JP2018109937A - Information processing method, apparatus, information processing system, and program causing computer to execute the information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a view image with no discomfort in a virtual space for a second user without causing a first user to have VR sickness.SOLUTION: An information processing method is for controlling, in a virtual space including a first user's first character object and a second user's second character object, a virtual camera defining a view image from the second character object, and providing the second user with the view image from the virtual camera through a head-mounted display. The method includes: a step of acquiring information designating a movement destination of the first user's first character object; a step of specifying the line of flow of the movement in the virtual space on the basis of a movement source and the movement destination of the first user's first character object; and a step of creating a view image including the character object moving along the line of flow of the movement and presenting the view image to the head-mounted display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for performing chat using a character object such as an avatar / player character in a virtual space.

  In recent years, services that can enjoy chatting in a virtual space, such as those described in Non-Patent Document 1, have been considered.

“Facebook Mark Zuckerberg Social VR Demo OC3 Oculus Connect 3 Keynote”, [online], October 6, 2016, VRvibe, [Search December 5, 2016], Internet <https://www.youtube.com / watch? v = NCpNKLXovtE>

  In the chat service in the virtual space that is to be realized in Non-Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the player character such as the avatar handled by the user does not move, but he wants to move like a general virtual space game. There is a request. However, when a view image provided to the user is generated simply as the player character moves, a view image based on the first-person viewpoint that is not synchronized with the movement of the head mounted display is generated. A field-of-view image that is not synchronized with the movement of the head-mounted display causes a so-called VR sickness. For this reason, when the movement destination of the player character is designated by the user, it is considered that the player character instantaneously moves to the movement destination of the player character, and a view image from the first person viewpoint from the movement destination is generated. However, for other users, since the player character instantaneously moves, an unnatural view image is provided, and the sense of immersion in the virtual space is impaired.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, in the present disclosure, an information processing method capable of providing a visual field image in a virtual space that does not cause discomfort for other users without causing one user to experience VR sickness, It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, an information processing system, and a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, the information processing method including a first character object associated with a first user and a second character associated with a second user. In a virtual space including a character object, a virtual camera that defines a view image from the second character object is controlled, and the view image from the virtual camera is provided to the second user via a head-mounted display. Obtaining information specifying a destination of movement of the first character object, identifying a moving lead in the virtual space based on a moving source and a destination of the first character object, and the moving lead The field-of-view image including the first character object moving based on Generated by, and a step of presenting the head-mounted display.

  In the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a field-of-view image in a virtual space that does not cause discomfort to the second user without causing the first user to experience VR sickness.

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. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A performs. It is a figure showing typically virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. It is a figure showing the visual field image M provided to the user 190A. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which HMD system 100A, HMD system 100B, HMD system 100C, and the server 150 perform. It is the figure which showed typically the positional relationship of each player character before moving, and the figure which shows the visual field image of player character PC1 at that time. It is the figure which showed typically the positional relationship of each player character when designating a movement destination, and the figure which shows the visual field image of player character PC1 at that time. It is the figure which showed typically the positional relationship of each player character when it reached | attained a movement destination, and the figure which shows the visual field image of player character PC1 at that time. It is the figure which showed typically the movement path | route which moves from a movement origin to a movement destination. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the visual field image produced | generated in the HMD system 100B with which the user 100B wears. A view image M provided to the user 190A when the state in which the player character PC1 moves from the movement source to the movement destination is viewed from the movement destination is shown.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure 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, a camera 116, a microphone 118, 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, an image of a menu that can be selected by the user, and the like. 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 camera 116 acquires a face image of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The face image acquired by the camera 116 can be used to detect the user's facial expression through image analysis processing. The camera 116 may be, for example, an infrared camera built in the main body of the HMD device 110 in order to detect pupil movement, eyelid opening / closing, eyebrow movement, and the like. Alternatively, the camera 116 may be an external camera disposed outside the HMD device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 in order to detect movements of the user's mouth, cheeks, and jaws. The camera 116 may be configured by both the infrared camera and the external camera described above.

