JP2022087111A - Program executed by computer to provide virtual space via head mount device, method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enrich the communication between an avatar and an object in a virtual space.

SOLUTION: Processing performed by a processor includes the steps of: defining a virtual space (S1810); projecting content onto the virtual space (S1820); presenting an NPC object to the virtual space (S1830); generating a visual field image on the basis of a posture of a virtual camera (S1840); detecting an operation by an HMD user on the basis of a signal sent from a computer (S1850); controlling a behavior of the NPC object in response to the detected operation (S1860); and presenting the NPC object whose behavior was controlled to the virtual space (S1870).

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present disclosure relates to the provision of a virtual experience using a Head Mounted Device (HMD), and more specifically to a technique for controlling the display of an avatar object in the virtual reality space provided by the HMD.

There is known a technique of providing content via a virtual reality space (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "virtual space") or communicating using an avatar (sometimes referred to as an "avatar object"). For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-181457 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for "visually distinguishing between an avatar who actively speaks and an avatar who does not speak in chat software" ([Summary]. ], See [Solution]). Further, Japanese Patent No. 6212667 (Patent Document 2) discloses "a technique for synchronizing the display of an avatar object and the audio output in communication via virtual space so as not to give a sense of discomfort" ([Summary]). See [Solution]).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-181457 Japanese Patent No. 6212667

In order to promote communication via the virtual space, it is necessary for both the avatar object corresponding to the HMD user and the object not corresponding to the HMD user to have an appropriate facial expression according to the scene. Therefore, a technique for enriching the facial expression of the avatar object presented in the virtual space is required.

In addition to the avatar object of the HMD user who is the communication partner in the real space, a so-called non-player character (NPC) object, which is preliminarily incorporated in the content presented in the virtual space, is also presented in the virtual space. May occur. Therefore, in communication in virtual space, it may be necessary to enrich the facial expressions of such NPC objects. Further, in this case, a technique for reflecting facial expressions on NPC objects in real time as the content progresses is required. On the other hand, there may be cases where you do not want to reflect the facial expression of the avatar object in real time. Therefore, a technique for appropriately controlling the facial expression of the avatar object is required.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object in a certain aspect is to provide a technique for enriching the facial expression of an avatar object. The purpose in other aspects is to provide techniques for properly controlling the facial expressions of avatar objects.

According to certain embodiments, a program is provided that is run on a computer to provide virtual space via a headmount device. The program responds to the computer by defining a virtual space, presenting a non-player character (NPC) object to the virtual space, detecting the user's behavior on the headmount device, and detecting the behavior. Then, the step of controlling the behavior of the NPC object is executed.

In a certain aspect, the facial expression change of the user wearing the head mount device in the real space is reflected in the facial expression of the avatar object presented in the virtual space in real time, so that communication can be promoted.

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

It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the computer 200 which follows one aspect. It is a figure which conceptually represents the uvw field coordinate system set in the HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually represents one aspect which expresses the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure which showed the head of the user 190 who wears an HMD 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. It is a figure which shows the YZ cross section which looked at the visual field area 23 from the X direction in the virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the XZ cross section which looked at the visual field area 23 from the Y direction in virtual space 2. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. It is a sequence chart which shows a part of the processing performed in the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a figure explaining the control which detects a mouth from a user's face image 50. It is a figure (the 1) explaining the process which the tracking module 262 detects the shape of a mouth. FIG. 2 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a process of detecting the shape of the mouth by the tracking module 262. It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in the storage 12 for face tracking. It is a figure which shows the feature point of the face acquired when the user 190 is expressionless. It is a figure which shows the feature point of the face acquired when the user 190 is surprised. It is a figure which shows typically the situation that each of the plurality of HMDs connected to the network 19 provides a virtual space to each of a plurality of users. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the process which NPC object is presented. It is a figure which shows one aspect of the storage of data in the storage 154 provided in the server 150. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the process for preventing the change of the facial expression of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 from being reflected in the avatar object as it is. It is a figure which shows the other mode of storing data in a storage 154. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the processing executed by a processor. It is a figure which shows the interface which accepts the purchase of a poker face object. It is a figure which shows the state which two users share the virtual space 2 by executing the same application. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the process which a processor 151 executes. It is a figure which shows the display of the avatar object which is seen by other users as a poker face object.

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

[HMD system configuration]
The configuration of the HMD (Head-Mounted Device) system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an HMD system 100 according to an embodiment. In certain aspects, the HMD system 100 is provided as a home system or a business system.

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 gaze sensor 140, a speaker 115, a first camera 116, a second camera 117, and a microphone 119. The controller 160 may include a motion sensor 130.

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

The server 150 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, and a communication interface 153. The server 150 is realized by a computer having a well-known configuration. Processor 151 executes the instruction. The memory 152 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The communication interface 153 communicates with the computer 200, the user terminals 201A, 201N, and the like. The storage 154 holds data received by the server 150 from the computer 200 or other external device or data generated by the processor 151. The storage 154 can be realized by, for example, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Disc) or other non-volatile storage device.

The HMD 110 may be mounted on the head of the user 190 and provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190 during operation. More specifically, the HMD 110 displays an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user 190 visually recognizes the respective 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, for example, as a non-transparent display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is arranged in the body of the HMD 110 so as to be located in front of both eyes of the user 190. Therefore, the user 190 can immerse himself / herself in the virtual space 2 when he / she visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112. In certain embodiments, the virtual space 2 includes, for example, a background, an object operable by the user 190, and an image of a menu selectable by the user 190. If the configuration is such that a plurality of computers 200 can experience a virtual experience in one virtual space 2 by passing a signal based on the operation of each user, the avatar object corresponding to each user is presented in the virtual space 2. Will be done.

The object is a virtual object existing in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the object may be an avatar object corresponding to the user, virtual accessories and clothing worn by the avatar object, a virtual panel imitating a panel showing information about the user, a virtual letter imitating a letter, and a post. Includes imitated virtual posts. Further, the avatar object is a character that symbolizes the user 190 in the virtual space 2, and includes, for example, a human type, an animal type, a robot type, and the like. Objects come in many shapes. The user 190 may present a favorite object from predetermined objects to the virtual space 2, or may present the object created by the user 190 to the virtual space 2.

In certain embodiments, the monitor 112 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor included in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

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

The gaze sensor 140 detects the direction (line-of-sight direction) in which the line of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 is directed. Detection in that direction is achieved, for example, by a known eye tracking function. The gaze sensor 140 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In certain aspects, 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 detects the angle of rotation of each eyeball by irradiating the right eye and the left eye of the user 190 with infrared light and receiving the reflected light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiation 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 the voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data received from the computer 200 to the outside. The microphone 119 outputs voice data corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 to the computer 200. The user 190 can use the microphone 119 to speak to another user, while the speaker 115 can hear the voice (utterance) of the other user.

More specifically, when the user 190 speaks into the microphone 119, the voice data corresponding to the utterance of the user 190 is input to the computer 200. The computer 200 outputs the voice data to the server 150 via the network 19. The server 150 outputs the voice data received from the computer 200 to another computer 200 via the network 19. The other computer 200 outputs the voice data received from the server 150 to the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by another user. As a result, other users can hear the voice of the user 190 through the speaker 115 of the HMD 110. Similarly, utterances from other users are output from the speaker 115 of the HMD 110 worn by the user 190.

The first camera 116 is provided in the housing of the HMD 110 so as to photograph the lower part of the face of the user 190. More specifically, the first camera 116 captures the nose, cheeks, mouth, etc. of the user 190. The second camera 117 is provided in the housing of the HMD 110 so as to photograph the eyes and eyebrows of the user 190. In the present embodiment, the housing on the user 190 side of the HMD 110 is defined as the inside of the HMD 110, and the housing on the opposite side of the user 190 of the HMD 110 is defined as the outside of the HMD 110. In certain aspects, the first camera 116 may be located outside the HMD 110 and the second camera 117 may be located inside the HMD 110. The images generated by the first camera 116 and the second camera 117 are input to the computer 200.

