JP6535641B2 - Method and apparatus for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space, and program for causing a computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing virtual reality, and more particularly to a technology for controlling an object placed in a virtual space.

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

JP, 2015-231445, A

  Controllers in virtual space are often hand-type models. However, there is a limit to the operation content that can be input by hand gestures. Therefore, there is a need for technology to realize more diverse input operations.

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

  According to an embodiment, a method is provided for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space. The method comprises the steps of: defining a virtual space provided by the head mounted display device; disposing a controller object receiving control in the virtual space in the virtual space; and any of the four limbs of a user wearing the head mounted display device Of detecting the state of the object, arranging of the limb object corresponding to any of the limbs in the virtual space, and operation of the limb object interlocking with the user's operation when the limb object and the controller object are associated And moving the controller object, and accepting movement of the controller object as 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.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of computer 200 according to one mode. FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an uvw view coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an aspect of representing a virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view of a head of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section in which a view area 23 is viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section in which a visibility region 23 in the virtual space 2 is viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a controller 160 according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the arrangement of objects in a view area 23 according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing one mode of arrangement of an object in field of view field 23 according to other embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a modular configuration. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the HMD system 100. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed process performed by a processor 10 of a computer 200 in an aspect of an embodiment. It is a figure showing the state where the controller object is not arrange | positioned. It is a figure showing the state where the controller object 900 was arrange | positioned. It is a figure showing the state where the left-hand object 910, the right-hand object 920, and the controller object 900 were mutually associated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a left-hand object 910 and a right-hand object 920 operate the controller object 900 to rotate in the right direction.

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

[Configuration of HMD system]
The configuration of an HMD (Head Mount Display) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the 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 may include the motion sensor 130.

  In one aspect, the computer 200 can connect to the Internet or other network 19 and can communicate with a server 150 or other computer 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 the user with virtual space during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user views each image, the user can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is implemented, for example, as 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 located in front of the user's eyes. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can immerse in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object operable by the user, and an image of a menu selectable by the user. In one embodiment, the monitor 112 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smart phone 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 integrally display an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high speed shutter. The high speed shutter operates so as to alternately display the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye so that the image is recognized only for 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 light. The HMD sensor 120 has a position tracking function for detecting the movement of the HMD device 110. The HMD sensor 120 uses this function to detect the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 in the physical space.

  In another aspect, the HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and the inclination of the HMD device 110 by executing the image analysis process using the 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. HMD device 110 may use sensor 114 to detect the position and tilt of HMD device 110 itself. 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 one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to position and tilt itself. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates temporal changes in angles around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates inclination of the HMD device 110 based on temporal changes in angles. The HMD device 110 may also 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 thereof. Further, the view image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image constituting the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD device 110 may be superimposed and displayed on a part of the visual field image, or the visual field can be set by setting the transmittance of the part of the transmissive display device high. The real space may be visible from part of the image.

  The gaze sensor 140 detects the 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 sensor for the right eye and a sensor for the left eye. The gaze sensor 140 may be, for example, a sensor that emits infrared light to the right and left eyes of the user 190, and detects the rotation angle of each eye by receiving reflected light from the cornea and iris to the irradiated light. . The gaze sensor 140 can detect the gaze direction of the user 190 based on each detected rotation angle.

  The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200. In another aspect, server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 to provide 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 so that a plurality of users share a common virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

  The controller 160 receives an input of an instruction from the user 190 to the computer 200. In one aspect, controller 160 is configured to be graspable by user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 is configured to be attachable to the body of the user 190 or a part of the clothing. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be configured to output vibration, sound, light, and / or light based on a signal sent from the computer 200. In another aspect, the controller 160 accepts operations provided by the user 190 to control the position and movement of objects placed in the space providing virtual reality.

  The motion sensor 130 is attached to the user's hand and detects movement of the user's hand in one aspect. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. The detected signal is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided, for example, in a glove-type controller 160. In one embodiment, for security in real space, the controller 160 is preferably worn like a glove type that does not easily fly by being worn on the hand of the user 190. In another aspect, a sensor not attached to the user 190 may detect hand movement of the user 190. For example, a signal of a camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing an 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 a computer 200 according to an 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 respectively.

