JP6419268B1 - Information processing method, apparatus, and program for causing computer to execute information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve entertainment of a virtual experience in a virtual space where characters and avatars are mixed. An information processing method for providing a virtual experience to a user via a head mounted device includes a virtual space including a first avatar automatically controlled by a computer and a first character associated with the first avatar. The first avatar and the first character based on the step of specifying the virtual space data to be defined, the first control data for automatically controlling the first avatar, and the second control data for automatically controlling the first character, respectively. A visual field image based on the step of controlling the step, the step of identifying a virtual viewpoint not associated with the first avatar and the first character, the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the attitude of the head mounted device Generating a visual field image on the display unit. [Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing method, an apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

  PlayStation (registered trademark) VR is known as hardware that provides a user with a game experience (VR game) in a virtual space. In PlayStation VR, a user can play a VR game by operating a player character or the like in a virtual space using a controller. Techniques for playing a VR game using a controller are also disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-232783 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-158794

  Further, in a game of manipulating a character in a virtual space, an entertainment property is improved by mixing an avatar, which is an object having a position as a user's alternation, with the character in the virtual space.

  Therefore, the present disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus capable of improving the entertainment property of a virtual experience in a virtual space where characters and avatars are mixed, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Objective.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head mounted device including a display unit is provided. The information processing method includes identifying a virtual space data defining a virtual space including a first avatar automatically controlled by a computer and a first character associated with the first avatar and automatically controlled by the computer; Controlling the first avatar and the first character based on each of the first control data for automatically controlling the first avatar and the second control data for automatically controlling the first character; Identifying a virtual viewpoint not associated with the first avatar and the first character, generating a visual field image based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the attitude of the head mounted device, Displaying an image on a display unit.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of improving the entertainment property of a virtual experience in a virtual space in which characters and avatars are mixed, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. It becomes possible.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A according to a certain embodiment performs. It is a figure which represents typically an example of virtual space. It is a figure showing an example of the visual field image provided to a user via an HMD device. It is a flowchart showing the process performed in order to control the motion of the automatic avatar automatically controlled by a computer. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the process performed in order to control a motion of an automatic avatar. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the process performed in order to control a motion of an automatic avatar. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the automatic avatar based on the event which generate | occur | produced in virtual space. It is a figure which shows the other example of control of the automatic avatar based on the event which generate | occur | produced in virtual space. It is a figure which shows the example of the control which moves the position of the automatic avatar in virtual space.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described 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.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described 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.
[Configuration of HMD system]

  A configuration of an HMD (Head Mount Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110 (head mounted device), an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 (display unit), a microphone 118, and a gaze sensor 140.

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

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

  The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD device 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, an image of a menu that can be selected by the user, and the like. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal. The monitor 112 may be configured integrally with the main body of the HMD device 110 or may be configured as a separate body.

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

  The microphone 118 acquires the voice uttered by the user. The voice acquired by the microphone 118 can be used to detect a user's emotion by voice analysis processing. The detection result may be reflected in an avatar's facial expression described later. The voice can also be used to give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2. Further, the sound may be sent to the HMD system used by another user via the network 19 and the server 150, and output from a speaker or the like connected to the HMD system. Thereby, the conversation (chat) between the users who share a virtual space is implement | achieved.

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting movements of the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 and the position and inclination of the controller 160 in the real space using this function.

  In another aspect, HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 performs image analysis processing using the image information of the HMD device 110 and the controller 160 output from the camera, whereby the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 and the position and tilt of the controller 160 are detected. Can be detected.

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD device 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the view field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or a part of the transmission-type display device may be set to have a high transmittance. The real space may be visible from a part of the image.

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

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game. The server 150 is configured by one or a plurality of computer devices, and includes a hardware configuration (processor, memory, storage, etc.) included in a general computer, similar to the hardware configuration of the computer 200 described later.

The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In the present embodiment, the controller 160 is an input device of the type that is held by the user 190 with both hands. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 receives an operation given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of an object arranged in a space that provides virtual reality. As described above, the position and inclination of the controller 160 in the real space can be detected by the HMD sensor 120 (or a camera or the like). In another aspect, the controller 160 may include a sensor (not shown) similar to the sensor 114 described above as a position detector. In this case, the position and inclination of the controller 160 can be detected by the sensor. Further, the HMD sensor 120 and the sensor included in the controller 160 may be used in combination. In this case, for example, the position of the controller 160 is detected by the HMD sensor 120, and the inclination of the controller 160 is detected by a sensor included in the controller 160.
[Hardware configuration]

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

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

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

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage 12 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, a program for realizing communication with another computer 200, and the like. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using a program and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 12 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data in a batch.

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals between the HMD device 110 and the HMD sensor 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above. For example, the input / output interface 13 may include a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

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

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized 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 14 is not limited to the above.