The computer 200 displays on the monitor 112 an image that moves another avatar object corresponding to the other user according to the voice data received from the computer 200 of the other user. For example, in a certain situation, the computer 200 displays an image that moves the mouth of another avatar object on the monitor 112, so that the virtual space 2 is displayed as if the avatar objects are talking to each other in the virtual space 2. express. By transmitting and receiving voice data between the plurality of computers 200 in this way, a conversation (chat) between a plurality of users is realized in one virtual space 2.

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. The HMD sensor 120 uses this function to detect the position and tilt of the HMD 110 in the real 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 tilt of the HMD 110 by executing the image analysis process using the image information of the HMD 110 output from the camera.

In another aspect, the HMD 110 may include the sensor 114 as the position detector instead of the HMD sensor 120. The HMD 110 may use the sensor 114 to detect the position and tilt of the HMD 110 itself. For example, if the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a gyro sensor, the HMD 110 uses any of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to determine its position and tilt. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around the three axes of the HMD 110 in real space over time. The HMD 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD 110 based on the temporal change of the angle.

Further, the HMD 110 may be provided with a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transparent display device by adjusting its transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space as a part of the image constituting the virtual space 2. For example, an image taken by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be superimposed on a part of the field image and displayed, or by setting a high transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device, the field image can be displayed. The real space may be visible from a part.

The server 150 may send the program to the computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with another computer 200 to provide virtual reality to the HMD 110 used by another user. For example, in an amusement facility, when a plurality of users play a participatory game, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on the operation of each user with another computer 200, and the plurality of users are common in the same virtual space 2. Allows you to enjoy the game. Further, as described above, the plurality of computers 200 transmit and receive signals based on the actions of each user, so that a plurality of users can enjoy a conversation in one virtual space 2.

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

The motion sensor 130 is attached to the hand of the user 190 in a certain aspect and detects the movement of the hand of the user 190. For example, the motion sensor 130 detects the rotation speed, the number of rotations, and the like of the hand. Data representing the detection result of the hand movement of the user 190 obtained by the motion sensor 130 (hereinafter, also referred to as detection data) is sent to the computer 200. The motion sensor 130 is provided in, for example, a glove-shaped controller 160. In certain embodiments, for safety in real space, it is desirable that the controller 160 be attached to something that does not easily fly by being attached to the user 190's hand, such as a glove type. In another aspect, a sensor not attached to the user 190 may detect the movement of the user 190's hand. For example, the signal of the camera that captures the user 190 may be input to the computer 200 as a signal representing the operation of the user 190. The motion sensor 130 and the computer 200 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other known communication method is 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 other aspects, the HMD system 100 may include a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a telephone function for connecting to a telephone line.

[Computer hardware configuration]
The computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the 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 the signal given to the computer 200 or based on the condition that a predetermined condition is satisfied. In a certain 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 storage 12, for example. The data includes data input to the computer 200 and data generated by the processor 10. In a certain aspect, the memory 11 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

Storage 12 permanently retains programs and data. The storage 12 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The program stored in the storage 12 includes a program for providing the virtual space 2 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 2.

In another aspect, the storage 12 may be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. In still other aspects, configurations may be used that use programs and data stored in an external storage device instead of the storage 12 built into the computer 200. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to collectively update programs and data in a situation where a plurality of HMD systems 100 are used, for example, in an amusement facility.

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

In certain embodiments, the input / output interface 13 may further communicate with the 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 voice, emit light, and the like. Upon receiving the command, the controller 160 executes either vibration, audio output, or light emission in response to the command.

The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with another computer (for example, a server 150, another user's computer 200, etc.) connected to the network 19. In a certain 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), NFC (Near Field Communication) or other wireless communication interface. Will be 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 contained in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing the virtual space 2, game software that can be executed in the virtual space 2 using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing the virtual space 2 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 shown in FIG. 2, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD 110, but in other aspects, the computer 200 may be built in the HMD 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including a monitor 112 may function as a computer 200.

Further, the computer 200 may have a configuration commonly used for a plurality of HMD 110s. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space 2 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 2.

In one embodiment, the HMD system 100 has a preset global coordinate system. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axises) that are parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-back direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back direction in the global coordinate system are defined as the x-axis, the y-axis, and the 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 in real space. The z-axis is parallel to the front-back direction of the real space.

In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects 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 a temporal change in the position and inclination of the HMD 110 by using each value detected over time.

The global coordinate system is parallel to the coordinate system in real space. Therefore, each inclination of the HMD 110 detected by the HMD sensor 120 corresponds to each inclination of the HMD 110 around three axes in the global coordinate system. The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw field coordinate system to the HMD 110 based on the tilt of the HMD 110 in the global coordinate system. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system set in the HMD 110 corresponds to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 sees an object in the virtual space 2.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the HMD 110 sets a three-dimensional uvw visual field coordinate system centered (origin) on the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. More specifically, the HMD 110 defines the global coordinate system in the horizontal, vertical, and front-back directions (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) by the inclination of the HMD 110 around each axis in the global coordinate system. The three directions newly obtained by tilting each around the axis are set as the pitch direction (u-axis), the yaw direction (v-axis), and the roll direction (w-axis) of the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110.

In a certain aspect, when the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 is upright and visually recognizing the front, the processor 10 sets the uvw field coordinate system parallel to the global coordinate system to the HMD 110. In this case, the horizontal direction (x-axis), the vertical direction (y-axis), and the anteroposterior direction (z-axis) in the global coordinate system are the pitch direction (u-axis) and the yaw direction (v-axis) of the uvw 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 (change amount of the 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, respectively. The pitch angle (θu) represents the tilt angle of the HMD 110 around the pitch direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents the tilt angle of the HMD 110 around the yaw direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents the tilt angle of the HMD 110 around the roll direction in the uvw visual field coordinate system.

The HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw field coordinate system in the HMD 110 after the HMD 110 has moved based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD 110 in the HMD 110. The relationship between the HMD 110 and the uvw field coordinate system of the HMD 110 is always constant regardless of the position and tilt 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 obtained based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between the points (eg, the distance between the points). The position of the light in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually representing one aspect of expressing the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. The virtual space 2 has an all-sky spherical structure that covers the entire center 21 in the 360-degree direction. In FIG. 4, the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 2 is illustrated so as not to complicate the explanation. Each mesh is defined in the virtual space 2. The position of each mesh is predetermined as a coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting the contents (still image, moving image, etc.) expandable in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image visible to the user 190. The virtual space 2 in which 22 is expanded is provided to the user 190.

In a certain 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, the vertical direction (vertical direction), and the front-back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the 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, and the Y-axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y-axis of the global coordinate system. The Z-axis (front-back direction) is parallel to the z-axis of the global coordinate system.

At the time of starting the HMD 110, that is, in the initial state of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is arranged at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 moves in the virtual space 2 in the same manner as the movement of the HMD 110 in the real space. As a result, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

As in the case of the HMD 110, the virtual camera 1 is defined with the uvw field-of-view coordinate system. The uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined to be linked to the uvw field-of-view 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. Further, the virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user 190 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 line of sight (reference line of sight 5) as a reference when the user 190 visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 depends on the orientation of the virtual camera 1. Is decided. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the field of view 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The field of view 23 corresponds to the field of view of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the virtual space 2.

