JP3621650B2 - Dynamic cell management method, virtual space centralized control device, and master server in 3D shared virtual space communication service - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service in which a plurality of user terminal computers are connected to a virtual space centralized control apparatus via a communication line, and a plurality of users share a three-dimensional virtual space using three-dimensional computer graphics. The present invention relates to a dynamic cell management method , a virtual space centralized control device, and a master server .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a communication system in which a large number of people share a virtual space, definitions relating to areas to be shared are often defined in advance by the system builder.
[0003]
However, in the future, when considering communication services that allow users to dynamically define virtual space, a method to flexibly associate information that is freely defined by the user with information that the communication system has is necessary. Indispensable.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a service that allows a user to freely construct a virtual space by associating a virtual space structure preset by a system provider with information on a virtual space dynamically generated by the user. There is.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
(1) The three-dimensional virtual space is divided into a plurality of logical areas (cells), names (cell addresses) are assigned to the respective cells, and the server has means for handling video and audio information for each cell,
(2) Having a means for opening a cell that no longer has a logged-in user and allowing it to be used by another user after a certain period of time;
(3) The user must have a means to define an alias (alias name) for the cell and log in to the cell with the alias name.
It is characterized by.
[0006]
As a result, a server (cell server) corresponding to each cell is assigned to each virtual space dynamically generated by the user, and the user terminal specifies the name (or address) of the cell and logs in via the cell server. 3D virtual based on virtual space definition information prepared in advance by transmitting / receiving user's avatar position / direction, video and audio data to / from other user terminals in the same cell The space can be shared by users in the same cell.
[0007]
Specifically, the three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system includes means for defining information for dividing the three-dimensional virtual space into a plurality of logical regions (cells), and the cell server corresponding to the cell. Each cell server handles information related to users in the corresponding area, and has means for designating a unique cell address for each cell. It has a means to log into the cell freely.
[0008]
Also, it has a master server that holds a list of all users by periodically receiving a list of users belonging to the cell server from each cell server, and the user has logged in without specifying a cell. In this case, the master server has means for extracting available cells based on the usage status of each cell and dynamically allocating cells to which a user should log in. Based on the usage status of each cell, there is means for releasing a cell in which a logged-in user no longer exists as a usable cell over a certain period of time.
[0009]
In addition, an alias (alias name) for the cell defined by each user can be defined, and the user can specify the cell address including the alias name and the cell address including the alias name. When logging in, the master server extracts available cells based on the usage status of each cell, and manages the alias name and list information that associates the cell with the alias name. For another user who logs in with the cell address specified, whether the alias name currently exists is extracted based on the list information, and if it exists, the user is assigned to the cell. When a user logged in to the cell associated with the alias name no longer exists, the cell is set to have a certain period of time. And a means for opening in order to allow to associate the monitor by the alias name.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is a multi-participation type three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service in which each user terminal shares a virtual space, and the user uses the input device of the terminal to Each terminal generates a 3D computer graphics and displays the landscape of the space viewed from the corresponding coordinate position on its display device, and further displays itself to other users and the virtual space centralized control device. The terminal of each user transmits an avatar that symbolizes other users moving in the same space using the received position and direction of the other users. It is also generated and displayed in the virtual space, and the face image and audio data of the user are captured using the video camera and microphone installed in each user terminal, and transmitted to the virtual space centralized control device. Shi The virtual space centralized control device transmits each user's face video and audio data to each user terminal, thereby reproducing the avatar into which the face image is pasted and the user's audio data corresponding to the avatar. Thus, the present invention relates to a virtual space communication service for realizing communication among a plurality of users in a virtual space.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, a system for providing a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service in this example includes a virtual space centralized control device 1 and a plurality of user terminals 2 (two in the figure) connected via a network 3. User terminals 2A and 2B only). As shown in the figure, the user terminal 2 includes a user terminal computer 20 for controlling each information, a display 21 for displaying a virtual space connected thereto, a video camera 22 for photographing a face image, and use. A microphone 23 for recording a person's voice, a speaker 24 for reproducing another user's voice or sound effect (this may be a headphone), moving a virtual space, inputting an avatar gesture, etc. Input device 25 (mouse, joystick, keyboard, etc.).
