JP2018067297A - Information processing method, apparatus, and program for causing computer to execute information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user with highly entertaining virtual experiences.SOLUTION: An information processing method implemented by a computer to provide a user with virtual experiences in a virtual space comprises: in the virtual space, upon detection of a predetermined operation on a target object by an operating object, acquiring first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object, and, on the basis of the first attribute information, determining a motion to be performed and determining at least one of a virtual camera and the target object as an entity to perform the motion; and causing the at least one of the virtual camera and target object determined as the entity to perform the motion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a hand object that is linked to the movement of a user's hand in the real space is displayed in the virtual space, and the virtual object in the virtual space can be operated by the hand object.

“Toybox Demo for Oculus Touch”, [online], October 13, 2015, Oculus, [October 7, 2016 search], Internet <https: // www. youtube. com / watch? v = dbYP4bhKr2M>

However, the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has room for further improving the virtual experience of the user obtained by using the hand object. For example, if the action executed in response to the operation of the hand object with respect to the virtual object is determined uniformly regardless of the nature of the virtual object, the entertainment property in the virtual space may be impaired.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an information processing method and apparatus that can improve the entertainment property of a virtual experience, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. The purpose is to provide.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a user with a virtual experience in a virtual space is provided. The information processing method defines the virtual space including a virtual camera that defines the field of view of the user in the virtual space, a target object arranged in the virtual space, and an operation object for operating the target object. Generating virtual space data to be detected, detecting a movement of a part of the user's body, moving the operation object in accordance with the detected movement of the body part, and the target by the operation object A step of detecting a predetermined operation on the object; and, when the predetermined operation is detected, acquiring first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object; and On the basis of the virtual camera and the target object. Determining one of Kutomo as an execution subject of the operation, at least one of the virtual camera and the target object is determined as the execution subject including the steps of executing the operation.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus that can improve the entertainment property of a virtual experience, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

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. The state (A) is a diagram showing the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. The state (B) is a diagram showing the virtual space 2 including the virtual camera 1, the hand object 400, and the target object 500. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. It is a flowchart showing the 1st example of a process of FIG.11 S8. It is a flowchart showing the 1st example of a process of FIG.11 S9. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M before the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 before the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M after the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 after the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M before the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 before the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M after the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 after the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction. It is a flowchart showing the 2nd example of a process of FIG.11 S8. It is a flowchart showing the 2nd example of a process of FIG.11 S9. It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M before the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 before the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd operation example. The state (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the view image M after the operation is performed. The state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 after the operation is performed as viewed from the Y direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 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] Determination of the user's line of sight will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to an embodiment from above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides 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 160L (see FIG. 10). The right controller 160R is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller 160L is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L 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 160L. 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.
Including. 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. Infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt, orientation) and the like of the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L. 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 160L 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 160L may be connected to the USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 160R and the left controller 160L 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 of HMD Device] A 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. 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. In addition, the virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the target object and the character object 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 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 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. In addition, the object information 242 includes information (first attribute information and third attribute information described later) indicating attributes associated with each object (target object, operation object, and the like). The attribute may be predetermined in the content, or may change according to the progress of the content. 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. In the present embodiment, the user information 243 includes information (second attribute information to be described later) indicating attributes associated with the user 190 of the HMD device 110.

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.

With reference to FIG. 10, the details of the process in which the virtual space control module 230 determines contact between the operation object and another object will be described. The state (A) in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. A state (B) of FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the virtual space 2 including the virtual camera 1, the hand object 400, and the target object 500.

As shown in FIG. 10, the virtual space 2 includes a virtual camera 1, a player character PC (character object), a left hand object 400 </ b> L, a right hand object 400 </ b> R, and a target object 500. In the present embodiment, the visual field of the player character PC matches the visual field of the virtual camera 1. Thereby, a view field image in the first person viewpoint is provided to the user. As described above, the virtual space definition module 231 of the virtual space control module 230 generates virtual space data that defines the virtual space 2 including such an object. In addition, as described above, the virtual camera 1 is interlocked with the movement of the HMD device 110 attached to the user 190. That is, the visual field of the virtual camera 1 is updated according to the movement of the HMD device 110. The right hand object 400R is an operation object that moves according to the movement of the right controller 160R attached to the right hand of the user 190. The left hand object 400L is an operation object that moves according to the movement of the left controller 160L attached to the left hand of the user 190. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, each of the left hand object 400L and the right hand object 400R may be simply referred to as a hand object 400 in some cases.

