JP6952065B2 - Programs and methods that are executed on the computer that provides the virtual space, and information processing devices that execute the programs. - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to shooting in virtual space, and more specifically to processing after shooting in virtual space.

A technique for providing a virtual space using a head-mounted device (HMD) is known. In addition, various technologies have been proposed to enrich the user's experience in virtual space.

For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for photographing a subject such as an avatar using an instant camera arranged in a virtual space. Further, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of photographing an avatar in which a virtual space is arranged by a virtual camera.

"Business media that creates the future of VR Inside VR Digi4 Destruction", [online], [Search on June 13, 2017], Internet <URL: http://bank.vrinside.jp/review/dig-4-destruction/ ＞ "Oculus shows a demo of VR selfie stick and avatar", [online], [Search June 13, 2017], Internet <URL: http://jp.techcrunch.com/2016/04/14/ 20160413vr-selfie-stick />

The technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 employs a configuration in which a photographic object generated by shooting in a virtual space is placed at a position where shooting is performed. Therefore, the user must acquire the generated photographic object and check the contents of the photographic each time the photograph is taken in the virtual space.

On the other hand, the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2 employs a configuration in which a photographic object is arranged at a predetermined position in a virtual space. The user can check one or more generated photographic objects by moving to a predetermined position. However, some users may not know where the photo object is located. In such a case, the user must find the position of the photographic object in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that enables a simpler method to confirm a photograph (image) generated by taking a picture in a 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 technique for confirming a photograph (image) generated by taking a picture in a virtual space in an easier way. It is to be.

According to certain embodiments, a program is provided that is run on a computer to provide virtual space for the headmount device. This program represents a step of defining a virtual space, a step of arranging a camera object having a shooting function in the virtual space, a step of generating an image corresponding to the shooting range of the camera object, and a generated image. The step of arranging the photo object at a predetermined position in the virtual space and the step of notifying the user of the head mount device of the position where the photo object is arranged are executed.

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

It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the technical idea of this disclosure. It is a figure (the 2) for demonstrating the technical idea of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the HMD system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the computer which follows a certain aspect. It is a schematic diagram conceptually representing the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a schematic diagram conceptually representing one aspect of expressing a virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which showed the head of the user who wears an HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure which shows the YZ cross section which looked at the visual area in the virtual space from the X direction. It is a figure which shows the XZ cross section which looked at the visual area in a virtual space from the Y direction. It is a block diagram which shows the computer according to a certain embodiment as a module structure. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of tracking a hand. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of a tracking module. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the tracking data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which an HMD system executes. It is a schematic diagram which shows the situation that a plurality of HMDs provide virtual space to a plurality of users in a network. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a field-of-view image visually recognized by the user in FIG. It is a figure explaining the hardware configuration and the module configuration of a server. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of generating a photographic image by taking a picture in a virtual space. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of notifying a user of the direction of a collection place. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of notifying a user of the locus to the accumulation place. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of notifying a user that a photographic object is arranged in a collection place. It is a flowchart which shows the process of notifying a user of the above-mentioned series of collection locations. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing with respect to the photographic image represented by a photographic object. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the photograph DB held by a server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which a server accepts the evaluation with respect to a photographic image. It is a flowchart which shows the process of posting a photographic image to SNS in cooperation with a computer and a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a user DB. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of deleting a photographic object. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the process of generating a psychic photograph. It is a figure (2) for demonstrating the process of generating a psychic photograph. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of generating the photographic image including the avatar object of the display mode different from the avatar object arranged in the virtual space.

Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical idea will be described in detail 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. In addition, each embodiment described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[Technical Thought]
FIG. 1 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, the computer 200 provides the virtual space 2 to the HMD (Head-Mounted Device) 110 worn by the user 190. The computer 200 develops the panoramic image 22 in the virtual space 2.

The computer 200 arranges the avatar object 1500 corresponding to the user 190 in the virtual space 2. The avatar object 1500 in FIG. 1 is equipped with the HMD 110, but this is for the purpose of making the explanation easy to understand, and is not actually attached. The computer 200 further displays an image corresponding to the field of view of the avatar object 1500 on the monitor of the HMD 110. As a result, the user 190 visually recognizes the panoramic image 22. Further, the computer 200 arranges the camera object 1810 having a shooting function in the virtual space 2.

The avatar object 1500 moves according to the operation of the user 190. The user 190 can operate the camera object 1810 by the avatar object 1500 to shoot the virtual space 2 (the panoramic image 22 developed in the virtual space 2).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810 includes a flower 1840 that is part of the panoramic image 22. In this state, the user 190 performs an operation for taking a picture with the camera object 1810. The computer 200 generates an image corresponding to the shooting range 1830 based on the operation. Hereinafter, the image generated by shooting in the virtual space is also referred to as a "photographic image".

Each time the computer 200 takes a picture in the virtual space 2, it generates a photographic object 2010 representing a photographic image generated by the picture. The computer 200 arranges the photographic object 2010 at a predetermined position in the virtual space 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the computer 200 places the photographic object 2010 on the desk object 2110.

The user 190 moves to the desk object 2110 in the virtual space 2 and confirms the generated photographic image. However, the user 190 may not know where the photographic object 2010 is located. In such a case, the user 190 must move in the virtual space 2 to find a position (desk object 2110) in which the photographic object 2010 is placed. The processing that can solve such a problem will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the state of FIG. 2, the user 190 is visually recognizing the field of view image 300 developed on the monitor of the HMD 110.

The view image 300 includes a hand object 1510 corresponding to a hand portion of the avatar object 1500 and a camera object 1810. The camera object 1810 has a preview screen. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the preview screen includes flowers 1840. When the computer 200 receives the pressing of the button 1820 provided on the camera object 1810 by the hand object 1510, the computer 200 executes shooting in the virtual space 2. As a result, the computer 200 generates a photographic image and stores it in a memory (not shown).

Further, the computer 200 creates a photographic object 2010 representing a photographic image and places the object near the camera object 1810. The computer 200 further moves the photographic object 2010 to the position of the desk object 2110.

According to the above, the user 190 can easily understand the position where the photographic object 2010 is arranged by confirming the trajectory 2020 in which the photographic object 2010 moves. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and control for realizing such processing will be described.

[HMD system configuration]
The configuration of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an outline of the configuration of the HMD system 100. The HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

The HMD system 100 includes an HMD set 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D, a network 19 and a server 150. Each of the HMD sets 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D is configured to be able to communicate with the server 150 via the network 19. Hereinafter, the HMD set 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D are collectively referred to as the HMD set 105. The number of HMD sets 105 constituting the HMD system 100 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more.

The HMD set 105 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, and a computer 200. The HMD 110 includes a monitor 112, a camera 116, a speaker 118, a microphone 119, and a gaze sensor 140. In another aspect, the HMD 110 further comprises a sensor 114.

In some aspects, the computer 200 can connect to the Internet or other network 19 and communicate with the server 150 or other computer connected to the network 19 (eg, another computer in the HMD set 105).

The HMD 110 may be worn on the head of user 190 and provide virtual space to user 190 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 190 visually recognizes the respective image, the user 190 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes. The HMD 110 may include both a so-called head-mounted display including a monitor and a head-mounted device to which a smartphone or other terminal having a monitor can be attached.

The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transparent display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is located in the body of the HMD 110 so that it is located in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, the user 190 can immerse himself in the virtual space by visually recognizing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. 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 another aspect, the monitor 112 can be realized as a transmissive display device. In this case, the HMD 110 may be an open type such as a glasses type rather than a closed type that covers the eyes of the user 190 as shown in FIG. The transmissive monitor 112 can temporarily function as a non-transparent display device by adjusting its transmittance. Further, the monitor 112 may include a configuration in which a part of the image constituting the virtual space and the real space are displayed at the same time. For example, the monitor 112 may display an image of the real space taken by the camera mounted on the HMD 110, or may make the real space visible by setting a part of the transmittance to be high.

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 camera 116 is configured to be able to acquire depth information of the object. As an example, the camera 116 acquires depth information of an object according to a TOF (Time Of Flight) method. As another example, the camera 116 acquires depth information of an object according to a pattern irradiation method. In certain embodiments, the camera 116 can be a stereo camera capable of capturing an object from two or more different directions. Also, the camera 116 can be an infrared camera that is invisible to humans. The camera 116 is attached to the HMD 110 and photographs a part of the body of the user 190. Hereinafter, as an example, the camera 116 captures the hand of the user 190. The camera 116 outputs the acquired depth information of the user 190's hand to the computer 200.

