JP2001325616A - Method and system for moving virtual space - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] In a method of moving a virtual space that moves between three-dimensional virtual spaces, a user's labor when moving is reduced. SOLUTION: A terminal (1-1 to 1-m) accesses a host server (3-1 to 3-n) that controls a plurality of virtual spaces, and moves into a room having character information in the virtual space. In the virtual space system for manipulating the body, a step of designating another virtual space (Vn) in one virtual space screen (V1) entering the room, and, according to the designation, one virtual space screen (V1) of the terminal. ), Reflecting the user information of the terminal in one virtual space (V1) in another virtual space (Vn), and displaying a screen of another virtual space on the terminal. Even in a three-dimensional virtual space that requires user information, the operation of moving to another space can be simplified, similarly to a portal site on the Internet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for moving a virtual space for moving from a certain three-dimensional virtual space to another three-dimensional virtual space. , A virtual space moving method for moving to another three-dimensional virtual space, and a system therefor.

[0002] With the development of computers and the Internet, virtual reality (virtual reality) spaces have been provided. In a three-dimensional virtual space (virtual space) broadcasted by a service provider or the like, a character is present in a virtual space such as a virtual town,
There is a system for enjoying sightseeing, meetings, and entertainment in a virtual space. In such a virtual space, not only the situation changes, but also the temporary character (moving object) moves in the space, and the situation changes accordingly.
You can move freely in that space. As an example of this, "Hab
bitat ”,“ paw2 ”, etc. In the use of this virtual space, the existence of various virtual spaces
It is required to be able to easily move between virtual spaces.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the prior art. The virtual space is operated by the software system of the host server. A terminal such as a personal computer starts software (browsing software, browser) of the virtual space and participates in the virtual space. FIG. 8A shows a screen of the terminal,
The launched virtual space V1 (software S1) is displayed. In the virtual space V1, the character C1 of the terminal user is displayed. The character C1 is usually a human model. The character C1 can be moved by operating the terminal. An operation menu M1 is displayed in the virtual space V1, and by pointing the operation menu M1 with a pointer, the character C1 can be moved up, down, left, and right. With this operation,
The scene around the character C1 also changes.

[0004] Such a three-dimensional virtual space is provided in a wide variety and variety, and there is a use form in which a virtual space moves from one virtual space V1 to another virtual space Vn. In this case,
It is necessary to start up the software S1 of the virtual space V1 and the software Sn of another virtual space Vn.

Conventionally, the current space is temporarily terminated by inputting a URL, reading a setting file, or the like. Further, if a single line is used, the connection to the server in the virtual space V1 is cut off, and the server is connected to the server in the virtual space Vn. As shown in FIG. 8B, a method of entering a virtual space Vn has been adopted.

[0006]

However, the conventional method has a first problem that the operation for moving the virtual space is complicated. For example, in order to enter a virtual space, access to the virtual space, setting of a password, setting of a moving object (character), and the like are required. Conventionally, each time the user moves, the virtual space is terminated and another space is set. Such an operation for starting up is required.

Second, the conventional method is that when moving from one world to another, the movement of the space simply ends the space and accesses another space. There is also a problem that it is difficult to produce the effect of moving in a space, and the feeling of virtual reality is not sufficient.

An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space moving method and a system for facilitating a virtual space moving operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for moving a virtual space, which can omit a start-up operation of a destination space when the virtual space is moved.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for moving a virtual space, which can save the trouble of user authentication when moving the virtual space.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for moving a virtual space for providing a visual effect when moving the virtual space.

[0012]

In order to achieve this object,
According to the present invention, in a virtual space system in which a host accesses a host server that controls a plurality of virtual spaces from a terminal and operates a moving object having character information in the virtual space that has entered the room, one virtual space screen in the room is displayed. Specifying another virtual space, and according to the specification,
While ending one virtual space screen in the terminal, reflecting the user information of the terminal in the one virtual space in the other virtual space, displaying the screen of the other virtual space on the terminal. And steps.

