KR20240067843A - Method and apparatus for providing streaming service of virtual space 3d contents - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a server to provide a streaming service of virtual space 3D content includes receiving a request for access to virtual space 3D content from a user terminal, and providing a virtual space to the user terminal in response to the request. Providing spatial 3D content through streaming, wherein the virtual space 3D content includes at least a tile image captured in tile units of a predetermined size in all directions corresponding to 360 degrees x 360 degrees of the virtual space. One or more are combined, and the step of providing the virtual space 3D content by streaming includes dividing the virtual space into at least one area, and among the divided areas, the user's current location in the virtual space or the current gaze corresponding to the user's current gaze. This may include performing rendering of at least one tile image for a specific area first and providing it to the user terminal.

Description

Method for providing streaming service of virtual space 3D content and device therefor {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING STREAMING SERVICE OF VIRTUAL SPACE 3D CONTENTS}

The present invention relates to a method for providing a streaming service of virtual space 3D content and a device for the same. More specifically, it relates to a method for distributing virtual space 3D content to user terminals according to a streaming method and a device for the same.

As HMD (Head-mounted Display), mobile terminals, and 360-degree cameras are developed and distributed, virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality environments are also increasingly receiving market attention. In recent years, the Metaverse environment, where each user can carry out social, economic, educational, cultural, scientific and technological activities with a different self-identity, has begun to receive attention and continues to attract attention. there is.

However, the above environments, including the metaverse, may have ambiguous boundaries in some cases, but in the end, they can be seen as a kind of virtual world separate from the real world. Therefore, it is necessary to provide users who use this environment with a high level of realism (or a sense of reality) similar to reality, and furthermore, it is clear that only if this is accompanied, greater development can be achieved with more attention.

Accordingly, various dedicated hardware (e.g., VR, AR devices) have been released as a means to help with this, but most of them are either excessively expensive or have limitations in being difficult to use or access, excluding some enthusiasts in the relevant market. was neglected by users. Due to this situation, the metaverse environment (e.g., Roblox, Zepeto, etc.) began to be provided indirectly, using only smartphones, PCs, and tablets that can be found easily and are relatively inexpensive nearby, gradually excluding them. As a result, the healthy development of the above virtual worlds and related environments, including the metaverse, is also at a standstill.

Furthermore, if the metaverse environment provided to users is provided only through smartphones, PCs, and tablets that can be easily found nearby, as above, excluding dedicated hardware that can increase their immersion, this is achieved through displays. It can be described as nothing more than an indirect virtual world in which only indirect experiences are possible, and furthermore, it can be seen as completely distinct from a direct virtual world in which one can feel direct reality from a first-person perspective.

Therefore, in order to provide users with a metaverse environment for experiencing the virtual world directly where they can feel the realism, it can be seen that immersive virtual reality technology must be supported to deeply immerse users in the virtual world.

In that case, you may go back to the beginning and see that you have no choice but to use dedicated hardware to increase immersion, but if you think about it from a different perspective, you can also consider ways to improve the content provided to users, and specifically, to create more realistic If immersive virtual reality content can be provided, users' immersion can be sufficiently improved.

Accordingly, it can be seen that technology is required to produce immersive virtual reality content that can be easily used on existing hardware such as smartphones, PCs, tablets, and HMDs, but also provides a higher sense of realism. Furthermore, the content produced above can be used in various ways. Technology that can be distributed in combination with unit technology that can correspond to the needs of the industrial area can also be seen as required for the healthy development and revitalization of the industry.

In response to these realistic demands, authoring software has been developed to build virtual spaces and provide better realistic effects to related content. Specifically, editing tools for building virtual spaces using VR technology and 360-degree images, and Unity and Unreal for providing realistic effects to 3D video games, 3D animation, and 3D architectural visualization. 's authoring software can be seen as an example.

