JP2020004388A - System, program, method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a system capable of further increasing amusement of virtual experience of a user in a virtual space, a program, a method, and an information processing device.SOLUTION: A system comprises a first computer 1791 and a second computer 200A. The first computer detects a body movement of a performer in a first performance (S2323). The second computer defines a virtual space for providing a user with virtual experience (S2301), arranges an avatar object 1533 associated with the performer in the virtual space (S2311), and causes the avatar object 1533 to implement a second performance corresponding to the first performance according to the body movement of the performer detected by the first computer 1791 (S2313).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

  The present invention relates to a system, a program, a method for executing the program, and an information processing device.

  Patent Literatures 1 to 3 disclose examples of techniques for allowing a user to view content in a virtual space.

JP-A-2017-176728 JP 2018-007828 A JP-A-2006-025633

  The conventional technology has room for enhancing the user's virtual experience in a virtual space.

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to further enhance a user's virtual experience in a virtual space.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a first computer associated with a performer performing a first performance to an audience in a real space and a virtual experience provided to the first user associated with the first user are provided. A second computer is provided. In the system, a first computer detects movement of the performer's body during a first performance. The second computer defines a virtual space for providing a virtual experience to the first user, places a first avatar associated with the performer in the virtual space, and responds to the movement of the performer's body detected by the first computer. , Causing the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer having a processor to provide a virtual experience to a user. The program includes, on a processor, defining a virtual space for providing a virtual experience to a user, and arranging a first avatar in the virtual space associated with a performer performing a first performance for an audience in a real space. And receiving the first information relating to the movement of the performer in the first performance, and causing the first avatar to execute the second performance corresponding to the first performance according to the first information. Let it run.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in order to provide a virtual experience to a spectator watching the performer's first performance in the real space, a processor and a display unit for displaying the real space are provided. A program executed by a terminal device is provided. The program receiving, by the processor, third information on a third operation performed by a third avatar watching a second performance corresponding to the first performance in the virtual space by the first avatar associated with the performer. And displaying the first image corresponding to the third information on the display unit together with the physical space.

  According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the user in the virtual space in the virtual experience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an HMD system according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of expressing a virtual space according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a head of a user wearing the HMD according to an embodiment, from above. It is a figure showing the YZ section which looked at the visibility field from the X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ section which looked at the field of view from the Y direction in virtual space. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of each of yaw, roll, and pitch directions defined for a right hand of a user according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating a part of a process executed in the HMD set according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where each HMD provides a virtual space to a user in a network. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a view image of a user 5A in FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a process executed in the HMD system according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space and a view image according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing a live in real space according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring dimension data according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of position information according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of dimension data according to an embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for obtaining dimension data according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a rotation direction according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a part of a process executed in the system according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a posture of a performer concerning one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space and a view image according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing a live in real space according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space and a view image according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space and a view image according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the module of the smart phone according to one Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a part of a process executed in the system according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing a live in real space according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space and a view image according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing a live in real space according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an AR glass according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing a live in real space according to an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical idea will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure, elements included in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the combined result forms a part of the embodiments described in the present disclosure.

[Configuration of HMD system]
A configuration of an HMD (Head-Mounted Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. The HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 includes a server 600, HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, an external device 700, and a network 2. Each of the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D is configured to be able to communicate with the server 600 and the external device 700 via the network 2. Hereinafter, the HMD sets 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D are collectively referred to as an HMD set 110. The number of the HMD sets 110 configuring the HMD system 100 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. The HMD set 110 includes an HMD 120, a computer 200, an HMD sensor 410, a display 430, and a controller 300. The HMD 120 includes a monitor 130, a gaze sensor 140, a first camera 150, a second camera 160, a microphone 170, and a speaker 180. Controller 300 may include a motion sensor 420.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 is connectable to the Internet and other networks 2 and can communicate with the server 600 and other computers connected to the network 2. As other computers, for example, a computer of another HMD set 110 and an external device 700 can be mentioned. In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include the sensor 190 instead of the HMD sensor 410.

  The HMD 120 may be worn on the head of the user 5 and provide a virtual space to the user 5 during operation. More specifically, HMD 120 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on monitor 130, respectively. When each eye of the user 5 visually recognizes each image, the user 5 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes. The HMD 120 may include any of a so-called head-mounted display having a monitor and a head-mounted device to which a smartphone or other terminal having a monitor can be attached.

  The monitor 130 is realized, for example, as a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 130 is arranged on the main body of the HMD 120 so as to be located in front of both eyes of the user 5. Therefore, when the user 5 visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 130, the user 5 can immerse in the virtual space. In one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user 5, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 5. In one aspect, the monitor 130 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor included in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In another aspect, monitor 130 may be implemented as a transmissive display. In this case, the HMD 120 may be an open type such as a glasses type instead of a closed type covering the eyes of the user 5 as shown in FIG. The transmissive monitor 130 may be temporarily configurable as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting its transmittance. The monitor 130 may include a configuration that simultaneously displays a part of an image forming the virtual space and the real space. For example, the monitor 130 may display an image of the real space taken by a camera mounted on the HMD 120, or may make the real space visible by setting a high transmittance for a part.

  In one aspect, monitor 130 may include a sub-monitor for displaying a right-eye image and a sub-monitor for displaying a left-eye image. In another aspect, the monitor 130 may be configured to display the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye integrally. In this case, the monitor 130 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 alternately displayed so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

  In one aspect, the HMD 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 light. The HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD 120. More specifically, HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted from HMD 120, and detects the position and inclination of HMD 120 in the real space.

  In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the HMD 120 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD 120 may include a sensor 190 as a position detector instead of, or in addition to, the HMD sensor 410. The HMD 120 can use the sensor 190 to detect the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 itself. For example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor, the HMD 120 can detect its own position and inclination by using any of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 410. As an example, when the sensor 190 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around the three axes of the HMD 120 in the real space over time. The HMD 120 calculates a temporal change of an angle around three axes of the HMD 120 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates a tilt of the HMD 120 based on a temporal change of the angle.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects a direction in which the line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5 is directed. That is, the gaze sensor 140 detects the line of sight of the user 5. The detection of the direction of the line of sight 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 sensor for the right eye and a sensor for the left eye. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates infrared rays to the right and left eyes of the user 5 and detects the rotation angle of each eyeball by receiving reflected light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiated light. The gaze sensor 140 can detect the line of sight of the user 5 based on the detected rotation angles.

  The first camera 150 photographs the lower part of the face of the user 5. More specifically, first camera 150 captures the nose and mouth of user 5 and the like. The second camera 160 captures an image of the user 5's eyes and eyebrows. The case of the user 5 of the HMD 120 is defined as the inside of the HMD 120, and the case of the HMD 120 opposite to the user 5 is defined as the outside of the HMD 120. In certain aspects, the first camera 150 may be located outside the HMD 120 and the second camera 160 may be located inside the HMD 120. The images generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 are input to the computer 200. In another aspect, the first camera 150 and the second camera 160 may be realized as one camera, and the face of the user 5 may be photographed by the one camera.

  The microphone 170 converts the utterance of the user 5 into an audio signal (electric signal) and outputs it to the computer 200. The speaker 180 converts the audio signal into audio and outputs it to the user 5. In another aspect, HMD 120 may include an earphone instead of speaker 180.

  The controller 300 is connected to the computer 200 by wire or wirelessly. Controller 300 accepts an input of a command from user 5 to computer 200. In a certain aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be graspable by the user 5. In another aspect, the controller 300 is configured to be attachable to a part of the body or clothing of the user 5. In still another aspect, the controller 300 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal transmitted from the computer 200. In still another aspect, controller 300 receives an operation from user 5 for controlling the position and movement of an object placed in the virtual space.

  In one aspect, controller 300 includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED that emits infrared light. The HMD sensor 410 has a position tracking function. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted by the controller 300 and detects the position and the inclination of the controller 300 in the real space. In another aspect, the HMD sensor 410 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the position and the inclination of the controller 300 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the controller 300 output from the camera.

  In a certain situation, the motion sensor 420 is attached to the hand of the user 5 and detects the movement of the hand of the user 5. For example, the motion sensor 420 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 420 is provided in the controller 300, for example. In one aspect, the motion sensor 420 is provided in, for example, the controller 300 configured to be grippable by the user 5. In another aspect, for safety in the real space, the controller 300 is mounted on a glove-shaped object that does not easily fly by being mounted on the hand of the user 5. In still another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 5 may detect the hand movement of the user 5. For example, a signal of a camera that captures the user 5 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal indicating the operation of the user 5. The motion sensor 420 and the computer 200 are wirelessly connected to each other, for example. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or another known communication method is used.

  The display 430 displays an image similar to the image displayed on the monitor 130. This allows a user other than the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 to view the same image as the user 5. The image displayed on the display 430 need not be a three-dimensional image, but may be a right-eye image or a left-eye image. Examples of the display 430 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL monitor.

  The server 600 can transmit a program to the computer 200. In another aspect, server 600 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD 120 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 the operation of each user with another computer 200 via the server 600, and transmits a plurality of signals in the same virtual space. Of users can enjoy a common game. Each computer 200 may communicate a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200 without passing through the server 600.

  The external device 700 may be any device that can communicate with the computer 200. The external device 700 may be, for example, a device capable of communicating with the computer 200 via the network 2 or a device capable of directly communicating with the computer 200 through short-range wireless communication or wired connection. Examples of the external device 700 include, but are not limited to, a smart device, a PC (Personal Computer), and peripheral devices of the computer 200.

[Computer hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 2, a computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of computer 200 according to the present embodiment. The computer 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a storage 230, an input / output interface 240, and a communication interface 250 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 260.

  Processor 210 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in memory 220 or storage 230 based on a signal provided to computer 200 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 210 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or another device.

  The memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 230, for example. The data includes data input to computer 200 and data generated by processor 210. In one aspect, the memory 220 is realized as a random access memory (RAM) or another volatile memory.

  The storage 230 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 230 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 230 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 230 includes data for defining a virtual space, objects, and the like.

  In another aspect, the storage 230 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using programs and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 230 built in the computer 200. According to such a configuration, for example, in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 240 communicates signals between the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410, the motion sensor 420, and the display 430. The monitor 130, the gaze sensor 140, the first camera 150, the second camera 160, the microphone 170, and the speaker 180 included in the HMD 120 can communicate with the computer 200 via the input / output interface 240 of the HMD 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 240 is implemented using a USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminal. The input / output interface 240 is not limited to the above.

  In certain aspects, input / output interface 240 may further communicate with controller 300. For example, the input / output interface 240 receives signals output from the controller 300 and the motion sensor 420. In another aspect, the input / output interface 240 sends the instruction output from the processor 210 to the controller 300. The command instructs the controller 300 to perform vibration, sound output, light emission, and the like. Upon receiving the command, the controller 300 executes any of vibration, sound output, and light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 250 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with another computer (for example, the server 600) connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 250 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) 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 250 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 accesses the storage 230, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 230 into the memory 220, 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 executable in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 210 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 120 via the input / output interface 240. HMD 120 displays an image on monitor 130 based on the signal.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the configuration in which the computer 200 is provided outside the HMD 120 is illustrated. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 120. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 130 may function as the computer 200.

  The computer 200 may have a configuration commonly used by a plurality of HMDs 120. 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 another user in the same virtual space.

