JP2002099385A - Method for generating virtual space movement information and device for interfacing virtual space movement - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convert the movement of a user's foot into movement information in a virtual space by using a non-contact type position measurement system for measuring the position of a mobile object by utilizing ID tags. SOLUTION: This virtual space movement interface device for inputting movement information necessary to the movement processing of a virtual space display image comprises the ID tags, an ID reader and a processor. The ID tags are arranged on a floor or a platform at prescribed intervals, receive power supply by an electromagnetic induction method and respectively transmit their inherent ID data. The ID reader is attached to the foot of the user standing on the floor or the platform, feeds power to an ID tag and receives ID data transmitted from the ID tag. The processor inputs the ID data received by the ID reader, converts the ID data into position information on the basis of a mapping table for making the ID data correspond to the spatial position of the floor or the platform, and also converts the change of the position information due to the movement of the user's foot into the movement information in the virtual space display image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a virtual space movement information generating method and a virtual space movement interface device for generating movement information in a virtual space by operating a foot of a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-305907 discloses a virtual space moving interface device for generating movement information in a virtual space by operating a foot. Recording medium).

[0003] A technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-157300, which detects a temporal change of a user's weight shift on a substantially horizontal reference plane (disk) and converts the weight shift data into a moving velocity vector on a horizontal plane in a virtual space. In other words, the user who has got on the disk can move in that direction in the virtual space by standing on the side where he wants to go and applying a load to the disk to tilt it. In addition, the user can adjust the moving speed in the horizontal plane in the virtual space by adjusting the amount of movement of the body and adjusting how to apply the load.

[0004]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional virtual space moving interface device, the visual field in the virtual space is determined by the viewpoint position information detected by the position sensor provided on the head mounted display, and the device is mounted on a disk. The moving direction and the moving speed in the virtual space are determined based on the weight movement information detected by the displacement sensor, and the movement information in the virtual space is generated by a combination of the two.

[0005] That is, for example, in the case of turning to the right and moving forward, the body is first turned to the right, the position is detected by the position sensor of the head mounted display, and then the weight is moved forward. The processing is performed in the order in which the displacement is detected by the displacement sensor attached to the disk. In the case where the vehicle moves to the right without changing the direction, by moving the weight to the right side, the vehicle moves to the right in such a manner that the vehicle slides in the virtual space.

[0006] Such a virtual space movement interface device operated by a foot has a feeling close to a movement in a virtual space compared to a device operated by a hand such as a mouse or a joystick. There is a great merit that the feeling of incongruity is small, the efficiency is high and the hands are free. However, the device configuration for detecting the weight shift of the user is large-scale, and the device configuration is further complicated to enable the instruction of a three-dimensional movement (for example, a flight operation in a virtual space). was there.

On the other hand, a non-contact type position measuring system using an ID tag has been proposed. This is because power is supplied from an ID reader attached to a moving body to ID tags arranged at predetermined intervals in a moving range of the moving body (for example, embedded in a floor) by an electromagnetic induction method, and each ID tag has a unique ID. This is a system in which ID data is transmitted, an ID reader receives the ID data, and the position of the moving object is measured based on a mapping table that associates the ID data with a spatial position. Then, the interval between each ID tag is set so that at least one ID tag exists within the communication range of the ID reader, the ID reader can communicate with a plurality of ID tags at a time, and one or more received ID data can be used. This is a system that measures the position of a moving object. Thus, the ID reader of the mobile body can reliably acquire the ID data from at least one ID tag and measure the position. Furthermore, by acquiring ID data from a plurality of ID tags, the position can be measured with an accuracy equal to or greater than the interval between the ID tags.

However, this proposed system is intended to measure the position information of a moving object, and has not been studied until it is used as an input means for some operation information at the measured position.

The present invention uses a non-contact type position measuring system for measuring the position of a moving object using an ID tag, and is capable of converting the movement of a user's foot into movement information in a virtual space. An object of the present invention is to provide an information generation method and a virtual space moving interface device.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems (Virtual Space Movement Information Generation Method) The present invention relates to a virtual space movement information generation method for generating movement information necessary for movement processing of a virtual space display image, which is attached to a user's foot. Power is supplied from an ID reader to an ID tag arranged at a predetermined interval on a floor or a table by an electromagnetic induction method, and a unique ID is supplied from each ID tag.
The data is transmitted, the ID reader receives the ID data transmitted from the ID tag, converts the data into position information based on a mapping table that associates the ID data with the spatial position, and detects a change in the position information due to the movement of the user's foot. Conversion into movement information in the virtual space display image (claim 1).

(Virtual Space Moving Interface Device) The present invention relates to a virtual space moving interface device for inputting moving information necessary for moving a virtual space display image.
It comprises a D tag, an ID reader and a processing device (claim 2). The ID tags are arranged at predetermined intervals on a floor or a table, are supplied with power by an electromagnetic induction method, and transmit unique ID data. The ID reader is attached to the user's feet on the floor or table, supplies power to the ID tag, and receives ID data transmitted from the ID tag. The processing device inputs the ID data received by the ID reader, converts the ID data into position information based on a mapping table that associates the ID data with a spatial position on the floor or table, and converts the position information based on the movement of the user's foot. The change is converted into movement information in the virtual space display image.