The speaker 118 converts the voice signal into voice and outputs it to the user 190. The microphone 119 converts the utterance of the user 190 into an audio signal which is an electric signal and outputs the utterance to the computer 200. In another aspect, the HMD 110 may be configured to include earphones instead of the speaker 118.

The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of the HMD 110. In this case, the HMD 110 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 known position tracking function for detecting the light emitted by each light source and detecting the position and orientation of the HMD 110.

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 110 by executing the image analysis process using the image information of the HMD 110 output from the camera.

In yet another aspect, the computer 200 may be configured to detect the tilt of the HMD 110 based on the output of the sensor 114 instead of the output of the HMD sensor 120. The sensor 114 is realized, for example, by an angular velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a combination of these sensors. The computer 200 detects the tilt of the HMD 110 based on the output of the sensor 114. 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 110 in real space over time. The computer 200 calculates the inclination of the HMD 110 by calculating each temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity.

The gaze sensor 140 detects the line of sight of the user 190's right and left eyes. The detection of the line of sight is realized by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In 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 angle of rotation 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 of the user 190 based on each of the detected rotation angles.

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 used by other users. 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.

[Hardware configuration]
The computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 200 according to a certain 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 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 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 detachable 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 110 and the HMD sensor 120. In certain aspects, the sensor 114, camera 116, speaker 118, and microphone 119 included in the HMD 110 may communicate with the computer 200 via the input / output interface 13 of the HMD 110. In a certain aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized by using USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above.

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 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 contained in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of a computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD 110, but in another aspect, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 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 for a plurality of HMD 110s. 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 this 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 a certain aspect, the sensor 114 is composed of a combination of a 3-axis angular velocity sensor and a 3-axis acceleration sensor. The computer 200 calculates the angle of the HMD 110 with respect to the reference direction (for example, the gravity (vertical) direction) based on the outputs of these sensors. As a result, the computer 200 can acquire the inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system.

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

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 the points (eg, the distance between the points). The position of the light in the real space can be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 can determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

The global coordinate system is parallel to the coordinate system in real space. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination of the HMD 110 around three axes in the global coordinate system. The computer 200 sets the uvw field of view coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the tilt of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 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. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually representing the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw field of view coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the detected values.

As shown in FIG. 5, the HMD 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered (origin) on the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. More specifically, the HMD 110 defines the global coordinate system in the horizontal, vertical, and front-back directions (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) by the inclination of the HMD 110 around each axis in the global coordinate system. The three directions newly obtained by tilting each around the axis are set as the pitch axis (u axis), the yaw axis (v axis), and the roll axis (w axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110.

In a certain aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 is upright and visually recognizing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD 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 axis (u-axis) and yaw-axis (v-axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110. , And the roll axis (w axis).

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

The computer 200 sets the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after the HMD 110 has moved to the HMD 110 based on the tilt angle of the HMD 110. The relationship between the HMD 110 and the uvw field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic 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. 6, 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 develops each partial image constituting the panoramic image 22 into each corresponding mesh. As a result, the user 190 visually recognizes the virtual space 2.

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, and the Y-axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y-axis of the global coordinate system. The Z-axis (front-back direction) is parallel to the z-axis of the global coordinate system.

When the HMD 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. In a certain aspect, the processor 10 displays an image captured by the virtual camera 1 on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera 1 moves in the virtual space 2 in the same manner in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 110 in the real space. As a result, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space can be similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

As in the case of the HMD 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 1 in the virtual space 2 is defined to be linked to the uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD 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 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space.

The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the viewing area 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the position of the virtual camera 1 and the reference line of sight 5 indicating the tilting direction of the virtual camera 1 (that is, the shooting direction of the virtual camera 1). .. The viewing area 23 corresponds to the area of the virtual space 2 that is visually recognized by the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. As described above, 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 110. Therefore, the reference line of sight 5 is determined by the inclination of the HMD 110.

The line of sight 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 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 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can consider the line of sight of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line of sight of the user 190 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 of the user 190 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment from above.

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 axis w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll axis w. The gaze sensor 140 transmits the detection result to the computer 200.

When the computer 200 receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the 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 identifies the line of sight N0 of the user 190 based on the position of the identified gazing point N1. The computer 200 detects, for example, the extending direction of the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the gazing point N1 as the line of sight N0. The line of sight N0 is the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight with both eyes. Further, the line of sight N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight with respect to the viewing area 23.

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

In 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 viewing area 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows a YZ cross section of the visual recognition area 23 viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 9 shows an XZ cross section of the visual recognition area 23 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

As shown in FIG. 8, the visible region 23 in the YZ cross section includes the region 24. The region 24 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 1, the reference line of sight 5, 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. 9, the visible region 23 in the XZ cross section includes the region 25. The area 25 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 1, 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. The polar angles α and β are determined according to the position of the virtual camera 1 and the orientation of the virtual camera 1.

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

As described above, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 is facing in the virtual space 2 (reference line of sight 5), and the position where the virtual camera 1 is arranged corresponds to the viewpoint of the user 190 in the virtual space 2. do. Therefore, by changing the position or tilt of the virtual camera 1, the image displayed on the monitor 112 is updated and the field of view of the user 190 is moved.

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

According to certain embodiments, the virtual camera 1 may include two virtual cameras, i.e., a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Further, 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 axis (w) generated by synthesizing the roll axes of the two virtual cameras is adapted to the roll axis (w) of the HMD 110. The technical idea of the present disclosure is illustrated as being configured as described above.

[HMD control device]
The control device of the HMD 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. 10 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

As shown in FIG. 10, 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 view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, a tilt identification module 224, a tracking module 225, and a line-of-sight detection module 226 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, an avatar control module 234, and a shooting module 235 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 one aspect, the display control module 220 controls the image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110.

The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual camera control module 221 controls the position of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and the inclination (shooting direction) of the virtual camera 1. The field of view area determination module 222 defines the field of view area 23 according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1. 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 visual field area 23.

The tilt identification module 224 identifies the tilt of the HMD 110 (that is, the reference line of sight 5) based on the output of the sensor 114 or the HMD sensor 120.

The tracking module 225 detects (tracks) the position of a part of the body of the user 190. In one embodiment, the tracking module 225 detects the position of the user 190's hand in the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 based on the depth information input from the camera 116. The operation of the tracking module 225 will be described later.

The line-of-sight detection module 226 detects the line-of-sight in the virtual space 2 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 size and shape of the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual space definition module 231 develops the panoramic image 22 in the virtual space 2.

The virtual object generation module 232 generates an object to be arranged in the virtual space 2 based on the object information 242 described later. The object includes the camera object 1810 described above. Objects can also include trees, animals, people, and so on.

The operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object that moves in response to the operation of the user 190 in the virtual space 2. By moving the operation object, the user 190 operates, for example, an object arranged in the virtual space 2. In some aspects, the operating object may include, for example, a hand object that corresponds to the hand of user 190 wearing the HMD 110. In some aspects, the manipulation object may correspond to the hand portion of the avatar object described below. In other aspects, the operating object includes an object (eg, a stick) held by the avatar object.

The avatar control module 234 generates data for arranging the avatar object corresponding to the user of another computer 200 connected via the network in the virtual space 2. In a certain aspect, the avatar control module 234 generates data for arranging the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the avatar control module 234 creates an avatar object that mimics the user 190 based on the image of the user 190. In another aspect, the avatar control module 234 sets the avatar object in the virtual space 2 to be selected by the user 190 from among a plurality of types of avatar objects (for example, an object imitating an animal or a deformed human object). Generate data for placement.

The avatar control module 234 reflects the tilt specified by the tilt specifying module 224 on the avatar object. For example, the avatar control module 234 generates data of a tilted avatar object in response to the tilting of the HMD 110. Further, the avatar control module 234 reflects the movement of the user 190's hand in the real space on the hand of the avatar object based on the output of the tracking module 225. Further, the avatar control module 234 controls the movement of the avatar object corresponding to the user of the other computer based on the data input from the other computer 200.

The photographing module 235 generates a photographic image. More specifically, the shooting module 235 arranges a camera object having a shooting function in the virtual space 2 and generates a photographic image corresponding to the shooting range of the camera object according to the shooting instruction of the user 190. The generated photographic image is stored in the storage 12.

