JP2018032132A - Method and device for assisting communication in virtual space and program enabling computer to execute method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist communication in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A processor of a computer which provides a virtual space performs processing including the steps to: provide a virtual space in an HMD device worn by a user (S1120); display a hand object in a first form in the virtual space (S1130); display a list object showing a list of other selectable hand objects at a position close to the hand object (S1140); detect that one hand object is selected (S1150); arrange the hand object in a second form in the virtual space (S1160); detect a departure from the virtual space (S1170); and enable the hand object to perform a waving gesture (S1180).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more specifically, to a technique for supporting communication with a partner in a virtual space.

  A technique for providing a virtual space using a head-mounted display (HMD) has become widespread. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-231445 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for “improving usability when realizing gesture input using an HMD” (see [Summary]).

JP2015-231445A

  In the virtual space, the controller often becomes a hand-type model, while the actual hand in the real space can take various shapes by changing the shape of the finger. In the real space, a person can communicate with the other party by changing and moving the shape of the hand. For example, a person can wave a hand to convey greetings, welcomes, or other expressions of intention as gestures.

  However, in the virtual space, it is not possible to easily reproduce a complicated shape change like a hand in the real space. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for promoting communication with the other party in the virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a method for supporting communication in a virtual space. Another object is to provide a program for causing a computer to implement a method for supporting communication in a virtual space. Yet another object is to provide an apparatus for supporting communication in a virtual space.

  According to an embodiment, a method for supporting communication in a virtual space is provided. This method is associated with one or more predetermined conditions for displaying each of a plurality of hand objects displayed in the form of a finger in a virtual space provided to a user wearing a head mounted display device. A step of accessing each shape data; a step of displaying a hand object corresponding to a finger of a user wearing the head-mounted display device in a first form; and an input operation of the user wearing the head-mounted display device, or virtual When the positional relationship with the other party in the space satisfies one of one or more predetermined conditions, the first form is based on the shape data associated with the predetermined condition A step of displaying the hand object displayed in the virtual space in a second form different from FIG. No.

  In one aspect, communication with the other party can be promoted in the virtual space.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. 6 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment. It is a figure showing the change of the visual field image 1200 which the user 190 recognizes in the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing the flow until the hand object for shaking hands with the other party user who exists in the same virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment is arranged. It is a figure showing the aspect which shakes a hand in the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends the instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

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

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

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

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

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

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

[Uvw visual field coordinate system]
The uvw visual field coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a uvw visual field coordinate system set in HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD device 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 based on the detected value.

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

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

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

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

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between the points). The position of the device 110 in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

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

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

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

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

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

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

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

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image 26 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23.

  The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object generation module 232 generates an object placed in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains, landscapes, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story.

  The hand object control module 233 places the hand object in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the hand object corresponds to the right hand or the left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160, for example. In one aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for arranging a hand object in a manner of gripping another object appearing in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for arranging the hand object in a manner of greeting other user objects appearing in the virtual space 2. The manner of greeting may include, for example, shaking hands, waving hands, and the like.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2.

  The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. Further, the object information 242 includes shape data for displaying a left hand object or a right hand object corresponding to the user's hand operating the controller 160 in a plurality of forms. Furthermore, the object information 242 includes a list object for displaying each of the plurality of hand objects as a list. In one aspect, display and non-display of the list object are switched based on an automatic display setting for controlling whether or not the list object is automatically displayed in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the list object is displayed when the input operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 satisfies a predetermined condition.

  The user information 243 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of computer 200 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100.

  In step S1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and defines the virtual space.

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

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

  In step S <b> 1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1034, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

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

  In step S1050, the processor 10 generates view field image data for arranging the hand object in the virtual space 2 in the first form, and transmits the generated view field image data to the HMD device 110.

  In step S1052, the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

  In step S1060, processor 10 detects that a condition predetermined as a condition for changing the shape of the hand object is established based on the hand movement of user 190.

  In step S1070, the processor 10 generates view field image data for placing the hand object in the virtual space 2 in a second form different from the first form, and the generated view field image data is stored in the HMD device 110. Send.

  In step S1072, the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

  With reference to FIG. 11, a control structure of computer 200 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment.

  In step S1110, the processor 10 starts executing the application program based on the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190.

  In step S1120, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231 and provides the virtual space 2 to the HMD device 110 worn by the user 190 holding the controller 160.