(Operation Information) The ID reader of the virtual space mobile interface device according to the present invention is in either the reception area of the ID data or outside the reception area according to the distance from the ID tag due to the vertical movement of the user's foot, When the ID data is received, the ID data is transferred to the processing device. The processing device monitors the input timing of the ID data corresponding to the reception / non-reception of the ID data in the ID reader, and the input pattern corresponds to the corresponding operation information. (Claim 3). Further, the processing device recognizes a click operation when the input of the ID data is interrupted for a short time and the same ID data is input again, and the state in which the input of the ID data is interrupted for the short time is continuously repeated twice. Then, when the same ID data is input again, it may be configured as a double-click operation (claim 4).

Further, the virtual space moving interface device of the present invention is configured such that ID readers are attached to a total of four places of a toe portion and a heel portion of both feet of a user, and each ID reader transfers received ID data to a processing device. Yes, the processing device sets the position of the toe and the heel of the right foot to RT and RH, and the position of the toe and the heel of the left foot to LT
And LH, when the distance between RT and LT and the distance between RH and LH are each equal to or less than a predetermined value, the both feet are stopped, and one foot in the stopped state is used as an axis foot,
The other foot to be moved may be set as the pointing foot (claim 5).

At this time, the processing device is configured to individually recognize the toe portion, the heel portion, and the click operation or the double-click operation of the toe portion and the heel portion at the same time for the pointing foot or the axle foot. Further, the processing device is configured such that, when the ID data received by one of the ID readers of the toe portion or the heel portion is input and the ID data is not input from the other ID reader (the heel or the toe is lifted), (Time), the information is recognized as predetermined operation information (claim 7).

(Horizontal movement information) The processing device sets the first position measured at the time of a click operation or a double click operation to S0, and the second position measured by moving the user's foot.
Is set to S1, and when the magnitude of the vector from S0 to S1 exceeds the threshold value, the direction and magnitude of the vector are converted into movement information as the movement direction and movement speed in the virtual space display image. (Claim 8). The first position of the toe and the heel measured at the time of the click operation or the double-click operation, or the stationary state is T0 and H0, and the first position of the toe and the heel measured by the movement of the instruction foot is set. 2 is defined as T1 and H1, the vector from H0 to T0 and H
The angle formed by the vector from 1 to T1 is less than or equal to the threshold, and T
When the magnitude of the vector from 0 to T1 or the vector from H0 to H1 exceeds the threshold, the direction and magnitude of the vector from T0 to T1 or the vector from H0 to H1 are
In this configuration, the information is converted into movement information representing a moving direction and a moving speed in the virtual space display image.

(Rotation and horizontal movement information) The processing device sets the first positions of the toe and the heel of the pointing foot at the time of a click operation or a double-click operation or at the time of a stationary state to T0 and H0, The second positions of the toe and the heel measured by the movement of the pointing foot are T1 and H1, and when the angle between the vector from H0 to T0 and the vector from H1 to T1 exceeds the threshold, the angle between the vectors The configuration is such that the magnitudes of the direction and the angle are converted into movement information as a rotation direction and a rotation speed in the virtual space display image.

Further, in addition to the rotation-related movement information, when the smaller magnitude of the vector from T0 to T1 or the vector from H0 to H1 of the pointing leg exceeds the threshold value, the processing device Direction and size,
In this configuration, the information is converted into movement information as a moving direction and a moving speed in the virtual space display image.

(Upward or Downward Movement Information) The processing apparatus sets the movement information to descend in the virtual space when only the toe portion ID data is input, and inputs only the heel portion ID data. This is a configuration in which the movement information is sometimes ascending in the virtual space (claim 12). Also,
The processing device sets the first positions of the toe and the heel measured at the time of the click operation or the double-click operation or at the time of the stationary state to T0 and H0,
When the second position of the toe measured by the movement of the user's foot is T1 or the second position of the heel is H1, and only T1 is measured and the magnitude of the vector from T0 to T1 exceeds the threshold, The direction and magnitude of the vector from T0 to T1 are converted into movement information that is the moving direction and moving speed of moving down the virtual space, and only H1 is measured, and the magnitude of the vector from H0 to H1 exceeds the threshold. In this case, the direction and magnitude of the vector from H0 to H1 are converted into movement information in which the moving direction and the moving speed are ascending in the virtual space.

