METHOD OF PROVIDING INFORMATION IN VIRTUAL SPACE, AND PROGRAM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

A method including defining a virtual space to be shared by a first user and a second user. The virtual space includes a first object, a viewpoint and first, second and third places. The method includes arranging a second avatar object at the first place. The method includes providing a field-of-view image to the first user in accordance with a position of the viewpoint. The method includes identifying a first direction from the second place to the first object. The method includes identifying a ratio of the second avatar included in a first field of view for a case in which the viewpoint is arranged at the second place. The method includes identifying the second place as a recommended place. The method includes displaying first information for identifying the recommended place in the field-of-view image.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2017-043769, filed on Mar. 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a technology for providing a virtual space, and more particularly, to a technology for providing information in a virtual space shared by two or more users.

BACKGROUND

Hitherto, there has been provided a virtual space to be supplied to two or more users on a network. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2007-213453 (Patent Document 1), there is described a virtual space shared entertainment community generation system for “providing a virtual space shared entertainment community in which all registered users including those unfamiliar with the virtual community can easily understand how to enjoy the community and which can be freshly enjoyed over a long period of use”. This virtual space shared entertainment community generation system “includes a virtual space shared entertainment community content database server11and a virtual space shared entertainment community content file server12, which each store content data and data of users registered in the virtual space shared entertainment community, and a virtual space shared entertainment community generation content server10including control means for issuing HTML tags for displaying character strings and images in the virtual space shared entertainment community” (see Abstract of Patent Document 1).

PATENT DOCUMENTS

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, there is provided a method including defining a virtual space to be shared by a first user and a second user, the virtual space including a first object, a viewpoint, a first place, a second place, and a third place. The method further includes arranging a second avatar associated with the second user at the first place in accordance with a designation of the first place by the second user. The method further includes identifying a field of view in the virtual space based on a position of the viewpoint. The method further includes generating a field-of-view image in accordance with the field of view. The method further includes providing the field-of-view image to the first user. The method further includes identifying that the second avatar is not arranged at the second place and is not arranged at the third place. The method further includes identifying a first direction from the second place to the first object. The method further includes identifying a ratio of the second avatar included in a first field of view, which is identified based on the position of the viewpoint and the first direction, for a case in which the viewpoint is assumed to be arranged at the second place. The method further includes identifying that the ratio is equal to or less than a threshold. The method further includes identifying the second place as a recommended place. The method further includes displaying first information for identifying the recommended place in the field-of-view image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of this technical idea are described in detail. In the following description, like components are denoted by like reference symbols. The same applies to the names and functions of those components. Therefore, detailed description of those components is not repeated. In one or more embodiments described in this disclosure, components of respective embodiments can be combined with each other, and the combination also serves as a part of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

With reference toFIG. 1, a configuration of a head-mounted device (HMD) system100is described.FIG. 1is a diagram of a system100including a head-mounted display (HMD) according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The system100is usable for household use or for professional use.

The system100includes a server600, HMD sets110A,110B,110C, and110D, an external device700, and a network2. Each of the HMD sets110A,110B,110C, and110D is capable of independently communicating to/from the server600or the external device700via the network2. In some instances, the HMD sets110A,110B,110C, and110D are also collectively referred to as “HMD set110”. The number of HMD sets110constructing the HMD system100is not limited to four, but may be three or less, or five or more. The HMD set110includes an HMD120, a computer200, an HMD sensor410, a display430, and a controller300. The HMD120includes a monitor130, an eye gaze sensor140, a first camera150, a second camera160, a microphone170, and a speaker180. In at least one embodiment, the controller300includes a motion sensor420.

In at least one aspect, the computer200is connected to the network2, for example, the Internet, and is able to communicate to/from the server600or other computers connected to the network2in a wired or wireless manner. Examples of the other computers include a computer of another HMD set110or the external device700. In at least one aspect, the HMD120includes a sensor190instead of the HMD sensor410. In at least one aspect, the HMD120includes both sensor190and the HMD sensor410.

The HMD120is wearable on a head of a user5to display a virtual space to the user5during operation. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the HMD120displays each of a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor130. Each eye of the user5is able to visually recognize a corresponding image from the right-eye image and the left-eye image so that the user5may recognize a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both of the user's the eyes. In at least one embodiment, the HMD120includes any one of a so-called head-mounted display including a monitor or a head-mounted device capable of mounting a smartphone or other terminals including a monitor.

The monitor130is implemented as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In at least one aspect, the monitor130is arranged on a main body of the HMD120so as to be positioned in front of both the eyes of the user5. Therefore, when the user5is able to visually recognize the three-dimensional image displayed by the monitor130, the user5is immersed in the virtual space. In at least one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, objects that are operable by the user5, or menu images that are selectable by the user5. In at least one aspect, the monitor130is implemented as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic electroluminescence (EL) monitor included in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminals.

In at least one aspect, the monitor130is implemented as a transmissive display device. In this case, the user5is able to see through the HMD120covering the eyes of the user5, for example, smartglasses. In at least one embodiment, the transmissive monitor130is configured as a temporarily non-transmissive display device through adjustment of a transmittance thereof. In at least one embodiment, the monitor130is configured to display a real space and a part of an image constructing the virtual space simultaneously. For example, in at least one embodiment, the monitor130displays an image of the real space captured by a camera mounted on the HMD120, or may enable recognition of the real space by setting the transmittance of a part the monitor130sufficiently high to permit the user5to see through the HMD120.

In at least one aspect, the monitor130includes a sub-monitor for displaying a right-eye image and a sub-monitor for displaying a left-eye image. In at least one aspect, the monitor130is configured to integrally display the right-eye image and the left-eye image. In this case, the monitor130includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so as to alternately display the right-eye image to the right of the user5and the left-eye image to the left eye of the user5, so that only one of the user's5eyes is able to recognize the image at any single point in time.

In at least one aspect, the HMD120includes a plurality of light sources (not shown). Each light source is implemented by, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit an infrared ray. The HMD sensor410has a position tracking function for detecting the motion of the HMD120. More specifically, the HMD sensor410reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted by the HMD120to detect the position and the inclination of the HMD120in the real space.

In at least one aspect, the HMD sensor410is implemented by a camera. In at least one aspect, the HMD sensor410uses image information of the HMD120output from the camera to execute image analysis processing, to thereby enable detection of the position and the inclination of the HMD120.

In at least one aspect, the HMD120includes the sensor190instead of, or in addition to, the HMD sensor410as a position detector. In at least one aspect, the HMD120uses the sensor190to detect the position and the inclination of the HMD120. For example, in at least one embodiment, when the sensor190is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor, the HMD120uses any or all of those sensors instead of (or in addition to) the HMD sensor410to detect the position and the inclination of the HMD120. As an example, when the sensor190is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects over time the angular velocity about each of three axes of the HMD120in the real space. The HMD120calculates a temporal change of the angle about each of the three axes of the HMD120based on each angular velocity, and further calculates an inclination of the HMD120based on the temporal change of the angles.

The eye gaze sensor140detects a direction in which the lines of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user5are directed. That is, the eye gaze sensor140detects the line of sight of the user5. The direction of the line of sight is detected by, for example, a known eye tracking function. The eye gaze sensor140is implemented by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In at least one aspect, the eye gaze sensor140includes a right-eye sensor and a left-eye sensor. In at least one embodiment, the eye gaze sensor140is, for example, a sensor configured to irradiate the right eye and the left eye of the user5with an infrared ray, and to receive reflection light from the cornea and the iris with respect to the irradiation light, to thereby detect a rotational angle of each of the user's5eyeballs. In at least one embodiment, the eye gaze sensor140detects the line of sight of the user5based on each detected rotational angle.

The first camera150photographs a lower part of a face of the user5. More specifically, the first camera150photographs, for example, the nose or mouth of the user5. The second camera160photographs, for example, the eyes and eyebrows of the user5. A side of a casing of the HMD120on the user5side is defined as an interior side of the HMD120, and a side of the casing of the HMD120on a side opposite to the user5side is defined as an exterior side of the HMD120. In at least one aspect, the first camera150is arranged on an exterior side of the HMD120, and the second camera160is arranged on an interior side of the HMD120. Images generated by the first camera150and the second camera160are input to the computer200. In at least one aspect, the first camera150and the second camera160are implemented as a single camera, and the face of the user5is photographed with this single camera.

The microphone170converts an utterance of the user5into a voice signal (electric signal) for output to the computer200. The speaker180converts the voice signal into a voice for output to the user5. In at least one embodiment, the speaker180converts other signals into audio information provided to the user5. In at least one aspect, the HMD120includes earphones in place of the speaker180.

The controller300is connected to the computer200through wired or wireless communication. The controller300receives input of a command from the user5to the computer200. In at least one aspect, the controller300is held by the user5. In at least one aspect, the controller300is mountable to the body or a part of the clothes of the user5. In at least one aspect, the controller300is configured to output at least anyone of a vibration, a sound, or light based on the signal transmitted from the computer200. In at least one aspect, the controller300receives from the user5an operation for controlling the position and the motion of an object arranged in the virtual space.

In at least one aspect, the controller300includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is implemented by, for example, an LED configured to emit an infrared ray. The HMD sensor410has a position tracking function. In this case, the HMD sensor410reads a plurality of infrared rays emitted by the controller300to detect the position and the inclination of the controller300in the real space. In at least one aspect, the HMD sensor410is implemented by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor410uses image information of the controller300output from the camera to execute image analysis processing, to thereby enable detection of the position and the inclination of the controller300.

In at least one aspect, the motion sensor420is mountable on the hand of the user5to detect the motion of the hand of the user5. For example, the motion sensor420detects a rotational speed, a rotation angle, and the number of rotations of the hand. The detected signal is transmitted to the computer200. The motion sensor420is provided to, for example, the controller300. In at least one aspect, the motion sensor420is provided to, for example, the controller300capable of being held by the user5. In at least one aspect, to help prevent accidently release of the controller300in the real space, the controller300is mountable on an object like a glove-type object that does not easily fly away by being worn on a hand of the user5. In at least one aspect, a sensor that is not mountable on the user5detects the motion of the hand of the user5. For example, a signal of a camera that photographs the user5may be input to the computer200as a signal representing the motion of the user5. As at least one example, the motion sensor420and the computer200are connected to each other through wired or wireless communication. In the case of wireless communication, the communication mode is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (trademark) or other known communication methods are usable.

The display430displays an image similar to an image displayed on the monitor130. With this, a user other than the user5wearing the HMD120can also view an image similar to that of the user5. An image to be displayed on the display430is not required to be a three-dimensional image, but may be a right-eye image or a left-eye image. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL monitor may be used as the display430.

In at least one embodiment, the server600transmits a program to the computer200. In at least one aspect, the server600communicates to/from another computer200for providing virtual reality to the HMD120used by another user. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game, for example, in an amusement facility, each computer200communicates to/from another computer200via the server600with a signal that is based on the motion of each user, to thereby enable the plurality of users to enjoy a common game in the same virtual space. Each computer200may communicate to/from another computer200with the signal that is based on the motion of each user without intervention of the server600.

