JP2018032415A - Method and apparatus for controlling objects displayed in virtual space, and program for causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Object control for realizing various inputs in a virtual space is realized.
The processing executed by a computer that provides a virtual space includes a step of displaying the virtual space (S1315), a step of arranging a left-hand object and a right-hand object in the virtual space (S1320), and a controller object in the virtual space. A step of arranging (S1325), a step of associating the left hand object and the right hand object with the controller object (S1350) when the left hand object, the right hand object and the controller object come into contact with each other (YES in step S1340); A step of rotating the controller object in accordance with the rotation of the left hand object and the right hand object based on the user action in space (S1370), and the rotation of the controller object And a step (S1380) to accept as a force.
[Selection] Figure 13

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more specifically to a technique for controlling an object arranged in a virtual space.

  A technique for providing a virtual space using a head-mounted display (HMD) has become widespread. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-231445 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for “improving usability when realizing gesture input using an HMD” (see [Summary]).

JP2015-231445A

  The controller in the virtual space often becomes a hand-type model. However, the operations that can be input with hand gestures are limited. Therefore, a technique for realizing more various input operations is required.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a method for realizing more various input operations.

  According to an embodiment, a method for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space is provided. The method includes any one of a step of defining a virtual space provided by the head mounted display device, a step of arranging a controller object that receives control in the virtual space in the virtual space, and a user's limb wearing the head mounted display device. Detecting the state of the limb, placing the limb object corresponding to one of the limbs in the virtual space, and the movement of the limb object linked to the movement of the user when the limb object and the controller object are associated with each other And moving the controller object and receiving the movement of the controller object as an input to the controller object.

In one aspect, various inputs to the virtual space can be realized.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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. It is a figure showing the one aspect | mode of the arrangement | positioning of the object in the visual field area | region 23 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing the one aspect | mode of the arrangement | positioning of the object in the visual field area | region 23 according to other embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. 6 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment. It is a figure showing the state by which the controller object is not arrange | positioned. It is a figure showing the state by which the controller object 900 is arrange | positioned. It is a figure showing the state with which the left hand object 910, the right hand object 920, and the controller object 900 were mutually linked | related. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a left hand object 910 and a right hand object 920 are rotated rightward by operating a controller object 900.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention 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 Display) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD device 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the visual 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 by setting the transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device to be high. 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,
Server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

  The controller 160 receives input of commands from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be gripped by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output at least one of vibration, sound, and light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 accepts an operation given by the user 190 to control the position and movement of an object arranged in a space that provides virtual reality.

  In one aspect, the motion sensor 130 is attached to the user's hand and detects the movement of the user's hand. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, rotation speed, etc. of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in a glove-type controller 160, for example. In some embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be mounted on something that does not fly easily by being mounted on the hand of the user 190, such as a glove shape. In another aspect, a sensor that is not worn by the user 190 may detect the hand movement of the user 190. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication form is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication methods are used.

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

The processor 10 executes a series of instructions included in the program stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 based on a signal given to the computer 200 or based on a predetermined condition being satisfied. In one aspect, the processor 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and an FP.
Realized as GA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and other devices.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 12, for example. The data 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, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. 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 as in an amusement facility, it is possible to update programs and data collectively.

  In some embodiments, the input / output interface 13 communicates signals with the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120, or the motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is realized using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other terminals. The input / output interface 13 is not limited to that described above.

  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 motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends the instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, sound output, or light emission according to the command.

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

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

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

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 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, the HMD system 100 may include a microphone and a speaker in any part constituting the HMD system 100. The user can give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2 by speaking to the microphone.

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

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

[Visibility area]
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 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 the virtual space to the user 190 by displaying the view image 26 on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the view 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 26 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.

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

[controller]
An example of the controller 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of controller 160 according to an embodiment.

As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

  The right controller 800 includes a grip 30, a frame 31, and a top surface 32. The grip 30 is configured to be held by the right hand of the user 190. For example, the grip 30 can be held by the palm of the right hand of the user 190 and three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, little finger).

  The grip 30 includes buttons 33 and 34 and a motion sensor 130. The button 33 is disposed on the side surface of the grip 30 and receives an operation with the middle finger of the right hand. The button 34 is disposed in front of the grip 30 and accepts an operation with the index finger of the right hand. In one aspect, the buttons 33 and 34 are configured as trigger buttons. The motion sensor 130 is built in the housing of the grip 30. Note that when the operation of the user 190 can be detected from around the user 190 by a camera or other device, the grip 30 may not include the motion sensor 130.