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

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 150 connects a plurality of HMD systems 100 including an HMD system 100A having an HMD device 110A and an HMD system 100B having an HMD device 110B so that they can communicate with each other. Thereby, the virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to the user who uses each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration. However, each HMD system 100 may be a different model, or may have different performance (processing performance, detection performance, etc.).

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

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. 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 such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in this embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 by the input / output interface 13. In addition, each function (for example, synchronization processing described later) of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

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

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects each infrared ray emitted from each light source of the HMD device 110, the presence of the HMD device 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further determines the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). To detect. More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 using each value detected over time.

The global coordinate system is parallel to the real space coordinate system. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD device 110 based on the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 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 a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD device 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 based on the detected value.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD device 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system with the head (origin) of the user wearing the HMD device 110 as the center (origin). More specifically, the HMD device 110 uses the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, z axis) that define the global coordinate system around each axis of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The three new directions obtained by inclining around the respective axes by the inclination of the pitch are the pitch direction (u-axis), yaw direction (v-axis), and roll direction (w-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110. Set as.

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

  After the uvw visual field coordinate system is set in the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the set uvw visual field coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD device 110. . In this case, the HMD sensor 120 detects the pitch angle (θu), yaw angle (θv), and roll angle (θw) of the HMD device 110 in the uvw visual field coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD device 110. The pitch angle (θu) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

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

In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between the points). The position of the device 110 in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global 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 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

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

  When the HMD device 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD device 110, the virtual camera 1 is disposed at the center 21 of the virtual space 2, for example. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD device 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD device 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. The virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space.

  Since the orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the user visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 depends on the orientation of the virtual camera 1. Determined. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight direction of the user in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.
[User's line of sight]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world while wearing the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can give the user a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. That is, the visual field of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is defined by the virtual camera 1.

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

  An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment. The state (A) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the top surface of the controller 160, and the state (B) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the back side surface of the controller 160. Here, the upper surface of the controller 160 is a surface that faces the user 190 when the user 190 holds the controller 160 with both hands.

  As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 8, on the upper surface of the controller 160, as an input unit, a direction key 161, analog sticks 162 </ b> L and 162 </ b> R, four types of operation buttons 163, a touch pad 164, and function buttons 165 are provided. Etc. are provided. In addition, the controller 160 includes a grip unit 166 for the user 190 to grip the controller 160. The gripper 166 includes a left gripper 166L gripped by the left hand of the user 190 and a right gripper 166R gripped by the right hand of the user 190. Further, as shown in the state (B) of FIG. 8, light emission is performed on the back side surface of the controller 160 based on the upper buttons 167L and 167R serving as input units, instruction information transmitted from the controller 160, and the like. Part 168.

  The touch pad 164 is provided between the direction key 161 and the operation button 163. The function button 165 is provided between the left and right analog sticks 162L and 162R. The function button 165 can be used, for example, to activate the controller 160 and activate a communication connection between the controller 160 and the computer 200. The other input units (direction key 161, analog stick 162, operation button 163, and upper button 167) can be used for operations of avatars and player characters described later. For example, the analog stick 162 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position) in a certain situation. The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  The direction key 161 and the analog stick 162L are arranged on the assumption that an operation with the thumb of the left hand of the user 190 is received. The operation buttons 163 and the analog stick 162R are arranged on the assumption that an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190 is received. The upper button 167L is arranged on the assumption that the operation with the index finger of the left hand of the user 190 is accepted, and the upper button 167R is arranged on the assumption that the operation of the index finger with the right hand of the user 190 is accepted. However, the shape of the controller 160, the arrangement configuration of each part, and the function of each part are not limited to the above example. For example, the number of operation buttons 163 may be other than four (for example, two), and the analog sticks 162L and 162R may be omitted.

In one aspect, the controller 160 includes a battery for driving the light emitting unit 168 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, a dry battery type, and the like. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the controller 160 does not require a battery.
[Control device for HMD device]

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, a controller information acquisition module 233, a data sharing module 234, and a game state determination module 235 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 are realized by the processor 10. In another embodiment, multiple processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. The communication control module 250 is realized by the communication interface 14.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object control module 232 generates an object arranged in the virtual space 2 based on object information 242 described later. The virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the object in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object control module 232 controls the actions (movement, movement, state change, etc.) of the avatar and the player character based on the controller information acquired by the controller information acquisition module 233 described later. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains and other landscapes, animals, etc. that are arranged according to the progress of the game story. An avatar is an object associated with a user wearing the HMD device 110. The avatar is an object having a position as a user's alternation in the virtual space 2. On the other hand, the player character is a character object operated by the user in the game developed in the virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, a game developed in the virtual space 2 is a battle game in which a plurality of users fight their player characters on a game field (for example, a battlefield) prepared in the virtual space 2 (or a plurality of games). For example, an action game that the users cooperate to advance. The avatar is a humanoid object, and the player character is an object imitating an animal. However, the player character can take an appropriate form according to the content of the game developed in the virtual space 2. For example, the player character may be a human-type object, or may be an object that imitates a creature such as a robot. More specifically, when the game developed in the virtual space 2 is a racing game using a radio controlled car, the player character may be an object representing the radio controlled car.