  In step S1130, as the hand object control module 233, the processor 10 displays the hand object in the virtual space 2 in the first form based on the operation of the user 190 in the real space.

  In step S1140, the processor 10 displays, as the hand object control module 233, a list object indicating a list of other hand objects indicated in a plurality of forms as selectable candidates in the vicinity of the displayed hand object. To do. When the number of hand objects exceeds the number displayed in the list object area, the processor 10 can select by scrolling the list object and switching the screen according to the operation of the controller 160. A hand object may be arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In step S1150, the processor 10 functions as the hand object control module 233 in a plurality of forms as the position of the hand object in the virtual space 2 linked to the operation of the user 190 holding the controller 160 and the candidates that can be selected in the list object. Based on the displayed list of other hand objects, it is detected that one hand object has been selected from the list object.

  In step S1160, the processor 10 displays the hand object as a hand object control module 233 according to the operation associated with the hand object selected in step S1150 in order to display the hand object in the second form. Arrange in space 2.

  In step S1170, the processor 10 detects the departure from the virtual space 2 due to the end of the game or the like based on the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, when the virtual user corresponding to the user 190 performs an operation for logging out from the virtual space 2, other virtual users that have appeared in the virtual space 2 disappear, Other application programs may be terminated normally or forcibly.

  In step S <b> 1180, the processor 10 performs an action of shaking the hand object in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the departure from the virtual space 2.

  In addition, although the aspect in which the computer 200 executes each processing step is illustrated as one aspect of the above processing, the processor of the HMD device 110 may execute each processing step.

  The arrangement of hand objects in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in the field-of-view image 1200 recognized by the user 190 in the virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, a hand object having a shape such as a peace sign, a palm or other special hand is prepared in advance as a selection candidate. A virtual user corresponding to the user 190 calls a selection candidate in the virtual space 2, and changes the shape of the hand object arranged in the virtual space 2 by selecting one of the hand objects from the selection candidate as if it were a stamp. be able to.

  For example, as shown in the state (A) of FIG. 12, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 operates the controller 160, the left hand object 1210 and the right hand are recognized so as to be recognized as the visual field image 1200 in the virtual space 2. An object 1220 is arranged. When the user 190 holding the controller 160 performs an operation for displaying selection candidates, the list object 1230 is arranged in the virtual space 2.

  Specifically, as shown in state (B), list object 1230 is arranged in the vicinity of left hand object 1210. The list object 1230 includes other hand objects 1231, 1232, and 1233 that are different from the shape (shape) of the left hand object 1210 and the right hand object 1220 as selection candidates.

  In one aspect, interaction is defined in advance for each hand object arranged in the virtual space 2. For example, when the list object 1230 includes a two-handed object for applause and the two-handed object is selected by the virtual user, the left-hand object and the right-hand object of the two-handed object collide or leave, and applause occurs. An action is expressed, and a clap sound prepared in advance may be emitted in the event of a collision.

  Note that in a certain situation, the left-hand object 1210 and the right-hand object 1220 are displayed only when another virtual user (for example, an avatar or another user using the same program) exists in the visual field image 1200. It may be configured to be called. If comprised in this way, the operation which seems unnatural, such as applauding when the other party does not exist, can be prevented.

  With reference to FIG. 13, arrangement | positioning of the hand object according to another situation is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow until a hand object for shaking hands with a counterpart user existing in the same virtual space 2 is arranged according to an embodiment. In a certain situation, when the hand object of the user 190 and another user's hand object approach each other in the virtual space 2 (for example, when the interval between the hand objects is equal to or less than a predetermined distance), The hand object may change into a handshake shape or other predetermined shape.

  For example, as shown in the state (A), in a certain situation, a hand object is arranged in the virtual space 2 based on the operation of the user 190. Specifically, the visual field image 1300 recognized by the virtual user includes a left hand object 1210 and a right hand object 1220.

  As shown in state (B), in a certain situation, partner user 1310 is displayed in field-of-view image 1300. For example, when the partner user 1310 joins the virtual space 2 in accordance with the progress of an application program (for example, a game) that provides the virtual space 2, the visual field image 1300 displays the partner user 1310. In this case, the user corresponding to the other user 1310 may not exist in the real space. In another aspect, when another user in the real space participates in the virtual space 2 in which the user 190 exists, as in a battle game or other online game, the view image 1300 is The other user 1310 corresponding to the user may be displayed.