(Stop, Movement Speed Variable Movement Information) The processing device stops movement when a click operation or a double-click operation is detected or a stop state is detected during the movement process of the virtual space display image. (Claim 14).
In addition, the processing device, during the moving process descending the virtual space,
When the ID data of the heel part is inputted for a predetermined time or more, the descending stop and the movement stop are performed. During the moving process for ascending the virtual space, the ascent stop and the movement stop are performed when the ID data of the toe part is inputted for a predetermined time or more. (Claim 1
5). In addition, the processing device increases the moving speed when a click operation or a double-click operation is detected on the heel portion during the moving process of moving down the virtual space, and performs a click operation on the toe portion during the moving process of moving up the virtual space. Alternatively, when a double click operation is detected, the moving speed is increased (claim 16).

(Relationship between ID Tag and ID Reader) The ID tags are arranged so that at least one ID tag exists within the communication range of the ID reader. It is configured to communicate with an ID reader, wherein the ID reader has at least one
When the ID reader obtains one piece of ID data, the processing device sets the spatial position corresponding to the ID data to the position of the user and communicates with the ID reader. When each obtains two or more ID data, each ID data is converted into spatial coordinates,
The average coordinate value is obtained and set as the position of the user (claim 17).

Further, when one ID reader receives a plurality of ID data at the same time, at least one ID data is identical to the same ID data detected at the time of a click operation or a double click operation. Then, it is configured to recognize as a click operation or a double click operation (claim 18).

[0022]

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of a virtual space mobile interface device according to the present invention. The basic configuration of the virtual space movement interface device is the same as the non-contact position measurement system that measures the two-dimensional position of the user in real time, and the present invention is configured using this non-contact position measurement system. .

In the figure, a plurality of ID tags 11 are provided on the floor.
Is spread over the tile carpet 12 in which is embedded. The footwear of the user 13 moving on the tile carpet 12 includes an ID including an antenna for communicating with the ID tag 11.
The reader 14 is attached. The ID tag 11 that has entered the communication range with the ID reader 14 receives power supply and transmits unique ID data. The ID data received by the ID reader 14 is transmitted from the transmitting unit 15 carried by the user 13 and is provided separately from the receiving unit 16.
Is transferred to the processing device 17 via a PC and converted into position information in the real space, and various operation information is recognized.

The transmitting unit 15 may be attached to a part of footwear. Further, if there is no problem in the communication between the ID tag 11 and the ID reader 14, the transmitting unit 15
It may be integrated with the D reader 14. Alternatively, a plurality of ID tags 11 may be attached to the table, and the user 13 may move on the ID tags 11.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the ID tag 11 and the ID reader 14. 1, the ID reader 14 includes a modulation circuit 21, a demodulation circuit 22, an antenna 23, and a communication control circuit 24. The power supply unit is omitted. Signal output from modulation circuit 21 (power supply signal and ID request signal)
Is transmitted from the antenna 23, and the signal (ID data) received by the antenna 23 is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 22. The communication control circuit 24 controls transmission and reception of the modulation circuit 21 and the demodulation circuit 22 and performs transmission processing to an external transmission unit.

The ID tag 11 includes an antenna 31, a power supply circuit 32, a modulation circuit 33, a demodulation circuit 34, and a control circuit 35. The power supply circuit 32 converts a power supply signal received by the antenna 31 into DC power and supplies the DC power to each unit. The ID request signal received by the antenna 31 is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 34 and notified to the control circuit 35. The control circuit 35 has an ID
The unique ID data previously assigned to the tag is output to the modulation circuit 33. The ID data modulated by the modulation circuit 33 is transmitted from the antenna 31.

As described above, the ID tag 11 does not have a power supply, operates by the power supplied from the ID reader 14 by the electromagnetic induction method, and responds to each of the ID data. The ID data received by the ID reader 14 is transmitted to the transmitting unit 15 and the receiving unit 1 shown in FIG.
6, and is compared with a mapping table indicating the relationship between the ID data and the real space.
It is converted into position information (two-dimensional coordinates) of the user 13. The above is the basic configuration and operation of the position measurement system using the ID tag.

Here, in the configuration of the present invention (claims 17 and 18), it becomes possible for one ID reader to acquire a plurality of ID data from a plurality of ID tags at a time and use the data for position measurement. I have. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the communication range of the ID tag and the ID reader. Here, the communication range 41 of the ID tag is represented by a dot for simplicity.

At least one ID communication range 42
Are arranged so as to include the communication range 41 of the two ID tags,
A plurality of ID data are read at a time by using the anti-collision technology. For example, when the communication range 42 of the ID reader is a circle having a diameter a, by arranging the ID tags regularly within the interval (a / √2) of the inscribed squares, the minimum is possible regardless of the position of the ID reader. ID data can be read from one ID tag. Furthermore, I
A plurality of ID data can be read according to the position of the D reader.

Each of the ID data is transferred to the processing device, and is subjected to coordinate conversion. At this time, the number of readable ID data is N, each transformed coordinate is (x ₁ , y ₁ ),
(X ₂ , y ₂ ),..., (X _N , y _N ), I
The coordinate value of the D reader is ((x ₁ + x ₂ +... + X _N ) / N, (y ₁ + y ₂ +...)
+ Y _N ) / N). That is, as shown in FIG.
When the D-reader has obtained four pieces of ID data, the intermediate point 51 of the four ID tags is set as the measurement position, and when the ID reader has obtained three pieces of ID data, the intermediate point 52 of the three ID tags is set as the measurement position. When two pieces of ID data are obtained, the intermediate point 53 of the two ID tags is set as the measurement position, and when one piece of ID data is obtained, the point 54 of the ID tag is set as the measurement position.