  The processor 10 executes a series of instructions included in a program stored in the memory 11 or the storage 12 based on a signal supplied to the computer 200 or based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. In one aspect, the processor 10 is realized as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other devices.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores programs and data. The program is loaded from, for example, the storage 12. The data includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 10. In one aspect, the memory 11 is implemented as a random access memory (RAM) or another volatile memory.

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is implemented, for example, as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or another non-volatile storage device. 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, objects, etc. for defining a virtual space.

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

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

  In one embodiment, input / output interface 13 may further communicate with controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives an input of a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends an instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. The command instructs the controller 160 to vibrate, output sound, emit light, and the like. When the controller 160 receives the command, the controller 160 executes vibration, voice output or light emission according to the command.

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 to communicate 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 LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication interface, or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), an NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Be done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the one described 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 executable in the virtual space using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing 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 illustrated as being provided outside the HMD device 110, but in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD device 110. As one example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

  In addition, the computer 200 may be configured to be commonly used by a plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, since the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

  In one embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is preset. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in real space, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the front-back direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of 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 and back direction of the real space.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When an infrared sensor detects infrared light 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 physical 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 inclination 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 the visual point coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 views an object in the virtual space.

[Uvw view coordinate system]
The uvw view coordinate system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the uvw visual field coordinate system set in the HMD device 110 according to an embodiment. The HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt 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 centered on the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110 (origin). More specifically, the HMD device 110 defines the global coordinate system in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) around each axis of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system. The pitch direction (u axis), the yaw direction (v axis), and the roll direction (w axis) of the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 are newly obtained by inclining each direction about each axis by the inclination of Set as.

  In one aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 stands upright and views the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD device 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) of the uvw view coordinate system in the HMD device 110 and the yaw direction (v Match the 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 (the amount of change in 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), the yaw angle (θv), and the roll angle (θw) of the HMD device 110 in the uvw view 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 view coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw view coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the tilt angle of the HMD device 110 around the roll direction in the uvw view coordinate system.

  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 based on the detected inclination angle of the HMD device 110. The relationship between the HMD device 110 and the uvw view coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is always constant regardless of the position and tilt of the HMD device 110. When the position and the inclination of the HMD device 110 change, the position and the 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 the inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 detects the HMD based on the light intensity of the infrared light acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between the plurality of points (for example, the distance between each point). The position of the device 110 in the physical space may be identified as a relative position to the HMD sensor 120. Also, 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 identified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an aspect of representing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 2 is illustrated so as not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is previously defined as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (a still image, a moving image, etc.) that can be expanded in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2 to make the virtual space image 22 visible by the user. Provides the user with a virtual space 2 in which is deployed.

  In one aspect, in the virtual space 2, an XYZ coordinate system having a center 21 as an origin is defined. 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, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the 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-back 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 in the virtual camera 1. The uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined to interlock with the uvw view 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 direction of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and the inclination of the virtual camera 1, the line of sight (reference line of sight 5) serving as a reference when the user views the virtual space image 22 depends on the direction of the virtual camera 1 It is decided. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines a view area 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 an object. The uvw view coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the view coordinate system when the user 190 views the monitor 112. Further, the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is interlocked with the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to an aspect can regard the gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the gaze direction of the user in the uvw view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's gaze]
The determination of the user's gaze direction will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the head of a user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 according to one embodiment.

  In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects the gaze of each of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190. In one aspect, when the user 190 is looking close, the gaze sensor 140 detects the sight lines R1 and L1. In another aspect, if the user 190 is looking far, the gaze sensor 140 detects the gazes R2 and L2. In this case, the angle between the lines of sight R2 and L2 with respect to the roll direction w is smaller than the angle between the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the direction of roll 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 detection result of the line of sight, the gaze point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 is specified based on the detection values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detection values of the sight lines R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the sight lines R2 and L2 as the gaze point. The computer 200 identifies the gaze direction N0 of the user 190 based on the identified position of the fixation point N1. The computer 200 detects, for example, 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 gaze point N1 is the line of sight direction N0. The gaze direction N0 is the direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the gaze with both eyes. Further, the line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually points the line of sight with respect to the view area 23.

