WO2018141928A1

WO2018141928A1 - Method and system for moving a virtual character in a virtual environment

Info

Publication number: WO2018141928A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/052702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin TANOH-KOUTOU
Original assignee: Raptor Lab Sarl
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Also published as: FR3062731B1; FR3062731A1

Abstract

A method for moving a virtual character in a virtual environment following a movement of a real user (UR), said virtual environment being generated by at least one computer (1) and modified at least by means of a controller (3) held in the hand of the real user (UR), the method comprising: - a step of real movement of the controller (3) by the real user (UR) in a given direction and sense and - a step of virtual movement of the virtual character in the same direction as the real movement but in an opposite sense so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user (UR) during a real movement.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOVING A VIRTUAL CHARACTER IN A

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to the field of virtual reality and, in particular, the movement of a virtual character in a virtual environment following a movement of a real user.

In known manner, to live a virtual experience, a real user has a virtual reality computer system that includes:

a headset to display images of a virtual environment,

one or more controllers equipped with actuators (button, touchpad, joystick, trigger, etc.) and

a computer computer connected to the headphones and controllers so as to modify the displayed images according to the movement or actions of the controllers.

Such a virtual reality computer system is known to those skilled in the art, especially in the field of video games so as to allow a real user to live an immersive experience. The computer calculator generates a virtual environment with which a virtual character can interact using the controllers. Virtual reality artificially reproduces a sensory experience, which can include sight, touch, hearing and smell.

Several technologies have been developed to allow a virtual character to move in a virtual environment. First, it has been proposed to use a controller that the actual user points in a direction of the virtual environment. Then, the real user actuates an actuator of the controller to move the virtual character to a different location from the virtual environment in the direction pointed, in the manner of a teleportation. Such a mode of displacement is practical in the virtual environment but disturbs the inner ear of the real user since his eyes perceive a displacement while his body does not move. This disruption of the inner ear is one of the main obstacles to delaying the expansion of virtual reality among the general public.

To eliminate this drawback, it has been proposed a virtual reality computer system comprising a multidirectional treadmill to allow the real user to perform real movement movements. The actual movement movements are measured by the multidirectional treadmill and then provided to the computer calculator in order to be able to modify the display of the helmet and allow a movement of the virtual character. Although such a solution is attractive, a multidirectional treadmill has a very significant cost and bulk. Such a solution unfortunately can not suit the general public. Also, there is a need for a method and system for moving a virtual character into a virtual environment that is comfortable, natural and practical to maintain the user's sense of immersion without disturbing his or her inner ear.

Incidentally, patent application US2014 / 1 18244 discloses a method of moving menus onto a screen by means of a vision camera using the movement of a user's arm. This document is not about moving a virtual character into a virtual environment. Document US2012 / 200497 teaches a conventional joystick with a motion sensor. The invention was born in the field of video games but it goes without saying that the invention applies to any application of virtual reality, including entertainment, training and learning operators, etc.

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the invention relates to a method of moving a virtual character in a virtual environment following a movement of a real user, said virtual environment being generated by at least one computer computer and modified at least by means of a controller held in the hand by said real user, the method comprising:

a step of real movement of said controller by said real user in a given direction and direction and

a step of virtual displacement of said virtual character in the same direction as the real movement but in an opposite direction so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user during a real movement.

Thanks to the invention, the actual movement of the controller makes it possible to mimic a real movement, which advantageously avoids any disturbance of the inner ear during a virtual movement. Such a move is immersive and allows a user to stay focused on the virtual environment without feeling discomfort. In the virtual world, the movement of the controller is interpreted by the computer as a modification of the virtual environment. In practice, the virtual character feels like pulling the virtual scene towards him during a trip. before, which maintains the illusion of a displacement while the real user does not move his legs. The virtual displacement step is performed in real time following the real motion step. Thus, the user feels like moving in the virtual environment in a natural way.