  The controller information acquisition module 233 acquires controller information including state information for specifying the state of the controller 160 and operation information indicating the contents of an input operation performed by the user 190 on the controller 160. The state information is information for specifying the position and inclination of the controller 160 detected by the above-described HMD sensor 120 or the like, for example. The controller information is transferred to the virtual object control module 232 in order to reflect the state of the controller 160 and the content of the input operation on the controller 160 to the avatar or player character in the virtual space 2. Further, the controller information acquisition module 233 also appropriately transfers the controller information of other users acquired via the server 150 to the virtual object control module 232. Thereby, the avatar or player character linked | related with the other user can be operated based on the controller information of the other user.

  The data sharing module 234 transmits / receives data to be shared between users to / from another user's HMD system 100 via the server 150. The data to be shared includes movement information for controlling the movement of a part of the avatar's body, controller information for controlling the movement of the player character, and the like. The motion information is, for example, information for specifying the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 or the like (hereinafter referred to as “orientation data”), eye tracking data detected by the gaze sensor 140 or the like. . In the present embodiment, the data sharing module 234 uses information including movement information and controller information (hereinafter referred to as “player information”) as information to be shared between users as HMDs of other users via the server 150. Data is transmitted to and received from the system 100. The player information is transmitted / received by using a function of the communication control module 250 described later.

  The game state determination module 235 makes a determination regarding an event that has occurred in the game developed in the virtual space 2. Events that occur in the game include, for example, the mutual positional relationship between the player character, the avatar, and the object arranged in the virtual space 2, and the action of the player character or avatar on other objects.

  The game state determination module 235 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. The game state determination module 235 can detect, for example, a timing when a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The game state determination module 235 can detect that the object is in a touched state by executing a known hit determination based on, for example, a collision area set for each object.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The object information 242 includes drawing information for drawing each object (for example, a player character and an avatar). The object information 242 may also include attribute information indicating attributes associated with each object. Examples of the attribute information of the object include information indicating whether the object is a movable object or a fixed object. The user information 243 includes, for example, a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like.

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

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

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

  Processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 10. Such software may be stored in advance in a memory module 240 such as a hard disk. 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 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250 and then temporarily stored in the memory module 240. The The software is read from the memory module 240 by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is a program stored in the computer 200. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

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

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

  With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100A used by the user 190A to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190A.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and acquires virtual space data that defines the virtual space 2. Here, the processor 10 receives information related to the initial arrangement and the like of other users 'avatars and player characters sharing the virtual space 2 from the server 150 and the like, thereby including a virtual space including the other users' avatars and player characters. Virtual space data defining 2 can be generated. Alternatively, virtual space data defining a virtual space 2 common to a plurality of users may be generated by a server 150 connected to be communicable with each HMD system 100. In this case, the processor 10 can acquire the virtual space data by downloading the virtual space data from the server 150.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point (or other predetermined default position) in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and the user 190 changes the line of sight of the virtual camera 1. Turn in the direction you are facing.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S <b> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190A wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data (part of motion information).

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 </ b> A wearing the HMD device 110 as the visual field region determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190A in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190A. Further, as described above, the sensor included in the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 itself detects the position and inclination of the controller 160. A signal indicating the detection result is sent from the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 to the computer 200. In this way, controller information including operation information indicating the contents of the input operation performed by the user 190 </ b> A on the controller 160 and state information for specifying the state (position, inclination, etc.) of the controller 160 is sent to the computer 200. Then, the processor 10 acquires the controller information as the controller information acquisition module 233.

  In step S8, the processor 10 acquires player information (audio data, motion information, controller information, etc.) of other users who share the virtual space 2 from the server 150 as the controller information acquisition module 233 and the data sharing module 234. To do.

  In step S <b> 9, the processor 10 controls the movement of each user's avatar and player character based on the player information of each user 190 including the user 190 </ b> A as the virtual object control module 232.

  In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying the view image based on the processing result of step S <b> 9 as the view image generation module 223, and outputs the generated view image data to the HMD device 110.

  In step S11, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the virtual space 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 includes an avatar A21 (second avatar) associated with the user 190A and a player character C21 (first character) operated based on an input operation on the controller 160A used by the user 190A. 2 characters), an avatar A22 (second avatar) associated with a user 190B different from the user 190A, and a player character C22 (second character) operated based on an input operation on the controller 160B used by the user 190B. A virtual camera 1A that defines a field-of-view image M1 that is provided to the user 190A and provided to the HMD device 110A (head mounted device) including the monitor 112 (display unit), and an HMD that is mounted on the user 190B and includes the monitor 112 Device 11 And a virtual camera 1B defining the view field image M2 provided to B. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 further includes controller objects VC21 and VC22 representing virtual controllers corresponding to the controllers 160A and 160B.