The line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is the direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw field-of-view 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 field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the HMD 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can consider the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 in the uvw field-of-view coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

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

In one aspect, the gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of the user 190's right and left eyes. In one 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 detection result of the line of sight, the computer 200 identifies the gaze point N1 which is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detected values. On the other hand, when the computer 200 receives the detected values of the lines of sight R2 and L2 from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 identifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the gaze point. The computer 200 specifies the line-of-sight direction N0 of the user 190 based on the position of the specified gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the extending direction of the straight line passing through the gazing point N1 as the line-of-sight direction N0. The line-of-sight direction N0 is the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight with both eyes. Further, the line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs the line of sight to the field-of-sight area 23.

[Visibility 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 field of view 23 as viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of the field of view 23 as viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the field of view region 23 in the YZ cross section includes the 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 2 as a region 24.

As shown in FIG. 7, the field of view 23 in the XZ cross section includes the 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 centered on the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the user 190 with the virtual space 2 by displaying a field of view image on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The visual field image corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the visual field region 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD 110 attached to the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the field of view 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the field-of-view image displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to the image superimposed on the field-of-view area 23 in the direction in which the user 190 faces in the virtual space 2 among the virtual space images 22. The user 190 can visually recognize the desired direction in the virtual space 2.

While wearing the HMD 110, the user 190 can visually recognize only the virtual space image 22 developed in the virtual space 2 without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, the HMD system 100 can give the user 190 a high sense of immersion in the virtual space 2.

In a certain aspect, the processor 10 may 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 identifies an image region (that is, a view region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected onto 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 certain embodiments, the virtual camera 1 preferably includes two virtual cameras, i.e., 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 an 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. Assuming that it is configured as such, the technical idea according to the present disclosure will be exemplified.

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

As shown in FIG. 8A, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller (not shown) in certain aspects. 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 symmetrically configured 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 accepts the operation 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 gripped by the right hand of the user 190. For example, the grip 30 may be held by the palm of the user 190's right hand 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 arranged on the side surface of the grip 30 and accepts an operation by the middle finger of the right hand. The button 34 is arranged on the front surface 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 type buttons. The motion sensor 130 is built in the housing of the grip 30. If the operation of the user 190 can be detected from around the user 190 by a camera or other device, the grip 30 does not have to include the motion sensor 130.

The frame 31 includes a plurality of infrared LEDs 35 arranged along its circumferential direction. The infrared LED 35 emits infrared rays as the program progresses while the program using the controller 160 is being executed. The infrared rays 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. 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 with one column or three 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-type buttons. Buttons 36 and 37 accept operations by the thumb of the user 190's right hand. The analog stick 38 accepts an operation in any direction 360 degrees from the initial position (neutral position) in a certain aspect. 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 components. Batteries include, but are not limited to, rechargeable, button type, dry cell type and the like. In other aspects, 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 batteries.

FIG. 8B shows an example of a hand object 810 arranged in the virtual space 2 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190 holding the right controller 800. For example, yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the hand object 810 corresponding to the right hand of the user 190. For example, if the input operation is performed on the button 34 of the right controller 800, the index finger of the hand object 810 is grasped, and if the input operation is not performed on the button 34, the segmentation diagram ( As shown in B), the index finger of the hand object 810 may be extended. For example, in the hand object 810, when the thumb and index finger are extended, the direction in which the thumb is extended is the yaw direction, and the direction in which the index finger is extended is the roll direction, the yaw direction axis, and the plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the roll direction axis. The direction is defined by the hand object 810 as the pitch direction.

[HMD control device]
The control device of the HMD 110 will be described with reference to FIG. In certain embodiments, the control device is implemented by a computer 200 having a well-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, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, a communication control module 250, a face tracking module 260, an motion detection module 271, and an action control. It is equipped with a module 272.

The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a view area determination module 222, a view image generation module 223, a reference line-of-sight identification module 224, an inclination identification module 225, and a viewpoint identification module 226 as submodules. include.

The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, and a hand object control module 233 as submodules.

In one embodiment, the display control module 220, the virtual space control module 230, the face tracking module 260, the motion detection module 271, and the behavior control module 272 are realized by the processor 10. In other embodiments, the plurality of processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220, the virtual space control module 230, the face tracking module 260, the motion detection module 271, and the behavior control module 272. 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 the image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The visual field determination module 222 defines the visual field region 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. The visual field image generation module 223 generates data (also referred to as visual field image data) of the visual field image displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined visual field region 23. Further, the view image generation module 223 generates the view image data based on the data received from the virtual space control module 230. The 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 identification module 224 identifies the line-of-sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

The tilt specifying module 225 identifies the tilt of the HMD 110 based on the output of the HMD sensor 120. In another aspect, the tilt specifying module 225 identifies the tilt of the HMD 110 based on the output of the sensor 114, which functions as a motion sensor.

The viewpoint specifying module 226 detects the line of sight of the user 190 in the virtual space 2 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140. The viewpoint specifying module 226 detects the viewpoint position (coordinate value in the XYZ coordinate system) where the detected line of sight of the user 190 and the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 intersect. More specifically, the viewpoint specifying module 226 detects the viewpoint position by converting the line of sight of the user 190 defined by the uvw coordinate system into the XYZ coordinate system based on the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1.

The face tracking module 260 detects the facial movement or facial expression of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110. More specifically, the face tracking module 260 includes a face organ detection module 261 and a tracking module 262. The facial organ detection module 261 uses organs (for example, mouth, eyes, etc.) constituting the face of the user 190 from the image of the face of the user 190 generated by the image data output from the first camera 116 and the second camera 117, respectively. Brow) is detected. The tracking module 262 detects (positions) of feature points for each organ detected by the facial organ detection module 261 intermittently (discretely), for example. The tracking module 262 will detect the facial expression of the user 190. The control contents of the facial organ detection module 261 and the tracking module 262 will be described later.

The virtual space control module 230 controls the virtual space 2 provided to the user 190. The virtual space definition module 231 defines the virtual space 2 in the HMD system 100 by generating virtual space data representing the virtual space 2.

The virtual object generation module 232 generates data of an object arranged in the virtual space 2. Objects can include, for example, other avatar objects, virtual panels, virtual letters, and virtual posts. The data generated by the virtual object generation module 232 is output to the field of view image generation module 223.

The hand object control module 233 arranges the hand object in the virtual space 2. The hand object corresponds, for example, to the right or left hand of the user 190 holding the controller 160. In a certain aspect, the hand object control module 233 generates data for arranging the hand object corresponding to the right hand or the left hand in the virtual space 2. Further, the hand object control module 233 generates data for moving the hand object in response to the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. The data generated by the hand object control module 233 is output to the field of view image generation module 223.

In other aspects, if the movement of a part of the body of the user 190 (eg, the movement of the left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot, head, etc.) is associated with the controller 160, the virtual space control module 230 will be the user 190. Generate data for arranging a partial object corresponding to a part of the body in the virtual space 2. When the user 190 operates the controller 160 using a part of the body, the virtual space control module 230 generates data for moving the partial object. These data are output to the field of view image generation module 223.

When the processor 10 receives voice data from another user's computer 200 via the network 19, the processor 10 outputs voice (utterance) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker 115.

The motion detection module 271 detects the motion of the user 190 based on the signal input to the computer 200. The operation of the user 190 includes, for example, changing the facial expression of the user 190. The motion detection module 271 detects the facial expression of the user 190 by using the signal output from the first camera 116 and the signal output from the second camera 117. The motion detection module 271 can further detect the facial expression of the user 190 by using the output from the gaze sensor 140 in addition to these signals. By considering the line of sight, the accuracy of detecting facial expressions can be improved.