Preferably, the actual user is equipped with a headset for displaying images of a virtual environment.

In a preferred aspect, the virtual movement speed is a function of the actual movement speed of said controller. Thus, the real movement is directly a function of the virtual displacement, which gives the impression to the real user that he is actually realizing the virtual displacements of the virtual character.

Preferably, the speed of virtual displacement is also a function of the intrinsic speed of the virtual character in the virtual environment. Thus, the real movement of the controller makes it possible to modify the intrinsic speed of the virtual character in the virtual scene. Indeed, the virtual character may have an intrinsic virtual speed that is related to the virtual scene, for example, a slip or a drive by a virtual vehicle or another virtual character.

Preferably, the controller comprising a travel actuator, the actual motion is measured when the travel actuator is actuated. Thus, this allows a virtual move only when the real user decides. In addition, this allows the actual user to use the controller for another function when the travel actuator is not actuated, for example, to fire a shot for an application in a first-shot video game. nobody.

More preferably, since the controller's position is measured periodically, the actual movement of said controller defines a motion vector between two consecutive measurements of the position of said controller, the motion vector defining the direction and direction of the actual motion. Advantageously, the position of the controller is followed so as to interpret the desired movement by the user (direction of movement and speed of movement). The type of virtual displacement can thus be chosen accurately and conveniently by the actual user, which enhances immersion in the virtual environment. Depending on the direction and the virtual environment, the user can walk, jump, swim, climb, etc. Preferably, the virtual user being equipped with a headset displaying images of the virtual environment at a given display frequency, the position of the controller is measured at the display frequency of said headset. Preferably, if the vertical position of the controller is greater than a predetermined threshold height during the actual motion, the vertical component of the motion vector is canceled to define the virtual displacement. In other words, if the real user realizes a shift in a quarter circle (from the front to the bottom), only the horizontal component and the lateral component are taken into account to advance the virtual character. The virtual character is not moved up. Such a step allows a virtual character to move in a practical way in the horizontal plane (plane transverse to the vertical axis) without imposing on the real user to move his arm exactly in the horizontal plane, which could be tiring and away from a natural movement. Preferably, the method comprises a step of calculating a new virtual displacement speed (V _n + i) from the preceding virtual displacement speed (V _n ) so as to allow a deceleration of the virtual displacement when the travel actuator is no longer operated. Virtual deceleration simulates the presence of gravity and friction of the air on the virtual character during a movement initiated by a real movement. The virtual character and thus braked in a similar way to a real user, which reinforces the feeling of immersion. Releasing the travel actuator allows the user to brake progressively.

Preferably, if the preceding virtual displacement speed (V _n ) is greater than a predetermined high threshold, the new virtual displacement speed (V _n + i) is calculated according to a first law. The use of a high threshold makes it possible to set the deceleration of the virtual character according to a speed threshold which is preferably predetermined. Thus, any significant speed is limited to allow the real user to keep control of the virtual character.

Preferably, the first law is of the type V _n + 1 = V _n - Q (V _n ) in which the function Q is an increasing function. Such a first law makes it possible to impose a braking which is proportional to the virtual speed. The faster the virtual character moves, the faster the deceleration will be. This allows the real user to easily control the virtual character following a virtual move at high speed. Thus, the real user can easily chain virtual movements without feeling discomfort or discomfort related to his inner ear. Preferably, if the preceding virtual displacement speed (V _n ) is lower than a predetermined low threshold, the new virtual displacement speed (V _n + i) is calculated according to a second law. The use of a low threshold makes it possible to set the deceleration of the virtual character in order to avoid any sensation of displacement at very low speed which is not natural. Preferably, the second law cancels the new virtual displacement speed (V _n + 1). The slip impression of the virtual character is advantageously eliminated, which reinforces the feeling of immersion.

