JP6392953B1 - Information processing method, apparatus, and program for causing computer to execute information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve entertainment of a virtual experience in a virtual space where characters and avatars are mixed. An information processing method for providing a virtual experience to a first user via a head mounted device operates in a virtual space based on a first avatar associated with the first user and an operation input by the first user. Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space including a first character object, a second avatar, and a second character object associated with the second avatar, a first avatar, a first character object, Adjusting the game progress of the first user to be advantageous or unfavorable based on the positional relationship between at least two of the two avatars and the second character object; and the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar. Displaying the visual field image generated based on the display on the display unit. [Selection] Figure 11

Description

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

  PlayStation (registered trademark) VR is known as hardware that provides a user with a game experience (VR game) in a virtual space. In PlayStation VR, a user can play a VR game by operating a player character or the like in a virtual space using a controller. Techniques for playing a VR game using a controller are also disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-232783 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-158794

  Further, in a game of manipulating a character in a virtual space, an entertainment property is improved by mixing an avatar, which is an object having a position as a user's alternation, with the character in the virtual space.

  Therefore, the present disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus capable of improving the entertainment property of a virtual experience in a virtual space where characters and avatars are mixed, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Objective.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head mounted device including a display unit, the information processing method being associated with the first user The first avatar, the first character object that moves in the field defined in the virtual space based on the first operation input by the first user, and the operation data different from the first operation input are controlled. Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space including a second avatar and a second character object associated with the second avatar and operating in the field; and the first avatar and the first character At least two of the object, the second avatar and the second character object Based on the positional relationship, the game progress of the first user is made advantageous or unfavorable for any of the first avatar, the first character object, the second avatar, and the second character object. Generating a visual field image based on the adjusting step, the virtual space data, a position of a virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar in the virtual space, and a posture of the head mounted device, and Displaying on the display unit.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of improving the entertainment property of a virtual experience in a virtual space in which characters and avatars are mixed, and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. It becomes possible.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which HMD system 100A according to a certain embodiment performs. It is a figure which represents typically an example of virtual space. It is a figure showing an example of the visual field image provided to a user via an HMD device. It is a flowchart showing the process which controls a user's game progress. It is a figure which shows the example of the process which fluctuates so that the operativity of a 1st character object may become disadvantageous for a 1st user in virtual space. It is a figure which shows an example of the visual field image which changed the visibility of virtual space. It is a flowchart showing the process which alert | reports distance information to a user. It is a figure which shows the example by which distance information is alert | reported to a user via vision, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the visual field image by which distance information was represented. It is a flowchart showing the process which controls a user's game progress based on the positional relationship between an avatar and a player character. It is a flowchart showing the process which controls a user's game progress based on the positional relationship between avatars. It is a flowchart showing the process which controls a user's game progress based on the positional relationship between player characters.

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

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

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

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110 (head mounted device), an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 (display unit), a microphone 118, and a gaze sensor 140.

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

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

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

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

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

  The HMD sensor 120 includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting movements of the HMD device 110 and the controller 160. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 and the position and inclination of the controller 160 in the real space using this function.

  In another aspect, HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 performs image analysis processing using the image information of the HMD device 110 and the controller 160 output from the camera, whereby the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 and the position and tilt of the controller 160 are detected. Can be detected.

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

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

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game. The server 150 is configured by one or a plurality of computer devices, and includes a hardware configuration (processor, memory, storage, etc.) included in a general computer, similar to the hardware configuration of the computer 200 described later.

The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In the present embodiment, the controller 160 is an input device of the type that is held by the user 190 with both hands. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 receives an operation given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of an object arranged in a space that provides virtual reality. As described above, the position and inclination of the controller 160 in the real space can be detected by the HMD sensor 120 (or a camera or the like). In another aspect, the controller 160 may include a sensor (not shown) similar to the sensor 114 described above as a position detector. In this case, the position and inclination of the controller 160 can be detected by the sensor. Further, the HMD sensor 120 and the sensor included in the controller 160 may be used in combination. In this case, for example, the position of the controller 160 is detected by the HMD sensor 120, and the inclination of the controller 160 is detected by a sensor included in the controller 160.
[Hardware configuration]

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

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

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

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

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

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals between the HMD device 110 and the HMD sensor 120. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to the above. For example, the input / output interface 13 may include a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

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

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

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

  The server 150 is connected to each control device of the plurality of HMD systems 100 via the network 19. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 150 connects a plurality of HMD systems 100 including an HMD system 100A having an HMD device 110A and an HMD system 100B having an HMD device 110B so that they can communicate with each other. Thereby, the virtual experience using a common virtual space is provided to the user who uses each HMD system. The HMD system 100A, the HMD system 100B, and the other HMD systems 100 all have the same configuration. However, each HMD system 100 may be a different model, or may have different performance (processing performance, detection performance, etc.).