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program during the execution of the program using the controller 160. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect the positions and postures (tilt and orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 8, infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. An array of one or more columns may be used.

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36 and 37 are configured as push buttons. The buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation with the thumb of the right hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the analog stick 38 accepts an operation in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller include a battery for driving the infrared LED 35 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable type, a button type, a dry battery type, and the like. In another aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller may be connected to a USB interface of the computer 200, for example. In this case, the right controller 800 and the left controller do not require batteries.

  As shown in the partial diagrams (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

  With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the arrangement of objects in the visual field region 23 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the arrangement of objects in the visual field region 23 according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating one aspect of the arrangement of objects in view field region 23 according to another embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the visual field area 23 according to an aspect may include a handle-shaped controller object 900, a left hand object 910, and a right hand object 920. The controller object 900 has, for example, a rotation axis, and changes the position and orientation of other objects associated with the controller object 900 according to the rotation direction and rotation speed. For example, when the controller object 900 is associated with a landscape in the virtual space 2, when the user 190 performs an operation of rotating the handle clockwise with both hands, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are To rotate the controller object 900 clockwise. Then, the direction in which the virtual camera 1 faces is also rotated clockwise, and a landscape moved to the right by an angle corresponding to the rotation operation by the user 190 is displayed in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the field-of-view area 23 according to another aspect may include a steering wheel-shaped object 1000, a left hand object 910, and a right hand object. For example, when the program executed by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 indicates a seascape, the computer 200 displays the object 1000 in accordance with a story that progresses according to the execution of the program. It can be arranged in the virtual space 2. Also in this case, as in the case of the object 900 shown in FIG. 9, when the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are associated with the object 1000, the object 1000 can be rotated according to the operation of the user 190. Depending on the rotation, the image displayed as the visual field area 23 may change.

[Control device for HMD device]
A control device of the HMD device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the control device is realized by a computer 200 having a known configuration. FIG. 11 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 11, 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 generation module 232, a hand object management module 233, and a controller management module 234 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 26 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 generation module 232 generates an object placed in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains, landscapes, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story.

  The hand object management module 233 arranges the hand object in the virtual space 2. The hand object corresponds to the right hand or the left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160, for example. In one aspect, the hand object management module 233 generates data for placing the left hand object 910 or the right hand object 920 in the virtual space 2. In another aspect, the hand object management module 233 indicates an operation in which the left hand object 910 or the right hand object 920 rotates another object (eg, the object 900 or the object 1000) in response to an operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. Generate data for The operation includes, for example, that a hand holding a handle shown as the object 900 rotates the handle.

  The controller management module 234 receives the operation of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 and controls the controller object according to the operation. A controller object according to an embodiment functions as a controller that gives instructions to other objects arranged in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the controller management module 234 generates data for placing the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000 that receives control in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. When the HMD device 110 receives this data, the monitor 112 displays the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000.

  In another aspect, when the limb object and the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000 are associated with each other, the controller management module 234 displays the limb object (for example, the left hand object 910, the right hand object 920, Data indicating that the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000 is moving is generated based on the motion of the foot object or the like, and transmitted to the HMD device.

  Further, the controller management module 234 receives the movement of the controller objects 900 and 1000 as an input to the controller objects 900 and 1000. For example, when the controller objects 900 and 1000 are rotated based on the operation of the user 190, the rotation angle is the processor 10 as an instruction for changing the location or posture of another object associated with the controller objects 900 and 1000. To be interpreted. The controller management module 234 changes the location or orientation of the object placed in the virtual space 2 according to the command.

  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 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2.

The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content is
For example, it may include content representing a landscape similar to a game or a real society. Further, the object information 242 arranges the hand object data for arranging the left hand object or the right hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 who operates the controller 160 in the virtual space 2 and the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2. Controller object data. The hand object data includes a plurality of image data representing each direction and shape of the left hand or the right hand that can take a plurality of directions or shapes. The controller object data includes image data representing the controller in the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000 or other virtual space.

  The user information 243 holds 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 storage module. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 10 and stored in the RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware that constitutes the computer 200 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 may be a magnetic tape, cassette tape, or 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
It may be a non-volatile data recording medium that carries a fixed program, such as a semiconductor memory such as (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or flash ROM.