The left hand object 400L and the right hand object 400R each have a collision area CA. The target object 500 has a collision area CB. The player character PC has a collision area CC. The collision areas CA, CB, and CC are used for collision determination (hit determination) between the objects. For example, when the collision area CA of the hand object 400 is in contact with the collision area CB of the target object 500 (including a case where the collision area CA has an overlapping area), the hand object 400 and the target object 500 are in contact. Determined. As shown in FIG. 10, the collision areas CA, CB, and CC may be defined by a sphere having a predetermined radius around the coordinate position set for each object.

[Control Structure] With reference to FIG. 11, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100.

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

In step 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 moves the hand object 400 as the operation object control module 233 based on the signal indicating the detection content transmitted from the controller 160. The processor 10 detects a predetermined operation on the target object 500 by the hand object 400 as the operation object control module 233.

In step S <b> 9, the processor 10 determines an operation to be executed as the virtual object control module 232 or the virtual camera control module 221 based on an attribute of the target object 500 that is a target of a predetermined operation, At least one of the virtual camera 1 and the target object 500 is caused to execute the operation.

In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing result as the view area determination module 222 and the view image generation module 223, and sends the generated view image data to the HMD device 110. Output.

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.

[First Example] A first example of the processing of steps S8 and S9 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing a first example of the processes in steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the first operation example. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the second operation example. In each of FIGS. 14 to 17, the state (A) shows an example of the visual field image M, and the state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 viewed from the Y direction. In the first example, the processor 10 detects the attribute (first attribute information) of the target object 500 and the attribute of the user 190 when an operation of grasping the target object 500 by the hand object 400 (hereinafter, “grabbing operation”) is detected. The operation corresponding to (second attribute information) is determined and executed.

With reference to FIG. 12, the process of step S8 of FIG. 11 in the first example will be described in detail. In step S <b> 81, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the hand movement of the user 190 detected by the controller 160.

In step S <b> 82, the processor 10 determines whether each hand object 400 and the target object 500 are in contact with each other based on the collision area CA set for the hand object 400 and the collision area CB set for the target object 500. Determine. If it is determined that they are in contact (step S82: YES), in step S83, the processor 10 determines whether or not a movement for grasping the target object 500 is input to the hand object 400. For example, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 from one of the thumb and the opposite finger (at least one of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger) to the bent state from the extended state. It is determined whether or not the movement to be moved is included. If it is determined that the above movement is included (step S83: YES), in step S84, the processor 10 detects a gripping operation on the target object 500 by the hand object 400. On the other hand, if it is not determined to be in contact (step S82: NO) or not determined to include the above movement (step S83: NO), the processor 10 waits for movement information of the hand of the user 190. The control for moving the hand object 400 is continued.

In addition, the operation | movement which changes the state of the finger in the hand object 400 is implement | achieved by predetermined | prescribed operation of the user 190 with respect to the controller 160 (refer FIG. 8), for example. For example, when the button 34 is pressed, the processor 10 may change the index finger of the hand object 400 from the extended state to the bent state. Further, when the button 33 is pressed, the processor 10 may change the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the hand object 400 from the stretched state to the bent state. Further, the processor 10 changes the thumb of the hand object 400 from the extended state to the bent state when the thumb is placed on the top surface 32 or when any of the buttons 36 and 37 is pressed. It may be changed.

If a gripping operation is detected in step S84, step S9 (see FIG. 11) described above is executed. With reference to FIG. 13, the process of step S9 in the first example will be described in detail.

In step S91, the processor 10 acquires first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object 500 that is a target of the grasping operation. The processor 10 can acquire the first attribute information by referring to the object information 242 described above. Here, the first attribute information includes object type information indicating the type of the target object 500 and information indicating the weight of the target object 500. The object type information is information indicating whether the target object 500 is a movable object set to be movable in the virtual space 2 or a fixed object set to be unmovable in the virtual space 2.