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

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 410 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 120, the presence of the HMD 120 is detected. The HMD sensor 410 further detects the position and the inclination (direction) of the HMD 120 in the real space according to the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the real coordinate system). I do. More specifically, the HMD sensor 410 can detect a temporal change in the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 using each value detected over time.

  Each inclination of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 corresponds to each inclination around three axes of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 120 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 views an object in a 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 120 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 410 detects the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system when the HMD 120 starts. The processor 210 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 120 based on the detected value.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the HMD 120 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered on the head (origin) of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. More specifically, the HMD 120 adjusts the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) defining the real coordinate system by tilts around the respective axes of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system. Three directions newly obtained by tilting around the axes are set as a pitch axis (u axis), a yaw axis (v axis), and a roll axis (w axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120.

  In a certain situation, when the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 is standing upright and viewing the front, the processor 210 sets the uvw view coordinate system parallel to the real coordinate system to the HMD 120. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), the vertical direction (y-axis), and the front-rear direction (z-axis) in the real coordinate system are the pitch axis (u-axis) and the yaw axis (v-axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 120. , And the roll axis (w-axis).

  After the uvw view coordinate system is set to the HMD 120, the HMD sensor 410 can detect the inclination of the HMD 120 in the set uvw view coordinate system based on the movement of the HMD 120. In this case, the HMD sensor 410 detects the pitch angle (θu), the yaw angle (θv), and the roll angle (θw) of the HMD 120 in the uvw visual field coordinate system as the inclination of the HMD 120, respectively. The pitch angle (θu) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the pitch axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the inclination angle of the HMD 120 around the yaw axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) indicates the tilt angle of the HMD 120 about the roll axis in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

  The HMD sensor 410 sets the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 after the HMD 120 has moved to the HMD 120 based on the detected inclination of the HMD 120. The relationship between the HMD 120 and the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 is always constant regardless of the position and the inclination of the HMD 120. When the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 change, the position and the inclination of the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real coordinate system change in conjunction with the change in the position and the inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 410 determines the HMD 120 based on the light intensity of the infrared light 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). May be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 410 in the real space. The processor 210 may determine the origin of the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real 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 11 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 11 has a spherical structure that covers the entire center 12 in the 360-degree direction. FIG. 4 illustrates the upper half celestial sphere of the virtual space 11 in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 11, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as a coordinate value in an XYZ coordinate system which is a global coordinate system defined in the virtual space 11. The computer 200 associates each partial image forming the panoramic image 13 (still image, moving image, or the like) that can be developed in the virtual space 11 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 11.

  In a certain situation, in the virtual space 11, an XYZ coordinate system having the center 12 as the origin is defined. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back 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 real coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the real coordinate system, and The Z axis (front-back direction) is parallel to the z axis of the real coordinate system.

  When the HMD 120 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 120, the virtual camera 14 is arranged at the center 12 of the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the processor 210 displays an image captured by the virtual camera 14 on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120. The virtual camera 14 similarly moves in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD 120 in the real space. Thereby, the change of the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 in the real space can be similarly reproduced in the virtual space 11.

  The uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 14 as in the case of the HMD 120. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120 in the real space (real coordinate system). Therefore, when the tilt of the HMD 120 changes, the tilt of the virtual camera 14 changes accordingly. The virtual camera 14 can also move in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space.

  The processor 210 of the computer 200 defines the view area 15 in the virtual space 11 based on the position and the inclination (reference line of sight 16) of the virtual camera 14. The view area 15 corresponds to an area in the virtual space 11 that the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 visually recognizes. That is, the position of the virtual camera 14 can be said to be the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11.

  The line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is the direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 5 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 120 is equal to the visual point coordinate system when the user 5 visually recognizes the monitor 130. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 14 is linked to the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD 120. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line of sight of the user 5 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line of sight of the user 5 in the uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 14.

[User's eyes]
The determination of the line of sight of the user 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing, from above, the head of user 5 wearing HMD 120 according to an embodiment.

  In a certain situation, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 5. In a certain situation, when the user 5 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 5 is looking far, 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 axis w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll axis 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 as the detection result of the line of sight from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the gazing point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detection values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detection values of the sight lines R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the sight lines R2 and L2 as the gazing point. The computer 200 specifies the line of sight N0 of the user 5 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects, as the line of sight N0, the direction in which the straight line passing through the midpoint of the line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 5 and the gazing point N1. The line of sight N0 is the direction in which the user 5 is actually turning his or her line of sight with both eyes. The line of sight N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 5 is actually pointing the line of sight to the field of view 15.

  In another aspect, the 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 11.

  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 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field 15 viewed in the X direction in the virtual space 11. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field 15 in the virtual space 11 viewed from the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the view area 15 in the YZ section includes an area 18. The area 18 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the YZ section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space as the region 18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visibility region 15 in the XZ section includes a region 19. The region 19 is defined by the position of the virtual camera 14, the reference line of sight 16, and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 11. The processor 210 defines a range including the azimuth β around the reference line of sight 16 in the virtual space 11 as the region 19. The polar angles α and β are determined according to the position of the virtual camera 14 and the inclination (direction) of the virtual camera 14.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 5 with a view in the virtual space 11 by displaying the view image 17 on the monitor 130 based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image 17 is an image corresponding to a portion corresponding to the view area 15 in the panoramic image 13. When the user 5 moves the HMD 120 mounted on the head, the virtual camera 14 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the view area 15 in the virtual space 11 changes. Thereby, the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 is updated to an image of the panoramic image 13 that is superimposed on the view area 15 in the direction in which the user 5 is facing in the virtual space 11. The user 5 can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 11.

  Thus, the inclination of the virtual camera 14 corresponds to the line of sight of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 (the reference line of sight 16), and the position where the virtual camera 14 is arranged corresponds to the viewpoint of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. Therefore, by changing the position or inclination of the virtual camera 14, the image displayed on the monitor 130 is updated, and the field of view of the user 5 is moved.

  While wearing the HMD 120, the user 5 can visually recognize only the panoramic image 13 developed in the virtual space 11 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can provide the user 5 with a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, the processor 210 may move the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 in conjunction with the movement of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 in the real space. In this case, the processor 210 specifies an image area (view area 15) projected on the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 based on the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11.

  In one aspect, virtual camera 14 may include two virtual cameras, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Appropriate parallax is set for the two virtual cameras so that the user 5 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 11. In another aspect, the virtual camera 14 may be realized by one virtual camera. In this case, a right-eye image and a left-eye image may be generated from an image obtained by one virtual camera. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 14 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll axis (w) generated by combining the roll axes of the two virtual cameras is adapted to the roll axis (w) of the HMD 120. The technical idea according to the present disclosure will be exemplified as having such a configuration.

[controller]
An example of the controller 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 300 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 300 may include a right controller 300R and a left controller (not shown). The right controller 300R is operated by the right hand of the user 5. The left controller is operated by the left hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 5 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 300R and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 300 may be an integrated controller that receives an operation of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 300R will be described.

  The right controller 300R includes a grip 310, a frame 320, and a top surface 330. The grip 310 is configured to be gripped by the right hand of the user 5. For example, the grip 310 can be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 5 and three fingers (a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger).

  The grip 310 includes buttons 340 and 350 and a motion sensor 420. The button 340 is arranged on the side surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation by the middle finger of the right hand. The button 350 is arranged on the front surface of the grip 310 and receives an operation by the right index finger. In one aspect, buttons 340, 350 are configured as trigger-type buttons. The motion sensor 420 is built in the housing of the grip 310. If the movement of the user 5 can be detected from around the user 5 by a camera or other devices, the grip 310 may not include the motion sensor 420.

  The frame 320 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 360 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 360 emits infrared light during the execution of the program using the controller 300 in accordance with the progress of the program. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 360 can be used to detect the positions and postures (inclination, direction) of the right controller 300R and the left controller. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the infrared LEDs 360 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. Single or three or more arrays may be used.

  The top surface 330 includes buttons 370 and 380 and an analog stick 390. Buttons 370 and 380 are configured as push buttons. Buttons 370 and 380 accept an operation by the thumb of the right hand of user 5. In a certain situation, analog stick 390 receives 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 11.

  In one aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller include batteries for driving the infrared LED 360 and other components. Batteries include, but are not limited to, rechargeable, button type, dry cell type, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 300R and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 300R and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in states (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand of the user 5. When the user 5 extends the thumb and the 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 axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

[Server hardware configuration]
Referring to FIG. 9, server 600 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of server 600 according to an embodiment. The server 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage 630, an input / output interface 640, and a communication interface 650 as main components. Each component is connected to the bus 660.

  Processor 610 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in memory 620 or storage 630, based on a signal provided to server 600 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, processor 610 is implemented as a CPU, GPU, MPU, FPGA, or other device.

  The memory 620 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 630, for example. The data includes data input to server 600 and data generated by processor 610. In one aspect, memory 620 is implemented as a RAM or other volatile memory.

  The storage 630 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 630 is realized, for example, as a ROM, a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 630 may include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with the computer 200. The data stored in the storage 630 may include data and objects for defining a virtual space.

  In another aspect, the storage 630 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still another aspect, a configuration using programs and data stored in an external storage device may be used instead of the storage 630 built in the server 600. According to such a configuration, for example, in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  The input / output interface 640 communicates signals with input / output devices. In one aspect, the input / output interface 640 is implemented using USB, DVI, HDMI, and other terminals. The input / output interface 640 is not limited to the above.

  The communication interface 650 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the computer 200 connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 650 is implemented, for example, as a LAN or other wired communication interface, or as a WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or other wireless communication interface. The communication interface 650 is not limited to the above.

  In an aspect, the processor 610 accesses the storage 630, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 630 into the memory 620, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the server 600, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software executable in the virtual space, and the like. The processor 610 may send a signal for providing a virtual space to the computer 200 via the input / output interface 640.

[Control device of HMD]
The control device of the HMD 120 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 200 includes a control module 510, a rendering module 520, a memory module 530, and a communication control module 540. In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 are implemented by the processor 210. In another aspect, multiple processors 210 may operate as control module 510 and rendering module 520. The memory module 530 is realized by the memory 220 or the storage 230. The communication control module 540 is realized by the communication interface 250.

  The control module 510 controls the virtual space 11 provided to the user 5. The control module 510 defines the virtual space 11 in the HMD system 100 using virtual space data representing the virtual space 11. The virtual space data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate virtual space data or acquire virtual space data from the server 600 or the like.

  The control module 510 arranges an object in the virtual space 11 using object data representing the object. The object data is stored in the memory module 530, for example. The control module 510 may generate object data or obtain object data from the server 600 or the like. The objects are, for example, an avatar object, a character object, an operation object such as a virtual hand operated by the controller 300, a landscape including a forest, a mountain, and the like arranged in accordance with the progress of the game story, a cityscape, and an animal. Etc. may be included.

  The control module 510 places an avatar object of the user 5 of another computer 200 connected via the network 2 in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, control module 510 places an avatar object of user 5 in virtual space 11. In one aspect, control module 510 arranges an avatar object imitating user 5 in virtual space 11 based on an image including user 5. In another aspect, the control module 510 arranges, in the virtual space 11, an avatar object that has been selected by the user 5 from a plurality of types of avatar objects (for example, an object imitating an animal or an object of a deformed person). I do.

  The control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the HMD sensor 410. In another aspect, the control module 510 specifies the inclination of the HMD 120 based on the output of the sensor 190 functioning as a motion sensor. The control module 510 detects an organ (for example, mouth, eyes, and eyebrows) constituting the face of the user 5 from the image of the face of the user 5 generated by the first camera 150 and the second camera 160. The control module 510 detects the detected movement (shape) of each organ.