The external device700is any suitable device as long as the external device700is capable of communicating to/from the computer200. The external device700is, for example, a device capable of communicating to/from the computer200via the network2, or is a device capable of directly communicating to/from the computer200by near field communication or wired communication. Peripheral devices such as a smart device, a personal computer (PC), or the computer200are usable as the external device700, in at least one embodiment, but the external device700is not limited thereto.

[Hardware Configuration of Computer]

With reference toFIG. 2, the computer200in at least one embodiment is described.FIG. 2is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the computer200according to at least one embodiment. The computer200includes, a processor210, a memory220, a storage230, an input/output interface240, and a communication interface250. Each component is connected to a bus260. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the processor210, the memory220, the storage230, the input/output interface240or the communication interface250is part of a separate structure and communicates with other components of computer200through a communication path other than the bus260.

The processor210executes a series of commands included in a program stored in the memory220or the storage230based on a signal transmitted to the computer200or in response to a condition determined in advance. In at least one aspect, the processor210is implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro-processor unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

The memory220temporarily stores programs and data. The programs are loaded from, for example, the storage230. The data includes data input to the computer200and data generated by the processor210. In at least one aspect, the memory220is implemented as a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memories.

The storage230permanently stores programs and data. In at least one embodiment, the storage230stores programs and data for a period of time longer than the memory220, but not permanently. The storage230is implemented as, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage230include programs for providing a virtual space in the system100, simulation programs, game programs, user authentication programs, and programs for implementing communication to/from other computers200. The data stored in the storage230includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

In at least one aspect, the storage230is implemented as a removable storage device like a memory card. In at least one aspect, a configuration that uses programs and data stored in an external storage device is used instead of the storage230built into the computer200. With such a configuration, for example, in a situation in which a plurality of HMD systems100are used, for example in an amusement facility, the programs and the data are collectively updated.

The input/output interface240allows communication of signals among the HMD120, the HMD sensor410, the motion sensor420, and the display430. The monitor130, the eye gaze sensor140, the first camera150, the second camera160, the microphone170, and the speaker180included in the HMD120may communicate to/from the computer200via the input/output interface240of the HMD120. In at least one aspect, the input/output interface240is implemented with use of a universal serial bus (USB), a digital visual interface (DVI), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) (trademark), or other terminals. The input/output interface240is not limited to the specific examples described above.

In at least one aspect, the input/output interface240further communicates to/from the controller300. For example, the input/output interface240receives input of a signal output from the controller300and the motion sensor420. In at least one aspect, the input/output interface240transmits a command output from the processor210to the controller300. The command instructs the controller300to, for example, vibrate, output a sound, or emit light. When the controller300receives the command, the controller300executes any one of vibration, sound output, and light emission in accordance with the command.

The communication interface250is connected to the network2to communicate to/from other computers (e.g., server600) connected to the network2. In at least one aspect, the communication interface250is implemented as, for example, a local area network (LAN), other wired communication interfaces, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (R), near field communication (NFC), or other wireless communication interfaces. The communication interface250is not limited to the specific examples described above.

In at least one aspect, the processor210accesses the storage230and loads one or more programs stored in the storage230to the memory220to execute a series of commands included in the program. In at least one embodiment, the one or more programs includes an operating system of the computer200, an application program for providing a virtual space, and/or game software that is executable in the virtual space. The processor210transmits a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD120via the input/output interface240. The HMD120displays a video on the monitor130based on the signal.

InFIG. 2, the computer200is outside of the HMD120, but in at least one aspect, the computer200is integral with the HMD120. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (e.g., smartphone) including the monitor130functions as the computer200in at least one embodiment.

In at least one embodiment, the computer200is used in common with a plurality of HMDs120. With such a configuration, for example, the computer200is able to provide the same virtual space to a plurality of users, and hence each user can enjoy the same application with other users in the same virtual space.

According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, in the system100, a real coordinate system is set in advance. The real coordinate system is a coordinate system in the real space. The real coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) that are respectively parallel to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and a front-rear direction orthogonal to both of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the real space. The horizontal direction, the vertical direction (up-down direction), and the front-rear direction in the real coordinate system are defined as an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis, respectively. More specifically, the x axis of the real coordinate system is parallel to the horizontal direction of the real space, the y axis thereof is parallel to the vertical direction of the real space, and the z axis thereof is parallel to the front-rear direction of the real space.

In at least one aspect, the HMD sensor410includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared ray emitted from each light source of the HMD120, the infrared sensor detects the presence of the HMD120. The HMD sensor410further detects the position and the inclination (direction) of the HMD120in the real space, which corresponds to the motion of the user5wearing the HMD120, based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the real coordinate system). In more detail, the HMD sensor410is able to detect the temporal change of the position and the inclination of the HMD120with use of each value detected over time.

Each inclination of the HMD120detected by the HMD sensor410corresponds to an inclination about each of the three axes of the HMD120in the real coordinate system. The HMD sensor410sets a uvw visual-field coordinate system to the HMD120based on the inclination of the HMD120in the real coordinate system. The uvw visual-field coordinate system set to the HMD120corresponds to a point-of-view coordinate system used when the user5wearing the HMD120views an object in the virtual space.

With reference toFIG. 3, the uvw visual-field coordinate system is described.FIG. 3is a diagram of a uvw visual-field coordinate system to be set for the HMD120according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The HMD sensor410detects the position and the inclination of the HMD120in the real coordinate system when the HMD120is activated. The processor210sets the uvw visual-field coordinate system to the HMD120based on the detected values.

InFIG. 3, the HMD120sets the three-dimensional uvw visual-field coordinate system defining the head of the user5wearing the HMD120as a center (origin). More specifically, the HMD120sets three directions newly obtained by inclining the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (x axis, y axis, and z axis), which define the real coordinate system, about the respective axes by the inclinations about the respective axes of the HMD120in the real coordinate system, as a pitch axis (u axis), a yaw axis (v axis), and a roll axis (w axis) of the uvw visual-field coordinate system in the HMD120.

In at least one aspect, when the user5wearing the HMD120is standing (or sitting) upright and is visually recognizing the front side, the processor210sets the uvw visual-field coordinate system that is parallel to the real coordinate system to the HMD120. In this case, the horizontal direction (x axis), the vertical direction (y axis), and the front-rear direction (z axis) of the real coordinate system directly match the pitch axis (u axis), the yaw axis (v axis), and the roll axis (w axis) of the uvw visual-field coordinate system in the HMD120, respectively.

After the uvw visual-field coordinate system is set to the HMD120, the HMD sensor410is able to detect the inclination of the HMD120in the set uvw visual-field coordinate system based on the motion of the HMD120. In this case, the HMD sensor410detects, as the inclination of the HMD120, each of a pitch angle (θu), a yaw angle (θv), and a roll angle (θw) of the HMD120in the uvw visual-field coordinate system. The pitch angle (θu) represents an inclination angle of the HMD120about the pitch axis in the uvw visual-field coordinate system. The yaw angle (θv) represents an inclination angle of the HMD120about the yaw axis in the uvw visual-field coordinate system. The roll angle (θw) represents an inclination angle of the HMD120about the roll axis in the uvw visual-field coordinate system.

The HMD sensor410sets, to the HMD120, the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120obtained after the movement of the HMD120based on the detected inclination angle of the HMD120. The relationship between the HMD120and the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120is constant regardless of the position and the inclination of the HMD120. When the position and the inclination of the HMD120change, the position and the inclination of the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120in the real coordinate system change in synchronization with the change of the position and the inclination.

In at least one aspect, the HMD sensor410identifies the position of the HMD120in the real space as a position relative to the HMD sensor410based on the light intensity of the infrared ray or a relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (e.g., distance between points), which is acquired based on output from the infrared sensor. In at least one aspect, the processor210determines the origin of the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120in the real space (real coordinate system) based on the identified relative position.

With reference toFIG. 4, the virtual space is further described.FIG. 4is a diagram of a mode of expressing a virtual space11according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The virtual space11has a structure with an entire celestial sphere shape covering a center12in all 360-degree directions. InFIG. 4, for the sake of clarity, only the upper-half celestial sphere of the virtual space11is included. Each mesh section is defined in the virtual space11. The position of each mesh section is defined in advance as coordinate values in an XYZ coordinate system, which is a global coordinate system defined in the virtual space11. The computer200associates each partial image forming a panorama image13(e.g., still image or moving image) that is developed in the virtual space11with each corresponding mesh section in the virtual space11.

In at least one aspect, in the virtual space11, the XYZ coordinate system having the center12as the origin is defined. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, the vertical direction (up-down direction), and the front-rear direction of the XYZ coordinate system are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively. Thus, the X axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x axis of the real coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the real coordinate system, and the Z axis (front-rear direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the z axis of the real coordinate system.

When the HMD120is activated, that is, when the HMD120is in an initial state, a virtual camera14is arranged at the center12of the virtual space11. In at least one embodiment, the virtual camera14is offset from the center12in the initial state. In at least one aspect, the processor210displays on the monitor130of the HMD120an image photographed by the virtual camera14. In synchronization with the motion of the HMD120in the real space, the virtual camera14similarly moves in the virtual space11. With this, the change in position and direction of the HMD120in the real space is reproduced similarly in the virtual space11.

The uvw visual-field coordinate system is defined in the virtual camera14similarly to the case of the HMD120. The uvw visual-field coordinate system of the virtual camera14in the virtual space11is defined to be synchronized with the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120in the real space (real coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD120changes, the inclination of the virtual camera14also changes in synchronization therewith. The virtual camera14can also move in the virtual space11in synchronization with the movement of the user5wearing the HMD120in the real space.

The processor210of the computer200defines a field-of-view region15in the virtual space11based on the position and inclination (reference line of sight16) of the virtual camera14. The field-of-view region15corresponds to, of the virtual space11, the region that is visually recognized by the user5wearing the HMD120. That is, the position of the virtual camera14determines a point of view of the user5in the virtual space11.

The line of sight of the user5detected by the eye gaze sensor140is a direction in the point-of-view coordinate system obtained when the user5visually recognizes an object. The uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120is equal to the point-of-view coordinate system used when the user5visually recognizes the monitor130. The uvw visual-field coordinate system of the virtual camera14is synchronized with the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the HMD120. Therefore, in the system100in at least one aspect, the line of sight of the user5detected by the eye gaze sensor140can be regarded as the line of sight of the user5in the uvw visual-field coordinate system of the virtual camera14.

[User's Line of Sight]

With reference toFIG. 5, determination of the line of sight of the user5is described.FIG. 5is a plan view diagram of the head of the user5wearing the HMD120according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

In at least one aspect, the eye gaze sensor140detects lines of sight of the right eye and the left eye of the user5. In at least one aspect, when the user5is looking at a near place, the eye gaze sensor140detects lines of sight R1and L1. In at least one aspect, when the user5is looking at a far place, the eye gaze sensor140detects lines of sight R2and L2. In this case, the angles formed by the lines of sight R2and L2with respect to the roll axis w are smaller than the angles formed by the lines of sight R1and L1with respect to the roll axis w. The eye gaze sensor140transmits the detection results to the computer200.

