JP7438786B2 - Program, information processing method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, it has become possible to use VR (Virtual Reality) content using a web browser. For example, in Patent Document 1, a virtual space that is VR content is provided to a terminal device such as a head-mounted display, and a main content display area and a sub-content display area in the virtual space are provided with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address that corresponds to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address. It is described that predetermined content is provided based on access from a web page. The virtual space provided by the method of Patent Document 1 is VR content as a whole, but the main content itself is displayed two-dimensionally in a limited area (for example, a browser window placed on the virtual space).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-195255

By the way, if the main content itself can be used as VR content (for example, if it can be used as 360-degree content using a web browser), you may want to switch the display mode so that the main content itself is displayed as VR content. Some users want it. However, when the main content is displayed in a flat area as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to notice that the main content itself can be used as VR content. A similar problem may also occur when using a web browser to use content that can be used as so-called XR content, such as AR (Augmented Reality) content or MR (Mixed Reality) content.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a program, an information processing method, and an information processing method that allow a user to easily recognize that the content can be used as XR content when the content can be used as XR content using a web browser. The purpose is to provide equipment.

According to one embodiment presented in the present disclosure,
A program executed on a computer equipped with a processor,
The program causes the processor to:
defining a virtual space containing a browser window;
serving web content on the browser window based on access to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual space according to the movement of the user's head;
A program is provided that causes a step of displaying a visual field image corresponding to the visual field on an image display device associated with the user's head.

According to an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a program that allows a user to easily recognize that the content can be used as XR content when the content can be used as XR content using a web browser. I can do it.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an HMD system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually representing a UVW visual field coordinate system set in an HMD according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually representing one aspect of representing a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of a user's head wearing an HMD according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of a viewing area viewed from the X direction in virtual space. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of a viewing area viewed from the Y direction in virtual space. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of yaw, roll, and pitch directions defined for a user's right hand according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer as a modular configuration according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a sequence chart showing a part of processing performed in an HMD set according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a situation in which each HMD provides a virtual space to a user in a network. It is a figure which shows the visual field image of user 5A in FIG. 12(A). It is a sequence diagram which shows the process performed in the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operational processing executed by a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an XZ cross section of the virtual space shown in FIG. 16 viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a second period according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a second period according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an XZ cross section of a virtual space viewed from the Y-axis direction according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical idea will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. In one or more embodiments shown in this disclosure, elements included in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the resultant product of the combination also forms part of the embodiments shown in this disclosure.

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

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

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

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

The monitor 130 is realized, for example, as a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 130 is arranged on the main body of the HMD 120 so as to be located in front of both eyes of the user 5. Therefore, when the user 5 views the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 130, he or she can immerse himself in the virtual space. In one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, objects that can be operated by the user 5, and images of menus that can be selected by the user 5. In one aspect, the monitor 130 can be implemented 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, monitor 130 may be implemented as a transmissive display device. In this case, the HMD 120 may not be a closed type that covers the eyes of the user 5 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be an open type such as a pair of glasses. The transmissive monitor 130 may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting its transmittance. The monitor 130 may include a configuration that simultaneously displays a portion of the image forming the virtual space and the real space. For example, the monitor 130 may display an image of the real space taken with a camera mounted on the HMD 120, or may make the real space visible by setting the transmittance of a part to be high.

In one aspect, monitor 130 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 130 may be configured to integrally display the right eye image and the left eye image. In this case, monitor 130 includes a high speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that images for the right eye and images for the left eye can be alternately displayed so that the images are only perceived by one eye.

In one aspect, HMD 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function for detecting movement of HMD 120. More specifically, HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted by HMD 120 and detects the position and tilt of HMD 120 in real space.

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

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

Gaze sensor 140 detects the direction in which the right and left eyes of user 5 are directed. That is, the gaze sensor 140 detects the user's 5 line of sight. Detection of the direction of the line of sight is realized, for example, by a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. For example, the gaze sensor 140 may be a sensor that irradiates infrared light to the right and left eyes of the user 5 and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris of the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the user's 5 line of sight based on each detected rotation angle.

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

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

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

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

In a certain aspect, motion sensor 420 is attached to the user's 5 hand and detects the movement of the user's 5 hand. For example, the motion sensor 420 detects the rotation speed, number of rotations, etc. of the hand. The detected signal is sent to computer 200. Motion sensor 420 is provided in controller 300, for example. In one aspect, the motion sensor 420 is provided, for example, in the controller 300 that is configured to be graspable by the user 5. In another aspect, for safety in real space, the controller 300 is attached to the hand of the user 5, such as a glove, so that it does not easily fly away. In yet another aspect, a sensor that is not attached to the user 5 may detect the movement of the user's 5 hand. For example, a signal from a camera photographing the user 5 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the user's 5 action. The motion sensor 420 and the computer 200 are, for example, connected to each other wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication form is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication methods may be used.

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

Server 600 may send programs to computer 200. In another aspect, server 600 may communicate with other computers 200 to provide virtual reality to HMDs 120 used by other users. For example, when multiple users play a participatory game at an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates signals based on the actions of each user with the other computers 200 via the server 600, so that multiple users can play a participatory game in the same virtual space. allows users to enjoy common games. Each computer 200 may communicate signals based on the actions of each user with other computers 200 without going through the server 600.

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

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

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

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

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

In another aspect, storage 230 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In yet another aspect, a configuration may be used in which programs and data stored in an external storage device are used instead of the storage 230 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 in an amusement facility, it becomes possible to update programs and data all at once.