  Control module 510 detects a line of sight of user 5 in virtual space 11 based on a signal from gaze sensor 140. The control module 510 detects a viewpoint position (coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system) where the detected line of sight of the user 5 and the celestial sphere in the virtual space 11 intersect. More specifically, control module 510 detects a viewpoint position based on the line of sight of user 5 defined in the uvw coordinate system, and the position and inclination of virtual camera 14. The control module 510 transmits the detected viewpoint position to the server 600. In another aspect, the control module 510 may be configured to transmit gaze information representing the gaze of the user 5 to the server 600. In such a case, the viewpoint position can be calculated based on the line-of-sight information received by the server 600.

  The control module 510 reflects the movement of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 on the avatar object. For example, the control module 510 detects that the HMD 120 is tilted, and arranges the avatar object with the tilt. The control module 510 reflects the detected movement of the facial organ on the face of the avatar object arranged in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 receives the line-of-sight information of the other user 5 from the server 600 and reflects the line-of-sight information of the other user 5 on the line of sight of the avatar object. In one aspect, the control module 510 reflects the movement of the controller 300 on the avatar object and the operation object. In this case, the controller 300 includes a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, infrared LEDs) for detecting the movement of the controller 300.

  The control module 510 arranges an operation object for receiving an operation of the user 5 in the virtual space 11 in the virtual space 11. The user 5 operates, for example, an object arranged in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object that is a virtual hand corresponding to the hand of the user 5. In one aspect, the control module 510 moves the hand object in the virtual space 11 based on the output of the motion sensor 420 so as to interlock with the movement of the hand of the user 5 in the real space. In one aspect, the operation object may correspond to the hand of the avatar object.

  When each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 11 collides with another object, the control module 510 detects the collision. The control module 510 can detect, for example, a timing at which a collision area of a certain object touches a collision area of another object, and when the detection is performed, performs a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect a timing at which the object leaves the state where the object is in contact with the object, and when the detection is performed, performs a predetermined process. The control module 510 can detect that the objects are touching each other. For example, when an operation object touches another object, the control module 510 detects that the operation object has touched another object, and performs a predetermined process.

  In one aspect, control module 510 controls image display on monitor 130 of HMD 120. For example, the control module 510 arranges the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The control module 510 controls the position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the tilt (direction) of the virtual camera 14. The control module 510 defines the view area 15 according to the inclination of the head of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 and the position of the virtual camera 14. The rendering module 520 generates the view image 17 displayed on the monitor 130 based on the determined view area 15. The view image 17 generated by the rendering module 520 is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  When detecting an utterance using the microphone 170 of the user 5 from the HMD 120, the control module 510 specifies the computer 200 to which the audio data corresponding to the utterance is transmitted. The audio data is transmitted to the computer 200 specified by the control module 510. When receiving voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 2, the control module 510 outputs a voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 180.

  The memory module 530 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 11 to the user 5. In one aspect, the memory module 530 holds space information, object information, and user information.

  The space information holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 11.

  The object information includes a plurality of panoramic images 13 constituting the virtual space 11 and object data for arranging the objects in the virtual space 11. The panoramic image 13 may include a still image and a moving image. The panoramic image 13 may include an image of a non-real space and an image of a real space. Examples of the image of the unreal space include an image generated by computer graphics.

  The user information holds a user ID for identifying the user 5. The user ID may be, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address set in the computer 200 used by the user. In another aspect, the user ID can be set by the user. The user information includes a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, and the like.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 530 are input by the user 5 of the HMD 120. Alternatively, the processor 210 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 600) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 530.

  The communication control module 540 can communicate with the server 600 and other information communication devices via the network 2.

  In one aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 may be implemented using, for example, Unity® provided by Unity Technologies. In another aspect, the control module 510 and the rendering module 520 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each processing.

  The processing in the computer 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 210. Such software may be stored in the hard disk or other memory module 530 in advance. The software may be stored on a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or another network. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reading device, or downloaded from the server 600 or other computer via the communication control module 540, and then temporarily stored in the storage module. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 210 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 210 executes the program.

[Control structure of HMD system]
The control structure of the HMD set 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD set 110 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in step S1110, the processor 210 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space data as the control module 510 and defines the virtual space 11.

  In step S1120, the processor 210 initializes the virtual camera 14. For example, the processor 210 arranges the virtual camera 14 at a predetermined center 12 in the virtual space 11 in the work area of the memory, and turns the line of sight of the virtual camera 14 in the direction in which the user 5 is facing.

  In step S1130, the processor 210, as the rendering module 520, generates view image data for displaying an initial view image. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1132, the monitor 130 of the HMD 120 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 5 wearing the HMD 120 can recognize the virtual space 11 when viewing the view image.

  In step S1134, the HMD sensor 410 detects the position and the inclination of the HMD 120 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD 120. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1140, the processor 210 specifies the view direction of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120 based on the position and the inclination included in the motion detection data of the HMD 120.

  In step S1150, the processor 210 executes the application program and arranges an object in the virtual space 11 based on a command included in the application program.

  In step S1160, controller 300 detects an operation of user 5 based on a signal output from motion sensor 420, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 300 by the user 5 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 5.

  In step S1170, processor 210 detects an operation of controller 300 by user 5 based on the detection data obtained from controller 300.

  In step S1180, processor 210 generates view image data based on operation of controller 300 by user 5. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 120 by the communication control module 540.

  In step S1190, the HMD 120 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 130.

[Avatar object]
An avatar object according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, an avatar object of each user 5 of the HMD sets 110A and 110B will be described. Hereinafter, the user of the HMD set 110A is referred to as a user 5A, the user of the HMD set 110B is referred to as a user 5B, the user of the HMD set 110C is referred to as a user 5C, and the user of the HMD set 110D is referred to as a user 5D. The reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110A is denoted by A, the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110B is denoted by B, and the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110C is denoted by C. D is added to the reference numeral of each component related to 110D. For example, the HMD 120A is included in the HMD set 110A.

  FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where each HMD 120 provides the user 5 with the virtual space 11 in the network 2. The computers 200A to 200D provide the virtual spaces 11A to 11D to the users 5A to 5D via the HMDs 120A to 120D, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B are configured by the same data. In other words, the computer 200A and the computer 200B share the same virtual space. In the virtual space 11A and the virtual space 11B, an avatar object 6A of the user 5A and an avatar object 6B of the user 5B exist. The avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A and the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B are each equipped with the HMD 120, but this is for the sake of simplicity of explanation, and these objects are actually equipped with the HMD 120. Not.

  In an aspect, the processor 210A may arrange the virtual camera 14A that captures the view image 17A of the user 5A at the position of the eyes of the avatar object 6A.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a view image 17A of the user 5A in FIG. The view image 17A is an image displayed on the monitor 130A of the HMD 120A. This view image 17A is an image generated by the virtual camera 14A. The avatar object 6B of the user 5B is displayed in the view image 17A. Although not particularly shown, an avatar object 6A of the user 5A is displayed in the view image of the user 5B in a similar manner.

  In the state shown in FIG. 12B, the user 5A can communicate with the user 5B through the virtual space 11A. More specifically, the voice of the user 5A acquired by the microphone 170A is transmitted to the HMD 120B of the user 5B via the server 600, and output from the speaker 180B provided in the HMD 120B. The voice of the user 5B is transmitted to the HMD 120A of the user 5A via the server 600, and is output from the speaker 180A provided in the HMD 120A.

  The operation of the user 5B (the operation of the HMD 120B and the operation of the controller 300B) is reflected on the avatar object 6B arranged in the virtual space 11A by the processor 210A. Thereby, the user 5A can recognize the action of the user 5B through the avatar object 6B.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing a part of processing executed in HMD system 100 according to the present embodiment. Although the HMD set 110D is not shown in FIG. 13, the HMD set 110D operates similarly to the HMD sets 110A, 110B, and 110C. Also in the following description, A is attached to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110A, B is appended to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110B, and C is added to the reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set 110C. It is assumed that D is added to the reference numeral of each component regarding the HMD set 110D.

  In step S1310A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A. The avatar information includes, for example, information about the avatar such as motion information, face tracking data, and audio data. The motion information includes information indicating a temporal change in the position and the inclination of the HMD 120A, information indicating a hand motion of the user 5A detected by the motion sensor 420A and the like. The face tracking data includes data for specifying the position and size of each part of the face of the user 5A. The face tracking data includes data indicating the movement of each organ constituting the face of the user 5A and line-of-sight data. The audio data includes data indicating the audio of the user 5A acquired by the microphone 170A of the HMD 120A. The avatar information may include information specifying the avatar object 6A or the user 5A associated with the avatar object 6A, information specifying the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists, and the like. The information for specifying the avatar object 6A and the user 5A includes a user ID. As information for specifying the virtual space 11A in which the avatar object 6A exists, a room ID is given. The processor 210A transmits the avatar information acquired as described above to the server 600 via the network 2.

  In step S1310B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11B, and transmits the avatar information to the server 600, as in the process in step S1310A. Similarly, in step S1310C, the processor 210C in the HMD set 110C acquires avatar information for determining the operation of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11C, and transmits the avatar information to the server 600.

  In step S1320, server 600 temporarily stores player information received from each of HMD set 110A, HMD set 110B, and HMD set 110C. The server 600 integrates the avatar information of all the users (in this example, the users 5A to 5C) associated with the common virtual space 11 based on the user ID and the room ID included in each avatar information. Then, the server 600 transmits the integrated avatar information to all users associated with the virtual space 11 at a predetermined timing. As a result, a synchronization process is performed. By such a synchronization process, the HMD set 110A, the HMD set 110B, and the HMD set 110C can share their avatar information at almost the same timing.

  Subsequently, based on the avatar information transmitted from the server 600 to each of the HMD sets 110A to 110C, each of the HMD sets 110A to 110C executes the processing of steps S1330A to S1330C. The processing in step S1330A corresponds to the processing in step S1180 in FIG.

  In step S1330A, the processor 210A in the HMD set 110A updates information on the avatar objects 6B and 6C of the other users 5B and 5C in the virtual space 11A. Specifically, the processor 210A updates the position and the orientation of the avatar object 6B in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110B. For example, the processor 210A updates information (position, orientation, and the like) of the avatar object 6B included in the object information stored in the memory module 530. Similarly, the processor 210A updates information (position, orientation, and the like) of the avatar object 6C in the virtual space 11 based on the motion information included in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set 110C.

  In step S1330B, the processor 210B in the HMD set 110B updates the information of the avatar objects 6A, 6C of the users 5A, 5C in the virtual space 11B, similarly to the processing in step S1330A. Similarly, in step S1330C, the processor 210C in the HMD set 110C updates information on the avatar objects 6A and 6B of the users 5A and 5B in the virtual space 11C.

[Detailed configuration of module]
The details of the module configuration of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a module of computer 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the control module 510 includes a virtual object generation module 1421, a virtual camera control module 1422, an operation object control module 1423, an avatar object control module 1424, a motion detection module 1425, and a virtual object control module 1426. I have.

  The virtual object generation module 1421 generates various virtual objects in the virtual space 11. In one aspect, the virtual objects may include, for example, landscapes, animals, and the like, including forests, mountains, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story. In one aspect, the virtual object may include an avatar object, an operation object, a stage object, and a UI (User Interface) object.