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

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space. In such a case, the plurality of HMD systems 100 in this embodiment may be directly connected to the computer 200 by the input / output interface 13. In addition, each function (for example, synchronization processing described later) of the server 150 in the present embodiment may be implemented in the computer 200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment. The state (A) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the top surface of the controller 160, and the state (B) in FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the back side surface of the controller 160. Here, the upper surface of the controller 160 is a surface that faces the user 190 when the user 190 holds the controller 160 with both hands.

  As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 8, on the upper surface of the controller 160, as an input unit, a direction key 161, analog sticks 162 </ b> L and 162 </ b> R, four types of operation buttons 163, a touch pad 164, and function buttons 165 are provided. Etc. are provided. In addition, the controller 160 includes a grip unit 166 for the user 190 to grip the controller 160. The gripper 166 includes a left gripper 166L gripped by the left hand of the user 190 and a right gripper 166R gripped by the right hand of the user 190. Further, as shown in the state (B) of FIG. 8, light emission is performed on the back side surface of the controller 160 based on the upper buttons 167L and 167R serving as input units, instruction information transmitted from the controller 160, and the like. Part 168.

  The touch pad 164 is provided between the direction key 161 and the operation button 163. The function button 165 is provided between the left and right analog sticks 162L and 162R. The function button 165 can be used, for example, to activate the controller 160 and activate a communication connection between the controller 160 and the computer 200. The other input units (direction key 161, analog stick 162, operation button 163, and upper button 167) can be used for operations of avatars and player characters described later. For example, the analog stick 162 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position) in a certain situation. The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  The direction key 161 and the analog stick 162L are arranged on the assumption that an operation with the thumb of the left hand of the user 190 is received. The operation buttons 163 and the analog stick 162R are arranged on the assumption that an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190 is received. The upper button 167L is arranged on the assumption that the operation with the index finger of the left hand of the user 190 is accepted, and the upper button 167R is arranged on the assumption that the operation of the index finger with the right hand of the user 190 is accepted. However, the shape of the controller 160, the arrangement configuration of each part, and the function of each part are not limited to the above example. For example, the number of operation buttons 163 may be other than four (for example, two), and the analog sticks 162L and 162R may be omitted.

In one aspect, the controller 160 includes a battery for driving the light emitting unit 168 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, a dry battery type, and the like. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the controller 160 does not require a battery.
[Control device for HMD device]

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object control module 232, a controller information acquisition module 233, a data sharing module 234, and a positional relationship determination module 235 as submodules.

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

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object control module 232 generates an object arranged in the virtual space 2 based on object information 242 described later. The virtual object control module 232 controls the movement (movement, state change, etc.) of the object in the virtual space 2. Further, the virtual object control module 232 controls the actions (movement, movement, state change, etc.) of the avatar and the player character based on the controller information acquired by the controller information acquisition module 233 described later. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains and other landscapes, animals, etc. that are arranged according to the progress of the game story. An avatar is an object associated with a user wearing the HMD device 110. The avatar is an object having a position as a user's alternation in the virtual space 2. On the other hand, the player character is a character object operated by the user in the game developed in the virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, a game developed in the virtual space 2 is a battle game in which a plurality of users fight their player characters on a game field (for example, a battlefield) prepared in the virtual space 2 (or a plurality of games). For example, an action game that the users cooperate to advance. The avatar is a humanoid object, and the player character is an object imitating an animal. However, the player character can take an appropriate form according to the content of the game developed in the virtual space 2. For example, the player character may be a human-type object, or may be an object that imitates a creature such as a robot. More specifically, when the game developed in the virtual space 2 is a racing game using a radio controlled car, the player character may be an object representing the radio controlled car.

  The controller information acquisition module 233 acquires controller information including state information for specifying the state of the controller 160 and operation information indicating the contents of an input operation performed by the user 190 on the controller 160. The state information is information for specifying the position and inclination of the controller 160 detected by the above-described HMD sensor 120 or the like, for example. The controller information is transferred to the virtual object control module 232 in order to reflect the state of the controller 160 and the content of the input operation on the controller 160 to the avatar or player character in the virtual space 2. Further, the controller information acquisition module 233 also appropriately transfers the controller information of other users acquired via the server 150 to the virtual object control module 232. Thereby, the avatar or player character linked | related with the other user can be operated based on the controller information of the other user.