When an object arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object, the virtual space control module 230 detects the collision. When the virtual space control module 230 detects, for example, the timing at which one object and another object touch each other, the virtual space control module 230 performs a predetermined process. When the virtual space control module 230 detects the timing when the object and the object are separated from the touching state, the virtual space control module 230 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, the user information 243, and the photographic image DB 244.

Spatial information 241 includes one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2. The virtual space definition module 231 defines the virtual space 2 according to this template. The spatial information 241 further includes a plurality of panoramic images 22 developed in the virtual space 2. The panoramic image 22 may include a still image and a moving image. Further, the panoramic image 22 may include an image in the real space and an image in the unreal space (for example, computer graphics).

The object information 242 holds modeling data for constructing an object arranged in the virtual space 2, information on the initial arrangement position of the object, and the like.

The user information 243 includes a user ID that identifies the user 190. The user ID may be, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address set in the computer 200 used by the user 190. In other aspects, the user ID may be set by the user. The user information 243 includes a program for operating the computer 200 as a control device of the HMD system 100 and the like.

The photographic image DB 244 stores the photographic image generated by the photographing module 235 and the identification information for identifying the photographic image (hereinafter, also referred to as a photographic ID) in association with each other.

The data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user 190 of the HMD 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, some of the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may 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. In addition, the software may be stored in a non-volatile data recording medium that can be read by a computer 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 temporarily stored in the storage 12 after being read from the data recording medium by an optical disc drive device or other data reader, or downloaded from the server 150 or other computer via the communication control module 250. .. The software is read from the storage 12 by the processor 10 and stored in the memory 11 in the form of an executable program. Processor 10 executes the program.

[Hand tracking]
Next, a process of tracking the movement of the hand of the user 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a process of tracking a hand.

With reference to FIG. 11, the user 190 is wearing the HMD 110 in real space. A camera 116 is mounted on the HMD 110. The camera 116 acquires depth information of an object included in the space 1100 in front of the HMD 110. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the camera 116 acquires the depth information of the user 190's hand included in the space 1100.

The tracking module 225 generates hand position information (hereinafter, also referred to as “tracking data”) based on this depth information. The camera 116 is mounted on the HMD 110. Therefore, the tracking data indicates the position in the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD 110.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tracking module 225. In one aspect, the tracking module 225 tracks the movement of the hand joint of the user 190 based on the depth information input from the camera 116. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the tracking module 225 detects the positions of the wrist joints a, b, c ..., X of the user 190.

The tracking module 225 is configured to be able to recognize the shape of the hand (finger movement) of the user 190 based on the positional relationship of the joints a to x. In the tracking module 225, for example, the user 190's hand is pointing at a finger, the hand is open, the hand is closed, the hand is pinching something, and the hand is twisted. You can recognize that the hand is in the shape of a handshake. The tracking module 225 can further determine whether the recognizing hand is the left hand or the right hand based on the positional relationship between the joints a to d and the other joints. Such a camera 116 and tracking module 225 can be realized, for example, by Leap Motion® provided by Leap Motion.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the data structure of the tracking data. The tracking module 225 acquires tracking data for each of the joints a to x. These tracking data represent position information in the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD 110.

The avatar control module 234 reflects the detected tracking data on the avatar object. As an example, some vertices of the polygons constituting the hand of the avatar object are set with vertices corresponding to the tracking data. The avatar control module 234 moves the positions of these corresponding vertices based on the tracking data. As a result, the hand movement of the user 190 in the real space is reflected in the hand movement of the avatar object in the virtual space.

[Control structure of computer 200]
Next, the control structure of the computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the HMD system 100.

In step S1405, the processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

In step S1410, the processor 10 configures the virtual space 2 using the panoramic image 22. More specifically, the processor 10 develops a partial image of the panoramic image 22 on each mesh constituting the virtual space 2.

In step S1420, the processor 10 arranges various objects including the virtual camera 1 and the operation object in the virtual space 2. At this time, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 at a predetermined center 21 in the work area of the memory.

In step S1430, the processor 10 generates the field of view image data for displaying the initial field of view image 26 (a part of the panorama image 22) as the field of view image generation module 223. The generated field of view image data is transmitted to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1432, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays the field of view image 26 based on the signal received from the computer 200. As a result, the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 recognizes the virtual space 2.

In step S1434, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination (movement of the user 190) of the HMD 110 based on the plurality of infrared rays output by the HMD 110. The detection result is transmitted to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

In step S1440, the processor 10 changes the position and tilt of the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221 based on the motion detection data input from the HMD sensor 120. As a result, the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1 (reference line of sight 5) are updated in conjunction with the movement of the head of the user 190. The field of view area determination module 222 defines the field of view area 23 according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1 after the change.

In step S1446, the camera 116 detects the depth information of the user 190's hand and transmits it to the computer 200.

In step S1450, the processor 10 detects the position of the user 190's hand in the uvw field coordinate system based on the depth information received by the tracking module 225. As the operation object control module 233, the processor 10 moves the operation object so as to be linked to the position of the detected user 190's hand. When the operation object receives a user operation on the other object, such as when the operation object comes into contact with the other object, the processor 10 executes a predetermined process for the operation.

As described above, the operation object may be the hand part of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190. In this case, the processor 10 moves the hand portion of the avatar object as the avatar control module 234 so as to be linked to the position of the hand of the user 190.

In step S1460, the processor 10 generates the vision image data for displaying the vision image 26 captured by the virtual camera 1 as the vision image generation module 223, and outputs the generated vision image data to the HMD 110.

In step S1462, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays the updated visual field image based on the received visual field image data. As a result, the user's field of view in the virtual space 2 is updated.

[Avatar Object]
An avatar object according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Hereinafter, the user of the HMD set 105A is referred to as a user 190A, the user of the HMD set 105B is referred to as a user 190B, the user of the HMD set 105C is referred to as a user 190C, and the user of the HMD set 105D is referred to as a user 190D. Further, A is attached to the reference code of each component related to the HMD set 105A, B is attached to the reference code of each component related to the HMD set 105B, and C is attached to the reference code of each component related to the HMD set 105C. A D is added to the reference code of each component with respect to the HMD set 105D. For example, the HMD 110A is included in the HMD set 105A.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a situation in which a plurality of HMD 110s provide virtual spaces to a plurality of users 190 in the network 19. With reference to FIG. 15, computers 200A-200D provide virtual spaces 2A-2D to users 190A-190D via HMD110A-110D, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the virtual space 2A and the virtual space 2B are composed of the same data. In other words, the computer 200A and the computer 200B share the same virtual space. In the virtual space 2A and the virtual space 2B, there are an avatar object 1500A corresponding to the user 190A and an avatar object 1500B corresponding to the user 190B. The avatar object 1500A in the virtual space 2A and the avatar object 1500B in the virtual space 2B are each equipped with an HMD, but this is for the sake of easy explanation, and in reality, these objects have an HMD. Not installed.

In a certain aspect, the virtual camera control module 221A arranges the virtual camera 1A that captures the field of view image 26A of the user 190A at the eye position of the avatar object 1500A. As a result, the user 190A can visually recognize the field of view of the avatar object 1500A in the virtual space 2A.

FIG. 16 represents the field of view image 1600 that the user 190A visually recognizes in FIG. The field of view image 1600 is an image displayed on the monitor 112A of the HMD 110A. In FIG. 15, a panoramic image 22 of a cityscape in a real space is developed in the virtual space 2A. Further, the field of view image 1600 includes the avatar object 1500B of the user 190B. Although not shown in particular, the field of view image of the user 190B also includes the cityscape and the avatar object 1500A of the user 190A.

In the state of FIG. 16, the user 190A can communicate with the user 190B through dialogue. More specifically, the voice of the user 190A acquired by the microphone 119A is transmitted to the HMD 110B of the user 190B via the server 150, and is output from the speaker 118B provided in the HMD 110B. Further, the voice of the user 190B is transmitted to the HMD110A of the user 190A via the server 150, and is output from the speaker 118A provided in the HMD110A.

The computer 200A receives the detection result of the HMD 120B and the detection result (tracking data) of the tracking module 225B from the computer 200B. The computer 200A reflects the received data in the avatar object 1500B as the avatar control module 234A. As a result, the user 190A can recognize the movement of the user 190B through the avatar object 1500B.

In this way, the user 190A and the user 190B can communicate while sharing the same panoramic image 22 in the virtual space. The panoramic image 22 may include, for example, a movie, a live image, an image of a tourist attraction, an image taken by the user in the past, and the like.