  The virtual camera control module 1422 controls the behavior of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11. The virtual camera control module 1422 controls, for example, the arrangement position of the virtual camera 14 in the virtual space 11 and the direction (tilt) of the virtual camera 14.

  The operation object control module 1423 controls an operation object for receiving an operation of the user 5 in the virtual space 11. The user 5 operates, for example, a virtual object arranged in the virtual space 11 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object may include, for example, a hand object (virtual hand) corresponding to the hand of the user 5 wearing the HMD 120. In one aspect, the operation object may correspond to a hand part of an avatar object described later.

  The avatar object control module 1424 reflects the movement of the HMD 120 detected by the HMD sensor 410 on the avatar object. For example, the avatar object control module 1424 detects that the HMD 120 is tilted, and generates data for tilting and arranging the avatar object. In one aspect, the avatar object control module 1424 reflects the movement of the controller 300 on the avatar object. In this case, the controller 300 includes a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, infrared LEDs) for detecting the movement of the controller 300. The avatar object control module 1424 reflects the motion of the face organ detected by the motion detection module 1425 on the face of the avatar object arranged in the virtual space 11. That is, the avatar object control module 1424 reflects the motion of the face of the user 5 on the avatar object.

  The motion detection module 1425 detects a motion of the user 5. The motion detection module 1425 detects a motion of the hand of the user 5 according to an output of the controller 300, for example. The motion detection module 1425 detects a motion of the body of the user 5 according to, for example, an output of a motion sensor worn on the body of the user 5. The motion detection module 1425 can also detect the motion of the facial organ of the user 5.

  The virtual object control module 1426 controls the behavior of virtual objects other than the avatar object in the virtual space 11. As an example, the virtual object control module 1426 deforms a virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 1426 changes the arrangement position of the virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 1426 moves a virtual object.

[Audience virtual space]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the virtual space 11A and the view image 1517A according to an embodiment. In FIG. 15A, avatar objects 6A to 6C, virtual camera 14A, stage object 1532, avatar object 1533 (first avatar) are provided in virtual space 11A for providing a virtual experience to user 5A (first user). At least an avatar object 1534 (second avatar) and a light object 1541 are arranged. The user 5A wears the HMD 120A on the head. The user 5A holds the right controller 300RA with the right hand that forms part of the right side of the body of the user 5A, and holds the left controller 300LA with the left hand that forms part of the left side of the body of the user 5A. The avatar object 6A is associated with the user 5A. The avatar object 6A (third avatar) includes a virtual right hand 1531RA and a virtual left hand 1531LA. The virtual right hand 1531RA is a type of operation object, and can move in the virtual space 11A in response to the movement of the right hand of the user 5A. The virtual left hand 1531LA is a kind of operation object, and can move in the virtual space 11A according to the movement of the left hand of the user 5A.

  The virtual space 11A shown in FIG. 15A is constructed by playing live content on the computer 200A. In the virtual space 11A, the avatar object 1533 performs a performance as a live performer, and other avatar objects including the avatar object 6A watch the performance as a live viewer. In virtual space 11A, avatar objects 6B and 6C are individually associated with users 5B and 5C, respectively. Although details will be described later, the avatar object 1533 is associated with a performer performing a live performance in a real space (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “performer”). The avatar object 1534 is an avatar object that is not associated with the user 5 and the performer. The avatar object 1534 may perform at least a part of the operation according to a program stored in the computer 200A.

  In the virtual space 11A, the avatar object 1533 is arranged on the stage object 1532. The stage object 1532 has an appearance that imitates a stage in a real live venue. The avatar objects 6A, 6B, and 6C, and the avatar object 1534 are all arranged before the stage object 1532. In the virtual space 11A, the avatar object 1533 performs a live performance by moving according to the movement of the performer. In other words, the avatar object 1533 executes a performance (second performance) corresponding to the performance (first performance) performed by the performer in the real space in the virtual space 11A. In the virtual space 11A, the avatar object 6A watches the second performance by the avatar object 1533. At this time, in the virtual space 11B provided to the user 5B, the avatar object 6B (fourth avatar) views the second performance executed by the avatar object 1533. Similarly, in the virtual space 11C provided to the user 5C, the avatar object 6C (fourth avatar) watches the second performance executed by the avatar object 6C. Therefore, it can be said that users 5A, 5B, and 5C are viewers.

  In FIG. 15A, a light object 1541 is an object imitating a rod-shaped lighting fixture such as a chemical light, and is arranged while being held by the avatar objects 6A to 6C and the virtual right hand 1531R of the avatar object 1534. You. The light objects 1541 held by the avatar objects 6A to 6C move according to the movements of the virtual right hands 1531RA to 1531RC, respectively. That is, the users 5A to 5C can obtain a virtual experience of moving (shaking) the light object 1541 by moving their right hands.

  In FIG. 15A, the virtual camera 14A is arranged on the head of the avatar object 6A. The virtual camera 14A defines a view area 15A according to the position and orientation of the virtual camera 14A. The virtual camera 14A generates a view image 1517A corresponding to the view area 15A and causes the HMD 120A to display the view image 1517A as illustrated in FIG. The user 5A visually recognizes a part of the virtual space from the viewpoint of the avatar object 6A by visually recognizing the view image 1517A. Thereby, the user 5A can obtain a virtual experience as if the user 5A is the avatar object 6A. The sight image 1517A includes an avatar object 1533 that executes the second performance. Therefore, the user 5A can view the second performance by the avatar object 1533 from the viewpoint of the avatar object 6A.

  A plurality of different avatar objects 1533 can be arranged in the virtual space 11A. In one aspect, different actors are associated with the plurality of avatar objects 1533, respectively. In another aspect, the same performer is associated with a plurality of avatar objects 1533.

[Live in real space]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a live in a real space according to an embodiment. In FIG. 16, the performer 1635 performs a performance (first performance) for the audience 1636 in a live in the real space. The performer 1635 wears motion sensors 1651 to 1653 and 1655. The motion sensor 1651 is attached to the waist of the performer 1635 by a belt 1654. The motion sensor 1652 is mounted on the instep of the right leg of the performer 1635. The motion sensor 1653 is mounted on the instep of the left leg of the performer 1635. The motion sensor 1655 is mounted on the head of the performer 1635 by a belt 1656. Note that, in FIG. 16, the motion sensor 1655 and the belt 1656 are hidden by the hair of the performer 1635, and thus the motion sensor 1655 and the belt 1656 are indicated by dotted lines.

  The actor 1635 further holds the right controller 300RB with the right hand (first part) constituting a part of the right side of the body of the actor 1635, and the left hand (second part) constituting a part of the left side of the body of the actor 1635. Grips the left controller 300LB. The performer 1635 further wears a microphone 1657. Microphone 1657 converts voice (for example, singing voice) emitted by performer 1635 into a voice signal (electric signal) and outputs it to computer 1791 (first computer, not shown in FIG. 16). The audio signal output to the computer 1791 is converted into audio by, for example, a speaker (not shown) and output. Thereby, the sound of the performer 1635 is output to the live venue in the real space, and the audience 1636 can listen to the sound.

  In one aspect, a motion sensor attached to the performer 1635 detects the arrival time and angle of a signal (for example, an infrared laser) emitted from the base station 1659. The processor of the computer 1791 detects the position of the motion sensor with respect to the base station 1659 based on the detection result of the motion sensor. The processor may further normalize the position of the motion sensor with respect to the base station 1659 on the basis of a predetermined point (for example, the position of the motion sensor 1655 mounted on the head). The processor detects the movement of the performer 1635 based on the detected position of the motion sensor.

  Specifically, the processor detects the positions of the head, the waist, both hands, and both feet of the performer 1635. Hereinafter, the position of the part of the performer 1635 detected by each motion sensor is also referred to as “position information”. The processor calculates the rotation direction of the joint of the performer 1635 based on the current position information of the performer 1635 and the dimension data of the performer 1635 acquired in advance. The dimension data is data representing the dimensions of the body of the performer 1635. The dimension data and the rotation direction will be described later. Detecting the current position information and calculating the rotation direction are synonymous with detecting the movement of the performer 1635.

  The processor generates information including the current position information and the rotation direction, that is, information on the detected motion (hereinafter, referred to as “first motion information”), and transmits the information to the computer 200 via the server 600. The processor 210 executes a performance in which an avatar object 1533 arranged in the virtual space 11 for providing the user 5 with a virtual experience reflects the movement of the performer 1635 in a real space live according to the first motion information. Let it. The first motion information may include an audio signal output to the computer 1791 via the microphone 1657. Accordingly, the processor 210 can cause the avatar object 1533 to output the sound uttered by the performer 1635. The user 5 can watch the second performance performed by the avatar object 1533 corresponding to the first performance performed by the performer 1635 in the live of the real space. In this way, the performer 1635 also has a role as a distributor that distributes the live by the avatar object 1533 to the users 5A, 5B, and 5C.

  The first motion information may be any information that can cause the avatar object 1533 to execute the second performance in the virtual space 11, and is not limited to information including current position information and rotation direction. The first motion information may be, for example, information that does not include the rotation direction. In this case, the processor 210 of the computer 200 determines, for example, each of the avatar objects 1533 corresponding to each part of the performer 1635 so as to correspond to the position of each part constituting the body of the performer 1635 included in the received motion information. Controls the position of the part object.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the spectator 1636 holds a chemical light 1658 (first terminal device). In the present embodiment, the chemical light 1658 includes a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) that detects the movement of the chemical light 1658. That is, the sensor can detect an operation (first operation) in which the audience 1636 shakes the chemical light 1658. Information indicating that the sensor has detected movement (hereinafter, referred to as “second movement information”) is transmitted to the server 600 via the gateway 1793 (not shown in FIG. 16). The second motion information may be, for example, information for identifying the chemical light 1658 (ID of the chemical light 1658). Note that the sensor provided for the chemical light 1658 may be any sensor that can detect whether or not the chemical light 1658 has been shaken, and is not limited to an acceleration sensor. In addition, the object held by the audience 1636 may be provided with a sensor that detects the first motion, and is not limited to a chemical light. For example, it may be a rod-shaped lighting device such as a light stick or a pen light that is different from a chemical light. Alternatively, it may be different from lighting equipment such as a fan or towel. It is preferable that the object held by the audience 1636 be used for raising the live performance.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it is preferable that the avatar object 1533 associated with the performer 1635 is an avatar object very similar to the performer 1635. In other words, the avatar object 1533 is preferably a highly accurate 3D model of the performer 1635. Thereby, it is possible to give the user 5 who watches the live in the virtual space 11 a virtual experience as if he / she were watching the live of the performer 1635.

[System configuration]
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a system 1700 according to an embodiment. The system 1700 is provided as, for example, a business system.

  The system 1700 includes a server 600, computers 200A (second computers), 200B and 200C, a computer 1791, a smartphone 1792 (second terminal device), a gateway 1793, an external device 700, and the network 2. Although FIG. 17 does not show a device connected indirectly to the network 2 by being connected to each device shown in FIG. 17 in a wired or wireless manner, the system 1700 also includes such a device. Including. Examples of such a device include devices provided in the HMD set 110 such as the HMD 120 worn by the user 5, a motion sensor worn by a performer, a base station 1659, a chemical light 1658, and the like.

  The computers 200A, 200B, and 200C are computers provided in the HMD sets 110A, 110B, and 110C, respectively. Since HMD set 110 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, description thereof will not be repeated here. Since the external device 700 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, the description will not be repeated here.