  The data sharing module 234 transmits / receives data to be shared between users to / from another user's HMD system 100 via the server 150. The data to be shared includes movement information for controlling the movement of a part of the avatar's body, controller information for controlling the movement of the player character, and the like. The motion information is, for example, information for specifying the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 or the like (hereinafter referred to as “orientation data”), eye tracking data detected by the gaze sensor 140 or the like. . In the present embodiment, the data sharing module 234 uses information including movement information and controller information (hereinafter referred to as “player information”) as information to be shared between users as HMDs of other users via the server 150. Data is transmitted to and received from the system 100. The player information is transmitted / received by using a function of the communication control module 250 described later.

  The positional relationship determination module 235 determines the mutual positional relationship between virtual objects such as avatars and player characters in the virtual space 2. The determination of the positional relationship includes determination regarding the distance between objects.

  The positional relationship determination module 235 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. The positional relationship determination module 235 can detect, for example, a timing when a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The positional relationship determination module 235 can detect that the object is in contact with the object by executing a known hit determination based on, for example, a collision area set for each object.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 includes, for example, one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 includes, for example, content reproduced in the virtual space 2, information for arranging objects used in the content, and the like. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The object information 242 includes drawing information for drawing each object (for example, a player character and an avatar). The object information 242 may also include attribute information indicating attributes associated with each object. Examples of the attribute information of the object include information indicating whether the object is a movable object or a fixed object. The object attribute information may include various parameters used in the progress of the game and associated with the player character. Examples of the player character parameters include hit points (HP), attack power, defense power, and the like, which are physical strength values of the player character. The parameter of the player character may include information defining a known collision area for hit determination. The user information 243 includes, for example, a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like.

  Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

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

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

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

  The hardware configuring the computer 200 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part according to the present embodiment is a program stored in the computer 200. Since the hardware operation of computer 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

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

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

  With reference to FIG. 10, a control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100A used by the user 190A to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190A.

  In step S <b> 1, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231, and acquires virtual space data that defines the virtual space 2. Here, the processor 10 receives information related to the initial arrangement and the like of other users 'avatars and player characters sharing the virtual space 2 from the server 150 and the like, thereby including a virtual space including the other users' avatars and player characters. Virtual space data defining 2 can be generated. Alternatively, virtual space data defining a virtual space 2 common to a plurality of users may be generated by a server 150 connected to be communicable with each HMD system 100. In this case, the processor 10 can acquire the virtual space data by downloading the virtual space data from the server 150.

  In step S <b> 2, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1 as the virtual camera control module 221. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point (or other predetermined default position) in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and the user 190 changes the line of sight of the virtual camera 1. Turn in the direction you are facing.

  In step S <b> 3, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying an initial view image as the view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is sent to the HMD device 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S <b> 4, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190A wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 5, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data (part of motion information).

  In step S <b> 6, the processor 10 specifies the visual field direction of the user 190 </ b> A wearing the HMD device 110 as the visual field region determination module 222 based on the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S7, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190A in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190A. Further, as described above, the sensor included in the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 itself detects the position and inclination of the controller 160. A signal indicating the detection result is sent from the HMD sensor 120 or the controller 160 to the computer 200. In this way, controller information including operation information indicating the contents of the input operation performed by the user 190 </ b> A on the controller 160 and state information for specifying the state (position, inclination, etc.) of the controller 160 is sent to the computer 200. Then, the processor 10 acquires the controller information as the controller information acquisition module 233.

  In step S8, the processor 10 acquires player information (audio data, motion information, controller information, etc.) of other users who share the virtual space 2 from the server 150 as the controller information acquisition module 233 and the data sharing module 234. To do.

  In step S <b> 9, the processor 10 controls the movement of each user's avatar and player character based on the player information of each user 190 including the user 190 </ b> A as the virtual object control module 232.

  In step S <b> 10, the processor 10 generates view image data for displaying the view image based on the processing result of step S <b> 9 as the view image generation module 223, and outputs the generated view image data to the HMD device 110.