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

In some aspects, input/output interface 240 may further communicate with controller 300. For example, input/output interface 240 receives input signals output from controller 300 and motion sensor 420. In another aspect, input/output interface 240 sends instructions output from processor 210 to controller 300. The command instructs the controller 300 to perform vibration, audio output, light emission, etc. Upon receiving the command, the controller 300 performs vibration, audio output, or light emission in accordance with the command.

Communication interface 250 is connected to network 2 and communicates with other computers (eg, server 600) connected to network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 250 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. be done. Communication interface 250 is not limited to those described above.

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

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

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

In one embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a real coordinate system that is a coordinate system in real space is set in advance. The real coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) that are parallel to a vertical direction in real space, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a front-back direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and longitudinal direction in the real coordinate system are defined as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, respectively. More specifically, in the real coordinate system, the x-axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of real space. The y-axis is parallel to the vertical direction of real space. The z-axis is parallel to the front-back direction of real space.

In some aspects, HMD sensor 410 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects each infrared ray emitted from each light source of HMD 120, the presence of HMD 120 is detected. The HMD sensor 410 further detects the position and inclination (orientation) of the HMD 120 in the real space according to the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the real coordinate system). do. More specifically, HMD sensor 410 can detect temporal changes in the position and tilt of HMD 120 using each value detected over time.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 120 sets a three-dimensional UVW visual field coordinate system centered on the head of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 (origin). More specifically, HMD 120 changes the horizontal direction, vertical direction, and front-back direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) that define the real coordinate system by the inclination around each axis of HMD 120 within the real coordinate system. The three directions newly obtained by tilting around the respective axes are set as the pitch axis (u axis), yaw axis (v axis), and roll axis (w axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in HMD 120.

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

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

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

In one aspect, the HMD sensor 410 detects the HMD 120 based on the infrared light intensity obtained based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between each point). The position in real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 410. The processor 210 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 in real space (real coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further explained with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually representing one aspect of representing the virtual space 11 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 11 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 degree direction of the center 12. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 11 is illustrated in order not to complicate the explanation. In the virtual space 11, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is predefined as a coordinate value in an XYZ coordinate system, which is a global coordinate system defined in the virtual space 11. The computer 200 associates each partial image forming the panoramic image 13 (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 11 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 11 .

In one aspect, in the virtual space 11, an XYZ coordinate system with the center 12 as the origin is defined. For example, the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. Therefore, the X-axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x-axis of the real coordinate system, the Y-axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y-axis of the real coordinate system, and the The Z-axis (front-back direction) is parallel to the z-axis of the real coordinate system.

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

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

The processor 210 of the computer 200 defines the viewing area 15 in the virtual space 11 based on the position and inclination (reference line of sight 16) of the virtual camera 14. The viewing area 15 corresponds to an area of the virtual space 11 that is visible to the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 . In other words, the position of the virtual camera 14 can be said to be the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11.

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

[User's line of sight]
Determination of the line of sight of the user 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a top view of the head of user 5 wearing HMD 120 according to an embodiment.

In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the user's 5 right eye and left eye. In a certain situation, when the user 5 is looking nearby, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 5 is looking far away, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R2 and L2. In this case, the angle that the lines of sight R2 and L2 make with the roll axis w is smaller than the angle that the lines of sight R1 and L1 make with the roll axis w. Gaze sensor 140 transmits detection results to computer 200.

When the computer 200 receives the detected values of the line of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the detection result of the line of sight, it specifies the point of gaze N1, which is the intersection of the line 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, it specifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the point of gaze. The computer 200 specifies the line of sight N0 of the user 5 based on the position of the specified gaze point N1. The computer 200 detects, for example, the direction in which a straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 5 and the gaze point N1 is the line of sight N0. The line of sight N0 is the direction in which the user 5 is actually directing his/her line of sight with both eyes. The line of sight N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 5 is actually directing his or her line of sight with respect to the viewing area 15.

In another aspect, HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast reception tuner. According to such a configuration, the HMD system 100 can display television programs in the virtual space 11.

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

[Visibility area]
The viewing area 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the viewing area 15 viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 11. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of the viewing area 15 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 11.

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

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

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

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

While wearing the HMD 120, the user 5 can view only the panoramic image 13 developed in the virtual space 11 without viewing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can provide the user 5 with a highly immersive feeling in the virtual space 11.

In one aspect, the processor 210 may move the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space. In this case, the processor 210 specifies the image area (visual area 15) to be projected on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 based on the position and tilt of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 300 may include a right controller 300R and a left controller (not shown). The right controller 300R is operated by the user 5's right hand. The left controller is operated with the user's 5 left hand. In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller are symmetrically configured as separate devices. Therefore, the user 5 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 300R and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, controller 300 may be an integrated controller that accepts operation with both hands. The right controller 300R will be explained below.

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

Grip 310 includes buttons 340 and 350 and a motion sensor 420. The button 340 is arranged on the side surface of the grip 310 and accepts operation by the middle finger of the right hand. Button 350 is arranged on the front surface of grip 310 and accepts operation by the index finger of the right hand. In some aspects, buttons 340, 350 are configured as trigger-type buttons. Motion sensor 420 is built into the housing of grip 310. If the motion of the user 5 can be detected from around the user 5 by a camera or other device, the grip 310 may not include the motion sensor 420.

Frame 320 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 360 arranged along its circumferential direction. The infrared LED 360 emits infrared rays while a program using the controller 300 is being executed in accordance with the progress of the program. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 360 can be used to detect the respective positions and postures (tilt, orientation) of the right controller 300R and the left controller. Although the example shown in FIG. 8 shows infrared LEDs 360 arranged in two rows, the number of arrangements is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8. A single row or an array of three or more rows may be used.

The top surface 330 includes buttons 370 and 380 and an analog stick 390. Buttons 370, 380 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 370 and 380 accept operations by the thumb of the user's 5 right hand. In a certain situation, the analog stick 390 accepts operation in any direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object placed in the virtual space 11.