  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. 12, a control structure of computer 200 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the HMD system 100.

  In step S1210, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231 and defines the virtual space.

  In step S1220, processor 10 initializes virtual camera 1. For example, the processor 10 places the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

  In step S1230, 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 S1232, monitor 112 of HMD device 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1234, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of HMD device 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1240, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 based on the position and tilt of 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 S1242, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on the signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the operation of the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera disposed around the user 190.

  In step S1250, processor 10 generates view field image data for placing the hand object in virtual space 2, and transmits the generated view field image data to HMD device 110. When receiving the view image data, the HMD device 110 displays a hand object based on the view image data on the monitor 112.

  In step S1260, processor 10 generates data for arranging controller objects 900 and 1000, and transmits the generated view field image data to HMD device 110. When receiving the view image data, the HMD device 110 displays a hand object based on the view image data on the monitor 112.

  In step S1270, processor 10 associates hand objects (for example, left hand object 910 and right hand object 920) with controller objects 900 and 1000.

  In step S1272, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on the signal output from the motion sensor 130. As in the case of step S1242, in another aspect, the operation of the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user 190.

  In step S1280, processor 10 detects that the hand objects (for example, left hand object 910 and right hand object 920) and controller objects 900 and 1000 are rotated.

  In step S1290, processor 10 generates view field image data indicating that the hand objects (for example, left hand object 910 and right hand object 920) and controller objects 900 and 1000 are rotating, and generates the generated view field image data. Transmit to the HMD device 110.

  In step S1292, the HMD device 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image on the monitor 112.

  With reference to FIG. 13, a control structure of computer 200 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart representing detailed processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200 in one aspect of an embodiment.

  In step S1310, processor 10 starts execution of the application program based on operation of controller 160 by user 190.

  In step S1315, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231, and provides the virtual space 2 to the HMD device 110 worn by the user 190 holding the controller 160.

  In step S1320, processor 10 arranges left hand object 910 and right hand object 920 in virtual space 2 as hand object management module 233 based on the operation of user 190 in the real space.

  In step S1325, the processor 10 arranges a controller object (for example, the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000) in the virtual space 2 as the controller management module 234 based on the operation of the user 190 in the real space.

In step S1330, processor 10 waits for input.
In step S1340, processor 10 determines left-hand object 910 and right-hand object 920 based on the signal output from motion sensor 130 and the coordinate values of the data for placing left-hand object 910, right-hand object 920, and controller object. Then, it is determined whether or not the controller object has come into contact. If processor 10 determines that these objects have come into contact (YES in step S1340), processor 10 switches processing to step S1350. If not (NO in step S1340), the control returns to step S1330.

  In step S1350, processor 10 associates left-hand object 910 and right-hand object 920 with the controller object. With this association, the controller object can also move in response to the movement of at least one of the hand objects.

  In step S1360, processor 10 rotates left hand object 910 and right hand object 920 based on the rotation operation of the hand by user 190 in the real space. More specifically, the processor 10 generates view field image data indicating that the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are rotating, and transmits the generated data to the HMD device 110. When the monitor 112 displays an image based on the data, the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize that the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are rotating in the virtual space 2.

  In step S1370, processor 10 rotates the controller object in accordance with the rotation of the hand object linked to the movement of user 190 in the real space. More specifically, the processor 10 rotates the controller object 900 based on the signal from the motion sensor 130 and the arrangement information (eg, coordinate values in the virtual space 2) of the controller object stored as the object information 242. Visibility image data indicating that the image is displayed is generated. When the computer 200 transmits view image data to the HMD device 110, the monitor 112 displays an image indicating that the controller object 900 is rotating based on the view image data.

  In step S1380, processor 10 receives the rotation of the controller object as an instruction input. More specifically, processing predetermined according to the degree of rotation (rotation angle, rotation speed) of the controller object is executed according to the rotation.

  In step S1390, processor 10 performs processing according to the input command, and displays a view field image.

  In addition, although the aspect in which the computer 200 executes each processing step is illustrated as one aspect of the above processing, the processor of the HMD device 110 may execute each processing step.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17, control of other objects by the control object arranged in the virtual space 2 will be described. In an embodiment, the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 is viewing the visual field image 1400 in the virtual space 2 as a virtual user.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which no controller object is arranged. FIG. 14A shows a view image 1400 recognized by a virtual user. The view image 1400 includes a left hand object 910, a right hand object 920, a tree object 1410, and a mountain object 1420. As shown in the partial diagram (A), when the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the field-of-view image data, the user 190 wearing the HMD device uses the monitor 112 as a virtual user. The view field image 1400 is recognized based on the displayed image.

