JP6779840B2 - Methods and devices for assisting input in virtual space and programs that allow computers to execute such methods. - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more specifically to a technique for supporting user input in a virtual space.

A technique for providing virtual reality using a head-mounted display (HMD) device is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-090530 (Patent Document 1) discloses "an easy-to-understand and advanced user interface in a technique for operating a head-mounted display device by the movement of a user's finger". (See [Summary]). Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-091353 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique of "displaying a virtual input device on an HMD and displaying keyboard keys touched by a user" (see [Summary]). ..

JP-A-2015-090530 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-091353

According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the use of the input device is premised in the real space, the virtual experience due to the interaction between the object arranged in the virtual space and the user is hindered. Therefore, there is a need to improve the input experience in virtual space.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object in a certain aspect is to provide a method or device for supporting input in virtual space without using an input device in real space. It is to be. The purpose in the other aspect is to provide a program for causing a computer to execute a method of assisting input in virtual space without using an input device in real space.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a computer to assist input in virtual space is provided. In this method, the step of arranging the input device object for receiving the input in the virtual space in the virtual space, the step of detecting the state of one of the limbs of the computer user, and the detection result of the state of one of the limbs Correspondingly, when the step of arranging the operation object for performing the input operation on the input device object, the step of detecting the contact between the operation object and the input device object, and the contact are in a predetermined manner. Includes a step of accepting the contact as an input operation on the input device object.

In some aspects, the input experience in virtual space can be improved by eliminating the need for a keyboard or other physical input device in real space for input in virtual space.

The above and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the computer 200 which follows one aspect. It is a figure which conceptually represents the uvw field-of-view coordinate system set in the HMD apparatus 110 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually represents one aspect which expresses the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which showed the head of the user 190 who wears the HMD apparatus 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure which shows the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area 23 from the X direction in virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the XZ cross section which looked at the field of view area 23 from the Y direction in virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the HMD system 100 executes. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the processor 10 of a computer 200 executes. It is a figure which shows the change of the visual field image 1210 which a user recognizes in a virtual space 2 according to a certain aspect. It is a figure which shows the change of the posture of the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the state which put the user's left hand 1410 in the real space together with the virtual camera 1 and the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2. It is a figure for demonstrating the configuration which prevents erroneous input to virtual keyboard 1240.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, the detailed description of them will not be repeated.

[HMD system configuration]
The configuration of the HMD (Head Mount Display) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In some aspects, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 may include a motion sensor 130.

In some aspects, the computer 200 can connect to the Internet or other network 19 and can communicate with the server 150 or other computer 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 can be worn on the user's head and provide the user with a virtual space during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 monitors the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye 1
Each is displayed on 12. When each eye of the user visually recognizes the 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-transparent display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is arranged in the body of the HMD device 110 so as to be located in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, the user can immerse himself in the virtual space by visually recognizing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In certain embodiments, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, user-operable objects, and user-selectable menu images. In certain embodiments, the monitor 112 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor included in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

In some aspects, 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 the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye as a unit. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye can be alternately displayed so that the image is recognized by only one of the eyes.

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

In another aspect, the HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 by executing the image analysis process using the image information of the HMD device 110 output from the camera.

In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include the sensor 114 as the position detector instead of the HMD sensor 120. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 itself by 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 of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to position and tilt itself. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in the 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. Further, the HMD 110 may be provided with a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transparent display device by adjusting its transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space as a part of the image constituting the virtual space. For example, an image taken by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be superimposed on a part of the field image and displayed, or by setting a high transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device, the field image can be displayed. The real space may be visible from a part.

The gaze sensor 140 detects the direction in which the eyes of the user 190's right eye and left eye are directed (line-of-sight direction). 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 certain aspects, the gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a sensor for the right eye and a sensor for the left eye. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that 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 the reflected light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiation light. .. The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with another computer 200 to provide virtual reality to the HMD device used by another user. For example, in an amusement facility, when a plurality of users play a participatory game, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200, and the plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

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

The motion sensor 130 is attached to the user's hand in a certain aspect to detect the movement of the user's hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in, for example, a glove-shaped controller 160. In certain embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be attached to something that does not easily fly by being attached to the user 190's hand, such as a glove type. In another aspect, a sensor not attached to the user 190 may detect the movement of the user 190's hand. For example, the signal of the camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal indicating the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication method is used.