  The virtual space 2 includes an automatic avatar A1 (first avatar) automatically controlled by the computer 200 and an automatic player character C1 (first character) associated with the automatic avatar A1 and automatically controlled by the computer 200. . The virtual section 2 may further include a virtual controller object VC1 held by the automatic avatar A1. In order to arrange the automatic avatar A1 and the automatic player character C1 in the virtual space 2, in step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the processor 10 receives information on the initial arrangement of the automatic avatar A1 and the automatic player character C1 from the server 150. By receiving, virtual space data defining a virtual space including the automatic avatar A1 and the automatic player character C1 can be generated. Information for defining the automatic avatar A1 and the automatic player character C1 is shared between users.

  As the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 controls the automatic avatar A1 based on the first control data for controlling the automatic avatar A1. Further, the processor 10 controls the automatic player character C1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on the second control data for controlling the automatic player character C1. The first control data includes the control content of the automatic avatar A1, conditions for control execution, and the like. The processor 10 refers to the first control data and controls the automatic avatar A1. The second control data includes the control content of the automatic player character C1, conditions for performing the control, and the like. The processor 10 refers to the second control data and controls the automatic player character C1. The processor 10 may acquire the first control data and the second control data from the server 150 via the communication control module 250, for example. The first control data and the second control data may be stored in the memory as the object information 242.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of users 190 </ b> A and 190 </ b> B operate their respective player characters C <b> 21 and C <b> 22 in the virtual space 2 and are automatically controlled on the game field F by the opponent player characters C <b> 22 and C <b> 21 and the computer 200. A battle game (in this case, a game in which the bomb B1 is thrown) is developed to fight the automatic player character C1. In the virtual space 2, not only the player characters C21, C22, C1 related to the game but also the avatars A21, A22 and the automatic avatar A1 holding the controller objects VC21, VC22 are arranged at predetermined positions. Thereby, in the virtual space 2, a situation in which the avatars A21, A22 and the automatic avatar A1 of the users 190A, 190B are operating the player characters C21, C22 and the automatic player character C1 is represented. The virtual cameras 1A and 1B are associated with the viewpoints of the avatars A21 and A22. Thereby, view images M1 and M2 (field-of-view images) at the first person viewpoint of avatars A21 and A22 are provided to users 190A and 190B.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view field image M1 provided to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. As shown in FIG. 12, the view image M1 includes player characters C21 and C22 operated by the users 190A and 190B and an avatar A22 associated with the user 190B. The view image M1 further includes an automatic avatar A1 and an automatic player character C1 that are automatically controlled by the computer 200. By recognizing the view field image M1, the user 190A can have a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A21. Similarly, the user 190B can have a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A22 by recognizing the view image M2.

  According to such a virtual space 2, a multi-play game can be provided to the users 190A and 190B via the avatars A21 and A22. In the virtual space 2, there are avatars A21 and A22 and player characters C21 and C22 of the users 190A and 190B, and an automatic avatar A1 and an automatic player character C1 that are automatically controlled by a computer. For this reason, each user 190A, 190B can enjoy a common game in the virtual space 2 while recognizing each other's existence via the avatars A21, A22 and recognizing the anthropomorphic computer as the avatar A1. . Thereby, entertainment property of the virtual experience of each user 190A, 190B can be improved.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed to control the movement of the automatic avatar A1 automatically controlled by the computer. As described above, the automatic avatar A1 is controlled based on the first control data. The first control data includes movement control data for controlling the movement of the automatic avatar A1, position control data for controlling the position of the automatic avatar A1, and appearance control data for controlling the appearance of the automatic avatar A1. Can do. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 represents processing related to motion control data. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 13 partially overlaps the processing shown in S5 to S9 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 21, the processor 10 acquires motion data based on the motion of the user 190 as the controller information acquisition module 233. The motion data includes, for example, motion information and controller information based on the motion of the user 190A at a certain time during game play.

  In step S <b> 22, the processor 10 moves the avatar associated with the user 190 based on the motion data acquired in step S <b> 21 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 moves the avatar A21 to imitate the movement of the user 190A based on the movement data based on the movement of the user 190A.

  In step S23, the processor 10 controls, as the virtual object control module 232, at least part of the motion data used for moving the avatar in step S22 to control the movement of the automatic avatar A1 automatically controlled by the computer 200. Applies to motion control data. That is, when the motion data of the user 190A is acquired, the processor 10 changes the control state of the motion control data from at least one of the motion data from the first control state set in advance for automatic control of the automatic avatar A1. The second control state to which the unit is applied can be updated.

  Specifically, the processor 10 applies the motion data of the user 190A corresponding to a certain time width during the game as motion control data within a certain time (first time) after acquisition of the motion data. The time width corresponding to the motion data applied as the motion control data may be, for example, from the start to the end of a series of motions. For example, the time width from when the user 190A raises his hand to swing it down It may be.