Advantageously, if the preceding virtual displacement speed (V _n ) is between the predetermined low threshold and the predetermined high threshold, the new virtual displacement speed (V _n + i) is calculated according to a third law. Thus, the third law makes it possible to smooth the virtual displacement in order to slow down the virtual character progressively from high speed to low speed. The virtual character remains controllable while maintaining an immersive displacement.

Preferably, the third law is a linear deceleration law. Thus, the degree of deceleration is less than the first law but greater than the second law to allow a progressive deceleration.

Preferably, the virtual character is surrounded by a virtual capsule during a virtual movement, the virtual capsule being not visible in the absence of displacement. Preferably, the virtual capsule is fixed with respect to said virtual character. Advantageously, the virtual capsule is attached to the virtual character and remains fixed relative thereto, which forms a fixed point which helps the inner ear to assimilate the fact that the body of the real user does not move then that the view of the real user perceives the movement of the virtual character. Disturbances of the inner ear are then reduced.

Preferably, the virtual capsule is in the form of a plurality of elementary zones spaced in the vertical direction. Such a virtual capsule does not obstruct the field of view of the real user but allows to remain visible regardless of where the real user directs his eyes. The virtual capsule does not interfere with the experience of the real user. Preferably, each elemental area is in the form of a circle. Such a zone advantageously occupies a peripheral space around the user to capture his gaze independently of its direction. More preferably, at least one elementary zone comprises a crenated portion. A crenate portion has the advantage of fixing the gaze, which facilitates its interpretation by the inner ear. A crenated portion defines a plurality of points or angles that fix the look unlike a continuous circle. The crenellated portion highlights the fact that the elementary zone does not belong to the virtual environment but is attached to the virtual character.

The invention also relates to a method of moving a virtual character in a virtual environment following a movement of a real user, said virtual environment being generated by at least one computer and modified at least by means of a controller held in the hand by said real user, the method comprising a step of displaying a virtual capsule around the virtual character during a virtual movement in the virtual environment, the virtual capsule being not visible in the absence of displacement.

The invention also relates to a system for moving a virtual character by a real user, the displacement system comprising:

at least one computer computer configured to generate a virtual environment, at least one helmet adapted to display the virtual environment generated by the computer computer,

at least one controller, connected to said computer, configured to modify the virtual environment, the controller comprising a device for detecting the position of said controller in space,

the computer computer is configured to measure a real movement of said controller by said real user in a given direction and direction;

the computer calculator is configured to control a virtual displacement of said virtual character in the same direction as the actual motion but in an opposite direction so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user during a real movement.

Such a displacement system allows a real user to live an immersive experience in which the movements of his virtual character are natural and comfortable since the controller simulates the movement of an arm during the displacement. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a computer system for generating a virtual environment according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the movements of the arms of a real user during a movement of the virtual character;

- Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the movement of the controller held by hand;

FIG. 4 is a curve representing the fall of the virtual speed V over time T following a virtual displacement; and

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a virtual user and a virtual capsule.

It should be noted that the figures disclose the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE MODES OF REALIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a computer system for moving a virtual character PV in a virtual environment, which will be designated later, computer system S for brevity. Such computer system S is configured to create an immersive virtual environment in which a real user, that is to say a human person, is represented in the virtual environment by a virtual character that can be human or otherwise. In virtual reality, the real user feels sensations through his virtual character who represents him. As illustrated in Figure 1, the computer system S comprises a computer computer 1, a headset 2, placed on the head of the real user UR and two controllers 3 which are respectively placed in both hands of the real user UR.

In this example, the headset 2 comprises a display screen intended to be worn close to the eyes of the real user, the headset 2 is connected to the computer computer 1 by a wireless link, in particular, by infrared or radio link . The headset 2 receives images of virtual environment that is created by the calculator 1. The headset 2 displays images of the virtual environment at a given display frequency.

In this embodiment, the computer computer 1 is remote from the real user UR and is in the form of a game console or a personal computer.