[Hardware configuration]
The computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the 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 the signal given to the computer 200 or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In a certain aspect, the processor 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and an FP.
It is realized as a GA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and other devices.

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

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

In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120, or the motion sensor 130. In a certain aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized by using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above.

In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives an input of a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends an instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output voice, emit light, and the like. Upon receiving the instruction, the controller 160 executes either vibration, audio output, or light emission in response to the instruction.

The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with another computer (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In a certain aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Will be done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

In a certain aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing the virtual space, 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 the 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.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD device 110, but in another aspect, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD device 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including a monitor 112 may function as a computer 200.

Further, the computer 200 may have a configuration commonly used in a 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 one embodiment, the HMD system 100 has a preset global coordinate system. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axises) that are parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-back direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back direction in the global coordinate system are defined as the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, respectively. More specifically, in the global coordinate system, the x-axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of real space. The y-axis is parallel to the vertical direction in real space. The z-axis is parallel to the front-back direction of the real space.

In some aspects, the HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects infrared rays 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 a temporal change in the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 by using each value detected over time.

The global coordinate system is parallel to the coordinate system in real space. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination of the HMD device 110 around three axes in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw field of view coordinate system to the HMD device 110 based on the inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 corresponds to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 sees an object in the virtual space.

[Uvw field coordinate system]
The uvw field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually representing the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD device 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw 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 centered (origin) on the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. More specifically, the HMD device 110 sets the horizontal, vertical, and front-back directions (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 directions newly obtained by tilting each axis by the inclination of are the pitch direction (u axis), the yaw direction (v axis), and the roll direction (w axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD apparatus 110. Set as.

In a certain aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 is upright and visually recognizing the front surface, the processor 10 sets the uvw field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD device 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), vertical direction (y-axis), and front-back direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) and yaw direction (v-axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD apparatus 110. Axis) and roll direction (w-axis).

After the uvw field coordinate system is set in the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the tilt (change amount of tilt) of the HMD device 110 in the set uvw 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, respectively. 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.

The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 after the HMD device 110 has moved based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD device 110 in the HMD device 110. The relationship between the HMD device 110 and the uvw 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 intensity of the infrared light obtained based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between the points (eg, 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 representing one aspect of expressing the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky spherical structure that covers the entire center 21 in the 360-degree direction. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 2 is illustrated so as not to complicate the explanation. Each mesh is defined in the virtual space 2. The position of each mesh is predetermined as a coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting the content (still image, moving image, etc.) expandable 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. Provides the user with the virtual space 2 in which is expanded.

In a certain 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, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the 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 XYZ coordinate system The Z-axis (front-back 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 arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 moves in the virtual space 2 in the same manner in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 in the real space. As a result, 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 virtual camera 1 is defined with an uvw field-of-view coordinate system. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined to be linked to the uvw field-of-view 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. Further, 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. It is decided. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the field of view 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The field of view 23 corresponds to the field of view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

The line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes an object. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. Further, the uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can consider 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 field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's line of sight]
The determination of the line-of-sight direction of the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the head of the user 190 who wears the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment.

In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the user 190's right and left eyes. In one aspect, when the user 190 is looking closer, 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 detection result of the line of sight, the computer 200 identifies the gaze point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detected values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detected values of the lines of sight R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 identifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the gaze point. The computer 200 specifies the line-of-sight direction N0 of the user 190 based on the position of the specified gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the extending direction of the straight line passing through the gazing point N1 as the line-of-sight direction N0. The line-of-sight direction N0 is the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight with both eyes. Further, the line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight with respect to the field of view area 23.

In another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a microphone and a speaker in any of the parts constituting the HMD system 100. The user can give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2 by speaking to the microphone.