  The microphone 118 acquires the voice uttered by the user. The voice acquired by the microphone 118 can be used to detect a user's emotion by voice analysis processing. The voice can also be used to give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2. Further, the sound may be sent to the HMD system used by another user via the network 19 and the server 150, and output from a speaker or the like connected to the HMD system. Thereby, the conversation (chat) between the users who share a virtual space is implement | achieved.

  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 view 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 a part of the transmission-type display device may be set to have a high transmittance. 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 receives 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. Data stored in the memory 11 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, a program for realizing communication with another computer 200, and the like. 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 like an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data in a batch.

  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 the above.

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives an input of a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends an instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output 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.

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 150 includes an HMD system 100A having an HMD device 110A (first head mounted display), an HMD system 100B having an HMD device 110B, and an HMD system 100C having an HMD device 110C. A plurality of HMD systems 100 are communicably connected to each other. Thereby, the virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to the user who uses each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, the HMD system 100C, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD device 110 is illustrated. 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 such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in this embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 by the input / output interface 13. In addition, each function (for example, synchronization processing described later) of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

  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 (up-down 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 1 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, 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 2 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 a virtual space to the user 190 by displaying a view field image on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The visual field image corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the visual field 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 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. That is, the visual field of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 is defined by the virtual camera 1.

  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 state (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 160R and a left controller. The right controller 160R 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 160R and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 160R 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 160R will be described.

  The right controller 160R 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, orientation), etc., of the right controller 160R and the left controller. 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 160R 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 160R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 160R and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in the state (A) and the state (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 showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a 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 control module 232, and an operation 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 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 determines a display mode of a player character (described in detail later) included in the view image. 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 control module 232 generates a target object placed in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object and the player character in the virtual space 2. The target object may include, for example, a forest, a landscape including mountains, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story. The player character is an object associated with the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2, and may be referred to as an avatar. In the present disclosure, an object including an avatar is referred to as a player character.

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

  The chat control module 234 performs control for chatting with player characters of other users who stay in the same virtual space 2. For example, the chat control module 234 transmits information such as the position and orientation of the user's player character and voice data input to the microphone 118 to the server 150. The chat control module 234 outputs the other user's voice data received from the server 150 to a speaker (not shown). As a result, voice chat is realized. The chat is not limited to voice data, but may be based on text data. In this case, the chat control module 234 controls transmission / reception of text data.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. For example, the virtual space control module 230 can detect a timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in a touched state. Specifically, the operation object control module 233 touches the operation object and another object when the operation object touches another object (for example, a target object arranged by the virtual object control module 232). Is detected, and a predetermined process is performed.

  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 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The user information 243 includes, for example, 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 memory module 240. The The software is read from the memory module 240 by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is 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 (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically 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 the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100A used by the user 190A (first user) to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190A.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. 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 S <b> 3, 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> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view field image based on the signal 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> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 as the visual field region determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the 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 S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (for example, shaking both hands). A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S <b> 8, the processor 10 reflects the detected content sent from the controller 160 in the virtual space 2 as the operation object control module 233. Specifically, the processor 10 moves an operation object (for example, a hand object representing a player character's hand) in the virtual space 2 based on a signal indicating the detected content. Further, the processor 10 detects, as the operation object control module 233, a predetermined operation (for example, a grip operation) on the target object by the operation object.

  In step S9, the processor 10 determines the player associated with the other user based on information (player information described later) sent from the HMD systems 100B and 100C used by the other users 190B and 190C (second user). Update character information. Specifically, the processor 10 updates, as the virtual object control module 232, information such as the position and orientation of the player character associated with another user in the virtual space 2.

  In step S10, the processor 10 generates, as the view image generation module 223, view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing results in steps S8 and S9, and sends the generated view image data to the HMD device 110. Output. When generating the view image data, the processor 10 determines the display mode of the player character included in the view image. Whether or not the player character is included in the view field image is determined based on whether or not the player character is included in the view field area 23 determined based on the view direction specified in step S6, for example.

  In step S11, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a player character PC1 (first player character) associated with the user 190A wearing the HMD device 110A and a player character PC2 (second player) associated with the user 190B wearing the HMD device 110B. Character) and the player character PC3 (second player character) associated with the user 190C wearing the HMD device 110C are arranged in the same virtual space 2. According to such virtual space 2 common to a plurality of users, it is possible to provide each user with a communication experience such as chat (VR chat) with other users via the player character PC.