When the computer200receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1and L1from the eye gaze sensor140as the detection results of the lines of sight, the computer200identifies a point of gaze N1being an intersection of both the lines of sight R1and L1based on the detection values. Meanwhile, when the computer200receives the detection values of the lines of sight R2and L2from the eye gaze sensor140, the computer200identifies an intersection of both the lines of sight R2and L2as the point of gaze. The computer200identifies a line of sight NO of the user5based on the identified point of gaze N1. The computer200detects, for example, an extension direction of a straight line that passes through the point of gaze N1and a midpoint of a straight line connecting a right eye R and a left eye L of the user5to each other as the line of sight NO. The line of sight NO is a direction in which the user5actually directs his or her lines of sight with both eyes. The line of sight NO corresponds to a direction in which the user5actually directs his or her lines of sight with respect to the field-of-view region15.

In at least one aspect, the system100includes a television broadcast reception tuner. With such a configuration, the system100is able to display a television program in the virtual space11.

In at least one aspect, the HMD system100includes a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or has a verbal communication function for connecting to a telephone line or a cellular service.

With reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the field-of-view region15is described.FIG. 6is a diagram of a YZ cross section obtained by viewing the field-of-view region15from an X direction in the virtual space11.FIG. 7is a diagram of an XZ cross section obtained by viewing the field-of-view region15from a Y direction in the virtual space11.

InFIG. 6, the field-of-view region15in the YZ cross section includes a region18. The region18is defined by the position of the virtual camera14, the reference line of sight16, and the YZ cross section of the virtual space11. The processor210defines a range of a polar angle α from the reference line of sight16serving as the center in the virtual space as the region18.

InFIG. 7, the field-of-view region15in the XZ cross section includes a region19. The region19is defined by the position of the virtual camera14, the reference line of sight16, and the XZ cross section of the virtual space11. The processor210defines a range of an azimuth p from the reference line of sight16serving as the center in the virtual space11as the region19. The polar angle α and β are determined in accordance with the position of the virtual camera14and the inclination (direction) of the virtual camera14.

In at least one aspect, the system100causes the monitor130to display a field-of-view image17based on the signal from the computer200, to thereby provide the field of view in the virtual space11to the user5. The field-of-view image17corresponds to a part of the panorama image13, which corresponds to the field-of-view region15. When the user5moves the HMD120worn on his or her head, the virtual camera14is also moved in synchronization with the movement. As a result, the position of the field-of-view region15in the virtual space11is changed. With this, the field-of-view image17displayed on the monitor130is updated to an image of the panorama image13, which is superimposed on the field-of-view region15synchronized with a direction in which the user5faces in the virtual space11. The user5can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space11.

In this way, the inclination of the virtual camera14corresponds to the line of sight of the user5(reference line of sight16) in the virtual space11, and the position at which the virtual camera14is arranged corresponds to the point of view of the user5in the virtual space11. Therefore, through the change of the position or inclination of the virtual camera14, the image to be displayed on the monitor130is updated, and the field of view of the user5is moved.

While the user5is wearing the HMD120(having a non-transmissive monitor130), the user5can visually recognize only the panorama image13developed in the virtual space11without visually recognizing the real world. Therefore, the system100provides a high sense of immersion in the virtual space11to the user5.

In at least one aspect, the processor210moves the virtual camera14in the virtual space11in synchronization with the movement in the real space of the user5wearing the HMD120. In this case, the processor210identifies an image region to be projected on the monitor130of the HMD120(field-of-view region15) based on the position and the direction of the virtual camera14in the virtual space11.

In at least one aspect, the virtual camera14includes two virtual cameras, that is, a virtual camera for providing a right-eye image and a virtual camera for providing a left-eye image. An appropriate parallax is set for the two virtual cameras so that the user5is able to recognize the three-dimensional virtual space11. In at least one aspect, the virtual camera14is implemented by a single virtual camera. In this case, a right-eye image and a left-eye image may be generated from an image acquired by the single virtual camera. In at least one embodiment, the virtual camera14is assumed to include two virtual cameras, and the roll axes of the two virtual cameras are synthesized so that the generated roll axis (w) is adapted to the roll axis (w) of the HMD120.

An example of the controller300is described with reference toFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B.FIG. 8Ais a diagram of a schematic configuration of a controller according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.FIG. 8Bis a diagram of a coordinate system to be set for a hand of a user holding the controller according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

In at least one aspect, the controller300includes a right controller300R and a left controller (not shown). InFIG. 8Aonly right controller300R is shown for the sake of clarity. The right controller300R is operable by the right hand of the user5. The left controller is operable by the left hand of the user5. In at least one aspect, the right controller300R and the left controller are symmetrically configured as separate devices. Therefore, the user5can freely move his or her right hand holding the right controller300R and his or her left hand holding the left controller. In at least one aspect, the controller300may be an integrated controller configured to receive an operation performed by both the right and left hands of the user5. The right controller300R is now described.

The right controller300R includes a grip310, a frame320, and a top surface330. The grip310is configured so as to be held by the right hand of the user5. For example, the grip310may be held by the palm and three fingers (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, and small finger) of the right hand of the user5.

The grip310includes buttons340and350and the motion sensor420. The button340is arranged on a side surface of the grip310, and receives an operation performed by, for example, the middle finger of the right hand. The button350is arranged on a front surface of the grip310, and receives an operation performed by, for example, the index finger of the right hand. In at least one aspect, the buttons340and350are configured as trigger type buttons. The motion sensor420is built into the casing of the grip310. When a motion of the user5can be detected from the surroundings of the user5by a camera or other device. In at least one embodiment, the grip310does not include the motion sensor420.

The frame320includes a plurality of infrared LEDs360arranged in a circumferential direction of the frame320. The infrared LEDs360emit, during execution of a program using the controller300, infrared rays in accordance with progress of the program. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared LEDs360are usable to independently detect the position and the posture (inclination and direction) of each of the right controller300R and the left controller. InFIG. 8A, the infrared LEDs360are shown as being arranged in two rows, but the number of arrangement rows is not limited to that illustrated inFIG. 8. In at least one embodiment, the infrared LEDs360are arranged in one row or in three or more rows. In at least one embodiment, the infrared LEDs360are arranged in a pattern other than rows.

The top surface330includes buttons370and380and an analog stick390. The buttons370and380are configured as push type buttons. The buttons370and380receive an operation performed by the thumb of the right hand of the user5. In at least one aspect, the analog stick390receives an operation performed in any direction of 360 degrees from an initial position (neutral position). The operation includes, for example, an operation for moving an object arranged in the virtual space11.

In at least one aspect, each of the right controller300R and the left controller includes a battery for driving the infrared ray LEDs360and other members. The battery includes, for example, a rechargeable battery, a button battery, a dry battery, but the battery is not limited thereto. In at least one aspect, the right controller300R and the left controller are connectable to, for example, a USB interface of the computer200. In at least one embodiment, the right controller300R and the left controller do not include a battery.

InFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B, for example, a yaw direction, a roll direction, and a pitch direction are defined with respect to the right hand of the user5. A direction of an extended thumb is defined as the yaw direction, a direction of an extended index finger is defined as the roll direction, and a direction perpendicular to a plane is defined as the pitch direction.

[Hardware Configuration of Server]

With reference toFIG. 9, the server600in at least one embodiment is described.FIG. 9is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the server600according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The server600includes a processor610, a memory620, a storage630, an input/output interface640, and a communication interface650. Each component is connected to a bus660. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the processor610, the memory620, the storage630, the input/output interface640or the communication interface650is part of a separate structure and communicates with other components of server600through a communication path other than the bus660.

The processor610executes a series of commands included in a program stored in the memory620or the storage630based on a signal transmitted to the server600or on satisfaction of a condition determined in advance. In at least one aspect, the processor610is implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

The memory620temporarily stores programs and data. The programs are loaded from, for example, the storage630. The data includes data input to the server600and data generated by the processor610. In at least one aspect, the memory620is implemented as a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memories.

The storage630permanently stores programs and data. In at least one embodiment, the storage630stores programs and data for a period of time longer than the memory620, but not permanently. The storage630is implemented as, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk device, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage630include programs for providing a virtual space in the system100, simulation programs, game programs, user authentication programs, and programs for implementing communication to/from other computers200or servers600. The data stored in the storage630may include, for example, data and objects for defining the virtual space.

In at least one aspect, the storage630is implemented as a removable storage device like a memory card. In at least one aspect, a configuration that uses programs and data stored in an external storage device is used instead of the storage630built into the server600. With such a configuration, for example, in a situation in which a plurality of HMD systems100are used, for example, as in an amusement facility, the programs and the data are collectively updated.

The input/output interface640allows communication of signals to/from an input/output device. In at least one aspect, the input/output interface640is implemented with use of a USB, a DVI, an HDMI, or other terminals. The input/output interface640is not limited to the specific examples described above.

The communication interface650is connected to the network2to communicate to/from the computer200connected to the network2. In at least one aspect, the communication interface650is implemented as, for example, a LAN, other wired communication interfaces, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or other wireless communication interfaces. The communication interface650is not limited to the specific examples described above.

In at least one aspect, the processor610accesses the storage630and loads one or more programs stored in the storage630to the memory620to execute a series of commands included in the program. In at least one embodiment, the one or more programs include, for example, an operating system of the server600, an application program for providing a virtual space, and game software that can be executed in the virtual space. In at least one embodiment, the processor610transmits a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD device110to the computer200via the input/output interface640.

[Control Device of HMD]

With reference toFIG. 10, the control device of the HMD120is described. According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the control device is implemented by the computer200having a known configuration.FIG. 10is a block diagram of the computer200according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.FIG. 10includes a module configuration of the computer200.

InFIG. 10, the computer200includes a control module510, a rendering module520, a memory module530, and a communication control module540. In at least one aspect, the control module510and the rendering module520are implemented by the processor210. In at least one aspect, a plurality of processors210function as the control module510and the rendering module520. The memory module530is implemented by the memory220or the storage230. The communication control module540is implemented by the communication interface250.

The control module510controls the virtual space11provided to the user5. The control module510defines the virtual space11in the HMD system100using virtual space data representing the virtual space11. The virtual space data is stored in, for example, the memory module530. In at least one embodiment, the control module510generates virtual space data. In at least one embodiment, the control module510acquires virtual space data from, for example, the server600.

The control module510arranges objects in the virtual space11using object data representing objects. The object data is stored in, for example, the memory module530. In at least one embodiment, the control module510generates virtual space data. In at least one embodiment, the control module510acquires virtual space data from, for example, the server600. In at least one embodiment, the objects include, for example, an avatar object of the user5, character objects, operation objects, for example, a virtual hand to be operated by the controller300, and forests, mountains, other landscapes, streetscapes, or animals to be arranged in accordance with the progression of the story of the game.

The control module510arranges an avatar object of the user5of another computer200, which is connected via the network2, in the virtual space11. In at least one aspect, the control module510arranges an avatar object of the user5in the virtual space11. In at least one aspect, the control module510arranges an avatar object simulating the user5in the virtual space11based on an image including the user5. In at least one aspect, the control module510arranges an avatar object in the virtual space11, which is selected by the user5from among a plurality of types of avatar objects (e.g., objects simulating animals or objects of deformed humans).

The control module510identifies an inclination of the HMD120based on output of the HMD sensor410. In at least one aspect, the control module510identifies an inclination of the HMD120based on output of the sensor190functioning as a motion sensor. The control module510detects parts (e.g., mouth, eyes, and eyebrows) forming the face of the user5from a face image of the user5generated by the first camera150and the second camera160. The control module510detects a motion (shape) of each detected part.