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

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

[Visibility area]
The field of view 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the field of view 23 as viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of the field of view 23 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the field of view 23 in the XZ cross section includes the 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 centered on the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 190 with a virtual space by displaying the field of view image 26 on the monitor 112 based on the signal from the computer 200. The field of view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the field of view area 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 attached to the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the field of view 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the field of view image 26 displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to an image of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the field of view area 23 in the direction facing the user in the virtual space 2. The user can visually recognize the desired direction in the virtual space 2.

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

In a certain aspect, the processor 10 may move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 identifies an image area (that is, a field of view area 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.

According to certain embodiments, the virtual camera 1 preferably includes two virtual cameras, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Further, it is preferable that an 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 of the present disclosure is illustrated as being configured to be compatible.

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

In one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller, as shown in the segment (A) of FIG. The right controller 800 is operated by the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated by the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are symmetrically configured as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller respectively. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that accepts operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

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

The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push-type buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 accept operations by the thumb of the user 190's right hand. In a certain aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in any direction 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller include a battery for driving the infrared LED 35 and other components. Batteries include, but are not limited to, rechargeable, button type, dry cell type and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller may be connected to, for example, the USB interface of the computer 200. In this case, the right controller 800 and the left controller do not require batteries.

As shown in the division (A) and the division (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as.

[Control device for HMD device]
The control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In certain embodiments, the control device is implemented by a computer 200 having a well-known configuration. FIG. 9 shows
FIG. 5 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 field of view area determination module 222, a field of view image generation module 223, and a reference line of sight identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, an operation object control module 233, and an input device object control module 234 as submodules.

In certain embodiments, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 are implemented by the processor 10. In another embodiment, a plurality of 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 a certain aspect, the display control module 220 controls the 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 field of view determination module 222 defines the field of view 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user who wears the HMD device 110. The field of view image generation module 223 generates a field of view image 26 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined field of view area 23.

The reference line-of-sight identification 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 generation module 232 generates an object to be arranged in the virtual space 2. The object may include, for example, forests, mountains and other landscapes, animals and the like that are arranged as the story of the game progresses.

The operation object control module 233 arranges the operation object for operating the object arranged in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In a certain aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object corresponding to the user's hand wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, a stick object corresponding to the stick used by the user, and the like. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to a portion of the axis in the direction (axial direction) pointed by the finger.

The input device object control module 234 arranges a virtual input device for receiving an instruction in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In some aspects, the virtual input device may include, for example, a virtual keyboard, a virtual touch panel, a virtual switch or other input device.

When each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object, the virtual space control module 230 detects the collision. The virtual space control module 230 can detect, for example, the timing at which one object and another object touch each other, and when the detection is made, a predetermined process is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing when the object and the object are separated from the touching state, and when the detection is made, a predetermined process is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object and the object are in contact with each other. Specifically, when the operation object and another object (for example, the virtual input device arranged by the input device object control module 234) come into contact with the operation object control module 233, the operation object and the other object Detects the touch and performs a predetermined process.

The memory module 240 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In a certain aspect, the memory module 240 holds the spatial information 241 and the object information 242 and the user information 243. Spatial information 241 holds one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2. The object information 242 holds the content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2 and the information for arranging the object used in the content. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a landscape similar to that of the real world, and the like. The user information 243 holds a program for operating the computer 200 as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program for using each content held in the object information 242, and the like. The 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, a server 150) operated by a business operator that provides 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 certain aspects, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 can be implemented using, for example, Unity® 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.

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

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

The data recording medium is not limited to CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but also magnetic tape, cassette tape, and 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
A non-volatile data recording medium such as (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM may be used.

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

[Control structure]
The control structure of the computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the HMD system 100. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200.

With reference to FIG. 10, in step S1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231 and defines the virtual space.

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

In step S1030, the processor 10 generates the field of view image data for displaying the initial field of view image as the field of view image generation module 223. The generated field of view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the field of view image generation module 223.

In step S1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a field of view image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 equipped with the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when he / she visually recognizes the field of view image.

In step S1034, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 based on the plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

In step S1040, the processor 10 identifies the viewing direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes an application program and arranges an object in the virtual space 2 based on an instruction included in the application program.