Such a helmet 2 and such a computing computer 1 are known to those skilled in the art and will not be presented in more detail later. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that the computer computer 1 could also be worn by said real user UR, especially in the headset 2. According to one aspect of the invention, the headset 2 comprises a smart phone having a display screen forming the display screen of the headphones 2 and a printed circuit board equipped with a processor that forms the computer computer 1 of the computer system S.

In this example, the two controllers 3 are identical. Also, for the sake of clarity and brevity, only a controller 3 will now be presented in detail. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that the controllers 3 could be different, for example, in order to perform different functions and / or to adapt to the morphology of the right hand and the left hand of the real user UR.

It goes without saying that the computer system S could include only a single controller 3 to allow movement. The use of two controllers 3 simultaneously or sequentially makes it possible to vary the type of virtual movements and thus enrich the immersion of the real user UR.

Each controller 3 comprises actuators and a position detection device so as to detect the actual movement of the controller 3 (made by the real user UR) in real space. In this example, the actuators of each controller 3 are in the form of buttons, a steerable rod known as the English name "joystick", a trigger and a touchpad. It goes without saying that the nature of the actuators may vary depending on the desired application.

Preferably, the device for detecting the position in real space is in the form of a laser scanning device, an optical tracking device (stereoscopic type or not) or the like. In known manner, the detection device makes it possible to determine a position with a horizontal component, a vertical component and a lateral component.

In this example, each controller 3 comprises a travel actuator 30 which can move between an activated state corresponding to a will of the real user UR and a deactivated state corresponding to a stop of the real user UR. Preferably, the travel actuator 30 is in the form of a push button which is pressed in the activated state and released in the deactivated state. According to the invention, the computer computer 1 is configured to measure a real movement of said controller 3 by said real user UR in a given direction and direction. As will be presented hereinafter with the implementation examples, the actual movement of the controller 3 is obtained by the position device of said computer 1. In addition, the computer computer 1 is configured to control a virtual displacement of said virtual character in the same direction as the real movement but in the opposite direction so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user UR at a time. real displacement. In other words, the actual movement of the controller 3 is transmitted to the computer computer 1 which consequently changes the virtual environment with respect to the virtual character. In other words, from the point of view of the virtual character, it receives a plurality of new images in his helmet 2, which gives him the impression of moving in the virtual environment. In practice, to advance in the virtual environment, the real user has the impression of pulling towards him the virtual environment that he sees through his helmet 2. As illustrated in Figure 2, the real movement achieved by the The actual user's UR arm holding the controller 3 is close to that of a person who is walking while walking (swaying hands). The displacement is natural, which reinforces the immersion.

It will now be presented several real displacements of one or more controllers 3 to achieve different virtual movements in the virtual environment. As will be discussed in detail later, the correlation between actual movements and virtual movements is optimal to avoid any dysfunction of the inner ear, which limits the onset of nausea or headaches. For example, it will be presented a movement of walking, running, jumping, swimming and climbing. It goes without saying that these movements are given only as an example and that other movements could be implemented. The walking movement will be presented in detail, particularly with regard to the aspects relating to deceleration. The other virtual movements will be presented in a more concise way in order to highlight the differences with the walking movement. To achieve a virtual displacement, the real user UR uses one or more controllers 3. In the examples that follow, the real user UR is equipped, in each hand, with a controller 3 which comprises a travel actuator 30.

To perform a forward virtual travel, the real user UR realizes a step of moving the controller 3 from the front to the back while keeping the travel actuator 30 pressed (state enabled). When the travel actuator 30 is activated by the actual user UR, this determines a starting position. When the travel actuator 30 is released (disabled state) by the actual user, this determines an arrival position from which virtual deceleration can be applied.

Periodically, in particular, at the display frequency of the helmet 2, the position of the controller 3 with the travel actuator 30 supported is measured so as to define a motion vector K between the previous position P _n- i and the current position P _n . The motion vector K comprises a direction, an orientation and an amplitude. The motion vector K is determined by the position detection device of said controller 3. The motion vector K has a horizontal component, a vertical component and a lateral component.