  In step S24, the processor 10 controls the movement of the automatic avatar A1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on at least a part of the movement data applied as the movement control data in step S23. Specifically, for example, when motion data indicating a series of movements of the user 190A in a certain time width is applied as the motion control data, the processor 10 moves similar to the series of movements of the user 190A and the avatar A21. To the automatic avatar A1. Thereby, it is possible to cause the automatic avatar A1 to perform a human-like natural operation. Further, since the automatic avatar A1 performs the same operation as the user 190A, the user 190A can feel familiar with the automatic avatar A1.

  Then, the 1st modification of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first modification of the process executed to control the movement of the automatic avatar A1.

  In step S31, the processor 10 acquires, as the controller information acquisition module 233, movement data based on the movement of the user 190 in association with the state information of the player character of the user 190. The state information is, for example, a parameter associated with the player character used in the progress of the game, such as a hit point (HP) that is a physical strength value of the player character. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 acquires movement data based on the movement of the user 190A in association with the state information of the player character C21.

  In step S <b> 32, the processor 10 moves the avatar associated with the user 190 based on the motion data acquired in step S <b> 21 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 moves the avatar A21 to imitate the movement of the user 190A based on the movement data based on the movement of the user 190A.

  In step S <b> 33, the processor 10 acquires the state information (first state) of the automatic player character C <b> 1 as the virtual object control module 232. As described above, this state information is, for example, a parameter such as a hit point of the automatic player character C1.

  In step S34, the processor 10 extracts, as the virtual object control module 232, motion data associated with the state information equivalent to the state information acquired in step S33 from the motion data acquired in step S31. The extracted motion data is applied to motion control data for controlling the motion of the automatic avatar A1.

  In step S <b> 35, the processor 10 controls the movement of the automatic avatar A <b> 1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on the motion data applied as the motion control data in step S <b> 34. Specifically, for example, when motion data indicating a series of movements of the user 190A in a certain time width is applied as the motion control data, the processor 10 moves similar to the series of movements of the user 190A and the avatar A21. To the automatic avatar A1. Thereby, since the motion data according to the state of the automatic player character C1 is used for the control of the automatic avatar A1, it is possible to cause the automatic avatar A1 to perform a natural motion in consideration of the state of the automatic player character C1.

  Then, the 2nd modification of this Embodiment is demonstrated. The second modified example is an example of the control of the movement of the automatic avatar A in the case where the virtual space 2 includes the avatar associated with each of the plurality of users and the plurality of player characters operated by each user. . FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the process executed to control the movement of the automatic avatar A1.

  In step S <b> 41, the processor 10 acquires motion data based on the motions of the plurality of users 190 as the controller information acquisition module 233 and the data sharing module 234. Specifically, the processor 10 acquires motion data based on the motions of the users 190A and 190B, for example.

  In step S <b> 42, the processor 10 moves the avatar associated with each user 190 based on the motion data acquired in step S <b> 41 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 moves the avatar A21 to imitate the movement of the user 190A based on the movement data based on the movement of the user 190A. Further, the processor 10 moves the avatar A22 to imitate the movement of the user 190B based on the movement data based on the movement of the user 190B.

  In step S43, the processor 10 acquires the designation of motion data to be applied to the motion control data of the automatic avatar A1 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, the processor 10 acquires designation of which of the plurality of user motion data acquired in step S41 is to be applied to the motion control data. The designation of the motion data may be based on, for example, an explicit instruction input by any of the users 190. Further, the motion data may be based on random selection by the computer 200 or the server 150 or the like.

  In step S44, the processor 10 applies the motion data specified in step S43 as the virtual object control module 232 to the motion control data for controlling the motion of the automatic avatar A1.

  In step S45, the processor 10 controls the movement of the automatic avatar A1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on the movement data applied as the movement control data in step S44. Accordingly, since desired or suitable motion data can be selected for use in controlling the motion of the automatic avatar A1, it is possible to cause the automatic avatar A1 to perform a natural motion that makes the user 190 more likable.

  Next, an example of movement control of the automatic avatar A1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The motion control data can include an event condition (first condition) that defines a predetermined event in the virtual space 2 that is associated with motion information (first motion) that defines a predetermined movement of the automatic avatar A1. . When the event occurring in the virtual space 2 satisfies the event condition included in the motion control data, the processor 10 causes the automatic avatar A1 to perform the movement defined in the motion information associated with the event condition.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of the automatic avatar A1 based on an event that occurs in the virtual space 2. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the motion control data is based on an event including an action on one of the player characters C21 and C22 (an opponent character) other than the automatic player character C1 and the automatic player character C1, and the automatic player character C1. Alternatively, the condition of the player characters C21 and C22 satisfying a certain condition (second condition) is included as an event condition. The event condition is associated with movements as motion information, which are targeted for the avatars A21 and A22 associated with the player characters C21 and C22.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 16, in the virtual space 2, a game is developed in which the player characters C 1, C 21, C 22 fight each other, and the automatic player character C 1 fights the player character C 22. The winning state is shown. In this game, the motion control data includes an event condition that the automatic player character C1 has won the opponent player character. When the event condition is satisfied, the avatar associated with the opponent player character is the target of attention, and the automatic avatar A1 is associated with the pose that displays the fact that the player has won the battle as movement information. .