In step S1042, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that the button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (eg, waving both hands). A signal indicating the detection content is sent to the computer 200.

In step S1050, the processor 10 places a virtual hand object in the virtual space. The virtual hand object corresponds to the user 190's hand in real space.

In step S1060, the processor 10 arranges a virtual keyboard in the virtual space based on the movement of the user 190's hand.

In step S1070, the processor 10 detects the input to the virtual keyboard based on the user's actions in the real space.

In step S1080, the processor 10 executes a process according to the input to the virtual keyboard.

In step S1090, the processor 10 generates the field of view image data for displaying the field of view image based on the processing result, and outputs the generated field of view image data to the HMD device 110.

In step S1092, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the field of view image based on the received field of view image data, and displays the updated field of view image.

With reference to FIG. 11, in step S1110, the processor 10 defines the virtual space as the virtual space definition module 231 and provides the virtual space to the HMD device 110 worn by the user holding the controller 160. provide.

In step S1120, the processor 10 detects the movement of the user's hand in the real space based on the output from the controller 160. The detection of hand movement is performed, for example, based on the output from the motion sensor 130 provided in the controller 160 held by the user. In another aspect, hand movements can also be detected by the results of analysis of image data obtained by one or more cameras arranged to capture the user's movements.

In step S1130, the processor 10 arranges the virtual right-hand object and the virtual left-hand object corresponding to both hands of the user in the virtual space as the operation object control module 233 according to the detected operation.

In step S1140, the processor 10 arranges the input device object (for example, a virtual touch panel) in the virtual space as the input device object control module 234 based on the operation of the virtual right-hand object that moves according to the movement of the right hand in the real space. To do.

In step S1150, the processor 10 detects that the virtual right-hand object is approaching the virtual touch panel in response to the operation of the right hand in the real space as the operation object control module 233.

In step S1160, in response to the detection, the processor 10 arranges the virtual right-hand object as the operation object control module 233 in the virtual space with the index finger extended. More specifically, the processor 10 generates data for arranging the virtual right-hand object in the virtual space, and transmits the data to the HMD device 110 via the display control module 220. When the monitor 112 displays an image based on the data, the user wearing the HMD device 110 recognizes the virtual right-hand object in the virtual space with the index finger extended.

In step S1170, the processor 10 detects that the index finger of the virtual right-hand object has touched the virtual touch panel as the operation object control module 233 based on the output from the motion sensor 130. More specifically, the movement of the index finger in the real space is detected by the motion sensor 130. A signal indicating the movement is input to the computer 200. The movement of the index finger of the right hand in the real space is replaced by the movement of the index finger of the virtual right hand object in the virtual space 2 by the operation object control module 233. The operation object control module 233 detects a collision when the index finger of the virtual right-hand object in the virtual space 2 collides with the virtual touch panel. Alternatively, the operation object control module 233 calculates the distance between the index finger and the virtual touch panel based on the moving speed of the index finger in the virtual space 2. When this interval becomes 0, the operation object control module 233 may determine that the index finger has touched the virtual touch panel.

In step S1180, the processor 10 executes the process associated with the position in contact with the virtual touch panel as the input device object control module 234. For example, when the index finger of the virtual right-hand object touches any key on the keyboard of the virtual touch panel, the processor 10 accepts the input of that key.

In step S1190, the processor 10 transmits a signal indicating that the input based on the contact with the virtual touch panel has been accepted to the controller 160 in the real space.

The arrangement of the virtual input device in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing changes in the visual field image 1210 recognized by the user in the virtual space 2 according to a certain aspect.

As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 12, when the user wearing the HMD device 110 operates the controller 160, the left-hand object 1220 and the right-hand object 1230 are arranged in the virtual space 2. In this state, when the user performs an operation for arranging the virtual keyboard in the virtual space 2 on the controller 160, the virtual keyboard 1240 appears from the left-hand object 1220. At this time, the starting point where the virtual keyboard 1240 appears is, for example, near the index finger or wrist of the left hand object 1220, but other places may be the starting point. It is preferable that the virtual keyboard 1240 is arranged at least in the vicinity of the left-hand object 1220, the right-hand object 1230, and other operation objects recognized in the visual field image 1210, depending on the parts of the fingers arranged in the virtual space 2.