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

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the virtual space 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 includes an avatar A1 (first avatar) associated with the user 190A (first user) and an operation input (first operation input) to the controller 160A used by the user 190A. And the avatar A2 (second character) associated with the user 190B different from the user 190A and the avatar controlled by the operation data different from the operation input by the user 190A. An avatar), a player character C2 (second character object) that is a player character associated with the avatar A2 and operates based on an operation input to the controller 160B used by the user 190B, and the monitor 190 Virtual camera 1A that defines a view image M1 provided to HMD device 110A (head mounted device) 2 (display unit) and view image M2 that is attached to user 190B and provided to HMD device 110B that includes monitor 112 And a virtual camera 1B that defines In the example shown in FIG. 11, the virtual space 2 further includes controller objects VC1 and VC2 representing virtual controllers corresponding to the controllers 160A and 160B. In the present embodiment, the avatar A2 is associated with the user 190B, but may be automatically controlled by the computer 200 instead of being associated with the user. Further, the player character C2 may be automatically controlled by the computer 200 instead of moving based on an operation input by the user 190B.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, in the virtual space 2, a plurality of users 190 </ b> A and 190 </ b> B operate their respective player characters C <b> 1 and C <b> 2 to fight each other on the game field F (here, throwing a bomb B <b> 1). Game). In the virtual space 2, not only the player characters C1 and C2 related to the game but also avatars A1 and A2 holding the controller objects VC1 and VC2 are arranged at predetermined positions. Thereby, in the virtual space 2, the situation where the avatars A1 and A2 of the users 190A and 190B are operating the player characters C1 and C2 is expressed. The virtual cameras 1A and 1B are associated with the viewpoints of the avatars A1 and A2. Thereby, view images M1 and M2 (field-of-view images) in the first person viewpoint of avatars A1 and A2 are provided to users 190A and 190B.

  Further, the user 190A can operate the avatar A1 by performing an input operation on the controller 160A. Specifically, the user 190A can move the avatar A1 along the periphery of the game field F in the virtual space 2, for example. Accordingly, the user 190A can bring the avatar A1 associated with the user 190A closer to the player character C1 or to the avatar A2 and the player character C2 that are opponents.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a view field image M1 provided to the user 190A via the HMD device 110A. As shown in FIG. 12, the view image M1 includes player characters C1 and C2 operated by the users 190A and 190B and an avatar A2 associated with the user 190B. By recognizing the view field image M1, the user 190A can have a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A1. Similarly, the user 190B can experience a virtual experience as if he / she exists in the virtual space 2 as the avatar A2 by recognizing the view image M2.

  According to such a virtual space 2, it is possible to provide a multiplayer game via the avatars A1 and A2 to the users 190A and 190B. Further, in this virtual space 2, there are avatars A1, A2 and player characters C1, C2 of the users 190A, 190B. For this reason, each user 190A, 190B can enjoy a common game in the virtual space 2 while recognizing each other's presence via the avatars A1, A2. Thereby, entertainment property of the virtual experience of each user 190A, 190B can be improved.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling the game progress of the user 190A. As described above, as a result of the process shown in step S9 in FIG. 10, the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2 are arranged at the respective positions. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 shows a game progress control process based on the process of step S9.

  In step S21, the processor 10 acquires a positional relationship between at least two of the avatar A1, the player character C1, the avatar A2, and the player character C2 as the positional relationship determination module 235. These positional relationships are acquired as information about distance, for example.

  In step S22, the processor 10 adjusts the virtual object control module 232 so that the game progress of the user 190A is advantageous or unfavorable based on the positional relationship acquired in step S21. Specifically, the processor 10 adjusts the game progress of the user 190A to be advantageous or unfavorable by, for example, changing the parameter associated with the player character C1 or the player character C2 in an advantageous or unfavorable manner for the user 190A. To do.

  More specifically, the processor 10 increases parameters such as HP, attack power, and defense power of the player character C1 based on the positional relationship acquired in step S21, or decreases those parameters of the player character C2. It may be adjusted so that the game progress of the user 190A is advantageous. Further, the processor 10 decreases parameters such as HP, attack power, defense power, etc. of the player character C1, or increases those parameters of the player character C2, based on the positional relationship acquired in step S21. Thus, adjustment may be made so that the game progress of the user 190A is disadvantageous.

  The parameters that are changed to adjust the game progress to be advantageous or unfavorable include HP, attack power, defense power, etc., as well as the reach of the attack performed by the player character, and the collision area for performing a known hit determination. There may be a range or the like, and any parameter that can affect the game progress can be applied.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing for changing the operability of the player character C1 in the virtual space 2 so as to be disadvantageous to the user 190A. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the player character C1 is positioned away from the avatar A1 on the game field F, so that the distance between the avatar A1 and the player character C1 is large. When the processor 10 determines as the positional relationship determination module 235 that the distance between the avatar A1 and the player character C1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 10 operates as the virtual object control module 232 from the controller object VC1. Is controlled so that the player character C1 cannot be operated based on the operation input to the controller 160A of the user 190A or the reaction of the player character C1 to the operation input is imitated. Also good. By being controlled in this way, it is possible to adjust so that the game progress of the user 190A is disadvantageous.