  In this example, each player character PC is defined as an object imitating an animal (cat, rabbit, bear). The player character PC includes a head that moves in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 and the like, a hand that moves in conjunction with the movement of the user's hand detected by the motion sensor 130 and the like, It includes a torso part and an arm part displayed along with the head and hand. It should be noted that since the motion control is complicated for the legs from the waist down, the player character PC can be configured not to include the legs.

  The visual field of the player character PC1 matches the visual field of the virtual camera 1 in the HMD system 100A. As a result, the view image M at the first person viewpoint of the player character PC1 is provided to the user 190A. That is, a virtual experience is provided to the user 190A as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the player character PC1. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a view field image M provided to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. Similarly, a view image at the first person viewpoint of the player characters PC2 and PC3 is provided to the users 190B and 190C.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, the HMD system 100C, and the server 150 in order to realize the VR chat described above.

  In step S <b> 21 </ b> A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> A acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 1 in the virtual space 2 as the chat control module 234. This player information includes, for example, motion information and audio data. The movement information includes, for example, information indicating temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD device 110A detected by the HMD sensor 120 and the like, and information indicating the movement of the hand of the user 190A detected by the motion sensor 130 and the like. . The voice data is data indicating the voice of the user 190A acquired by the microphone 118 of the HMD device 110A.

  In addition, in the player information, information that specifies the movement destination of the player character PC1 according to the operation and line of sight of the user 190A, information that indicates the target object or player character that the user 190A is looking at (the line-of-sight target can be specified) Information). The information indicating the movement destination is information specified based on the controller 160 and other visual line directions. In addition, regarding the target object and the like that the user 190A is looking at, the target object and the character player in the line-of-sight direction are determined according to the collision determination based on the line of sight of the user 190A. Instead of the information indicating the target object or the player character, the line-of-sight direction with respect to the reference line in the virtual space of the user 190A may be included in the player information. In that case, the target object and the character player are determined based on the collision determination on the receiving side (here, the HMD system 100B or the like). The player information includes information (user ID and the like) for specifying the player character PC1 (or the user 190A associated with the player character PC1) and information (room ID and the like) for specifying the virtual space 2 in which the player character PC1 exists. Etc. may be included. The processor 10 transmits the player information acquired as described above to the server 150 via the network 19.

  In step S <b> 21 </ b> B, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> B acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 2 in the virtual space 2 and transmits it to the server 150 in the same manner as in step S <b> 21 </ b> A. Similarly, in step S <b> 21 </ b> C, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> C acquires player information for determining the action of the player character PC <b> 3 in the virtual space 2 and transmits it to the server 150.

  In step S22, the server 150 temporarily stores player information received from each of the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the HMD system 100C. The server 150 integrates player information of all users (users 190A to 190C in this example) associated with the common virtual space 2 based on the user ID, room ID, and the like included in each player information. Then, the server 150 transmits the integrated player information to all users associated with the virtual space 2 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, a synchronous process is performed. By such synchronization processing, the HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the HMD system 100C can share each other's player information at substantially the same timing.

  Subsequently, based on the player information transmitted from the server 150 to each of the HMD systems 100A to 100C, each of the HMD systems 100A to 100C executes the processes of steps S23A to S23C. The process of step S23A corresponds to the process of step S9 in FIG.

  In step S23A, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A updates the information of the player characters PC2 and PC3 of the other users 190B and 190C in the virtual space 2 as the virtual object control module 232. Specifically, the processor 10 updates the position and orientation of the player character PC2 in the virtual space 2 based on the motion information included in the player information transmitted from the HMD system 100B. For example, the processor 10 updates information (position and orientation, etc.) of the player character PC2 included in the object information 242 stored in the memory module 240. Similarly, the processor 10 updates the information (position and orientation, etc.) of the player character PC3 in the virtual space 2 based on the motion information included in the player information transmitted from the HMD system 100C.

  In step S23A, when the user 190A designates a destination using the controller 160 (step S21A), the processor 10 in the HMD system 100A moves the virtual camera 1 to the destination as the virtual camera control module 221. . Then, as the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 moves the movement source (the current position in the virtual space of the player character PC1), the movement destination, the environment in the virtual space, and target objects around the player character PC1 (the movement from the movement source). The movement path and movement mode of the player character PC1 are determined based on the attribute of the player character PC1.

