JP2018147497A - Method for providing virtual reality, program for causing computer to execute the method, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of improving a user's sense of immersion to a virtual space when providing the virtual space.SOLUTION: A method that is performed in a computer to provide a virtual space by displaying an image on a head-mounted device includes a step of defining the virtual space (step S1110), a step of displaying an operation object on the virtual space to receive an operation of a user of the head-mounted device in the virtual space (step S1120), a step of detecting a motion of a portion of a body of the user (step S1150), a step of moving the operation object so as to link with the detected operation (step S1160), and a step of monitoring a monitor target and changing a display mode of the operation object or an associated object associated with the operation object according to change of the monitor target (step S1140).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing virtual reality, and more particularly, to a technique for enhancing an immersive feeling for virtual reality.

  With the development of electronic devices such as smartphones, research on user interfaces has been actively conducted. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-102342 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electronic timepiece that displays a battery mark corresponding to the remaining battery level on a display unit (see FIG. 3).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-102342

  In recent years, attention has been focused on VR (virtual reality), and various companies have announced various VR-related products due to the evolution of various devices and improvements in sensor technology. In this VR field, how to immerse a user in a virtual space has been studied as an important issue.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a battery mark indicating the remaining battery level is displayed on the head-mounted display, the user may be aware of the battery mark and may not be able to fully immerse in the virtual space. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for enhancing the user's immersive feeling when providing a virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect thereof is to provide a method capable of enhancing a user's immersive feeling when providing a virtual space. It is. An object in another aspect is to provide a program that can enhance the user's immersion in the virtual space when providing the virtual space.

  According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for providing a virtual space by displaying an image on a head mounted device. The method includes a step of defining a virtual space, a step of displaying an operation object for receiving a user operation of the head mounted device in the virtual space, and a step of detecting a motion of a part of the user's body. And a step of moving the operation object so as to be interlocked with the detected motion, and a step of monitoring the monitoring target and changing a display mode of the operation object or an accompanying object accompanying the operation object according to a change of the monitoring target. Is provided.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed technical features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which is to be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of the user who wears HMD according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure showing the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from X direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area from the Y direction in virtual space. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the controller according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a computer according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing the process which a HMD system performs. It is a flowchart showing control of the virtual hand object which the processor 10 of a computer performs. FIG. 12 is a diagram for visually explaining a part of the process shown in FIG. 11. It is a figure explaining the texture table according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure explaining the display mode of the operation object according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure explaining the display mode of the operation object according to another situation. It is a figure explaining the display mode of the accompanying object according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure explaining the display mode of the accompanying object according to another situation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail 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-Mounted Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system. Note that the HMD may include any of a so-called head mounted display having a monitor and a head mounted device to which a terminal having a monitor such as a smartphone can be attached.

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD 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 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

  The HMD 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide a virtual space to the user during operation. More specifically, the HMD 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 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.

  In one aspect, the HMD 110 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 110. More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD 110 and detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space.

  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 110 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD 110 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD 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 110 detects its own position and inclination using any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120. Can do. 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 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates a temporal change in the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates an inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change in the angle. The HMD 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 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. Real space may be visible from a part.

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

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMDs 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 is connected to the computer 200 wirelessly. 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 transmitted from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 receives an operation from the user 190 for controlling the position and movement of an object arranged in the virtual space.

  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 from the controller 160 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. For example, the motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication form is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication methods are used.

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

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

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from the storage 12, for example. 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 between the HMD 110, the HMD sensor 120, and the motion sensor 130. In one aspect, the input / output interface 13 is implemented using a USB (Universal Serial Bus), 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 input of signals output from the controller 160 and 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, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD 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 110. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD 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 a plurality of HMDs 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 (up-down direction), and the front-rear direction in the global coordinate system are defined as an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis, respectively. More specifically, in the global coordinate system, the x axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of the real space. The y axis is parallel to the vertical direction of the real space. The z axis is parallel to the front-rear direction of the real space.

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared rays emitted from each light source of the HMD 110, the presence of the HMD 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and inclination of the HMD 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 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination around the three axes of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to a viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 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 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system when the HMD 110 is activated. The processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the detected value.

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

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

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

  The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after the HMD 110 has moved to the HMD 110 based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD 110. The relationship between the HMD 110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 in the real space may be specified as a relative position to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 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 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As with the HMD 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 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD 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 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 visual field area 23 corresponds to the visual field of the user wearing the HMD 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 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. Further, the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 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 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 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.