[Control structure of server 150]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration and a module configuration of the server 150. In certain embodiments, the server 150 comprises a communication interface 1710, a processor 1720, and a storage 1730 as primary hardware.

The communication interface 1710 functions as a communication module for wireless communication that performs modulation / demodulation processing for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external communication device such as a computer 200. The communication interface 1710 is realized by a tuner, a high frequency circuit, or the like.

The processor 1720 controls the operation of the server 150. The processor 1720 functions as a transmission / reception unit 1722, a server processing unit 1724, a matching unit 1726, and an SNS (Social Networking Service) unit 1728 by executing various control programs stored in the storage 1730.

The transmission / reception unit 1722 transmits / receives various information to / from each computer 200. For example, the transmission / reception unit 1722 receives a request for arranging an object in the virtual space 2, a request for deleting the object from the virtual space 2, a request for moving the object, a user's voice, information for defining the virtual space 2, and the like. Send to computer 200.

The server processing unit 1724 updates the photo DB (Data Base) 1737 and the user DB 1739, which will be described later, based on the information received from each computer 200.

The matching unit 1726 performs a series of processes for associating a plurality of users. For example, when a plurality of users perform an input operation for sharing the same virtual space 2, the matching unit 1726 performs a process of associating the user IDs of the plurality of users belonging to the virtual space 2.

The SNS unit 1728 connects a photographic image designated by the computer 200 (user 190) among a plurality of photographic images stored in the photo DB 1737 to an SNS (for example, network 19) registered in advance for each user 190. Post to another server).

The storage 1730 holds virtual space designation information 1731, object designation information 1733, panoramic image DB1735, photo DB1737, and user DB1739.

The virtual space designation information 1731 is information used by the virtual space definition module 231 of the computer 200 to define the virtual space 2. For example, the virtual space designation information 1731 includes information that specifies the size or shape of the virtual space 2.

The object designation information 1733 specifies an object to be arranged (generated) in the virtual space 2 by the virtual object generation module 232 of the computer 200. The panorama image DB1735 stores a plurality of panoramic images 22 delivered to the computer 200 and identification information for identifying the panorama image 22 (hereinafter, also referred to as “panorama image ID”) in association with each other.

The photo DB1737 stores a photographic image received from each computer 200. The user DB 1739 stores information (user ID) that identifies each of the plurality of users and information necessary for the SNS unit 1728 to post a photographic image to the SNS in association with each other.

[Shooting in virtual space]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating a photographic image by taking a picture in a virtual space. In FIG. 18, as an example, a state in which the user 190A photographs the virtual space 2A is shown.

The view image 1800 visually recognized by the user 190A includes a right-hand object 1510A corresponding to the right hand of the avatar object 1500A, a left-hand object 1520A corresponding to the left hand, an avatar object 1500B, and a camera object 1810A. The right-hand object 1510A and the left-hand object 1520A function as operation objects.

The camera object 1810A has a photographing function. As an example, the camera object 1810A is a rectangular object, which has a front surface and a back surface, and the front surface functions as a preview screen.

The right-hand object 1510A holds a stick that supports the camera object 1810A. Selfie sticks (also called selfie sticks or selka sticks) that support smartphones (or devices with shooting functions) are widely recognized. Therefore, by presenting the camera object 1810A having the preview screen and the rod-shaped support member together, the possibility that the user 190A recognizes the shooting function of the camera object 1810A is increased.

The camera object 1810A is configured to be able to switch between an in-camera mode for shooting the front side and an out-camera mode for shooting the back side. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the camera object 1810A functions as an in-camera mode. Therefore, the avatar object 1500A is displayed on the front surface (preview screen) of the camera object 1810A.

The right arm of the avatar object 1500 includes a UI (User Interface) object 1530. The computer 200A places the UI object 1530 on the arm supporting the camera object 1810A. In some aspects, the UI object 1530 functions as a trigger for shooting by the camera object 1810A.

The user 190A presses the UI object 1530 with the left hand object 1520A. In response to this, the computer 200A stores the photographic image (that is, the image displayed on the preview screen) corresponding to the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A in the photographic image DB 244A.

[Process to notify the user where the photo will be placed]
When the processor 10A generates a photographic image, the processor 10A arranges a photographic object 2010 (see FIG. 1) representing the photographic image at a predetermined position (above the desk object 2110 described above) in the virtual space 2A.

The processor 10A notifies the user 190A of the position where the photographic object 2010 is arranged (hereinafter, also referred to as “collection place”). As a result, the user 190A can easily confirm the generated photographic image without wondering where the photographic object 2010 is arranged. Hereinafter, how the processor 10A notifies the user 190A of the accumulation location will be described.

(Notify the direction of the collection location)
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a process of notifying the user 190A of the direction of the collection location. With reference to FIG. 19, the field of view image 1900 differs from the field of view image 1800 described with reference to FIG. 18 in that it includes a direction object 1910 and a comment object 1920.

In a certain aspect, the processor 10A receives an input of a shooting instruction from the user 190A (for example, pressing the UI object 1530 by the operation object). In response to the shooting instruction, the processor 10A generates a photographic image.

The processor 10A further arranges the direction object 1910 and the comment object 1920 in the field of view area 23A in response to the input of a shooting instruction (or the generation of a photographic image). These objects are displayed on the monitor 112A of the HMD110A.

The direction object 1910 represents the direction of the accumulation location with reference to the position and line-of-sight direction of the user 190A in the virtual space 2A (that is, the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1A). The comment object 1920 is arranged in close proximity to the directional object 1910 and includes a character string (eg, "I have a photo") to the effect that the directional object 1910 represents the direction of the collection location. In another aspect, the processor 10A may be configured to arrange only the direction object 1910 without arranging the comment object 1920 in response to the input of the shooting instruction.

In the example of FIG. 19, the user 190A can visually recognize the direction object 1910 (and the comment object 1920) and understand that the accumulation location is on his right side.

Although the direction object 1910 has the shape of an arrow in the example of FIG. 19, it may have a shape other than the arrow in other aspects. In such a case, the processor 10A arranges the directional object 1910 at the position closest to the accumulation place in the visual recognition area 23. As a result, the user 190A can recognize the direction of the accumulation location by the position where the direction object 1910 is arranged on the monitor 112A.

The processor 10A deletes the direction object 1910 and the comment object 1920 from the virtual space 2A when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after receiving the input of the shooting instruction.

(Notify the trajectory to the collection location)
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a process of notifying the user 190A of the locus to the accumulation location. The field of view image 2000 visually recognized by the user 190A includes an avatar object 1500B corresponding to the user 190B.

The avatar object 1500B holds the camera object 1810B. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the camera object 1810B is set to the in-camera mode. Therefore, the avatar objects 1500A and 1500B are displayed on the preview screen of the camera object 1810B.

The camera object 1810B is used by the user 190B of the computer 200B to photograph the virtual space 2B. As mentioned above, the computers 200A and 200B share a virtual space. Therefore, when the camera object 1810B is arranged in the virtual space 2B by the operation of the user 190B, the processor 10B transmits the information of the arranged object (for example, modeling data, the position and inclination of the object, etc.) to the computer 200A. The processor 10A arranges the camera object 1810B in the virtual space 2A based on the received information.

In one aspect, the processor 10B of the computer 200B generates a photographic image based on the input of a shooting instruction from the user 190B. The processor 10B transmits the generated photographic image (data) and the user ID of the user 190B to the computer 200A. The processor 10A generates a photographic object 2010B representing the photographic image based on the reception of the photographic image. The processor 10A further arranges the photo object 2010B near the camera object 1810B held by the avatar object 1500B corresponding to the received user ID.

In one aspect, the processor 10A produces a field of view image such that the photographic object 2010B emerges from the camera object 1810B, much like an instant camera.

Processor 10A further moves the photographic object 2010B from the position of the camera object 1810B to the collection location. The user 190A can easily understand the accumulation location by confirming the trajectory 2020 in which the photographic object 2010 moves. In addition, the user 190A can understand that the user 190B has taken a picture by moving the photographic object 2010B from the camera object 1810B to the accumulation place. As a result, the user 190A can promote communication with the user 190B by using the newly generated photographic image (representing photographic object 2010B) as a talk.

In some aspects, processor 10A may place objects representing orbit 2020 in virtual space 2A for a predetermined time (eg, 2 seconds). In such a case, even if the moving photographic object 2010B is overlooked, the user 190A can understand that the user 190B has taken a picture by checking the object representing the orbit 2020.

