JP2018102911A - Method implemented by computer for communication via virtual space, program for causing computer to execute method, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce frustration in communication via a virtual space.SOLUTION: Processing performed by a processor of a computer for realizing communication via a virtual space includes: detecting that a user has put an HMD on his/her head, on the basis of a signal sent from the HMD (S1010); defining in a memory the virtual space presented by the HMD (S1020); detecting environments of communication with other computers communicating with the computer, on the basis of data received from a server (S1030); generating respective data for displaying in the virtual space respective avatar objects corresponding to the other users in accordance with the communication environments thereof (S1040); and outputting the generated data to the HMD 110 (S1050).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present disclosure relates to communication, and more particularly, to communication via virtual space.

  A technique for communicating using a virtual space is known. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-152619 (Patent Document 1) discloses a “mechanism that allows a user to experience special communication with a specific user” (see [Summary]).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-152619

  The communication environment varies depending on each user. When the communication environment of any one of a plurality of users performing communication via the virtual space is inferior to the communication environment of other users, each user may feel frustrated. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that facilitates communication through a virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a method for smoothly performing communication via a virtual space. An object in another aspect is to provide a program for smoothly performing communication via a virtual space. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of smoothly performing communication via a virtual space.

  According to certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method for communicating via a virtual space is provided. The method includes defining a virtual space provided by a first head mounted device connected to a computer, and signals sent from one or more other head mounted devices that are communicatively connected to the computer. And a step of detecting a communication environment with the other head mounted device and a step of presenting an avatar object corresponding to the user of the other head mounted device to the virtual space in a manner corresponding to the communication environment. .

  According to an embodiment, an avatar object corresponding to a communication partner user is presented in a virtual space in a manner corresponding to the communication environment. Since each user can recognize the presence of users having different communication environments, communication via the virtual space can be realized smoothly.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to HMD110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from an X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area 23 from the Y direction in the virtual space 2. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a flowchart showing a part of process which the computer 200 according to a certain embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing a part of process which the processor 151 of the server 150 according to a certain embodiment performs. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by a processor of HMD110. It is a figure showing an example of the image which can be visually recognized by the user as a visual field image according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another display mode of an avatar object included in a view field image when a user whose communication state is inferior is included in a chat partner according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing the visual field image shown by HMD110N with which the user 190 of the computer 200N with inferior communication speed is wearing according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the image which can be visually recognized by the user as a visual field image according to a certain embodiment.

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

[Configuration of HMD system]
The configuration of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

  The HMD system 100 can communicate with other HMD systems 100N and 100X via the network 19. The HMD system 100N can be used by a user 190N. The HMD 100X can be used by a user 190X. The configuration of the HMD systems 100N and 100X is the same as the configuration of the HMD system 100. Constituent elements similar to those of the HMD system 100 are denoted by reference signs N and X. Accordingly, each HMD system will be described below with reference to the configuration of the HMD system 100 as appropriate.

  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, a speaker 115, a microphone 119, 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, the computers 200 </ b> N, 200 </ b> X, and other computers connected to the network 19. In other aspects, the HMD 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120.

  The HMD 110 may be worn on the head of the user 190 and provide a virtual space to the user 190 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 190 visually recognizes each image, the user 190 can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is realized as a non-transmissive display device, for example. 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 190. Therefore, when the user 190 visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user 190 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 190, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user 190.

  In one aspect, the computers 200, 200N, and 200X communicate signals based on the operations of the respective users 190, 190N, and 190X. The computers 200, 200N, and 200X may generate video signals for providing a virtual space, and transmit the video signals to the HMDs 110, 110N, and 110X, respectively. When the HMDs 110, 110N, and 110X transmit the video signals to the monitors 112, 112N, and 112X, the monitors 112, 112N, and 112X display virtual space images based on the received video signals, respectively.

  In one embodiment, when the computers 200, 200N, and 200X are executing a VR (Virtual Reality) chat application for communicating via a virtual space, the computers 200, 200N, and 200X are connected to the HMDs 110, 110N, Communication through the virtual space presented by 110X is realized. In communication via a virtual space, video and audio are communicated. At this time, an avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space. For example, when the user 190 is communicating with other users 190N and 190X, the HMD 110 worn by the user 190 presents an avatar object corresponding to the users 190N and 190X. Accordingly, each of the users 190, 190N, and 190X can communicate with other users via the avatar object while being immersed in the virtual space.