  In another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a microphone and a speaker in any part of the HMD system 100. The user can give a voice instruction to the virtual space 2 by speaking into the microphone.

  Also, in another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast receiver 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 be provided with a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet, or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

[View area]
The view area 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the virtual space 2 when the field of view 23 is viewed from the X direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section in which the visibility region 23 is viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the view area 23 in the YZ cross section includes the area 24. The area 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 centering on the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space as a region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the view area 23 in the XZ cross section includes the area 25. The area 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 centered on the reference gaze 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 the signal from the computer 200. The view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 superimposed on the view area 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 view 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 of the virtual space image 22 superimposed on the view area 23 in the direction in which the user turned in the virtual space 2. The user can view a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

  While wearing the HMD device 110, the user 190 can view only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without viewing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can provide the user with a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 may move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 equipped with the HMD device 110 in the real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image area (that is, a view area 23 in the virtual space 2) to be projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and the orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.

  According to an embodiment, the virtual camera 1 desirably includes two virtual cameras, ie, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye, and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Further, it is preferable that appropriate parallaxes be set to 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 according to the present disclosure is illustrated as being configured to be adapted.

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

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated by the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated by 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 the operation of both hands. The right controller 800 will be described below.

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

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

  The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 disposed along the circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared light in accordance with the progress of the program while the program using the controller 160 is being executed. Infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 35 can be used to detect each position and posture (tilt, orientation) of the right controller 800 and the left controller (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the infrared LEDs 35 arranged in two rows are shown, but the number of arrays is not limited to that shown in FIG. One or three or more arrays may be used.

  The top surface 32 includes buttons 36 and 37 and an analog stick 38. The buttons 36, 37 are configured as push-type buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 receive an operation by the thumb of the right hand of user 190. The analog stick 38 receives an operation in any direction 360 degrees from the initial position (the position of neutral) in a certain phase. 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 batteries for driving the infrared LED 35 and other members. The battery includes, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery, a button battery, and a dry battery battery. In another aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller may be connected to, for example, the USB interface of the computer 200. In this case, the right controller 800 and the left controller do not require a battery.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (A) and (B), for example, yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined with respect to the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 stretches the thumb and forefinger, the extension direction of the thumb is the yaw direction, the extension direction of the forefinger is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw and roll axes is the pitch direction Defined as

  The arrangement of objects in the view area 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the arrangement of objects in the view area 23 according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an aspect of arrangement of objects in the view area 23 according to another embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a viewing 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 positions and orientations of other objects associated with the controller object 900 according to the rotation direction and the rotation speed. For example, when the controller object 900 is associated with a scene in the virtual space 2, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 are the controller object 900 when the user 190 performs an operation to rotate the steering wheel clockwise. And rotate the controller object 900 clockwise. Then, the direction in which the virtual camera 1 points 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, a field of view 23 according to another aspect may include a helm-shaped object 1000, a left hand object 910, and a right hand object. For example, if the program being executed by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 is a view of a seascape, the computer 200 responds to the story progressing in response to the execution of the program. It can be arranged in 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. The image displayed as the view area 23 may change according to the rotation.

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

  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, as sub-modules, a virtual camera control module 221, a view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, and a reference gaze specification module 224. The virtual space control module 230 includes, as submodules, a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, a hand object management module 233, and a controller management module 234.

  In one embodiment, display control module 220 and virtual space control module 230 are implemented by processor 10. In another embodiment, a plurality of processors 10 may operate as a display control module 220 and a 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, display control module 220 controls image display on monitor 112 of HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 places the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, direction, 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 the view image 26 displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23.

  The reference gaze identification module 224 identifies the gaze 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 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 to be placed in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, landscapes, including forests, mountains etc., animals, etc., arranged according to the progression of the game's story.