The control module510detects a line of sight of the user5in the virtual space11based on a signal from the eye gaze sensor140. The control module510detects a point-of-view position (coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system) at which the detected line of sight of the user5and the celestial sphere of the virtual space11intersect with each other. More specifically, the control module510detects the point-of-view position based on the line of sight of the user5defined in the uvw coordinate system and the position and the inclination of the virtual camera14. The control module510transmits the detected point-of-view position to the server600. In at least one aspect, the control module510is configured to transmit line-of-sight information representing the line of sight of the user5to the server600. In such a case, the control module510may calculate the point-of-view position based on the line-of-sight information received by the server600.

The control module510translates a motion of the HMD120, which is detected by the HMD sensor410, in an avatar object. For example, the control module510detects inclination of the HMD120, and arranges the avatar object in an inclined manner. The control module510translates the detected motion of face parts in a face of the avatar object arranged in the virtual space11. The control module510receives line-of-sight information of another user5from the server600, and translates the line-of-sight information in the line of sight of the avatar object of another user5. In at least one aspect, the control module510translates a motion of the controller300in an avatar object and an operation object. In this case, the controller300includes, for example, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., infrared LEDs) for detecting a motion of the controller300.

The control module510arranges, in the virtual space11, an operation object for receiving an operation by the user5in the virtual space11. The user5operates the operation object to, for example, operate an object arranged in the virtual space11. In at least one aspect, the operation object includes, for example, a hand object serving as a virtual hand corresponding to a hand of the user5. In at least one aspect, the control module510moves the hand object in the virtual space11so that the hand object moves in association with a motion of the hand of the user5in the real space based on output of the motion sensor420. In at least one aspect, the operation object may correspond to a hand part of an avatar object.

When one object arranged in the virtual space11collides with another object, the control module510detects the collision. The control module510is able to detect, for example, a timing at which a collision area of one object and a collision area of another object have touched with each other, and performs predetermined processing in response to the detected timing. In at least one embodiment, the control module510detects a timing at which an object and another object, which have been in contact with each other, have moved away from each other, and performs predetermined processing in response to the detected timing. In at least one embodiment, the control module510detects a state in which an object and another object are in contact with each other. For example, when an operation object touches another object, the control module510detects the fact that the operation object has touched the other object, and performs predetermined processing.

In at least one aspect, the control module510controls image display of the HMD120on the monitor130. For example, the control module510arranges the virtual camera14in the virtual space11. The control module510controls the position of the virtual camera14and the inclination (direction) of the virtual camera14in the virtual space11. The control module510defines the field-of-view region15depending on an inclination of the head of the user5wearing the HMD120and the position of the virtual camera14. The rendering module520generates the field-of-view region17to be displayed on the monitor130based on the determined field-of-view region15. The communication control module540outputs the field-of-view region17generated by the rendering module520to the HMD120.

The control module510, which has detected an utterance of the user5using the microphone170from the HMD120, identifies the computer200to which voice data corresponding to the utterance is to be transmitted. The voice data is transmitted to the computer200identified by the control module510. The control module510, which has received voice data from the computer200of another user via the network2, outputs audio information (utterances) corresponding to the voice data from the speaker180.

The memory module530holds data to be used to provide the virtual space11to the user5by the computer200. In at least one aspect, the memory module530stores space information, object information, and user information.

The space information stores one or more templates defined to provide the virtual space11.

The object information stores a plurality of panorama images13forming the virtual space11and object data for arranging objects in the virtual space11. In at least one embodiment, the panorama image13contains a still image and/or a moving image. In at least one embodiment, the panorama image13contains an image in a non-real space and/or an image in the real space. An example of the image in a non-real space is an image generated by computer graphics.

The user information stores a user ID for identifying the user5. The user ID is, for example, an internet protocol (IP) address or a media access control (MAC) address set to the computer200used by the user. In at least one aspect, the user ID is set by the user. The user information stores, for example, a program for causing the computer200to function as the control device of the HMD system100.

The data and programs stored in the memory module530are input by the user5of the HMD120. Alternatively, the processor210downloads the programs or data from a computer (e.g., server600) that is managed by a business operator providing the content, and stores the downloaded programs or data in the memory module530.

In at least one embodiment, the communication control module540communicates to/from the server600or other information communication devices via the network2.

In at least one aspect, the control module510and the rendering module520are implemented with use of, for example, Unity (R) provided by Unity Technologies. In at least one aspect, the control module510and the rendering module520are implemented by combining the circuit elements for implementing each step of processing.

The processing performed in the computer200is implemented by hardware and software executed by the processor410. In at least one embodiment, the software is stored in advance on a hard disk or other memory module530. In at least one embodiment, the software is stored on a CD-ROM or other computer-readable non-volatile data recording media, and distributed as a program product. In at least one embodiment, the software may is provided as a program product that is downloadable by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from the data recording medium by an optical disc drive device or other data reading devices, or is downloaded from the server600or other computers via the communication control module540and then temporarily stored in a storage module. The software is read from the storage module by the processor210, and is stored in a RAM in a format of an executable program. The processor210executes the program.

With reference toFIG. 11, the control structure of the HMD set110is described.FIG. 11is a sequence chart of processing to be executed by the system100according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

InFIG. 11, in Step S1110, the processor210of the computer200serves as the control module510to identify virtual space data and define the virtual space11.

In Step S1120, the processor210initializes the virtual camera14. For example, in a work area of the memory, the processor210arranges the virtual camera14at the center12defined in advance in the virtual space11, and matches the line of sight of the virtual camera14with the direction in which the user5faces.

In Step S1130, the processor210serves as the rendering module520to generate field-of-view image data for displaying an initial field-of-view image. The generated field-of-view image data is output to the HMD120by the communication control module540.

In Step S1132, the monitor130of the HMD120displays the field-of-view image based on the field-of-view image data received from the computer200. The user5wearing the HMD120is able to recognize the virtual space11through visual recognition of the field-of-view image.

In Step S1134, the HMD sensor410detects the position and the inclination of the HMD120based on a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD120. The detection results are output to the computer200as motion detection data.

In Step S1140, the processor210identifies a field-of-view direction of the user5wearing the HMD120based on the position and inclination contained in the motion detection data of the HMD120.

In Step S1150, the processor210executes an application program, and arranges an object in the virtual space11based on a command contained in the application program.

In Step S1160, the controller300detects an operation by the user5based on a signal output from the motion sensor420, and outputs detection data representing the detected operation to the computer200. In at least one aspect, an operation of the controller300by the user5is detected based on an image from a camera arranged around the user5.

In Step S1170, the processor210detects an operation of the controller300by the user5based on the detection data acquired from the controller300.

In Step S1180, the processor210generates field-of-view image data based on the operation of the controller300by the user5. The communication control module540outputs the generated field-of-view image data to the HMD120.

In Step S1190, the HMD120updates a field-of-view image based on the received field-of-view image data, and displays the updated field-of-view image on the monitor130.

With reference toFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B, an avatar object according to at least one embodiment is described.FIG. 12andFIG. 12Bare diagrams of avatar objects of respective users5of the HMD sets110A and110B. In the following, the user of the HMD set110A, the user of the HMD set110B, the user of the HMD set110C, and the user of the HMD set110D are referred to as “user5A”, “user5B”, “user5C”, and “user5D”, respectively. A reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110A, a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110B, a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110C, and a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110D are appended by A, B, C, and D, respectively. For example, the HMD120A is included in the HMD set110A.

FIG. 12Ais a schematic diagram of HMD systems of several users sharing the virtual space interact using a network according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Each HMD120provides the user5with the virtual space11. Computers200A to200D provide the users5A to5D with virtual spaces11A to11D via HMDs120A to120D, respectively. InFIG. 12A, the virtual space11A and the virtual space11B are formed by the same data. In other words, the computer200A and the computer200B share the same virtual space. An avatar object6A of the user5A and an avatar object6B of the user5B are present in the virtual space11A and the virtual space11B. The avatar object6A in the virtual space11A and the avatar object6B in the virtual space11B each wear the HMD120. However, the inclusion of the HMD120A and HMD120B is only for the sake of simplicity of description, and the avatars do not wear the HMD120A and HMD120B in the virtual spaces11A and11B, respectively.

In at least one aspect, the processor210A arranges a virtual camera14A for photographing a field-of-view region17A of the user5A at the position of eyes of the avatar object6A.

FIG. 12Bis a diagram of a field of view of a HMD according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.FIG. 12(B)corresponds to the field-of-view region17A of the user5A inFIG. 12A. The field-of-view region17A is an image displayed on a monitor130A of the HMD120A. This field-of-view region17A is an image generated by the virtual camera14A. The avatar object6B of the user5B is displayed in the field-of-view region17A. Although not included inFIG. 12B, the avatar object6A of the user5A is displayed in the field-of-view image of the user5B.

In the arrangement inFIG. 12B, the user5A can communicate to/from the user5B via the virtual space11A through conversation. More specifically, voices of the user5A acquired by a microphone170A are transmitted to the HMD120B of the user5B via the server600and output from a speaker180B provided on the HMD120B. Voices of the user5B are transmitted to the HMD120A of the user5A via the server600, and output from a speaker180A provided on the HMD120A.

The processor210A translates an operation by the user5B (operation of HMD120B and operation of controller300B) in the avatar object6B arranged in the virtual space11A. With this, the user5A is able to recognize the operation by the user5B through the avatar object6B.

FIG. 13is a sequence chart of processing to be executed by the system100according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. InFIG. 13, although the HMD set110D is not included, the HMD set110D operates in a similar manner as the HMD sets110A,110B, and110C. Also in the following description, a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110A, a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110B, a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110C, and a reference numeral of each component related to the HMD set110D are appended by A, B, C, and D, respectively.

In Step S1310A, the processor210A of the HMD set110A acquires avatar information for determining a motion of the avatar object6A in the virtual space11A. This avatar information contains information on an avatar such as motion information, face tracking data, and sound data. The motion information contains, for example, information on a temporal change in position and inclination of the HMD120A and information on a motion of the hand of the user5A, which is detected by, for example, a motion sensor420A. An example of the face tracking data is data identifying the position and size of each part of the face of the user5A. Another example of the face tracking data is data representing motions of parts forming the face of the user5A and line-of-sight data. An example of the sound data is data representing sounds of the user5A acquired by the microphone170A of the HMD120A. In at least one embodiment, the avatar information contains information identifying the avatar object6A or the user5A associated with the avatar object6A or information identifying the virtual space11A accommodating the avatar object6A. An example of the information identifying the avatar object6A or the user5A is a user ID. An example of the information identifying the virtual space11A accommodating the avatar object6A is a room ID. The processor210A transmits the avatar information acquired as described above to the server600via the network2.

In Step S1310B, the processor210B of the HMD set110B acquires avatar information for determining a motion of the avatar object6B in the virtual space11B, and transmits the avatar information to the server600, similarly to the processing of Step S1310A. Similarly, in Step S1310C, the processor210C of the HMD set110C acquires avatar information for determining a motion of the avatar object6C in the virtual space11C, and transmits the avatar information to the server600.