The partial diagram (B) is a diagram showing the visual field region 23 of the virtual space 2 that provides the visual field image 1400. The shooting range of the virtual camera 1 includes a left hand object 910, a right hand object 920, a tree object 1410, and a mountain object 1420. The virtual camera 1 corresponding to the viewpoint of the virtual user captures the view area 23 corresponding to the visual field of the virtual user.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the controller object 900 is arranged. When the user 190 performs a predetermined operation for displaying the controller object 900, the controller object 900 is arranged in the virtual space 2.

  For example, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 15, the controller object 900 is arranged at a position away from the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 by a predetermined distance. At this time, the controller object 900, the left hand object 910, and the right hand object 920 are not associated with each other.

  As shown in the partial diagram (B), the controller object 900 is arranged away from the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 in the visual field region 23.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the left hand object 910, the right hand object 920, and the controller object 900 are associated with each other. When the user 190 performs a predetermined operation for associating the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 with the controller object 900, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 move to a place where they come into contact with the controller object 900. In another aspect, the controller object 900 may move toward the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920.

  For example, as shown in a partial diagram (A) of FIG. 16, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are in contact with the ring-shaped portion of the controller object 900. At this time, the controller object 900, the left hand object 910, and the right hand object 920 are associated with each other.

  As shown in the partial diagram (B), the controller object 900 is arranged in contact with the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 in the view field region 23.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are rotated in the right direction by operating the controller object 900. When the user 190 moves the left hand and the right hand in the real space, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 move the controller object 900 according to the movement. For example, when the user 190 performs an operation of turning the steering wheel of the automobile in the clockwise direction, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 try to rotate the controller object 900 in the clockwise direction. At this time, the rotation of the controller object 900 is interpreted by the processor 10 as a rotation command for the virtual space 2. Therefore, the processor 10 rotates the virtual camera 1 to create a visual field image in a state where the visual line of the virtual user has moved.

  For example, as shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 17, the controller object 900 is rotated clockwise. By this rotation, an instruction to change the line of sight of the virtual user in the virtual space 2 is given to the computer 200.

  At this time, as shown in the partial diagram (B), a state in which the tree object 1410 is viewed in front is defined as the view area 23 by the processor 10.

In summary, the subject matter disclosed in this specification is shown as, for example, the following configuration.
[Configuration 1]
According to an embodiment, a method is provided that is executed on the computer 200 to control the objects displayed in the virtual space 2. This method includes a step of defining a virtual space 2 provided by the HMD device 110, a step of placing controller objects 900 and 1000 that receive control in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2, and a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110. Detecting a state of one of the four limbs (limbs), placing a limb object (for example, a right hand object, a right foot object) corresponding to one of the limbs in the virtual space 2, a limb object and a controller object 900 , 1000, the step of moving the controller objects 900, 1000 based on the movement of the limb object linked to the movement of the user 190, and the movement of the controller objects 900, 1000 to the controller And a step of receiving as an input to object 900, 1000.

  [Configuration 2] Preferably, the above method further includes a step of moving the limb object based on the operation of the user 190 when the limb object and the controller objects 900 and 1000 are not associated with each other.

  [Configuration 3] Preferably, the above method further includes a step of associating the limb object with the controller objects 900 and 1000 based on the movement of the limb object in conjunction with the movement of the user 190. For example, the processor 10 stores the coordinate value of the right-hand object and the coordinate value of the controller object 900 in the memory 11 in association with each other.

  [Configuration 4] Preferably, the association between the limb object and the controller objects 900 and 1000 is performed in response to the contact between the limb object and the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2. For example, when the coordinate value of the right hand object and the coordinate value of a part of the controller object 900 are the same value, the right hand object and the controller object 900 are associated with each other.

  [Configuration 5] Preferably, controller objects 900 and 1000 include a rotation object that receives a rotation operation. The step of moving the controller objects 900, 1000 includes rotating the rotating object. For example, the controller objects 900 and 1000 rotate around a predetermined rotation axis.