In another aspect, the processor 10A also moves the photographic object 2010 generated by the shooting from the camera object 1810A to the accumulation location even when the user 190A shoots with the camera object 1810A. As a result, the user 190A can easily understand where the collection location is.

(Notify that a photo object is placed at the collection location)
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a process of notifying the user 190A that the photographic object 2010 is arranged at the accumulation location. The view image 2100 visually recognized by the user 190A includes a desk object 2110, a plurality of photographic objects 2010, an icon object 2120, and a comment object 2130.

In a certain aspect, when the processor 10A receives the input of the shooting instruction from the user 190A, the processor 10A generates the photographic object 2010 and arranges it on the desk object 2110. That is, the position of the desk object 2110 is the accumulation place.

When the photographic object 2010 is arranged on the desk object 2110, the processor 10A arranges the icon object 2120 and the comment object 2130 around the desk object 2110. In the example shown in FIG. 21, processor 10A places these objects above desk object 2110.

According to the above, the user 190A can easily understand which position in the virtual space 2A is the accumulation location by checking the icon object 2120 (and the comment object 2130). That is, the icon object 2120 functions as an object indicating that the photographic object 2010 is arranged at the accumulation place (desk object 2110).

In another aspect, the processor 10A is configured to arrange only the icon object 2120 in the virtual space 2A without arranging the comment object 2130 based on the arrangement of the photo object 2010 in the desk object 2110. May be good.

In yet another aspect, the processor 10A may be configured to keep the icon object 2120 (and the comment object 2130) always close to the desk object 2110.

(Control structure)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process of notifying the user 190A of the series of accumulation locations. The process shown in FIG. 22 is realized by the processor 10A reading and executing the control program stored in the memory module 240A.

In step S2205, the processor 10A defines the virtual space 2A as the virtual space definition module 231. In step S2210, the processor 10A expands the panoramic image 22 into the virtual space 2A.

In step S2215, the processor 10A arranges the avatar object 1500A in the virtual space 2A. The hand portion of the avatar object 1500A (right hand object 1510A and left hand object 1520A) functions as an operation object.

Processor 10A also receives information about the avatar object 1500B corresponding to user 190B from computer 200B. The processor 10A arranges the avatar object 1500B in the virtual space 2A based on the received information.

In step S2220, the processor 10A arranges the camera object 1810A in the virtual space 2A. As an example, the processor 10A arranges the camera object 1810A in response to an operation by the operation object on the UI object 1530 displayed on the arm of the avatar object 1500A.

In step S2225, the processor 10A determines whether or not the input of the shooting instruction is received from the user 190A. As an example, the processor 10A receives an input of a shooting instruction based on an operation on the UI object 1530 by the operation object.

When the processor 10A determines that the input of the shooting instruction has been received (YES in step S2225), the processor 10A executes the process of step S2227. If not (NO in step S2225), processor 10A executes the process of step S2240.

In step S2227, the processor 10A generates a photographic image corresponding to the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A. The processor 10A further generates a photographic ID corresponding to the generated photographic image, and stores the photographic image, the photographic ID, and the panoramic image ID of the panoramic image 22 developed in the virtual space 2A in the photographic image DB 244A. Further, the processor 10A transmits the photographic image, the photographic ID, the panoramic image ID, and the user ID of the user 190A to the server 150. The server 150 updates the photo DB 1737 based on the received information.

In one aspect, the photo ID generated by each computer 200 includes a user ID. According to this configuration, the photo ID generated by the computer used by a certain user and the photo ID generated by the computer used by another user are different. Therefore, the server 150 and each computer 200 can identify one photographic image by using the photographic ID.

In another aspect, each time the server 150 receives an input of a photographic image from the computer 200, a uniquely determined photographic ID may be generated. In such a case, the server 150 transmits the generated photo ID to the computer 200 from which the photo image is transmitted. The computer 200 associates the received photo ID with the photo image and stores it in the photo image DB 244.

In step S2230, the processor 10A arranges a photographic object 2010 representing the generated photographic image at a predetermined position (accumulation location).

In step S2235, the processor 10A executes a process of notifying the user 190A of the collection location. At this time, the processor 10A may visually notify the user 190A of the accumulation location as described above, or output a voice (for example, "the photograph is behind") from the speaker 118A and audibly. The user 190A may be notified of the collection location.

In step S2240, the processor 10A determines whether or not a photographic image has been received from the computer 200B via the server 150. When the processor 10A receives the photographic image from the computer 200B (YES in step S2240), the processor 10A executes the process of step S2245. If not (NO in step S2240), processor 10A re-executes the process of step S2225.

In step S2245, the processor 10A places a photographic object 2010B representing a photographic image received from the computer 200B at the collection site.

In step S2250, the processor 10A notifies the user 190A of the accumulation location (the position where the photographic object 2010B is arranged).

When the processor 10A performs the process of moving the photographic object 2010 from the camera object 1810A to the accumulation location in step S2235, the order of the process of step S2230 and the process of step S2235 are switched. Similarly, when the processor 10A performs the process of moving the photographic object 2010B from the camera object 1810B to the accumulation location in step S2250, the order of the process of step S2245 and the process of step S2250 are switched.

[Operation on photo object]
The user 190A can move the photographic object 2010 arranged in the virtual space 2A by the operation object (avatar object 1500A), and can browse the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. In addition, the user 190A can operate the operation object to input the operation instruction to the photographic object 2010 or the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 to the computer 200A.

The processing for the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 includes, for example, a process of evaluating the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, a process of editing the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, and information on the subject included in the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. Includes processing such as associating with a photographic image. The process for the photo object 2010 includes, for example, a process for deleting the photo object 2010 from the virtual space 2A. Hereinafter, these processes will be described.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the processing for the photographic object 2010 or the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. The view image 2300 visually recognized by the user 190A includes a right-hand object 1510A corresponding to the right hand of the avatar object 1500A, a left-hand object 1520A corresponding to the left hand, an avatar object 1500B, a plurality of photographic objects 2010, and a desk object 2110.

More specifically, the left hand object 1520A holds the photographic object 2010. The avatar object 1500B also holds another photographic object 2010. A plurality of photographic objects 2010 other than these photographic objects 2010 are arranged on the desk object 2110 that functions as a collection place.

In this way, the user 190A and the user 190B can promote communication by using the photographic object 2010 representing the generated photographic image as a topic.

The photographic object 2010 includes a plurality of icons 231 to 2340 in addition to the photographic image. Icon 2310 accepts the positive evaluation process of the user 190 for the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. The icon 2320 accepts the editing process of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. The icon 2330 accepts a process of associating the information of the subject included in the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 with the photographic image. The icon 2340 accepts a process of deleting the photographic object 2010 from the virtual space 2A. Hereinafter, the processing of the processor 10A when these icons are selected by the operation object will be described.

(Processing for accepting evaluations for photographic images)
When the user 190A likes the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, the user 190A presses the icon 2310 by the operation object (for example, the right hand object 1510A).

The processor 10A accesses the photographic image DB 244A and associates information indicating that the icon 2310 is pressed (hereinafter, also referred to as “evaluation information”) with the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010. In other words, the processor 10A stores in the photographic image DB 244A that the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 is a favorite of the user 190A.

(Processing to edit photographic images)
When the user 190A wants to edit the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, the user 190A presses the icon 2320 by the operation object.

The processor 10A displays the photographic image editing menu on the photographic object 2010 based on the pressing of the icon 2320. As an example, the edit menu includes size correction (eg, trimming process), tint adjustment (eg, monochrome process), brightness adjustment (eg, sharpness process), comment insertion, figure insertion, and the like. User 190A selects the edit menu displayed on the photo object 2010 as an operation object. The processor 10A performs an editing process on the photographic image according to the selected editing menu.

(Processing to associate subject information with photographic images)
When the user 190A wants to associate the subject information (hereinafter, also referred to as “subject information”) with the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, the user 190A presses the icon 2370 by the operation object.

As an example, the processor 10A displays an input box for receiving input of subject information and a soft keyboard on the photographic object 2010 based on the pressing of the icon 2370. The user 190A operates the soft keyboard with the operation object and inputs the subject information into the input box. In another aspect, the processor 10A may process a character string extracted from the voice signal corresponding to the user's utterance as subject information.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the photographic image includes an avatar object 1500A. In this case, the user 190A can input the information of the user 190A corresponding to the avatar object 1500A into the input box as the subject information. The information of the user 190A includes, for example, a user ID, a name of the user 190A, a character name of the avatar object 1500, and the like. In other aspects, the photographic image may include the avatar object 1500B. In this case, the user 190A inputs the information of the user 190B corresponding to the avatar object 1500B into the input box as the subject information.