According to the present invention, first, information for designating another three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on the three-dimensional virtual space screen during entry, and another three-dimensional virtual space is designated on the three-dimensional virtual space screen. I made it possible. Secondly, when specified, the user information used in the entered three-dimensional virtual space is used for other three-dimensional virtual space.
Reflected in 3D virtual space. Therefore, even in a three-dimensional virtual space that requires user information, the operation of moving to another space can be simplified as in the case of an Internet portal site.

In the moving method of the virtual space according to the present invention, the displaying step reflects the character information in the one virtual space on the moving body in the other virtual space according to the designation. Thus, the step of displaying the screen of the other virtual space eliminates the need to set character information in the destination virtual space.

Further, in the virtual space moving method according to the present invention,
The display step, according to the user information, a step of determining whether or not to enter the other virtual space, and when the entry is permitted, while ending one virtual space screen in the terminal, Displaying the screen of the other virtual space on the terminal, the authentication operation performed by the user in the destination virtual space can be deleted.

Further, in the method for moving a virtual space according to the present invention,
The designating step includes, in the one virtual space screen,
Requesting any visible space information of the other virtual space; displaying the visible space information in the one virtual space screen in response to the request; and specifying the visible space information And a step of designating the movement to the other virtual space, whereby the virtual space can be linked visually, and a sense of virtual reality can be realized even during the movement.

Further, in the virtual space moving method of the present invention,
By displaying information of any visible space of the other virtual space at the entrance of the other virtual space in the one virtual space, an effect of visually enhancing the movement of the virtual space is exhibited.

Further, in the virtual space moving method of the present invention,
The designating step includes a step of operating the moving body to pass through the entrance of the another virtual space of the one virtual space so that the user can enter another three-dimensional virtual space from the entrance of the three-dimensional virtual space. , Can enhance the visual effect more.

Further, in the virtual space moving method according to the present invention, the displaying step includes the step of transmitting the user information from the first server controlling the one virtual space to the second server controlling the other virtual space. , The setting of the user information can be omitted even in the movement of the virtual space of a different server.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to a virtual space moving method and system, virtual space moving control, and other embodiments.

[Method and System for Moving Virtual Space]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space moving method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram thereof, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of entering a virtual space. In this example, a three-dimensional virtual space is taken as an example of the virtual space.

First, the virtual space system will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminals 1-1 to 1-m are constituted by computers having Internet connection and browsing functions. For example, a personal computer with a display device is suitable, but other computer devices having an Internet connection function can be used. Terminal 1-1 to 1-m
Has browsing software (browser) 10. As the browser 10, for example, a known device such as Netscape can be used.

Each of the host servers 3-1 to 3-n has 3
The dimensional virtual spaces V1 to Vn are controlled by software. For example, the virtual space V1 is a virtual city, and the virtual space Vn is a virtual resort. Each of the host servers 3-1 to 3-n is provided with a link mechanism (software) 20 for linking to another server.

The Internet 2 has terminals 1-1 to 1-m
And a communication line network for connecting the server 3-1 to the server 3-1 to 3-n. There are public lines such as wired, wireless, and satellite lines, and dedicated lines.

The procedure for accessing the virtual space will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when the virtual space of the server is accessed from the terminal by a URL or the like, an input screen 30 for user information is displayed on the screen of the terminal. In this example, the screen is for inputting a user name and a password. Further, when a new registration is clicked, the screen is changed to an input screen for a registered name (user name), its Roman character, a password, and character characteristics (male, female, adult, child, etc.).

That is, the user name, password, and character properties are registered in the server. The server specifies the user by the user name, authenticates the use by the password, and determines the model of the character in the virtual space, which will be described later, by the character properties.

The basic concept of the virtual space moving method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a screen on a terminal of a three-dimensional virtual space V1 controlled by the server 3-1. A character C1 specified by a user is displayed in the virtual space V1. The character C1 is a model of character properties registered by the user, for example, a human model wearing a hat. The virtual space V1 is a virtual city and shows a state where the user is walking on a road. The character C1 is moved up, down, left, and right in the virtual space by pointing the icon M1 displayed on the screen 30. The scene of the virtual space V1 changes in accordance with this movement.