  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 integrally. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be displayed alternately so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

  The 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.

  The speaker 115 outputs a sound (speech) corresponding to the sound data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs audio data corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can speak to the other users 190N and 190X using the microphone 119, and can listen to the speech of the other users 190N and 190X using the speaker 115.

  More specifically, when the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119, sound data based on the sound is transmitted to the computer 200. When the computer 200 receives the audio data, the computer 200 outputs the audio data to the server 150 via the network 19. The server 150 transmits the audio data received from the computer 200 to the other computers 200N and 200X via the network 19. The other computers 200N and 200X output the audio data received from the server 150 to the speakers 115 of the HMDs 110N and 110X attached to the other users 190N and 190X, respectively. Thereby, the other users 190N and 190X can hear the voice of the user 190 through the speaker 115 of the HMDs 110N and 110X. Similarly, utterances from other users 190N and 190X are output from the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by the user 190.

  The computer 200 displays an image on the monitor 112 that moves other avatar objects corresponding to the users 190N and 190X based on the audio data received from the computers 200N and 200X used by the other users 190N and 190X. For example, in one aspect, the computer 200 displays an image that moves the mouth of another avatar object on the monitor 112, so that the user 190 can feel as if interacting with the avatar object in the virtual space.

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

  In other aspects, 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 uses any of these sensors in place of the HMD sensor 120 to determine its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD 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 a part of the field-of-view image is set by setting a high transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device. Real space may be visible from a part.

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In other aspects, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to the HMD 110 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 interact in the same virtual space ( Chat).

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

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

  In another aspect, the 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.

[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, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other nonvolatile 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 and objects for defining the virtual space.

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

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

  In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the controller 160. For example, the input / output interface 13 receives a signal output from the motion sensor 130. In another aspect, the input / output interface 13 sends the instruction output from the processor 10 to the controller 160. This 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, the computers 200N and 200X, etc.) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is implemented as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD 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 view 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 controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190. For example, when an input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is held, and when the input operation is not performed on the button 34, as shown in a partial diagram (B). The index finger of the hand object 810 can be extended. For example, when the thumb and index finger are extended in the hand object 810, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, and the direction in which the index finger extends is perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction, the yaw direction axis, and the roll direction axis. The direction is defined in the hand object 810 as a pitch direction.

[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 showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, an audio control module 225, a virtual space control module 230, a communication environment detection module 235, 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, and an avatar object control module 233 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220, the audio control module 225, the virtual space control module 230, and the communication environment detection module 235 are realized by the processor 10. In other embodiments, the plurality of processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220, the voice control module 225, the virtual space control module 230, and the communication environment detection module 235. 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 and orientation 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 190 wearing the HMD 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 generates a view image based on the data received from the virtual space control module 230. The view image data (also referred to as view image data) generated by the view image generation module 223 is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250. 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.

  When the voice control module 225 detects an utterance using the microphone 119 of the user 190 from the HDM 110, the voice control module 225 identifies the computer 200 that is the transmission target of voice data corresponding to the utterance. The audio data is transmitted to the computer 200 specified by the audio control module 225. When the voice control module 225 receives voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 19, the voice control module 225 outputs a voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 115.

  The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. First, 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 data of objects arranged in the virtual space 2. The object may include, for example, other avatar objects and virtual vehicles. The data generated by the virtual object generation module 232 is output to the view field image generation module 223.

  The avatar object control module 233 generates an avatar object of a user who communicates via the virtual space 2 and presents it in the virtual space 2. In a certain aspect, the avatar object control module 233 generates data for displaying the avatar object of the user having the worst communication environment among the plurality of communication partners in a mode different from the display mode of the other user's avatar object. To do. For example, the avatar object control module 233 sets the display mode of the avatar object corresponding to the user of the HMD 110 whose communication environment is lower than a predetermined standard to the avatar corresponding to the user of the HMD 110 whose communication environment is equal to or higher than the predetermined standard. The user's avatar object is presented in a mode different from the display mode of the object.

  The communication environment includes the speed of the network, the resolution of the monitor included in the monitor incorporated in the HMD 110 or the information processing terminal attached to the HMD 110, and the like. According to an embodiment, the avatar object control module 233 generates data for presenting each avatar object in a manner corresponding to the inferior communication environment of each of one or more other HMDs. . According to an embodiment, the avatar object control module 233 generates data for presenting an avatar object corresponding to the image quality of the monitor to the virtual space. According to an embodiment, the avatar object control module 233 determines that the communication speed with each HMD is lower than a predetermined speed, or if there is an HMD whose communication speed is lower than the communication speed of another HMD. In addition, data for presenting the avatar object in the virtual space at a resolution lower than a predetermined resolution is generated.