  While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world. 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 the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, a view field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD 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 adapted to the roll direction (w) of the HMD 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted.

[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-hand controller 800 and a left-hand controller. Controller 800 is operated with the right hand of user 190. The left-hand controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the controller 800 and the left-hand controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the controller 800 and the left hand holding the left hand controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the controller 800 will be described.

  The 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, a motion sensor 130, and a battery 805. 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 battery 805 and the motion sensor 130 are built in the housing of the grip 30. The battery 805 supplies power necessary for the motion sensor 130 and various circuits to operate. The battery 805 may be either a primary battery or a secondary battery, and the shape thereof may be arbitrary, such as a cylindrical shape, a button shape, or a square shape. 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 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.

  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

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, an operation object control module 233, and a monitoring 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 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 direction of the head of the user wearing the HMD 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 operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object for accepting an operation of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. For example, the user 190 operates an object placed in the virtual space 2 by operating the operation object. In one aspect, the operation object is, for example, a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110, a foot object corresponding to the user 190's foot, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, or a stick used by the user 190. Corresponding stick objects and the like may be included. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the axis portion in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The monitoring module 234 monitors a monitoring target in a program executed by the HMD system 100 or the processor 10, and outputs a change in the monitoring target to the operation object control module 233. The monitoring target includes, for example, the remaining amount of the battery 805 of the controller 800.

  The operation object control module 233 changes the display mode of the operation object according to the change of the monitoring target input from the monitoring module 234. As an example, the operation object control module 233 changes the display mode of the operation object by performing a process of attaching a texture to the operation object in accordance with the change of the monitoring target.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. The virtual space control module 230 can detect, for example, the timing when a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing when the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in a touched state. Specifically, when the operation object touches another object, the operation object control module 233 detects that the operation object touches another object, and performs a predetermined process. .

  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 content reproduced in the virtual space 2, objects used in the content, and information (for example, position information) for arranging the objects in the virtual space 2. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The object information 242 further includes texture information 244 and a texture table 1300. The texture information 244 holds a texture to be pasted on the object. The texture table 1300 holds conditions for attaching a texture to an object. Details of the texture table 1300 will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

  The program referred to here may include not only a program that can be directly executed by the processor 10, but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[Control structure]
A control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in step S <b> 1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies virtual space image data and defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231.

  In step S1020, 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 S1030, 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 transmitted to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250 via the view image generation module 223.

  In step S1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays a view field image based on the signal received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the visual field image.

  In step S <b> 1034, HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of HMD 110 based on a plurality of infrared lights transmitted from HMD 110. The detection result is transmitted to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1040, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD 110 based on the position and inclination of HMD 110. Further, the processor 10 arranges an object in the virtual space 2 as the virtual object generation module 232.

  In step S1050, controller 160 detects the remaining battery level of the controller. The controller 160 transmits the detected battery remaining amount to the data computer 200. In one aspect, the controller 160 is realized by a right-hand controller 800 and a left-hand controller. In this case, the controller 800 detects the remaining amount (for example, voltage value) of the battery 805 with a tester (not shown), and transmits the detection result to the computer 200. The left hand controller performs the same operation as the right hand controller 800.

  In step S1060, the processor 10 arranges a virtual hand object in the virtual space as the operation object control module 233. The virtual hand object corresponds to the hand of the user 190 in the real space. At this time, the processor 10 determines the display mode of the virtual hand object based on the remaining battery level input from the controller 160. This control will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1070, controller 160 detects operation of user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (for example, shaking both hands). A detection signal indicating the detection content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S1080, the processor 10 controls (processes) the action of the virtual hand object as the operation object control module 233 based on the detection signal input from the controller 160.

  In step S1090, processor 10 generates view image data for displaying a view image based on the processing result as view image generation module 223, and outputs the generated view image data to HMD 110.

  In step S1092, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 updates the view image based on the received view image data, and displays the updated view image.

  Next, display control of a virtual hand object as an operation object will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control of the virtual hand object executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200. FIG. 12 is a diagram for visually explaining a part of the processing shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 11, the user 190 uses a right-hand controller 800 and a left-hand controller as the controller 160. The control of the right-hand virtual hand object corresponding to the right-hand controller 800 and the control of the left-hand virtual hand object corresponding to the left-hand controller are the same processing. The control of the hand object will be described.