  For example, when a chair or a table is arranged as a target object arranged from the movement source to the movement destination of the player character PC1 or the like (when the so-called environment is a conference room), the processor 10 performs virtual object control. As a module 232, the player character PC1 determines a moving path for avoiding the table or chair. Further, the processor 10 determines a movement mode in which the player character PC1 rises from the state of sitting on the chair, walks to the destination, and sits on the chair. The attribute of the environment or the target object, the movement mode corresponding to this, and the algorithm for determining the movement route are information stored in advance in the object information 242, and the processor 10 determines the movement mode and the movement route based on these information. To decide.

  The processor 10 serves as the view image generation module 223, and as the view image generation module 223, the view image showing the player character PC1 moving from the movement source to the movement destination in the determined movement route and movement mode. Generate.

  Further, the processor 10 operates as the view image generation module 223 so that the player character PC1 and the player character PC3, which are determined based on the line of sight of the user 190A, see information on the player character PC1 (line of sight). And face orientation). Further, the processor 10 similarly updates the information of the player characters PC2 and PC3.

  In the present disclosure, as the virtual camera control module 221, the processor 10 receives the designation of the movement destination of the player character PC1 as the virtual camera control module 221, and does not generate a view image indicating the movement process of the player character PC1 to the movement destination. The virtual camera 1 is instantaneously moved to the destination. In the virtual space, a reference direction may be set at the position, and the player character PC1 that has moved to the destination, that is, the virtual camera 1, is controlled to automatically face the reference direction. From the viewpoint of preventing VR sickness, when the designation of the movement destination is accepted, in the transition period in which the virtual camera moves from the movement source of the player character PC1 to the movement destination, the view image corresponding to the transition period is displayed. It is sufficient to omit at least a part of the generation and generate a view field image from the movement destination. For example, the player character PC1 is not moved instantaneously from the movement source to the movement destination, but gradually started to move smoothly, then moved closer to the movement destination, and then moved to the movement destination by gradually smooth movement. May be completed. In this case, a part of the visual field image in the transition period in which the player character PC1 or the virtual camera moves from the movement source to the movement destination is not generated. Note that while the entire visual field image in the transition period is generated, a part of the visual field image may not be displayed on the display unit of the HMD. That is, it is only necessary to prevent the user 190A from recognizing at least a part of the visual field image in the transition period. In the following embodiments, the player character PC1 or the virtual camera 1 instantly moves to the destination.

  Then, the processor 10 generates, as the view image generation module 223, a view image viewed from the movement destination that shows the movement of the player character PC1 from the movement source to the movement destination.

  As a result, movement that is not synchronized with the movement of the HMD system 100A is not performed, and VR sickness for the user 190A can be prevented.

  In step S23B, when the communication control module 250 in the HMD system 100B receives the movement destination of the player character PC1 via the server 150, the processor 10 as the virtual object control module 232, the movement source, movement destination, Based on the environment and the attribute of the target object in the virtual space, the movement route and the movement mode are determined. Then, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100 </ b> B controls the movement of the player character PC <b> 1 as the virtual object control module 232 based on the determined movement path and movement mode.

  At this time, the processor 10 adjusts the face direction and line of sight of the player character PC1 as the virtual object control module 232 so that the player character PC1 sees the target object or player character that the user 190A actually sees. For example, the processor 10 as the virtual object control module 232 grasps the position in the virtual space of the information indicating the target object and the player character, which are included in the motion information and is determined based on the line-of-sight direction of the user 190A. Control is performed so that the player character PC1 faces the direction of the position while walking.

  Note that the movement mode is a mode in which the movement source and the movement destination can be distinguished without being constrained by a realistic movement, and it is only necessary to have continuity and relevance of movement. For example, in an environment where the player character PC1 is in a field, a movement mode and a movement route for moving along a tree branch may be determined. Further, it may be a movement mode such as flying in the sky or moving on a vehicle such as an automobile, a bicycle, or an electric standing motorcycle. Furthermore, the player character PC1 may determine a movement mode and a movement route in which the player character PC1 is deformed into a light beam like a wizard and flies from the movement source to the movement destination. The player character PC1 may appear as an exit in the virtual space and move. In that case, the player character may perform an effect process such as diving in a clay pipe or tunnel, or shining when coming out.