  As shown in FIG. 16, the processor 10 operates as the game state determination module 235 in which the automatic player character C1 fights the player character C22, for example, the hit point of the player character C22 becomes a predetermined value or less, and the automatic player character C1 fights. It is determined that the predetermined event condition is satisfied. Then, since the predetermined event condition is satisfied, the processor 10 causes the automatic avatar A1 to show the virtual avatar A1 as a virtual object control module 232. Thereby, since the operation | movement in which the effect | action of player characters was reflected can be made to perform automatic avatar A1, the entertainment property of a virtual experience can be improved more.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of control of the automatic avatar A1 based on an event that occurs in the virtual space 2. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the motion control data includes, as an event condition, that the positional relationship between the automatic player character C1 and the target of interest arranged in the virtual space 2 satisfies a predetermined position condition (third condition). . Directing the line of sight of the automatic avatar A1 to the target of attention is associated with this event condition as operation information.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 17, in the virtual space 2, a game is developed in which the player characters C 1, C 21, and C 22 fight each other, and the automatic player character C 1 and the item I (target of attention) A state in which the distance between and becomes a predetermined value or less is shown. In this game, the motion control data includes an event condition that the distance between the automatic player character C1 and the item I is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Then, when such an event condition is satisfied, causing the automatic avatar A1 to move the line of sight toward the item I is associated as operation information.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the processor 10 determines, as the game state determination module 235, that the distance between the automatic player character C1 and the item I is equal to or less than a predetermined value and a predetermined event condition is satisfied. Since the predetermined event condition is satisfied, the processor 10 causes the automatic avatar A1 to move the line of sight toward the item I as the virtual object control module 232. Thereby, it is possible to cause the automatic avatar A1 to make a natural movement according to the positional relationship with the target of interest.

  Note that the processor 10, as the game state determination module 235, among the objects included in the visual field of the automatic avatar A <b> 1 defined based on the line-of-sight direction of the automatic avatar A <b> 1 among the objects arranged in the virtual space 2. From this, it is possible to select an item as a target of attention. That is, the item being included in the visual field of the automatic avatar A1 is appropriate as a condition for directing the line of sight of the automatic avatar A1 to the item. Thereby, the automatic avatar A1 can be caused to move naturally.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of control for moving the position of the automatic avatar A <b> 1 in the virtual space 2. The position control data included in the first control data moves the position of the automatic avatar A1 from the position before movement (first position) to the position (second position) defined based on the position of the automatic player character C1. Including.

  As the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 defines a position where the automatic avatar A1 is moved based on the position of the automatic player character C1. Specifically, since the automatic avatar A1 moves along the outer edge of the game field F, the processor 10 automatically sets the position closest to the position of the automatic player character C1 in the game field F at the outer edge of the game field F. The position where the avatar A1 is moved is defined. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the processor 10 moves the automatic avatar A1 to the defined position.