  [Configuration 6] Preferably, controller objects 900 and 1000 include a stick object that accepts an operation in at least one direction. The step of moving the controller objects 900 and 1000 includes moving the stick object in at least one direction in conjunction with movement in at least one direction by the user 190 (for example, one of up, down, left and right directions).

For example, in the above method, when one stick object is arranged in the virtual space 2, the step of moving the controller object is to move the stick object so that the stick object is tilted by associating the limb object and the stick object. Including. For example, when the stick object is regarded as a control stick for manipulating a moving object such as a flying object, the computer 200 can accept an input for moving the moving object according to the inclination of the stick object. The computer 200 generates a view field image by controlling the placement (tilt or the like) of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 according to the tilt of the stick object. For example, an operation for tilting the stick object in the front-rear direction may be received, and the virtual camera may be rotated based on the axis in the pitch direction. In the above method, the virtual space 2
When two stick objects are arranged in the box, the step of moving the controller object includes moving the stick object so that the stick object is tilted by associating the limb object with the stick object. For example, two stick objects can be regarded as two levers for moving a tank or other moving object, and an operation of tilting the lever so as to be tilted can be accepted as an input for manipulating the moving object. In this case, for example, by associating one of the two stick objects with the right-hand object and associating the other stick object with the left-hand object, the computer 200 moves the moving object according to the tilt of the stick object. Can be accepted as input for

  [Configuration 7] Preferably, the step of arranging the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2 includes arranging the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2 based on the operation of the user 190.

  [Configuration 8] Preferably, in the step of arranging the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2, the controller objects 900 and 1000 are arranged in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the progress of the scenario in the program that provides the virtual space 2. including.

  [Configuration 9] According to another embodiment, there is provided a program that causes a computer to execute any of the methods described above.

  [Configuration 10] According to still another embodiment, a control device for an object displayed in the virtual space 2 is provided. The control device includes a memory 11 that stores the above program, and a processor 10 that is coupled to the memory 11 and executes the program.

  As described above, according to HMD system 100 according to an embodiment, hand objects are arranged in virtual space 2. Further, when a predetermined condition is established for arranging the controller object in the virtual space 2 in a state where the hand object is arranged, the controller object is also arranged in the virtual space 2. When a predetermined condition is established for associating the hand object with the controller object, the hand object and the controller object are associated with each other. When the user 190 moves the hand, the hand object moves according to the movement, and the controller object is also activated in conjunction with the movement of the hand object. In this way, not only the hand object but also the controller object can be used to operate the object arranged in the virtual space 2, so that various input operations can be realized.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 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, 26, 1400 view image, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog stick, 100 system, 110 device, 112
Monitor, 114, 120 sensor, 130 motion sensor, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 22
0 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 visual field area determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 224 reference visual line identification module, 230
Virtual space control module, 231 Virtual space definition module, 232 Virtual object generation module, 233 Hand object management module, 234 Controller management module, 240 Memory module, 241 Spatial information, 242 Object information, 243 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810
Right hand, 900, 1000 Controller object, 910 Left hand object, 920 Right hand object, 1410 Tree object, 1420 Mountain object.

Claims (10)

A method for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space,
Defining a virtual space provided by the head mounted display device;
Arranging in the virtual space a controller object that receives control in the virtual space;
Detecting any state of a user's limb wearing the head-mounted display device;
Placing a limb object corresponding to any of the limbs in the virtual space;
Moving the controller object based on the movement of the limb object linked to the movement of the user when the limb object and the controller object are associated with each other;
Receiving the movement of the controller object as an input to the controller object.   The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the limb object based on the user's action when the limb object and the controller object are not associated.   The method of claim 1, further comprising associating the limb object with the controller object based on movement of the limb object in conjunction with the user's movement.   The method according to claim 3, wherein the association between the limb object and the controller object is performed in response to contact between the limb object and the controller object in the virtual space. The controller object includes a rotation object that receives a rotation operation,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the controller object includes rotating the rotating object. The controller object includes a stick object that accepts an operation in at least one direction,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the controller object includes moving the stick object in the at least one direction in conjunction with movement in at least one direction by the user.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of arranging the controller object in the virtual space includes arranging the controller object in the virtual space based on an action of the user.   The step of arranging the controller object in the virtual space includes arranging the controller object in the virtual space in accordance with a progress of a scenario in a program that provides the virtual space. The method described in 1.   The program which makes a computer perform the method as described in any one of Claims 1-8. A memory storing the program according to claim 9;
An apparatus for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space, comprising a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

Images