  In addition, in step S23B, the information of the player characters PC1 and PC3 of the users 190A and 190C in the virtual space 2 is updated as in the process in step S23A. In step S23C, similarly to steps S23A and S23B, the processor 10 in the HMD system 100C updates the information of the player characters PC1 and PC2 of the users 190A and 190B in the virtual space 2.

  Next, the positions and movements of the player characters PC1 to PC3 in the virtual space will be described with specific examples. FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams schematically showing the positional relationship of each player character when the player character PC1 moves from the movement source to the movement destination, and a view image of the player character PC1 in each. Each of FIGS. 14 to 16 shows a virtual space 2 in which a table T and chairs C1-C5 surrounding the table T are arranged, and player characters PC1 to PC3 exist there.

  State A in FIG. 14 shows a state in which the player character PC1 is sitting on the chair C1 and looking at the player character PC2. The state B is a view image M of the player character PC1. In the state A, the player character PC1 is looking at the player character PC2. Therefore, as shown in the state B, the player character PC2 is centered on the view image M of the player character PC1.

  Thereafter, as shown in state A in FIG. 15, the user 190A views the chair C3 and operates the controller 160 to designate the destination. A state B in FIG. 15 shows the view image M of the player character PC1 at that time. As shown in the state B of FIG. 15, by the operation of the user 190 </ b> A, the processor 10 generates the view image M including the message I “Do you want to move to this seat?” As the view image generation module 223. .

  State A in FIG. 16 is a diagram showing that the player character PC1 has moved to the chair C3. When the user 190A designates the movement destination, the processor 10 generates a view image M viewed from the movement destination of the player character PC1 as the view image generation module 223. Note that the reference direction at each position is determined, and in the present disclosure, the direction facing the table is defined as the reference direction at each position. Therefore, when the player character PC1 moves to the destination, the player character PC1 is controlled so as to automatically face the reference direction, and the view image M based on the direction is generated.

  Thus, the player character PC1 instantaneously moves from the movement source to the movement destination according to the designation of the movement destination. As a result, the HMD system 100 does not provide a view image that is not synchronized with the movement of the HMD system 100, such as a view image from the player character PC1 during the movement process, so that it is possible to prevent so-called VR sickness.

  As described above, the processor 10 provides the view image M to be provided to the user 190A so that the player character PC1 (virtual camera 1) instantaneously moves from the movement source to the movement destination in accordance with the designation of the movement destination. On the other hand, in the HMD systems 100B and 100C of other users (player characters PC2 and PC3), the view image M in which the player character PC1 is moving from the movement source to the movement destination according to the determined movement route and movement mode is displayed. Generate. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a movement path through which the player character PC1 moves from the movement source to the movement destination. As shown in FIG. 17, the player character PC1 moves via the movement paths K1 to K3 determined by the processor 10. The movement paths K1 and K2 are paths determined so as to avoid the chair. The movement path K3 is a path for the player character PC1 to sit on a chair at the movement source. As the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 performs control such that the player character PC1 controls the movement of the chair character PC1 to sit and sit on the chair based on the attribute of the target object called chair.

  Incidentally, as described above, the player character PC1 is chatting with the player character PC3, and at that time, the user 190A is looking at the player character PC3. Information indicating the player character PC3 (line of sight) is sent to the server 150 as player information. Therefore, the control that the player character PC1 moves to the destination while watching the player character PC3 is performed in each of the HMD systems 100B and 100C. Similarly, since the user 190C is watching the moving player character PC1, the player information is transmitted to the server 150, and the player character PC3 is controlled to look toward the player character PC1.

  In general, the HMD system 100 controls the player character PC in the virtual space 2 in synchronization with the movement of the HMD device 110. In the present disclosure, in a predetermined state such as when the player character PC is moving, the player character PC is controlled in a manner that is not synchronized with the movement of the HMD device 110 while controlling the player character PC based on the line of sight as described above. I do. As a result, a natural effect can be realized even in a chat involving movement of the player character PC.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a view field image generated in the HMD system 100C worn by the user 190C.