The processor 10A accesses the photographic image DB 244A and associates the input subject information with the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010.

In another aspect, the processor 10A may be configured to extract a character string from the audio signal output by the microphone 119A after pressing the icon 2370 and accept subject information.

In yet another aspect, the processor 10A may be configured to automatically acquire subject information when a photographic image is generated. More specifically, the processor 10A detects an object (for example, an avatar object) included in the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A at the time of shooting. The processor 10A associates the information for identifying the object with the photographic image as subject information and stores it in the photographic image DB 244A. According to this configuration, the user 190A can save the trouble of inputting the subject information.

(Process to delete photo object)
When the user 190A wants to delete the photo object 2010, the user 190A presses the icon 2340 by the operation object.

The processor 10A deletes the photographic object 2010 from the virtual space 2A based on pressing the icon 2340. In another aspect, the processor 10A may access the photographic image DB 244A based on pressing the icon 2340 to delete the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010.

[Photo DB]
FIG. 24 shows an example of the data structure of the photo DB 1737 held by the server 150. The photo DB 1737 includes image data, a photo ID, a photographer (user ID), a panoramic image ID, evaluation information, and subject information.

As described above, when the computer 200A generates a photographic image, the computer 200A transmits the image data representing the photographic image, the photographic ID, the user ID, and the panoramic image ID to the server 150 (step S2227 in FIG. 22). The processor 1720 of the server 150 registers the received information in the photo DB 1737.

Further, when the icon 2310 is pressed, the processor 10A associates the photo ID of the photo image represented by the photo object 2010 with the user ID and transmits the user ID to the server 150. Upon receiving these information, the processor 1720 accesses the photo DB 1737 and registers the received user ID as the evaluation information associated with the received photo ID.

When the processor 10A receives the input of the subject information, the processor 10A associates the subject information with the photo ID of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 and transmits the subject information to the server 150. Upon receiving these information, the processor 1720 accesses the photo DB 1737 and registers the received evaluation information in association with the photo ID.

According to the above configuration, the administrator of the server 150 can grasp the subject that the user likes based on the photo DB1737. In one aspect, the server 150 delivers to the computer 200 an advertisement or panoramic image 22 that is presumed to be of interest to the user, based on the subject the user likes.

Further, in a certain aspect, when the icon 2340 is pressed, the processor 10A transmits the deletion instruction indicating that the icon is pressed and the photo ID of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 to the server 150 in association with each other. .. Upon receiving this information, the processor 1720 accesses the photo DB 1737 and deletes the data (including the photo image) associated with the received photo ID.

[Modified example of processing for accepting evaluation of photographic images]
(Evaluation processing based on the line of sight)
In the example of FIG. 23, the processor 10A is configured to accept an evaluation of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 based on pressing the icon 2310. In another aspect, the processor 10A accepts a positive evaluation of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 based on the line of sight of the user 190A in the virtual space 2A.

The field of view image 2300 further includes a pointer object 2350. The processor 10A detects the line of sight of the user 190A in the real space based on the output signal of the gaze sensor 140. The processor 10A further converts the detected line of sight into the XYZ coordinate system defined by the virtual space 2A based on the position and tilt of the virtual camera 1A in the virtual space 2A. The processor 10A arranges the pointer object 2350 at a position where the line of sight of the user 190A and the object collide with each other in the virtual space 2A. That is, the pointer object 2350 represents the position where the user 190A is looking at the virtual space 2A.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the pointer object 2350 is placed on the photographic object 2010. This means that the line of sight of the user 190A in the virtual space 2A is focused on the photographic object 2010. When the processor 10A detects that the line of sight of the user 190A is focused on the photographic object 2010 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the processor 10A executes the process based on the pressing of the icon 2310 described above. The reason is that when the user 190A is staring at the photographic object 2010 for a long time, it is highly likely that the user 190A is interested in the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010.

In still another aspect, the processor 10A may execute the process based on the pressing of the icon 2310 described above when the photographic object 2010 and the operation object are in contact with each other for a predetermined time.

(Evaluation processing based on contact with multiple operation objects)
In yet another aspect, the server 150 is based on the photographic object 2010 being in contact with a plurality of operating objects (each hand portion of the avatar objects 1500A and 1500B in the example of FIG. 23), based on the icon 2310 described above. Executes processing based on pressing. The reason is that, under the above conditions, a plurality of users are trying to communicate based on the photo object 2010, and it is highly possible that these plurality of users are interested in the photo object 2010. The process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the server 150 accepts an evaluation of a photographic image. In step S2510, the processor 10A of the computer 200A determines whether or not the photographic object 2010 and the operation object corresponding to the user 190A have come into contact with each other. When the processor 10A determines that the photo object 2010 and the operation object are in contact with each other (YES in step S2510), the processor 10A executes the process of step S2520. Otherwise (NO in step S2510), the processor 10A waits until the photographic object 2010 comes into contact with the operating object.

In step S2520, the processor 10A transmits the contact information indicating that the photographic object 2010 and the operation object have come into contact with each other, the photographic ID of the photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010, and the user ID of the user 190A to the server 150. ..

In step S2530, the processor 10A determines whether or not the photo object 2010 and the operation object are separated from each other. When the processor 10A determines that the photo object 2010 and the operation object are separated from each other (YES in step S2530), the processor 10A executes the process of step S2540. Otherwise (NO in step S2530), the processor 10A waits until the photographic object 2010 and the operating object are separated.

In step S2540, the processor 10A transmits the separation information indicating that the photo object 2010 and the operation object are separated, the photo ID, and the user ID to the server 150.

The computer 200B, which shares the virtual space with the computer 200A, also executes the processes of steps S251 to S2540 described above.

In step S2550, the processor 1720 of the server 150 determines whether or not the operation object corresponding to each of the users 190A and 190B and the photo object 2010 have come into contact with each other based on the information received from each computer 200. More specifically, when the processor 1720 receives the contact information, the processor 1720 stores the user ID and the photo ID associated with the contact information in a predetermined area of the storage 1730. When the processor 1720 receives the separation information, the processor 1720 deletes the user ID and the photo ID associated with the separation information from the predetermined area of the storage 1730. When a plurality of user IDs are stored in a predetermined area of the storage 1730 for one photo ID, the processor 1720 determines that the plurality of operation objects and the photo object are in contact with each other.

When the processor 1720 determines that the plurality of operation objects and the photo object have come into contact with each other (YES in step S2550), the processor 1720 executes the process of step S2560. Otherwise (NO in step S2550), the processor 1720 waits until the plurality of operating objects come into contact with the photographic object.

In step S2560, the processor 1720 accesses the photo DB 1737 and registers the user IDs of the users 190A and 190B as the evaluation information corresponding to the received photo ID.

[Processing to post to SNS]
With reference to FIG. 23 again, the photographic object 2010 further includes an icon 2360. The icon 2360 accepts an instruction to post a photographic image represented by the photographic object 2010 to a pre-registered SNS. The process of posting a photographic image to an SNS will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 26.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a process in which a computer 200A and a server 150 cooperate to post a photographic image to an SNS.

In step S2610, the processor 10A of the computer 200A determines whether or not the icon 2360 (denoted as the SNS button in FIG. 22) is pressed by the operation object. When the icon 2360 is pressed (YES in step S2610), the processor 10A transmits the photo ID of the photographic image represented by the photo object 2010 and the user ID of the user 190A to the server 150 (step S2620). Otherwise (NO in step S2610), processor 10A waits until icon 2360 is pressed.

In step S2630, the processor 1720 of the server 150 refers to the user DB 1739 and acquires the information necessary for registering the photographic image in the SNS.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the data structure of the user DB1737. The user DB 1739 includes a user ID, a registered SNS, an SNS ID, and an SNS password. The registered SNS is information for accessing the SNS registered for each user (for example, URL: Uniform Resource Locator). The SNS ID is information that identifies the user 190 in the registered SNS. The SNS password is information necessary for logging in to the registered SNS using the SNS ID. The registered SNS, SNS ID, and SNS password are registered in the user DB 1739 in advance by each user 190.

With reference to FIG. 26 again, the processor 1720 refers to the user DB1739 to identify the registered SNS, SNSID, and SNS password corresponding to the user ID received from the computer 200A (step S2630).