  As shown in the state (C), in response to the appearance of the partner user 1310, the visual field image 1300 is replaced with the left hand object 1210 and the right hand object 1220 that have been displayed so far, and the right hand object 1320 for shaking hands. Is displayed.

  The trigger for causing the right hand object 1320 to appear in the virtual space 2 may be based on either the operation of the user 190 or the operation of the other user. For example, in one aspect, the user 190 who has recognized that the other user 1310 has appeared can operate the controller 160 to cause the right hand object 1320 to appear in the virtual space 2.

  In another aspect, when the right hand object of the other user 1310 is placed in the virtual space 2, the placement is detected by the processor 10. Furthermore, the processor 10 can also detect that the right hand object of the other user 1310 has changed to a form for shaking hands. Therefore, the right hand object 1320 may be displayed on the visual field image 1300 in response to the processor 10 detecting such a change. This eliminates the need for the user 190 to call the right hand object 1320, so that the story in the virtual space 2 can proceed without losing the handshake timing.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the arrangement of hand objects according to still another aspect will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a manner of waving in virtual space 2 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the state (A), in one aspect, an application program that uses the virtual space 2 is executed. At this time, the visual field image 1400 displays the left hand object 1210 and the right hand object 1220 of the virtual user that appear based on the operation of the user 190. When the user 190 uses the controller 160 to execute an operation to end the application program, a message 1410 for confirming the end is displayed on the visual field image 1400.

  As shown in the state (B), when the user 190 operates the controller 160 to confirm the end, the visual field image 1400 displays the left hand object 1210 and the right hand object 1220 in a waving manner. As described above, since the form and motion of the hand object are switched in the virtual space 2, communication in the virtual space 2 is promoted.

  In summary, a part of the subject matter disclosed in the present specification is shown as the following configuration, for example.

[Configuration 1]
According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for supporting communication in the virtual space 2 is provided. This method is used in advance to display each of a plurality of hand objects (for example, a left hand object 1210 and a right hand object 1220) displayed in the form of a finger in the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110. A step of accessing each shape data (for example, object information 242) associated with one or more defined conditions, and a hand object corresponding to the finger of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in a first form (for example, In the state where both hands are opened) and the input operation of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 or the positional relationship with the partner in the virtual space 2 is one of one or more predetermined conditions Shape data associated with the predetermined condition when any of these conditions is met Based on the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment (e.g., form when shaking hands), the and displaying the hand is displayed on the virtual space 2 object (e.g., the right hand object 1220).

  [Configuration 2] Preferably, the method is performed in the virtual space 2 in accordance with a step of displaying a list object 1230 indicating a list including each of the plurality of hand objects in the virtual space 2 and an operation of the user 190 in the real space. Selecting any hand object from the list object based on the selected operation. The step of displaying the hand object displayed in the virtual space 2 in the second form includes displaying the selected hand object in the virtual space 2. For example, when the right hand object 1220 selects the v-signed hand object 1232 in the virtual space 2, the right-hand object 1220 arranged in the virtual space 2 is switched to the V-signed hand object 1232.

  [Configuration 3] Preferably, the step of displaying the list object 1230 in the virtual space 2 is based on the action of the user 190 in the real space, in the vicinity of the hand object displayed in the virtual space 2 (for example, the left hand object 1210 Including displaying the list object 1230 (above the index finger).

  [Configuration 4] Preferably, in the step of displaying the hand object displayed in the virtual space 2 in the second form, the positional relationship with other users in the virtual space 2 is determined by the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110. When the positional relationship is recognizable (for example, when the user is in a conversation state with the other user 1310), a hand object that is defined in advance as a form for communicating with the other user 1310 (for example, a handshake form) is used. Including the step of displaying.

  [Configuration 5] Preferably, in the step of displaying the hand object defined in advance, the presence of another user (for example, the other user 1310) is within the range of the field of view (viewing area) of the user 190 in the virtual space 2. This includes displaying a predefined hand object (eg, right hand object 1320) if allowed.

  [Configuration 6] Preferably, the range of the visual field includes that the distance from the user 190 to another user in the virtual space 2 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

  [Configuration 7] Preferably, the step of displaying the hand object defined in advance includes displaying a list object indicating a list including each of the plurality of hand objects in the virtual space 2 based on the operation of the user 190. Based on the automatic display setting selected in advance, at least one of displaying the list object in the virtual space 2 and displaying the hand object associated with the automatic display setting validated in advance is included.