  For example, according to an embodiment, when the avatar object control module 233 detects that the communication environment of any of the other computers 200N and 200X with which the computer 200 communicates is inferior to the communication environment of the other computer, the communication is performed. The avatar object of the user who uses the computer with the inferior environment is displayed in a different manner from the avatar object of the user who uses the other computer. In another aspect, when the avatar object control module 233 detects that the communication environment of the computer is inferior to the communication environment of the other computers 200N and 200X, the avatar object control module 233 presents an object or message to that effect in the virtual space 2 Is generated, and the data is output to the HMD 110. The HMD 110 displays the object or message on the monitor 112 based on the data. The user 190 can recognize that his communication environment is inferior to the communication environments of the other users 190N and 190X.

  In another aspect, when the user 190 gives an input for selecting an avatar object presented in the virtual space 2 to the computer 200 via the controller 160, the avatar object control module 233 is selected based on the input. The data for presenting the avatar object in a manner different from the manner of other avatar objects is generated. In this case, since the user 190 designates the user's avatar object inferior in the communication environment by his / her own judgment, he / she is conscious of the conversation / chat under different conditions (for example, slowly speaking, etc.) It becomes easy to do.

  The communication environment detection module 235 detects a communication environment between the computer 200 and the other computers 200N and 200X. For example, in one aspect, the communication environment detection module 235 detects the speed of the network. The speed is detected by, for example, detection using a ping command, detection using an ftp command, detection using a tcp command, or the like.

  In another aspect, the communication environment detection module 235 detects the resolution of a monitor that displays an image based on data from other computers 200N and 200X with which the computer 200 communicates. The monitor may include, for example, a monitor 112 built in the HMD 110, a monitor built in a smartphone or other information communication terminal attached to the HMD 110, and the like. For example, the communication environment detection module 235 acquires the resolution and other specifications of each monitor from the monitor, the HMD 110 including the monitor, or the information communication terminal. In yet another aspect, the communication environment detection module 235 may acquire the specifications from a server 150 or other information management device having a specification for each monitor.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243.

  The space information 241 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2.

  The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content may include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society.

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

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

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

  The data recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but 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), semiconductor memory such as flash ROM, etc. It may be a non-volatile data recording medium that carries a fixed program.

  The program here may include not only a program 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]
The control structure of the computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing a part of processing executed by computer 200 according to an embodiment. The computer 200 is connected to other computers 200N and 200X via the network 19. The computer 200N is connected to the HMD 110N worn by another user 190N. The computer 200X is connected to the HMD 110X worn by another user 190X.

  In step S <b> 1010, the processor 10 detects that the HMD 110 is worn on the head of the user 190 based on a signal sent from the HMD 110. In step S1020, the processor 10 defines the virtual space 2 presented by the HMD 110 in the memory 11.

  In step S1030, processor 10 detects the communication environment with other computers 200N and 200X communicating with computer 200 based on the data received from server 150. The communication environment includes, for example, the transmission speed of audio data, the transmission speed of image data, the difference between these transmission speeds, or the resolution of the HMD monitor used by the other user.

  In step S1040, the processor 10 generates data for displaying the avatar objects corresponding to the other users 190N and 190X in the virtual space 2 in a manner corresponding to the communication environment. For example, when the communication speed between the computer 200 and the other computer 200N is slower than the communication speed between the computer 200 and the other computer 200X, the processor 10 changes the color of the avatar object of the user 190N, The color is changed to a color different from the color of the avatar object of the other user 190X. Or in another situation, processor 10 presents user 190N's avatar object thinner than an avatar object of other users 190X. For example, the processor 10 may present a transparent object as the avatar object of the user 190N. In another aspect, if the resolution of the monitor 112 of the HMD 110N is lower than the resolution of the monitor 112 of the HMD 110, the processor 10 causes the image quality of the user 190N avatar object to be lower than the image quality of the user 190X avatar object. The resolution of the avatar object of the user 190N is made smaller than the resolution of the avatar object of the user 190X.