Referring to Figure 3, it is schematically represented the displacement of a controller 3 between a previous position P _n -i and a current position P _n and the resulting motion vector K. Incidentally, the motion vector K is independent of the path of the real motion in space.

Advantageously, the virtual displacement is performed in the direction of the motion vector K but oriented in the opposite direction. In other words, when the motion vector K is oriented from front to back, the virtual character PV moves forward. That is particularly advantageous since this allows the arm of the real user to make a similar movement to that achieved during a forward march. The inner ear perceives a forward movement thanks to its sight and thanks to the movement of its arm. Also, the inner ear is not disturbed and the user is not subject to nausea or headache.

The virtual speed is a function of the amplitude of the motion vector K. Thus, the higher the real speed, the higher the virtual speed is important.

Preferably, if the vertical position of the controller 3 is greater than a predetermined threshold height during the actual motion, the vertical component of the motion vector K is canceled to define the virtual displacement. In other words, if the real user realizes a shift in a quarter circle (from the front to the bottom), only the horizontal component and the lateral component are taken into account to advance the virtual character. The virtual character is not moved up. Such a step allows a virtual character to move conveniently in the horizontal plane (plane transverse to the vertical axis) without forcing the real user to move his arm in the horizontal plane.

Preferably, the threshold height is determined to distinguish when the actual user is in a standing position or in a lowered position. In the upright position, that is to say when the vertical position of the controller 3 is greater than the threshold height, the vertical component is filtered because the real user does not wish to make a vertical movement in the standing position. As will be shown later, the vertical component is used for the jump and requires the user to be lowered to simulate the impulse of a jump. In practice, the threshold height is equal to 40 cm for a real user whose size is 1.80 m. It goes without saying that the threshold height could be determined differently, in particular, by learning or during initialization.

In the virtual environment, the virtual displacement is also optimal since the computer computer 1 generates a display in which the virtual environment located forward is closer to the virtual user. In other words, the real user UR feels that he is grabbing the virtual environment in front of him with his hand and pulling it towards him (controller movement 3 from back to front during activation of the travel actuator 30). Also, the immersion of the real user UR is not affected by the displacement that remains natural. When the real user UR makes a large movement with his arm holding the controller 3, a plurality of motion vectors K are calculated in order to periodically change the speed and the direction of the virtual movement. Freedom of movement is greatly optimized.

In order to maintain optimal immersion while not disturbing the inner ear, it is also important to manage the deceleration of the virtual displacement optimally. The deceleration is activated as soon as the travel actuator 30 is released. Preferably, a virtual movement speed V is calculated from the amplitude and the speed of the last motion vector K supplied by the controller 3.

Then, the virtual movement speed V is decreased so as to allow a deceleration and a stop of the virtual character PV in the virtual environment. For this purpose, a new virtual displacement velocity V _n + i is calculated periodically from the previous virtual displacement velocity V _n .

Vn + 1 = F (Vn)

According to a preferred aspect, the initial virtual displacement speed advantageously allows initialization.

In this example, several speed thresholds are determined: a high threshold Si and a low threshold S2. It goes without saying that a single threshold or more than two thresholds could be appropriate. The use of two thresholds Si, S2 is a good compromise to ensure sufficient immersion without requiring significant computing power.

With reference to FIG. 4 representing the value of the displacement velocity V during time T following a virtual displacement, if the preceding virtual traveling speed V _n is greater than the predetermined high threshold Si, the new virtual traveling speed V _n + i is calculated according to a first law F1 called "high speed". If the previous virtual movement speed V _n is lower than the low predetermined threshold S2, the new virtual displacement speed V _n + i is calculated according to a second law F2 called "average speed". If the previous virtual movement speed V _n is between the low predetermined threshold S2 and the predetermined high threshold Si, the new virtual displacement speed V _n + i is calculated according to a third law F3 called "low speed". Thus, the various laws make it possible to determine a high speed deceleration, medium speed deceleration and low speed deceleration.