As described above, in the present invention, at least one ID
Not only the position can be reliably measured by acquiring the ID data from the tag, but also by acquiring the ID data from a plurality of ID tags, the position can be measured with an accuracy equal to or more than the interval between the ID tags. However, since the communication range 41 of the ID tag actually has a predetermined range instead of a point, an accuracy error corresponding to the predetermined range is unavoidable. Accuracy errors can be minimized.

In the present invention (claims 1 to 4), the ID
Attach the reader to the user's feet (eg, soles)
Utilizing the fact that ID data cannot be received when the ID reader moves out of the communication range with respect to the floor in which the tag is embedded, the operation of raising and lowering the foot is recognized and used as operation information.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the vertical movement of the foot is recognized as operation information. In the figure, the shoe 60 with the ID reader 14 attached to the shoe sole is moved up and down with respect to the floor 62, and the ID reader transmits the ID transmitted from the ID tag on the floor 62.
The data is intermittently received, and the processing device
D data is intermittently input.

Normally, when the shoe 60 is dropped on the floor 62, the ID reader 14 of the shoe sole receives the ID data, transfers it to the processing device, and performs the above-described processing to measure the position. Then, when the shoe 60 is moved up and down (stepping on), the reception of the ID data is interrupted for a short time Δt, and the same ID data is received again, the processing device outputs the input ID.
Recognize intermittent data as some kind of operation information. That is, the processing device identifies the stepping for inputting the operation information by comparing the minute time Δt during which the input of the ID data is interrupted with the threshold. Further, the processing device
It is possible to detect that the state in which the input of the ID data is interrupted for a very short time is repeated, and to recognize the information as operation information similar to one-click, double-click, etc. in the mouse operation according to the number of times.

Further, by attaching ID readers 14T and 14H to the toes and heels of the user's feet, respectively, and processing the ID data received respectively, it is possible to set more complicated operation information (claim). Item 6).

FIG. 6 shows an example in which two ID readers recognize the vertical movement of the foot as operation information. Fig. 6 (1)
Operation 1 for raising and lowering the toes is shown. By raising and lowering the toes while keeping the heel on the floor where the ID tag is embedded, the ID reader 14H attached to the heel always
D data is received. On the other hand, the ID attached to the toe
The reader 14T intermittently matches the ID
Receive data. Thus, the ID data from the heel ID data 14H is continuously input to the processing device, and the ID data from the toe ID reader 14T is intermittently input to the processing device.

FIG. 6B shows an operation 2 for raising and lowering the heel. ID reader 14T attached to the toe always
D data is received. On the other hand, the ID attached to the heel
The reader 14H intermittently IDs up and down the heel
Receive data. As a result, the ID data from the toe ID reader 14T is continuously input to the processing device, and the ID data from the heel ID reader 14H is intermittently input to the processing device.

FIG. 6C shows an operation 3 in which one foot is moved up and down while one foot is kept on the floor. I attached to the toe
D reader 14T and ID reader 14 attached to the heel
H receives the ID data simultaneously and intermittently according to the height of the foot. As a result, the processing device has the toe I
ID data from the D reader 14T and the heel ID reader 14H are simultaneously and intermittently input.

FIG. 6D shows an operation 4 in which the toe is raised.
Is shown. ID reader 14H attached to the heel is ID
ID reader 14 that receives data and is attached to the toe
T does not receive the ID data. As a result, only the ID data from the heel ID reader 14H is continuously input to the processing device.

FIG. 6 (5) shows an operation 5 with the heel raised.
Is shown. ID reader 14T attached to the toe is ID
ID reader 14 that receives data and is attached to the heel
H does not receive the ID data. As a result, only the ID data from the toe ID reader 14T is continuously input to the processing device.

With respect to the above operations 1 to 5, the processing device can recognize many types of operation information by measuring the length and the number of minute times Δt at which the input of the ID data is interrupted. For example, a click operation on a toe and a click operation on a heel can be handled separately.

(Generation of Horizontal Movement Information) FIG. 7 shows an example of generation of movement information when one ID reader is attached to one foot. Here, ID on the right foot
The reader 14R is attached, and positions measured by the ID reader 14R are R0, R1, R2, R3,.