In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller include batteries for driving the infrared LEDs 360 and other components. Batteries include, but are not limited to, rechargeable types, button types, dry battery types, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 300R and the left controller do not require batteries.

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

[Server hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 9, the server 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of server 600 according to an embodiment. The server 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage 630, an input/output interface 640, and a communication interface 650 as main components. Each component is connected to a bus 660, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some aspects, processor 610 accesses storage 630, loads one or more programs stored in storage 630 into memory 620, and executes a series of instructions contained in the programs. The one or more programs may include the operating system of the server 600, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software executable in the virtual space, and the like. Processor 610 may send signals to computer 200 to provide the virtual space via input/output interface 640.

[HMD control device]
The control device for the HMD 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In one embodiment, the control device is implemented by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating computer 200 as a modular configuration according to an embodiment.

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

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

The control module 510 places objects in the virtual space 11 using object data representing the objects. Object data is stored in memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate object data or obtain object data from the server 600 or the like. The objects include, for example, an avatar object that is the alter ego of the user 5, a character object, an operation object such as a virtual hand operated by the controller 300, landscapes including forests, mountains, etc. that are arranged according to the progress of the game story, cityscapes, and animals. etc. may be included.

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

Control module 510 identifies the tilt of HMD 120 based on the output of HMD sensor 410. In another aspect, control module 510 identifies the tilt of HMD 120 based on the output of sensor 190 functioning as a motion sensor. The control module 510 detects organs (eg, mouth, eyes, eyebrows) that make up the user's 5 face from the images of the user's 5 face generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160. The control module 510 detects the movement (shape) of each detected organ.

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

The control module 510 reflects the movement of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 on the avatar object. For example, the control module 510 detects that the HMD 120 is tilted and places the avatar object at a tilt. The control module 510 reflects the detected motions of the facial organs on the face of the avatar object placed in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 receives the gaze information of the other user 5 from the server 600, and reflects the information on the gaze of the avatar object of the other user 5. In one aspect, the control module 510 reflects the movement of the controller 300 on the avatar object and the operation object. In this case, the controller 300 includes a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, infrared LEDs), etc. for detecting the movement of the controller 300.

The control module 510 arranges in the virtual space 11 an operation object for receiving an operation by the user 5 in the virtual space 11 . The user 5 operates, for example, an object arranged in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object that is a virtual hand corresponding to the user's 5 hand. In one aspect, the control module 510 moves the hand object in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user's 5 hand in the real space based on the output of the motion sensor 420. In one aspect, the manipulation object may correspond to a hand portion of an avatar object.

The control module 510 detects a collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object. The control module 510 can detect, for example, the timing at which a collision area of a certain object touches a collision area of another object, and performs predetermined processing when this detection is performed. The control module 510 can detect the timing when objects are no longer in contact with each other, and performs predetermined processing when this detection is performed. The control module 510 can detect that objects are touching. For example, when a manipulation object and another object touch, the control module 510 detects the contact between the manipulation object and the other object, and performs a predetermined process.

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

When control module 510 detects user 5's utterance using microphone 170 from HMD 120, control module 510 identifies computer 200 to which audio data corresponding to the utterance is to be transmitted. The audio data is sent to the specified computer 200 by control module 510. When control module 510 receives audio data from another user's computer 200 via network 2, it outputs audio (speech) corresponding to the audio data from speaker 180.

Memory module 530 holds data used by computer 200 to provide virtual space 11 to user 5 . In some aspects, memory module 530 maintains spatial information, object information, and user information.

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

The object information includes a plurality of panoramic images 13 constituting the virtual space 11 and object data for arranging objects in the virtual space 11. Panoramic image 13 may include still images and moving images. The panoramic image 13 may include an image in a non-real space and an image in a real space. Examples of images in unreal space include images generated by computer graphics.

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

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

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

In certain aspects, control module 510 and rendering module 520 may be implemented using, for example, Unity® provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 may be implemented as a combination of circuit elements that implement each process.

Processing in computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by processor 210. Such software may be pre-stored in the hard disk or other memory module 530. Software may be stored on a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reading device, or is downloaded from the server 600 or other computer via the communication control module 540, and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is read from the storage module by processor 210 and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 210 executes the program.

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

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S1110, the processor 210 of the computer 200, as the control module 510, specifies virtual space data and defines the virtual space 11.

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

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

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

In step S1134, HMD sensor 410 detects the position and tilt of HMD 120 based on a plurality of infrared lights emitted from HMD 120. The detection results are output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

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

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

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

In step S1170, processor 210 detects the operation of controller 300 by user 5 based on the detection data acquired from controller 300.

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

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

[Avatar object]
The avatar object according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B). The following is a diagram explaining the avatar objects of each user 5 of the HMD sets 110A and 110B. Hereinafter, the user of HMD set 110A will be referred to as user 5A, the user of HMD set 110B will be referred to as user 5B, the user of HMD set 110C will be referred to as user 5C, and the user of HMD set 110D will be referred to as user 5D. A is attached to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110A, B is attached to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110B, C is attached to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110C, and the HMD set D is added to the reference numeral of each component related to 110D. For example, HMD 120A is included in HMD set 110A.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing a situation in which each HMD 120 provides the virtual space 11 to the user 5 in the network 2. Computers 200A to 200D provide virtual spaces 11A to 11D to users 5A to 5D via HMDs 120A to 120D, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 12(A), the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B are configured by the same data. In other words, the computer 200A and the computer 200B share the same virtual space. In the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B, an avatar object 6A of the user 5A and an avatar object 6B of the user 5B exist. The avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A and the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B are each wearing an HMD 120, but this is to make the explanation easier to understand, and in reality, these objects are not wearing the HMD 120. Not yet.