In step S92, the processor 10 determines whether the target object 500 is a movable object or a fixed object by referring to the first attribute information acquired in step S91. When the target object 500 is a movable object (step S92: YES), in step S93, the processor 10 acquires second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user 190. Here, the attribute associated with the user 190 can be used as an attribute associated with the avatar (that is, the player character PC) of the user 190 in the virtual space 2. The processor 10 can acquire the second attribute information by referring to the user information 243. Here, the second attribute information includes information indicating the weight of the user 190 (that is, the weight of the player character PC). Subsequently, in step S94, the processor 10 compares the weight of the user 190 with the weight of the target object 500.

When the target object 500 is a fixed object (step S92: NO), or when the weight of the user 190 is equal to or less than the weight of the target object 500 (step S94: YES), the processor 10 executes the process of step S95. In step S <b> 95, the processor 10 determines an operation for moving the virtual camera 1 toward the target object 500 without moving the target object 500. That is, the processor 10 determines an action to move toward the target object 500 as an action to be executed, and determines the virtual camera 1 as an execution subject of the action.

On the other hand, when the target object 500 is a movable object (step S92: YES) and the weight of the user 190 is larger than the weight of the target object 500 (step S94: NO), the processor 10 executes the process of step S96. . In step S <b> 96, the processor 10 determines an operation for moving the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1 without moving the virtual camera 1. That is, the processor 10 determines an operation to move toward the virtual camera 1 as an operation to be executed, and determines the target object 500 as an execution subject of the operation.

In step S97, the processor 10 causes the virtual camera 1 or the target object 500 determined as the execution subject of the operation to execute the operation determined in step S95 or step S96. The processor 10 executes steps S91 to S96 as the virtual object control module 232. When the operation of moving the virtual camera 1 is determined in step S95, the processor 10 executes step S97 (movement of the virtual camera 1) as the virtual camera control module 221. When the operation of moving the target object 500 is determined in step S96, the processor 10 executes step S97 (movement of the target object 500) as the virtual object control module 232.

A first operation example will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 illustrates a state immediately after the left hand object 400L detects a grabbing operation on the target object 500A representing a tree that is a fixed object (or an object heavier than the user 190). In this case, the virtual space 2 shown in FIG. 15 is provided to the user 190 by executing steps S95 and S97 described above and steps S10 and S11 of FIG. Specifically, a view image M (see state (A) in FIG. 15) after the virtual camera 1 is moved (advanced) toward the target object 500 </ b> A is displayed on the user 190 via the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. Provided to.

As described above, according to the operation in which the virtual camera 1 is attracted to the target object 500, it is possible to give the user 190 a feeling of moving using the hand in the virtual space 2. Therefore, according to such an operation, it is possible to provide the user with a virtual experience that moves with the power of the hand, such as bouldering.

A second operation example will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 shows a state immediately after the gripping operation is detected by the left hand object 400L with respect to the target object 500B that is a movable object and is a lighter object than the user 190. In this case, the virtual space 2 shown in FIG. 17 is provided to the user 190 by executing steps S96 and S97 described above and steps S10 and S11 of FIG. Specifically, the view image M (see the state (A) in FIG. 17) after the target object 500 </ b> B is moved toward the virtual camera 1 is provided to the user 190 via the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The

As described above, in the first example, when it is determined that the user 190 (player character PC) can move the target object 500, the processor 10 draws the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1 side. Determine and execute the action. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processor 10 cannot be moved, the processor 10 determines and executes an action in which the player character PC (that is, the virtual camera 1) is drawn toward the target object 500 side. That is, the processor 10 can determine an action according to the relationship between the attribute (object type information and weight) of the target object 500 and the attribute (weight) of the user 190 (player character PC). Thereby, the variation of the operation | movement performed can be increased and the virtual experience with high entertainment property can be provided to the user 190. FIG. As a result, the feeling of immersion of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 can be improved.

In the first example, various modifications are possible. For example, the processor 10 may determine an operation to be executed and an execution subject of the operation based only on the first attribute information (for example, object type information). For example, when the target object 500 that is the target of the gripping operation is a movable object, the processor 10 omits the weight comparison (step S94 in FIG. 13) and moves the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1. The movement operation may be determined immediately. In this case, the processor 10 can determine the operation to be executed and the execution subject of the operation by a simple process for determining the attribute of the target object 500.