  Computer 1791 is a computer associated with performer 1635. The computer 1791 controls the base station 1659 to emit a signal to the motion sensor. Further, the computer 1791 generates first motion information based on the detection result obtained from the motion sensor, and transmits the first motion information to the server 600.

  The smartphone 1792 is a smartphone associated with the audience 1636. The details of the smartphone 1792 will be described later.

  The gateway 1793 is a relay device that receives the second motion information detected by the chemical light 1658 and transmits the second motion information to the server 600.

  The server 600 receives the first motion information from the computer 1791 and the second motion information from the gateway 1793, in addition to the functions described with reference to FIG.

[Acquisition of dimension data]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring dimension data. FIG. 18A shows a state in which the performer 1635 faces the front, spreads both hands horizontally, and stands up. Hereinafter, the state illustrated in FIG. 18A is also referred to as a first posture. FIG. 18B shows a state in which the performer 1635 faces the front, lowers both hands on the side of the thigh, and stands up. Hereinafter, the state illustrated in FIG. 18B is also referred to as a second posture.

  In some aspects, the processor of the computer 1791 prompts the actor 1635 to assume a first posture and a second posture. As an example, the processor outputs a sound to take the first posture and the second posture from a speaker (not shown).

  In each of the two postures (the first posture and the second posture), the processor acquires the position information of the head, the waist, both hands, and both feet of the performer 1635 based on the output of the motion sensor attached to the performer 1635. These pieces of position information can be acquired as positions in a real coordinate system (x, y, z) as shown in FIG.

  The processor calculates the dimension data of the performer 1635 from the position information corresponding to the two postures. In one embodiment, the processor calculates the height, shoulder width, arm length, leg length, and head-to-shoulder height of the performer 1635 as dimensional data, as shown in FIG. The processor may calculate the distance between both hands in the second posture as the shoulder width. The processor may calculate half of the value obtained by subtracting the shoulder width from the distance between both hands in the first posture as the arm length. The processor may calculate the distance from the height of the feet to the height of the head as the height. The processor may calculate the distance from the height of the foot to the height of the waist as the length of the foot. The processor may calculate the height from the hand to the head in the first posture as the height from the head to the shoulder.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process for acquiring dimension data. In step S2110, the processor instructs the performer 1635 to be in the first posture. For example, the processor implements the process of step S2110 by outputting the instruction as a sound from a speaker. In step S2120, the processor acquires position information corresponding to the first posture.

  In step S2130, the processor instructs the performer 1635 to be in the second posture. In step S2140, the processor acquires position information corresponding to the second posture.

  In step S2150, the processor calculates the dimension data of the performer 1635 from the position information corresponding to the first posture and the position information corresponding to the second posture. The processor stores the dimension data in the storage of the computer 1791.

  As described above, the performer 1635 can easily input his or her own dimensions into the computer 1791 simply by taking two postures. In another aspect, performer 1635 may input his or her own dimensions into computer 1791 using an input device such as a keyboard.

[Rotation direction of joint]
In one embodiment, the processor of the computer 1791 estimates the rotation direction of the joint of the performer 1635 based on the outputs (position information) of the six motion sensors mounted on the performer 1635 and the dimension data. As an example, the processor estimates the position of the shoulder based on the position information of the head, the width of the shoulder, and the height from the head to the shoulder. The processor estimates the position of the elbow from the position of the shoulder and the position information of the hand. This estimation can be performed by a known application using Inverse Kinematics.

  In one embodiment, the processor obtains the tilt (rotation direction) of the joints of the performer 1635's neck (head), waist, both wrists, and both ankles from the six motion sensors. In addition, the processor estimates the rotational directions of the joints of both shoulders, both elbows, both legs (base of foot), and both knees based on inverse kinematics. As shown in FIG. 22, the processor acquires or estimates the rotation direction of each joint in the uvw view coordinate system.

  When the rotation direction is calculated based on the position information and the dimension data, the processor determines that the shoulder when the performer 1635 is not facing the front (that is, when the head and the waist face different directions). Cannot be accurately estimated. Therefore, in another embodiment, the computer 1791 may estimate the rotation direction of the joint by further considering the inclination of the part of the performer 1635 detected by the motion sensor. For example, the computer 1791 estimates the position of the shoulder based on the position information of the head, the inclination of the head, the inclination of the waist, the width of the shoulder, and the height from the head to the shoulder. According to this configuration, the computer 1791 can improve the accuracy of the rotational direction of the joint.

[Live View Processing Flow]
FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing a part of a process executed in system 1700 according to an embodiment. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a series of processes on the viewer side for starting live viewing is executed by the HMD set 110A. However, the process may be executed by another HMD set 110B, 110C, or a part or all of the process may be executed by the server 600.

  In step S2301, the processor 210A defines the virtual space 11A. This processing corresponds to the processing in step S1110 in FIG. Specifically, the processor 210A defines the virtual space 11A represented by the virtual space data by specifying the virtual space data. The virtual space 11A is a virtual space in which the avatar object 6A views the live performance of the avatar object 1533. In other words, the virtual space 11A is a virtual space in which performance by the avatar object 1533 is performed.

  In step S2302, the processor 210A generates the virtual camera 14A and arranges it in the virtual space 11A. In step S2303, the processor 210A generates a stage object 1532 and arranges it in the second virtual space 11A. In step S2304, the processor 210A places the avatar object 1534 in the virtual space 11A. As an example, the processor 210A arranges the virtual camera 14A and the avatar object 6A at the same position.

  In step S2305, the processor 210A receives the avatar information of the avatar objects 6B and 6C from the server 600. In step S2306, the processor 210A arranges the avatar objects 6B and 6C in the virtual space 11A based on the received avatar information. The processor 210A further receives avatar information of another avatar object 6, and arranges it in the virtual space 11A. Many avatar objects 6 and many avatar objects 1534 are arranged in the virtual space 11A. However, for convenience of explanation, the avatar objects 6B and 6C and the two avatar objects 1534 are representatively shown in the drawing (such as FIG. 15) showing the virtual space 11. Hereinafter, other avatar objects 6 and other avatar objects 1534 will not be referred to unless otherwise required.

  In step S2307, the processor 210A places the avatar object 6A in the virtual space 11A as the avatar object control module 1424. Although not shown, the processor 210A generates avatar information of the avatar object 6A at an arbitrary timing and transmits the avatar information to the server 600.

  In step 2308, the processor 210A, as the virtual camera control module 1422, determines the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 14A in the virtual space 11A according to the movement of the HMD 120A. More specifically, the processor 210A controls a view area 15A that is a view from the virtual camera 14A in the virtual space 11A according to the posture of the head of the user 5A and the position of the virtual camera 14A in the virtual space 11A. . This processing corresponds to a part of the processing of Step S1140 in FIG. Since the virtual camera 14A is arranged at the same position as the avatar object 6A, the position of the virtual camera 14A is synonymous with the position of the avatar object 6A. Further, the view from the virtual camera 14A is synonymous with the view from the avatar object 6A.

  In step S2309, the processor 210A displays the view image 17A on the monitor 130A. Specifically, the processor 210A defines the view image 17A corresponding to the view area 15A based on the movement of the HMD 120A (that is, the position and tilt of the virtual camera 14A) and the virtual space data defining the virtual space 11A. I do. Defining the view image 17A is synonymous with generating the view image 17A. The processor 210A further causes the HMD 120A to display the view image 17A by outputting the view image 17A to the monitor 130A of the HMD 120A. This processing corresponds to the processing in steps S1180 and S1190 in FIG.

  In step S2321, the processor of the computer 1791 starts receiving a detection result from the motion sensor mounted on the performer 1635. Specifically, when the performer 1635 wearing the motion sensor appears on the stage in the real space, the motion sensor starts detecting the arrival time and angle of the signal emitted from the base station 1659. Accordingly, the computer 1791 starts receiving the detection result from the motion sensor.

  In step S2322, the processor transmits information indicating the start of reception from the motion sensor to the computer 200A via the server 600 in real time. The information may be first motion information generated based on a detection result first received from the motion sensor.

  At step S2310, processor 210A receives information indicating the start of reception from the motion sensor. In step S2311, the processor 210A arranges the avatar object 1533 in the virtual space 11A based on the received information. Specifically, processor 210A places avatar object 1533 on stage object 1532.

(Live start)
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the posture of the performer 1635 according to an embodiment. After the start of the live in the real space, the performer 1635 moves his or her body so as to take the posture shown in FIG. 24, for example. The posture shown in FIG. 24 is a posture when the first performance is executed. In step S2323, the processor of the computer 1791 detects the movement that takes the posture illustrated in FIG. 24, that is, the movement of the first performance. In step S2324, the processor generates first motion information based on the detected motion, and transmits the first motion information to the computer 200A in real time via the server 600.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a virtual space 2511A and a view image 2517A according to an embodiment. Hereafter, as shown in FIG. 25, the two avatar objects 1534 are referred to as an avatar object 1534A and an avatar object 1534B, respectively.

  In step S2312, the processor 210A receives the first motion information of the performer 1635 via the server 600 in real time. In step S2313, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 1533 to execute the second performance based on the received first motion information. Thereby, the processor 210A can cause the avatar object 1533 to execute the second performance corresponding to the first performance of the performer 1635 shown in FIG.

  The processor 210A causes the avatar object 6A to view the second performance by the avatar object 1533 in the virtual space 2511A. The processor 210A displays, for example, a view image 2517A corresponding to the virtual space 2511A shown in FIG. 25A on the monitor 130A as shown in FIG. 25B. By visually recognizing the view image 2517A, the user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 1533 has performed the second performance on the stage object 1532. This allows the user 5A to enjoy the second performance by the avatar object 1533 from the viewpoint of the avatar object 6A.

  As described above, the user 5 of the HMD set 110 can virtually experience the second performance of the avatar object 1533 in the virtual space 2511 reflecting the first performance of the performer 1635 in the live performed in the real space. . In other words, the system 1700 can provide the user 5 with a new option of watching the live in the virtual space 2511 in addition to the conventional options of watching the live locally and watching the live view. Thus, the user 5 can virtually experience the live even in a situation where a ticket for the live cannot be obtained, or the user cannot go to the live venue or the live viewing venue.

[Reflection of information in real space to virtual space]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a live in a real space according to an embodiment. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 26 representatively shows a spectator 1636A and a spectator 1636B among a large number of spectators 1636. In FIG. 26, the description of the base station 1659 is omitted. The same applies to the subsequent figures showing live in the real space.

  During the live in the real space, the audience 1636 shakes the grasped chemical light 1658, for example, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the second motion information indicating that the chemical light 1658 has been shaken is transmitted to the computer 200A via the gateway 1793 and the server 600. The processor 210A executes the first process in the virtual space 11A in response to the second motion information, in other words, the operation of the spectator 1636 shaking the chemical light 1658.

(Example 1 of first processing)
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space 2511A and a view image 2717A according to an embodiment. As an example, the processor 210A moves the avatar object 1534 according to the received second motion information as the first processing. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 27A, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 1534 to swing the light object 1541 in the virtual space 2511A.

  In this example, the processor 210A acquires information for identifying each chemical light 1658 before the start of the live, and stores the information in the storage 230. Further, when placing the avatar object 1534 in the virtual space 2511A, the processor 210A associates each avatar object 1534 with information for identifying each chemical light 1658 stored in the storage 230. Thus, before the start of the live, each avatar object 1534 is associated with the audience 1636 having the chemical light 1658. In other words, the processor 210A places the avatar object 1534 associated with each audience 1636 in the virtual space 2511A.