However, the conventional method described above, that is, the method of constructing a virtual space using 360-degree images, has spatial limitations because it requires a real space for filming, and furthermore, the space that can be implemented is also limited. There is a limit. In addition, even if all 360-degree images are produced using computer graphics to overcome this, not only does the load increase significantly because images as many as the viewpoints must be produced, but there is also the problem of making detailed modifications difficult once the image has been produced. In addition, because conventional authoring software uses a method of creating virtual reality content on a local PC and uploading it to the web, there is a chronic problem that excessive network traffic is inevitably required.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides a method for providing a 3D data packaging service for building a virtual space based on the web and a streaming service for distributing the result. Suggest a way to provide it.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2280719 (published on January 8, 2021)

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the work of the present invention is to provide streaming technology for packaging web-based virtual space 3D content and distributing the result.

Another task of the present invention is to provide packaging and streaming technology for virtual space 3D content that can be easily used on existing hardware such as smartphones, PCs, tablets, and HMDs, and can produce immersive virtual space content with greater realism. It is done.

Another task of the present invention is the packaging of web-based virtual space 3D content that provides functions on a module basis so that 3D virtual space content can be distributed by combining it with unit technology that can correspond to the needs of various industrial areas. and streaming technology.

Another task of the present invention is to provide a lightweight technology for image and object data for 3D data packaging for building a virtual space and web distribution of the resulting 3D content.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A method for a server to provide a streaming service of virtual space 3D content according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above-described problem includes receiving a connection request for virtual space 3D content from a user terminal and responding to the request. and providing streaming virtual space 3D content to the user terminal, wherein the virtual space 3D content is divided into tiles of a predetermined size in all directions corresponding to 360 degrees x 360 degrees of the virtual space. At least one captured tile image is combined, and the step of providing the virtual space 3D content through streaming includes dividing the virtual space into at least one area, and selecting the user's current location in the virtual space among the divided areas. Alternatively, it may include first performing rendering of at least one tile image for a specific area corresponding to the current gaze and providing the rendering to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, dividing the virtual space into at least one area includes dividing the virtual space into cubes corresponding to hexahedrons of the same size or different sizes. It may include dividing the area into six areas of the same size or different sizes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the user's position or gaze moves within the virtual space, at least one tile image for a moving area corresponding to the moved position or shifted gaze among the divided areas Rendering may be performed and provided to the user terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, for at least one tile image for the remaining areas excluding the specific area among the divided areas, after performing rendering of the tile image for the specific area, according to a predetermined standard. Rendering may be performed sequentially and provided to the user terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one tile image for the specific area performs high-resolution rendering at a predetermined level, and at least one tile image for the remaining area performs medium- or low-resolution rendering at a predetermined level. can be performed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the request for access to the virtual space 3D content occurs when the user terminal requests access to the virtual space through a player for the virtual space 3D content, or the user This may include a case where the terminal requests access to the virtual space through a URL address for the virtual space 3D content.

According to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above-described problem, a device for providing a streaming service of virtual space 3D content includes a memory unit containing virtual space 3D content and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes a user terminal. Receiving a request for access to virtual space 3D content from and controlling to provide streaming virtual space 3D content to the user terminal in response to the request, wherein the virtual space 3D content is provided in 360 degrees x 360 degrees of the virtual space At least one tile image taken in the corresponding entire direction in units of tiles of a predetermined size is combined, and the controller controls the provision of the virtual space 3D content by streaming to create at least one tile image of the virtual space. Divide into the above areas, perform high-resolution rendering at a predetermined level on at least one tile image for a specific area corresponding to the current location or current gaze in the virtual space of the user among the divided areas, and provide the image to the user terminal. It may include:

According to the present invention as described above, the effects described below can be obtained. However, the effects that can be achieved through the present invention are not limited to this.

First, there is an effect of providing 3D content to provide virtual space services as a real-time streaming service.

Second, it has the effect of providing packaging technology for 3D data for building virtual spaces.

