JP6444345B2 - Method and apparatus for supporting input in virtual space, and program for causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to technology for providing virtual reality, and more particularly, to technology for supporting user input in a virtual space.

  A technique for providing virtual reality using a head mounted display (HMD) device is known. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-090530 (Patent Document 1) discloses “an easy-to-understand and advanced user interface in a technique for operating a head-mounted display device by the movement of a user's finger”. (See [Summary]). Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-091353 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique of “displaying a virtual input device on the HMD and displaying keyboard keys touched by the user” (see [Summary]). .

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-090530 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-091353

  According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the input device is assumed to be used in the real space, the virtual experience due to the interaction between the object placed in the virtual space and the user is hindered. Therefore, there is a need for an improved input experience in virtual space.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect thereof is to provide a method or an apparatus for supporting input in a virtual space without using an input apparatus in a real space. It is to be. An object in another aspect is to provide a program for causing a computer to execute a method for supporting input in a virtual space without using an input device in a real space.

  According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for assisting input in virtual space. In this method, an input device object for receiving an input in a virtual space is arranged in the virtual space, a step of detecting one of the limbs of a computer user, and a detection result of the state of one of the limbs. Accordingly, a step of arranging an operation object for performing an input operation on the input device object, a step of detecting a contact between the operation object and the input device object, and a case where the contact is a contact in a predetermined mode Receiving the contact as an input operation on the input device object.

  In one aspect, a keyboard or other physical input device in the real space is not required for input in the virtual space, so that the input experience in the virtual space can be improved.

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

It is a figure showing the outline of a structure of the HMD system 100 according to a certain embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 200 according to one situation. It is a figure which represents notionally the uvw visual field coordinate system set to the HMD apparatus 110 according to an embodiment. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode which represents the virtual space 2 according to a certain embodiment. It is the figure showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to a certain embodiment from the top. 3 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of a visual field region 23 viewed from a Y direction in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the controller 160 according to a certain embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a computer 200 according to an embodiment as a module configuration. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by processor 10 of computer 200. It is a figure showing the change of the visual field image 1210 recognized in the virtual space 2 according to a certain situation. 6 is a diagram illustrating a change in posture of a virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in a virtual space 2. FIG. It is a figure showing the state which match | combined the user's left hand 1410 in the real space with the virtual camera 1 arrange | positioned in the virtual space 2, and the virtual keyboard 1240. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a configuration for preventing erroneous input to a virtual keyboard 1240.

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

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

  The HMD system 100 includes an HMD device 110, an HMD sensor 120, a controller 160, and a computer 200. The HMD device 110 includes a monitor 112 and a gaze sensor 140. The controller 160 can include a motion sensor 130.

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

  The HMD device 110 may be worn on the user's head and provide a virtual space to the user during operation. More specifically, the HMD device 110 displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image on the monitor 112, respectively. When each eye of the user visually recognizes each image, the user can recognize the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes.

  The monitor 112 is realized as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 112 is disposed on the main body of the HMD device 110 so as to be positioned in front of both eyes of the user. Therefore, when the user visually recognizes the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 112, the user can be immersed in the virtual space. In one embodiment, the virtual space includes, for example, a background, an object that can be operated by the user, and an image of a menu that can be selected by the user. In an embodiment, the monitor 112 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smartphone or other information display terminal.

  In one aspect, the monitor 112 may include a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying an image for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 112 may be configured to display a right-eye image and a left-eye image together. In this case, the monitor 112 includes a high-speed shutter. The high-speed shutter operates so that an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye can be displayed alternately so that the image is recognized only by one of the eyes.

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

  In another aspect, HMD sensor 120 may be realized by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 120 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 by executing image analysis processing using image information of the HMD device 110 output from the camera.

  In another aspect, the HMD device 110 may include a sensor 114 instead of the HMD sensor 120 as a position detector. The HMD device 110 can detect the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 itself using the sensor 114. For example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like, the HMD device 110 uses any one of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 120 to detect its position and inclination. Can be detected. As an example, when the sensor 114 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities around the three axes of the HMD device 110 in real space over time. The HMD device 110 calculates the temporal change of the angle around the three axes of the HMD device 110 based on each angular velocity, and further calculates the inclination of the HMD device 110 based on the temporal change of the angle. The HMD 110 may include a transmissive display device. In this case, the transmissive display device may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting the transmittance. Further, the visual field image may include a configuration for presenting the real space in a part of the image configuring the virtual space. For example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 110 may be displayed so as to be superimposed on a part of the field-of-view image, or by setting the transmittance of a part of the transmissive display device to be high. Real space may be visible from a part.

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

  Server 150 may send a program to computer 200. In another aspect, the server 150 may communicate with other computers 200 for providing virtual reality to HMD devices used by other users. For example, when a plurality of users play a participatory game in an amusement facility, each computer 200 communicates a signal based on each user's operation with another computer 200, and a plurality of users are common in the same virtual space. Allows you to enjoy the game.