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

FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing the visual field image 17A of the user 5A in FIG. 12(A). The visual field image 17A is an image displayed on the monitor 130A of the HMD 120A. This visual field image 17A is an image generated by the virtual camera 14A. An avatar object 6B of the user 5B is displayed in the view image 17A. Although not particularly illustrated, the avatar object 6A of the user 5A is also displayed in the visual field image of the user 5B.

In the state shown in FIG. 12(B), the user 5A can communicate with the user 5B through dialogue through the virtual space 11A. More specifically, user 5A's voice acquired by microphone 170A is transmitted to user 5B's HMD 17120B via server 600, and output from speaker 180B provided in HMD 120B. User 5B's voice is transmitted to user 5A's HMD 120A via server 600, and output from speaker 180A provided in HMD 120A.

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

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing part of the processing executed in HMD system 100 according to this embodiment. Although the HMD set 110D is not illustrated in FIG. 13, the HMD set 110D also operates in the same manner as the HMD sets 110A, 110B, and 110C. In the following description, A is added to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110A, B is added to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110B, and C is added to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110C. D is added to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110D.

In step S1310A, processor 210A in HMD set 110A acquires avatar information for determining the behavior of avatar object 6A in virtual space 11A. This avatar information includes information regarding the avatar, such as movement information, face tracking data, and voice data. The motion information includes information indicating temporal changes in the position and tilt of the HMD 120A, information indicating the movement of the user's 5A hand detected by the motion sensor 420A, and the like. Examples of the face tracking data include data that specifies the position and size of each part of the user's 5A face. Examples of the face tracking data include data indicating the movement of each organ that makes up the face of the user 5A and line of sight data. Examples of the audio data include data representing the user's 5A's voice acquired by the microphone 170A of the HMD 120A. The avatar information may include information that specifies the avatar object 6A or the user 5A associated with the avatar object 6A, information that specifies the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists, and the like. Information that specifies the avatar object 6A and the user 5A includes a user ID. A room ID can be cited as information for specifying the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists. Processor 210A transmits the avatar information acquired as described above to server 600 via network 2.

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

In step S1320, server 600 temporarily stores the player information received from each of HMD set 110A, HMD set 110B, and HMD set 110C. The server 600 integrates the avatar information of all users (in this example, users 5A to 5C) associated with the common virtual space 11 based on the user ID, room ID, etc. included in each avatar information. Then, the server 600 transmits the integrated avatar information to all users associated with the virtual space 11 at a predetermined timing. As a result, synchronization processing is executed. Such synchronization processing allows HMD set 110A, HMD set 110B, and HMD 11020C to share each other's avatar information at approximately the same timing.

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

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

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

[Detailed configuration of module]
The details of the module configuration of computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of modules of computer 200 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the control module 510 includes a virtual camera control module 1421, a viewing area determination module 1422, a reference line of sight identification module 1423, a virtual space definition module 1424, a virtual object generation module 1425, and an operation object. It includes a control module 1426 and a browsing module 1427. Rendering module 520 includes a view image generation module 1438. The memory module 530 holds spatial information 1431 and user information 1432.

The virtual camera control module 1421 arranges the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The virtual camera control module 1421 controls the arrangement position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the direction (tilt) of the virtual camera 14. The viewing area determination module 1422 defines the viewing area 15 according to the direction of the head of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 and the placement position of the virtual camera 14. The visibility image generation module 1438 generates the visibility image 17 to be displayed on the monitor 130 based on the determined visibility area 15.

The reference line of sight specifying module 1423 specifies the line of sight of the user 5 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140. The virtual space definition module 1424 defines the virtual space 11 in the HMD system 100 by generating virtual space data representing the virtual space 11. The virtual object generation module 1425 generates objects placed in the virtual space 11.

The operation object control module 1426 arranges in the virtual space 11 an operation object for receiving an operation by the user 5 in the virtual space 11 . The user 5 operates, for example, an object arranged in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. In one aspect, the operation object may correspond to a hand portion of an avatar object, which will be described later.

Browsing module 1427 enables web browsing in virtual space 11. In one aspect, the browsing module 1427 places a web browser (hereinafter also referred to as a browser window) in the virtual space 11. Furthermore, in a certain aspect, the browsing module 1427 arranges a menu window in the virtual space 11 for accepting operations from the user 5 regarding web browsing. For example, if the user 5 enters a URL on a browser window or a menu window, the browsing module receives an information resource from the server corresponding to the URL and provides an image based on the information resource in the browser window. In one aspect, if the information resource indicates XR content, the browsing module 1427 displays an image based on the information resource within the virtual space 11 or other virtual space, or within a fusion space of the virtual world and the real world. It can be provided as XR content developed into

Note that in this specification, "XR content" refers to the ability of the user 5 to freely change the viewpoint within a virtual space or within a fusion space of the virtual world and the real world by, for example, changing the position and inclination of the HMD 120. Refers to content that can be changed. Specific examples of "XR content" include VR content, AR content, MR content, and SR (Substitutional Reality) content. The "XR content" preferably includes, for example, a virtual space or fusion space developed at a predetermined angle (eg, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, etc.). In the following, a case where "XR content" is "VR content" will be exemplified, but the present disclosure is similarly applicable to other XR content.

"VR content" refers to content that allows the user 5 to freely change the viewpoint within the virtual space by, for example, changing the position and inclination of the HMD 120. It is preferable that the virtual space is provided as a virtual space including a spatial image developed at 360 degrees, 360 degrees, etc., and it is more preferable that the virtual space is provided as a virtual space including a 360 degree spatial image (so-called 360 degree content). In a virtual space including a 360-degree spatial image, for example, a virtual camera is placed at the center of the virtual space, and a 360-degree spatial image is displayed on the surface of the virtual space.