The virtual space V1 has an entrance (interface) of another virtual space Vn controlled by the server 3-n.
There are forty. For example, if the character C1 moves straight in the space and touches the entrance 40, the character C1 can enter another virtual space Vn. For this reason, the user information (that is, ID information such as a user name and a password, character information) used in the virtual space V1 is transferred to the server 3-n in the virtual space Vn by the link mechanism 20 of the server 3-1. I do. By this transfer, the server 3-1 disconnects the connection with the terminal.

On the other hand, the server 3-n regards this information transfer as connection access, performs authentication using ID information, and connects to the terminal. Then, a model C1 based on the character information is formed in the virtual space Vn. The browsers 10 of the terminals 1-1 to 1-m can browse the virtual spaces V1 to Vn. Therefore, the terminal can access the server 3-n, and the same character C1 as the character in the virtual space V1 is displayed in the virtual space Vn on the screen of the terminal as shown in FIG. The character C1 is a model of the character property registered by the user, for example, a human model wearing a hat. Further, the virtual space Vn is a virtual resort, and shows a situation where the mountain is strolled.
The character C1 is moved up, down, left, and right in the virtual space by pointing the icon M1 displayed on the screen 30. The scene of the virtual space Vn changes in accordance with this movement.

As described above, since the virtual spaces are linked, the movement of the virtual space is facilitated. In addition, since user information is exchanged, authentication of entry into the virtual space, registration of a model in the virtual space, and the like can be automatically processed, thereby saving the user time and effort. This encourages the use of virtual space,
It is extremely convenient for the user and the provider of the virtual space.

In the above configuration example, different servers control different virtual spaces. However, the same server can control a plurality of virtual spaces.
A system for controlling a plurality of virtual spaces in a single server can also be used. Similarly, an example of using one user in the virtual space has been described, but the same applies to a case where one virtual space is used by many users at the same time.

[Virtual Space Movement Control] FIG. 4 is a virtual space control sequence diagram of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a virtual space movement control processing flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

A description will be given based on the entire sequence of FIG. First, when the user has entered the virtual space V1 controlled by the host 3-1, the user terminals 1-1 to 1-1
In response to the move command from 1-m, the host 3-1
The coordinates of the character are calculated, and the coordinates of the virtual space V1 and the object information (character, building, etc.) are transmitted to the terminal. At the terminal, the browser 10 creates a screen from these,
The information is displayed on the display device (1000). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, an image in which the character C1 exists in the virtual space V1 is displayed.

When the user wants to view an image of another virtual space Vn, the host 3-1 responds to a Vn image request command from the user terminals 1-1 to 1-m. The request is transmitted to the host 3-n of Vn, and the host 3-
n, the image information of the virtual space Vn is received from the virtual space V1, and the image of the virtual space Vn is synthesized in the virtual space V1.
The n coordinate and object information (character, building, etc.) are transmitted to the terminal. In the terminal, the browser 10 creates a screen from these and displays it on the display device (1010). Thereby, an image in which the virtual space Vn exists in the virtual space V1 is displayed.

On the other hand, when linking (moving) in the virtual space, a link request command from the user terminals 1-1 to 1-m to Vn is transmitted to the host 3-1. A visually continuous link request method will be described with reference to FIGS. The host 3-1 transmits the request to the host 3-n in the virtual space Vn in response to the link request command to Vn from the user terminals 1-1 to 1-m. The host 3-n inquires the host 3-1 about the requested user information, and the host 3-1 sends the user information to the host 3--1.
n. The user information is the above-described ID information and character information. The host 3-n authenticates the user's entry into the virtual space based on the ID information. In the case of denial of the request, the host 3-n notifies the terminal via the host 3-1. As a result, the terminal sets the virtual space V
You cannot move to n.

On the other hand, if the request is granted, the host 3
n transmits the authentication to the host 3-1. As a result, the host 3-1 interrupts communication with the terminal. The host 3-n connects the communication with the terminal (102).
0). Thereby, the user of the terminal enters the virtual space Vn of the host 3-n. That is, the terminal is the host 3-n
The browser 10 creates a screen based on the coordinates of the virtual space Vn and the object information (characters, buildings, etc.) and displays the screen on the display device. Thereby, an image in which the character C1 exists in the virtual space Vn is displayed.