Assume that the position measured at the time of the right foot click operation or double click operation is R0. And
The position measured by moving the right foot is defined as Ri (i = 1, 2, 2).
When the magnitude of the vector from R0 to Ri exceeds the threshold, the direction and magnitude (movement distance) of the vector are converted into movement information corresponding to the movement direction and movement speed in the virtual space. . That is, the moving speed is set in the same direction according to the amount of stepping on the foot. To stop the movement in the virtual space, a right click operation or a double click operation is performed (claim 14). The same applies when an ID reader is attached to the left foot.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the generation of movement information when one ID reader is attached to each foot.
8). Here, ID readers 14R and 14L are attached to both feet, and the position measured by the ID reader 14R on the right foot is R
, 0, R1, R2,..., The positions measured by the ID reader 14L of the left foot are L0, L1, L2,.

Now, the positions R0 and L0 are measured, and if the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the vehicle is in a stopped state. Next, the foot that has moved earlier from the stopped state is defined as an instruction foot, and the foot in the stopped state is defined as an axial foot. Then, when the magnitude of the vector from the stop position of the pointing foot to the movement position exceeds the threshold value, the direction and magnitude of the vector are converted into movement information corresponding to the movement direction and movement speed in the virtual space.

Here, the position measured by moving the right foot (pointing foot) is defined as Ri (i = 1, 2,...), And the stop position R0
When the magnitude of the vector from to Ri exceeds the threshold,
The direction and magnitude (movement distance) of the vector are converted into movement information corresponding to the movement direction and movement speed in the virtual space. Here, an example in which the movement information according to the stepping direction and the size of the pointing foot is generated based on the stop positions of both feet has been described, but the foot that has been clicked or double-clicked is treated as the pointing foot. May be. In order to stop the movement in the virtual space, the pointing foot is clicked or double-clicked, or the pointing foot is returned to a position where the distance from the axis foot is equal to or less than a threshold value indicating the stop position.
4).

When the pointing foot is the left foot, movement information for the left direction is similarly generated. in this way,
By attaching ID readers to both feet, it is possible to generate rightward movement information and leftward movement information by operating each foot, compared to a case where only one foot generates left and right movement information. Operability is improved.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the generation of horizontal movement information when two ID readers are attached to both feet, respectively. Here, the ID readers 14RH, 14RT, 14LH, 1 are attached to the heel and toe of both feet.
Attach 4LT, ID reader 14R for heel of right foot
.., The position measured by the ID reader 14RT at the toe of the right foot is RT0, RT1, RT2,..., The position measured by the ID reader 14LH at the heel of the left foot. Is LH0, and the position of the toe of the left foot measured by the ID reader 14LT is LT0.

Now, positions RH0, RT0, LH0, LT
0 is measured, and the distance between RH0 and LH0 and RT0 and LT0
Are determined respectively. Here, when each distance is equal to or smaller than the predetermined thresholds a ₁ and a ₂ , it is determined that the vehicle is in the stop state. Note that the thresholds a ₁ and a ₂ do not necessarily have to be the same value, and can be set appropriately according to the user. Next, the foot that has moved earlier from the stopped state is defined as an instruction foot, and the foot in the stopped state is defined as an axial foot.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the left foot is used as the axis foot and the right foot is used as the pointing foot. Here, the position of the toe and the heel part RTi and RHi (i = 1,
2, ...) are measured. At this time, the vector A from the position RH0 of the stopped state of the right foot to RT0 and the position RH of the movement destination
The angle θ formed by the RTi vector B is calculated from i. This indicates a change in the direction of the right foot. When the angle θ is equal to or smaller than the threshold, it is considered that the direction has not changed, and the change in the position of the right foot is used as movement information. Here, the change in the position of the right foot is effective when the magnitude of the vector C from RT0 to RT1 or the magnitude of the vector D from RH0 to RH1 exceeds a threshold, and the direction and magnitude (for example, small) Is moving information corresponding to the moving direction and the moving speed in the virtual space. When the pointing foot is the left foot, movement information for the left direction is similarly generated.

Here, based on the stopping positions of both feet,
Although the example in which the movement information according to the stepping direction and the size of the pointing foot is generated has been described, the foot that has been clicked or double-clicked may be processed as the pointing foot. In order to stop the movement in the virtual space, the pointing foot is clicked or double-clicked, or the pointing foot is returned to a position where the distance from the axis foot is equal to or smaller than a threshold value indicating the stop position (claim 14).

In this example, a total of four ID readers are attached to both feet, and movement information is generated according to the direction and size of the pointing foot, but the toe and heel of one foot are generated. It is also possible to attach two ID readers to each other and generate movement information in both the left and right directions with only one foot as in the case shown in FIG.

(Generation of Movement Information in Rotation Direction) FIG.
An example of generating movement information in the rotation direction when two ID readers are attached to both feet will be described.
11). Virtual space ID reader 14RH, 14RT, 14
The positions measured by LH and 14LT are the same as those in the case of FIG. 9, and the stop state is also determined in the same manner, and the axle foot and the pointing foot are set.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the left foot is used as the axis foot and the right foot is used as the pointing foot. Here, the positions RT1 and RH1 of the toe and the heel are measured by the movement of the right foot. At this time, the position of the right foot in the stopped state RH0 to RT
The angle θ between the vector of 0 and the vector of RT1 from the destination position RH1 is calculated. This indicates a change in the direction of the right foot. If the angle θ exceeds the threshold value, it is considered that the direction has changed, and the angle direction and the magnitude of the angle are determined as the rotation direction and the rotation speed in the virtual space. Is the movement information corresponding to. In addition, the direction and magnitude of the smaller one of the vectors from RT0 to RT1 or the vectors from RH0 to RH1 are movement information corresponding to the movement direction and the movement speed in the virtual space. When the pointing foot is the left foot, movement information for the left direction is similarly generated.