In addition, "content" includes, for example, videos, still images, games, music, SNS (Social Networking Services), maps, news, web media, images captured by cameras, and predetermined services (such as video distribution and product sales). ) and other web pages.

The control module 510 detects a collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object. The control module 510 can detect, for example, the timing at which a certain object touches another object, and performs predetermined processing when the detection is made. The control module 510 can detect the timing when objects are no longer in contact with each other, and performs predetermined processing when this detection is performed. The control module 510 can detect that objects are touching. Specifically, when the operation object and another object touch, the control module 510 detects that the operation object and the other object have touched, and performs a predetermined process.

Memory module 530 holds data used by computer 200 to provide virtual space 11 to user 5 . In one aspect, memory module 530 holds spatial information 1431 and user information 1432.

The spatial information 1431 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 11. The spatial information 1431 may include information about objects placed in the virtual space 11.

The user information 1432 holds a program for making the computer 200 function as a control device of the HMD system 100, a program for making the browsing module 1427, etc. function, and the like.

[Operation processing]
Next, the operational processing of the computer 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 23. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operational processing executed by computer 200 according to an embodiment.

Note that in the operation processing described below, the user 5's operation may be performed, for example, via the controller 300, a movement of a part of the user's 5 body such as hand tracking, or the gaze sensor 140.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S1501, the processor 210 of the computer 200, as the control module 510, specifies virtual space data and defines a virtual space. The defined virtual space is provided to the HMD 120. The virtual space defined in step S1501 is a virtual space that includes a spatial image developed at a predetermined angle (for example, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, etc.). This will be explained as a virtual space containing images.

In step S1502, processor 210 arranges a browser window in the virtual space defined in step S1501. The browser window may be placed, for example, in response to an operation performed by the user 5 to run the web browser, or the browser window may be placed in response to an operation performed by the user 5 to run the web browser, or may be initially placed in the virtual space when defining the virtual space in step S1501. It may also be placed as an object.

At the same time as step S1502, the processor 210 virtualizes a menu object that displays an operation menu for web browsing, and an information display object that displays supplementary information, advertising information, etc. regarding web content displayed within the browser window. It may be placed within the space. Note that in this specification, "web content" refers to, for example, content provided on the web.

Here, the virtual space that can be provided to the HMD 120 through the processing in steps S1501 and S1502 will be described using FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an XZ cross section of the virtual space shown in FIG. 16 viewed from the Y-axis direction. Note that in the examples of FIGS. 16 and 17, the virtual space 1611 is developed within the celestial sphere, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The virtual space 1611 may be developed into a space partitioned by 3D objects (eg, buildings such as houses), for example.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a browser window 1621 and a virtual camera 1614 are arranged in the virtual space 1611. The browser window 1621 displays web content provided by the server. The shape of the browser window 1621 is not particularly limited, but is generally in the shape of a flat plate, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example. Therefore, when the web content is displayed within the browser window 1621, the web content is also only displayed in a two-dimensional manner.

In FIG. 16, an arrow extending from the virtual camera 1614 indicates the reference line of sight of the virtual camera 1614. Further, in FIG. 17, a dotted line extending from the virtual camera 1614 indicates the viewing area of the user 5. In this way, according to the processing in steps S1501 and S1502, a browser window 1621 having a planar shape is arranged in the virtual space 1611 including a 360-degree spatial image expanded over 360 degrees.

Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 15. In step S1503, processor 210 accepts a request for access to a URL address that provides web content. Note that although the following explanation assumes that there is a request for access to a URL address for playing video content in step S1503, the flowchart in FIG. 15 is not applied only to video content; for example, still images This can also be applied when there is a request for access to a URL address that provides a web page.

The access request is executed based on an operation input by the user 5, for example. The processor 210 accesses the specified server based on the access request, and obtains, for example, an information resource for providing (playing) video content provided by the server within a browser window.

In step S1504, processor 210 starts providing video content within the browser window based on the acquired information resource. Specifically, processor 210 initiates automatic playback of video content within a browser window.

If the video content whose provision has started in step S1504 cannot be provided as VR content (NO in step S1505), provision of the video content within the browser window is continued. Thereafter, processor 210 ends the process in response to a predetermined trigger.

On the other hand, if the video content whose provision has started in step S1504 can be provided as VR content (YES in step S1505), the process advances to step S1506.

Note that the process in step S1506 is executed during a predetermined first period of the period during which video content is provided on the browser window. The "first period" is not particularly limited, but is preferably a period from the start of providing web content on the browser window until a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed. Furthermore, in one aspect, the "first period" may be a period from when a UI (User Interface) image for operating web content is displayed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Further, in a certain aspect, both of the above two periods may be referred to as a "first period". In the following description, the period from when the reproduction of the video content (processing in step S1504) starts on the browser window until a predetermined time has elapsed will be referred to as a "first period".

Note that it is preferable that the reproduction of the video content in step S1504 be automatically executed in response to the user 5 selecting the video content. On the other hand, the reproduction of the video content in step S1504 may be performed in response to the user 5 selecting the video content and then inputting an operation for reproduction.

In step S1506, the processor 210 notifies the user that the video content can be used as VR content in a more emphasized manner than in the second period. Note that the "second period" refers to, for example, the period during which web content is provided on the browser window, excluding the first period.

Furthermore, "notifying the user in an emphasized manner" means, for example, notifying the user by displaying an image that is not displayed in the second period, or changing the size, color, placement location, display method, etc. of the image to be notified in the second period. This includes making changes that make it more visually noticeable than the period itself. Further, "notifying the user in an emphasized manner" may be an auditory notification, for example, by emitting a guide voice (a voice informing that it can be used as VR content) only in the first period. There may be.