  In step S1050, processor 10 outputs the generated data to HMD 110. Based on the data, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 presents an avatar object representing each of the users 190N and 190X in the virtual space 2. When the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 visually recognizes each avatar object, the avatar object displayed in a manner different from the display manner of other avatar objects (for example, the avatar object of the user 190N) can be recognized. Since the user 190 can recognize that the communication environment of the user 190N is not good, when communicating with the user 190N (for example, chatting), speaking more slowly than when issuing a message toward the other user 190X, or It is possible to perform operations according to the communication environment of the other party, such as performing operations in the virtual space 2 more slowly than usual.

  A control structure of the server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing a part of processing executed by processor 151 of server 150 according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the server 150 is operated by a provider that provides a communication service via a virtual space. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed when at least two of the computers 200, 200N, and 200X can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the processing will be described assuming that the computers 200, 200N, and 200X are in a state where they can communicate with each other.

  In step S1110, the processor 151 receives signals from the computers 200, 200N, and 200X, respectively, and detects a communication speed with each other computer. In step S1120, processor 151 refers to the detected result and identifies the computer with the slowest communication speed. In step S1130, processor 151 transmits a signal to which information indicating that the communication speed is the slowest computer is attached to a computer other than the computer.

  For example, in a communication session, when the communication speed of the computer 200N is the slowest, the processor 151 sends a signal including the identification number of the computer 200N and a symbol indicating that the computer has the slowest communication speed to the other computer 200. , 200X. When the processor 10 of the computer 200 or 200X receives the signal from the server 150, it stores the identification number of the session, the identification number of the computer 200N, and the symbol in the memory 11 in association with each other.

  When the computer 200 receives a signal from the computer 200N, the processor 10 of the computer 200 creates an avatar object for the user 190N of the computer 200 based on the signal. At this time, the processor 10 refers to the memory 11 and confirms whether or not a computer with a low communication speed is registered. For example, when information (identification number and symbol) regarding the computer 200N is stored in the memory 11 as a computer having a low communication speed, the processor 10 generates an avatar object for the user 190N based on data received from the computer 200N. In this case, the avatar object is displayed in a mode different from the display mode of the avatar object of the user 190X of the other computer 200X.

  With reference to FIG. 12, another aspect of the detection of the communication environment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the processor of HMD 110. Detection of the communication speed of each computer and other communication environments is not limited to the server 150 and each computer. For example, when the HMD 110 has an arithmetic function, the HMD 110 may detect a computer having a low communication speed. A control structure of the HMD 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1210, the processor of the HMD 110 receives signals transmitted from the computers 200N and 200X connected to the other HMDs 110N and 110X via the server 150 and the computer 200, respectively. In step S1220, the processor specifies the computer with the slowest communication speed based on the signal received from each computer. In step S1230, the processor displays the avatar object based on the signal received from the computer having the slowest communication speed in a mode different from the display mode of other avatar objects.

  For example, the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200 identifies the computer with the slowest communication speed based on the signals sent from the computers 200N and 200X. The HMD 110 generates data for displaying the avatar object of the identified computer user in a manner different from the avatar objects of the users of other computers. Further, the HMD 110 displays an image based on the generated data on the monitor 112.

  Next, the display mode of the avatar object will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 13 to 16 are diagrams illustrating an example of an image that can be visually recognized by the user as a view field image according to an embodiment.

  For example, when the user 190 operates the controller 160 to start a chat application and instructs to start chatting in the virtual space 2, the chat application is executed at that time and used by other users 190N and 190X who are online. Communication with the computers 200N and 200X is established. Thereafter, each HMD 110 is presented with a communicable user avatar object. When communication is established, each computer 200, 200N, 200X or the server 150 that provides the chat service detects a communication environment between the computers. The communication environment may include communication speed, image resolution, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in one aspect, user 190 visually recognizes a view field image 1300 presented by HMD 110 connected to computer 200. As shown in state A, the view image 1300 includes avatar objects 1320 and 1310 of other computers 200N and 200X with which the computer 200 is communicating. Thereafter, the computer 200 can detect that the communication state with the computer 200N is inferior to the communication state with the other computer 200X. The poor communication state means that, for example, the communication speed with the computer 200N is slower than the communication speed with the other computer 200X, and the resolution of the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200N is connected to the computer 200X. The resolution of the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 may be included.

  When it is detected that the communication state is inferior, the avatar object 1320 is displayed in a mode different from the display mode of the avatar object 1310 as shown as the view image 1330 in the state B. For example, as indicated by the dotted line in state B, the avatar object 1320 is presented in the view field image 1330 with a resolution lower than the resolution of the avatar object 1310.