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

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

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

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

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

  The storage 12 holds programs and data permanently. The storage 12 is realized as, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk device, a flash memory, and other nonvolatile storage devices. The programs stored in the storage 12 include a program for providing a virtual space in the HMD system 100, a simulation program, a game program, a user authentication program, and a program for realizing communication with another computer 200. The data stored in the storage 12 includes data and objects for defining the virtual space.

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

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

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

  The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 19 and communicates with other computers (for example, the server 150) connected to the network 19. In one aspect, the communication interface 14 is realized as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or other wired communication interface, or a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like. Is done. The communication interface 14 is not limited to the above.

  In one aspect, the processor 10 accesses the storage 12, loads one or more programs stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11, and executes a series of instructions included in the program. The one or more programs may include an operating system of the computer 200, an application program for providing a virtual space, game software that can be executed in the virtual space using the controller 160, and the like. The processor 10 sends a signal for providing a virtual space to the HMD device 110 via the input / output interface 13. The HMD device 110 displays an image on the monitor 112 based on the signal.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the computer 200 is configured to be provided outside the HMD device 110. However, in another aspect, the computer 200 may be incorporated in the HMD device 110. As an example, a portable information communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) including the monitor 112 may function as the computer 200.

  Further, the computer 200 may be configured to be used in common for the plurality of HMD devices 110. According to such a configuration, for example, the same virtual space can be provided to a plurality of users, so that each user can enjoy the same application as other users in the same virtual space.

  In an embodiment, in the HMD system 100, a global coordinate system is set in advance. The global coordinate system has three reference directions (axes) parallel to the vertical direction in the real space, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the global coordinate system is one of the viewpoint coordinate systems. Therefore, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction (up-down direction), and the front-rear direction in the global coordinate system are defined as an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis, respectively. More specifically, in the global coordinate system, the x axis is parallel to the horizontal direction of the real space. The y axis is parallel to the vertical direction of the real space. The z axis is parallel to the front-rear direction of the real space.

  In one aspect, HMD sensor 120 includes an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects each infrared ray emitted from each light source of the HMD device 110, the presence of the HMD device 110 is detected. The HMD sensor 120 further determines the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 in the real space according to the movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 based on the value of each point (each coordinate value in the global coordinate system). To detect. More specifically, the HMD sensor 120 can detect temporal changes in the position and tilt of the HMD device 110 using each value detected over time.

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

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

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

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

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

  Based on the detected tilt angle of the HMD device 110, the HMD sensor 120 sets the uvw visual field coordinate system in the HMD device 110 after the HMD device 110 has moved to the HMD device 110. The relationship between the HMD device 110 and the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is always constant regardless of the position and inclination of the HMD device 110. When the position and inclination of the HMD device 110 change, the position and inclination of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the global coordinate system change in conjunction with the change of the position and inclination.

  In one aspect, the HMD sensor 120 is based on the infrared light intensity acquired based on the output from the infrared sensor and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of points (for example, the distance between the points). The position of the device 110 in the real space may be specified as a relative position with respect to the HMD sensor 120. Further, the processor 10 may determine the origin of the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system) based on the specified relative position.

[Virtual space]
The virtual space will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of expressing virtual space 2 according to an embodiment. The virtual space 2 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360 ° direction of the center 21. In FIG. 4, the upper half of the celestial sphere in the virtual space 2 is illustrated in order not to complicate the description. In the virtual space 2, each mesh is defined. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system defined in the virtual space 2. The computer 200 associates each partial image constituting content (still image, moving image, etc.) that can be developed in the virtual space 2 with each corresponding mesh in the virtual space 2, and the virtual space image 22 that can be visually recognized by the user. Is provided to the user.

  In one aspect, the virtual space 2 defines an XYZ coordinate system with the center 21 as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the global coordinate system. Since the XYZ coordinate system is a kind of viewpoint coordinate system, the horizontal direction, vertical direction (vertical direction), and front-rear direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, respectively. Therefore, the X axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x axis of the global coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the global coordinate system, and The Z axis (front-rear direction) is parallel to the z axis of the global coordinate system.

  When the HMD device 110 is activated, that is, in the initial state of the HMD device 110, the virtual camera 1 is disposed at the center 21 of the virtual space 2. The virtual camera 1 similarly moves in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the HMD device 110 in the real space. Thereby, changes in the position and orientation of the HMD device 110 in the real space are similarly reproduced in the virtual space 2.

  As in the case of the HMD device 110, the uvw visual field coordinate system is defined for the virtual camera 1. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera in the virtual space 2 is defined so as to be linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 in the real space (global coordinate system). Therefore, when the inclination of the HMD device 110 changes, the inclination of the virtual camera 1 also changes accordingly. The virtual camera 1 can also move in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with the movement of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the real space.