  The state (A) in FIG. 18 shows a view image M provided to the user 190C (player character PC3) showing how the player character PC1 rises from the movement source and moves according to the movement route and movement mode. As shown in the state (A), the line of sight of the player character PC1 faces the player character PC3, indicating that the player character PC1 and the player character PC3 are in eye contact. Even if the player character PC1 moves instantaneously to the destination, the processor 10 of the HMD system 100C can generate the view image M based on the acquired source and destination of the player character PC1. As a result, the user 190C can receive a view image in which the player character PC1 is walking in front of him. Further, when the processor 10 of the HMD system 100C obtains information from the HMD system 100A that can identify the player character PC3 as a line-of-sight target, it can be determined that the player character PC1 is looking at the player character PC3. The processor 10 expresses the view image M so that the player character PC1 faces the player character PC3, so that the user 190A and the user 190C can chat in a natural manner.

  In the present disclosure, the direction of the moving player character PC is always directed toward the line-of-sight target viewed by the user 190, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control of directing the player character PC1 toward the player character PC3 may be performed only when the bidirectional condition that the player character PC1 and the player character PC3 are staring at each other is satisfied. When the bidirectional condition is not satisfied, the direction of the player character PC1 may be the traveling direction. For example, the bidirectional condition may be that the line-of-sight target of the user 190A and the line-of-sight target of the user 190C match. That is, the HMD system 100A of the user 190A receives the information regarding the line-of-sight target viewed by the user 190C, and compares the line-of-sight target viewed by the user 190A with the received line-of-sight target, thereby determining the bidirectional condition. Is realized. This process is naturally applicable to the HMD systems 100B and 100C.

  A state (B) in FIG. 18 shows a view image M provided to the user 190C, showing a state in which the player character PC1 is moving along the movement path K2. Similar to the state (A), the line of sight of the player character PC1 faces the player character PC3.

  A state (C) in FIG. 18 shows a view image M provided to the user 190C, showing a state in which the player character PC1 is moving along the movement path K3. Similar to the states (A) and (B), the line of sight of the player character PC1 faces the player character PC2. Further, since there is a chair at the destination, the player character PC1 performs an action of sitting on the chair.

  Next, FIG. 19 shows a view image M provided to the user 190A showing how the player character PC1 moves from the destination of the player character PC1. The state (A) shows a view field image M that is provided to the user 190A when the user (player character PC1) at the movement source is viewed from the movement destination. The processor 10 of the HMD system 100A, as the view image generation module 223, generates a view image M shown in the state (A) when the user 190A designates a destination by a predetermined operation. At that time, since the user 190A is looking at the player character PC2, the line of sight of the player character PC1 faces the direction of the player character PC2. Further, since the user 190C is watching the player character PC1, the player character PC3 operated by the user 190C is directed toward the player character PC1.

  The state (B) of FIG. 19 shows a view field image M provided to the user 190A, showing a state in which the player character PC1 viewed by the user 190A from the destination is moving. Similar to the state (A), the player character PC1 and the player character PC2 are controlled to face each other. When the user 190A or the user 190B faces in a different direction, the player characters PC1 and PC2 are also directed to the target object that the user 190A or the user 190B is looking at.

  A state (C) in FIG. 19 is a view field image M provided to the user 190A showing a state where the player character PC1 has reached the destination and is about to sit on a chair. The processor 10 of the HMD system 100A displays the field-of-view image shown in this state (C), stops the drawing process of the player character PC1, and displays the player character PC1 operated by the user 190A without displaying the player character PC1. A normal view image is generated.

  Thus, the player characters PC1 and PC3 are controlled so as to face each other, and the users 190A and 190C can recognize that the other party is watching themselves, so that they can enjoy chatting in a natural manner. Can do. The user 190B is not participating in the chat here, but is watching and listening to the chat. Therefore, the view image M that shows that the player character PC1 and the player character PC3 are chatting is provided to the user 190B as described above.