  The hand object management module 233 places the hand object in the virtual space 2. The hand object corresponds to, for example, the right hand or left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160. 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 that the left hand object 910 or the right hand object 920 rotates another object (for example, the object 900 or the object 1000) in response to the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. Generate data for The action includes, for example, a hand holding a handle shown as an object 900 rotating 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. The 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 arranging 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, the controller management module 234 causes the limb object (eg, the left hand object 910, the right hand object 920, Based on the motion of the foot object or the like, data indicating that the controller object 900 or the controller object 1000 is moving is generated and transmitted to the HMD device.

  Further, the controller management module 234 receives the motion of the controller object 900, 1000 as an input to the controller object 900, 1000. For example, when the controller object 900, 1000 is rotated based on the operation of the user 190, the rotation angle is determined by the processor 10 as an instruction to change the location or posture of another object associated with the controller object 900, 1000. It is interpreted to. The controller management module 234 changes the location or posture of the object placed in the virtual space 2 according to the instruction.

  Memory module 240 holds data used by computer 200 to provide virtual space 2 to user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. Spatial information 241 holds one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2.

  The object information 242 holds content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2 and information for arranging an object used in the content. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a scene similar to a real society, and the like. 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 operating the controller 160 in the virtual space 2 and the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2 And controller object data. The hand object data includes a plurality of image data representing each left hand or right hand orientation and shape that can take a plurality of orientations or shapes. The controller object data includes image data representing a controller in the virtual space of the controller object 900 or controller object 1000 or the like.

  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 using 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.

  Communication control module 250 may communicate with server 150 and other information communication devices via network 19.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 may be implemented 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 implement 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 hard disk or other memory module 240. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other computer readable non-volatile data storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the Internet or other network. Such software is temporarily stored in the storage module after being read from the 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. . The software is read from the storage module by the processor 10 and stored in RAM in the form of an executable program. The processor 10 executes the program.

  The hardware that makes up 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 computer 200. The operation of the hardware of computer 200 is well known, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated.

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

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

Control structure
A control structure of the computer 200 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the HMD system 100.

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

  In step S1220, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1. For example, in the work area of the memory, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 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 visibility image data for displaying an initial visibility image as the visibility 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, the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays a view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when viewing the view image.

  In step S1234, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the plurality of infrared light beams emitted from the HMD device 110. The detection result is sent to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

  In step S1240, processor 10 specifies the direction of view of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 based on the position and tilt of HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes an application program, and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on an instruction included in the application program.

  In step S 1242, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on the signal output from the motion sensor 130. Note that in another aspect, the motion of the user 190 may be detected based on an image from a camera disposed around the user 190.

  In step S1250, the processor 10 generates view image data for arranging the hand object in the virtual space 2, and transmits the generated view image data to the 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 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, the processor 10 associates the hand object (for example, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920) with the 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, the processor 10 detects that the hand object (eg, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920) and the controller objects 900 and 1000 are rotated.

  In step S 1290, processor 10 generates view image data indicating that the hand object (for example, left hand object 910 and right hand object 920) and controller objects 900 and 1000 are rotating, and generates the generated view 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.

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

  In step S1310, processor 10 starts execution of an application program based on an 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 who is gripping the controller 160.

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

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

In step S1330, the processor 10 waits for input.
In step S1340, processor 10 generates 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 arranging left hand object 910 and right hand object 920 and the controller object. And whether or not the controller object has touched. If processor 10 determines that these objects are in contact (YES in step S1340), it switches the process to step S1350. If not (NO in step S1340), the control returns to step S1330.

  In step S1350, the processor 10 associates the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 with the controller object. By this association, the controller object may also operate in response to the operation of at least one hand object.

  In step S1360, the processor 10 rotates the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 based on the rotation movement of the hand by the user 190 in real space. More specifically, the processor 10 generates view 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, the processor 10 rotates the controller object in accordance with the rotation of the hand object interlocked with the operation of the 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 of the controller object stored as the object information 242 (eg, coordinate values in the virtual space 2). Generate view image data representing what you are doing. When the computer 200 transmits the 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 rotation of the controller object as an input of an instruction. 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, the processor 10 executes a process according to the input command and displays a view image.