In certain aspects, the operating object may be provided with an icon indicating where the virtual keyboard 1240 appears. For example, in response to the user operating the controller 160 in the real space, the ring 1250 may be additionally displayed as the icon on the index finger of the left hand object 1220 arranged in the virtual space 2. When such an icon is displayed, the user can instinctively know where the virtual keyboard 1240 will appear. The icon displayed is not limited to the ring 1250, and a bracelet or other accessories that can be attached to the fingers may be displayed on the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230.

As the object to be arranged in the virtual space 2, it is desirable that the finger object is arranged rather than the hand object beyond the wrist. If the hand object corresponding to the wrist first is arranged in the virtual space 2, the user may need to make a gesture of looking at the wristwatch in the real space. On the other hand, when only the finger object is arranged, the operation of the user in the real space can be simplified, so that the operability can be improved without impairing the immersive feeling.

In this state (A), when the user operates his right hand in real space to bring the right-hand object 1230 closer to the virtual keyboard 1240, the right-hand object 1230 automatically extends his finger, as shown in state (B). It changes into a shape like this.

In state (B), as shown in the field view image 1210, when the user touches the index finger of the right hand object 1230 to any key of the virtual keyboard 1240, the processor 10 of the computer 200 acts as the operating object control module 233. The position of the right-hand object 1230 is calculated, and the input device object control module 234 detects the input to the key. The processor 10 executes the process assigned to the key on which the input operation is performed.

In certain embodiments, input to the virtual keyboard 1240 includes inputting characters, selecting items and other objects to be placed in virtual space 2. For example, in the case of object selection, when the user selects an object with the right-hand object 1230, the selected object appears in a manner held by the right-hand object 1230.

When the left-hand object 1220 or the right-hand object 1230 comes into contact with the virtual keyboard 1240 in the virtual space 2 according to an embodiment, the controller 160 held by the user 190 in the right hand may vibrate. As a result, the user can physically sense in the real space that the input operation in the virtual space 2 has been accepted.

According to the present embodiment, since the vibration of the controller 160 can feed back the input to the user, the input in the virtual space 2 can be easily realized without using a keyboard, a touch pad or other input devices in the real space.

The display mode of the virtual keyboard 1240 in the virtual space 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing changes in the posture of the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2. In certain embodiments, the operating surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 may be configured to face the virtual camera 1 even when the orientation of the hand changes, in order to maintain visibility.

For example, as shown in state (A), in some aspects, the virtual keyboard 1240 faces the front of the left-hand object 1220. After that, the orientation of the virtual keyboard 1240 may change according to the change in the orientation of the user's hand in the real space.

For example, as shown in the state (B), when the user's hand in the real space is tilted, the virtual keyboard 1240 may be tilted according to the tilt. In this case, the tilt of the user's hand can be detected by the output signal from the motion sensor 130 included in the controller 160 or by the image data output from the camera that captures the user's hand. In one aspect, the degree of tilt of the virtual keyboard 1240 is calculated based on the tilt of the hand in the yaw direction.

The relationship between the tilt of the hand in the real space and the tilt of the virtual keyboard 1240 in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the virtual camera 1 and the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2 are combined with the user's left hand 1410 in the real space.

As shown in the state (A), in a certain aspect, the virtual keyboard 1240 is arranged in the virtual space 2 according to the posture of the left hand 1410. At this time, the virtual keyboard 1
The operation surface of 240 faces the virtual camera 1. Since the direction of the virtual camera 1 is the line-of-sight direction of the virtual user in the virtual space 2, the user wearing the HMD device 110 can look straight at the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240. When the user tilts the left hand 1410 forward from the state (A), the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 also tilts.

That is, as shown in the state (B), the virtual keyboard 1240 is also tilted so that the normal perpendicular to the operation surface of the virtual keyboard is orthogonal to the yaw direction in response to the change in the yaw direction of the left hand 1410. The deterioration of the operability of the keyboard 1240 can be suppressed.