[0012]
The virtual space centralized control device 1 is composed of a master server 10 connected via a network 3 and a cell server 11 corresponding to each cell (only two cell servers 11A and 11B are shown in the figure) as shown in FIG. Is done. The master server 10 and the plurality of cell servers 11 may operate on the same computer or on different computers, either of which may be used.
[0013]
FIG. 3 shows a module configuration in the cell server 11. The cell server 11 includes an avatar management server 111 for managing the avatar coordinate position and direction and the shape of the avatar transmitted from each user terminal belonging to the cell, and login information of the user belonging to the cell. A login information table 112 to be held, an intra-cell video distribution server 113 that manages facial video, an intra-cell audio distribution server 114 that manages audio data, and a network control unit 110 that performs processing related to the network of all modules. Is done. The in-cell avatar management server 111 transmits login information to the master server 10 at regular intervals.
[0014]
FIG. 4 shows a module configuration in the master server 10. The master server 10 includes a cell allocation control unit 101 that allocates and releases cells according to usage conditions, a login information table 103 that holds a list of all users, a login list management unit 102 that manages the list, and a cell list. Cell information table 105, a cell management unit 104 that manages the cell information table 105, and a network control unit 100 that performs processing related to the network of all modules.
[0015]
In the cell information table 105, all available cells are registered in advance. The login list management unit 102 updates the login information table 103 based on the login information of each cell transmitted from each cell server 11 at regular intervals. The cell management unit 104 updates the cell information table 105 based on cell addresses registered in advance and information on cell addresses and alias names assigned by the cell assignment control unit 101. The cell allocation control unit 101 supervises the login list management unit 102 and the cell management unit 104, and performs management such as confirmation of cell usage status, cell allocation, and release.
[0016]
FIG. 5 shows an example of the login information table 103 that holds a list of all users. As shown in FIG. 5, the login information table 103 stores correspondence information between a logged-in user name and a cell address uniquely assigned to each cell.
[0017]
FIG. 6 shows an example of the cell information table 105 in which cell address information used for cell allocation is registered. The cell information table 105 stores, for each cell address, the alias name given to the cell by the user, the address information of the cell server that manages the cell, and the information on the usage status. In the column of the usage status of the cell information table 105 shown in FIG. 6, “O” means that the cell can be assigned, and “X” has already been assigned to the logged-in user. Means that the cell cannot be assigned.
[0018]
When constructing a three-dimensional virtual space, the state of the virtual space is described using a language that defines the three-dimensional virtual space, thereby defining the three-dimensional model constituting the virtual space and the animation of the three-dimensional model. And create. Furthermore, when the created three-dimensional virtual space is shared by a plurality of people and used as a three-dimensional virtual space communication service, it is necessary to define a server space, avatar operation, etc. for use as a shared space. In particular, in this embodiment, an alias name used when using a cell can be defined as shared space definition information. In addition, it is possible to define individual attributes such as the definition of the operation method in the virtual space and the presence / absence of collision judgment in the virtual space. The details of these definitions are described in the conventional three-dimensional virtual space. Since this is the same as the definition of, further detailed explanation is omitted here. The definition of the three-dimensional virtual space and the definition of the shared space may be described in the same file as described in separate files.
[0019]
This definition as a shared space requires a definition of a range in which audio or video can be transmitted in addition to the address of the shared server. For example, when using a model of an entire building for a virtual space communication service, there is a problem if audio is transmitted to all rooms, and it is necessary to handle audio and video for each room. Therefore, by dividing the 3D model into multiple logical areas (cells), assigning names (cell addresses) to each cell, and defining them, the server handles audio and video information for each cell. Even if a model is used, it can be used as a plurality of virtual spaces.