  As described above, the first control data may include appearance control data for controlling the appearance of the automatic avatar A1. When the first control data includes appearance control data, the processor 10 may control the appearance of the automatic avatar A1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on the state of the automatic player character C1. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 may control the appearance of the automatic avatar A1 based on a parameter such as a hit point (HP) that is a physical strength value of the player character. In this case, the appearance data that defines the appearance of the automatic avatar A1 and the HP value are associated in advance, and the processor 10 applies the appearance data according to the HP value that changes according to the progress of the game. Controls the appearance of the automatic avatar A1.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer (computer 200 or server 150) to provide a virtual experience to a user (user 190) via a head mounted device (HMD device 110) including a display unit (monitor 112). ,
A virtual defining a virtual space including a first avatar (automatic avatar A1) automatically controlled by the computer and a first character (automatic player character C1) associated with the first avatar and automatically controlled by the computer. Identifying spatial data (step S1 in FIG. 10);
Controlling the first avatar and the first character based on the first control data for automatically controlling the first avatar and the second control data for automatically controlling the first character (FIG. 10 step S9 or FIG. 13 step S24),
Identifying a virtual viewpoint that is not associated with the first avatar and the first character in the virtual space (step S6 in FIG. 10);
Generating a visual field image based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the attitude of the head mounted device, and displaying the visual field image on the display unit (step S10 in FIG. 10). S11)
An information processing method including:
According to the information processing method of this item, the first avatar and the first character that are automatically controlled by the computer are controlled based on the first control data and the second control data respectively provided for them. A visual field image including an avatar and a character that are automatically controlled can be provided to the user. Therefore, the entertainment property of the virtual experience in the virtual space can be improved.
(Item 2)
The first control data is movement control data for controlling the movement of the first avatar at the first position in the virtual space, and the position of the first avatar is moved from the first position to the second position. Including at least one of position control data for controlling the appearance and appearance control data for controlling the appearance of the first avatar,
The information processing method according to item 1.
According to the information processing method of this item, suitable automatic control is realized by controlling the movement, position, and appearance of the first avatar using respective control data.
(Item 3)
The virtual space further includes a second avatar associated with the user;
The first control data includes the motion control data,
The information processing method includes:
Obtaining motion data based on the user's motion;
Moving the second avatar based on the motion data;
Applying at least a portion of the motion data as the motion control data;
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least a part of the movement data applied as the movement control data;
Item 3. The information processing method according to Item 2.
According to the information processing method of this item, since motion data representing a user's motion is used to control the first avatar, the first avatar that is automatically controlled by the computer can be caused to perform a human-like natural motion.
(Item 4)
When the motion data is acquired, the motion control data is changed from a first control state preset for automatic control by the computer to a second control state to which at least a part of the motion data is applied. Updated, and the movement of the first avatar is controlled based on the movement control data of the second control state.
Item 4. The information processing method according to Item 3.
According to the information processing method of this item, application of motion data to motion control data is preferably realized.
(Item 5)
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least a portion of the motion data within a first time after obtaining at least a portion of the motion data applied as the motion control data;
Item 5. The information processing method according to item 3 or 4.
According to the information processing method of this item, since it is easy for the user to recognize that the first avatar is moving based on his / her movement, the familiarity with the first avatar can be felt by the user.
(Item 6)
The virtual space includes a second character operated based on an operation input by the user,
The movement data is acquired in association with state information indicating the state of the second character at the time of acquisition of the movement data,
When the state of the first character is the first state, at least a part of the motion data associated with the first state is applied as the motion control data.
The information processing method according to any one of items 3 to 5.
According to the information processing method of this item, since motion data corresponding to the state of the first character is used for controlling the first avatar, the state of the first character is added to the automatically controlled first avatar. Natural operation can be performed.
(Item 7)
The virtual space includes the second avatar associated with each of a plurality of users;
The motion data of each of the plurality of users is acquired;
At least a part of the motion data of any of the plurality of users is applied as the motion control data;
The information processing method according to any one of items 3 to 6.
According to the information processing method of this item, since desired or suitable motion data can be selected for use in controlling the first avatar, the first avatar can be caused to perform a natural motion that the user is likely to have a better feeling. it can.
(Item 8)
The movement control data includes a first condition associated with a first movement that defines the movement of the first avatar;
When the event that occurred in the virtual space satisfies the first condition, the first avatar is caused to make the first movement associated with the first condition.
The information processing method according to any one of items 2 to 7.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to cause the first avatar to perform an action according to an event that has occurred in the virtual space, so that the entertainment characteristics of the virtual experience in the virtual space can be further improved.
(Item 9)
The first condition is based on an event including an action from one of the opponent character, which is an object other than the first character and the first character, to the other, and the state of the first character or the opponent character satisfies the second condition. Including satisfying,
The first movement includes a movement targeting a partner avatar associated with the partner character,
Item 9. The information processing method according to Item 8.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to cause the first avatar to perform an action in which the actions of the characters are reflected, so that the entertainment property of the virtual experience can be further improved.
(Item 10)
The first condition includes that a positional relationship between the first character and a target of interest arranged in the virtual space satisfies a third condition,
The first movement includes directing the line of sight of the first avatar to the target of interest.
10. The information processing method according to item 8 or 9.
According to the information processing method of this item, the first avatar can be caused to move naturally according to the positional relationship with the target of interest.
(Item 11)
The target of interest is an object arranged in the virtual space, and is selected from objects included in the field of view of the first avatar defined based on the line-of-sight direction of the first avatar.
The information processing method according to item 10.
According to the information processing method of this item, the fact that the target of attention is included in the field of view of the first avatar is appropriate as a condition for directing the line of sight of the first avatar to the target of interest. Can move.
(Item 12)
The second position is defined based on the position of the first character,
The position control data includes moving the position of the first avatar from the first position to the second position defined based on the position of the first character.
The information processing method according to any one of items 2 to 11.
According to the information processing method of this item, since the position of the first avatar, which is a virtual user who operates the first character, is controlled according to the position of the first character, it is possible to produce a more realistic feeling.
(Item 13)
The appearance control data includes controlling the appearance of the first avatar based on the state of the first character.
The information processing method according to any one of items 2 to 12.
According to the information processing method of this item, the appearance of the first avatar can be changed according to the state of the first character, so that the entertainment property in the virtual experience can be improved.
(Item 14)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 13.
(Item 15)
An apparatus comprising: at least a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 13 is executed under the control of the processor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A, 1B ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 10 ... Processor, 11 ... Memory, 12 ... Storage, 13 ... Input / output interface, 14 ... Communication interface, 15 ... Bus, 19 ... Network, 100, 100A, 100B ... HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B ... HMD device, 112 ... monitor, 114 ... sensor, 118 ... microphone, 120 ... sensor, 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... server, 160, 160A ... controller, 190, 190A, 190B ... User, 200 ... Computer, 220 ... Display control module, 221 ... Virtual camera control module, 222 ... Visibility area determination module, 223 ... Visibility image generation module, 224 ... Reference gaze identification module, 230 ... Virtual space control module, 231 ... Virtual Spatial definition 232 ... Virtual object control module, 233 ... Controller information acquisition module, 234 ... Data sharing module, 235 ... Game state determination module, 240 ... Memory module, 241 ... Spatial information, 242 ... Object information, 243 ... User information, 250 ... communication control module, A1 ... automatic avatar, A21, A22 ... avatar, C1 ... automatic player character, C21, C22 ... player character, I ... item, VC1, VC21, VC22 ... controller object.