  When the processor 210A receives the second motion information, that is, the information for identifying the chemical light 1658 based on the spectator 1636 shaking the chemical light 1658, the processor 210A specifies the avatar object 1534 associated with the information. Then, the processor 210A causes the specified avatar object 1534 to swing the light object 1541. In the example of FIG. 26, spectators 1636A and 1636B are waving chemical lights 1658. In the example of FIG. 27, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 1534A to swing the light object 1541 according to the second motion information based on the spectator 1636A swinging the chemical light 1658. Further, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 1534B to swing the light object 1541 according to the second motion information based on the spectator 1636B swinging the chemical light 1658.

  The processor 210A displays, for example, a view image 2717A corresponding to the virtual space 2511A illustrated in FIG. 27A on the monitor 130A as illustrated in FIG. 27B. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 1534 is swinging the light object 1541 by visually recognizing the view image 2717A.

  In this way, by causing the avatar object 1534 to swing the light object 1541 in the virtual space 2511A in response to the spectator 1636 swinging the chemical light 1658 in the real space, This can be reflected in the virtual space 2511A. In other words, the live performed in the virtual space 2511A is excited like the live performed in the real space. As a result, it is possible to create a state as if the live audience 1636 in the real space and the user 5 watching the live in the virtual space 2511 are integrally watching the live.

(Example 2 of first processing)
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space 2511A and a view image 2817A according to an embodiment. As an example, the processor 210A performs an effect according to the number of spectators 1636 who are waving the chemical light 1658 as the first processing.

  Specifically, processor 210A specifies the number of spectators 1636 waving chemical light 1658 by calculating the number of received second motion information. Then, for example, when the specified number is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the processor 210A executes the above-described effect. The processor 210A may, for example, perform a shooting star effect in the virtual space 2511A as shown in FIG. 28A. That is, the processor 210A may arrange the star-shaped object 2842, which is a star-shaped virtual object, in the virtual space 2511A, and further move the star-shaped object 2842.

  The processor 210A displays, for example, a view image 2817A corresponding to the virtual space 2511A shown in FIG. 28A on the monitor 130A as shown in FIG. 28B. By visually recognizing the view image 2817A, the user 5A recognizes that the effect of a shooting star is being performed in the virtual space 2511A.

  As described above, by performing an effect according to the number of spectators 1636 who shake the chemical lights 1658 in the real space in the virtual space 2511A, the lively excitement performed in the real space is reflected in the virtual space 2511A. be able to. When the effect is performed in the virtual space 2511A, the live performed in the virtual space 2511A is excited like the live performed in the real space. As a result, it is possible to create a state as if the live audience 1636 in the real space and the user 5 watching the live in the virtual space 2511 are integrally watching the live.

  The processor 210A may make the effect to be executed more flashy as the number of the received second motion information is larger. For example, in the above-described shooting star effect, the processor 210A may increase the number of star-shaped objects 2842 as the number of the received second motion information increases.

  The server 600 may specify the number of spectators 1636 waving the chemical lights 1658. The server 600 may further determine whether or not the specified number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When server 600 only specifies the number of spectators 1636 waving chemical lights 1658, server 600 transmits the specified number to computer 200A. When the server 600 performs both the specification of the number of spectators 1636 waving the chemical light 1658 and the determination of whether the specified number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the server 600 determines that the specified number is a predetermined number. If it is determined that the value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, it notifies the processor 210A of that.

[Example 1 of reflecting virtual space information to real space]
The system 1700 may include a device that reflects information in the virtual space 11 to the real space. The device provides a virtual experience to an audience 1636 in an Augmented Reality (AR) space, for example. For example, the apparatus may include a display unit that displays a real space, and may display a first image corresponding to information in the virtual space 11 on the display unit together with the real space. Note that “displaying the real space” may be, for example, displaying an image (second image) of the real space, or displaying the real space as it is. Further, “projecting the real space as it is” means, for example, that the user visually recognizes the real space via the transmissive display unit. Hereinafter, as the device, a smartphone 1792 shown in FIG. 17 will be described as an example.
(Smartphone hardware configuration)
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of smartphone 1792 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the smartphone 1792 is a smartphone associated with the audience 1636 (for example, a smartphone owned by the audience 1636). The smartphone 1792 includes, as main components, a processor 2951, a memory 2952, a storage 2953, a touch panel 2954, a display 2955 (display unit), a camera 2956, and a communication interface 2957. Each component is connected to the bus 2958.

  The processor 2951 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 2952 or the storage 2953 based on a signal provided to the smartphone 1792 or based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. In an aspect, the processor 2951 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or another device.

  Memory 2952 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 2953, for example. The data includes data input to smartphone 1792 and data generated by processor 2951. In one aspect, memory 2952 is implemented as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

  The storage 2953 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 2953 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 2953 include an application program, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another device. In another aspect, the storage 2953 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card.

  Touch panel 2954 receives an input of a command from spectator 1636 to smartphone 1792 by being operated by spectator 1636. As an example, the operation of the audience 1636 on the touch panel 2954 is to bring an object into contact with the touch panel 2954, to release the contact with the object, or to move the contacted object while maintaining the contact. In one aspect, touch panel 2954 is arranged to overlap display 2955. In other words, the touch panel 2954 and the display 2955 are integrated.

  The display 2955 can be realized, for example, as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor. The camera 2956 captures an image of a real space. An image (still image or moving image) captured by the camera 2956 is displayed on the display 2955.

  The communication interface 2957 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with another computer (for example, the server 600) connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 2957 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) 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 2957 is not limited to the above.

  In an aspect, the processor 2951 accesses the storage 2953, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 2953 into the memory 220, and executes a series of instructions included in the programs. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the smartphone 1792, various application programs, game software, and the like.

  As an example, the storage 2953 stores an application program for providing a user with a virtual experience in the AR space. That is, by executing the application program, the smartphone 1792 can display the virtual object on the display 2955 together with the second image of the real space captured by the camera 2956.

(Detailed configuration of module)
FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a module of smartphone 1792 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, the smartphone 1792 includes a control module 3061, a rendering module 3062, and a memory module 3063. In one aspect, the control module 3061 and the rendering module 3062 are implemented by the processor 2951. In another aspect, multiple processors 2951 may operate as control module 3061 and rendering module 3062. The memory module 3063 is realized by the memory 2952 or the storage 2953.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the control module 3061 includes a virtual object generation module 3064 and a virtual object control module 3065.

  The virtual object generation module 3064 generates various virtual objects in the AR space. The virtual object control module 3065 controls the behavior of the virtual object in the AR space. As an example, the virtual object control module 3065 transforms a virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 3065 changes the arrangement position of the virtual object. As another example, the virtual object control module 3065 moves a virtual object.

  In some aspects, the control module 3061 acquires a second image of the real space captured by the camera 2956. The rendering module 3062 generates an image displayed on the display 2955 based on the second image and the virtual object. As an example, the rendering module 3062 generates an image displayed on the display 2955 by superimposing the virtual object on the second image.

  The memory module 3063 holds data used by the smartphone 1792 to provide the AR space to the audience 1636. In one aspect, the memory module 3063 holds space information, object information, and user information.

  The spatial information holds one or more templates defined for providing an AR space. The object information includes object data for arranging the object in the AR space.

  The user information holds a user ID for identifying the user (that is, the audience 1636). The user ID may be, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address set on the smartphone 1792 used by the audience 1636. In another aspect, the user ID can be set by the user.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 3063 are input by the user of the smartphone 1792 (that is, the audience 1636). Alternatively, the processor 2951 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 600) operated by a provider that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 3063.

  In one aspect, the control module 3061 and the rendering module 3062 can also be realized as a combination of circuit elements that realize each process.

  The processing in smartphone 1792 is realized by hardware and software executed by processor 2951. Such software may be stored in a hard disk or other memory module 3063 in advance. The software may be stored on a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or another network. Such software is read from a data recording medium by an optical disk drive or other data reading device, or downloaded from a server 600 or other computer via a communication control module (not shown), and then temporarily stored in a storage module. Is stored. The software is read from the storage module by the processor 2951 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 2951 executes the program.

(Processing flow)
FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram showing a part of a process executed in system 1700 according to an embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a live in a real space according to an embodiment. In the present embodiment, a series of processes on the viewer side will be described as being executed by the HMD set 110A. However, the process may be executed by another HMD set 110B, 110C, or a part or all of the process may be executed by the server 600. Further, a part or all of a series of processes on the audience side may be executed by the server 600.

  In step S3111, the processor 2951 displays a second image of the physical space on a display. In the example of FIG. 32, as shown in FIG. 32A, a spectator 1636A is photographing a real space using a smartphone 1792, specifically, a real space including a performer 1635. The processor 2951 displays, for example, the second image 3271 obtained by photographing the physical space on the display 2955 as illustrated in FIG. In the present embodiment, the second image 3271 will be described as a moving image (video), but the second image 3271 may be a still image. The second image 3271 includes a performer 1635. The audience 1636A visually recognizes the first performance of the performer 1635 via the display 2955 of the smartphone 1792 by visually recognizing the second image 3271.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a virtual space 2511A and a view image 3317A according to an embodiment. During the live in the virtual space 2511A, the user 5A performs a second operation for causing the avatar object 5A to execute the third operation. The second motion may be, for example, a motion of raising the right hand and then swinging down in the lower left direction. In step S3101, the processor 210A detects a second operation performed by the user 5A. In step S3102, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 6A to execute the third operation based on the detected second operation. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 33A, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 6A to swing the light object 1541 as a third operation.

  In step S3103, the processor 210A receives the avatar information of the avatar object 6B and the avatar object 6C via the server 600. These pieces of avatar information are transmitted from the computer 200B and the computer 200C, respectively. In step S3104, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 6B and the avatar object 6C to execute a third operation based on the received avatar information. That is, the processor 210A causes the avatar object 6B and the avatar object 6C to swing the light object 1541. Note that the processor 210A may cause the avatar object 1534 to swing the light object 1541 as shown in FIG.

  The processor 210A displays, for example, a view image 3317A corresponding to the virtual space 2511A illustrated in FIG. 33A on the monitor 130A as illustrated in FIG. The user 5A recognizes that the avatar object 6B, the avatar object 6C, and the avatar object 1534 are swinging the light object 1541 by visually recognizing the view image 2517A.

  In step 3105, the processor 210A transmits third movement information indicating that the avatar object 6A is performing the third operation to the smartphone 1792 via the server 600.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a live in a real space according to an embodiment. At step S3112, the processor 2951 receives the third motion information. In step S3113, the processor 2951 displays the first image according to the third motion information on the display 2955 together with the second image. In the example of FIG. 33, similarly to the example of FIG. 32, the audience 1636A shoots the real space including the performer 1635 using the smartphone 1792 as illustrated in FIG. The processor 2951 displays, for example, the first image together with the second image 3471 on the display 2955 as illustrated in FIG. The first image may be, for example, a heart-shaped object 3472 that is a heart-shaped virtual object, as illustrated in FIG.

  That is, the smartphone 1792 displays the heart-shaped object 3472 which is not in the real space on the display 2955 together with the second image 3471 obtained by photographing the real space. Thereby, the smartphone 1792 can provide the user with a virtual experience as if the heart-shaped object 3472 appeared in the real space.