The behavior control module 272 controls the behavior of the NPC (Non-Players Character) object based on the detection of the facial expression of the user 190. In another aspect, the behavior control module 272 determines the emotion of the user 190 based on the detection result of the facial expression, and controls the behavior of the NPC object according to the determined emotion of the user 190. In another aspect, the action control module 272 selects an action template corresponding to the detected facial expression from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance as the action of the NPC object, and reflects the selected action template in the NPC object. Thereby, an NPC object that performs an action according to the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 is presented. In another aspect, the action control module 272 corresponds to the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance for the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 in response to the first action of the NPC object. By selecting the action template to be performed as the second action and reflecting the second action on the NPC object following the first action, an NPC object that performs the action according to the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 is presented. ..

The memory module 240 holds data used by the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In a certain aspect, the memory module 240 holds spatial information 241 and object information 242, user information 243, and face information 244.

Spatial information 241 holds one or more templates defined to provide virtual space 2.

The object information 242 holds the content to be reproduced in the virtual space 2 and the information for arranging the object used in the content. The content may include, for example, a game, content representing a landscape similar to the real world, and the like. Further, the object information 242 includes data for arranging a hand object corresponding to the hand of the user 190 who operates the controller 160 in the virtual space 2, and data for arranging the avatar object of each user in the virtual space 2. Includes data for arranging other objects such as virtual panels in virtual space 2.

The user information 243 holds a program for operating the computer 200 as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program using each content held in the object information 242, and the like. The 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, a server 150) operated by a business operator that provides the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

The face information 244 includes a template stored in advance for the face organ detection module 261 to detect the face organ of the user 190. In certain embodiments, the face information 244 includes a mouth template 245, an eye template 246, and an eyebrow template 247. Each template can be an image corresponding to the organs that make up the face. For example, the mouth template 245 can be an image of the mouth. In addition, each template may include a plurality of images. The face information 244 further includes reference data 248. The reference data 248 is data detected by the tracking module 262 while the user 190 is expressionless.

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

[Control structure of HMD system]
The control structure of the HMD system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a part of the processing performed in the HMD system 100 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1010, the processor 10 of the computer 200 specifies the virtual space image data as the virtual space definition module 231 and defines the virtual space 2.

In step S1020, the processor 10 initializes the virtual camera 1. For example, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 1 at a predetermined center point in the virtual space 2 in the work area of the memory, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera 1 in the direction in which the user 190 is facing.

In step S1030, the processor 10 generates the field of view image data for displaying the initial field of view image as the field of view image generation module 223. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

In step S1032, the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 displays the view image based on the view image data received from the computer 200. The user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can recognize the virtual space 2 when he / she visually recognizes the visual field image.

In step S1034, the HMD sensor 120 detects the position and tilt of the HMD 110 based on the plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD 110. The detection result is output to the computer 200 as motion detection data.

In step S1040, the processor 10 identifies the viewing direction of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 based on the position and inclination included in the motion detection data of the HMD 110.

In step S1050, the processor 10 executes the application program and presents an object to the virtual space 2 based on the instruction included in the application program. The object presented at this time includes other avatar objects.

In step S1060, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 based on the signal output from the motion sensor 130, and outputs the detection data representing the detected operation to the computer 200. In another aspect, the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 may be detected based on the image from the camera arranged around the user 190.

In step S1065, the processor 10 detects the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190 based on the detection data acquired from the controller 160.

In step S1070, the processor 10 generates visual field image data for presenting the hand object to the virtual space 2.

In step S1080, the processor 10 generates view image data based on the operation of the controller 160 by the user 190. The generated view image data is output to the HMD 110 by the communication control module 250.

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

[Face tracking]
Hereinafter, a method of detecting a user's facial expression (face movement) will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16. First, in FIGS. 11 to 13, a specific example of detecting the movement of the mouth of the user 190 will be described as an example. The detection method described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 is not limited to the movement of the mouth of the user 190, but is the detection of the movement of other organs (for example, eyes, eyebrows, nose, cheeks) constituting the face of the user 190. Can also be applied to.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating control for detecting a mouth from a user's face image 50. The face image 50 generated by the first camera 116 includes the nose and mouth of the user 190.

The face organ detection module 261 identifies the mouth region 51 from the face image 50 by pattern matching using the mouth template 245 stored in the face information 244. In a certain aspect, the facial organ detection module 261 sets a comparison area on a rectangle in the face image 50, and while changing the size, position, and angle of the comparison area, the image of the comparison area and the mouth template 245 Calculate the similarity with the image. The facial organ detection module 261 identifies a comparison region in which a similarity larger than a predetermined threshold value is calculated as a mouth region 51.

The facial organ detection module 261 is further based on the relative relationship between the position of the comparison region whose calculated similarity is greater than the threshold value and the position of other facial organs (eg, eyes, nose). Determines if is equivalent to the mouth area.

The tracking module 262 detects a more detailed mouth shape from the mouth region 51 detected by the facial organ detection module 261.

FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 1) illustrating a process by which the tracking module 262 detects the shape of the mouth. With reference to FIG. 12, the tracking module 262 sets a plurality of contour detection lines 52 for detecting the shape of the mouth (the contour of the lips) included in the mouth region 51. The plurality of contour detection lines 52 are set at predetermined intervals in a direction orthogonal to the height direction of the face.

The tracking module 262 can detect a change in the luminance value of the mouth region 51 along each of the plurality of contour detection lines 52, and can specify a position where the change in the luminance value is abrupt as a contour point. More specifically, the tracking module 262 specifies as a contour point a pixel whose luminance difference (that is, change in luminance value) from adjacent pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The luminance value of the pixel is obtained, for example, by integrating the RBG value of the pixel with a predetermined weighting.

The tracking module 262 identifies two types of contour points from the image corresponding to the mouth region 51. The tracking module 262 identifies a contour point 53 corresponding to the outer contour of the mouth (lips) and a contour point 54 corresponding to the inner contour of the mouth (lips). In a certain aspect, when three or more contour points are detected on one contour detection line 52, the tracking module 262 may specify the contour points at both ends as the outer contour points 53. In this case, the tracking module 262 may specify contour points other than the outer contour point 53 as the inner contour point 54. Further, when two or less contour points are detected on one contour detection line 52, the tracking module 262 can specify the detected contour points as the outer contour points 53.

FIG. 13 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the process of detecting the shape of the mouth by the tracking module 262. In FIG. 13, the outer contour point 53 is shown as a white circle, and the inner contour point 54 is shown as a hatched circle.

The tracking module 262 identifies the mouth shape 55 by complementing between the plurality of inner contour points 54. In this case, the contour point 54 can be said to be a characteristic point of the mouth. In one aspect, the tracking module 262 identifies the mouth shape 55 using a non-linear complementation method such as spline complementation. In another aspect, the tracking module 262 may specify the mouth shape 55 by complementing between the plurality of outer contour points 53. In yet another aspect, the tracking module 262 excludes contour points that deviate significantly from the assumed mouth shape (a predetermined shape that can be formed by the upper and lower lips of a person), and the remaining contour points make the mouth shape. 55 may be specified. In this way, the tracking module 262 identifies the movement (shape) of the user's mouth. The method for detecting the mouth shape 55 is not limited to the above, and the tracking module 262 may detect the mouth shape 55 by another method. The tracking module 262 may also detect user eye and eyebrow movements in the same manner. The tracking module 262 may be configured to be able to detect the shape of an organ such as a cheek or a nose.

The structure of face tracking data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage 12 for face tracking. The face tracking data represents the position coordinates in the uvw visual field coordinate system of a plurality of feature points constituting the shape of each organ. For example, the points m1, m2, ... Shown in FIG. 14 correspond to the inner contour points 54 constituting the mouth shape 55. In a certain aspect, the face tracking data is a coordinate value in the uvw visual field coordinate system with respect to the position of the first camera 116 as a reference (origin). In another aspect, the face tracking data is a coordinate value in a coordinate system with a predetermined feature point as a reference (origin) for each organ. As an example, the points m1, m2, ... Are the coordinate values in the coordinate system with the feature point of one of the inner contour points 54 corresponding to the corner of the mouth as the origin.