  It is assumed that the user 190A looks at his / her player character PC1 instead of the player character PC3 as the chat partner. When the processor 190 of the HMD system 100A according to the present disclosure can determine that the user 190A has seen his / her player character PC1 as the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 continues to look at the player character who has just seen the player character PC1. You may control so that it may face to the front of player character PC1. Thus, the natural behavior of the player character can be realized.

  FIG. 19 shows the view image M of the user 190A from the movement destination of the player character PC1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user 190A designates a destination, the processor 10 of the HMD system 100 moves the virtual camera 1 to a predetermined bird's-eye view position as the virtual camera control module 221, and displays the view image M from that position as the user. You may make it provide to 190A. As the bird's-eye view position, a position that can overlook the position including the movement source and the movement destination is conceivable, but any position that can represent the movement path of the player character PC1 from the movement source to the movement destination may be used.

The subject matter disclosed in this specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer (HMD system 100C), which includes a first character object (player character PC1) associated with a first user (user 190A) and a second user ( In the virtual space including the second character object (player character PC3) associated with the user 190C), the virtual camera 1 that defines the view image from the second character object is controlled, and the view from the virtual camera 1 is controlled. Providing an image to the second user via a head mounted display (HMD device 110C);
Obtaining information for specifying a destination of the first character object;
3 step S23C),
Identifying a moving lead in the virtual space based on a movement source and a movement destination of the first character object (step S23C in FIG. 13);
Generating the field-of-view image including the first character object moving based on the moving lead and presenting it on the head-mounted display (step S23C in FIG. 13 and steps S10 and S11 in FIG. 10); Information processing method provided.
According to the information processing method of this item, the first character object of the first user moves according to the movement lead specified based on the movement source and the movement destination of the first character object such as the player character of the first user. A view field image is provided to the second user. As a result, for the second user who is provided with a virtual space service for controlling the first character object of the first user to move instantaneously from the source to the destination, the first character object of the first user Natural movement can be eliminated, and immersion in the virtual space can be enhanced.
For example, in order to prevent VR sickness of the first user, a virtual space service that performs control to provide a view image at the destination instantaneously without providing a view image accompanying movement is conceivable. If it is normal control, the second user appears to move the first character object of the first user instantaneously from the movement source to the movement destination. However, such an unnatural movement detracts from the immersive feeling in the virtual space. Therefore, even if the first character object of the first user instantaneously moves from the movement source to the movement destination, the first character object moves naturally for the second user who is looking at the first character object. By providing a field-of-view image that looks like this, an immersive feeling in the virtual space can be enhanced.
In addition, the movement control of the first character object is performed from the first user by performing movement control based on the movement source and the movement destination of the first character object on the second user side without being limited to such a service. The movement control of the first character object can be easily performed on the second user side without acquiring information to be performed.
(Item 2)
2. The information processing method according to item 1, wherein the moving conducting wire is shown in a form in which the moving source and the moving destination can be distinguished.
According to the information processing method of this item, by distinguishing the movement source and movement destination of the first character object, the second user grasps where the first character object is going to move from. Can improve the virtual experience.
(Item 3)
In the obtaining step,
Obtaining information that can be specified based on the line of sight of the first user and that can identify the line-of-sight target that the first user is viewing;
In the presenting step,
3. The information processing method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first character object generates the visual field image facing the visual line target based on information capable of specifying the visual line target.
According to the information processing method of this item, information that can identify the line-of-sight target viewed by the first user is acquired based on the line of sight of the first user, and the first information is based on the information that can identify the line-of-sight target. A field-of-view image in which the character object faces the line-of-sight target is generated. Thereby, what the 1st user is looking at and what the 1st character object is looking at can be made to correspond, and a virtual experience can be made more advanced for the 2nd user.
(Item 4)
Further comprising determining a moving lead or a moving mode based on an attribute of an object arranged between the moving source and the moving destination;
In the presenting step,
Item 4. The information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the first character object generates the field-of-view image that moves according to the moving lead or the movement mode.
According to the information processing method of this item, the first character object generates a visual field image that moves in accordance with a moving lead or a movement mode based on an attribute of an object arranged between the movement source and the movement destination. It enables more realistic movement of one character object. Therefore, the virtual experience for the second user can be enhanced.
(Item 5)
An information processing system that defines a virtual space including a first character object associated with a first user and a second character object associated with a second user, wherein the information processing system includes:
A first information processing apparatus that controls a virtual camera that defines a first view image from the first character object based on the movement of the first head-mounted display, and provides the first view image to the first user When,
A second information processing apparatus that controls a virtual camera that defines a second view image from the second character object based on the movement of the second head-mounted display, and provides the second view image to the second user When,
Including
The first information processing apparatus includes:
Receiving a movement destination of the first character object in the virtual space;
When the movement destination is accepted, at least part of the generation of the first view image corresponding to a transition period in which the virtual camera moves from the movement source of the first character object to the movement destination is omitted, and the movement from the movement destination Presenting the first field-of-view image of the first head-mounted display,
The second information processing apparatus
Obtaining information specifying the destination of the first character object;
Identifying a moving lead in the virtual space based on the source and destination of the first character object;
Presenting the second field-of-view image including the first character object moving based on the moving lead wire on the second head-mounted display.
(Item 6)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 4.
(Item 7)
A memory storing the program according to item 6, and
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual camera, 2 ... Virtual space, 5 ... Base 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 ... Field of view, 24, 25 ... Area, 31 ... Frame, 32 ... Top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 ... Button, 35 ... Infrared LED, 38 ... Analog stick, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C ... HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B, 110C ... HMD device, 112 ... monitor, 114 ... sensor, 116 ... camera, 118 ... microphone, 120 ... HMD sensor, 130 ... motion sensor, 140 ... gaze sensor, 150 ... Server, 160 ... Controller, 160R ... Right controller, 190,1 0A, 190B, 190C ... user, 200 ... computer, 220 ... display control module, 221 ... virtual camera control module, 222 ... visual field region determination module, 223 ... visual field image generation module, 224 ... reference visual line identification module, 230 ... virtual space Control module, 231 ... Virtual space definition module, 232 ... Virtual object control module, 233 ... Operation object control module, 234 ... Chat control module, 240 ... Memory module, 241 ... Spatial information, 242 ... Object information, 243 ... User information, 250 ... Communication control module, 810 ... Right hand, M ... View field image, PC, PC1, PC2, PC3 ... Player character.