In this example, the first "high speed" law F1 is adapted to obtain a decreasing deceleration. In other words, the decrease is proportional to the value of the speed of previous virtual displacement V _n. By way of example, the first "high speed" law F1 can be stated as follows:

(F1) Vn + 1 = Vn-Q (Vn) in which the function Q is an increasing function Such a first "high speed" law F1 makes it possible to decrease the deceleration in a progressive manner so as to allow the inner ear to maintain a landmark in space despite the sensation of speed. The Q function is chosen according to the desired virtual application.

In this example, the second law "low speed" F2 is adapted to cancel the speed if the latter is below the low threshold S2.

The second law "low speed" F2 avoids the phenomenon of "slip" or "drift" at low speed PV virtual character at low speed. In fact, the inner ear of a human being is not adapted to perceive a movement at very low speed, which causes nausea and, moreover, impairs immersion, this displacement is not considered as real. .

In this example, the third law "medium speed" F3 is adapted to obtain a linear deceleration. In other words, the decrease is gradual. By way of example, the third law "medium speed" F3 can be stated as follows:

(F3) V _n + 1 = V _n - Y where Y is a constant value.

The third law "medium speed" F3 can dampen the significant deceleration suffered by the virtual character by the first law "high speed" F1. Linear deceleration also makes it possible to reduce the sensation of inertia which is incoherent with that felt by the inner ear of the real user UR.

For example, the high threshold Si and the low threshold S2 are defined by tests according to the desired virtual application in order to obtain a compromise between the comfort of the user and the feeling of immersion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the high threshold Si and the low threshold S2 are equal. Also, only the first law "high speed" F1 and the second law "low speed" F2 are implemented.

According to another embodiment, when a real movement is achieved by moving one or more controllers 3, a deceleration occurs only when none of the travel actuators 30 is actuated. Preferably, the virtual displacement starts as soon as the controller 3 is moved by a real movement of the real user UR with the activated travel actuator 30. In other words, it is not necessary to release the travel actuator 30 to begin a virtual move. This is particularly advantageous since the movement of the virtual PV character is realized in real time, which facilitates immersion. The release of the travel actuator 30 makes it possible to start the deceleration as presented above.

In order to avoid any disturbance of the inner ear, computer computer 1 is configured to display a virtual capsule 4 around said virtual character PV during a virtual displacement as illustrated in FIG.

Said virtual capsule 4 envelops the virtual character PV so as to be always visible by the latter during a trip. In fact, such a virtual capsule 4 makes it possible to form a geographical reference linked to the virtual PV character and fixed with respect to said virtual character PV. Thus, the inner ear of the real user UR can rely on the vision of the virtual capsule 4 to apprehend a displacement in the virtual environment while keeping a fixed reference that responds to the sensation of non-displacement perceived by the body of the real user UR. The presence of such a virtual capsule 4 makes it possible to deceive the inner ear by giving it an impression of immobility despite a virtual displacement. Preferably, the virtual capsule 4 is in the form of a plurality of elementary zones 40 spaced in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 5 so as to remain visible, regardless of the viewing direction of the virtual character PV. Preferably, each elementary zone 40 is in the form of a circle in order to limit the visual impact while remaining visible. Thus, the elementary zones 40 make it possible to delimit an overall envelope around the virtual character PV. Preferably, at least one elementary zone 40 has a crenated portion so as to focus the attention of the real user when in the virtual environment. Indeed, a crenellated portion has discontinuities and projections that attract the eye of the user. More preferably, the elementary zones 40 all comprise crenellated portions.

The joint use of the displacement method and a virtual capsule 4 makes it possible to avoid any disturbance of the inner ear while maintaining a feeling of immersion.