Further, the attributes used for the determination in the first example are not limited to those described above. For example, the processor 10 may use the force (for example, grip strength) of the user 190 as the second attribute information instead of the weight of the user 190 or together with the weight of the user 190. In this case, the processor 10 may determine an operation of moving the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1 when the force of the user 190 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the weight of the target object 500, for example.

Further, the processor 10 determines the target object based on the attributes (weight, force, etc.) of the user 190 and the attributes (object type, weight, etc.) of the target object 500 as a part of information defining the operation to be executed. 500 or the moving speed of the virtual camera 1 may be determined. For example, when the target object 500 is a fixed object, the moving speed of the virtual camera 1 may be determined so that the weight of the user 190 is lighter (or the power of the user 190 is greater). On the other hand, when the target object 500 is a movable object and an operation for moving the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1 is determined, the target object 500 becomes faster as the weight of the target object 500 is smaller (or the force of the user 190 is larger). As described above, the moving speed of the target object 500 may be determined. In this way, by changing the moving speed based on the size of the attribute value or the like, it becomes possible to provide the user 190 with a more realistic virtual experience.

[Second Example] A second example of the processing of steps S8 and S9 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing a second example of the processes in steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 20 and 21 are diagrams for explaining the third operation example. In each of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the state (A) shows an example of the view image M, and the state (B) is a view of the virtual space 2 viewed from the Y direction. In the second example, when an operation pointing to the target object 500 (hereinafter, “instruction operation”) is detected by the hand object 400, the processor 10 determines the attribute (first attribute information) of the target object 500 and the hand object 400. The operation according to the attribute (third attribute information) is determined and executed.

With reference to FIG. 18, the process of step S8 of FIG. 11 in the second example will be described in detail. In step S <b> 181, the processor 10 moves the hand object 400 in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the hand movement of the user 190 detected by the controller 160.

In step S <b> 182, the processor 10 determines whether or not the target object 500 is positioned ahead of the direction specified by the hand object 400. The direction specified by the hand object 400 is, for example, the direction in which the palm of the hand object 400 faces. Such direction detection is performed based on, for example, an output from the motion sensor 130 provided in the controller 160. If it is determined that the target object 500 is located (step S182: YES), the processor 10 detects an instruction operation on the target object 500 by the hand object 400. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the target object 500 is located (step S182: NO), the processor 10 waits for the hand movement information of the user 190 and continues the control of moving the hand object 400.

When an instruction operation is detected in step S183, step S9 (see FIG. 11) described above is executed. With reference to FIG. 19, the process of step S9 in the second example will be described in detail.

In step S191, the processor 10 acquires first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object 500 that is the target of the instruction operation. Further, the processor 10 acquires third attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the hand object 400 that is an operation subject of the instruction operation. The processor 10 can obtain the first attribute information and the third attribute information by referring to the object information 242. Here, as an example, the first attribute information and the third attribute information are information indicating the polarity of the object (for example, the N pole or S pole of the magnet).

In step S192, the processor 10 determines whether or not the polarities of the target object 500 and the hand object 400 are different by referring to the first attribute information and the third attribute information acquired in step S191. That is, the processor 10 determines whether one of the target object 500 and the hand object 400 is the S pole and the other is the N pole.

When it is determined that the polarities are different (step S192: YES), in step S193, the processor 10 determines an operation for moving the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1. That is, the processor 10 determines to move toward the virtual camera 1 as an action to be executed, and determines the target object 500 as an execution subject of the action.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the polarities match (step S192: NO), in step S194, the processor 10 determines an operation for moving the target object 500 away from the virtual camera 1. That is, the processor 10 determines to move away from the virtual camera 1 as an operation to be executed, and determines the target object 500 as an execution subject of the operation.

In step S195, the processor 10 causes the target object 500 determined as the execution subject of the operation to execute the operation determined in step S193 or step S194. The processor 10 executes steps S191 to S194 described above as the virtual object control module 232. When the operation for moving the virtual camera 1 is determined in step S193, the processor 10 executes step S195 (movement of the virtual camera 1) as the virtual camera control module 221. When the operation of moving the target object 500 is determined in step S194, the processor 10 executes step S195 (movement of the target object 500) as the virtual object control module 232.