In Step S1320, the server600temporarily stores pieces of player information received from the HMD set110A, the HMD set110B, and the HMD set110C, respectively. The server600integrates pieces of avatar information of all the users (in this example, users5A to5C) associated with the common virtual space11based on, for example, the user IDs and room IDs contained in respective pieces of avatar information. Then, the server600transmits the integrated pieces of avatar information to all the users associated with the virtual space11at a timing determined in advance. In this manner, synchronization processing is executed. Such synchronization processing enables the HMD set110A, the HMD set110B, and the HMD120C to share mutual avatar information at substantially the same timing.

Next, the HMD sets110A to110C execute processing of Step S1330A to Step S1330C, respectively, based on the integrated pieces of avatar information transmitted from the server600to the HMD sets110A to110C. The processing of Step S1330A corresponds to the processing of Step S1180ofFIG. 11.

In Step S1330A, the processor210A of the HMD set110A updates information on the avatar object6B and the avatar object6C of the other users5B and5C in the virtual space11A. Specifically, the processor210A updates, for example, the position and direction of the avatar object6B in the virtual space11based on motion information contained in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set110B. For example, the processor210A updates the information (e.g., position and direction) on the avatar object6B contained in the object information stored in the memory module530. Similarly, the processor210A updates the information (e.g., position and direction) on the avatar object6C in the virtual space11based on motion information contained in the avatar information transmitted from the HMD set110C.

In Step S1330B, similarly to the processing of Step S1330A, the processor210B of the HMD set110B updates information on the avatar object6A and the avatar object6C of the users5A and5C in the virtual space11B. Similarly, in Step S1330C, the processor210C of the HMD set110C updates information on the avatar object6A and the avatar object6B of the users5A and5B in the virtual space11C.

<1. Summary of Disclosure>

In this disclosure, a chat system is provided as an example of a virtual space. A “seat” is employed as an example of a “place” defined in the virtual space.FIG. 14is a schematic diagram of a mode of setting seats in a chat system according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. InFIG. 14, three stages for seat setting are shown as states ST11to ST13.

The state ST11represents a state in which the chat room is viewed from above in a u axis-w axis plane of a uvw visual field coordinate system. The chat room includes a table1472, six seats1451to1456, and a screen1471. The avatars of the users are scheduled to be seated on the seats1451to1456. An avatar is an example of an object. The seating of an avatar in the chat room is an example of the arrangement of an object in the virtual space. In at least one embodiment, the term “avatar” is synonymous with “avatar object”.

The state ST12represents a state in which an avatar corresponding to a certain user is seated on the seat1451. In the state ST12, avatars are not seated on the seats1452to1456. In the state ST12, the chat system selects and outputs, in accordance with a condition determined in advance, one or more of the seats1452to1456as a recommended seat for the avatar to be newly seated.

An example of the condition for selecting a recommended seat is maintaining, even after the avatar has been arranged on the selected seat, a fixed ratio or more of the field of view from an avatar that is already seated on the seat1451to the screen1471.

The maintained ratio of the field of view from the avatar seated on the seat1451to the screen1471is calculated by assuming that the avatar is seated on each of the seats1452to1456. In the state ST12, in at least one embodiment, the avatar is seated on the seat1456.

A region A11represents, of the field-of-view region of the avatar seated on the seat1451, the region blocked by the avatar seated on the seat1456. An example of the shape of the region A11is a three-dimensional shape formed by a set of straight lines reaching the screen1471through the surface of the avatar seated on the seat1456from a specific position (e.g., intermediate point between both eyes) of the avatar seated on the seat1451.

FIG. 15is a diagram of a region blocked on the screen1471by the avatar seated on the seat1456according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. InFIG. 15, the front side of the screen1471is shown. A region A12represents the region occupied on the screen1471by the region A11inFIG. 14. The region other than the region A12on the screen1471corresponds to, of the field of view from the avatar seated on the seat1451to the screen1471, the ratio of the field of view that is maintained even when a new avatar is seated on the seat1456. For example, when the area of the region A12occupies 35% of the area of the screen1471, the ratio of the field of view that is maintained is 65%.

Returning to the state ST12ofFIG. 14, the chat system calculates, for each of the seats1452to1456, the maintained ratio on the screen1471of the field of view of the avatar seated on the seat1451in the manner described with reference toFIG. 15. The chat system then selects, of the seats1452to1456, the seats having a calculated ratio that exceeds a predetermined value as a recommended seat. In other words, a recommended seat is a seat having, even after a new avatar is arranged on that recommended seat, an occupation ratio by the new avatar in the field of view of the avatar already seated on the seat1451of a fixed value or less.

The chat system further displays the selected recommended seats. In the state ST12ofFIG. 14, the seats1452to1455are colored as the recommended seats. This coloring prompts the user to designate a seat from among the recommended seats. A message designating a seat from among the recommended coordinates may be displayed in the field-of-view image together with, or in place of, the coloring.

While watching the display of the recommended seats, the user designates a seat on which the avatar is to be newly seated. The state ST13represents a state in which the seat1452is designated as a seat on which the avatar is to be newly seated.

[Details of Module Configuration]

With reference toFIG. 16, a module configuration of the computer200are described.FIG. 16is a block diagram of a configuration of modules of the computer200according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

InFIG. 16, the control module510includes a virtual camera control module1621, a field-of-view region determination module1622, a reference-line-of-sight identification module1623, a virtual space definition module1624, a virtual object generation module1625, a line-of-sight detection module1626, an identification information control module1627, a chat control module1628, and a sound control module1629. The rendering module520includes a field-of-view image generation module1639. The memory module530stores space information1631, object information1632, user information1633, and chat monitor information1634.

In at least one aspect, the control module510controls display of an image on the monitor130of the HMD120. The virtual camera control module1621arranges the virtual camera14in the virtual space11, and controls, for example, the behavior and direction of the virtual camera14. The field-of-view region determination module1622defines the field-of-view region15in accordance with the direction of the head of the user5wearing the HMD120. The field-of-view image generation module1639generates a field-of-view image to be displayed on the monitor130based on the determined field-of-view region15. Further, the field-of-view image generation module1639generates a field-of-view image based on data received from the control module510. Data on the field-of-view image generated by the field-of-view image generation module1639is output to the HMD120by the communication control module540. The reference-line-of-sight identification module1623identifies the line of sight of the user5based on the signal from the eye gaze sensor140.

The sound control module1629detects, from the HMD120, input of a sound signal that is based on utterance of the user5into the computer200. The sound control module1629assigns the sound signal corresponding to the utterance with an input time of the utterance to generate sound data. The sound control module1629transmits the sound data to a computer used by a user who is selected by the user5among the other computers200A and200B in the state of being capable of communicating to/from the computer200as chat partners of the user5.

The control module510controls the virtual space11to be provided to the user5. First, the virtual space definition module1624generates virtual space data representing the virtual space11, to thereby define the virtual space11in the HMD set110.

The virtual object generation module1625generates data on objects to be arranged in the virtual space11. For example, the virtual object generation module1625generates data on avatar objects representing the respective other users5A and5B, who are to chat with the user5via the virtual space11. Further, the virtual object generation module1625may change the line of sight of the avatar object of the user based on the lines of sights detected in response to utterance of the other users5A and5B.

The line-of-sight detection module1626detects the line of sight of the user5based on output from the eye gaze sensor140. In at least one aspect, the line-of-sight detection module1626detects the line of sight of the user5at the time of utterance of the user5when such utterance is detected. Detection of the line of sight is implemented by a known technology, for example, non-contact eye tracking. As an example, as in the case of the limbus tracking method, the eye gaze sensor140may detect motion of the line of sight of the user5based on data obtained by radiating an infrared ray to eyes of the user5and photographing the reflected light with a camera (not shown). In at least one aspect, the line-of-sight detection module1626identifies each position that depends on motion of the line of sight of the user5as coordinate values (x, y) with a certain position on a display region of the monitor130serving as a reference point.

[Presentation of Identification Information]

The identification information control module1627controls the presentation of identification information on the avatar objects presented in the virtual space11. For example, in at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627detects, based on an output from the eye gaze sensor140, that the line of sight of the user5is directed at an avatar object presented in the virtual space11. The identification information control module1627presents identification information on other users (e.g., users5A and5B) corresponding to the avatar objects. The identification information includes, for example, the names, handle names, and the like of those other users, and other information for distinguishing from other users.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627presents an object representing the identification information such that the object faces the viewpoint of the user5independently of the direction of the avatar object. For example, the identification information control module1627outputs to the monitor130data for rendering an image representing the identification information such that the image faces the front of the user5. This enables the user5to easily grasp the user who is using the avatar object.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627measures the time that has elapsed since the identification information was presented. When the elapsed time exceeds a time determined in advance (e.g., several seconds), the identification information control module1627ends the presentation of the identification information. In this way, the identification information recognized by the user5is not continuously presented in the virtual space11, and as a result, prevention of the other objects arranged in the virtual space11becoming difficult to see is avoided.

In at least one aspect, after the identification information on the other users5A and5B has been deleted, the identification information control module1627may detect, based on the output from the eye gaze sensor140, that the line of sight of the user5is again directed at the avatar objects of the other users5A and5B. In this case, the identification information control module1627does not again present the identification information on the other users5A and5B. The user5has already recognized the other users5A and5B, and increased complexity caused by unnecessary identification information being presented again in the virtual space11is prevented.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627may present on the HMD120the mode of presenting the avatar objects for which identification information on the other users5A and5B has already been displayed in a different mode from the mode of presenting the avatar objects for which identification information has not been presented. In this way, the user5may easily distinguish the avatar objects for which identification information has been already presented from the other avatar objects.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627may detect movement of the avatar objects in the virtual space11based on a signal transmitted from the server600. For example, the other users5A and5B may move their avatar objects by operating their right controller300. In such a case, the virtual object generation module1625presents the avatar objects at the places of those movement destinations. The identification information control module1627presents the identification information in the vicinity of the moved avatar objects. In this way, during the presentation of the identification information, even when the places of the avatar objects corresponding to the users have changed in the virtual space11, each piece of identification information is presented in the vicinity of the avatar object in accordance with the motion of the other users5A and5B. The user5may accurately identify the other users5A and5B without overlooking the correspondence between the identification information and the avatar objects.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627detects, based on a signal received from the server600, that communication to/from another user5A or user5B is cut off. Communication may be cut off, for example, when the communication line is unstable, when the radio waves used in the mobile communication network are interrupted, when a power outage occurs, or the like. The identification information control module1627may end the presentation of the avatar object and the identification information in response to communication being cut off. The identification information control module1627may present the avatar object in the virtual space11when, based on a signal received from the server600, communication to/from the cut-off other users is detected as having been re-established.

When the time from when communication is cut off until when communication is re-established is less than a time determined in advance, the identification information control module1627may again present the avatar object and the identification information. In a case in which communication is cut off in a state in which the identification information is presented, when the cut-off duration is short, the user5may easily grasp the other user who is using the avatar object by again visually recognizing the avatar object and the identification information.

On the other hand, in a case in which the duration that communication is cut off is long, when the avatar object is again presented in the virtual space11, the user5may not visually recognize that avatar object. In this case, the identification information control module1627may again present the identification information again in the vicinity of the avatar object when the user5has again visually recognized the avatar object.