  In step S1110, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 as the virtual space definition module 231 and provides the virtual space 2 to the HMD 110 worn by the user 190 holding the controller 160.

  In step S1120, the processor 10 arranges the virtual hand object 1210 for the right hand and the virtual hand object 1220 for the left hand in the defined virtual space 2, as shown in the state (A) of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1130, the processor 10 calculates the battery remaining amount of the controller 160 based on the output of the controller 160 as the monitoring module 234. As an example, the right-hand controller 800 outputs the voltage value of the battery 805 to the computer 200. The processor 10 can calculate the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 expressed as a percentage based on the ratio of the operating voltage of the controller 800 stored in the memory module 240 in advance to the voltage value of the battery 805.

  In step S1140, the processor 10 refers to the texture table 1300 as the operation object control module 233, and specifies a texture corresponding to the remaining amount BP of the battery 805. Further, the processor 10 acquires the specified texture from the texture information 244 and pastes (superimposes) it on the virtual hand object.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a texture table 1300 according to an embodiment. The texture table 1300 holds the range of the remaining battery level BP and the texture to be attached to the virtual hand object in association with each other.

  When the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 is 30% or more, since the texture is not set in the texture table 1300, the processor 10 does not attach the texture to the virtual hand object 1210 for the right hand.

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 is less than 30%, some texture is set in the texture table 1300. Therefore, the processor 10 attaches the texture 1230 to the virtual hand object 1210 for the right hand as shown in the state (B) of FIG. For example, when the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 is 20% or more and less than 30%, the processor 10 attaches a yellow texture to the virtual hand object 1210. As a result, the virtual hand object 1210 turns yellow. For example, when the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 is less than 10%, the processor 10 pastes a red texture on the virtual hand object 1210. As a result, the virtual hand object 1210 turns red.

  Referring to FIG. 11 again, in step S1150, the processor 10 detects the operation of the hand of the user 190 as the operation object control module 233 based on the detection signal output from the controller 160 (motion sensor 130).

  In step S1160, the processor 10 moves the virtual hand object as the operation object control module 233 so as to be interlocked with the detected movement of the hand of the user 190.

  According to the above, the HMD system 100 displays the virtual hand object to be displayed on the virtual space without displaying a GUI such as a battery mark for indicating the remaining battery level of the controller 160 on the virtual space. By changing the mode, the user 190 can be notified of the remaining battery level of the controller 160. Thereby, the HMD system 100 can suppress a decrease in the immersive feeling of the user 190 due to displaying an unnatural GUI.

  In the above example, the color of the operation object changes stepwise according to the range of the remaining battery level. However, in another aspect, the color of the operation object changes according to the remaining battery level. It may be configured to change continuously (for example, the wavelength gradually changes from green to red).

  In the above example, the display mode of the operation object is changed using the remaining amount of the battery indicated by percentage. However, in another aspect, the measurement value of the operation object is directly used by using the measured value such as the voltage value. The structure which changes a display mode may be sufficient.

[Other display modes]
In the above example, the processor is configured to notify the user 190 of the remaining battery level by changing the color of the operation object. Hereinafter, another configuration for changing the display mode of the operation object will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. The control of the right-hand virtual hand object corresponding to the right-hand controller 800 and the control of the left-hand virtual hand object corresponding to the left-hand controller are the same processing. The control of the hand object will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an operation object according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, in an embodiment, the processor 10 controls the virtual hand object 1210 for the right hand to pass through and the internal bone becomes clearer as the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 decreases.

  For example, the processor 10 arranges a bone object linked to the virtual hand object 1210 inside the virtual hand object 1210, and increases the transmittance of the virtual hand object 1210 as the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 decreases. Thereby, the bone object arranged inside the virtual hand object 1210 becomes clearer as the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 decreases. In one aspect, the processor 10 may control the transmittance of the virtual hand object 1210 to gradually increase from 0% when the remaining battery level BP falls below a predetermined threshold (for example, 30%). .

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an operation object according to another aspect. Referring to FIG. 15, the processor 10 performs control so that the virtual hand object 1210 for the right hand deteriorates (becomes broken) as the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 decreases.