  In addition, when the positional relationship determination module 235 determines that the distance between the avatar A2 and the player character C2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 10 performs a virtual object control module 232 from the controller object VC2. It may be controlled so that the radio wave does not reach the player character C2, so that the operation of the player character C2 based on the operation input to the controller 160B of the user 190B is impossible or the reaction of the player character C2 to the operation input becomes dull. . Thereby, it can adjust so that the user 190A's game progress may be made advantageous.

  Further, the processor 10 operates as the virtual object control module 232 according to the operation input to the controller 160A on the player character C1 according to the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the player character C1 determined by the positional relationship determination module 235. You may control so that it may differ. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 may perform control so that the operation data based on the operation input to the controller 160A is discarded and the player character C1 is not moved. Further, the processor 10 may modify the operation data based on the operation input to the controller 160A and control the player character C1 to move based on the modified operation data. Thereby, it can adjust so that the game progress of the user 190A may be made disadvantageous.

  Further, the processor 10 determines, as the virtual object control module 232, the user 190 </ b> A according to the positional relationship between at least one of the avatars A <b> 1 and A <b> 2 and the player characters C <b> 1 and C <b> 2 determined by the positional relationship determination module 235. The operability related to the operation for inputting the operation input to the controller 160A may be changed so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the user 190A.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual field image M1 in which the visibility of the virtual space 2 is changed as a process of changing the operability related to an operation for inputting an operation input. The processor 10 may execute the process of changing the visibility of the virtual space 2 in the view field image M1 as the process of changing the operability related to the operation for inputting the operation input. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the processor 10 generates a view field image M <b> 1 such that a region other than the visual field region MR is not visible as the view image generation module 223. By generating such a field-of-view image M1, it is possible to make adjustments so that the game progress of the user 190A is disadvantageous.

  Further, the processor 10 may adjust the game progress of the user 190 </ b> A to be disadvantageous by generating a view image M <b> 1 in which a part of the area is blurred. Moreover, as a process of changing the visibility of the virtual space 2 in the view field image M1, the processor 10 may arrange a predetermined object as a virtual object control module 232 at a position that obstructs the view field of the avatar A1.

  Further, the processor 10 may change the operability related to the operation so as to be disadvantageous to the user 190A by performing control so as not to accept the operation input of the user 190A to the controller 160A.

  Further, the processor 10 may adjust the operability of the avatar A1 as the virtual object control module 232 so that the game progress of the user 190A is disadvantageous. For example, when the levels of the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 are associated as parameters and the level of the avatar A2 is higher than the level of the avatar A1, the processor 10 responds to the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2. Control may be performed such as restricting the movement of the avatar A1, disabling the avatar A1, or preventing the avatar A1 from approaching the avatar A2 below a predetermined distance.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, an adjustment that makes the game progress of the user 190A advantageous or unfavorable is performed according to the positional relationship between at least one of the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2. . In the present embodiment, these positional relationships may be notified to the user. That is, the processor 10 may notify the user 190A of distance information indicating the distance between any two of the avatars A1 and A2 and the player characters C1 and C2.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of notifying the user 190A of distance information. In step S31, the processor 10 acquires distance information between at least two of the avatar A1, the player character C1, the avatar A2, and the player character C2 as the positional relationship determination module 235.

  In step S32, the processor 10 notifies the user 190A of the distance information acquired in step S31. The distance information is notified to the user 190A via vision, for example.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the distance information is notified to the user 190A via vision, and is a diagram illustrating the visual field image M1 in which the distance information is represented. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the controller object VC1 held by the avatar A1 in the virtual space 2 is included in the visual field image M1 based on the inclination of the HMD device 110 caused by the user 190A tilting the neck forward. . As the virtual object control module 232, the processor 10 generates a distance display object D reflecting the distance information and arranges the distance display object D in association with the controller object VC1 (virtual controller), thereby displaying the distance information on the controller object VC1. . The processor 10 changes the appearance of the distance display object D according to the distance indicated by the distance information. Thereby, since the distance information displayed on the controller object VC1 can be recognized by the user 190A through vision, entertainment in the game can be improved. Furthermore, since it is possible to make the user 190A recognize distance information that affects the progress of the game, the user 190A can be motivated to actively operate the avatar A1.

  Further, the processor 10 may notify the user 190A of the distance information through hearing. Specifically, the processor 10 notifies the user 190A of the distance information by outputting the motion sounds of the avatar A2 and the player character C2 via the controller 160A and the like.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling the game progress of the user 190A based on the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the player character C1. In step S41, the processor 10 acquires the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the player character C1 as the positional relationship determination module 235.