Claims (14)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head mounted device including a display unit,
A virtual that defines a virtual space including a first avatar automatically controlled by the computer, a first character associated with the first avatar and automatically controlled by the computer , and a second avatar associated with the user. Identifying spatial data; and
Controlling the first avatar and the first character based on the first control data for automatically controlling the first avatar and the second control data for automatically controlling the first character;
Obtaining motion data based on the user's motion;
Moving the second avatar based on the motion data;
Identifying a virtual viewpoint that is not associated with the first avatar and the first character in the virtual space;
Generating a visual field image based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the attitude of the head mounted device, and displaying the visual field image on the display unit;
Including
The first control data includes movement control data for controlling movement of the first avatar in the virtual space,
Applying at least a portion of the motion data as the motion control data;
An information processing method for controlling a movement of the first avatar based on at least a part of the movement data applied as the movement control data . When the motion data is acquired, the motion control data is changed from a first control state preset for automatic control by the computer to a second control state to which at least a part of the motion data is applied. Updated, and the movement of the first avatar is controlled based on the movement control data of the second control state.
The information processing method according to claim 1 . Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least a portion of the motion data within a first time after obtaining at least a portion of the motion data applied as the motion control data;
The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2 . The virtual space includes a second character operated based on an operation input by the user,
The movement data is acquired in association with state information indicating the state of the second character at the time of acquisition of the movement data,
When the state of the first character is the first state, at least a part of the motion data associated with the first state is applied as the motion control data.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The virtual space includes the second avatar associated with each of a plurality of users;
The motion data of each of the plurality of users is acquired;
At least a part of the motion data of any of the plurality of users is applied as the motion control data;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The movement control data includes a first condition associated with a first movement that defines the movement of the first avatar;
When the event that occurred in the virtual space satisfies the first condition, the first avatar is caused to make the first movement associated with the first condition.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user via a head mounted device including a display unit,
Identifying virtual space data defining a virtual space including a first avatar automatically controlled by the computer and a first character associated with the first avatar and automatically controlled by the computer;
Controlling the first avatar and the first character based on the first control data for automatically controlling the first avatar and the second control data for automatically controlling the first character;
Identifying a virtual viewpoint that is not associated with the first avatar and the first character in the virtual space;
Generating a visual field image based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, and the attitude of the head mounted device, and displaying the visual field image on the display unit;
Including
The first control data includes movement control data for controlling movement of the first avatar in the virtual space,
The movement control data includes a first condition associated with a first movement that defines the movement of the first avatar;
The first condition is based on an event including an action from one of the opponent character, which is an object other than the first character and the first character, to the other, and the state of the first character or the opponent character satisfies the second condition. Including satisfying,
An information processing method for causing the first avatar to perform the first movement associated with the first condition when the first condition is satisfied . The first movement includes a movement targeting a partner avatar associated with the partner character,
  The information processing method according to claim 7. The first condition includes that a positional relationship between the first character and a target of interest arranged in the virtual space satisfies a third condition,
The first movement includes directing the line of sight of the first avatar to the target of interest.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 . The target of interest is an object arranged in the virtual space, and is selected from objects included in the field of view of the first avatar defined based on the line-of-sight direction of the first avatar.
The information processing method according to claim 9 . The first control data includes position control data for controlling the position of the first avatar to move from the first position to the second position;
The second position is defined based on the position of the first character,
The position control data includes moving the position of the first avatar from the first position to the second position defined based on the position of the first character.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . The first control data includes appearance control data for controlling the appearance of the first avatar,
The appearance control data includes controlling the appearance of the first avatar based on the state of the first character.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . Program for executing the information processing method according to the computer in any one of claims 1 to 12. An apparatus comprising: at least a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is executed under the control of the processor.