In step S1507, when processor 210 receives a request to change to VR mode (YES in step S1507), processor 210 provides video content as VR content in step S1508. Thereafter, processor 210 ends the process in response to a predetermined trigger.

In step S1507, if the processor 210 has not received a request to change to the VR mode (NO in step S1507) and is in the first period (NO in step S1509), the processor 210 Continue reporting in an emphasized manner based on processing.

On the other hand, in step S1507, the processor 210 determines that the request to change to the VR mode has not been accepted (NO in step S1507), and in step S1509, the processor 210 determines that the first period has ended. (YES in step S1509), and in step S1510, the processor 210 ends the notification in an emphasized manner based on the processing in step S1506. Thereafter, processor 210 ends the process in response to a predetermined trigger.

Here, the processing in steps S1506 to S1510 will be described in detail using FIGS. 18(A) to (D), FIGS. 19(A) to (B), and FIG. 20.

Specifically, each of FIGS. 18A to 18D is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification in an emphasized manner (hereinafter also referred to as "emphasized display") in step S1506. Specifically, each of FIGS. 19A to 19B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display content of the browser window after the notification in the emphasized manner in step S1510 is completed.

In any of the examples shown in FIGS. 18(A) to 18(D) and FIGS. 19(A) to 19(B), video content 1622 is provided within a browser window 1621. In FIG. 18A, which is an example of highlighted display, a first image 1823 is further displayed that notifies only that the video content 1822 can be used as VR content. The first image 1823 is, for example, an icon image that only suggests that the video content 1822 can be used as VR content.

On the other hand, in FIG. 19A, which is an example after the highlighting is finished, the video content 1622 is provided within the browser window 1621, but the first image 1823 is not displayed. Therefore, it can be said that FIG. 18(A) is displayed more emphatically than FIG. 19(A) by displaying the first image 1823 that is not displayed in FIG. 19(A).

Here, the "first image" is an image that only informs that the web content can be used as VR content. The "first image" is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above conditions, and includes, for example, an icon image, a text image, an image that combines an icon and text, and the like.

Note that an operation UI (for example, operation UI 1831 described below) that includes various icons associated with functions related to web content (video content) operations such as playback, stop, fast forward, and rewind is not considered VR content. Even if it includes an icon image indicating that it is available, it is not included in the first image. Similarly, even if an image suggests that it can be used as VR content, an image that is displayed integrally with various icons associated with other functions (for example, the VR button 1837 described below) Not included in one image.

The example shown in FIG. 19(B) is an example in which the operation UI 1831 is displayed in the browser window 1621 in response to the user 5 inputting a predetermined operation from the state shown in FIG. 19(A). The operation UI 1831 is a UI image that integrally includes a play/stop button 1832, a rewind button 1833, a fast forward button 1834, a seek bar 1835, a volume button 1836, and a VR button 1837. The operation UI 1831 becomes non-display, for example, when a predetermined number of seconds have passed since the start of display, or when a state in which no operation is performed on the operation UI 1831 continues for a predetermined number of seconds.

When the user 5 performs an operation to select the VR button 1837, for example, the process of step S1508 is executed, and the video content 1822 is provided as VR content. However, as described above, the VR button 1837 and the operation UI 1831 including the same are not images that only notify that the web content can be used as VR content, but icons associated with other functions such as the play/stop button 1832. Since the image is displayed integrally with the image, it is not included in the first image.

It can be said that FIG. 18(A) has a more emphasized display than FIG. 19(A) by displaying the first image 1823 that is not displayed in FIG. 19(A). Furthermore, even when comparing the first image 1823 and the VR button 1837, the first image 1823 is larger and located in a more conspicuous position (for example, closer to the center of the screen). It can be said that the display is more emphasized than 19(B).

In FIG. 18B, which is another example of highlighted display, video content 1822 and a first image 1824 are displayed in a browser window 1621. The first image 1824 is, for example, a text image that suggests that it can be used as VR content. Similarly to the example of FIG. 18(A), the example of FIG. 18(B) can also be said to be more highlighted than the examples of FIGS. 19(A) and 19(B).

In FIG. 18C, which is still another example of highlighted display, video content 1822, a first image 1823, and an operation UI 1831 are displayed in a browser window 1621. FIG. 18C shows, for example, an example in which a first image 1823 and an operation UI 1831 are displayed in the browser window 1621 at the same time as the video content 1822 starts being provided. The first image 1823 and the operation UI 1831 are displayed independently of each other.

Similarly to the example of FIG. 18(A), the example of FIG. 18(C) also displays the first image 1823, and the emphasis is displayed more than the examples of FIG. 19(A) and FIG. 19(B). It can be said that

In FIG. 18D, which is still another example of highlighted display, video content 1822, a second image 1825, and an operation UI 1831 are displayed in a browser window 1621. The second image 1825 is an image added to the VR button 1837 included in the operation UI 1831, and is an image for emphasizing the VR button 1837 more than other buttons such as the play/stop button 1832.

In the example of FIG. 18(D), it can be said that the display is more emphasized than the examples of FIGS. 19(A) and 19(B) in that the second image 1825 is displayed. As another example of highlighting, instead of or in addition to adding the second image 1825, the size, color, placement location, display method, etc. of the VR button 1837 may be made more visually noticeable than in the second period. You may change it as follows. For example, the VR button 1837 may be displayed blinking during the first period, and the blinking may be stopped during the second period.