The input to the virtual keyboard 1240 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a configuration for preventing erroneous input to the virtual keyboard 1240. In order for the user to input to the virtual keyboard 1240 as intended, the computer 200 needs to prevent the user from detecting an unintended input operation. Therefore, in certain embodiments, for example, the following rules may be applied.

(Rule 1) Direction of hand movement when inputting The computer 200 detects only the movement of the left-hand object 1220 or the right-hand object 1230 toward the operation surface (touch surface) of the virtual keyboard 1240, and performs an operation in the direction away from the operation surface. Not detected. The direction toward the operation surface (touch surface) corresponds to the direction opposite to the normal direction of the operation surface (touch surface), and the direction away from the operation surface (touch surface) is the normal direction of the operation surface (touch surface). Equivalent to.

According to such a configuration, when the left-hand object 1220 or the right-hand object 1230 touches the virtual keyboard 1240 and then penetrates to the back of the virtual keyboard 1240, a return for returning the left-hand object 1220 or the right-hand object 1230 to the front. Even if an operation is performed, the processor 10 does not consider the operation as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240, so that an erroneous input is prevented.

Further, in the computer 200, when the virtual hand object (left hand object 1220 or right hand object 1230) used for input to the virtual keyboard 1240 comes into contact with the operation surface (touch surface) of the virtual keyboard 1240, the finger of the virtual hand object. When the speed in the axial direction (acceleration in the roll axis direction of the right hand object 1230 shown in the state (B) of FIG. 15) exceeds the threshold value, it is regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240 based on the contact, and the virtual hand object. If the axial speed of the finger is less than or equal to the threshold value, the contact may not be regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240. Here, it is assumed that the threshold value is a value for comparison with the speed in the roll axis direction of the right-handed object 1230 shown in the state (B) of FIG. 15, and is not zero but a positive value. By doing so, in the example of the state (B) of FIG. 15, when the right-hand object 1230 touches the virtual keyboard 1240 and then penetrates to the back surface of the virtual keyboard 1240, the right-hand object 1230 is returned to the front. Even if the operation is performed, the speed component in the roll axis direction of the right-hand object 1230 becomes a negative value, so that the operation is not regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240. Therefore, erroneous input is prevented. Even if the right-hand object 1230 moves in the pitch axis direction with the right-hand object 1230 penetrating to the back of the virtual keyboard 1240 after touching the virtual keyboard 1240 (with the right-hand object 1230 penetrating the virtual keyboard 1240, the virtual keyboard Even if the right-hand object 1230 moves in a direction parallel to the plane of 1240), with the speed component of the right-hand object 1230 in the roll axis direction being zero or close to zero, one of the keys on the keyboard of the virtual touch panel and the right-hand object 1230 The operation is not regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240. Therefore, erroneous input is prevented.

(Rule 2) Direction of hand when inputting The roll direction of the left-hand object 1220 or the right-hand object 1230 is facing the operation surface (touch surface) (the direction opposite to the normal direction of the touch surface). When the roll direction is oriented toward the normal direction of the touch surface rather than parallel, the processor 10 does not detect the operation as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240.

In certain embodiments, the processor 10 can prevent false positives for the "return operation" by applying either or both of the rules 1 and 2.

From the above, the subject matter disclosed in the present specification is shown, for example, as the following structure.
[Structure 1]
According to certain embodiments, there is provided a method performed by computer 200 to assist with input in virtual space 2. This method
A step of arranging an input device object (for example, a virtual keyboard 1240) for receiving an input in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2 and
A step of detecting the state of any of the limbs of user 190 of computer 200,
A step of arranging an operation object (for example, a left-hand object 1220 and a right-hand object 1230) for performing an input operation on an input device object according to the detection result of any state of the limbs.
Steps to detect contact between the operating object and the input device object,
This includes a step of accepting the contact as an input operation on the input device object when the contact is a contact in a predetermined mode. The computer 200 places the operating object between the virtual user corresponding to the user 190 and the input device object.