In this case, based on the stationary positions of both feet,
Although the example in which the rotational movement information is generated according to the direction and size of the step of the pointing foot has been described, the foot that has been clicked or double-clicked may be processed as the pointing foot.
In order to stop the movement in the virtual space, the pointing foot is clicked or double-clicked, or the pointing foot is returned to a position where the distance from the axis foot is equal to or smaller than a threshold value indicating the stop position (claim 14).

FIG. 10A shows a case where the toe is rotated by θ about the heel of the right foot as an axis, the rotation direction and the rotation speed in the θ direction are given, and there is no movement in the horizontal direction.
That is, this is the case where the vector from RH0 to RH1 is 0.

FIG. 10 (2) shows the case where the heel is rotated by θ about the toe of the right foot, the rotation direction and the rotation speed in the θ direction are given, and there is no movement in the horizontal direction.
That is, this is the case where the vector from RT0 to RT1 is 0.

FIG. 10 (3) shows the toe rotated about the heel by θ while moving the right foot. The rotation direction and the rotation speed in the θ direction are given, and the direction and magnitude of the vector from RH0 to RH1 are given. The horizontal movement information corresponding to this is generated.

FIG. 10D shows the heel rotated about the toe by θ while moving the right foot. The rotation direction and the rotation speed in the θ direction are given, and the direction and magnitude of the vector from RT0 to RT1 are given. The horizontal movement information corresponding to this is generated.

(Generation of Up / Down Movement Information) FIG. 1
No. 1 shows an example of generation of ascending / descending movement information when two ID readers are attached to both feet, respectively.
7, 12, 13). Virtual space ID reader 14RH, 14
The positions measured by RT, 14LH, and 14LT are the same as those in FIG. 9, and the stop state is also determined in the same manner, and the axle foot and the pointing foot are set.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the left foot is moved as the axis foot and the right foot is moved as the pointing foot. Here, the positions of the toe and the heel RT1 and RH1 are measured by the movement of the right foot, but the toe or the heel is kept raised at the destination as shown in FIGS. 6 (4) and (5). It is assumed that only the position is measured. Therefore, a change in the direction of the right foot is not detected. Here, the positions RH0, RT0 of the stopped state of the right foot.
In contrast, when RH0 is measured and RT0 is no longer measured, toe-up and ascending movement information is generated. When RT0 is measured and RH0 is no longer measured, movement information in which the heel goes up and goes down is generated. Also, the change in the position of the right foot
It is effective when the magnitude of the vector from RT0 to RT1 or the magnitude of the vector from RH0 to RH1 exceeds the threshold, and the direction and magnitude of any of the vectors are determined by the movement information corresponding to the movement direction and the movement speed in the virtual space. Become. When the pointing foot is the left foot, movement information for the left direction is similarly generated.

In FIG. 11A, since the toe of the right foot is raised and the heel position RH0 has not changed, the ascending movement information is generated from that position. Although the direction of the right foot is changed in the figure, the change in the direction is not detected because the toe is raised.

In FIG. 11 (2), the heel of the right foot is raised, and since the toe position RT0 has not changed, movement information of descending from the spot is given. Although the direction of the right foot is changed in the figure, the change in the direction is not detected because the heel is raised.

In FIG. 11 (3), the toe is raised while moving the right foot, and the rising movement information corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the vector from RH0 to RH1 is generated. Although the direction of the right foot is changed in the figure, the change in the direction is not detected because the toe is raised.

In FIG. 11 (4), the heel is raised while moving the right foot, and downward movement information corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the vector from RT0 to RT1 is generated. Although the direction of the right foot is changed in the figure, the change in the direction is not detected because the heel is raised.

In order to stop the upward movement or the downward movement in the virtual space, the heel or the toe is raised so that both positions are simultaneously detected for a predetermined time or more (claim 15). For example, when the toe of the right foot is lowered at the position shown in FIG.
Only the movement information in the vector direction from H0 to RH1 is obtained.
Also, when toe-up movement information is generated by raising the toe, click or double-click operation is performed on the toe to set the movement speed up, and raise the heel to generate the down movement information. In such a case, the moving speed may be set to be increased by performing a click operation or a double click operation on the heel portion (claim 16).