Specifically, FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the virtual space after the processing in step S1508, that is, the virtual space when video content is provided as VR content. For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D, if an operation is performed on any one of the first images 1823 and 1824, the second image 1825, and the VR button 1837, the virtual space 2011 shown in FIG. may be provided to HMD 120.

As shown in FIG. 20, a virtual camera 2014 is arranged within the virtual space 2011. Further, the video content 1822 is developed as a 360-degree spatial image 2013 along the outer edge of the virtual space 2011. Furthermore, the line of sight of the virtual camera 2014 is linked to the movement of the user's 5 head. That is, the video content 1822 is provided to the user 5 as VR content.

The above has been described using as an example the case where there is a request for access to a URL address for playing video content in step S1503. In the following, a case will be described using FIGS. 21 and 22 as an example in which there is a request for access to a URL address that provides a web page in step S1503.

Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same processing as in the above example where the web content is video content can be adopted even in the following example where the web content is a web page.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display content of a browser window in a first period according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of highlighting in step S1506 when there is a request to access a URL address specifying a web page that provides a plurality of video contents in step S1503. be.

As shown in FIG. 21, a browser window 1621 and a virtual camera 1614 are arranged in the virtual space 1611. Further, the browser window 1621 displays a web page provided from a predetermined server. Specifically, the browser window 1621 displays a web page for the user 5 to select video content that the user 5 desires to play from among the video content distributed by the server. In the browser window 1621, thumbnail images 2141a to 2141f of six video contents are displayed as part of a web page.

Furthermore, a first image 2142 is displayed within the browser window 1621. The first image 2142 is, for example, an icon image that only suggests that the web page displayed within the browser window 1621 can be used as VR content.

For example, when the user 5 performs an operation input on the first image 2142, the web page displayed within the browser window 1621 is provided to the HMD 120 as VR content. On the other hand, if the first period elapses without any operation input to the first image 2142, the first image 2142 becomes hidden.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a virtual space 2211 provided to the HMD 120 when the process of step S1508 is executed from the state of FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the virtual space 2211, thumbnail images (including 2141a to 2141g) of a plurality of video contents and a virtual camera 2214 are arranged. The virtual space 2211 and the virtual camera 2214 may be the same as the virtual space 1611 and the virtual camera 1614, respectively, or may be different. The shape of the virtual space 2211 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a hemisphere or a celestial sphere.

The web page displayed in the browser window 1621 in FIG. 21 is developed as a 360-degree spatial image and provided as VR content in FIG. 22. Specifically, thumbnail images of a plurality of video contents are arranged along the outer edge of the virtual space 2211. Among the plurality of thumbnail images, 2141a to 2141f are thumbnail images corresponding to the thumbnail images 2141a to 2141f in FIG. 21, respectively. That is, the web page provided within the browser window 1621 in FIG. 21 and the web page provided as VR content in FIG. 22 correspond to each other.

However, even if they are compatible with each other, when the VR mode is entered, one or more of the following effects, which are difficult to obtain when providing a web page within the browser window 1621, can be expected. Note that the effects described below are the same even when video content is provided as VR content.

The first effect is, for example, improvement in user operability. When providing a web page within the browser window 1621, the web page (for example, the home screen of a video distribution service) is not optimized for the VR browser window and is often difficult for users to use. . On the other hand, when the VR mode is entered, it is possible to eliminate the restriction of displaying the thumbnail images 2141a to 2141f, etc. in a relatively narrow space within the browser window 1621, thereby making it possible to improve usability.

For example, in a state where the virtual space 2211 shown in FIG. 22 is provided to the user 5, the user 5 can simply move his or her head to view other thumbnail images (for example, thumbnail images) that are not in the current viewing area. 2141g) within the field of vision. On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is displayed within the browser window 1621, even if the user 5 moves his head, the thumbnail image displayed within the browser window 1621 is not changed. In order to change the content displayed in the browser window 1621, it is necessary to operate the menu object or the controller 300, for example.

The second effect includes, for example, an improved sense of immersion in the virtual space. When providing a web page within the browser window 1621, even if the web page is optimized for the VR browser window, it will only be displayed on a flat browser window, so You can't get a sense of immersion. On the other hand, in the case of entering VR mode, for example, it is possible to provide a virtual space that expands over 360 degrees from the stage of selecting video content. That is, from the stage of selecting video content, it is possible to provide the user with an experience as if they were using a VR-specific application. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the sense of immersion in the virtual space. Note that when video content is selected in the VR mode, it is preferable that the selected video content be played back as VR content from the time the video content starts being provided.

In addition, in the case of web browsers for VR, the API (Application Programming Interface) may not be optimized. For example, if you try to realize VR content using the API prepared by a PF (Platform) provider, This may result in too much processing load and difficulty. In such cases, to realize a web page etc. as a 360-degree spatial image, instead of using the API prepared by the PF provider, it is necessary to use low-layer technology (which is closer to the hardware side layer). For example, language, etc.) is preferably used.

It is also preferable that the state in which the web page is provided as VR content be changed to the state in which the web page is provided within the browser window 1621 based on the operation input by the user 5. Such an aspect makes it possible to respond to a user's request, such as wanting to select video content within the browser window 1621 because, for example, he/she has noticed signs of VR sickness.

The above embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed using the HMD has been described as an example, but a transmissive HMD may be used as the HMD. In this case, an augmented reality (AR) space or mixed reality (AR) space or mixed reality ( A virtual experience in an MR (Mixed Reality) space may be provided to the user. In this case, an effect on the target object in the virtual space may be caused based on the movement of the user's hand instead of the operation object. Specifically, the processor may specify the coordinate information of the position of the user's hand in the real space, and define the position of the target object in the virtual space in relation to the coordinate information in the real space. This enables the processor to grasp the positional relationship between the user's hand in real space and the target object in virtual space, and execute processing corresponding to the above-mentioned collision control etc. between the user's hand and the target object. . As a result, it becomes possible to apply an action to the target object based on the user's hand movements.