  In step S <b> 42, the processor 10 executes a process for making the game progress of the user 190 </ b> A advantageous or unfavorable as the virtual object control module 232 based on the positional relationship acquired in step S <b> 41. Specifically, for example, as the distance between the avatar A1 and the player character C1 is closer, the processor 10 increases the parameters of the player character C1 such as HP, attack power, defense power, etc. Adjustments may be made to be advantageous.

  Since the game progress of the user 190A is adjusted in this manner, the game becomes advantageous or disadvantageous for the user 190A according to the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the player character C1, and therefore the avatar A1 or the player character C1 in the user 190A. It is a motivation to make it work actively. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling the game progress of the user 190A based on the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2. In step S51, the processor 10 acquires the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 as the positional relationship determination module 235.

  In step S <b> 52, the processor 10 executes, as the virtual object control module 232, processing for making the game progress of the user 190 </ b> A advantageous or unfavorable based on the positional relationship acquired in step S <b> 51. Specifically, for example, as the distance between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 is closer, the processor 10 reduces the parameters of the player character C2 such as HP, attack power, defense power, and the like, thereby favoring the game progress of the user 190A. You may adjust so that it may.

  Further, the processor 10 controls to generate an object in the virtual space 2 such that a part of the field of view of the avatar A2 is obstructed when the distance between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 is less than a predetermined distance. Also good. In addition, when the levels of the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 are associated as parameters and the level of the avatar A2 is higher than the level of the avatar A1, the processor 10 increases the avatar as the distance between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2 is shorter. It may be adjusted so that the game progress of the user 190A is disadvantageous by restricting the movement of A1 or reducing parameters such as HP, attack power, defense power, etc. of the player character C1.

  Since the game progress of the user 190A is adjusted in this way, the game becomes advantageous or disadvantageous for the user 190A according to the positional relationship between the avatar A1 and the avatar A2, and therefore the user 190A actively operates the avatar A1. It is a motivation for making it happen. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling the game progress of the user 190A based on the positional relationship between the player character C1 and the player character C2. In step S61, the processor 10 acquires a positional relationship between the player character C1 and the player character C2 as the positional relationship determination module 235.

  In step S62, the processor 10 executes, as the virtual object control module 232, processing for making the game progress of the user 190A advantageous or unfavorable based on the positional relationship acquired in step S61. Specifically, for example, the processor 10 advances the game of the user 190A by decreasing parameters such as HP, attack power, and defense power of the player character C2 as the distance between the player character C1 and the player character C2 is shorter. May be adjusted to be advantageous.

  Further, when the levels of the player character C1 and the player character C2 are associated as parameters and the level of the player character C2 is higher than the level of the player character C1, the processor 10 determines whether the player character C1 and the player character C2 You may control so that operation | movement of avatar A1 is restrict | limited when distance is less than predetermined distance.

  Since the game progress of the user 190A is adjusted in this way, the game becomes advantageous or disadvantageous for the user 190A according to the positional relationship between the player character C1 and the player character C2. Motivation to make it work. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.