  Since the orientation of the virtual camera 1 is determined according to the position and inclination of the virtual camera 1, the reference line of sight (reference line of sight 5) when the user visually recognizes the virtual space image 22 depends on the orientation of the virtual camera 1. Determined. The processor 10 of the computer 200 defines the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2 based on the reference line of sight 5. The view area 23 corresponds to the view of the user wearing the HMD device 110 in the virtual space 2.

  The gaze direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 is a direction in the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the object. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110 is equal to the viewpoint coordinate system when the user 190 visually recognizes the monitor 112. The uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1 is linked to the uvw visual field coordinate system of the HMD device 110. Therefore, the HMD system 100 according to a certain aspect can regard the line-of-sight direction of the user 190 detected by the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight direction of the user in the uvw visual field coordinate system of the virtual camera 1.

[User's line of sight]
With reference to FIG. 5, determination of the user's line-of-sight direction will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the head of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 according to an embodiment from above.

  In one aspect, gaze sensor 140 detects each line of sight of user 190's right eye and left eye. In a certain aspect, when the user 190 is looking near, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R1 and L1. In another aspect, when the user 190 is looking far away, the gaze sensor 140 detects the lines of sight R2 and L2. In this case, the angle formed by the lines of sight R2 and L2 with respect to the roll direction w is smaller than the angle formed by the lines of sight R1 and L1 with respect to the roll direction w. The gaze sensor 140 transmits the detection result to the computer 200.

  When the computer 200 receives the detection values of the lines of sight R1 and L1 from the gaze sensor 140 as the line-of-sight detection result, the computer 200 identifies the point of sight N1 that is the intersection of the lines of sight R1 and L1 based on the detection value. On the other hand, when the detected values of the lines of sight R2 and L2 are received from the gaze sensor 140, the computer 200 specifies the intersection of the lines of sight R2 and L2 as the point of sight. The computer 200 specifies the line-of-sight direction N0 of the user 190 based on the specified position of the gazing point N1. For example, the computer 200 detects the direction in which the straight line passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the right eye R and the left eye L of the user 190 and the gazing point N1 extends as the line-of-sight direction N0. The line-of-sight direction N0 is a direction in which the user 190 is actually pointing the line of sight with both eyes. The line-of-sight direction N0 corresponds to the direction in which the user 190 actually directs his / her line of sight with respect to the field-of-view area 23.

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

  In another aspect, HMD system 100 may include a television broadcast receiving tuner. According to such a configuration, the HMD system 100 can display a television program in the virtual space 2.

  In still another aspect, the HMD system 100 may include a communication circuit for connecting to the Internet or a call function for connecting to a telephone line.

[Visibility area]
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the visual field region 23 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the X direction in the virtual space 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the visual field region 23 viewed from the Y direction in the virtual space 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the visual field region 23 in the YZ cross section includes a region 24. The region 24 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 of the virtual camera 1 and the YZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the polar angle α around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space as the region 24.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visual field region 23 in the XZ cross section includes a region 25. The region 25 is defined by the reference line of sight 5 and the XZ cross section of the virtual space 2. The processor 10 defines a range including the azimuth angle β around the reference line of sight 5 in the virtual space 2 as a region 25.

  In one aspect, the HMD system 100 provides the virtual space to the user 190 by displaying the view image 26 on the monitor 112 based on a signal from the computer 200. The view image 26 corresponds to a portion of the virtual space image 22 that is superimposed on the view region 23. When the user 190 moves the HMD device 110 worn on the head, the virtual camera 1 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the position of the visual field area 23 in the virtual space 2 changes. As a result, the view image 26 displayed on the monitor 112 is updated to an image that is superimposed on the view region 23 in the direction in which the user faces in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space image 22. The user can visually recognize a desired direction in the virtual space 2.

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

  In one aspect, the processor 10 can move the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 in conjunction with movement of the user 190 wearing the HMD device 110 in real space. In this case, the processor 10 specifies an image region (that is, the visual field region 23 in the virtual space 2) projected on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2.

  According to an embodiment, the virtual camera 1 preferably includes two virtual cameras, that is, a virtual camera for providing an image for the right eye and a virtual camera for providing an image for the left eye. Moreover, it is preferable that appropriate parallax is set in the two virtual cameras so that the user 190 can recognize the three-dimensional virtual space 2. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera 1 includes two virtual cameras, and the roll direction (w) generated by combining the roll directions of the two virtual cameras is the roll direction (w) of the HMD device 110. The technical idea concerning this indication is illustrated as what is constituted so that it may be adapted.