In at least one aspect, the identification information control module1627may present the identification information on the other users5A and5B in the virtual space11only when the other users5A and5B permit the presentation of the identification information. For example, at the time of user registration of a VR chat, each user desiring registration may set whether personal information may be disclosed. A user who does not desire personal information, such as his or her real name, photo, or the like, to be disclosed may register in the server600a setting for prohibiting disclosure of personal information. In such a case, that user can enjoy a VR chat in the chat room with only his or her avatar object without disclosing personal information. Therefore, when a specific user has set such a setting, the identification information control module1627does not display the identification information even when the user5continues to look at the avatar object.

The chat control module1628controls communication via the virtual space. In at least one aspect, the chat control module1628reads a chat application from the memory module530based on operation by the user5or a request for starting a chat transmitted by another computer200A, to thereby start communication via the virtual space11. When the user5inputs a user ID and a password into the computer200to perform a login operation, the user5is associated with a session (also referred to as “room”) of a chat as one member of the chat via the virtual space11. After that, when the user5A using the computer200A logs in to the chat of the session, the user5and the user5A are associated with each other as members of the chat. When the chat control module1628identifies the user5A of the computer200A, who is to be a communication partner of the computer200, the virtual object generation module1625uses the object information1632to generate data for presenting an avatar object corresponding to the user5A, and outputs the data to the HMD120. When the HMD120displays the avatar object corresponding to the user5A on the monitor130based on the data, the user5wearing the HMD120recognizes the avatar object in the virtual space11.

In at least one embodiment, the chat control module1628waits for input of sound data that is based on utterance of the user5and input of data from the eye gaze sensor140. When the user5performs an operation (e.g., operation of controller, gesture, selection by voice, or gaze by line of sight) for selecting an avatar object in the virtual space11, the chat control module1628, based on the operation, detects the fact that the user (e.g., user5) corresponding to the avatar object is selected as the chat partner. When the chat control module1628detects utterance of the user5, the chat control module1628transmits sound data that is based on a signal transmitted by the microphone170and eye tracking data that is based on a signal transmitted by the eye gaze sensor140to the computer200A via the communication control module540based on a network address of the computer200A used by the user5A. The computer200A updates the line of sight of the avatar object of the user5based on the eye tracking data, and transmits the sound data to the HMD120A. When the computer200A has a synchronization function, the line of sight of the avatar object is changed on the monitor130and sound is output from the speaker115substantially at the same timing, and thus the user5A is less likely to feel strange.

The space information1631stores one or more templates that are defined to provide the virtual space11.

The object information1632stores data for displaying an avatar object to be used for communication via the virtual space11, content to be reproduced in the virtual space11and information for arranging an object to be used in the content. The content may include, for example, game content and content representing landscapes that resemble those of the real society. The data for displaying an avatar object may contain, for example, image data schematically representing a communication partner who is established as a chat partner in advance, and a photo of the communication partner.

The user information1633stores, for example, a program for causing the computer200to function as a control device for the HMD set110, an application program that uses each piece of content stored in the object information1632, and a user ID and a password that are required to execute the application program. The data and programs stored in the memory module530are input by the user5of the HMD120. Alternatively, the processor210downloads programs or data from a computer (e.g., server600) that is managed by a business operator providing the content, and stores the downloaded programs or data into the memory module530.

The chat monitor information1634includes information on the communication via the virtual space11shared between the computer200and the other computers200A and200B. The chat monitor information1634includes, for example, identification information on each user participating in the chat using the virtual space11, a login status of each user, data for controlling whether presentation of the identification information is permitted, the date and time that the identification information was presented last, and the like.

In at least one aspect, when each user logs in to a chat room prepared for VR chat in advance, information on the user who has logged in is transmitted to the computers used by the other users who are logged in to the chat room. For example, when the users5A and5B each log in to the chat room, the user IDs, identification information, and login status (e.g., “logged in”) of the users5A and5B and whether the identification information on the users5A and5B may be presented are transmitted to the computer200of the user5.

<3. Operation Between Computers Through Communication Between Two Users>

Now, a description is given of operation of the computers200and200A at the time when the two users5and5A communicate to/from each other via the virtual space11. In the following, a description is given of a case in which the user5A wearing the HMD120A connected to the computer200A utters sound toward the user5wearing the HMD120connected to the computer200.

In at least one aspect, the user5A wearing the HMD120A utters sound toward the microphone170in order to chat with the user5. The sound signal of the utterance is transmitted to the computer200A connected to the HMD120A. The sound control module1629converts the sound signal into sound data, and associates a timestamp representing the time of detection of the utterance with the sound data. The timestamp is, for example, time data of an internal clock of the processor210. In at least one aspect, time data on a time when the communication control module540converts the sound signal into sound data is used as the timestamp.

When the user5A is uttering sound, motion of the line of sight of the user5A is detected by the eye gaze sensor140. The result (eye tracking data) of detection by the eye gaze sensor140is transmitted to the computer200A. The line-of-sight detection module1626identifies each position (e.g., position of pupil) representing a change in line of sight of the user5A based on the detection result.

The computer200A transmits the sound data and the eye tracking data to the computer200. The sound data and the eye tracking data are first transmitted to the server600. The server600refers to a destination of each header of the sound data and the eye tracking data, and transmits the sound data and the eye tracking data to the computer200. At this time, the sound data and the eye tracking data may arrive at the computer200at different timings.

The computer200receives the data transmitted by the computer200A from the server600. In at least one aspect, the processor210of the computer200detects reception of the sound data based on the data transmitted by the communication control module540. When the processor210identifies the transmission source (i.e., computer200A) of the sound data, the processor210serves as the chat control module1628to cause a chat screen to be displayed on the monitor130of the HMD120.

The processor210further detects reception of the eye tracking data. When the processor210identifies a transmission source (i.e., computer200A) of the eye tracking data, the processor210serves as the virtual object generation module1625to generate data for displaying the avatar object of the user5A.

In at least one aspect, the processor210may receive eye tracking data before reception of sound data. In this case, when detecting the transmission source identification number from the eye tracking data, the processor210determines that there is sound data transmitted in association with the eye tracking data. The processor210waits to output data for displaying an avatar object until the processor210receives sound data containing the same transmission source identification number and time data as the transmission source identification number and time data contained in the eye tracking data.

Further, in at least one aspect, the processor210may receive sound data before reception of eye tracking data. In this case, when detecting the transmission source identification number from the sound data, the processor210determines that there is eye tracking data transmitted in association with the sound data. The processor210waits to output the sound data until the processor210receives eye tracking data containing the same transmission source identification number and time data as the transmission source identification number and time data contained in the sound data.

In each aspect described above, pieces of time data to be compared may not completely indicate the same time.

When confirming reception of sound data and eye tracking data containing the same time data, the processor210outputs the sound data to the speaker180, and outputs, to the monitor130, data for displaying an avatar object in which the change that is based on the eye tracking data is translated. As a result, the user5can recognize the sound uttered by the user5A and the avatar at the same timing, and thus can enjoy a chat without feeling a time lag (e.g., deviation between change in avatar object and timing of outputting sound) due to delay of signal transmission.

In the same manner as in the processing described above, the processor210of the computer200A used by the user5A can also synchronize the timing of outputting sound data and the timing of outputting an avatar object in which the movement of the line of sight of the user5is translated. As a result, the user5A can also recognize output of the sound uttered by the user5and the change in avatar object at the same timing, and thus can enjoy a chat without feeling a time lag due to delay of signal transmission.

A supplementary description is now given of the server600in at least one embodiment with reference toFIG. 9. The programs stored in the storage630include a program for adjusting the virtual space to be provided in each HMD set110of the matching system in accordance with input in another HMD set110. The storage630includes a chat information storage for storing chat monitor information and object information, which are described later.

The control structure of the HMD set110is now described with reference toFIG. 17.FIG. 17is a sequence chart of processing to be executed in the HMD set110according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

In Step S1710, the processor210of the computer200serves as the virtual space definition module1624to identify the virtual space data.

In Step S1720, the processor210initializes the virtual camera14. For example, the processor210arranges the virtual camera14at a central point defined in advance in the virtual space11, and directs the line of sight of the virtual camera14in the direction in which the user5is facing.

In Step S1730, the processor210serves as the field-of-view image generation module1639to generate field-of-view image data for displaying an initial field-of-view image. The generated field-of-view image data is transmitted to the HMD120by the communication control module540via the field-of-view image generation module1639.

In Step S1732, the monitor130of the HMD120displays the field-of-view image based on the signal received from the computer200. The user5wearing the HMD120may recognize the virtual space11by visually recognizing the field-of-view image.

In Step S1734, the HMD sensor410detects the position and inclination of the HMD120based on a plurality of infrared rays emitted from the HMD120. The detection result is transmitted to the computer200as motion detection data.

In Step S1740, the processor210identifies, based on the position and inclination of the HMD120, the field-of-view direction of the user5wearing the HMD120. The processor210executes an application program and causes the object to be displayed in the virtual space11based on a command included in the application program. The user5enjoys visually recognizable content in the virtual space11as a result of the execution of the application program. In at least one aspect, the content may be a matchmaking application. In the matchmaking application, two or more avatars are displayed, and input of designating one or more avatars of the two or more avatars is received. The matchmaking application transmits the designated input to the server600. The server600matches two or more users among a plurality of users based on input from the matchmaking application executed by each of the plurality of users.

In Step S1742, the processor210updates the field-of-view image based on the determined state of the virtual users. Then, the processor210outputs to the HMD120data (field-of-view image data) for displaying the updated field-of-view image.

In Step S1744, the monitor130of the HMD120updates the field-of-view image based on the received field-of-view image data, and displays the updated field-of-view image.

In Step S1750, the controller300detects an operation by the user5. A signal indicating the detected operation is transmitted to the computer200. The signal includes an operation of designating one or more avatars among two or more displayed avatars. More specifically, the signal includes an operation of displaying a virtual hand and indicating a motion in which the virtual hand touches one or more avatars among two or more of the displayed avatars.

In Step S1752, the eye gaze sensor140detects the line of sight of the user5. A signal indicating a detection value of the detected line of sight is transmitted to the computer200. In this disclosure, placing the point of gaze on the avatar is also treated as “designating the avatar”.

Specifically, in at least one embodiment, when the user5touches an avatar with his or her virtual hand by operating the controller300and/or when the user places his or her point of gaze on the avatar, the computer200treats such an action as designating the avatar.

In Step S1754, the processor210transmits to the server600input indicating that the virtual user has designated the avatar.

The server600receives from the processor210of each computer200input regarding which user in the virtual space each virtual user has designated. Then, based on the fact that the inputs satisfy a predetermined condition, the server600matches two or more of the plurality of users participating in the matching system. The server600transmits a predetermined instruction to the processor210of each computer200used by the matched users.

In Step S1760, the processor210receives a predetermined instruction from the server600.

In Step S1770, the processor210updates a field-of-view screen in accordance with the instruction from the server600, and outputs to the HMD120data (field-of-view image data) for displaying the updated field-of-view image.

In Step S1772, the monitor130of the HMD120updates the field-of-view image based on the received field-of-view image data, and displays the updated field-of-view image.