A third operation example will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. FIG. 20 illustrates a state immediately after an instruction operation for the target object 500C having a polarity different from that of the right hand object 400R is detected by the right hand object 400R. In this case, the virtual space 2 shown in FIG. 21 is provided to the user 190 by executing steps S193 and S195 described above and steps S10 and S11 in FIG. Specifically, the view image M (see the state (A) in FIG. 21) after the target object 500 </ b> C is moved toward the virtual camera 1 is provided to the user 190 via the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The

As described above, in the second example, the processor 10 determines and executes an operation according to the property of the magnet. That is, the processor 10 can determine an action according to the relationship between the attribute (polarity) of the target object 500 and the attribute (polarity) of the hand object 400. Thereby, the variation of the operation | movement performed can be increased and the virtual experience with high entertainment property can be provided to the user 190. FIG. As a result, the feeling of immersion of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 can be improved.

Note that various modifications are possible in the second example. For example, the determination in the second example may be combined with the determination in the first example described above. For example, in the second example, the form in which the target object 500 moves has been described. However, the processor 10 executes either the virtual camera 1 or the target object 500 by executing the determination in the first example described above. You may decide whether to move. In this case, the processor 10 is executed based on all of the attribute of the target object 500 (first attribute information), the attribute of the user 190 (second attribute information), and the attribute of the hand object 400 (third attribute information). Determine and execute an action to be performed and an execution subject of the action.

In the second example, the polarity of the left hand object 400L and the polarity of the right hand object 400R may be set to be different from each other. In this case, for example, providing a user with a highly entertaining game in which both hands need to be moved successfully, such as a game in which a plurality of target objects 500 with randomly assigned polarities are attracted to the hand object 400. Etc. are possible.

In the second example, the predetermined operation may be an operation other than the instruction operation described above. For example, the predetermined operation may simply be an operation for bringing the hand object 400 closer to the target object 500 within a predetermined distance.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, the technical scope of this invention should not be limitedly interpreted by description of this embodiment. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

For example, in the present embodiment, the movement of the hand object is controlled according to the movement of the controller 160 indicating the movement of the user 190's hand, but in the virtual space according to the movement amount of the user's 190 hand itself. The movement of the hand object may be controlled. For example, instead of using the controller 160, a glove-type device, a ring-type device, or the like worn on the user's finger may be used. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and movement amount of the hand of the user 190, and can detect the movement and state of the finger of the user 190. Further, instead of the HMD sensor 120, the movement and state of the user 190's fingers may be detected by a camera configured to image the user's 190 hand (including fingers). By imaging the hand of the user 190 using the camera, it is not necessary to attach any device directly to the finger of the user 190. In this case, based on the image data on which the hand of the user 190 is displayed, the position and amount of movement of the hand of the user 190 can be detected, and the movement and state of the finger of the user 190 can be detected. .

In the present embodiment, a hand object that is linked to the movement of the hand of the user 190 is used as an operation object. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a foot object that is linked to the movement of the foot of the user 190 may be used as an operation object instead of or together with the hand object.

In the present embodiment, the execution subject of the action to be executed is determined to be one of the target object 500 and the virtual camera 1, but both the target object 500 and the virtual camera 1 are determined as the execution subject of the action. May be. For example, in the second example described above, when the polarity of the target object 500 and the polarity of the hand object 400 are different, the processor 10 performs an action in which the target object 500 and the virtual camera 1 (player character PC) are attracted to each other. It may be determined as an operation to be executed. In this case, the processor 10 moves the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221 and moves the target object 500 as the virtual object control module 232.

In this embodiment, the user 190 defined by the virtual camera 1 matches the visual field of the player character PC in the virtual space 2 to provide a virtual experience in the first person viewpoint to the user 190. The form is not limited to this. For example, by placing the virtual camera 1 behind the player character PC, a virtual experience at the third person viewpoint in which the player character PC is included in the view field image M may be provided to the user 190. In this case, instead of moving the virtual camera 1, or while moving the virtual camera 1, the player character PC may be moved. For example, in step S95 of FIG. 13 described above, the processor 10 may move the player character PC toward the target object 500 while moving the virtual camera 1 instead of the virtual camera 1. Further, for example, in step S96 of FIG. 13 described above, the processor 10 may move the target object 500 toward the player character PC instead of moving the target object 500 toward the virtual camera 1. As described above, when the virtual experience from the third person viewpoint is provided to the user 190, the operation of the virtual camera 1 described in the present embodiment (or the operation of the target object 500 with respect to the virtual camera 1) is the player character PC. (Or the motion of the target object 500 with respect to the player character PC). The action of the player character PC is executed by the processor 10 as the virtual object control module 232.