[0020]
When using the three-dimensional virtual space defined by the user in this way, the definition information created by the user is sent to the system in advance for registration, and when the user uses it, the system side A method of obtaining and using a definition of a three-dimensional virtual space from a network through a network may be used, or a method of preparing and using a definition of a three-dimensional virtual space in advance on the user terminal side may be used. When using the method of preparing the definition of the three-dimensional virtual space on the user terminal side, the user who created the definition information of the three-dimensional virtual space can share the three-dimensional virtual space with other users in advance. The definition information of the three-dimensional virtual space is distributed to the user terminals.
[0021]
A user of the three-dimensional virtual space communication service designates a cell address, an alias name, or a cell address including the alias name using the user terminal 2 and transmits a login request to the master server 10.
[0022]
In the master server 10, the cell allocation control unit 101 first investigates cell registration information and usage status based on the cell address transmitted from the user terminal 2. If the transmitted cell address is a cell address registered in advance in the cell information table 105, the information of the corresponding cell server 11 is transmitted to the user terminal 2.
[0023]
If the cell address includes an alias name or an alias name, the cell management unit 104 first searches the cell information table 105 to check whether the alias name is registered. When the cell address including the alias name has already been registered, the cell server 11 information corresponding to the cell address is transmitted to the user terminal 2. If it is not registered yet, the login list management unit 102 searches the available state of all cells from the login information table 103, searches for usable cells, assigns them to the cells, and sends them to the user terminal 2. To transmit. Further, information on the assigned cell address and alias name is written into the cell information table 105 to make the cell unusable. A cell that becomes unavailable cannot be assigned a new cell address until it becomes available next.
[0024]
If no cell address is specified, an address that does not overlap with other addresses reserved in advance by the master server 10 is automatically assigned, and the login list management unit 102 stores all the cells from the login information table 103. The available state is investigated to search for a usable cell, and the cell is assigned to the cell and transmitted to the user terminal 2. Further, the cell information assigned and the address information (cell server address) assigned by the server are written into the cell information table 105 to make the cell unusable.
[0025]
The user terminal 2 makes a login request to the cell server 11 based on the cell server address information transmitted from the master server 10. After logging in, the user terminal 2 transmits the avatar position / direction information and audio / video information to the cell server 11, as well as the avatar position / direction information of other users who are logged into the same cell, and the audio / video information. Receives video information and displays / plays it.
[0026]
In the cell server 11, the in-cell avatar management server 111 registers the user in the login information table 103 in response to the login request transmitted from the user terminal 2. The intra-cell avatar management server 111, the intra-cell video distribution server 113, and the intra-cell audio distribution server 114 send the information transmitted from each user terminal 2 to all users registered in the login information table 103. And deliver.
[0027]
The master server 10 checks the usage status of each cell at regular intervals, and if there is no user logged in for a certain period of time, changes the cell from an unavailable state to an available state. To do. If an alias name is associated at that time, the alias name is abandoned.
[0028]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of processing when the user terminal 2 logs in. The user terminal 2 designates a cell address, an alias name, or a cell address including the alias name (step S1), and transmits a login request to the master server 10 (step S2). If cell server information is received from the master server 10 (step S3), it is determined from the cell server information from the master server 10 whether there is an available cell server 11 (step S4). If there is no cell server 11 that can be used, the process ends.
[0029]
When there is a cell server 11 that can be used, a login request is transmitted to the cell server 11 (step S5). Thereafter, the position / direction of the own avatar and the audio / video data are transmitted to the cell server 11 (step S6), and the position / direction of the other avatar and the audio / video data are received from the cell server 11 (step S7). Steps S6 and S7 are repeated until a logout instruction is issued (step S8). If there is a logout instruction, a logout request is transmitted to the cell server 11 (step S9), and the process is terminated.
[0030]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of processing when the master server 10 performs cell allocation. The master server 10 waits for a login request from the user terminal 2 and receives the login request if it comes (step S10). First, the cell management unit 104 searches the cell information table 105 with the cell address (or alias name) designated by the login request (step S11). If the cell address has already been registered (step S12), the process proceeds to step S17.