  In addition, although the aspect which the computer 200 performs each process step is illustrated as one aspect | mode of said process, the processor of HMD apparatus 110 may perform each process step.

  Next, control of another object by the control object arranged in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. In one embodiment, the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 views the view image 1400 in the virtual space 2 as a virtual user.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which no controller object is arranged. Portion (A) of FIG. 14 represents 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 FIG. 6A, when the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 displays an image based on the view image data, the user 190 wearing the HMD device can use the monitor 112 as a virtual user. The view image 1400 is recognized based on the displayed image.

  The diagram (B) is a diagram representing the view area 23 of the virtual space 2 that provides the view 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 view point of the virtual user captures a view area 23 according to the view of the virtual user.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the controller object 900 is arranged. When the user 190 executes a predetermined operation to display the controller object 900, the controller object 900 is placed in the virtual space 2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the controller object 900 is placed at a predetermined distance from the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920. 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 diagram (B), the controller object 900 is disposed away from the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 in the view area 23.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 and the controller object 900 are associated with each other. When the user 190 executes a predetermined operation to associate 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 the place where the controller object 900 is touched. In another aspect, controller object 900 may move toward left hand object 910 and right hand object 920.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, a left-hand object 910 and a 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 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 area 23.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 operate the controller object 900 and are rotated in the right direction. 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 operates to turn the steering wheel of the car clockwise, the left hand object 910 and the right hand object 920 try to rotate the controller object 900 clockwise. At this time, the rotation of the controller object 900 is interpreted by the processor 10 as an instruction of rotation to the virtual space 2. Therefore, the processor 10 rotates the virtual camera 1 to create a view image in a state in which the line of sight of the virtual user has moved.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17A (A), the controller object 900 is rotating clockwise. This rotation gives the computer 200 an instruction to change the line of sight of the virtual user in the virtual space 2.

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

In summary, the subject matter disclosed in the present specification is shown, for example, as the following configuration.
[Configuration 1]
According to one embodiment, a method is provided that is executed by computer 200 to control objects displayed in virtual space 2. This method comprises the steps of defining the virtual space 2 provided by the HMD device 110, arranging the controller objects 900 1000 in the virtual space 2 to receive control in the virtual space 2, and the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110. Detecting any state of the four limbs (hands and feet), 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 are associated with each other, the controller object 900, 1000 is moved based on the motion of the limb object linked to the motion of the user 190, and the motion of the controller object 900, 1000 is controlled. And a step of receiving as an input to object 900, 1000.

  [Configuration 2] Preferably, the above-described method further includes moving the limb object based on the operation of the user 190 when the limb object and the controller object 900 and 1000 are not associated.

  [Configuration 3] Preferably, the above-described method further includes the step of associating the limb object with the controller object 900 1000 based on the motion of the limb object interlocked with the motion of the user 190. For example, the processor 10 associates the coordinate value of the right hand object with the coordinate value of the controller object 900, and stores the associated value in the memory 11.

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

  [Configuration 5] Preferably, controller objects 900 and 1000 include a rotation object that receives a rotation operation. 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, the controller objects 900 and 1000 include stick objects that receive an operation in at least one direction. The step of moving the controller object 900 1000 may include moving the stick object in at least one direction in conjunction with at least one direction movement (eg, any of upper, lower, left, and right directions) by the user 190.

  For example, in the above method, in the case of placing one stick object in the virtual space 2, moving the controller object moves the stick object so that the stick object tilts by associating the limb object with the stick object. Including doing. For example, when the stick object is regarded as a control stick for operating a moving object such as a flying object, the computer 200 can receive an input for moving the moving object according to the tilt of the stick object. The computer 200 controls the arrangement (inclination, etc.) of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the inclination of the stick object to generate a view image. For example, the virtual camera may be rotated based on the axis in the pitch direction by receiving an operation to tilt the stick object in the front-rear direction. In the above method, when placing two stick objects in the virtual space 2, the step of moving the controller object moves the stick object so that the stick object tilts by associating the limb object with the stick object. Including doing. For example, the two stick objects can be regarded as two levers for moving a tank or other moving object, and an operation of tilting the lever can be accepted as an input for steering the moving object. In this case, for example, by associating one stick object 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 in accordance with the tilt of the stick object. It can be accepted as an input to

  [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.