  As an example, the processor 2951 specifies the total number of the avatar objects 6 performing the third operation by specifying the total number of the third motion information received from each processor 210. Then, for example, when the specified total number is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold, the processor 2951 displays the heart-shaped object 3472 together with the second image 3471 on the display 2955.

  The processor 2951 may make the effect to be executed more flashy as the total number of the avatar objects 6 performing the third operation is larger. For example, the processor 2951 may increase the number of the heart-shaped objects 3472 as the total number increases.

  The server 600 may specify the total number of the avatar objects 6 executing the third operation. The server 600 may further determine whether or not the specified total number is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold. When the server 600 only specifies the total number of the avatar objects 6 performing the third operation, the server 600 transmits the specified total number to the smartphone 1792. When the server 600 performs both the identification of the total number of the avatar objects 6 executing the third operation and the determination as to whether or not the total number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the server 600 sets the total number Is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the processor 2951 is notified of that fact.

  As described above, the processor 2951 displays the heart-shaped object 3472 together with the second image 3471 obtained by photographing the real space according to the total number of the avatar objects 6 performing the third operation in the virtual space 2511. This makes it possible to reflect the liveliness of the live performed in the virtual space 2511 in the real space. The live audience 1636 in the real space can experience the lively excitement of the live performed in the virtual space 2511 while staying in the real space. As a result, it is possible to create a state as if the live audience 1636 in the real space and the user 5 watching the live in the virtual space 2511 are integrally watching the live.

[Example 2 of reflection of information in virtual space to real space]
(Hardware configuration of AR glass)
FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the AR glass 3594 (second terminal device) according to the present embodiment. The spectator 1636 can also enjoy the virtual experience in the AR space by using the AR glass 3594 instead of the smartphone 1792. Specifically, the spectator 1636 can enjoy a virtual experience in the AR space by wearing the AR glass 3594 on the head.

  The AR glass 3594 includes, as main components, a processor 3581, a memory 3582, a storage 3583, a display 3584 (display unit), and a communication interface 3585. Each component is connected to the bus 3586.

  The processor 3581 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 3582 or the storage 3583 based on a signal given to the AR glass 3594 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. . In an aspect, the processor 3581 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or another device.

  Memory 3581 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded, for example, from the storage 3583. The data includes the data input to the AR glass 3594 and the data generated by the processor 3581. In one aspect, the memory 3582 is realized as a random access memory (RAM) or another volatile memory.

  The storage 3584 permanently stores programs and data. The storage 3584 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or another nonvolatile storage device. The programs stored in the storage 3584 include an application program, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another device. In another aspect, the storage 3583 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card.

  The display 3584 is a transmissive display device. Here, the “transmissive display device” is a display device that allows the user to visually recognize the scene behind the display device when the user visually recognizes the display device. With such a display device, the transmittance of the display 3584 is not particularly limited. The display 3584 is provided in a so-called lens portion of the glasses, and displays an image based on the processing of the processor 3581. Thus, the spectator 1636 wearing the AR glass 3594 visually recognizes the real space and the image displayed on the display 3584. Note that the entire lens portion of the AR glass 3594 may be the display 3584, or a part of the lens portion may be the display 3584.

  As an example, the storage 3583 stores an application program for providing a user with a virtual experience in the AR space. That is, the AR glass 3594 causes the display 3584 to display a virtual object as an example of an image by executing the application program. Thus, the spectator 1636 wearing the AR glass 3594 can visually recognize the real space and the virtual object at the same time. Therefore, the AR glass 3594 can provide a virtual experience in the AR space to the audience 1636 wearing the AR glass 3594.

  The communication interface 3585 is connected to the network 2 and communicates with another computer (for example, the server 600) connected to the network 2. In one aspect, the communication interface 3585 is implemented as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) 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 3585 is not limited to the above.

  In an aspect, the processor 3581 accesses the storage 3581, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 3584 into the memory 220, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system for AR glasses 3594, various application programs, game software, and the like.

  The detailed configuration of the module of the AR glass 3594 is the same as the detailed configuration of the module of the smartphone 1792 described with reference to FIG. That is, the AR glass 3594 includes a control module 3061, a rendering module 3062, and a memory module 3063. The control module 3061 includes a virtual object generation module 3064 and a virtual object control module 3065. These details have already been described and will not be repeated here.

(Example of virtual experience using AR glass)
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a live in a real space according to an embodiment. The processor 3581 of the AR glass 3594 causes the display 3584 to display a first image according to the execution of the third operation by the avatar object 6. In the example of FIG. 36, as shown in FIG. 36A, an audience 1636A wears an AR glass 3594.

  Upon receiving the third motion information from each processor 210, the processor 3581 specifies the total number of the avatar objects 6 executing the third operation by specifying the total number of the received third motion information. Then, for example, when the specified total number is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the processor 3581 causes the display 3584 to display the first image. As an example, the processor 3581 causes the display 3584 to display a heart-shaped object 3472 as a first image, as illustrated in FIG.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 36B, the spectator 1636A visually recognizes the real space, that is, the performer 1635 performing the first performance, and also visually recognizes the heart-shaped object 3472. Thus, the audience 1636 can experience a lively excitement in the virtual space 2511 while staying in the real space. As a result, it is possible to create a state as if the live audience 1636 in the real space and the user 5 watching the live in the virtual space 2511 are integrally watching the live.

[Modification]
The avatar object 1533 need not be a highly accurate 3D model of the performer 1635. For example, the avatar object 1533 may have a deformed appearance of the performer 1635, or may have a different appearance from the performer 1635.

  When there are a plurality of performers 1635, the processor of the computer 1791 may not be able to detect the movements of all the performers 1635. For example, depending on the position of the performer 1635, a case may be considered in which the motion sensor cannot detect a signal emitted from the base station 1659. In this case, the processor 210 cannot cause the avatar object 1533 associated with some of the performers 1635 to execute the second performance.

  In order to solve this problem, when there are a plurality of actors 1635 and avatar objects 1533, all avatar objects 1533 need not be configured to execute the second performance corresponding to the first performance of any of the actors 1635. Good. For example, only the avatar object 1533 associated with the performer 1635 performing the first performance in the main (so-called “center” performer 1635) may operate in accordance with the movement of the performer 1635. The other avatar object 1533 may be operated by the processor 210 using artificial intelligence (AI). In this configuration, the base station 1659 may be installed at a position where the motion sensor worn by the performer 1635, which is the center, can detect a signal. Also, in the case of this configuration, the performer 1635 other than the center does not need to wear the motion sensor.

  In the above example, only the avatar object 1533 associated with the performer 1635 (that is, one person), which is the center, is described as operating in accordance with the movement of the performer 1635. In another aspect, among all the performers 1635, the avatar object 1533 associated with the plurality of performers 1635 may be one that operates according to the movement of the plurality of performers 1635.

  In addition, an avatar object 1533 of a person who has not participated in the live in the real space (for example, a member of an idle group who has not participated due to poor physical condition) may appear in the live in the virtual space 2511. The avatar object 1533 may be operated by the processor 210 using AI, for example. Thus, a performer who does not participate in the live in the real space appears in the live in the virtual space 2511. That is, the user 5 can enjoy a privilege that is not provided in the live in the real space in the live in the virtual space 2511.

  In the above-described example of reflecting the information of the real space on the virtual space (first processing example 1), the processor 210A previously associates the information for identifying the chemical light 1658 with the avatar object 1534. On the other hand, when the processor 210A receives the second motion information based on the spectator 1636 shaking the chemical light 1658, the processor 210A transmits the second motion information, that is, the information for identifying the chemical light 1658, to any one of the avatar objects 1534. May be associated. In this example, when the processor 210A no longer receives the second motion information, the processor 210A may release the association between the second motion information and the avatar object 1534. In other words, the processor 210A may be configured to temporarily associate the audience 1636 with the avatar object 1534 during the live.

  The reflection of the information in the virtual space to the real space is not limited to the virtual experience in the AR space. For example, when the avatar object 6 talks to the avatar object 1534 in the virtual space 2511, the processor 210 may transmit the content to the smartphone 1792 of the spectator 1636 associated with the avatar object 1534. The processor 2951 of the smartphone 1792 may activate a predetermined application, for example, an application for executing a chat, and may display the received content on the display 2955 as a comment in the chat. Thus, the user 5 and the audience 1636 can directly communicate with each other.

  Alternatively, the processor 210 may post the content that the avatar object 6 has said in the virtual space 2511 on a bulletin board of an SNS (social networking service). The audience 1636 can visually recognize the utterance of the avatar object 6 by activating the application of the SNS using the smartphone 1792.

  The system 1700 may have a configuration in which the avatar object 6 and the avatar object 1534 are not arranged in the virtual space 2511. In other words, the system 1700 may have a configuration in which no spectators are arranged in the virtual space 2511. Since the virtual camera 14 is arranged in the virtual space 2511, the user 5 can view the second performance of the avatar object 1533.

  The processor 210 sets the mode of viewing the live by the avatar object 1533 and the mode of viewing the live by the performer 1635 in the virtual space (that is, the mode of viewing the live in the real space in the virtual space) to the operation of the user 5. It may be switchable accordingly. For example, the processor 210 may detect an operation of the user 5 on the controller 300 and switch between the two modes. In the mode in which the live performed by the performer 1635 is viewed in the virtual space, the processor 210 may arrange the screen object in the virtual space 2511 and display the received live image of the real space on the screen object. The screen object may be, for example, a spherical object. In the case of this example, the processor 210 receives an image captured by a spherical camera capable of capturing a 360-degree direction, and displays the image on a screen object. Thus, the processor 210 can provide the user 5 with the virtual space 2511 with a virtual experience closer to live in the real space. In addition, the processor 210 displays a live image on a rectangular screen object and a live image on a spherical screen object in a mode in which a live by the performer 1635 is viewed in a virtual space. May be switchable according to the operation of the user 5.

  Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the embodiments. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be changed 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.

[Appendix]
The contents according to one aspect of the present invention are listed below.

  (Item 1) The system has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system (1700) includes a first computer (computer 1791) associated with a performer (1635) performing a first performance on a spectator (1636) in real space; A second computer (computer 200) associated with (user 5A) for providing a virtual experience to the first user. The first computer detects a movement of the performer's body during the first performance. The second computer defines a virtual space (2511A) for providing a virtual experience to the first user, places a first avatar (avatar object 1533) associated with the performer in the virtual space, and detects the first computer. The first avatar performs a second performance corresponding to the first performance in accordance with the movement of the performer's body.

  (Item 2) In (Item 1), the system further includes a first terminal device (chemical light 1658) associated with the audience. The first terminal device detects a first operation of the spectator. The second computer executes the first processing in the virtual space according to the first operation detected by the first terminal device.

  (Item 3) In (Item 2), the second computer arranges the second avatar (avatar object 1534) associated with the audience in the virtual space, and performs the first operation detected by the first terminal device as a first process. Move the second avatar accordingly.

  (Item 4) In (Item 2), a plurality of first terminal devices are associated with a plurality of spectators, respectively. The second computer specifies the number of the first terminal devices that have detected the first operation, and executes an effect according to the specified number as a first process.

  (Item 5) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 4), the system further includes a second terminal device (smartphone 1792) associated with the audience, including a display unit (display 2955) for displaying a real space. Including. The second computer arranges a third avatar (avatar object 6A) associated with the first user in the virtual space, detects a second motion of the first user, and sends a third avatar to the third avatar according to the detected second motion. 3 operations are performed. The second terminal device causes the display unit to display the first image (heart-shaped object 3472) according to the execution of the third operation together with the real space.