In a preferred manner, the running movement is performed by repeating a walking movement with a controller 3 or several controllers 3 alternately. In the manner of a real race, the real user UR must repeat arm swings, that is to say the controller 3, to allow to advance at high speed its virtual character PV. The repeated cadence of the arm movements allows to advance at a high speed by avoiding the effects of deceleration.

Similarly, the jump movement is achieved by rapid movement of the controller (s) 3 downwards. Fast movement downwards means a real movement whose vertical speed is greater than 3 m / s, preferably greater than 4 m / s. In this example, the real user UR must bend to simulate the impulse of a jump and allow the virtual character PV to make a jump. In other words, the vertical position of the controller 3 must be less than the predetermined threshold height for the vertical component of the motion vector K to be taken into account.

Preferably, the jump movement is achieved using the two controllers 3, which allows to mimic the actual movement of the arms during a vertical jump. In a similar manner to previously, the travel actuator 30 of the controllers 3 must be activated during the jump. Such real movements can also be interpreted differently depending on the position of the virtual character in the virtual scene. For example, if the virtual character is in a pool filled with water of the virtual environment, the actual movement of the controllers 3 allows him to swim in said basin to move. Similarly, if the virtual character is near an upper surface that can be scaled in the virtual environment, the jump movement is interpreted as a climbing move that allows the virtual character to climb on said upper surface. Preferably, an upper threshold height is determined in order to take into account the vertical component of the motion vector K during a climb. As indicated above, the invention was born in the field of video games but it goes without saying that the invention applies to any application of virtual reality, including entertainment, training and operator training, etc.

Claims

A method of moving a virtual character (PV) in a virtual environment following a movement of a real user (UR), said virtual environment being generated by at least one computing computer (1) and modified at least by means of a controller (3) held in the hand by said real user (UR), the method comprising:

a step of real movement of said controller (3) by said real user (UR) in a given direction and direction and

a step of virtual displacement of said virtual character (PV) in the same direction as the real movement but in an opposite direction so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user (UR) during a real movement.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the virtual displacement speed is a function of the actual movement speed of said controller (3).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, the controller (3) comprising a travel actuator (30), the actual motion is measured when the travel actuator (30) is actuated.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein, the position of the controller (3) being measured periodically, the actual movement of said controller (3) defines a motion vector (K) between two consecutive measurements of the position of said controller ( 3), the motion vector (K) defining the direction and direction of the actual motion.

5. Method according to one of claims 3 to 4, comprising a step of calculating a new virtual movement speed (V _n + i) from the previous virtual displacement speed (V _n ) so as to allow a decelerating the virtual displacement when the travel actuator (30) is no longer actuated.

The method of claim 5, wherein, if the preceding virtual traveling speed (V _n ) is greater than a predetermined high threshold (Si), the new virtual traveling speed (V _n + i) is calculated according to a first law (F1).

7. Method according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, if the preceding virtual movement speed (V _n ) is less than a predetermined low threshold (S2), the new virtual displacement speed (V _n + i) is calculated according to a second law (F2).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the virtual character (PV) is surrounded by a virtual capsule (4) during a virtual displacement, the virtual capsule is not visible in the absence of displacement.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the virtual capsule (4) is fixed with respect to said virtual character (PV).

10. System for moving a virtual character (PV) by a real user (UR), the displacement system (S) comprising:

at least one computer computer (1) configured to generate a virtual environment,

at least one helmet (2) adapted to display the virtual environment generated by the computer computer (1),

at least one controller (3), connected to said computer (1), configured to modify the virtual environment, the controller (3) comprising a device for detecting the position of said controller (3) in space,

the computer computer (1) is configured to measure a real movement of said controller (3) by said real user (UR) in a given direction and direction;

the computer computer (1) is configured to control a virtual displacement of said virtual character (PV) in the same direction as the real movement but in an opposite direction so as to reproduce the movement of an arm of a real user (UR) ) during a real move.