  [Arrangement 8] Preferably, in the step of arranging the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2, arranging the controller objects 900 and 1000 in the virtual space 2 in accordance with the progress of a scenario in a program providing the virtual space 2. including.

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

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

  As described above, according to the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment, a hand object is placed in the virtual space 2. Furthermore, when a predetermined condition for arranging the controller object in the virtual space 2 is satisfied in a state in which the hand object is arranged, the controller object is also arranged in the virtual space 2. When a predetermined condition is established to associate the hand object with the controller object, the hand object is associated with the controller object. When the user 190 moves the hand, the hand object moves according to the movement, and the controller object also operates in conjunction with the movement of the hand object. In this way, it is possible to manipulate objects arranged in the virtual space 2 using not only hand objects but also controller objects, so that various input operations can be realized.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all the modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  Reference Signs List 1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processors, 11 memories, 12 storages, 13 input / output interfaces, 14 communication interfaces, 15 buses, 19 networks, 21 centers, 22 virtual space images, 23 view areas, 26, 1400 view image, 30 grips, 31 frames, 32 top surfaces, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog sticks, 100 systems, 110 devices, 112 monitors, 114, 120 sensors, 130 motion sensors, 140 gaze sensors, 150 Server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 view area determination module, 223 view image generation module, 224 Quasi-gaze 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 space 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 (11)

A method for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space, comprising:
Defining a virtual space provided by the non-transmissive head mounted display device;
The non-transmissive head mounted display apparatus is mounted on the head, and the field of view in the virtual space is updated according to the movement of the head of the user holding the controller in his hand, and the field of view specified by the field of view Displaying an image on the non-transmissive head mounted display device;
Obtaining a signal from the controller held by the user's hand indicating the movement of the user's hand detected by the controller ;
Placing a hand object corresponding to the user's hand in the virtual space;
A step of pre based on No. relaxin, in conjunction with the motion of the hand of the user moves the hand object,
Placing a controller object receiving control in the virtual space at a position away from the hand object in the virtual space;
When the hand object and the controller object are apart from each other and not associated with each other, the hand object receives the predetermined operation from the user by the controller held by the hand of the user. Associating the hand object and the controller object by moving at least one of the hand object and the controller object to touch a predetermined position of the controller object;
Moving the controller object based on an action of the hand object linked to an action of the user's hand when the hand object and the controller object are associated;
Accepting the motion of the controller object as an input to the controller object.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the association between the hand object and the controller object is performed in response to contact between the hand 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 or 2, wherein moving the controller object comprises rotating the rotating object. The controller object includes a stick object that receives an operation in at least one direction,
The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein moving the controller object comprises moving the stick object in the at least one direction in conjunction with at least one direction of movement by the user.   5. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein placing the controller object in the virtual space comprises placing the controller object in the virtual space based on an action of the user's hand.   The step of arranging the controller object in the virtual space includes arranging the controller object in the virtual space in accordance with the progress of a scenario in a program providing the virtual space. The method described in.   The method according to claim 3, wherein receiving the movement of the controller object as an input to the controller object comprises receiving an input for updating the view area in response to a rotation operation received by the rotating object.   The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of receiving the movement of the controller object as an input to the controller object includes receiving an input for moving the moving object in accordance with an operation in at least one direction received by the stick object. the method of.   5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of receiving the movement of the controller object as an input to the controller object includes receiving an input for updating the view area in response to an operation in at least one direction received by the stick object. Method described.   A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A memory storing the program according to claim 10.
An apparatus for controlling an object displayed in a virtual space, comprising: a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

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