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

  As shown in the partial diagram (A) of FIG. 8, in one aspect, the controller 160 may include a right controller 800 and a left controller. The right controller 800 is operated with the right hand of the user 190. The left controller is operated with the left hand of the user 190. In one aspect, the right controller 800 and the left controller are configured symmetrically as separate devices. Therefore, the user 190 can freely move the right hand holding the right controller 800 and the left hand holding the left controller, respectively. In another aspect, the controller 160 may be an integrated controller that receives operations of both hands. Hereinafter, the right controller 800 will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in the partial diagrams (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, for example, the yaw, roll, and pitch directions are defined for the right hand 810 of the user 190. When the user 190 extends the thumb and index finger, the direction in which the thumb extends is the yaw direction, the direction in which the index finger extends is the roll direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the yaw direction axis and the roll direction axis is the pitch direction. Is defined as

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 200 includes a display control module 220, a virtual space control module 230, a memory module 240, and a communication control module 250. The display control module 220 includes a virtual camera control module 221, a visual field region determination module 222, a visual field image generation module 223, and a reference visual line identification module 224 as submodules. The virtual space control module 230 includes a virtual space definition module 231, a virtual object generation module 232, an operation object control module 233, and an input device object control module 234 as submodules.

  In an embodiment, the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230 are realized by the processor 10. In another embodiment, multiple processors 10 may operate as the display control module 220 and the virtual space control module 230. The memory module 240 is realized by the memory 11 or the storage 12. The communication control module 250 is realized by the communication interface 14.

  In one aspect, the display control module 220 controls image display on the monitor 112 of the HMD device 110. The virtual camera control module 221 arranges the virtual camera 1 in the virtual space 2 and controls the behavior, orientation, and the like of the virtual camera 1. The view area determination module 222 defines the view area 23 according to the orientation of the head of the user wearing the HMD device 110. The view image generation module 223 generates a view image 26 to be displayed on the monitor 112 based on the determined view area 23.

  The reference line-of-sight identifying module 224 identifies the line of sight of the user 190 based on the signal from the gaze sensor 140.

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

  The virtual object generation module 232 generates an object placed in the virtual space 2. The objects may include, for example, forests, mountains, landscapes, animals, and the like arranged according to the progress of the game story.

  The operation object control module 233 arranges an operation object for manipulating an object arranged in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the operation objects may include, for example, a hand object corresponding to the user's hand wearing the HMD device 110, a finger object corresponding to the user's finger, a stick object corresponding to the stick used by the user, and the like. When the operation object is a finger object, in particular, the operation object corresponds to the axis portion in the direction (axial direction) indicated by the finger.

  The input device object control module 234 arranges a virtual input device for receiving an instruction in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2. In one aspect, the virtual input device can include, for example, a virtual keyboard, a virtual touch panel, a virtual switch, and other input devices.

  The virtual space control module 230 detects the collision when each of the objects arranged in the virtual space 2 collides with another object. For example, the virtual space control module 230 can detect a timing at which a certain object and another object touch each other, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is performed. The virtual space control module 230 can detect the timing at which the object is away from the touched state, and performs a predetermined process when the detection is made. The virtual space control module 230 can detect that the object is in a touched state. Specifically, when the operation object and another object (for example, a virtual input device arranged by the input device object control module 234) touch each other, the operation object control module 233 Is detected, and a predetermined process is performed.

  The memory module 240 holds data used for the computer 200 to provide the virtual space 2 to the user 190. In one aspect, the memory module 240 holds space information 241, object information 242, and user information 243. The space information 241 holds one or more templates defined for providing the virtual space 2. The object information 242 holds information for arranging content reproduced in the virtual space 2 and objects used in the content. The content can include, for example, content representing a scene similar to a game or a real society. The user information 243 holds a program for causing the computer 200 to function as a control device of the HMD system 100, an application program that uses each content held in the object information 242, and the like. Data and programs stored in the memory module 240 are input by the user of the HMD device 110. Alternatively, the processor 10 downloads a program or data from a computer (for example, the server 150) operated by a provider providing the content, and stores the downloaded program or data in the memory module 240.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Control structure]
A control structure of computer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HMD system 100. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the processor 10 of the computer 200.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S1040, processor 10 specifies the viewing direction of user 190 wearing HMD device 110 based on the position and tilt of HMD device 110. The processor 10 executes the application program and places an object in the virtual space 2 based on instructions included in the application program.

  In step S1042, the controller 160 detects the operation of the user 190 in the real space. For example, in one aspect, the controller 160 detects that a button has been pressed by the user 190. In another aspect, the controller 160 detects the movement of both hands of the user 190 (for example, shaking both hands). A signal indicating the detected content is sent to the computer 200.

  In step S1050, processor 10 places a virtual hand object in the virtual space. The virtual hand object corresponds to the hand of the user 190 in the real space.

  In step S1060, processor 10 arranges a virtual keyboard in the virtual space based on the hand movement of user 190.