The subject matter disclosed in the present specification is indicated as, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
An information processing method executed by a computer (computer 200 or server 150) to provide a virtual experience to a first user (user 190A) via a head mounted device (HMD device 110) including a display unit (monitor 112). There,
A first avatar (avatar A1) associated with the first user and a first character object (player character C1) that moves in a field defined in a virtual space based on a first operation input by the first user. A second avatar (avatar A2) controlled by operation data different from the first operation input, and a second character object (player character C2) associated with the second avatar and operating in the field. Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space to include (step S1 in FIG. 10);
Based on the positional relationship between at least two of the first avatar, the first character object, the second avatar, and the second character object, the first avatar, the first character object, and the second avatar. And a step (steps S21 and S22 in FIG. 13) of adjusting the game progress of the first user to be advantageous or unfavorable with respect to any of the second character objects,
A visual field image is generated based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar in the virtual space, and the posture of the head mounted device, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit. Steps (steps S10 and S11 in FIG. 10);
An information processing method including:
According to the information processing method of this item, according to the positional relationship between the avatar and the character object, the first user operates the first avatar when the game proceeds advantageously or disadvantageously for the first user. Since this is a motivation for making it happen, entertainment of the game can be improved.
(Item 2)
The adjusting step includes a process of changing a parameter associated with the first character object or the second character object in an advantageous or unfavorable manner for the first user.
The information processing method according to item 1.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game can be made advantageous or unfavorable for the first user by setting the parameters relating to the character object.
(Item 3)
The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability based on the first operation input of the first character object so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to item 1 or 2.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game can be made advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user by adjusting the operability of the first character object.
(Item 4)
The second avatar is associated with a second user different from the first user;
The operation data is a second operation input input by the second user,
The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability based on the second operation input of the second character object so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game can be made advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user by adjusting the operability of the second character object.
(Item 5)
The step of adjusting includes a process of controlling the first character object to change an action according to the first operation input according to a positional relationship between the first avatar and the first character object.
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 4.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to make the progress of the game advantageous or unfavorable for the first user by controlling the first character object to change the motion according to the first operation input.
(Item 6)
The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability related to an operation for the first user to input the first operation input so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5.
According to the information processing method of this item, the progress of the game can be made advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user by adjusting the operability related to the operation for the first user to input the first operation input.
(Item 7)
The step of adjusting includes a process of changing the visibility of the virtual space in the visual field image.
Item 7. The information processing method according to Item 6.
According to the information processing method of this item, the operability of the first character object is affected by changing the visibility in the visual field image, so that the progress of the game can be made advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user. .
(Item 8)
Further including notifying the first user of distance information indicating a distance between any two of the first avatar, the first character object, the second avatar, and the second character object;
The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 7.
According to the information processing method of this item, it is possible to make the first user recognize distance information that affects the progress of the game, so that the motivation for the first user to actively operate the first avatar is provided. can get.
(Item 9)
The virtual space data includes a virtual controller whose movement is operated in association with the first avatar based on the movement of the controller that generates the first operation input;
The distance information is displayed on the virtual controller.
Item 9. The information processing method according to Item 8.
According to the information processing method of this item, the distance information displayed on the virtual controller can be recognized by the user through vision, so that entertainment in the game can be improved.
(Item 10)
An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
A virtual space that defines a virtual space including a first avatar associated with the first user and a first character object that operates in a field defined in the virtual space based on an operation input by the first user. Generating data; and
Executing a process for making an operation of the first avatar or the first character object advantageous or unfavorable for the first user based on a positional relationship between the first avatar and the first character object; ,
A visual field image is generated based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar in the virtual space, and the posture of the head mounted device, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit. Steps,
An information processing method including:
According to the information processing method of this item, the game is advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user according to the positional relationship between the first avatar and the first character object. This motivates the object to move actively. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.
(Item 11)
An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
The first avatar associated with the first user, the first character object that moves in the field defined in the virtual space based on the first operation input by the first user, and the first operation input Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space including a second avatar controlled by different operation data;
Executing a process for making the operation of the first avatar or the first character object advantageous or unfavorable for the first user based on the positional relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar;
A visual field image is generated based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar in the virtual space, and the posture of the head mounted device, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit. Steps,
An information processing method including:
According to the information processing method of this item, since the game is advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user according to the positional relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar, the first user operates the first avatar positively. It is a motivation for making it happen. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.
(Item 12)
An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
The first avatar associated with the first user, the first character object that moves in the field defined in the virtual space based on the first operation input by the first user, and the first operation input Generating virtual space data defining a virtual space including a second avatar controlled by different operation data, and a second character object associated with the second avatar and operating in the field;
Executing a process for making an operation of the first avatar or the first character object advantageous or unfavorable for the first user based on a positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object. When,
A visual field image is generated based on the virtual space data, the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar in the virtual space, and the posture of the head mounted device, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit. Steps,
An information processing method including:
According to the information processing method of this item, the game is advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user according to the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object. Motivation to make it work. Thereby, the entertainment property of a game can be improved.
(Item 13)
A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 12.
(Item 14)
An apparatus comprising: at least a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 12 is executed under the control of the processor.

1, 1A, 1B ... virtual camera, 2 ... virtual space, 5 ... reference line of sight, 10 ... processor, 11 ... memory, 12 ... storage, 13 ... input / output interface, 14 ... communication interface, 15 ... bus, 19 ... network, 21 ... center, 22 ... virtual space image, 23 ... view area, 24 ... area, 25 ... area, 100, 100A, 100B ... HMD system, 110, 110A, 110B ... HMD device, 112 ... monitor, 114 ... sensor, 118 ... Microphone, 120 ... Sensor, 140 ... Gaze sensor, 150 ... Server, 160, 160A, 160B ... Controller, 190, 190A, 190B ... User, 200 ... Computer, 220 ... Display control module, 221 ... Virtual camera control module, 222 ... view area determination module, 223 ... view image generation 224 ... reference line of sight identification module 230 ... virtual space control module 231 ... virtual space definition module 232 ... virtual object control module 232 ... virtual object control module 232 ... virtual object control module 233 ... controller information acquisition Module, 234 ... Data sharing module, 235 ... Position relation determination module, 240 ... Memory module, 241 ... Spatial information, 242 ... Object information, 243 ... User information, 250 ... Communication control module, A1, A2 ... Avatar, C1, C2 ... player character, D ... distance display object, F ... game field, M1, M2 ... view image, VC1, VC2 ... controller object.