[Additional notes]
The contents of the present disclosure are listed below.

(Item 1)
A program executed on a computer equipped with a processor,
The program causes the processor to:
defining a virtual space containing a browser window;
serving web content on the browser window based on access to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual space according to the movement of the user's head;
Displaying a visual field image corresponding to the visual field on an image display device associated with the user's head.
Thereby, when using content that can be used as XR content using a web browser, the user can easily recognize that the content can be used as XR content.

(Item 2)
The step of notifying is a step of displaying a first image that only notifies that the web content can be used as the XR content,
In the second period, the first image is not displayed.
The program described in item 1.
Thereby, for example, the user can easily recognize visually that the content provided on the browser window can be used as XR content. Additionally, for example, an image indicating that the content can be used as XR content is displayed as part of a UI image that includes various icons associated with functions related to content operations such as playback, stop, fast forward, and rewind. In this case, the user may not notice the image, but the above configuration can prevent such a situation.

(Item 3)
The first image is an image containing a predetermined icon and/or text,
The step of displaying as XR content is performed based on the user's operation input with respect to the first image.
The program described in item 2.
As a result, for example, the user can more easily recognize that the content provided on the browser window can be used as XR content, and can easily perform operation input.

(Item 4)
The program further causes the processor to:
displaying a UI image including at least an icon notifying that the web content can be used as the XR content;
The step of notifying is a step of adding a predetermined second image to the icon included in the UI image, or making the display mode of the icon different from the display mode in the second period.
The program described in item 1.
Thereby, for example, the user can easily recognize visually that the content provided on the browser window can be used as XR content.

(Item 5)
The first period is a period of time from the start of provision of the web content on the browser window until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
The program described in any one of items 1 to 4.
Thereby, for example, the user can recognize that the content provided on the browser window can be used as XR content immediately after the content provision starts. Therefore, if a user wants to enjoy XR content, he or she can use the content as XR content from an early stage, thereby improving user satisfaction. Moreover, since the notification in an emphasized manner ends after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, it is also comfortable for users who do not want to use the content as XR content.

(Item 6)
the XR content is VR content;
The program described in any of items 1 to 5.
Thereby, for example, when using content that can be used as VR content using a web browser, the user can easily recognize that the content can be used as VR content.

(Item 7)
An information processing method executed in a computer equipped with a processor, the method comprising:
The information processing method includes:
defining a virtual space containing a browser window;
serving web content on the browser window based on access to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual space according to the movement of the user's head;
An information processing method comprising: displaying a field of view image corresponding to the field of view on an image display device associated with the head of the user.
Thereby, when using content that can be used as XR content using a web browser, the user can easily recognize that the content can be used as XR content.

(Item 8)
An information processing device including a processor,
The processor includes:
Defines a virtual space containing the browser window,
providing web content on the browser window based on access to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input,
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera arranged in virtual space according to the movement of the user's head;
An information processing device that displays a visual field image corresponding to the visual field on an image display device associated with the user's head.
Thereby, when using content that can be used as XR content using a web browser, the user can easily recognize that the content can be used as XR content.

2: Network 11: Virtual space 14, 14A: Virtual camera 17, 17A: View image 100: HMD system 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D: HMD set 120, 120A, 120B: HMD
200, 200A, 200B: Computer 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 610, 1610: Processor 220, 620: Memory 230, 630: Storage 300, 300B: Controller 510: Control module 520: Rendering module 530: Memory module 600: Server 700: External device 1611, 2011, 2211: Virtual space 1614, 2014, 2214: Virtual camera 1621: Browser window 1822: Video content 1823, 1824, 2142: First image 1825: Second image 1831: Operation UI
2141a-2141g: Thumbnail images

Claims (8)

A program executed on a computer ,
The program causes the computer to
defining a virtual space containing a browser window;
serving web content on the browser window based on access to a predetermined address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera placed in a virtual space according to the user's movement;
A program that causes a program to execute a step of displaying a view image corresponding to the view on an image display device associated with the user . The step of notifying is a step of displaying a first image that only notifies that the web content can be used as the XR content,
In the second period, the first image is not displayed.
The program according to claim 1. The first image is an image containing a predetermined icon and/or text,
The step of displaying as XR content is performed based on the user's operation input with respect to the first image.
The program according to claim 2. The program further comprises:
displaying a UI (User Interface) image that includes at least an icon notifying that the web content can be used as the XR content;
The step of notifying is a step of adding a predetermined second image to the icon included in the UI image, or making the display mode of the icon different from the display mode in the second period.
The program according to claim 1. The first period is a period of time from the start of provision of the web content on the browser window until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the XR content is VR content;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An information processing method executed on a computer , the method comprising:
The information processing method includes :
defining a virtual space containing a browser window;
serving web content on the browser window based on access to a predetermined address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. informing the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
controlling the field of view from a virtual camera placed in a virtual space according to the user's movement;
An information processing method, comprising: displaying a field of view image corresponding to the field of view on an image display device associated with the user . An information processing system comprising one or more information processing devices,
A process of defining a virtual space including a browser window,
providing web content on the browser window based on access to a predetermined address;
If the web content can be displayed as XR content, the web content can be used as the XR content during a predetermined first period of the periods during which the web content is provided on the browser window. processing to notify the user of this in a manner that is more emphasized than in a second period outside the first period;
Displaying the web content displayed on the browser window as XR content based on the user's operation input;
A process of controlling a view from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual space according to the movement of the user ;
An information processing system that performs a process of displaying a visual field image corresponding to the visual field on an image display device associated with the user .