  Furthermore, in another situation, as illustrated in state B, an object 1340 indicating that a user with a poor communication state is included in the chat partner may be displayed in the view image 1330. Since the object 1340 is displayed, the user 190 can easily recognize that such a user exists, and therefore, for example, it becomes easy to adjust the speed of the subsequent utterance.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another display mode of an avatar object included in a view field image when a user having a poor communication state is included in a chat partner according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the state A, when the computer 200 and the computers 200N and 200X establish communication, the visual field image 1400 presents the avatar objects 1420 and 1410 corresponding to the users of the computers 200N and 200X, respectively, as an initial state.

  As shown in state B, when it is detected that the communication state with the computer 200N is inferior thereafter, the size of the avatar object 1420 is made smaller than the size of the avatar object 1410. In addition, the avatar object 1420 can be presented at a position away from the avatar object 1410. In addition, an object 1340 may be presented. When the user 190 recognizes the change in the display mode of the avatar object 1420, the communication environment with the computer 200N of the user 190N using the avatar object 1420 is inferior to the communication environment with the computer 200X used by another user 190X. Can know. As a result, the user 190 can respond to the utterance of the user 190 by speaking slowly, so that each user can enjoy chatting through the virtual space 2 without feeling stressed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a view field image presented by HMD 110N worn by user 190 of computer 200N having a low communication speed according to an embodiment.

  As shown in the state A, when communication is established between the user 190N and the other users 190 and 190X, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110N displays the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 corresponding to the users 190 and 190X as initial images. Is displayed. Thereafter, the computer 200N detects that its communication environment is inferior to the communication environment (communication speed, resolution of the monitor 112, etc.) of the other computers 200 and 200X. This detection is performed based on, for example, a known communication speed measurement result or a result notified from the server 150 as a communication environment detection result.

  As a result of the detection, as shown in the state B, the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 can be presented at a place far away from the place where it was originally presented. In addition, the size of the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 can be made smaller than the size when initially presented. Furthermore, an object 1540 indicating that the communication environment of the computer 200N is inferior to the communication environments of the other computers 200 and 200X with which communication is currently established is presented in the view image 1530. The user 190N recognizes that the communication environment of the computer 200N is not good by visually recognizing the display mode of the avatar objects 1510 and 1520 included in the view image 1530 and the object 1540. After that, the user 190N can proceed with the chat with other users 190 and 190X by reducing the content of the utterance or sending a message by text, etc., thereby suppressing the stress due to the mismatch of the communication environment. Can do.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of a view field image presented by the HMD 110N worn by the user 190 of the computer 200N having a low communication speed according to an embodiment.

  A state A represents a view image 1600 in an initial state after communication with each computer is established. At this time, the field-of-view image 1600 includes avatar objects 1510 and 1520 shown in a predetermined normal display manner, as in the case of state A in FIG. Thereafter, the computer 200N can detect that the communication environment is inferior to the communication environments of the other computers 200 and 200X.

  As shown in state B, the visibility of the field-of-view image 1600 can be reduced in response to this detection. For example, a blurring process is performed on the view field image 1600. Alternatively, the screen brightness is reduced. In this way, the user 190N can easily recognize that the communication environment of the computer 200N used by the user 190N is inferior to the communication environment of the computer 200 or the computer 200X used by the chat partner. As a result, in subsequent chats, the user 190 takes appropriate measures such as adjusting the speech speed and increasing the frequency of using text messages that may be less affected by a decrease in the communication environment. As a result, the stress of communication through the virtual space 2 can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to an embodiment, when two or more users 190, 190N, and 190X perform chat or other communication via the virtual space 2, the communication environment of any user is the other user. If it is inferior to the communication environment, the user is notified that the communication environment is inferior. Alternatively, this is notified to all users who are communicating via the virtual space 2. For example, a message to that effect or an icon notifying that is displayed on the monitor of the HMD worn by the user or the computer monitor used by the user. In this way, the user can ask other users to speak slowly or to inform other users to speak slowly. As a result, each user can communicate while considering other users, so that stress can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which a certain user is notified that the communication environment of a certain user is inferior to that of another user. The notification destination is not limited to the certain user. In another aspect, the notification to that effect may be notified to other users. The notification mode may be the same as the mode shown in FIGS. In this way, other users can easily recognize that users with inferior communication environments are included in the communication partner, so it is possible to communicate slowly, speaking, proposing text communication specifications instead of speech, etc. This makes it easier to make proposals to call partners including users who are inferior in environment, and smooth communication can be realized.