The data structure of the memory module530is now described with reference toFIG. 18andFIG. 19. The chat monitor information and the object information shown inFIG. 18andFIG. 19may also be stored in the chat information storage of the server600, for example, by transmitting such information from each computer200to the server600.

FIG. 18is a diagram of a mode of storage of chat monitor information in the memory module530according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In at least one aspect, the memory module530stores chat monitor information1634. The chat monitor information1634includes a user ID1810, a name1820, a status1830, a control flag1840, and a presentation start date and time1850.

The user ID1810is used by the computer200for identifying the users sharing the virtual space11. The name1820is used for notifying each user sharing the virtual space11. For example, the name1820may be one of a real name or a pen name of the user. The status1830indicates the login state in a chat room opened by the user in the virtual space11. The control flag1840controls whether the identification information (e.g., real name or pen name) on the user is permitted to be presented to other users. The presentation start date and time1850represents the date and time at a time when the identification information on the user was first presented in a given session of the chat room opened in the virtual space11. In at least one aspect, the presentation start date and time1850is reset each time the chat session ends. Therefore, when the presentation condition of the identification information is satisfied again in the next session, the identification information may be newly presented even to users to which the identification information has already been presented.

FIG. 19is a diagram of a mode of storage of object information in the memory module530according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In at least one aspect, the memory module530stores object information1632. The object information1632includes an object ID1910, position information1920, and an associated user ID1930.

The object ID1910is used by the computer200to identify the objects arranged in the chat room. For example, “Seats (A)” to “Seats (F)” ofFIG. 19correspond to the seats1451to1456ofFIG. 14, respectively. The “Screen” ofFIG. 19corresponds to the screen1471ofFIG. 14. The “Table” ofFIG. 19corresponds to the table1472ofFIG. 14.

The position information1920is used by the computer200to identify the position of each object in the virtual space.

The associated user ID1930is used by the computer200to identify the user with which each object is associated. In the example ofFIG. 19, the Seat (A) and the avatar (A) are associated with the user identified by the ID “001”. In an example of associating a user with an object, an avatar corresponding to the user A is displayed, and when that avatar sits on a seat, the avatar and the seat are associated with the user A.

Setting of the seats in the chat system is now described with reference toFIG. 20toFIG. 27.

FIG. 20is a flowchart of processing to be executed by the processor210of the computer200according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In the computer200, the processing inFIG. 20(andFIG. 22described later) is implemented by the processor210executing a given program according to at least one embodiment.

In the processing ofFIG. 20, the computer200presents recommended seats to the user. After selecting a seat, the user designates the seat by confirming the selection. In at least one embodiment, “selection” of a seat by the user means to provisionally confirm the seat, and “designation” of the seat by the user means to finally confirm the seat. The seat to be associated with the user is identified by a two-step process, namely, “selection” by the user and “designation” by the user.

When the user designates a seat, the computer200updates the field-of-view image such that a new avatar is seated on the designated seat. The content of the processing is now described in detail with reference toFIG. 20.

InFIG. 20, in Step S2000, the processor210receives a designation of a chat room. In Step S2001, the processor210defines a virtual space for displaying the designated chat room. In Step S2002, the processor210displays a field-of-view image representing the designated chat room.

FIG. 21is a diagram of a field-of-view image representing a chat room according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. A field-of-view image2117ofFIG. 21includes a screen1471, a table1472, six seats1451to1456, and an avatar2173. The avatar2173represents the user associated with the seat1451. The avatar2173is seated on the seat1451.

FIG. 22is a flowchart of a subroutine of the control of Step S2002ofFIG. 20according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The content of the subroutine of Step S2002is now described with reference toFIG. 22.

In Step S2210, the processor210arranges a screen in the chat room. As a result, the screen1471ofFIG. 21is arranged in the chat room.

In Step S2220, the processor210arranges a table in the chat room. As a result, the table1472ofFIG. 21is arranged in the chat room.

In Step S2230, the processor210arranges seats in the chat room. As a result, the seats1451to1456are arranged in the chat room.

In Step S2240, the processor210arranges an avatar in the chat room. As a result, the avatar2173is arranged in the chat room. There may be cases in which there is no avatar to be controlled in Step S2240. An example of such a case is when there is no user associated with the seats1451to1456in the chat room. After the control of this step, the processor210returns the control to Step S2002ofFIG. 20.

Returning toFIG. 20, in Step S2003, the processor210selects recommended seats from the seats included in the field-of-view image displayed in Step S2002. An example of the procedure for selecting the recommended seats is described above with reference toFIG. 14andFIG. 15. Specifically, even when the avatar is newly seated, the processor210selects as the recommended seats the seats having a maintained ratio of the field of view from an avatar already seated on an already-designated seat to the screen1471equal to or more than a value determined in advance.

In Step S2004, the processor210displays the recommended seats.FIG. 23is a diagram of an example of the display mode of the recommended seats according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In afield-of-view image2317ofFIG. 23, compared with the field-of-view image2117ofFIG. 21, four seats1452,1453,1454, and1455are colored.

In the example ofFIG. 23, the seats1452,1453,1454, and1455are indicated to be selected as the recommended seats. Specifically, coloring the seats indicates that those seats are the recommended seats. The display mode of the recommended seats is not limited to the example ofFIG. 23. Any display mode may be used as long as information for discriminating whether each seat is a recommended seat is presented.

Returning toFIG. 20, in Step S2005, the processor210determines whether at least one seat of the two or more seats in the chat room has been selected by the user. In one example, the processor210determines that the user has selected a seat by receiving input of an appropriate signal from any one of the controller300, the microphone170, and the eye gaze sensor140.

The processor210keeps the control at Step S2005(NO in Step S2005) until a determination is made that the user has selected a seat. In response to a determination that the user has selected a seat (YES in Step S2005), the processor210advances the control to Step S2006.

In Step S2006, the processor210determines whether the seat selected by the user is a recommended seat selected by the processor210in Step S2003.

In response to a determination that the seat selected by the user is a recommended seat (YES in Step S2006), the processor210advances the control to Step S2008. In response to a determination that the seat selected by the user is not a recommended seat (NO in Step S2006), the processor210advances the control to Step S2007.

In Step S2007, the processor210displays the advice. An example of a display of advice is now specifically described with reference toFIG. 24.FIG. 24is a diagram of a display of advice according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

A field-of-view image2417inFIG. 24includes an arrow2460and a message box2440in addition to the chat room represented by the field-of-view image2317ofFIG. 23. The arrow2460is an image object pointing to the seat selected by the user (seat1456in the example ofFIG. 24).

The message box2440includes a message “That seat blocks field of view of A, so another seat would be better.” This message prompts the user to avoid designating a seat that is not a recommended seat by prompting the user to select a seat different from an already-designated seat. More specifically, this message is an example of information for prompting the user to avoid designating a seat other than a recommended seat.

The message box2440includes buttons2441and2442. The button2441is operated in order to designate the currently selected seat as the seat on which the avatar is to be arranged. The button2442is operated in order to reselect a seat. The user selects the button2441or the button2442by operating the controller300or the like.

Returning toFIG. 20, in Step S2008, the processor210displays confirmation information. An example of a display of the confirmation information is now specifically described with reference toFIG. 25.FIG. 25is a diagram of an example of a display of confirmation information according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

A field-of-view image2517ofFIG. 25includes the arrow2460and a message box2580in addition to the chat room represented by the field-of-view image2317ofFIG. 23. The arrow2460is an image object pointing to the seat selected by the user (seat1452in the example ofFIG. 25).

The message box2580includes a message “Do you want to select this seat?”. The message box2580also includes buttons2581and2582. The button2581is operated in order to designate the currently selected seat as the seat on which the avatar is to be arranged. The button2582is operated in order to reselect a seat. The user selects the button2581or the button2582by operating the controller300or the like.

In Step S2009, the processor210determines whether the user has designated the seat that is currently selected. When the user selects the button2441ofFIG. 24or the button2581ofFIG. 25, the processor210determines that the user has designated the seat that is currently selected. When the user selects the button2442ofFIG. 24or the button2582ofFIG. 25, the processor210determines that the user did not designate the seat that is currently selected.

In response to a determination that the user designated the seat that is currently selected (YES in Step S2009), the processor210advances the control to Step S2010. In response to a determination that that the user did not designate the seat that is currently selected (NO in Step S2009), the processor210returns the control to Step S2005.

In Step S2010, the processor210determines whether the designated seat is a seat that is already associated with another user (already-designated seat). In the object information (FIG. 19), when the ID of any one of the users is registered in the associated user ID for the object ID corresponding to the designated seat, the processor210determines that the designated seat is an already-designated seat. When the ID of any one of the users is not registered in the associated user ID for the object ID corresponding to the designated seat, the processor210determines that the designated seat is not an already-designated seat.

In response to a determination that the designated seat is an already-designated seat (YES in Step S2010), the processor210advances the control to Step S2011. In response to a determination that the designated seat is not an already-designated seat (NO in Step S2010), the processor210advances the control to Step S2012.

In Step S2011, the processor210adds a seat in the vicinity of the already-designated seat. The addition of the seat is described later with reference toFIG. 28toFIG. 32.

In Step S2012, the processor210associates the user of the computer200including the processor210with the designated seat. As a result, the object information is updated. Updating of the object information is described later with reference toFIG. 26.

In Step S2013, the processor210updates the field-of-view image such that an avatar is seated on the designated seat. The avatar is the avatar corresponding to the user of the computer200including the processor210. At this time, the processor210updates the object information such that that avatar is associated with the user of the computer200including the processor210.

FIG. 26is a diagram of object information updated in Step S2012and Step S2013according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

Compared with the object information ofFIG. 19, in the object information ofFIG. 26, the associated user ID “002” is associated with the object ID “Seat (B)”. The object ID “Seat (B)” is an example of the “designated seat” in Step S2012, and the associated user ID “002” is an example of “the user of the computer200including the processor210” in Step S2012.

In the object information ofFIG. 26, the object ID “Avatar (B)” is added. The object ID “Avatar (B)” is an example of the avatar seated on the “determined seat” in Step S2013.

In the object information ofFIG. 26, the associated user ID “002” is associated with the object ID “Avatar (B)”. The associated user ID “002” is an example of “the user of the computer200including the processor210” in Step S2013.

FIG. 27is a diagram of the field-of-view image updated in Step S2013according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Compared with the field-of-view image2117ofFIG. 21, a field-of-view image2717ofFIG. 27further includes an avatar2774seated on the seat1452. The seat1452corresponds to the object information “Seat (B)” ofFIG. 26. The avatar2774corresponds to the object information “Avatar (B)” ofFIG. 26.

<8. Addition of Seat>

The addition of a seat in Step S2010(FIG. 20) is now described with reference toFIG. 28toFIG. 32.FIG. 28toFIG. 32are diagrams for the addition of a seat to the chat room. In at least the examples ofFIG. 28toFIG. 32, in a situation in which, among the seats1451to1456, the seat1451is already associated with another user, the user designates the seat1451as the seat on which an avatar is to be newly arranged. The added seat is a seat2950.

First, the arrangement of the seat to be added in the “vicinity of the designated seat” is described with reference toFIG. 28andFIG. 29.