[0031]
If the cell address is not registered, the login list management unit 102 searches the login information table 103 by the cell address (step S13). It is determined whether there is a usable cell (step S14). If there is no usable cell, it is transmitted to the user terminal 2 that it cannot be used (step S15), and the process is terminated. . Note that it is also possible to determine whether or not there is a usable cell using the use status of the cell information table 105 instead of using the login information table 103.
[0032]
If there is an available cell, the cell management unit 104 registers necessary information such as a cell server address and usage status in the cell information table 105 (step S16), and transmits the cell server information to the user terminal 2 ( Step S17). The above processing is repeated until the service is completed (step S18).
[0033]
FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram of the cell server 11. When a login request is received from the user terminal 2 (S20), the in-cell avatar management server 111 updates the login information table 112 and registers the user name of the logged-in user in the login information table 112 (S21).
[0034]
Next, the intra-cell video distribution server 113, the intra-cell audio distribution server 114, and the intra-cell avatar management server 111 receive the avatar position / direction and audio / video data from the logged-in user terminal 2. (S22). In addition, referring to the login information table 112, the in-cell video distribution server 113, the in-cell audio distribution server 114, and the in-cell avatar management server 111 are connected to the user terminal 2 of the user who has logged in to the cell. Transmits the avatar position / direction and audio / video data (S23).
[0035]
If a logout request is received from the user terminal 2 (S24), the in-cell avatar management server 111 updates the login information table 112, and deletes the user name of the user who requested logout from the login information table 112 (S25). . The above processing is repeated until the service is completed (step S26).
[0036]
As described above, the three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of user terminal computers 20 including the video camera 22 and the microphone 23 for capturing each user's real face image and real sound. It is connected to the virtual space centralized control device 1 via the network 3 and displays a three-dimensional virtual space by three-dimensional computer graphics on each user terminal 2 and also in the three-dimensional virtual space by a user operation. Change the user's viewpoint position and direction, capture the user's real face image and audio as video and audio data, and periodically capture the user's viewpoint position and direction, video and audio data The position and direction of each user's viewpoint and video, which are transmitted to the virtual space central control device 1 and periodically transmitted from each user terminal 2 by the virtual space central control device 1; Collects information about voice data, distributes the position and direction of each user's viewpoint and video and audio data to each user terminal 2, and each user terminal 2 is transmitted from the virtual space centralized control device 1. Based on the information on the position and direction of each user's viewpoint, an avatar that is an incarnation of another user is drawn in the three-dimensional virtual space, and the real face image data of the user is pasted in the incarnation. In addition, each user shares a three-dimensional virtual space by reproducing audio data.
[0037]
In such a system, the three-dimensional virtual space is divided into a plurality of logical area cells, and a name or address for identifying the cell is assigned to each cell. In response to the login request designating the name or address of the cell, the cell server 11 corresponding to the cell having the designated name or address among the plurality of cell servers 11 provided corresponding to each cell is requested. The cell server 11 assigns the information to the user terminal 2 and the cell server 11 assigns information about the position and direction of the user's incarnation in the cell of the cell server 11 or the user's video or audio to the cell server 11. Each user terminal 2 transmits / receives data to / from the terminal 2 and communicates with the cell server 11 based on the virtual space definition information of the user prepared in advance. Outputs the video or audio with dimensional virtual space user incarnation or user. By having such a cell dynamic allocation mechanism, each user terminal 2 has virtual space definition information defined by the user, and the use of a three-dimensional virtual space freely constructed in the allocated cell. Is possible.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to share a three-dimensional virtual space using a cell address including an alias name. It is possible to realize a system that allows free construction and sharing of space. In addition, by operating a plurality of cell servers on a plurality of computers, it is possible to share a three-dimensional virtual space in a distributed environment, and it is possible to deal with a large number of people.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a virtual space centralized control device.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a cell server.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a master server.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login information table.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cell information table.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of login processing of a user terminal.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of cell assignment processing of a master server.
FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram of a cell server.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Virtual space centralized control apparatus 2 User terminal 3 Network 10 Master server 11 Cell server 20 User terminal computer 21 Display 22 Video camera 23 Microphone 24 Speaker 25 Input device 100 Network control part 101 Cell allocation control part 102 Login list management part 103 Login information table 104 Cell management unit 105 Cell information table 110 Network control unit 111 In-cell avatar management server 112 Login information table 113 In-cell video distribution server 114 In-cell audio distribution server

Claims (9)

A virtual space centralized control device and a plurality of user terminals are connected via a communication line to display a three-dimensional virtual space based on three-dimensional computer graphics on each user terminal. A dynamic cell management method in a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service in which an incarnation of a user moving in the three-dimensional virtual space is drawn by communication with a user terminal, and each user shares the three-dimensional virtual space. And
The virtual space centralized control device includes a master server and a plurality of cell servers corresponding to each cell which is a plurality of logical areas obtained by dividing the three-dimensional virtual space, and a name for identifying a cell for each cell Or add an address,
The master server holds list information of users belonging to each cell ,
When the user terminal makes a login request without designating the name or address for identifying the cell, the available cell is extracted based on the usage status of each cell, and the user terminal logs in. Dynamically assign the cell servers
The cell server transmits / receives information about the user including the location information of the user's incarnation in the cell of the cell server to / from a user terminal to which the cell server is assigned,
Each user terminal, the communication with the cell server, based on the virtual space definition information previously prepared user, the three-dimensional virtual space and user incarnation or user to output the video or audio A dynamic cell management method in a featured three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service. A virtual space centralized control device and a plurality of user terminals are connected via a communication line to display a three-dimensional virtual space based on three-dimensional computer graphics on each user terminal. A dynamic cell management method in a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service in which an incarnation of a user moving in the three-dimensional virtual space is drawn by communication with a user terminal, and each user shares the three-dimensional virtual space. And
The virtual space centralized control device includes a master server and a plurality of cell servers corresponding to each cell which is a plurality of logical areas obtained by dividing the three-dimensional virtual space, and a name for identifying a cell for each cell Or add an address,
The master server holds list information of users belonging to each cell,
When the user terminal makes a login request to the cell by specifying an alias defined separately by the user that is different from the name or address for identifying the cell, the usage status of each cell is used. Extract available cells, dynamically assign cell servers corresponding to those cells,
Holding list information associating the alias with the extracted cell;
Based on the list information, whether or not the alias currently exists is extracted from the user terminal of another user who has requested login by designating the alias, and if it exists, Dynamically assign the cell server corresponding to the cell,
The cell server transmits / receives information about the user including the location information of the user's incarnation in the cell of the cell server to / from a user terminal to which the cell server is assigned,
Each of the user terminals outputs a three-dimensional virtual space and an incarnation of the user or a video or audio of the user based on the virtual space definition information prepared in advance by communication with the cell server. A dynamic cell management method in a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service characterized by the above. In the dynamic cell management method in the three-dimensional shared virtual space communication service according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The master server releases a cell in which a logged-in user terminal is no longer present as a usable cell with a lapse of a predetermined time based on the usage status of each cell. A dynamic cell management method in a dimension sharing virtual space communication service. A virtual space centralized control device and a plurality of user terminals are connected via a communication line to display a three-dimensional virtual space based on three-dimensional computer graphics on each user terminal. In the virtual space centralized control device in the three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system in which the incarnation of the user moving in the three-dimensional virtual space is drawn by communication with the user terminal and each user shares the three-dimensional virtual space. There ,
It includes a master server and a plurality of cells server corresponding to each cell is the three-dimensional virtual space a plurality of logical regions obtained by dividing, by managing with the name or address identifying the cell for each cell ,
The master server
Means for holding list information of users belonging to each cell;