The computer 200 transmits the generated face tracking data to the server 150. The server 150 transfers this data to another computer 200 that communicates with the computer 200. The other computer 200 reflects the received face tracking data in the avatar object corresponding to the user 190 of the computer 200 who brought the face tracking data. Other users communicating with the user 190 can see the avatar object reflecting the facial expression.

The emotional changes of the user 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 shows facial feature points acquired when the user 190 is expressionless. FIG. 16 represents facial feature points acquired when the user 190 is surprised. The feature points P shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 represent the facial feature points of the user 190 acquired by the tracking module 262.

In one aspect, the processor 10 captures the face of the user 190 with the first camera 116 and the second camera 117. The processor 10 generates face tracking data based on the acquired image. The face tracking generated at this time functions as reference data 248. The processor 10 stores the generated reference data 248 in the memory module 240.

The feature point P shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to the reference data 248. On the other hand, the feature point P shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the face tracking data acquired at any time while the user 190 is immersed in the virtual space 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, since the user 190 is surprised, the feature points P of the eyes spread in the height direction of the face and the feature points P of the eyebrows move upward as compared with FIG. As described above, the fluctuation amount of the face tracking data with respect to the reference data represents the degree of interest of the user 190 in the content developed in the virtual space 2.

In a certain aspect, the processor 10 calculates the amount of fluctuation of the face tracking data with respect to the reference data for each feature point, and makes the above determination based on the sum. In another aspect, the processor 10 calculates the amount of fluctuation only for predetermined feature points (for example, feature points corresponding to the corners of the mouth) having a large degree of change due to emotions, and makes the above determination based on the sum.

[Technical Thought]
First, the technical idea according to the present embodiment will be described. In summary, the technical idea is presented in the virtual space 2 according to the result of tracking the facial expression of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in order to enhance the communication between the avatar objects in the virtual space 2. It controls the avatar object. The avatar object may be either an avatar object that does not correspond to the user 190 or an avatar object that corresponds to the user 190.

For example, in a certain situation, when a non-player character (NPC) avatar object prepared in advance in the content expanded in the virtual space 2 is presented in the virtual space 2, the operation of the NPC object is performed by the user 190. Control according to the result of tracking the facial expression. The technique for tracking facial expressions is, for example, the face tracking described above, but other tracking techniques may be used. The operation of the NPC object is controlled based on the emotion of the user 190 determined as a result of the tracking. In order to realize such control, for example, a plurality of facial expression templates that define the facial expressions of the NPC object for emotions such as emotions of the user 190 are prepared in advance. The facial expression of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 is detected by a camera or sensor provided on the HMD 110, and a facial expression template is selected according to the detection result and reflected in the facial expression of the NPC object. As an example, when the user 190 is laughing, the NPC object appearing as a gaya (lively) in the content also behaves as if it is laughing. With such a configuration, the facial expression of the NPC object reacts in real time according to the change in the facial expression of the user 190, so that the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 can feel more immersive in the virtual space 2.

In another aspect, changes in the facial expression of the user 190 may be reflected in the NPC object to a certain extent. When the change in the facial expression of the user 190 is always reflected in the NPC object, the user 190 and other users who are visually recognizing the NPC object may feel uncomfortable with the realism. Therefore, when the degree of change in the facial expression of the user 190 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a facial expression template prepared in advance is assigned as the facial expression of the NPC object. That is, the facial expression of the user 190 and the facial expression of the NPC object do not have a linear relationship, and when the change in the facial expression of the user 190 is within a certain range, the facial expression of the NPC object becomes a constant facial expression. As a result, for example, all the slight changes in facial expressions of the user 190 are not reflected in the avatar object, so that the user who visually recognizes the avatar object is less likely to feel a sense of discomfort.

In yet another aspect, it is also realized that the result of tracking the facial expression of the user 190 is not intentionally reflected in the avatar object of the user 190 presented in the virtual space 2. In the virtual space 2, an avatar object of another user may suddenly enter the field of view from outside the field of view of the user 190. Therefore, in a certain aspect, the facial expression selected in advance by the user 190 as the facial expression of the avatar object is reflected in the own avatar object, and the change in the facial expression of the user 190 is not intentionally reflected in real time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user 190 from showing an unintended facial expression to another user who is communicating via the virtual space 2. The facial expression preselected by the user 190 may be based on either a paid or free facial expression template created in advance by the content provider. Whether or not the facial expression of the user 190 is reflected in the avatar object of the user in real time, or whether the facial expression based on the facial expression template selected in advance by the user 190 is reflected in the avatar object of the user is determined by the user. 190 can be preselected. In another aspect, the server 150 or other processor that provides the content may be preset according to the content. For example, when a new user's avatar object enters the field of view of the user 190, at least the facial expression of the user 190 or the facial expression of a smile may be reflected in the avatar object of the user 190.

(1) According to a certain aspect, a processor 151 of a computer (for example, a server 150) defines, for example, a virtual space 2 as a virtual reality space, presents a non-player character (NPC) object to the virtual space 2, and a user of the HMD 110. The movement by 190 (for example, change in facial expression, speech, movement of limbs, etc.) is detected, and in response to the detection of the movement, the action of the NPC object (for example, change in facial expression, speech, movement of limbs, etc.) is performed. Control.

(2) According to a certain aspect, the processor 151 detects the facial expression of the user and controls the behavior of the NPC object based on the detection result of the facial expression. For example, the NPC object smiles at user 190.

(3) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 determines the emotion of the user 190 based on the detection result of the facial expression, and controls the behavior of the NPC object according to the determined emotion of the user. For example, when the user 190 is laughing, the processor 151 determines that the user 190 is pleased, and makes the facial expression of the NPC object a laughing facial expression.

(4) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 selects an action template corresponding to the facial expression detected from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance as the action of the NPC object, and selects the selected action template. By reflecting it on the NPC object, an NPC object that performs an action according to the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 is presented.

(5) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 causes the NPC object to perform the first action, and detects the facial expression of the user of the HMD 110 in response to the NPC object performing the first action. .. The processor 151 uses an action template corresponding to the detection result of the user's facial expression as the second action from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance for the detection result of the user's facial expression in response to the first action of the NPC object. By selecting and reflecting the second action on the NPC object following the first action, an NPC object that performs an action according to the detection result of the user's facial expression is presented.

(6) According to a certain aspect, the processor 151 executes a program for communication via the virtual space 2 provided by the HMD 110. More specifically, the processor 151 defines the virtual space 2 and detects the facial expression of the user 190 of the HMD 110. The processor 151 accesses data for displaying an avatar object having one or more facial expressions prepared in advance as an avatar object corresponding to the user 190 of the HMD 110, and responds to a change in the detected user's facial expression. An avatar object having an expression based on the data is presented in the virtual space 2.

(7) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, when the rate of change of the facial expression detection result of the user 190 is within a predetermined range, the data so that the facial expression of the avatar object becomes a constant facial expression. Is stipulated. According to this configuration, when there is a range of changes in the facial expression of the user 190, the facial expression of the avatar object becomes a constant facial expression, so that it is possible to prevent all the facial expressions of the user 190 from being reflected in the avatar object. can.

(8) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 presents an avatar object reflecting a prepared facial expression without reflecting the detected facial expression on the facial expression of the avatar object corresponding to the user 190. do.

(9) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 presents an interface object in the virtual space 2 that accepts the purchase of the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression. According to this configuration, the user 190 can purchase the avatar object at the timing when he / she deems it necessary, so that the avatar object can be used immediately, seamless communication becomes possible, and the content can be continued. You can enjoy it.