  (Item 6) In (Item 5), the second computer arranges a plurality of fourth avatars (avatar objects 6B, 6C) associated with the plurality of second users (users 5B, 5C) in the virtual space, The fourth avatar performs the third operation according to the second operation of the second user. The second terminal device specifies the total number of the third avatar and the fourth avatar performing the third operation, and causes the display unit to display the first image corresponding to the total number.

  (Item 7) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 6), the second computer arranges the virtual camera (14) associated with the first user in the virtual space, and determines the posture of the first user's head and In accordance with the position of the virtual camera in the virtual space, the field of view from the virtual camera in the virtual space (the field of view 15A) is controlled, and a field of view image (field of view image 17A) corresponding to the field of view from the virtual camera is defined. A view image is output to an image display device (monitor 130A) associated with the user's head.

  (Item 8) The program has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program is executed by a computer (200A) with a processor (210A) to provide a virtual experience to a user (5A). The program includes, in the processor, a step (S2301) of defining a virtual space (virtual space 2511A) for providing a virtual experience to a user, and an actor (1635) performing a first performance to an audience (1636) in a real space. ), A step of arranging the first avatar (avatar object 1533) in the virtual space (S2311), a step of receiving the first information on the body movement of the performer in the first performance (S2312), and the first information And causing the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance (S2313).

  (Item 9) The information processing device has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device (computer 200A) includes a storage unit (storage 230A) that stores a program executed by the information processing device to provide a virtual experience to the user (5A). And a control unit (processor 210A) for controlling the operation of the information processing apparatus. The control unit defines a virtual space (2511A) for providing a virtual experience to the user, and a first avatar (avatar) associated with the performer (1635) performing the first performance on the audience (1636) in the real space. Placing the object 1533) in the virtual space, receiving the first information on the movement of the performer's body in the first performance, and giving the first avatar a second performance corresponding to the first performance in accordance with the first information. Let it run.

  (Item 10) The method of executing the program has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program is executed by a computer (200A) with a processor (210A) to provide a virtual experience to a user (5A). The method includes the step of the processor defining a virtual space (2511A) for providing a virtual experience to the user (S2301) and the performer (1635) performing the first performance on the audience (1636) in the real space. Arranging the associated first avatar (avatar object 1533) in the virtual space (S2311), receiving the first information on the movement of the performer's body in the first performance (S2312), and responding to the first information. And causing the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance (S2313).

  (Item 11) The program has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a program includes a processor (2951) and a real space for providing a virtual experience to an audience (1636) watching a first performance of a performer (1635) in the real space. This is executed by a terminal device (smartphone 1792) including a display unit (display 2955) for displaying. The program causes the processor to execute the first avatar (avatar object 1533) associated with the performer and execute the third avatar (avatar object 6) watching the second performance corresponding to the first performance in the virtual space. The step (S3112) of receiving the third information related to the three operations and the step of displaying the first image (heart-shaped object 3472) corresponding to the third information on the display unit together with the real space (S3113) are executed.

  (Item 12) The information processing apparatus has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device (smart phone 1792) is configured to provide a virtual experience to a spectator (1636) watching the first performance of the performer (1635) in a real space. (Storage 2953) for storing a program executed by the control unit, a control unit (processor 2951) for controlling the operation of the information processing apparatus by executing the program, and a display unit (display 2955) for displaying a real space. And The control unit executes a third operation performed by a third avatar (avatar object 6) viewing the second performance corresponding to the first performance in the virtual space by the first avatar (avatar object 1533) associated with the performer. Receiving the third information regarding the third information, and causes the display unit to display the first image (heart-shaped object 3472) corresponding to the third information together with the real space.

  (Item 13) The method of executing the program has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a program includes a processor (2951) and a real space for providing a virtual experience to an audience (1636) watching a first performance of a performer (1635) in the real space. This is executed by a terminal device (smartphone 1792) including a display unit (display 2955) for displaying. The program is executed by a third avatar (avatar object 6) whose processor is watching a second performance corresponding to the first performance in the virtual space by the first avatar (avatar object 1533) associated with the performer. The method includes a step of receiving third information related to the three operations (S3112) and a step of displaying a first image (heart-shaped object 3472) corresponding to the third information on the display unit together with the real space (S3113).

  In the above embodiment, the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed by the HMD has been described as an example, but a transmissive HMD may be adopted as the HMD. In this case, an augmented reality (AR: Augmented Reality) space or mixed reality (AR) is output by outputting a view image in which a part of an image constituting the virtual space is synthesized into a real space visually recognized by the user via a transmission-type HMD. A virtual experience in an MR (Mixed Reality) space may be provided to the user. In this case, an action on the target object in the virtual space may be generated based on the movement of the user's hand instead of the operation object. Specifically, the processor may specify the coordinate information of the position of the user's hand in the real space and define the position of the target object in the virtual space in relation to the coordinate information in the real space. Thereby, the processor can grasp the positional relationship between the user's hand in the real space and the target object in the virtual space, and execute a process corresponding to the above-described collision control or the like between the user's hand and the target object. . As a result, it is possible to give an effect to the target object based on the movement of the user's hand.

2 Network, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C User, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 1533, 1534, 1534A, 1534B Avatar object, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Virtual space, 12 center, 13 panoramic image, 14 , 14A, 14B virtual camera, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C view area, 16 reference line of sight, 17, 17A, 17B view image, 18, 19 area, 100 HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D HMD set, 120, 120A, 120B, 120C, HMD, 130, 130A, 130B, 130C monitor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 first camera, 160 second camera, 170, 170A, 170B, 1657 microphone, 180, 180A, 180B speaker, 190 Sensor 200,200A, 200B, 200C, 1791 computer, 210,210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 610,2951,3581 processor, 220,620,2952,3582
Memory, 230, 230A, 230B, 630, 2953, 3585 storage, 240, 640 input / output interface, 250, 650, 2957, 3585 communication interface, 260, 660, 2958, 3586 bus, 300, 300B controller, 300R right controller, 300L left controller, 310 grip, 320 frame, 330 top surface, 340, 340, 350, 370, 380 button, 360 infrared LED, 390 analog stick, 410 HMD sensor, 420, 420A motion sensor, 430, 430A display, 510, 3061 Control module, 520, 3062 Rendering module, 530, 3063
Memory module, 540 communication control module, 600 server, 700 external device, 1421, 3064 virtual object generation module, 1422 virtual camera control module, 1423 operation object control module, 1424 avatar object control module, 1425 motion detection module, 1426, 3065 virtual Object control module, 1517A, 2517A, 2717A, 2817A, 3317A View image, 1531LA virtual left hand, 1531RA virtual right hand, 1532 stage object, 1541 light object, 1635 performer, 1636, 1636A, 1636B audience, 1651, 1652, 1653, 1655 motion Sensor, 1654, 1656 Belt, 1658 Chemical light, 165 9 base station, 1700 system, 1792 smartphone, 1793 gateway, 2842 star-shaped object, 2954 touch panel, 2955, 3584 display, 2956 camera, 3271, 3471 second image, 3472 heart-shaped object

Claims (13)

A system comprising: a first computer associated with a performer performing a first performance to an audience in a real space; and a second computer associated with a first user for providing a virtual experience to the first user. And
The first computer detects a movement of the performer's body in the first performance,
The second computer,
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the first user;
Placing a first avatar associated with the performer in the virtual space;
A system that causes the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance in response to a movement of the performer's body detected by the first computer. The system further includes a first terminal device associated with the audience,
The first terminal device detects a first operation of the audience,
The system according to claim 1, wherein the second computer executes a first process in the virtual space according to the first operation detected by the first terminal device. The second computer,
Placing a second avatar associated with the audience in the virtual space;
The system according to claim 2, wherein, as the first processing, the second avatar is moved according to the first operation detected by the first terminal device. A plurality of the first terminal devices are associated with each of the plurality of spectators,
The second computer,
Identifying the number of the first terminal devices that have detected the first operation,
The system according to claim 2, wherein as the first processing, an effect corresponding to the specified number is executed. The system further includes a second terminal device associated with the audience, comprising a display unit that displays the physical space,
The second computer,
Placing a third avatar associated with the first user in the virtual space;
Detecting a second action of the first user;
Causing the third avatar to perform a third operation in response to the detected second operation;
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second terminal device causes the display unit to display a first image according to the execution of the third operation, together with the physical space. The second computer,
Placing a plurality of fourth avatars associated with each of the plurality of second users in the virtual space;
Causing the fourth avatar to perform the third operation in response to the second operation of the second user;
The second terminal device,
Specifying a total number of the third avatar and the fourth avatar performing the third operation,
The system according to claim 5, wherein the first image according to the total number is displayed on the display unit. The second computer,
Placing a virtual camera associated with the first user in the virtual space;
Controlling the field of view from the virtual camera in the virtual space according to the posture of the head of the first user and the position of the virtual camera in the virtual space;
Defining a view image corresponding to the view from the virtual camera,
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the view image is output to an image display device associated with the first user's head. A program executed by a computer having a processor to provide a virtual experience to a user,
The program, the processor,
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first avatar associated with a performer performing a first performance for an audience in a real space in the virtual space;
Receiving first information on the movement of the performer's body in the first performance;
Causing the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance in accordance with the first information. An information processing device,
The information processing device,
A storage unit that stores a program executed by the information processing device to provide a virtual experience to a user;
A control unit that controls the operation of the information processing device by executing the program,
The control unit includes:
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first avatar associated with a performer performing a first performance for an audience in a real space in the virtual space;
Receiving, in the first performance, first information on a movement of the performer's body;
An information processing device, which causes the first avatar to execute a second performance corresponding to the first performance according to the first information. A method in which a computer with a processor executes a program to provide a virtual experience to a user, the method comprising:
The method, wherein the processor comprises:
Defining a virtual space for providing the virtual experience to the user;
Placing a first avatar associated with a performer performing a first performance for an audience in a real space in the virtual space;
Receiving first information on the movement of the performer's body in the first performance;
Causing the first avatar to perform a second performance corresponding to the first performance in response to the first information. A program executed by a terminal device including a processor and a display unit that displays the real space, in order to provide a virtual experience to an audience watching the first performance of the performer in the real space. ,
The program, the processor,
Receiving, by a first avatar associated with the performer, third information on a third operation performed by a third avatar viewing a second performance corresponding to the first performance in a virtual space;
Causing the display unit to display a first image corresponding to the third information together with the physical space. An information processing device,
The information processing device,
A storage unit configured to store a program executed by the information processing apparatus to provide a virtual experience to an audience watching the performer's first performance in the real space;
A control unit that controls the operation of the information processing device by executing the program;
A display unit for displaying the physical space,
The control unit includes:
Receiving, by a first avatar associated with the performer, third information on a third operation performed by a third avatar viewing a second performance corresponding to the first performance in a virtual space;
An information processing apparatus that causes the display unit to display a first image corresponding to the third information together with the physical space. In order to provide a virtual experience to an audience watching a performer's first performance in a real space, a terminal device including a processor and a display unit for displaying the real space executes a program. hand,
The method, wherein the processor comprises:
Receiving, by a first avatar associated with the performer, third information on a third operation performed by a third avatar viewing a second performance corresponding to the first performance in a virtual space;
Displaying a first image corresponding to the third information on the display unit together with the physical space.

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