[0067]

As described above, the virtual space movement interface device according to the present invention can be used on a floor or a table in which an ID tag is embedded by a user who has attached an ID reader at his / her feet.
By moving the foot one step forward, backward, left and right, it is possible to generate movement information in the horizontal direction, rotation direction, ascending and descending, and moving information obtained by combining them. Further, by associating the left and right feet with the movement information in the right and left directions, respectively, it is possible to enhance the operability in accordance with the movement direction in the virtual space. In particular, it is possible to generate movement information in the rotation direction due to the twisting of the ankle and movement information of ascending and descending by using the angle of the ankle, and it is possible to enhance operability in accordance with the moving direction in the virtual space.

As a result, it is possible to realize a virtual space movement interface device that generates movement information in three-dimensional directions with a simple configuration using an ID tag and an ID reader.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a virtual space mobile interface device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ID tag 11 and an ID reader 14.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the communication range of an ID tag and an ID reader.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a position determination algorithm using a plurality of ID data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a vertical movement of a foot is recognized as operation information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which two ID readers recognize a vertical movement of a foot as operation information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of generation of movement information when one ID reader is attached to one foot.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of generating movement information when ID readers are attached to both feet.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of generation of horizontal movement information when two ID readers are attached to both feet.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of generating rotational direction movement information when two ID readers are attached to both feet.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of generation of ascending / descending movement information when two ID readers are attached to both feet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 ID tag 12 tile carpet 13 user 14 ID reader 15 transmitting unit 16 receiving unit 17 processing device 21 modulation circuit 22 demodulation circuit 23 antenna 24 communication control circuit 31 antenna 32 power supply circuit 33 modulation circuit 34 demodulation circuit 35 control circuit 41 control circuit 41 ID tag Communication range 42 Communication range of ID reader 60 Shoes 62 Floor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 19/00 H02J 17/00 B 5J070 G06T 17/40 G01S 13/74 H02J 17/00 G06K 19/00 H // G01S 13/74 QW (72) Inventor Satoshi Ishibashi 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation 5B035 AA00 BA01 BB09 BC00 CA23 5B050 BA08 BA09 BA11 CA07 EA24 FA02 FA08 5B058 CA17 CA23 KA02 KA04 KA13 YA20 5B068 AA11 AA32 AA36 BC07 BD07 BD16 BD25 BE08 BE15 CC17 CD06 DE02 EE01 EE06 5B087 AB03 AC02 AE00 BC12 BC13 BC17 BC19 BC26 BC31 DD03 DG02 5J070 AC02 BC12 AE02