  For example, the processor 10 holds textures having different degrees of deterioration in the texture information 244, as in the method described with reference to FIG. The processor 10 attaches a texture that seems to deteriorate the virtual hand object 1210 to the virtual hand object 1210 according to the range of the remaining amount BP of the battery 805.

  In yet another aspect, the processor 10 may control the operation object to blink according to the remaining battery level of the controller 160.

  In the examples of FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, the display mode of the operation object (virtual hand object) itself is changed. However, instead of the operation object itself, the display mode of an object (accompanying object) associated with the operation object may be changed. Hereinafter, a configuration for changing the display mode of the accompanying object will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the accompanying object according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, in this embodiment, when the remaining amount BP of the battery 805 falls below a predetermined threshold value, the processor 10 arranges a pop-up object 1600 that notifies that fact in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the pop-up object 1600 is disposed near the virtual hand object 1210 and operates in conjunction with the virtual hand object 1210. In other words, the pop-up object 1600 is an accompanying object that accompanies the virtual hand object 1210. The pop-up object 1600 may be set to disappear after being displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an accompanying object according to another aspect. In another aspect, as illustrated in the state (A) of FIG. 17, the processor 10 places a ring object 1700 associated with the virtual hand object 1210 in the virtual space 2. Referring to state (B), processor 10 changes the color of ring object 1700 when remaining amount BP of battery 805 falls below a predetermined threshold value. Control for changing the color of the ring object 1700 can be realized by a process similar to the process described with reference to FIG.

  According to the above, the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment makes the user 190 feel more uncomfortable by changing the display mode of the accompanying object having a small area instead of the operation object occupying a large area in the view field image 26. In addition, the remaining battery level (change in the monitoring target) can be notified. Thereby, the user 190 can be immersed in the virtual space.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the HMD system 100 notifies the user 190 of the remaining battery level even if the display mode of the operation object or the accompanying object accompanying the operation object is changed according to the remaining battery level. it can. Also by these controls, the HMD system 100 displays the object to be displayed on the virtual space without displaying a GUI such as a battery mark for indicating the remaining battery level of the controller 160 on the virtual space. Can be notified to the user 190 of the remaining battery level of the controller 160.

[Other monitoring targets]
In the above embodiment, the monitoring module 234 is configured to monitor the remaining battery level of the controller 160 as a monitoring target, but the monitoring target is not limited to this.

(Game play time)
For example, the monitoring target may be a game play time provided in a virtual space. This game can be provided by the processor 10 executing a game program stored in the storage 12.

  When the game play time exceeds a predetermined time, the processor 10 can change the display mode of the operation object or the accompanying object accompanying the operation object. The predetermined time may be configured to be set by the user 190.

(Amount paid for the game)
For example, the monitoring target may be an amount paid by the user for a game provided in the virtual space. In one aspect, the user 190 can purchase an item or the like using a currency in the real space in the game. Based on the log information stored in the memory module 240, the processor 10 displays the operation object or the accompanying object associated with the operation object when the amount paid for the game exceeds a predetermined amount. Can be changed. The predetermined amount may be configured to be set by the user 190.

(In-game parameters)
In the above example, the monitoring target is a real space index. In another aspect, the monitoring target may be an in-game parameter provided in the virtual space. The processor 10 can change the display mode of the operation object or the accompanying object associated with the operation object when the magnitude relationship between the parameter value in the game and the predetermined value is switched. The parameter value in the game includes, for example, the experience value, stamina value of the character operated by the user 190 in the game, the number of remaining bullets of the gun used by the character, the amount of money (in the game) owned by the character, etc. obtain.

(Interrupt communication)
In yet another aspect, the monitoring target may be presence / absence of communication from another computer via the network 19. In one aspect, the game provided in the virtual space may be a game that can be played against or cooperated with other users who operate other HMD systems. In this case, the HMD system 100 changes the display mode of the operation object to be displayed in the virtual space without arranging an unnatural GUI indicating that there is communication from another computer in the virtual space. This can be notified to the user 190. Thereby, the HMD system 100 can suppress a decrease in the immersive feeling of the user 190 due to displaying an unnatural GUI.

[Constitution]
The technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows.

(Configuration 1)
A method is provided that is executed by the processor 10 to provide a virtual space by displaying an image on the HMD 110. This method includes a step of defining the virtual space 2 (step S1110), a step of displaying an operation object for accepting an operation of the user of the HMD 110 in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2 (step S1120), a body of the user Detecting a part of the movement (step S1150), moving the operation object in conjunction with the detected movement (step S1160), monitoring the monitoring target, and operating according to the change of the monitoring target And a step of changing a display mode of an accompanying object attached to the object or the operation object (step S1140).