Claims (15)

An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
A field object, a first avatar associated with the first user, a first character object associated with the first user and not included in the first avatar, and a second avatar associated with the second user ; Defining a virtual space including a second character object associated with the second user and not included in the second avatar ;
Moving the first character object on the field object based on a first operation input by the first user;
Moving the second character object on the field object based on a second operation input by the second user;
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the first user and a third operation input by the first user;
Controlling the movement of the second avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the second user and a fourth operation input by the second user;
Based on the positional relationship between at least two of the first avatar, the first character object, the second avatar, and the second character object, the first avatar, the first character object, and the second avatar. And adjusting the game progress of the first user to be advantageous or disadvantageous for any of the second character objects;
Based on the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar and the posture of the head mounted device, a visual field image corresponding to the field of view from the first avatar is generated, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit Step to
An information processing method including: The adjusting step includes a process of changing a parameter associated with the first character object or the second character object in an advantageous or unfavorable manner for the first user.
The information processing method according to claim 1. The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability based on the first operation input of the first character object so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2. The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability based on the second operation input of the second character object so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The step of adjusting includes a process of controlling the first character object to change an action according to the first operation input according to a positional relationship between the first avatar and the first character object.
The information processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The step of adjusting includes a process of changing operability related to an operation for the first user to input the first operation input so as to be advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The step of adjusting includes a process of changing the visibility of the virtual space in the visual field image.
The information processing method according to claim 6. Further including notifying the first user of distance information indicating a distance between any two of the first avatar, the first character object, the second avatar, and the second character object;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The virtual space data includes a virtual controller whose movement is operated in association with the first avatar based on the movement of the controller that generates the first operation input;
The distance information is displayed on the virtual controller.
The information processing method according to claim 8.   The adjusting step changes the ability of the first character object according to a distance between the first avatar and the first character object.
  The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
Defining a virtual space including a field object, a first avatar associated with the first user, and a first character object associated with the first user and not included in the first avatar ;
Moving the first character object on the field object based on a first operation input by the first user;
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the first user and a third operation input by the first user;
Based on the positional relationship between the first avatar and the first character object, a process for making the action of the first avatar or the operation of the first character object advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user is executed. Steps,
Based on the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar and the posture of the head mounted device, a visual field image corresponding to the field of view from the first avatar is generated, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit Step to
An information processing method including: An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
A field object, a first avatar associated with the first user, a first character object associated with the first user and not included in the first avatar, and a second avatar associated with the second user ; Defining a virtual space including:
Moving the first character object on the field object based on a first operation input by the first user;
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the first user and a third operation input by the first user;
Controlling the movement of the second avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the second user and a fourth operation input by the second user;
Executing a process for making the action of the first avatar or the operation of the first character object advantageous or unfavorable for the first user based on the positional relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar. When,
Based on the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar and the posture of the head mounted device, a visual field image corresponding to the field of view from the first avatar is generated, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit Step to
An information processing method including: An information processing method executed by a computer to provide a virtual experience to a first user via a head-mounted device including a display unit,
A field object, a first avatar associated with the first user, a first character object associated with the first user and not included in the first avatar, and a second avatar associated with the second user ; Defining a virtual space including a second character object associated with the second user and not included in the second avatar ;
Moving the first character object on the field object based on a first operation input by the first user;
Moving the second character object on the field object based on a second operation input by the second user;
Controlling the movement of the first avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the first user and a third operation input by the first user;
Controlling the movement of the second avatar based on at least one of a head movement by the second user and a fourth operation input by the second user;
Based on the positional relationship between the first character object and the second character object, a process for making the action of the first avatar or the operation of the first character object advantageous or disadvantageous for the first user is executed. And steps to
Based on the position of the virtual viewpoint associated with the first avatar and the posture of the head mounted device, a visual field image corresponding to the field of view from the first avatar is generated, and the visual field image is displayed on the display unit Step to
An information processing method including: Program for executing the information processing method according to the computer in any one of claims 1 to 13. An apparatus comprising: at least a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is executed under the control of the processor.