  In step S1070, processor 10 detects an input to the virtual keyboard based on the user's action in the real space.

  In step S1080, the processor 10 executes a process according to the input to the virtual keyboard.

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S <b> 1110, the processor 10 defines a virtual space as the virtual space definition module 231, and allocates the virtual space to the HMD device 110 worn by the user holding the controller 160. provide.

  In step S1120, processor 10 detects the movement of the user's hand in the real space based on the output from controller 160. The detection of the hand movement is performed based on, for example, an output from the motion sensor 130 provided in the controller 160 held by the user. In another aspect, hand movements can also be detected by analysis results of image data obtained by one or more cameras arranged to capture user movements.

  In step S1130, as the operation object control module 233, the processor 10 arranges a virtual right hand object and a virtual left hand object corresponding to the user's hands in the virtual space according to the detected motion.

  In step S1140, the processor 10 arranges an input device object (for example, a virtual touch panel) in the virtual space based on the action of the virtual right hand object that moves according to the movement of the right hand in the real space as the input device object control module 234. To do.

  In step S1150, as the operation object control module 233, the processor 10 detects that the virtual right hand object is approaching the virtual touch panel in accordance with the right hand operation in the real space.

  In step S1160, in response to the detection, the processor 10 arranges the virtual right hand object with the index finger extended in the virtual space as the operation object control module 233. More specifically, the processor 10 generates data for arranging the virtual right hand object in the virtual space, and transmits the data to the HMD device 110 via the display control module 220. When the monitor 112 displays an image based on the data, the user wearing the HMD device 110 recognizes the virtual right hand object in the virtual space with the index finger extended.

  In step S1170, as the operation object control module 233, the processor 10 detects that the index finger of the virtual right hand object has touched the virtual touch panel based on the output from the motion sensor 130. More specifically, the motion sensor 130 detects the movement of the index finger in the real space. A signal indicating the movement is input to the computer 200. The movement of the index finger of the right hand in the real space is replaced by the movement of the index finger of the virtual right hand object in the virtual space 2 by the operation object control module 233. The operation object control module 233 detects the collision when the index finger of the virtual right hand object in the virtual space 2 collides with the virtual touch panel. Alternatively, the operation object control module 233 calculates the interval between the index finger and the virtual touch panel based on the moving speed of the index finger in the virtual space 2. When this interval becomes 0, the operation object control module 233 may determine that the index finger has touched the virtual touch panel.

  In step S1180, processor 10 performs processing associated with the position touching the virtual touch panel as input device object control module 234. For example, when the index finger of the virtual right hand object touches any key on the keyboard of the virtual touch panel, the processor 10 receives an input of the key.

  In step S1190, processor 10 transmits a signal indicating that an input based on contact with the virtual touch panel has been received to controller 160 in the real space.

  The arrangement of the virtual input device in the virtual space 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in the visual field image 1210 recognized in the virtual space 2 according to a certain situation.

  As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 12, when the user wearing the HMD device 110 operates the controller 160, the left hand object 1220 and the right hand object 1230 are arranged in the virtual space 2. In this state, when the user performs an operation for placing the virtual keyboard in the virtual space 2 on the controller 160, the virtual keyboard 1240 appears from the left hand object 1220. At this time, the place from which the virtual keyboard 1240 appears is, for example, the index finger or the vicinity of the wrist of the left hand object 1220, but other places may be the origin. It is preferable that the virtual keyboard 1240 is arranged at least in the vicinity of the left hand object 1220, the right hand object 1230, and other operation objects recognized in the visual field image 1210 according to the finger part arranged in the virtual space 2.

  In an aspect, an icon indicating a place where the virtual keyboard 1240 appears may be shown in the operation object. For example, in response to the user operating the controller 160 in the real space, a ring 1250 may additionally be displayed as the icon on the index finger of the left hand object 1220 placed in the virtual space 2. When such an icon is displayed, the user can intuitively understand where the virtual keyboard 1240 appears. Note that what is displayed as an icon is not limited to the ring 1250, and an accessory that can be worn on a wristband or other fingers may be displayed on the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230.

  In addition, as an object arrange | positioned in the virtual space 2, it is desirable that a finger object is arrange | positioned rather than the hand object ahead of a wrist. If a hand object corresponding to the tip of the wrist is arranged in the virtual space 2, the user may need to take a gesture of looking at the wristwatch in the real space. On the other hand, when only the finger object is arranged, the user's action in the real space can be simplified, and thus the operability can be improved without impairing the sense of immersion.

  In this state (A), when the user operates the right hand in the real space to bring the right hand object 1230 closer to the virtual keyboard 1240, the right hand object 1230 automatically extends its finger as shown in the state (B). It changes into a shape like this.