Third, it can be easily used on existing hardware such as smartphones, PCs, tablets, and HMDs, but has the effect of providing packaging and streaming technology for virtual space 3D content that can produce immersive virtual space content with greater realism. .

Fourth, packaging and streaming of web-based 3D content for building and controlling virtual space that provides functions in module units to enable distribution of 3D virtual space content by combining it with unit technology that can correspond to the needs of various industrial areas. There is an effect of providing technology.

Fifth, it has the effect of providing lightweight technology for image and object data for 3D data packaging to build a virtual space and web distribution of the resulting 3D content.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a 3D data packaging and streaming service processing system for building a virtual space based on the web according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the automatic extraction function of real-time 3D modeling data according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram to explain the difference in the false signal removal effect between the present invention and the prior art.
Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a real-time 360-degree image including light irradiation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram to explain a method of dividing a real-time 360-degree image into three stages with different resolutions and tiling them to store them, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a file format conversion step for vertex reduction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the vertex grouping step according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the Kubrick rendering method for recombining real-time 360-degree images according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the loading time and data consumption of a real-time 360-degree image according to an embodiment of the present invention and a 360-degree image of the prior art.
Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating matching between a real-time 360-degree image and 3D information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining a spatial movement method using a mouse pointer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a block diagram of the configuration of a server for a 3D content packaging service for building a web-based virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a detailed block diagram of a processor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing a 3D content packaging process for building a web-based virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a block diagram of a server for 3D virtual space content streaming service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the 3D virtual space content file processing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing the overall architecture of the framework according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 19 to 30 are diagrams to explain the big data streaming processing process according to each scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention.
31 to 33 are diagrams illustrating a user interface for providing web-based virtual space 3D content packaging and streaming services according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 34 is a flow chart illustrating the 3D content data processing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining a configuration block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present invention of the scope of the invention, and that the present invention will be defined by the scope of the claims. It's just that.

In some cases, in order to avoid ambiguity in the concept of the present invention, well-known structures and devices may be omitted or may be shown in block diagram form focusing on the core functions of each structure and device. In addition, the same components are described using the same reference numerals throughout this specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to “comprise or include” a certain element, this means that it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. do.

Additionally, the term "unit" used in the specification refers to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an”, “one”, and similar related terms may be used in the singular and plural in the context of describing the present invention, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. It can be used in a meaning that includes.

In addition, specific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are provided to aid understanding of the present invention, and unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, refer to the present invention. It has the same meaning as generally understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which it belongs. The use of these specific terms may be changed to other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

Below, various embodiments related to a streaming method, device, and system for providing a web-based virtual space 3D data packaging service and publishing the resulting 3D content according to the present invention are provided.

In particular, this specification discloses a server that packages 3D data on the web through a plug-in and distributes it by streaming to a user terminal, including this. Provides 3D data packaging and streaming service system. At this time, the server may include various programs, software, and hardware for the present invention.

Hereinafter, the term "content" in this specification includes all forms of content that exist or will be developed in the future, and for convenience, 3D (3Dimensional) content is used as an example, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In addition, such 3D content is a virtual space itself or content for virtual reality (VR), virtual reality (AR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and metaverse environments. It can be included.

Meanwhile, it is noted in advance that among the terms used in this specification, terms that are not specifically explained and technologies related to such terms may be interpreted according to or refer to known technologies, and only necessary content is described.

In addition, the present invention may be combined with ICT (Information and Communication Technology) technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) technology or blockchain network-based technology, as needed, and general knowledge in the related technology field may be used. If a person has grafted the above technology, the grafted technology falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

With reference to the attached drawings, a method for packaging and providing a web-based virtual space 3D data and streaming service according to the present invention will be described as follows.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a 3D data packaging and streaming service providing system 1 for building a virtual space based on the web according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a web-based virtual space 3D content packaging and streaming service providing system 1 is shown, and the system 1 includes user terminal 1 (110), user terminal 2 (120), and server 130. It can be implemented including. However, the configuration of the system 1 is not necessarily limited to this, and the system 1 may be implemented by further including one or more other components depending on the embodiment. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, only two terminals are shown, but this is not limited.