Claims (7)

An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein the information processing method includes a first character object associated with a first user and a virtual space including a second character object associated with a second user, Controlling a virtual camera that defines a view image from the second character object, and providing the view image from the virtual camera to the second user via a head-mounted display;
Obtaining information for specifying a destination of the first character object;
Identifying a moving lead in the virtual space based on a movement source and a movement destination of the first character object;
Generating the field-of-view image including the first character object that moves based on the moving lead and presenting it on the head-mounted display.   The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the moving conductor is shown in a form in which the moving source and the moving destination can be distinguished. In the obtaining step,
Obtaining information that can be specified based on the line of sight of the first user and that can identify the line-of-sight target that the first user is viewing;
In the presenting step,
The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the visual field image in which the first character object faces the visual line target is generated based on information that can specify the visual line target. Further comprising determining a moving lead or a moving mode based on an attribute of an object arranged between the moving source and the moving destination;
In the presenting step,
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the visual field image in which the first character object moves according to the moving lead or the movement mode is generated. An information processing system that defines a virtual space including a first character object associated with a first user and a second character object associated with a second user, wherein the information processing system includes:
A first information processing apparatus that controls a virtual camera that defines a first view image from the first character object based on the movement of the first head-mounted display, and provides the first view image to the first user When,
A second information processing apparatus that controls a virtual camera that defines a second view image from the second character object based on the movement of the second head-mounted display, and provides the second view image to the second user When,
Including
The first information processing apparatus includes:
Receiving a movement destination of the first character object in the virtual space;
When the movement destination is accepted, at least part of the generation of the first view image corresponding to a transition period in which the virtual camera moves from the movement source of the first character object to the movement destination is omitted, and the movement from the movement destination Presenting the first field-of-view image of the first head-mounted display,
The second information processing apparatus
Obtaining information specifying the destination of the first character object;
Identifying a moving lead in the virtual space based on the source and destination of the first character object;
Presenting the second field-of-view image including the first character object moving based on the moving lead wire on the second head-mounted display.   The program which makes a computer perform the information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-4. A memory storing the program according to claim 6;
And a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.