  In the state (B), as shown in the visual field image 1210, when the user touches the index finger of the right hand object 1230 with any key of the virtual keyboard 1240, the processor 10 of the computer 200 displays the operation object control module 233. The position of the right hand object 1230 is calculated, and the input device object control module 234 detects an input to the key. The processor 10 executes processing assigned to the key on which the input operation has been performed.

  In some embodiments, input to the virtual keyboard 1240 includes input of characters, selection of items or other objects placed in the virtual space 2. For example, in the case of selecting an object, when the user selects an object with the right hand object 1230, the selected object appears in a manner that the selected object is held by the right hand object 1230.

  In the virtual space 2 according to an embodiment, when the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230 contacts the virtual keyboard 1240, the controller 160 held by the user 190 with the right hand may vibrate. Thereby, the user can physically sense in the real space that the input operation in the virtual space 2 has been accepted.

  According to the present embodiment, the vibration of the controller 160 can feed back the input to the user, so that the input in the virtual space 2 can be easily realized without using a keyboard, a touch pad or other input devices in the real space.

  The display mode of the virtual keyboard 1240 in the virtual space 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a change in posture of the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2. In an embodiment, the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 may be configured to face the virtual camera 1 even if the orientation of the hand changes in order to maintain visibility.

  For example, as shown in state (A), in one aspect, the virtual keyboard 1240 faces the front of the left hand object 1220. Thereafter, the orientation of the virtual keyboard 1240 may change according to the change in the orientation of the user's hand in the real space.

  For example, as shown in the state (B), when the user's hand in the real space is tilted, the virtual keyboard 1240 may be tilted according to the tilt. In this case, the tilt of the user's hand can be detected by an output signal from the motion sensor 130 included in the controller 160 or by image data output from a camera that captures the user's hand. In one aspect, the degree of inclination of the virtual keyboard 1240 is calculated based on the inclination in the yaw direction of the hand.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the relationship between the inclination of the hand in the real space and the inclination of the virtual keyboard 1240 in the virtual space 2 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the virtual camera 1 and the virtual keyboard 1240 arranged in the virtual space 2 are combined with the user's left hand 1410 in the real space.

  As shown in the state (A), in a certain aspect, a virtual keyboard 1240 is arranged in the virtual space 2 according to the posture of the left hand 1410. At this time, the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 faces the virtual camera 1. Since the direction of the virtual camera 1 is the viewing direction of the virtual user in the virtual space 2, the user wearing the HMD device 110 can view the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 from the front. When the user tilts the left hand 1410 forward from the state (A), the operation surface of the virtual keyboard 1240 is similarly tilted.

  That is, as shown in the state (B), the virtual keyboard 1240 is also tilted so that the normal line perpendicular to the operation surface of the virtual keyboard is orthogonal to the yaw direction according to the change in the yaw direction of the left hand 1410. A decrease in operability of the keyboard 1240 can be suppressed.

  The input to the virtual keyboard 1240 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a configuration for preventing erroneous input to the virtual keyboard 1240. In order for the user to input to the virtual keyboard 1240 as intended, the computer 200 needs to prevent detection of an input operation not intended by the user. Therefore, in an embodiment, for example, the following rules can be applied.

(Rule 1) Movement direction of hand when inputting The computer 200 detects only a movement of the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230 toward the operation surface (touch surface) of the virtual keyboard 1240 and performs an operation in a direction away from the operation surface. Not detected. The direction toward the operation surface (touch surface) corresponds to the reverse direction of the normal direction of the operation surface (touch surface), and the direction away from the operation surface (touch surface) is the normal direction of the operation surface (touch surface). Equivalent to.

  According to such a configuration, when the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230 touches the virtual keyboard 1240 and then penetrates to the back of the virtual keyboard 1240, the return for returning the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230 to the near side. Even if the operation is performed, the processor 10 does not regard the operation as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240, so that an erroneous input is prevented.

  Further, the computer 200 detects the finger of the virtual hand object when the virtual hand object (left hand object 1220 or right hand object 1230) used for input to the virtual keyboard 1240 comes into contact with the operation surface (touch surface) of the virtual keyboard 1240. When the velocity in the axial direction (acceleration in the roll axis direction of the right hand object 1230 shown in the state (B) of FIG. 15) exceeds the threshold, it is regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240 based on the contact, and the virtual hand object When the speed of the finger in the axial direction is equal to or lower than the threshold value, even if the contact is made, the input to the virtual keyboard 1240 may not be considered. Here, the threshold value is a value for comparison with the speed in the roll axis direction of the right-hand object 1230 shown in the state (B) of FIG. 15, and is a positive value instead of zero. Thus, in the example of the state (B) in FIG. 15, when the right hand object 1230 touches the virtual keyboard 1240 and then penetrates to the back of the virtual keyboard 1240, the right hand object 1230 is returned to return to the front. Even if an action is performed, the velocity component in the roll axis direction of the right-hand object 1230 has a negative value, so that the action is not regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240. Therefore, erroneous input is prevented. Even if the right-hand object 1230 moves in the pitch axis direction after the right-hand object 1230 touches the virtual keyboard 1240 and penetrates to the back of the virtual keyboard 1240 (the right-hand object 1230 penetrates the virtual keyboard 1240, Even if the right-hand object 1230 moves in a direction parallel to the surface of 1240), the right-hand object 1230 and any key on the virtual touch panel keyboard and the right-hand object 1230 are in a state where the velocity component in the roll axis direction of the right-hand object 1230 is zero or close to zero. Will not be regarded as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240. Therefore, erroneous input is prevented.