In step S2640, processor 1720 uses the identified SNS ID and SNS password to access the registered SNS.

In step S2650, the processor 1720 accesses the photo DB1737 and posts (uploads) a photo image (image data) corresponding to the received photo ID to the registered SNS. In another aspect, the processor 1720 may associate the photographic image with the subject information corresponding to the received photographic ID and post the associated information to the registered SNS. According to this configuration, the user 190A can save the trouble of separately inputting the information of the subject included in the photographic image when posting the photographic image to the registered SNS. In yet another aspect, the processor 1720 may associate the photographic image with the photographer's information corresponding to the received photographic ID and post the associated information to the registered SNS. According to this configuration, the user 190A can save the trouble of separately inputting the information of the photographer of the photographic image when posting the photographic image to the registered SNS.

According to the above, the user 190A can easily post the generated photographic image to the SNS in the virtual space 2A.

[Delete processing based on destruction operation]
In the example of FIG. 23, the processor 10A deletes the photographic object 2010 from the virtual space 2A based on pressing the icon 2340. In another aspect, the processor 10A may delete the photo object 2010 from the virtual space 2A when it accepts an operation to destroy the photo object 2010.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a process of deleting the photographic object 2010 from the virtual space 2A that brings about the field of view image 2800. The field of view image 2800 includes a photographic object 2010 and a right-hand object 1510A that functions as an operating object.

In the example of FIG. 28, the right-hand object 1510A holds the writer object 2810. Further, the flame object 2820 is arranged adjacent to the lighter object 2810.

In one aspect, the user 190A operates the UI object 1530 by the left hand object 1520A while the right hand object 1510A holds the writer object 2810. As a result, the processor 10A arranges the flame object 2820 adjacent to the writer object 2810.

The processor 10A deletes the photographic object 2010 from the virtual space 2A based on the contact between the flame object 2820 and the photographic object 2010.

According to the above, the user 190A can delete the photo object 2010 from the virtual space 2A by an intuitive operation of destroying the photo object 2010. As a result, the user 190A can maintain an immersive feeling for the virtual space 2A.

The operation of destroying the photographic object 2010 is not limited to the contact between the flame object 2820 and the photographic object 2010. For example, when the right-hand object 1510A and the left-hand object 1520A detect an action of tearing the photographic object 2010, or an operation object detects an action of hitting the photographic object 2010 against another object (for example, the ground) at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, the processor. 10A determines that the operation of destroying the photographic object 2010 has been accepted.

[Process to generate psychic photographs]
In one aspect, processor 10A produces a psychic photograph. This is because the user 190A can promote communication with other users who share the virtual space by using the psychic photograph as a story.

FIG. 29 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a process of generating a psychic photograph. The virtual space 2A shown in FIG. 29 includes an avatar object 1500A, a camera object 1810A, and a ghost object 2900.

FIG. 30 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a process of generating a psychic photograph. The field of view image 3000 shown in FIG. 30 includes a photographic object 2010. The photographic object 2010 represents a photographic image generated by the camera object 1810A in the state of FIG. 29. This photographic image contains a ghost object 2900.

When the shooting range (viewing area 23A) of the virtual camera 1A includes the ghost object 2900, the processor 10A generates a field-of-view image that does not include the ghost object 2900. On the other hand, when the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A includes the ghost object 2900, the processor 10A generates a photographic image including the ghost object 2900.

As an example, processor 10A places a transparent ghost object 2900 in virtual space 2A. When the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A includes the ghost object 2900, the processor 10A visualizes the ghost object 2900 (for example, reduces the transparency of the ghost object 2900) to generate a photographic image.

According to the above, the user 190A cannot directly see the ghost object 2900 arranged in the virtual space 2A, but can indirectly see it by the photographic image.

In one aspect, the ghost object 2900 is configured to immobilize the virtual space 2A. In this case, the user 190A may enjoy looking for a place where the ghost object 2900 is placed. In other aspects, the ghost object 2900 may be configured to move in virtual space 2A. In this case, the user 190A can enjoy an unexpected psychic photograph.

[Process to generate photographic images of avatar objects with different display modes]
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating a photographic image including an avatar object 1500B having a display mode different from that of the avatar object 1500B arranged in the virtual space 2A.

With reference to FIG. 31, the field of view image 3100 includes an avatar object 1500B and a photographic object 2010 arranged in the virtual space 2A. The processor 10A receives a shooting instruction from the user 190A in a state where the shooting range 1830 of the camera object 1810A includes the avatar object 1500B. In a certain aspect, the processor 10A generates a photographic image including an avatar object 1500B having a display mode different from that of the avatar object 1500B arranged in the virtual space 2A in response to a shooting instruction.

In the example shown in FIG. 31, the avatar object 1500B arranged in the virtual space 2A is slender. On the other hand, the avatar object 1500B displayed on the photo object 2010 has a good physique.

In a certain aspect, the processor 10A executes a process of changing the display mode of the avatar object included in the photographic image based on the setting received from the user 190A. In this case, the user 190A can generate a photographic image including his / her favorite avatar object.

In another aspect, the processor 10A may be configured to perform a process of randomly changing the display mode of the avatar object included in the photographic image. For example, the processor 10A generates a random number, and executes the process when the generated random number satisfies a predetermined condition. In this case, the user 190A can enjoy an unexpected photographic image.

In addition, the user 190A can promote communication with other users who share the virtual space by using a photographic image including an avatar object whose display mode has been changed as a topic.

The process of changing the display mode of the avatar object is not limited to the process of changing the physique of the avatar object. For example, the process of changing the display mode of the avatar object includes a process of changing the clothes of the avatar object, a process of changing the facial expression of the avatar object, and the like.

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

(Structure 1) According to a certain embodiment, a program executed by the computer 200A is provided to provide the virtual space 2A to the HMD 110A. This program corresponds to the step of defining the virtual space 2A in the computer 200A (step S2205), the step of arranging the camera object 1810A having a shooting function in the virtual space 2A (step S2220), and the shooting range of the camera object 1810A. The step of generating an image (step S2227), the step of arranging the photographic object 2010 representing the generated image at a predetermined position in the virtual space 2A (step S2230), and the position where the photographic object 2010 is arranged are HMD110A. The step (step S2235) of notifying the user 190 of the above is executed.

(Structure 2) In (Structure 1), the notifying step includes moving the photographic object 2010 representing the image from the position of the camera object 1810A to a predetermined position when the image is generated.

(Structure 3) In (Structure 1) or (Structure 2), the notification step arranges an icon object 2120 indicating that the photographic object 2010 is arranged at a predetermined position around a predetermined position. Including doing.

(Structure 4) In any of (Structure 1) to (Structure 3), the notification step is a direction object 1910 that represents the direction of a predetermined position with reference to the position and line-of-sight direction of the user 190 in the virtual space 2A. Is included on the display 112A of the HMD 110A.

(Structure 5) A program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 4) is for the computer 200A to perform a step of communicating with another computer 200B different from the computer 200A and a user 190B of the other computer 200B to take a picture. A step of arranging another camera object 1810B different from the camera object 1810A of the above in the virtual space 2A, and arranging another photographic object 2010B representing an image generated by shooting the other camera object 1810B at a predetermined position. Further execution of the step (step S2245). The notifying step includes notifying the user 190A of the position where the other photographic object 2010B is arranged when the other camera object 1810B takes a picture (step S2250).

(Structure 6) In (Structure 5), the notification step moves the other photographic object 2010B from the position of the other camera object 1810B to a predetermined position when the other camera object 1810B takes a picture. (Orbit 2020 in FIG. 20).

(Structure 7) The program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 6) includes a step (step S2215) of arranging an operation object moving in response to an operation of a user 190 of the computer 200A in the virtual space 2A on the computer 200A. Based on the operation on the photo object 2010 by the operation object, the step of accepting the input of the process for the photo object 2010 or the image represented by the photo object 2010 is further executed (FIG. 23). The process for the photo object 2010 includes a process for deleting the photo object 2010 from the virtual space 2A. The processing for the image represented by the photographic object 2010 is a processing for editing the image represented by the photographic object 2010, a processing for evaluating the image represented by the photographic object 2010, and a processing for associating the information of the subject included in the image represented by the photographic object 2010 with the image. Including at least one of the processes.