The movement of the character C1 in the virtual space Vn is similar to the movement of the user terminals 1-1 to 1-1 in the virtual space V1.
In response to the movement command from m, the host 3-n calculates the coordinates of the character and transmits the coordinates of the virtual space Vn and the object information (character, building, etc.) to the terminal. In the terminal, a screen is created from these by the browser 10 and displayed on the display device (1030). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, an image in which the character C1 exists in the virtual space Vn is displayed.

Next, a method for visually producing the movement of the virtual space will be described with reference to FIGS. First,
At the user's terminal PC, the user has entered the virtual space V1 of the host server 3-1 (screen 30 in FIG. 6). In this state, a spatial door (anywhere door) 40 is selected by a pull-down menu (1100). As shown in the screen 31 of FIG. 6, a door icon 40 and a list 41 of movable virtual spaces are displayed in the current virtual empty space V1. In this case, the door 40 and the list 41 are not displayed on the screen of another visitor of the virtual space V1.

When the user of the terminal selects the destination virtual space Vn from the list 41, the terminal user transmits the link request command shown in FIG. 4 to the host 3-1. As shown in FIG.
n in response to a link request command to the
The request is transmitted to the host 3-n in the virtual space Vn. The host 3-n inquires the host 3-1 about the requested user information, and the host 3-1 transmits the user information to the host 3-n. The user information is the above-described ID information and character information. The host 3-n
Based on the ID information, the user is authenticated to enter the virtual space (1110).

When accepting the request, the host 3-n
The authentication is transmitted to the host 3-1. This allows host 3
-1 indicates the destination in the virtual space Vn to the terminal (1
120). That is, when there are many destinations in the virtual space Vn, the user can specify the destination. As shown in a screen 32 of FIG. 6, a destination list 42 is displayed as an icon on the virtual space screen V1. For example, an event venue, a mountain, a river, a field, and the like.

The user of the terminal clicks a destination icon on the screen 32. For example, when the event venue is clicked, the host 3-1 transmits an image request of the current event venue to the host 3-n (1130). Host 3
-N transfers the image of the destination (event venue) of the virtual space Vn to the host 3-1 and, as shown in FIG.
1 synthesizes an image of the destination of the virtual space Vn in the virtual space V1, and transmits the coordinates and object information (character, building, etc.) of the virtual spaces V1 and Vn to the terminal (114)
0). As shown in the screen 33 of FIG. 7, the door 40 opens on the screen in the virtual space V1, and the image P1 of the event venue is displayed.

The user moves the character C1 on the screen 33 and passes through the door 40, so that the host 3-1 detects the movement to the virtual space Vn. As a result, the host 3-1 transfers the terminal user to the host 3-n (1150). Thereby, the host 3-1
Interrupts communication with the terminal, and the host 3-n connects communication with the terminal. Thereby, the user of the terminal enters the destination (event venue) of the virtual space Vn of the host 3-n. That is, the terminal receives the image information of the event venue in the virtual space Vn from the host 3-n,
According to the coordinates of n and the object information (character, building, etc.)
The browser 10 creates a screen and displays it on the display device. Thereby, as shown in the screen 34 of FIG. 7, the virtual space Vn
Character C1 in the event venue (boxing venue)
Is displayed.

As described above, since the movement of the virtual space is displayed in a visually linked form, the user can move the virtual space without feeling uncomfortable, and the operation can be performed smoothly.

[Other Embodiments] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention can be modified as follows.

(1) Although the terminal has been described as a personal computer, a dedicated terminal such as a game facility or a portable terminal can be applied.

(2) Although the connection line has been described on the Internet, a dedicated line may be used.

