second direction with reference to a first direction opposite to the moving direction in the virtual space.

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