(10) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 receives from the user 190 whether or not to reflect the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 in the avatar object. The processor 151 presents the avatar object according to the setting that defines whether or not the facial expression of the user is reflected in the avatar object. For example, if the above specification is input by the user 190 before the application that uses the avatar object is executed, the facial expression of the user 190 is reflected in the avatar object in real time if the specification is valid. If the specification is not valid, the facial expression of the user 190 is not reflected in real time, for example, the facial expression prepared in advance is reflected in the avatar object. As a result, the display of the avatar object can be switched according to the needs of the user 190.

(11) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above, the processor 151 is based on the fact that the avatar object of the user 190 of the HMD 110 is within the area corresponding to the view of another user sharing the virtual space 2. The facial expressions of the 190 avatar objects are changed to the prepared facial expressions, and the avatar objects reflecting the changed facial expressions are presented in the virtual space 2. As a result, when the user 190 moves in the virtual space 2 and accidentally enters the field of view of another user, the user 190 can be prevented from seeing an unintended facial expression, so that the user 190 can immerse himself in the virtual space 2 with peace of mind.

[Interaction between users on the network]
With reference to FIG. 17, the interaction between users via the virtual space developed on the network 19 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a situation in which each of the plurality of HMDs connected to the network 19 provides a virtual space to each of the plurality of users.

As shown in FIG. 17, in a certain aspect, each of the computers 200A to 200F functions as a content providing device for the HMD 110. The computers 200A to 200F can communicate with the server 150 via the network 19. Each of the computers 200A to 200F causes each of the HMDs 110A to 110F to display each of the virtual space images 22A to 22F. The virtual space images 22A to 22F are images representing the same content, including, for example, the avatar objects 1701,1702,1703,1704. The avatar objects 1701 and 1704 correspond to the users of HMD 110A and 110B, respectively. The objects 1702 and 1703 appear in the virtual space 2 as the content progresses as NPC objects, not as avatar objects corresponding to the user in the real space.

The avatar object 1701 corresponds to the user of the HMD 110A. The virtual space image 22A provided to the user of the HMD 110A represents a field image corresponding to the eye position of the avatar object 1701. According to the user's position and tilt of the HMD 110A, the computer 200A updates the view image represented by the virtual space image 22A.

The HMD 110A may notify the server 150 of the position and head tilt of the user 190 in the virtual space. The position of the user 190 may be changed according to the operation of the controller 160. The tilt of the head is detected by the sensor 114 and other sensors built in the HMD 110A. The server 150 can notify the position and inclination of the user of the HMD 110A to other HMD 110s (for example, HMD 110B to 110F) connected to the network 19. The HMD 110B to 110F may change the display mode (for example, the position and the posture in the virtual space) of the avatar object 1701 corresponding to the HMD 110A in response to the notification.

The avatar object 1704 represents a user of the HMD 110B. The virtual space image 22B provided to the user of the HMD 110B represents a field image corresponding to the eye position of the avatar object 1704.

Based on the data transmitted from the server 150, the HMD 110A, 110B, etc. present the content in the virtual space 2. In the real space, when two users are wearing the HMD 110A and 110B, respectively, each user can visually recognize each other's avatar objects in the virtual space 2 while also visually recognizing the NPC object.

The aspect to which the technical idea according to the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the aspect in which a plurality of users share the virtual space 2, as shown in FIG. It can also be applied to a situation in which one user wearing the HMD 110 views content in which an NPC object appears.

The technical idea according to the present disclosure will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a part of the process in which the NPC object is presented. The process is executed by a combination of processors or circuit elements included in the server 150, the computer 200 and other information processing devices. Hereinafter, a case where the server 150 executes the process will be described.

In step S1810, the processor 151 defines the virtual space 2. In step S1820, the processor 151 projects the content into the virtual space 2. The content is, for example, movie, drama or other video content. At least one or more NPC objects may be included in the content. The NPC object is, for example, an object that is preliminarily incorporated in the video content. In step S1830, processor 151 presents an NPC object to virtual space 2.

In step S1840, the processor 151 generates a field of view image based on the posture of the virtual camera 1. When the view image data is sent to the HMD 110, the user 190 can visually recognize the view image via the monitor 112.

In step S1850, the processor 151 detects the operation by the user 190 of the HMD 110 based on the signal sent from the computer 200. The operation includes a change in the facial expression of the user 190, an operation of the controller 160, and the like. The change in facial expression is performed by using the above-mentioned face tracking method or the like based on each signal output from the first camera 116 and the second camera 117 attached to the HMD 110. The controller 160 mounted on the hand of the user 190 transmits a signal corresponding to the movement of the hand to the computer 200, and the computer 200 transmits the received signal to the server 150.

In step S1860, the processor 151 controls the behavior of the NPC object in response to the detected behavior. For example, when the user 190 smiles at the NPC object, the processor 151 executes a face tracking process to detect the smile of the user 190, the face of the NPC object is turned toward the user 190, and the NPC object smiles. Generate data.

In step S1870, the processor 151 presents the behavior-controlled NPC object to the virtual space 2. For example, the processor 151 arranges an NPC object smiling toward the user 190 in the shooting range of the virtual camera 1. The field of view image data obtained by the virtual camera 1 is transmitted to the HMD 110 by the processor 151. The user 190 can recognize on the monitor 112 that the NPC object is smiling towards the user 190.

In step S1880, the processor 151 determines whether or not to end the display of the content based on the instruction to the server 150. For example, when the user 190 utters "playback stop" and the processor 151 recognizes the content of the utterance based on the voice recognition process, it can be determined that the display of the content ends in the middle. Alternatively, when the reproduction of the content is finished, the processor 151 determines that the display of the content is finished. When it is determined that the processor 151 ends the display of the content (YES in step S1880), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S1880), processor 151 returns control to step S1830.

[data structure]
The data structure of the server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an aspect of data storage in the storage 154 included in the server 150. Storage 154 holds an action template. More specifically, the storage 154 includes an NPC object ID 1910, an action template ID 1920, and a facial expression ID 1930. The NPC object ID 1910 identifies the NPC object presented in the virtual space 2. The action template ID 1920 identifies the action of the NPC object. The facial expression ID 1930 identifies a pre-defined facial expression as the facial expression of the NPC object.

[When the change in the user's facial expression is not realistically reflected in the avatar object]
Other aspects of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of the process for preventing the change in the facial expression of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 from being reflected in the avatar object as it is.

In step S1810, the processor 151 defines the virtual space 2.
In step S2010, the processor 151 detects the facial expression of the user 190 based on each signal output from the first camera 116 and the second camera 117, respectively.

In step S2020, the processor 151 accesses the data for displaying the avatar object based on the facial expression detection result. For example, the processor 151 calculates the rate of change of the facial expression of the user 190, identifies the facial expression category associated with the rate of change, and determines the avatar object having the facial expression associated with the facial expression category.

In step S2030, the processor 151 presents the avatar object to the virtual space 2 using the accessed data.

In the above, the case where each process is executed by the server 150 has been described, but the process may be executed by the computer 200 or another computer having an arithmetic function. For example, if the HMD 110 includes a processor, that processor may perform the processing.

[data structure]
The data structure of the server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another aspect of data storage in the storage 154. The storage 154 holds the table 2100. The table 2100 includes an avatar object ID 2110, a facial expression ID 2120, and a facial expression change rate range 2130. The avatar object ID 2110 identifies the avatar object corresponding to the user using the HMD 110. The facial expression ID 2120 identifies a facial expression that is predetermined and assigned as the facial expression of the avatar object. The facial expression change rate range 2130 specifies a range of facial expression change rates for the user 190 wearing the HMD 110.