(3) Although the moving body in the virtual space has been described by using a human model, other moving bodies such as a vehicle such as a racing car can be applied.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment, various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.
They are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The following effects are obtained. Displaying information on the designation of another virtual space on the virtual space screen while entering the room, allowing other virtual spaces to be specified on the virtual space screen, and when specified, user information used in the virtual space while entering the room Was reflected in other virtual spaces. Therefore, even in a virtual space that requires user information, the operation of moving to another space can be simplified as in the case of an Internet portal site.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a method of moving a virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram for FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an entry operation of the virtual space in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control sequence of a virtual space according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a virtual space movement process according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first operation of the processing in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second operation of the processing in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-1 to 1-m Terminal 2 Internet 3-1 to 3-n Host server 10 Browsing software (browser) 20 Link mechanism V1 to Vn 3D virtual space C1 Character

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A method for moving a virtual space for a virtual space system in which a terminal accesses a host server that controls a plurality of virtual spaces from a terminal and operates a moving object having character information in the virtual space. A step of designating another virtual space in one virtual space screen during entry, and, in accordance with the designation, terminating one virtual space screen in the terminal, and a step of terminating the terminal in the one virtual space. Reflecting the user information in the other virtual space and displaying a screen of the other virtual space on the terminal. 2. The virtual space moving method according to claim 1, wherein, in the displaying step, the character information in the one virtual space is reflected on the moving body in the other virtual space according to the designation. do it,
Displaying a screen of the virtual space. 3. The method for moving a virtual space according to claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes a step of determining whether to enter the other virtual space according to the user information; Occasionally terminating one virtual space screen on the terminal and displaying the screen of the other virtual space on the terminal. 4. The method of moving a virtual space according to claim 1, wherein the specifying step includes a step of requesting any visible space information of the other virtual space on the one virtual space screen; Accordingly, there is a step of displaying the information of the visible space in the one virtual space screen, and a step of designating the information of the visible space and designating movement to the other virtual space. How to move the virtual space. 5. The method of moving a virtual space according to claim 4, wherein information of any visible space of the other virtual space is displayed at an entrance of the another virtual space in the one virtual space. How to move the virtual space. 6. The method for moving a virtual space according to claim 5, wherein the specifying step includes a step of operating the moving body to pass through an entrance of the another virtual space of the one virtual space. Characteristic virtual space movement method. 7. The method of moving a virtual space according to claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes: transmitting the user from a first server that controls the one virtual space to a second server that controls the other virtual space. A method for moving a virtual space, comprising transmitting information. 8. A virtual space system comprising: a host server that controls a plurality of virtual spaces; and a terminal that operates a moving object having character information in the entered virtual space, wherein the host server includes: Displaying information for designating another virtual space within one virtual space screen during entry, and terminating one virtual space screen at the terminal according to the designation of the information at the terminal. A virtual space system, wherein user information of the terminal in the one virtual space is reflected in the other virtual space, and a screen of the other virtual space is displayed on the terminal. 9. The virtual space system according to claim 8, wherein the host server reflects the character information in the one virtual space on the moving object in the other virtual space according to the designation. ,
A virtual space system displaying a screen of the another virtual space. 10. The virtual space system according to claim 8, wherein the host server determines whether to enter the other virtual space according to the user information, and when the entry is permitted, the terminal. A virtual space system, wherein one virtual space screen is terminated and the screen of the other virtual space is displayed on the terminal. 11. The virtual space system according to claim 8, wherein the host server, on the one virtual space screen of the terminal, requests information of any visible space of the other virtual space in response to a request. Displaying virtual space information in the one virtual space screen, and determining designation of movement to the other virtual space according to designation of the visible space information at the terminal. Spatial system. 12. The virtual space system according to claim 11, wherein the host server displays information on an arbitrary visible space of the another virtual space at an entrance of the other virtual space in the one virtual space. A virtual space system characterized by the following. 13. The virtual space system according to claim 12, wherein the host server responds to an operation of the terminal passing through the moving object at an entrance of the one virtual space to the other virtual space. A virtual space system, wherein the virtual space system moves to a virtual space. 14. The virtual space system according to claim 8, wherein the host server controls a second server that controls the other virtual space, and controls the one virtual space, and, in accordance with the designation, A virtual space system comprising a second server and a first server for transmitting the user information.