The above technical features can be summarized as follows, for example.
(Configuration 1) According to an embodiment, a method executed by a computer (for example, 200, 200N, 200X) for communicating via the virtual space 2, or an instruction for causing the computer to realize the method A stored non-transitory computer readable data recording medium is provided. This method includes the steps of defining the virtual space 2 provided by the HMD 110 connected to the computer 200, and other devices (for example, the computers 200N and 200X, HMDs 110N and 110X, The avatar objects corresponding to the users 190N and 190X of the other HMDs 110N and 110X are virtually displayed in a manner corresponding to the communication environment and the step of detecting the communication environment with other devices based on the signal sent from the server 150 or the like) Presenting in the space 2.

  (Configuration 2) According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space 2 is performed by an avatar corresponding to a user of an HMD (for example, one of HMD110N and 110X) whose communication environment is lower than a predetermined standard. It includes presenting the user's avatar object in a manner different from the display manner of an avatar object corresponding to another HMD user whose communication environment is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference.

  (Configuration 3) According to an embodiment, the step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space 2 is performed in a manner according to the inferior communication environment among the communication environments of one or more other HMDs. To present.

  (Configuration 4) According to an embodiment, the step of detecting the communication environment includes receiving information representing the image quality of the head mounted device. Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space 2 includes presenting the avatar object corresponding to the image quality in the virtual space 2.

  (Configuration 5) According to an embodiment, the step of detecting the communication environment includes detecting the communication speed with the other HMDs 110N and 11X. The step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space 2 is predetermined when the communication speed is lower than a predetermined speed, or when the communication speed with any HMD is lower than the communication speed with any other HMD. Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space 2 at a lower resolution than the resolution set.

  (Configuration 6) According to an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a user input for selecting an avatar object presented in the virtual space 2. Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space 2 includes presenting the avatar object selected based on the input in a manner different from the manner of the other avatar objects.

  (Configuration 7) According to an embodiment, there is provided a program that causes a computer 200, 200N, or 200X to execute any of the methods described above.

  (Configuration 8) According to an embodiment, there is provided a computer 200 including a memory 11 storing the above-described program and a processor 10 for executing the program.

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

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10,151 processor, 11, 1
52 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14,153 communication interface, 15 bus, 16,112 monitor, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 view area, 24, 25 area, 26 view image, 30
Grip, 31 frame, 32 top, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog stick, 100 system, 114, 120 sensor, 130 motion sensor, 133, 160 controller, 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 190 users.

Claims (8)

A computer-implemented method for communicating through a virtual space, comprising:
Defining a virtual space provided by a first head mounted device connected to the computer;
Detecting a communication environment with the other head mounted device based on a signal sent from one or more other head mounted devices communicably connected to the computer;
Presenting an avatar object corresponding to a user of the other head mounted device in the virtual space in a manner corresponding to the communication environment.   The step of presenting the avatar object in the virtual space includes a display mode of an avatar object corresponding to a user of a head mounted device whose communication environment is lower than a predetermined reference, and the communication environment is equal to or higher than the predetermined reference. The method of claim 1, comprising presenting the user's avatar object in a manner different from the manner in which the avatar object corresponding to the user of the head-mounted device is.   Presenting the avatar object in the virtual space includes presenting each avatar object in a manner corresponding to the inferior communication environment of each of the one or more other head mounted devices. The method of claim 1. Detecting the communication environment includes receiving information representing an image quality of the head mounted device;
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the avatar object in the virtual space includes presenting an avatar object corresponding to the image quality in the virtual space. Detecting the communication environment includes detecting a communication speed with the head mounted device;
The step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space is predetermined when the communication speed is lower than a predetermined speed, or when the communication speed is lower than the communication speed with other head mounted devices. The method according to claim 1, further comprising presenting the avatar object in the virtual space with a resolution lower than the resolution. Further comprising receiving a user input for selecting an avatar object presented in the virtual space;
The step of presenting the avatar object in the virtual space includes presenting the avatar object selected based on the input in a manner different from the manner of other avatar objects. The method described in 1.   The program which makes a computer perform the method in any one of Claims 1-6. A memory storing the program according to claim 7;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor for executing the program.

Images