In the present embodiment, as an example of the determined operation, the operation in which one of the virtual camera 1 and the target object 500 moves with respect to the other has been described, but the determined operation is not limited to this. Further, the attributes of each object used for the determination are not limited to those described above. For example, the processor 10 may determine an operation to deform (or an operation not to deform) the target object 500 as an operation to be executed based on an attribute of the target object 500 or the like. For example, when the first attribute information associated with the target object 500 includes a numerical value indicating the hardness of the target object 500, and the second attribute information associated with the user 190 includes a numerical value indicating the strength (grip strength) of the user 190. think of. In this case, when the processor 10 detects a gripping operation on the target object 500 by the hand object 400, the processor 10 compares the hardness of the target object 500 with the force of the user 190, and whether or not the user 190 can destroy the target object 500. It may be determined. When the processor 10 determines that the target object 500 can be destroyed, the processor 10 may determine an operation to destroy the target object 500 as an operation to be executed. On the other hand, when the processor 10 does not determine that the target object 500 can be destroyed, the processor 10 may determine the operation to be performed without being destroyed as the operation to be executed.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items. (Item 1) An information processing method executed by the computer 200 to provide a virtual experience in the virtual space 2 to the user 190, the virtual camera 1 defining the field of view of the user 190 in the virtual space 2, Generating virtual space data defining the virtual space 2 including a target object 500 arranged in the virtual space 2 and an operation object (for example, a hand object 400) for operating the target object 500 (for example, 11 (S1 in FIG. 11) and a step of detecting the movement of the body part of the user 190 and moving the operation object in accordance with the detected movement of the body part (for example, S81 in FIG. 12 or FIG. 18). S181) of the target object 500 by the operation object. A first attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the target object 500 when the predetermined operation is detected (step S84 in FIG. 12 or S183 in FIG. 18). And determining an action to be executed based on the first attribute information and determining at least one of the virtual camera 1 and the target object 500 as an execution subject of the action (for example, FIG. 13). S91 to S96 or S191 to S194 in FIG. 19 and a step of causing at least one of the virtual camera 1 and the target object 500 determined as the execution subject to execute the operation (for example, S97 in FIG. 13 or FIG. 19). And S195). According to the method of this item, when the operation object is operated on the target object, the operation to be executed and the execution subject of the operation can be determined based on the attribute of the target object. Thereby, the variation of the operation | movement performed when operation with respect to a target object is performed can be increased. As a result, a virtual experience with high entertainment properties can be provided to the user. (Item 2) The method according to Item 1, wherein the part of the body is the user's hand, and the predetermined operation is an operation of grasping the target object. According to the method of this item, the variation of the operation | movement performed when basic operation is performed in the virtual space of grabbing a target object can be increased based on the attribute of a target object. Thereby, the entertainment property of the virtual experience of the user using the hand can be improved. (Item 3) The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the operation is that at least one of the virtual camera and the target object moves toward the other of the virtual camera and the target object. According to the method of this item, when the operation object is operated on the target object, the target object can be brought close to the virtual camera, or the virtual camera can be brought close to the target object. Thereby, the convenience of the user in the virtual space can be improved. (Item 4) The first attribute information indicates whether the target object is a movable object set to be movable in the virtual space or a fixed object set to be non-movable in the virtual space. The method of item 3, including information. According to the method of this item, it is possible to appropriately determine which of the target object and the virtual camera is to be moved based on an attribute indicating whether or not the target object is movable in the virtual space. (Item 5) In the step of determining as an execution subject of the operation, second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user is further acquired, and an operation to be executed is further determined based on the second attribute information And at least one of the virtual camera and the target object is determined as an execution subject of the action. According to the method of this item, when the operation object is operated to the target object, it is possible to determine an action according to the relationship between the attribute of the target object and the user attribute. Thereby, the variation of the operation | movement performed can be increased and the virtual experience with high entertainment property can be provided to a user. (Item 6) In the step of determining as an execution subject of the operation, third attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the operation object is further acquired, and an operation to be executed is further performed based on the third attribute information. Item 6. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the virtual camera and the target object is determined as an execution subject of the action. According to the method of this item, when the operation object is operated to the target object, it is possible to increase the variation of the action to be executed based on the relationship between the attribute of the target object and the attribute of the operation object. . Thereby, a virtual experience with high entertainment property can be provided to the user. (Item 7) An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user in a virtual space, the virtual camera defining the user's visual field in the virtual space, and included in the user's visual field Generating virtual space data defining the virtual space including a character object arranged in the virtual space, a target object arranged in the virtual space, and an operation object for operating the target object Detecting a movement of a part of the user's body and moving the operation object in accordance with the detected movement of the body part; and a predetermined operation on the target object by the operation object And detecting the predetermined operation, First attribute information associated with the target object is acquired, and a motion to be executed is determined based on the first attribute information, and at least one of the character object and the target object is used as an execution subject of the motion A step of determining, and causing at least one of the character object and the target object determined as the execution subject to execute the action. According to the method of this item, the same effect as item 1 can be obtained in the virtual experience provided from the third person viewpoint. (Item 8) A program that causes a computer to execute any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) An apparatus comprising: a memory storing the program according to item 8; and a processor coupled to the memory and 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 ... HMD system 110 ... HMD device 112 ... monitor 114 ... sensor 120 ... HMD sensor 130 ... motion sensor 140 ... gaze sensor 150 ... server 160 ... controller 160L ... left controller 160R ... right controller 190 ... user , 200 ... Computer, 220 ... Display control module, 221 ... Temporary Camera control module, 222 ... view area determination module, 223 ... view field image generation module, 224 ... reference line of sight identification module, 230 ... virtual space control module, 231 ... virtual space definition module, 232 ... virtual object control module, 233 ... operation object Control module, 240 ... memory module, 241 ... spatial information, 242 ... object information, 243 ... user information, 250 ... communication control module, 400 ... hand object, 400L ... left hand object, 400R ... right hand object, 500, 500A, 500B, 500C ... target object, 810 ... right hand, M ... view image, PC ... player character.