When the user terminal has logged request without a name or address for identifying the cell, usage of each cell based on extracts available cells, the user terminal to log Means for dynamically allocating power cell servers,
The cell server
Information about the user including the position information of the user's incarnation are in the cells of those 該Se Rusaba, characterized in that it comprises a means for transmitting and receiving with the user terminal to which the cell server is allocated virtual space Centralized control device. A virtual space centralized control device and a plurality of user terminals are connected via a communication line to display a three-dimensional virtual space based on three-dimensional computer graphics on each user terminal. In the virtual space centralized control device in the three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system in which the incarnation of the user moving in the three-dimensional virtual space is drawn by communication with the user terminal and each user shares the three-dimensional virtual space. There,
A master server and a plurality of cell servers corresponding to each cell, which is a plurality of logical areas obtained by dividing the three-dimensional virtual space, and manages each cell with a name or address identifying the cell;
The master server
Means for holding list information of users belonging to each cell;
When the user terminal makes a login request to the cell by specifying an alias defined separately by the user that is different from the name or address for identifying the cell, the usage status of each cell is used. Means for extracting available cells and dynamically allocating cell servers corresponding to the cells;
Means for holding list information that associates the alias with the extracted cell; ,
For the user terminal of another user who requested login by specifying the alias , Whether the alias currently exists , Extract based on the list information , Means for dynamically allocating a cell server for the cell to the user terminal if present ,
The cell server
Means for transmitting / receiving information about a user including location information of the user's incarnation in the cell of the cell server to / from a user terminal to which the cell server is assigned
A virtual space centralized control device characterized by that. In the virtual space centralized control device according to claim 4 or 5, ,
The master server is , Based on the usage status of each cell, there is a means to open a cell that no longer has a logged-in user terminal as a usable cell with the lapse of a predetermined time
A virtual space centralized control device characterized by that. A virtual space concentration having a master server and a plurality of cell servers corresponding to each cell, which is a plurality of logical areas obtained by dividing a three-dimensional virtual space, and managing each cell with a name or address for identifying the cell With control device , Multiple user terminals are connected via communication lines , Displaying the 3D virtual space by 3D computer graphics on each user terminal , The incarnation of the user who moves in the three-dimensional virtual space is depicted by communication between the user terminal and a cell server assigned to the user terminal among the plurality of cell servers. , The master server in a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system in which each user shares a three-dimensional virtual space, ,
Means for holding list information of users belonging to each cell; ,
Login request without specifying a name or address for identifying the cell by the user terminal When you do , Based on the usage status of each cell, there is provided means for extracting a usable cell and dynamically allocating a cell server to which the user terminal should log in.
A master server characterized by that. A virtual space concentration having a master server and a plurality of cell servers corresponding to each cell, which is a plurality of logical areas obtained by dividing a three-dimensional virtual space, and managing each cell with a name or address for identifying the cell With control device , Multiple user terminals are connected via communication lines , Displaying the 3D virtual space by 3D computer graphics on each user terminal , The incarnation of the user who moves in the three-dimensional virtual space is depicted by communication between the user terminal and a cell server assigned to the user terminal among the plurality of cell servers. , The master server in a three-dimensional shared virtual space communication system in which each user shares a three-dimensional virtual space, ,
Means for holding list information of users belonging to each cell; ,
When the user terminal makes a login request to the cell by specifying an alias defined separately by the user that is different from the name or address for identifying the cell, the usage status of each cell is used. Means for extracting available cells and dynamically allocating cell servers corresponding to the cells;
Means for holding list information associating the alias with the extracted cell;
Based on the list information, whether or not the alias currently exists is extracted from the user terminal of another user who has requested login by designating the alias, and if it exists, Means for dynamically allocating a cell server corresponding to the cell.
A master server characterized by that. In the master server according to claim 7 or claim 8 ,
Based on the usage status of each cell, there is a means to open a cell that no longer has a logged-in user terminal as a usable cell with the lapse of a predetermined time
A master server characterized by that.

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