For example, the facial expression of the user 190 is continuously detected, for example, at regular time intervals, based on the signals output from the first camera 116 and the second camera 117, and data representing the facial expression is output. The rate of change is calculated using two data that are adjacent in time. When the change rate belongs to any range of the change rate range 2130 of the facial expression, the facial expression specified by the facial expression ID 2120 specified by the change rate is reflected in the avatar object specified by the avatar object ID 2110. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the change in the facial expression of the user 190 from being reflected in the avatar object in real time at all times.

[Laughter when you don't want to show your facial expression]
Yet another aspect of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the processor.

In step S2210, processor 151 loads the application selected by user 190 into memory 152. In step S1810, the processor 151 executes the initial setting process of the application and defines the virtual space 2.

In step S2220, the processor 151 accepts an input for setting whether or not to reflect the facial expression of the user 190 on the avatar object. For example, the setting screen is displayed on the monitor 112, and the user 190 can input the setting by operating the controller 160 or by selecting a predetermined menu item with a line of sight. The input setting contents are held in the memory 152.

In step S2230, the processor 151 starts executing the application. In step S2010, the processor 151 detects the facial expression of the user 190. In step S2240, the processor 151 determines whether or not the setting for reflecting the facial expression of the user 190 on the avatar object is effective based on the setting content stored in the memory 152. If the setting is valid (YES in step S2240), the processor 151 switches control to step S2250. If not (NO in step S2240), processor 151 switches control to step S2260.

In step S2250, the processor 151 accesses the data (facial expression ID 2120) for displaying the avatar object based on the detection result of the facial expression of the user 190 (for example, the rate of change of the facial expression).

In step S2260, the processor 151 accesses the data representing the facial expression prepared in advance (data specified by the facial expression ID 1930). In step S2270, the processor 151 uses the accessed data to reflect the changed facial expression of the user 190 on the avatar object.

In step S2280, the processor 151 presents the avatar object reflecting the changed facial expression in the virtual space 2. When the user 190 and another user share the virtual space 2, the other user recognizes the changed facial expression of the user 190.

[Poker Face Object]
A poker face object will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an interface that accepts purchases of poker face objects. In the present embodiment, the poker face object means an avatar object that does not depend on the facial expression of the user 190. The poker face object is used, for example, when the user 190 does not want the chat partner to know the change in facial expression.

As shown in state (A), monitor 112 displays interface object 2310. The interface object 2310 is presented, for example, when the user 190 launches an application for chatting with another user via the virtual space 2. The interface object 2310 includes a message inquiring about the purchase of the poker face object, an icon accepting the choice to purchase (“buy”), and an icon accepting the choice not to purchase (“not buy”).

When the user 190 selects the icon (“buy”), the monitor 112 displays the interface object 2320, as shown in the state (B). The interface object 2320 includes, for example, three poker face objects 2340, 2350, 2360. When the user 190 selects one of the poker face objects and selects (or presses) the purchase confirmation icon, the data of the selected poker face object is the account of the user 190 as an avatar object that can be used by the user 190. Associated with. After that, the user 190 can use the purchased poker face object if he / she does not want the change in his / her facial expression to be reflected in the avatar object.

The sharing of the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state in which two users share the virtual space 2 by executing the same application. When the application is executed, each user can move the virtual space 2 by operating the controller 160 worn on his / her hand.

As shown in the state (A), in a certain aspect, the virtual camera 1A corresponding to the first user and the virtual camera 1B corresponding to the second user are arranged in the virtual space 2. In the state (A), the field of view area 23 of the virtual camera 1A and the field of view area 23B of the virtual camera 1B do not overlap. Therefore, the user's field of view corresponding to the virtual camera 1A does not include the user corresponding to the virtual camera 1B.

As shown in the state (B), in another aspect, when the user corresponding to the virtual camera 1A operates the controller 160 in order to change the line of sight in the virtual space 2, the orientation of the virtual camera 1A also changes according to the operation. Be changed. For example, when the user wearing the HMD 110 rotates his head slightly to the right, the virtual camera 1A also rotates clockwise according to the rotation, and the virtual camera 1B is included in the field of view region 23A. At the location of the virtual camera 1B, there is a user corresponding to the virtual camera 1B. The user can be visually recognized on the monitor 112 of the HMD 110 worn by the user corresponding to the virtual camera 1A. At this time, the user corresponding to the virtual camera 1B may not want to see his / her facial expression reflected in the avatar object. There, poker face objects may be displayed instead, based on user settings. For example, the user can preselect a poker face object with a smiling expression as the poker face object. By doing so, even if the user is unexpectedly included in the field of view of the other user, the smiling facial expression can be visually recognized by the other user.

The control structure of the server 150 will be further described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the processor 151.

In step S1810, the processor 151 defines a virtual space 2 shared by a plurality of users. For example, when each user executes the same application, sharing of the virtual space 2 is realized, for example, when a plurality of users enter a communication room defined by virtual reality.

In step S2510, the processor 151 arranges each user's avatar object in the virtual space 2.

In step S2520, the processor 151 generates a field of view image based on each user's virtual camera.

In step S2530, the processor 151 outputs data for displaying each field of view image to each user's HMD.

In step S2540, the processor 151 changes the position of the virtual camera in the virtual space according to the operation of each user. The field of view of each user also changes according to the change.

In step S2550, the processor 151 detects that the second user's virtual camera 1B is in the field of view (shooting range) of the first user's virtual camera 1A. For example, the processor 151 can determine whether or not the virtual camera 1B is in the field of view of the virtual camera 1A based on the position of each virtual camera in the virtual space 2 and the field of view (angle) of each virtual camera. As described above, since the position of each user's virtual camera is associated with the position of each user's avatar object, the processor 151 corresponds to the second user in the view of the first user's virtual camera 1A. It may be configured to detect that an avatar object has been entered.

In step S2560, the processor 151 reflects the prepared (laughing) facial expression on the avatar object (virtual camera 1B) of the second user.

In step S2570, the processor 151 acquires the data of the field of view image including the second user corresponding to the virtual camera 1B from the virtual camera 1A corresponding to the first user.

In step S2580, the processor 151 outputs the acquired view image data to the HMD 110 of the first user. The first user can see the avatar object of the second user coming into his / her field of view and recognize that the second user is laughing.

A display mode of the poker face object based on the arrangement shown in FIG. 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the display of an avatar object that is visible to other users as a poker face object.

As shown in the state (A), the monitor 112 displays the field of view image taken by the virtual camera 1A. At this time, since the field of view 23A of the virtual camera 1A and the field of view 23B of the virtual camera 1B do not overlap (state (A) in FIG. 24), the monitor 112 has the user's avatar object corresponding to the virtual camera 1B. Not reflected.

After that, when the user wearing the HMD 110 turns his head to the right and the virtual camera 1A rotates clockwise, the visual field region 23A and the visual field region 23B overlap.

Then, the shooting range of the virtual camera 1A includes another user represented as the virtual camera 1B. Therefore, as shown in the state (B), the monitor 112 displays the avatar object 2610 corresponding to the other user. The avatar object 2610 is displayed based on the data purchased in advance by another user and registered in the account of the other user. In this way, even if the user unexpectedly enters the field of view of another user, the appropriate facial expression based on the poker face object can be visually recognized by that user.

The technical features disclosed above are summarized as follows.
(Structure 1) According to a certain aspect, a program executed on a computer to provide a virtual space via a headmount device presents the computer with a step of defining the virtual space and a non-player character object in the virtual space. A step of detecting an action by the user of the head mount device, and a step of controlling the action of the NPC object in response to the detection of the action are executed.

(Structure 2) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the step of detecting the motion includes the step of detecting the facial expression of the user. The control step includes a step of controlling the behavior of the NPC object based on the detection result of the facial expression.

(Structure 3) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the control step determines the user's emotion based on the facial expression detection result, and controls the behavior of the NPC object according to the determined user's emotion. Including doing.