(Rule 2) Direction of hand when inputting The roll direction of the left hand object 1220 or the right hand object 1230 is directed to the operation surface (touch surface) (the direction opposite to the normal direction of the touch surface). When the roll direction is directed to the normal direction of the touch surface rather than parallel, the processor 10 does not detect the operation as an input to the virtual keyboard 1240.

  In an embodiment, the processor 10 can prevent erroneous detection of the “return operation” by applying either the rule 1 or the rule 2 or both of the rules.

From the above, the subject matter disclosed in the present specification is shown as the following configuration, for example.
[Configuration 1]
According to an embodiment, a method is provided that is executed by the computer 200 to support input in the virtual space 2. This method
Arranging an input device object (for example, a virtual keyboard 1240) for receiving input in the virtual space 2 in the virtual space 2;
Detecting any state of a limb of user 190 of computer 200;
Placing an operation object (for example, a left hand object 1220, a right hand object 1230) for performing an input operation on the input device object according to a detection result of any state of the limbs;
Detecting contact between the operation object and the input device object;
Receiving the contact as an input operation on the input device object when the contact is a contact in a predetermined mode. The computer 200 places the operation object between the virtual user corresponding to the user 190 and the input device object.

  [Configuration 2] Preferably, the predetermined mode includes either the operation object penetrating the input device object or the operation object pressing the input device object.

  [Configuration 3] Preferably, the step of receiving as an input operation includes receiving the contact as an input operation when the operation object contacts the input device object from outside the input device object.

  [Configuration 4] Preferably, the contact from the outside to the input device object includes an operation object moved from the virtual user toward the input device contacting the input device object.

  [Configuration 5] Preferably, the predetermined aspect includes that the movement of the operation object with respect to the input device object is movement in one predetermined direction.

  [Configuration 6] Preferably, any of the limbs includes a user's hand. The operation object includes a hand object corresponding to a hand.

  [Configuration 7] Preferably, the hand object includes one or more finger objects. The step of disposing the operation object in the virtual space includes disposing one or more finger objects in a stretched state when the input device object and the hand object approach to a predetermined distance or less.

  [Configuration 8] Preferably, in the above method, when an input operation is accepted, a signal for notifying that the input operation is accepted is transmitted to an output device connected to the computer and attached to the user. The method further includes the step of:

  [Configuration 9] Preferably, in the contact in a predetermined mode, the operation object is input while the operation object and the input device object are in contact with each other and the contact between the operation object and the input device object is maintained. Moving parallel to the surface of the device object.

  [Configuration 10] Preferably, the method further includes a step of changing and displaying either the operation object or the input device object when the operation object and the input device object are contacted in a predetermined manner. Including.

  [Configuration 11] Preferably, the step of arranging the input device object in the virtual space includes a step of arranging the input device object above the hand object arranged in the virtual space (for example, the fingertip of the left hand object 1220).

  [Configuration 12] Preferably, the method further includes a step of switching contents displayed on a head-mounted display device worn by a user to provide a virtual space based on an input operation to the input device object. Including.

  [Configuration 13] Preferably, the step of detecting the state includes detecting the tilt of the user's hand. The method further includes tilting the input device object in response to hand tilt.

  [Configuration 14] The input device object includes one or more virtual keys for accepting an input operation.

  [Configuration 15] According to another embodiment, there is provided a program that causes one or more computers to execute the method described in any of the above configurations. The one or more computers include a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other via the Internet.

  [Configuration 16] According to still another embodiment, an apparatus for supporting input in a virtual space is provided. The apparatus includes a memory that stores the program and a processor that is coupled to the memory and executes the program.

  As described above in detail, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize input of characters, symbols, and the like in the virtual space 2 using the virtual input device arranged in the virtual space 2 without using the input device in the real space. Therefore, inhibition of the input experience in the virtual space 2 can be prevented.