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A virtual space movement information generating method for generating movement information necessary for moving a virtual space display image, comprising: an ID reader attached to a user's feet; , An electric power is supplied by an electromagnetic induction method, a unique ID data is transmitted from each ID tag, and the ID reader receives the ID data transmitted from the ID tag, and associates the ID data with a spatial position. To the location information based on the
A virtual space movement information generating method, wherein a change in position information due to movement of the user's foot is converted into movement information in the virtual space display image. 2. A virtual space moving interface device for inputting moving information necessary for moving processing of a virtual space display image, wherein the moving space interface device is arranged at a predetermined interval on a floor or a table, receives power supply by an electromagnetic induction method, An ID tag that transmits ID data of the ID reader; an ID reader that is attached to a foot of a user who rides on the floor or a table and supplies power to the ID tag to receive ID data transmitted from the ID tag; The ID data received by the reader is input, and converted into position information based on a mapping table that associates the ID data with the spatial position on the floor or table. A virtual space movement interface device comprising: a processing device that converts the movement information into a virtual space display image. 3. The virtual space mobile interface device according to claim 2, wherein the ID reader is located outside the reception area of the ID data or outside the reception area according to a distance from the ID tag due to a vertical movement of the user's foot. Any of the states, when the ID data is received, the ID data is transferred to the processing device, and the processing device monitors the input timing of the ID data corresponding to the reception / non-reception of the ID data in the ID reader, A virtual space movement interface device, wherein the input pattern is recognized as corresponding operation information. 4. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 3, wherein the processing device recognizes a click operation when the input of the ID data is interrupted for a short time and the same ID data is input again. A virtual space movement interface characterized in that a state in which the input of the ID data is interrupted for a short time is continuously repeated twice, and when the same ID data is input again, it is recognized as a double-click operation. apparatus. 5. The virtual space mobile interface device according to claim 2, wherein the ID reader is attached to a total of four positions of a toe portion and a heel portion of both feet of the user, and each ID is attached to the user.
The reader is configured to transfer the received ID data to the processing device, wherein the processing device sets the positions of the toes and the heel of the right foot to RT and RH, and sets the positions of the toes and the heel of the left foot to LT and LH. When the distance between RT and LT and the distance between RH and LH each become equal to or less than a predetermined value, both feet are stopped, one foot in the stopped state is used as an axis foot, and the other moving foot is used as an instructing foot. A virtual space movement interface device, characterized in that it is set to: 6. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device is configured to perform the click operation or the double click operation according to claim 4 at a toe portion and a request at a heel portion for the pointing foot or the axle foot. 5. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 4, wherein the click operation or the double click operation of the item 4 and the click operation or the double click operation of the toe portion and the heel portion are simultaneously recognized at the same time. 7. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device inputs ID data received by the ID reader of one of the toe portion and the heel portion for the pointing foot or the axle foot. ID from the other ID reader
A virtual space movement interface device, which is configured to recognize predetermined operation information when data is not input. 8. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 2, wherein the processing device sets the first position measured at the time of the click operation or the double click operation of claim 4 to S0, and moves the user's foot. Is defined as S1, and when the magnitude of the vector from S0 to S1 exceeds the threshold, the direction and magnitude of the vector are defined as the moving direction and the moving speed in the virtual space display image. A virtual space movement interface device, which is configured to convert the information into information. 9. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device performs the click operation or the double-click operation of the pointing foot according to claim 6, or
Of the toe and heel measured at rest
Are T0 and H0, the second positions of the toe and heel measured by the movement of the pointing foot are T1 and H1, and the vector from H0 to T0 and H1 to T1
Is less than or equal to the threshold, and T0 to T1
When the magnitude of the vector of H0 or H1 exceeds the threshold, the vector of T0 to T1 or H0
A virtual space moving interface device, wherein the direction and the magnitude of the vector from H to H1 are converted into movement information as a moving direction and a moving speed in the virtual space display image. 10. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device performs the click operation or the double-click operation of the pointing foot according to claim 6, or
Of the toe and heel measured at rest
Are T0 and H0, the second positions of the toe and heel measured by the movement of the pointing foot are T1 and H1, and the vector from H0 to T0 and H1 to T1
When the angle formed by the vector exceeds a threshold value, the angle direction and the magnitude of the angle formed by the vector are converted into movement information as a rotation direction and a rotation speed in the virtual space display image. Virtual space moving interface device. 11. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 10, wherein the processing device further includes a vector from T0 to T1 or a vector from H0 to H1 of the pointing foot in addition to the movement information on the rotation.
When the smaller magnitude of the vector of
A virtual space movement interface device, wherein the direction and the size of the smaller vector are converted into movement information as a movement direction and a movement speed in the virtual space display image. 12. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device sets the movement information for moving down the virtual space when only the ID data of the toe portion is input for the pointing foot, A virtual space movement interface device, wherein the movement information is information that moves up the virtual space when only the heel ID data is input. 13. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 5, wherein the processing device performs the click operation or the double-click operation of the pointing foot according to claim 6, or
Of the toe and heel measured at rest
Are T0 and H0, the second position of the toe portion measured by the movement of the user's foot is T1 or the second position of the heel portion is H1, and only T1 is measured and T2 is measured.
When the magnitude of the vector from 0 to T1 exceeds the threshold,
The direction and magnitude of the vector from T0 to T1 are converted into movement information that is the moving direction and the moving speed of moving while descending the virtual space, and only the H1 is measured, and the magnitude of the vector from H0 to H1 is equal to the threshold. A virtual space moving interface device configured to convert a direction and a magnitude of a vector from H0 to H1 into moving information as a moving direction and a moving speed of moving while moving up the virtual space when the moving direction is exceeded. . 14. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 8, wherein the processing device performs the click operation or the double click of the virtual space display image during the movement process of the virtual space display image. 6. The virtual space movement interface device, wherein the movement is stopped when an operation is detected or when the stop state according to claim 5 is detected. 15. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 12, wherein the processing device receives ID data of the heel unit for a predetermined time or more during a movement process of moving down the virtual space. A virtual space, wherein when the ID data of the toe portion is input for a predetermined time or more during the moving process for moving up the virtual space, the moving operation is stopped. Mobile interface device. 16. The virtual space movement interface device according to claim 12, wherein the processing device performs the click operation or the double operation according to claim 6 on the heel portion during the movement process of moving down the virtual space. The moving speed is increased when a click operation is detected, and the moving speed is increased when the click operation or the double click operation according to claim 6 is detected with respect to the toe portion during the moving process of moving up the virtual space. Virtual space moving interface device. 17. The virtual space mobile interface device according to claim 1, wherein the ID tag is arranged such that at least one ID tag exists within a communication range of the ID reader. I
Each ID tag present in the communication range of the D reader communicates with the ID reader, and the ID reader has at least one ID in the communication range.
The communication device is configured to receive the ID data by communicating with a tag, and when the ID reader acquires one ID data, the processing device determines a spatial position corresponding to the ID data as a position of the user, ID reader has two or more I
A virtual space movement interface device, wherein when D data is acquired, each ID data is converted into space coordinates, and an average coordinate value thereof is obtained and used as the position of the user. 18. The virtual space mobile interface device according to claim 17, wherein the processing device is configured such that a single ID reader simultaneously outputs a plurality of IDs.
In the case of receiving data, the same ID data detected at the time of the click operation or the double-click operation according to claim 4 or 6 is the same as the click operation or the double-click operation if at least one ID data is the same. A virtual space movement interface device characterized in that it is recognized as a double-click operation.