InFIG. 28, there is a u axis-w axis plane in a uvw visual field coordinate system according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In a state ST21ofFIG. 28, the chat room includes the six seats1451to1456together with the screen1471and the table1472. As described above, the seat1451is already associated with another user. This corresponds to the fact that inFIG. 28, among the seats1451to1456, only the seat1451is colored.

InFIG. 29, there is a state ST22in which a seat has been added to the chat room ofFIG. 28. In the state ST22, the seat2950is an example of an added seat. The seat2950is arranged in the vicinity of the seat1451. The expression “in the vicinity of” means, for example, a position closer to the seat1451than the seats (seats1452to1456) other than the seat1451. However, the meaning of “in the vicinity of” is not limited to this. In at least one embodiment, the seat1451is arranged at a position farther from the table1472than the seat2950.

Next, the relationship between the height of the line of sight of the seat designated by the user and the height of the line of sight of the seat to be added at a time when the avatar is seated is described with reference toFIG. 30andFIG. 31.FIG. 30is a diagram of a part of the visual-field image for the u axis-v axis plane in the uvw visual field coordinate system according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. InFIG. 30, there is a state before the seat2950ofFIG. 29is added. In a state ST31ofFIG. 30, the avatar2173is seated on the seat1451. An arrow A1ofFIG. 30represents the direction from the avatar2173to the center of the table1472(e.g.,FIG. 28).

InFIG. 31, there is a state ST32in which a seat is added to the state ST31ofFIG. 30. The seat surface of the seat2950has a different position in the v axis direction from the seat surface of the seat1451(e.g., is positioned higher in the virtual space). The line of sight of an avatar3174seated on the seat2950is positioned higher by a height H1than the line of sight of the avatar2173seated on the seat1451. As a result, blocking of the field-of-view of the avatar2173by the avatar3174may be avoided as much as possible.

Next, the difference in the positional relationship between the added seat (seat2950) and the designated seat (seat1451) with respect to the remaining seats is described with reference toFIG. 32.

InFIG. 32, there is a state ST41in which, similarly toFIG. 29, the seat2950has been added to the chat room. InFIG. 32, there is represented a u axis-w axis plane of the chat room. In the state ST41ofFIG. 32, a distance D10and a distance D11each represent the distance between the following seats in the u axis-w axis plane. The distance D10is longer than the distance D11.

Distance D10: Distance between the seat2950and the seat1454

Distance D11: Distance between the seat1451and the seat1454

In other words, the added seat (seat2950) is arranged at a place that is farther from a remaining seat (seat1454) than the designated seat (seat1451). As a result, a user who selected a seat earlier may be associated with a seat positioned at a place that is closer to another user than to the user who selected the seat later. The seat to be added may be farther from all of the seats already arranged in the chat room, or may be farther from at least a part of those seats.

<9. Determination of Seat by System>

Processing (so-called seat “targeting”) in which a seat selected by the chat system as a recommended seat is automatically set as the seat for an avatar to be newly arranged is now described with reference toFIG. 33.FIG. 33is a flowchart of processing for designating a seat for an avatar to be newly arranged by a computer according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the computer200implements the processing ofFIG. 33by, for example, executing an appropriate program by the processor210.

The processing ofFIG. 33includes, of the processing ofFIG. 20, Step S2000, Step S2001, Step S2002, Step S2012, and Step S2013. In the processing ofFIG. 33, similarly to the processing ofFIG. 20, the processor210receives a designation of a chat room in Step S2000, defines a virtual space in Step S2001, and displays a field-of-view image of the designated chat room in Step S2002. Then, the control is advanced to Step S3332.

In Step S3332, the processor210selects a number of recommended seats equal to the number of avatars to be arranged. Specifically, the processor210selects the recommended seats in the same manner as Step S2003ofFIG. 20, then from those selected recommended seats, extracts in accordance with a condition determined in advance a number of recommended coordinates equal to the number of avatars to be arranged, and outputs the extracted recommended seats. An example of the condition determined in advance is to follow a priority for each seat. For example, when the number of avatars to be arranged is “1”, and the priority associated with the seat1452among the seats1452to1455is high, as the final recommended seat, the processor210outputs one seat (e.g., seat1452) having the highest priority among the recommended seats (e.g., seats1452to1455) selected in the same manner as Step S2003.

In Step S2012, the processor210associates the user with the recommended seat finally output in Step S3332. An example of the association between the recommended seat and the user is to update the object information described with reference toFIG. 19andFIG. 26.

In Step S2013, the processor210updates the field-of-view image such that the avatar corresponding to the user of the computer200including the processor210is seated on the recommended seat finally output in Step S3332. Then, the processing ofFIG. 33ends in at least one embodiment.

When a user enters the chat room based on the above-mentioned processing ofFIG. 33, from among the plurality of seats in the chat room, a new avatar is arranged on a seat capable of ensuring that the field-of-view from each avatar seated in a seat already associated with another user to the screen1471is of a certain ratio or more. More specifically, the processing ofFIG. 33sets a seat for a new avatar without receiving a selection and designation from the user.

The seat set for the new avatar may be a seat that already exists in the chat room, or may be a seat added as described with reference toFIG. 28toFIG. 32.

In the processing ofFIG. 33, the processor210presents a recommended place to the user by displaying an updated field-of-view image in which the avatar is arranged at the recommended place.

Setting of a seat using a preset recommended place is now described with reference toFIG. 34.FIG. 34is a diagram of a storage mode of information defining a preset recommended place according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The information shown inFIG. 34is generated by, for example, the creator of the chat application, and is stored as space information24in the memory module530, for example.

As described with reference toFIG. 20, in Step S2003, the processor210selects the recommended seats in the manner described with reference toFIG. 14andFIG. 15. A pattern of the recommended seats may be set as shown inFIG. 34in advance in accordance with a pattern of the already-designated seats. In Step S2003ofFIG. 20, the processor210may select the recommended seats by acquiring the recommended seats of the pattern set in advance.

In the example shown inFIG. 34, the pattern of the already-designated seats and the pattern of the recommended seats are associated with each other. The “Already-Designated Seats” column ofFIG. 34uses the entries “designated” and “not designated” to indicate which of the seats among “Seat (A)” to “Seat (F)” ofFIG. 19is an already-designated seat. The entry “designated” indicates that the seat is an already-designated seat, and the entry “not designated” indicates that the seat is not an already-designated seat.

More specifically, in the “Already-Designated Seats” column of Pattern1ofFIG. 34, “designated” is shown for “Seat (A)”, and “not designated” is shown for each of “Seat (B)” to “Seat (F)”. Therefore, Pattern1indicates that “Seat (A)” is an “already-designated seat” and “Seat (B)” to “Seat (F)” are not “already-designated seats”.

The “Recommended Seats” column ofFIG. 34indicates, from among “Seat (A)” to “Seat (F)” ofFIG. 19, “recommended seat” patterns in accordance with the patterns of the already-designated seats shown in the “Already-Designated Seats” column.

In Step S2003ofFIG. 20, the processor210extracts the already-designated seats in the virtual space, acquires the recommended seat pattern associated with the pattern of the already-designated seats extracted inFIG. 34, and selects the seats included in the acquired recommended seat pattern as the recommended seats.

Then, the processor210advances the control to Step S2004and subsequent steps in the processing ofFIG. 20.

<11. Summary of Disclosure>

This disclosure is summarized as follows.

(1) There is provided an information providing method to be executed on a computer (computer200) to provide information in a virtual space. The method includes defining (Step S2001) a virtual space (virtual space11) that is capable of being shared by two or more users. The method further includes arranging (Step S2210and Step S2220) an object in the virtual space that is capable of being visually recognized by each user. The method further includes defining (Step S2230) in the virtual space a plurality of places that are capable of being designated by each user. The plurality of places include non-designated places (seats1452to1456ofFIG. 21) not associated with any of two or more users, and already-designated places (seat1451ofFIG. 21) associated with any of two or more users. The information providing method includes selecting (Step S2003and Step S3332), from among a plurality of places, a recommended place for arranging an avatar. The recommended place is a place in which the avatar occupies a fixed ratio or less of a field-of-view from a designated place to an object when the avatar is arranged at that recommended place (Step S2003and Step S3332). The information providing method further includes presenting (Step S2004and Step S2013) information identifying a recommended place as a candidate for arranging the avatar in the virtual space.

Arranging the avatar at the recommended place enables the user who arranged the avatar to arrange the avatar at a place having a low degree of blocking of the field-of-view from a place already associated with another user to the object. As a result, a situation is avoided in which a user who is newly arranging an avatar blocks the field-of-view of the avatar of another user, resulting in deterioration of the relationship with that user. Therefore, at least one embodiment of this disclosure contributes to avoidance of a situation in which human relations between users deteriorate, and as a result contributes to maintaining good human relations between users.

(2) The method may further include receiving (Step S2005) a designation of one or more places from a plurality of places, and providing (Step S2009) a field-of-view image in which the avatar of the user of a head-mounted device connected to the computer is arranged at the place designated from among the plurality of places.

(3) The method may further include outputting (Step S2007) information for prompting identification of the recommended place.

(4) In the method, the information for prompting the designation of the recommended place may include information pointing to the recommended place (coloring of seats1452to1455in field-of-view image2317ofFIG. 23).

(5) The information for prompting the designation of the recommended place may include information (message box2440ofFIG. 24) for prompting avoidance of a designation of a place other than the recommended place among the plurality of places.

(6) The method may further include setting (Step S2011), when the received designation is to select one of the already-designated places, an additional place (seat2950) associated with the user of the head-mounted device connected to the computer in a vicinity of the already-designated place (seat1452).

(7) The additional place (seat2950) may be positioned farther from at least one of the plurality of places than the designated already-designated seat (seat1452) (FIG. 32).

(8) The method may further include associating (Step S2012ofFIG. 33) the recommended place with the user without receiving a designation of the place to be associated with the user of the head-mounted device connected to the computer.

(9) The method may further include a step (Step S2013ofFIG. 33) of providing a field-of-view image in which the avatar of the user of the head-mounted device connected to the computer is arranged at the recommended place.

In the at least one embodiment described above, the description is given by exemplifying the virtual space (VR space) in which the user is immersed using an HMD. However, a see-through HMD may be adopted as the HMD. In this case, the user may be provided with a virtual experience in an augmented reality (AR) space or a mixed reality (MR) space through output of a field-of-view image that is a combination of the real space visually recognized by the user via the see-through HMD and a part of an image forming the virtual space. In this case, action may be exerted on a target object in the virtual space based on motion of a hand of the user instead of the operation object. Specifically, the processor may identify coordinate information on the position of the hand of the user in the real space, and define the position of the target object in the virtual space in connection with the coordinate information in the real space. With this, the processor can grasp the positional relationship between the hand of the user in the real space and the target object in the virtual space, and execute processing corresponding to, for example, the above-mentioned collision control between the hand of the user and the target object. As a result, an action is exerted on the target object based on motion of the hand of the user.

The above described at least one embodiment of this disclosure disclosed herein is merely an example in all aspects and in no way intended to limit this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and not by the above description, and it is intended that this disclosure encompasses all modifications made within the scope and spirit equivalent to those of the appended claims. This disclosure described in each of at least one embodiment and modification examples is intended to be implemented independently or in combination to the maximum extent possible.