  [Configuration 8] Preferably, the method accepts an operation for leaving the virtual space 2 (for example, an operation for ending the program executed on the computer 200) based on the operation of the user 190 in the real space. And a step of displaying in the virtual space 2 a hand object selected from a plurality of hand objects (for example, a hand object representing a gesture of waving) as a hand object displayed when leaving the virtual space 2 Including.

  [Configuration 9] Preferably, one or more hand objects of the plurality of hand objects are respectively associated with a predetermined action (for example, an action of shaking the hand left and right or up and down). The step of displaying the hand object in the second form includes the step of displaying the hand object in the second form together with the predetermined action.

  [Configuration 10] According to another embodiment, there is provided a program that causes a computer 200 to execute any of the methods described above.

  [Configuration 11] According to still another embodiment, an apparatus for supporting communication in the virtual space 2 is provided. The apparatus includes a memory 11 that stores the above-described program, and a processor 10 that is coupled to the memory 11 and executes the program.

  As described above, according to the disclosed technical idea, the form of the hand object displayed in the virtual space 2 is replaced with the form corresponding to the communication with the other party, so that communication in the virtual space 2 can be promoted.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 viewing area, 24, 25 areas, 26 fields of view, 30 grips, 31 frames, 32 top surfaces, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog sticks, 100 systems, 110 devices, 112 monitors, 114, 120 sensors, 130 motion sensors, 140 Sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 visual field region determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 24 reference gaze identification module, 230 virtual space control module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 hand object control module, 240 memory module, 241 space information, 242 object information, 243 user information, 250 communication control module , 800 Right controller, 810 Right hand, 1200, 1300, 1400 Field of view image, 1210 Left hand object, 1220, 1320 Right hand object, 1230 List object, 1231, 1232, 1233 Hand object, 1310 Remote user, 1410 Message.

Claims (11)

A method for supporting communication in a virtual space,
Each shape data associated with one or more predetermined conditions for displaying each of a plurality of hand objects displayed as a finger shape in a virtual space provided to a user wearing a head mounted display device Accessing, and
Displaying a hand object corresponding to a finger of a user wearing the head mounted display device in a first form;
When the input operation of the user wearing the head-mounted display device or the positional relationship with the opponent in the virtual space satisfies any one of the one or more predetermined conditions, the predetermined operation is performed. Displaying a hand object displayed in the virtual space in a second form different from the first form based on shape data associated with the specified condition. Displaying a list object indicating a list including each of the plurality of hand objects in the virtual space;
Selecting any hand object from the list object based on a selection operation performed in the virtual space according to the user's action in the real space,
The method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the hand object displayed in the virtual space in a second form includes displaying the selected hand object in the virtual space.   The step of displaying the list object in the virtual space includes displaying the list object in the vicinity of the hand object displayed in the virtual space based on an action of the user in a real space. 2. The method according to 2.   The step of displaying the hand object displayed in the virtual space in the second form is such that the positional relationship with the other user in the virtual space is recognizable by the user wearing the head mounted display device. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a hand object that is predefined as a form for communicating with the other user in some cases.   The step of displaying the predefined hand object displays the predefined hand object when the presence of the other user is recognized within the range of the visual field of the user in the virtual space. The method of claim 4 comprising:   The method according to claim 5, wherein the range of the visual field includes a distance from the user to the other user in the virtual space being equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The step of displaying the predefined hand object includes:
Displaying a list object indicating a list including each of the plurality of hand objects in the virtual space based on the user's action;
Displaying the list object in the virtual space based on pre-selected automatic display settings;
7. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising displaying at least one hand object associated with a pre-enabled automatic display setting. Accepting an operation for leaving the virtual space based on the user's action in real space;
The method further comprising: displaying, in the virtual space, a hand object selected from the plurality of hand objects as a hand object displayed when leaving the virtual space. Method. A predefined action is associated with one or more hand objects of the plurality of hand objects,
The method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the hand object in a second form includes displaying the hand object in the second form together with the predefined action.   The program which makes a computer perform the method as described in any one of Claims 1-9. A memory storing the program according to claim 10;
An apparatus for supporting communication in a virtual space, comprising a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

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