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

  1 virtual camera, 2 virtual space, 5 reference line of sight, 10 processor, 11 memory, 12 storage, 13 input / output interface, 14 communication interface, 15 bus, 19 network, 21 center, 22 virtual space image, 23 viewing area, 24, 25 area, 26 field of view image, 31 frame, 32 top surface, 33, 34, 36, 37 button, 35 infrared LED, 38 analog stick, 100 HMD system, 110 HMD device, 112 monitor, 114, 120 sensor, 130 motion sensor , 140 gaze sensor, 150 server, 160 controller, 190 user, 200 computer, 220 display control module, 221 virtual camera control module, 222 view area determination module, 223 view image Creation module, 224 reference gaze identification module, 230 virtual space control module, 231 virtual space definition module, 232 virtual object generation module, 233 operation object control module, 234 input device object control module, 240 memory module, 241 space information, 242 object Information, 243 User information, 250 Communication control module, 800 Right controller, 810 Right hand, 1210 Field of view image, 1220 Left hand object, 1230 Right hand object, 1240 Virtual keyboard, 1250 Ring, 1410 Left hand.

Claims (14)

A computer-implemented method for supporting input in a virtual space provided by a head-mounted display comprising:
Detecting any state of a limb of a user of the computer;
Arranging an operation object for performing an input operation on an input device object that receives an input in a virtual space provided by the head-mounted display according to a detection result of a state of any of the limbs;
Arranging an input device object in the virtual space for receiving an input in a virtual space provided by the head-mounted display based on the movement of the operation object;
Detecting contact between the operation object and the input device object;
If the contact is a contact in a predetermined manner, it saw including a step of accepting the contact as an input operation to the input device object,
Any of the limbs includes the user's hand,
The operation object includes a hand object corresponding to the hand,
The hand object includes one or more finger objects;
When the input device object and the hand object arranged in the virtual space approach to a predetermined distance or less, the one of the hand objects does not depend on the detection result of the hand state of the user. The method further includes the step of changing the finger object to the extended state . A computer-implemented method for supporting input in a virtual space, comprising:
Detecting any state of a limb of a user of the computer;
Arranging an operation object for performing an input operation in the virtual space according to a detection result of any state of the limbs;
Arranging in the virtual space a predetermined input device object for receiving input in the virtual space in a state where the input device is not used for input to the computer based on the movement of the operation object When,
Detecting contact between the operation object and the input device object;
If the contact is a contact in a predetermined manner, it saw including a step of accepting the contact as an input operation to the input device object,
Any of the limbs includes the user's hand,
The operation object includes a hand object corresponding to the hand,
The hand object includes one or more finger objects;
When the input device object and the hand object arranged in the virtual space approach to a predetermined distance or less, the one of the hand objects does not depend on the detection result of the hand state of the user. The method further includes the step of changing the finger object to the extended state . A computer-implemented method for supporting input in a virtual space, comprising:
Detecting any state of a limb of a user of the computer;
Arranging an operation object for performing an input operation in the virtual space according to a detection result of any state of the limbs;
In order to accept input in the virtual space based on the movement of the operation object, an input device object representing an input device defined in advance as an input device different from the input device connected to the computer in the real space is Placing in virtual space;
Detecting contact between the operation object and the input device object;
If the contact is a contact in a predetermined manner, it saw including a step of accepting the contact as an input operation to the input device object,
Any of the limbs includes the user's hand,
The operation object includes a hand object corresponding to the hand,
The hand object includes one or more finger objects;
When the input device object and the hand object arranged in the virtual space approach to a predetermined distance or less, the one of the hand objects does not depend on the detection result of the hand state of the user. The method further includes the step of changing the finger object to the extended state .   The predetermined aspect includes any one of the operation object penetrating the input device object or the operation object pressing the input device object. Method.   The step of receiving as the input operation includes receiving the contact as the input operation when the operation object contacts the input device object from outside the input device object at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The method according to claim 1.   The contact from the outside to the input device object includes an operation object moved from the virtual user corresponding to the user toward the input device object in the virtual space contacting the input device object. 5. The method according to 5.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined aspect includes that the movement of the operation object with respect to the input device object is movement in a predetermined one direction. The method further includes a step of transmitting a signal for notifying that the input operation is accepted to an output device connected to the computer and attached to the user when the input operation is accepted. Item 8. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 7 . Step includes the step of placing the input device object above the operation object placed in the virtual space, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for positioning the input device object in the virtual space. Based on the input operation to the input device object, wherein the user to provide a virtual space further comprises the step of switching the contents displayed on the head-mounted display device has been installed, according to claim 1-9 The method according to any one. Detecting the state includes detecting a tilt of the user's hand;
In accordance with the inclination of the hand, further comprising the step of inclining the input device object The method of any of claims 1-10. Wherein the input device object includes one or more virtual keys for accepting the input operation method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. To claim 1-12 to perform the method according to the computer program. A memory storing the program according to claim 13 ;
An apparatus for supporting input in a virtual space, comprising a processor coupled to the memory and executing the program.

Images