[Structure 2] Preferably, a predetermined embodiment includes either the operation object penetrating the input device object or the operation object pushing the input device object.

[Structure 3] Preferably, the step of accepting as an input operation includes accepting the contact as an input operation when the operation object contacts the input device object from the outside of the input device object.

[Structure 4] Preferably, the contact with the input device object from the outside includes the operation object moved from the virtual user toward the input device touching the input device object.

[Structure 5] Preferably, the predetermined embodiment includes that the movement of the operation object with respect to the input device object is a predetermined one-way movement.

[Structure 6] Preferably, any of the limbs includes the user's hand. The operation object includes a hand object corresponding to a hand.

[Structure 7] Preferably, the hand object includes one or more finger objects. The step of arranging the operation object in the virtual space includes arranging one or more finger objects in an extended state when the input device object and the hand object are close to each other by a predetermined distance or less.

[Structure 8] Preferably, when the input operation is accepted, the above method transmits a signal for notifying the output device connected to the computer and attached to the user that the input operation has been accepted. Including additional steps to do.

[Structure 9] Preferably, in the contact in a predetermined mode, the operation object inputs while the operation object and the input device object are in contact with each other and the contact between the operation object and the input device object is maintained. Includes moving parallel to the surface of the device object.

[Structure 10] Preferably, the above method further steps to change and display the color of either the operation object or the input device object when the operation object and the input device object come into contact with each other in a predetermined manner. Including.

[Structure 11] Preferably, the step of arranging the input device object in the virtual space includes a step of arranging the input device object above the hand object arranged in the virtual space (for example, the fingertip of the left hand object 1220).

[Structure 12] Preferably, the above method further steps to switch the content displayed on the head-mounted display device worn by the user in order to provide a virtual space based on the input operation to the input device object. Including.

[Structure 13] Preferably, the step of detecting the state includes detecting the inclination of the user's hand. The method further includes a step of tilting the input device object according to the tilt of the hand.

[Configuration 14] The input device object includes one or more virtual keys for accepting input operations.

[Structure 15] According to another embodiment, a program is provided that causes one or more computers to execute the method described in any one of the above configurations. One or more computers include a plurality of computers capable of communicating with each other via the Internet.

[Structure 16] According to still another embodiment, a device for assisting input in the virtual space is provided. This device includes a memory that stores the above program and a processor that is coupled to the memory and executes the program.

As described in detail above, according to the present disclosure, characters, symbols and other inputs can be realized in the virtual space 2 by using the virtual input device arranged in the virtual space 2 without using the input device in the real space. Therefore, the obstruction of the input experience in the virtual space 2 can be prevented.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processors, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interfaces, 14 communication interfaces, 15 buses, 19 networks, 21 centers, 22 virtual space images, 23 field of view, 24, 25 areas, 26 field of view images, 31 frames, 32 tops, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 35 infrared LEDs, 38 analog sticks, 100 HMD system, 1
10 HMD device, 112 monitor, 114,120 sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 view area determination module, 223 Visibility image generation module, 224 reference line-of-sight identification module, 230 virtual space control module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 operation object control module, 234 input device object control module, 240 memory module, 241 spatial information, 242 object information, 243 user information, 250 communication control module, 800 right controller, 810 right hand, 1210 field image, 1220 left hand object, 1230 right hand object, 1240 virtual keyboard, 1250 ring, 1410 left hand.

Claims (1)

A method performed by a computer with a processor,
The method applies to the processor.
Steps to detect the condition of the user's hand and
A step of defining a virtual space corresponding to the hand and including a hand object including one or more finger objects and an input object.
The step of moving the hand object according to the state of the hand,
A step of extending the finger object regardless of the state of the user's hand when the input object and the hand object approach each other within a predetermined distance.
When the positional relationship between the finger object and the input object satisfies a predetermined condition, a step of accepting an input operation is executed .
The predetermined condition is that a predetermined reference point included in the finger object comes into contact with the input object from a predetermined first direction.
A method in which an input operation is not accepted when a predetermined reference point included in the finger object contacts the input object from a second direction opposite to the predetermined first direction .

Images