Claims (9)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a user in a virtual space, the virtual camera defining the user's field of view in the virtual space, a target object arranged in the virtual space, Generating virtual space data defining the virtual space including an operation object for operating the target object; detecting movement of the user's body part; and detecting the detected part of the body A step of moving the operation object in response to movement; a step of detecting a predetermined operation on the target object by the operation object; and a step of associating with the target object when the predetermined operation is detected First attribute information indicating the attribute that has been assigned is acquired, and based on the first attribute information Determining the action to be executed and determining at least one of the virtual camera and the target object as an execution subject of the action; and at least one of the virtual camera and the target object determined as the execution subject Causing the operation to be performed. The method according to claim 1, wherein the body part is a hand of the user, and the predetermined operation is an operation of grasping the target object. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation is that at least one of the virtual camera and the target object moves toward the other of the virtual camera and the target object. The first attribute information includes information indicating whether the target object is a movable object set to be movable in the virtual space or a fixed object set to be non-movable in the virtual space. The method of claim 3. In the step of determining as an execution subject of the operation, second attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the user is further acquired, and an operation to be executed is further determined based on the second attribute information and the virtual The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the camera and the target object is determined as an execution subject of the action. In the step of determining as an execution subject of the operation, third attribute information indicating an attribute associated with the operation object is further acquired, and an operation to be executed is further determined based on the third attribute information, and The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a virtual camera and the target object is determined as an execution subject of the operation. An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience in a virtual space to a user, the virtual camera defining the user's field of view in the virtual space, and the virtual so as to be included in the user's field of view Generating virtual space data defining the virtual space including a character object placed in space, a target object placed in the virtual space, and an operation object for operating the target object; and the user Detecting a movement of the body part of the user, moving the operation object in accordance with the detected movement of the body part, and detecting a predetermined operation on the target object by the operation object And when the predetermined operation is detected, the target First attribute information associated with the object is acquired, and based on the first attribute information, a motion to be executed is determined, and at least one of the character object and the target object is determined as an execution subject of the motion. And a step of causing at least one of the character object determined as the execution subject and the target object to execute the action. The program which makes a computer perform the method as described in any one of Claims 1-7. An apparatus comprising: a memory storing the program according to claim 8; and a processor coupled to the memory for executing the program.