(Configuration 2)
In (Configuration 1), the monitoring target can be represented by a numerical value. The step of changing the display mode includes changing the display mode of the operation object or the accompanying object when the magnitude relation between the numerical value to be monitored and a predetermined threshold value is switched.

(Configuration 3)
In (Configuration 2), the monitoring target includes a numerical value indicating a ratio.

(Configuration 4)
In (Configuration 2) or (Configuration 3), the step of detecting motion includes detecting motion of a part of the user's body based on an output of a controller 160 (motion sensor 130) worn by the user. The monitoring target includes the remaining amount of the battery 805 of the controller 160.

(Configuration 5)
In (Configuration 2) or (Configuration 3), the monitoring target includes a play time of the game provided in the virtual space 2.

(Configuration 6)
In (Configuration 2) or (Configuration 3), the monitoring target includes an amount paid for a game provided in the virtual space 2.

(Configuration 7)
In (Configuration 2) or (Configuration 3), the monitoring target includes a parameter value determined in advance in the game provided in the virtual space 2.

(Configuration 8)
In (Configuration 1), the processor 10 is configured to be communicable with another computer. The monitoring target includes the presence / absence of communication from another computer.

(Configuration 9)
In (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 6), the step of detecting the operation includes detecting any operation of the user's limb. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation objects include limb objects having a shape corresponding to any of the limbs (for example, virtual hand objects 1210 and 1220).

(Configuration 10)
In (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 9), the step of changing the display mode includes changing the color or pattern of the operation object or the accompanying object.

(Configuration 11)
In (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 9), the step of changing the display mode includes changing the transmittance of the operation object or the accompanying object.

(Configuration 12)
In (Configuration 1) to (Configuration 9), the step of changing the display mode includes degrading the operation object or the accompanying object.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. In addition, it should be considered that the disclosed embodiments can be combined as appropriate. 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, 19 network, 23 field of view, 26 field of view, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top surface 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog sticks, 100 systems, 110 devices, 112 monitors, 114, 120 sensors, 130 motion sensors, 140 gaze sensors, 150 servers, 160, 800 controllers, 190 users, 200 computers, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 visual field region determination module, 223 visual field image generation module, 224 reference visual line identification module, 230 virtual space control module Module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 operation object control module, 234 texture information 244 monitoring module, 240 memory module, 241 space information, 242 object information, 243 user information, 250 communication control module, 805 battery , 1210, 1220 Virtual hand object, 1230 texture, 1300 texture table, 1600 popup object, 1700 ring object.

Claims (14)

A computer-implemented method for providing a virtual space by displaying an image on a head-mounted device, comprising:
Defining a virtual space;
Displaying an operation object for accepting an operation of a user of the head mounted device in the virtual space in the virtual space;
Detecting movement of a part of the user's body;
Moving the operation object to interlock with the detected movement;
Monitoring a monitoring target, and changing a display mode of the operation object or an accompanying object accompanying the operation object in accordance with a change in the monitoring target. The monitoring target can be expressed numerically,
The step of changing the display mode includes changing a display mode of the operation object or the accompanying object when a magnitude relationship between the numerical value to be monitored and a predetermined threshold value is switched. The method according to 1.   The method according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring target includes a numerical value indicating a ratio. Detecting the movement includes detecting movement of a part of the user's body based on an output of a controller worn by the user;
The method according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring target includes a remaining battery level of the controller.   The method according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring target includes a play time of a game provided in the virtual space.   The method according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring target includes an amount paid for a game provided in the virtual space.   The method according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring target includes a parameter value determined in advance in a game provided in the virtual space. The computer is configured to be able to communicate with other computers,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring target includes presence / absence of communication from the other computer. Detecting the movement includes detecting movement of any of the user's limbs;
The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation object includes a limb object having a shape corresponding to any of the limbs.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of changing the display mode includes changing a color or a pattern of the operation object or the accompanying object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of changing the display mode includes changing a transmittance of the operation object or the accompanying object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of changing the display mode includes degrading the operation object or the accompanying object.   The program for making a computer implement | achieve the method of any one of Claims 1-12. A memory storing the program according to claim 13;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor for executing the program.

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