(Structure 4) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the step to control is the step of selecting the action template corresponding to the facial expression detected from the plurality of action templates prepared in advance as the action of the NPC object, and the selection. It includes a step of presenting an NPC object that performs an action according to a detection result of a user's facial expression by reflecting the performed action template in the NPC object.

(Structure 5) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the step of presenting the NPC object includes causing the NPC object to perform the first action. The detecting step involves detecting the facial expression of the user of the head mount device in response to the NPC object performing the first action. The step to control is to select an action template corresponding to the detection result of the user's facial expression from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance for the detection result of the user's facial expression in response to the first action of the NPC object. It includes a step of selecting as, and a step of presenting an NPC object that performs an action according to the detection result of the user's facial expression by reflecting the second action on the NPC object following the first action.

(Structure 6) According to a certain aspect, a program executed on a computer to communicate through the virtual space provided by the head mount device is a step of defining the virtual space on the computer and the user of the head mount device. A step to detect a facial expression, a step to access data for displaying an avatar object having one or more facial expressions prepared in advance as an avatar object corresponding to the user of the head mount device, and a user's facial expression to be detected. In response to the change in, the step of presenting an avatar object having a data-based expression in the virtual space is executed.

(Structure 7) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, data so that the facial expression of the avatar object becomes a constant facial expression when the rate of change of the detection result of the user's facial expression is within a predetermined range. Is stipulated.

(Structure 8) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space is prepared in advance without reflecting the detected facial expression on the facial expression of the avatar object corresponding to the user. Includes a step to present an avatar object that reflects the facial expression.

(Structure 9) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the program further causes the computer to perform a step of presenting to the virtual space an interface object that accepts the purchase of the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression.

(Structure 10) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the program further causes the computer to perform a step of accepting from the user whether or not to reflect the detection result of the user's facial expression on the avatar object. The step of presenting the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression includes the step of presenting the avatar object according to the setting defining whether or not the user's facial expression is reflected in the avatar object.

(Structure 11) According to a certain aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the step of presenting the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression is head-mounted in the area corresponding to the view of other users sharing the virtual space. Includes a step of presenting an avatar object that reflects a pre-prepared facial expression of the avatar object based on the inclusion of the user's avatar object on the device.

(Structure 12) According to a certain aspect, an information processing apparatus including a memory for storing the above program and a processor for executing the program is provided.

(Structure 13) According to one aspect, the method performed on a computer to provide a virtual space via a headmount device presents a step of defining the virtual space and a non-player character (NPC) object in the virtual space. A step of detecting an action by the user of the head mount device, and a step of controlling the action of the NPC object in response to the detection of the action are included.

(Structure 14) According to one aspect, the method performed by the computer to communicate over the virtual space provided by the headmount device is to detect the steps of defining the virtual space and the user's facial expression on the headmount device. Steps to access data to display data for displaying an avatar object with one or more facial expressions prepared in advance as an avatar object corresponding to the user of the head mount device, and changes in the detected user's facial expressions. Correspondingly, it includes a step of presenting an avatar object with a data-based facial expression in the virtual space.

[summary]
Based on the above, according to the present embodiment, the communication between the avatar objects in the virtual space 2 becomes richer. In a certain aspect, since the facial expression of the NPC object is reacted in real time according to the change in the facial expression of the user 190, the immersive feeling of the user 190 wearing the HMD 110 in the virtual space 2 can be enhanced.

In another aspect, since all the slight changes in facial expressions of the user 190 are not reflected in the avatar object, the user who visually recognizes the avatar object is less likely to feel a sense of discomfort. In yet another aspect, it is possible to prevent the user 190 from showing an unintended facial expression to another user communicating via the virtual space 2.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10,151 processor, 11,152 memory, 12,154 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 20,2000 object, 21 center, 22 Virtual space image, 23 View area, 24, 25 area, 30 grip, 31 frame, 32 top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 buttons, 38 analog stick, 50 face image, 51 mouth area, 52 contour detection line, 53,54 contour points, 55 mouth shapes, 100 systems, 110 HMDs, 112 monitors, 114,120 sensors, 115 speakers, 116 first camera, 117 second cameras, 119 microphones, 130 motion sensors, 140 gaze sensors, 150 servers , 153 communication interface, 160 controller.

Claims (14)

A program that is run on a computer to provide virtual space through a headmount device, said program to the computer.
Steps to define virtual space and
The step of presenting a non-player character (NPC) object in the virtual space,
The step of detecting the user's operation of the head mount device, and
A program that executes a step of controlling the behavior of the NPC object in response to detecting the behavior. The step of detecting the operation includes the step of detecting the facial expression of the user.
The program according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step includes a step of controlling the behavior of the NPC object based on the detection result of the facial expression. The control step according to claim 2, further comprising determining the emotion of the user based on the detection result of the facial expression, and controlling the behavior of the NPC object according to the determined emotion of the user. Program. The control step is
A step of selecting an action template corresponding to the detected facial expression from a plurality of action templates prepared in advance as an action of an NPC object, and
The program according to claim 2, comprising a step of presenting an NPC object that performs an action according to a detection result of the user's facial expression by reflecting the selected action template in the NPC object. The step of presenting the NPC object comprises causing the NPC object to perform a first action.
The detecting step comprises detecting the facial expression of the user of the head mount device in response to the NPC object performing the first action.
The control step is
From a plurality of action templates prepared in advance for the detection result of the user's facial expression in response to the first action of the NPC object, the action template corresponding to the detection result of the user's facial expression is selected as the second action. Steps and
2. The second aspect of the present invention includes a step of presenting an NPC object that performs an action according to a detection result of the user's facial expression by reflecting the second action on the NPC object following the first action. The program described. A program that is run on a computer to communicate over the virtual space provided by the headmount device, said program to the computer.
Steps to define virtual space and
The step of detecting the facial expression of the user of the head mount device,
A step of accessing data for displaying an avatar object having one or more facial expressions prepared in advance as an avatar object corresponding to the user of the head mount device.
A program that executes a step of presenting an avatar object having a facial expression based on the data to the virtual space in response to the detected change in the facial expression of the user. The data is defined in claim 6, so that the facial expression of the avatar object becomes a constant facial expression when the rate of change of the facial expression detection result of the user is within a predetermined range. program. The step of presenting the avatar object to the virtual space is a step of presenting the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression without reflecting the detected facial expression on the facial expression of the avatar object corresponding to the user. The program of claim 7, including. The program according to claim 7, wherein the program further causes the computer to perform a step of presenting an interface object that accepts the purchase of the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression to the virtual space. The program further causes the computer to perform a step of accepting from the user whether or not to reflect the detection result of the user's facial expression on the avatar object.
The step of presenting the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression includes the step of presenting the avatar object according to the setting defining whether or not the facial expression of the user is reflected in the avatar object. Item 28 or 9. The step of presenting the avatar object reflecting the prepared facial expression is based on the fact that the user's avatar object of the head mount device is within the area corresponding to the view of another user sharing the virtual space. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a step of presenting an avatar object in which the expression of the avatar object reflects the prepared expression. A memory in which the program according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is stored, and
An information processing device coupled to the memory and comprising a processor for executing the program. A method performed on a computer to provide virtual space through a headmount device,
Steps to define virtual space and
The step of presenting a non-player character (NPC) object in the virtual space,
The step of detecting the user's operation of the head mount device, and
A method comprising the step of controlling the behavior of the NPC object in response to detecting the behavior. A method performed by a computer to communicate over the virtual space provided by a headmount device.
Steps to define virtual space and
The step of detecting the facial expression of the user of the head mount device,
A step of accessing data for displaying an avatar object having one or more facial expressions prepared in advance as an avatar object corresponding to the user of the head mount device.
A method comprising the step of presenting an avatar object having a facial expression based on the data to the virtual space in response to the detected change in the facial expression of the user.

Images