(Structure 8) The program according to (Structure 7) tells the computer 200A a step of communicating with another computer 200B different from the computer 200A, an avatar object 1500A corresponding to the user 190A of the computer 200A, and a user 190B of the other computer 200B. Further execute the step of arranging the avatar object 1500B corresponding to the above in the virtual space 2A. The generated image includes an avatar object 1500A or 1500B. The subject information includes the information of the user 190A or 190B corresponding to the avatar object 1500A or 1500B included in the generated image. Thereby, for example, the user 190A can easily determine who the avatar object is included in the image generated by the user 190B. In addition, the user 190A can easily search for an image including an avatar object of a specific person.

(Structure 9) In (Structure 7) or (Structure 8), the photographic object 2010 includes an icon. Accepting the input of the process for the photo object 2010 or the image represented by the photo object 2010 includes accepting the process based on the operation on the icon by the operation object.

(Structure 10) The program according to (Structure 9) causes the computer 200A to further execute the step (step S2215) of arranging the avatar object 1500A corresponding to the user 190A in the virtual space 2A. The operation object includes the hand of the avatar object 1500. As a result, the user 190A feels as if his / her hand exists on the virtual space 2A, and can be more immersed in the virtual space 2A.

(Structure 11) A program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 6) tells the computer 200A a step of detecting the line of sight of the user 190A of the computer 200A in the virtual space 2A, and the detected line of sight over a predetermined time. Based on what is being poured into the photographic object 2010, the step of accepting the user 190's evaluation of the image represented by the photographic object 2010 is executed (FIG. 23).

(Structure 12) The program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 11) includes a step (step S2215) of arranging an operation object moving in response to an operation of a user 190A of the computer 200A in the virtual space 2A on the computer 200A. Operation on Photo Object 2010 Based on the operation of the object (step S2610), the step of accessing the pre-registered social network service (step S2640) and the step of posting the image represented by the photo object 2010 to the social network service (step S2650). ) And further.

(Structure 13) The program according to any of (Structure 7) to (Structure 10) includes a step of deleting the photo object 2010 from the virtual space 2A based on the fact that the computer 200A accepts the operation of deleting the photo object 2010. To execute further. The operation of deleting the photo object 2010 includes the operation of destroying the photo object 2010 (FIG. 28).

(Structure 14) A program according to any of (Structure 1) to (Structure 13) causes the computer 200A to further perform a step of arranging the transparent ghost object 2900 in the virtual space 2A (FIG. 29). Generating an image includes generating an image containing the visualized ghost object 2900 when the shooting range of the camera object 1810A includes the ghost object 2900 (FIG. 30).

(Structure 15) A program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 14) connects the computer 200A with a step of communicating with another computer 200B different from the computer 200A, and an avatar object corresponding to the user 190B of the other computer 200B. Further executing the step (step S2215) of arranging the 1500B in the virtual space 2A. To generate an image, when the shooting range of the camera object 1810A includes the avatar object 1500B, the image including the avatar object 1500B having a display mode different from the display mode of the avatar object 1500B arranged in the virtual space 2A is generated. Including to generate.

(Structure 16) The program according to any one of (Structure 1) to (Structure 15) has a step of transmitting the generated image to the server 150 to the computer 200A (step S2227), and an avatar object 1500A corresponding to the user 190A of the computer 200A. Is further executed in the step of arranging the avatar object 2A in the virtual space 2A (step S2215) and the step of transmitting information indicating that the avatar object 1500A and the photographic object 2010A are in contact with the server 150 (step S2250). With this configuration, the server 150 can detect that a plurality of avatar objects are touching the same photo object at the same time. When the server 150 detects the event (YES in step S2550), the server 150 accepts evaluations of a plurality of users corresponding to the plurality of avatar objects for the image displayed on the photo object (step S2560).

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be 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, 10,1720 processor, 11 memory, 12,1730 storage, 22 panoramic image, 23 viewing area, 26,300,1600,1800,1900,2000,2100,2300,2800 , 3000, 3100 view image, 100 HMD system, 105 HMD set, 112 monitor, 114 sensor, 116 camera, 120 HMD sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 190 users, 200 computers, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control Module, 222 Visibility area determination module, 223 Visibility image generation module, 224 Tilt identification module, 225 Tracking module, 226 Line-of-sight detection module, 230 Virtual space control module, 231 Virtual space definition module, 232 Virtual object generation module, 233 Operation object control Module, 234 avatar control module, 235 shooting module, 240 memory module, 241 spatial information, 242 object information, 243 user information, 250 communication control module, 1500 avatar object, 1510 hand object, 1722 transmitter / receiver, 1724 server processor, 1726. Matching part, 1728 SNS part, 1731 virtual space designation information, 1733 object designation information, 1810 camera object, 1820 button, 1830 shooting range, 1910 direction object, 1920, 2130 comment object, 2010 photo object, 2020 trajectory, 2110 desk object, 2120 icon object, 2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370 icon, 2350 pointer object, 2810 writer object, 2820 flame object, 2900 ghost object.

Claims (14)

A program executed on a first computer to provide a virtual space to a first user , the program being sent to the first computer.
Steps to define virtual space and
A step of communicating with another computer different from the first computer,
A step of arranging a camera object having a shooting function for the first user to shoot in the virtual space, and
A step of generating an image corresponding to the shooting range of the camera object, and
A step of arranging a photographic object representing the generated image at the accumulation location in the virtual space, and
A program that executes a step of notifying the first user and the user of the other computer of the location of the collection location. The program of claim 1, wherein the notifying step comprises moving the photographic object representing the image from the position of the camera object to the collection location when the image is generated. The notification to step includes placing the icon object indicating that the photographic object to the collection place around the collection place is located, the program according to claim 1 or 2. Wherein the step of notifying, based on the first user or the position and orientation of the user of the other computer in the virtual space, comprising placing an object that represents the direction of the collection place, of claims 1 to 3 The program described in any one of the items. The program is applied to the first computer.
A step of arranging an operation object that moves in response to the operation of the first user in the virtual space,
Based on the operation on the photographic object by the operation object, the step of accepting the input of the processing on the photographic object or the image represented by the photographic object is further executed.
The process for the photographic object includes the process of deleting the photographic object from the virtual space.
The processing for the image represented by the photographic object is a process of editing the image represented by the photographic object, a process of evaluating the image represented by the photographic object, and a process of associating the information of the subject included in the image represented by the photographic object with the image. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which comprises at least one of the processes. The program is applied to the first computer .
A first avatar object corresponding prior Symbol first user, further execute a step of arranging the second avatar object corresponding to the user of the other computer in the virtual space,
The generated image includes the first or second avatar object.
The program according to claim 5 , wherein the subject information includes user information corresponding to the first or second avatar object included in the generated image. The photographic object contains an icon
The program according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein accepting an input of a process for the photographic object or an image represented by the photographic object includes accepting the process based on an operation on the icon by the operation object. The program is applied to the first computer.
A step of arranging an operation object that moves in response to the operation of the first user in the virtual space,
A step of accessing a pre-registered social network service based on the operation of the operation object on the photo object, and
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further performing a step of posting an image represented by the photographic object to the social network service. The program causes the first computer to further execute the step of deleting the photographic object from the virtual space based on the acceptance of the operation of deleting the photographic object.
The program according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , wherein the operation of deleting the photographic object includes an operation of destroying the photographic object. The program causes the first computer to further perform the step of arranging the transparent object in the virtual space.
One of claims 1 to 9 , wherein generating the image includes generating a visualized image including the transparent object when the transparent object is included in the shooting range of the camera object. The program described in. The program is applied to the first computer .
Further execute the step of placing the second avatar object corresponding to the user before Symbol another computer in the virtual space,
Generating the image means that when the second avatar object is included in the shooting range of the camera object, the display mode is different from the display mode of the second avatar object arranged in the virtual space. 2. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , which comprises generating an image containing an avatar object. The program is applied to the first computer.
The step of sending the generated image to the server and
A step of arranging the first avatar object corresponding to the first user in the virtual space,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further executing a step of transmitting information indicating that the first avatar object and the photographic object are in contact with the server. A memory storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 1 2,
An information processing device including a processor for executing the program. A method performed on a first computer to provide a virtual space to a first user.
Steps to define virtual space and
A step of communicating with another computer different from the first computer,
A step of arranging a camera object having a shooting function for the first user to shoot in the virtual space, and
A step of generating an image corresponding to the shooting range of the camera object, and
A step of arranging a photographic object representing the generated image at the accumulation location in the virtual space, and
A method of performing a step of notifying the first user and a user of the other computer of the location of the collection site.

Images