User terminal 1 (110) may represent a terminal that directly produces 3D content using a 3D tool and holds (or stores) the produced 3D content data. Depending on the embodiment, user terminal 1 (110) does not directly produce the 3D content, but is a device capable of receiving the pre-produced 3D content data by being connected to a medium that currently possesses or possesses the pre-produced 3D content data. It can be expressed.

“3D tools” described in this specification include game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, etc.) and modeling programs such as Autodesk, 3DS Max, Unity, and SketchUp. ), etc. may be included.

For the web-based virtual space 3D data packaging service according to the present invention, user terminal 1 (110) downloads and installs a plug-in provided by the system (1) or server 130 of the present invention. You can.

Here, a plug-in refers to a program added to enhance the function of a specific program. A “plug-in” described in this specification is a program that transmits at least one 3D data created with various 3D tools to the web. It refers to an object that is imported and performs functions such as various preprocessing tasks to convert it into 3D content data. In the case of the present invention, plug-ins of corresponding types or versions can be provided depending on the type of 3D tool or OS used in the terminal, and through this, the server 130 can provide plug-ins of various types or versions. and the terminal can download and install one or more of these. Of course, it is also possible to provide only one plug-in and have this single plug-in correspond to all types of 3D tools and OSs used in the terminal.

If the user terminal 1 (110) is a 3D data production terminal, the user terminal 2 (120) is a user who can watch the 3D content data and participate in interactions, etc. when it is distributed by streaming method through the server 130. It can indicate the owned terminal.

That is, in this specification, to aid understanding and convenience of explanation of the present invention, user terminal 1 (110) and user terminal 2 (120) are described as 3D data production terminals and 3D content viewing terminals, but are necessarily limited to this. This does not mean that they can change roles. In addition, unlike what is shown in FIG. 1, there may be multiple user terminals 1 (3D data production terminal) and 2 (3D content viewing terminal), and the system 1 of the present invention allows for simultaneous connection or use of them. If available, we can provide a variety of support to ensure smooth service delivery.

User terminal 1 (110) and user terminal 2 (120) may each be in the form of a fixed terminal such as a PC or TV, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or HMD.

Depending on the embodiment, user terminal 1 (110) and user terminal 2 (120) are each a web-based virtual space 3D content packaging and streaming service providing system (1) according to the present invention or a dedicated terminal for the service. It may be in the form of a device.

According to another embodiment, user terminal 1 (110) and user terminal 2 (120) may each be a wearable device or a device that operates in conjunction with another terminal. However, user terminal 1 (110) and user terminal 2 (120) according to the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-described examples, and any device including software and hardware necessary for using the system 1 or service is sufficient.

Meanwhile, the plurality of user terminals 1 (110) and 2 (120) do not all need to have the same form or the same performance. Additionally, there is no need for all of the plurality of user terminals 1 (110) to produce the same type of 3D content using the same 3D tool, and furthermore, there is no need to download and install the same plug-in from the server (130).

User terminal 1 (110) subscribes to and/or logs into a web service related to the present invention operated by the server 130, and sends 3D data created using a 3D tool to user terminal 2 (120). Tasks such as packaging or editing 3D content for distribution to others can be performed through the corresponding web service and then distributed to the user terminal 2 (120), etc. through streaming.

When the production of 3D data is completed using the 3D tool in user terminal 1 (110), the produced 3D data can be transmitted to the cloud platform of the server 130 through a pre-installed plug-in. At this time, the transmission may be performed according to settings such as real-time, a predefined specific point in time, or the web service login time of user terminal 1 (110). Alternatively, it may be performed automatically.

User terminal 2 (120) subscribes to and/or logs in to a web service related to the present invention operated by the server 130, and uses the player provided by the web page to use user terminal 1 (110). ) You can watch 3D content distributed by streaming or participate in the interaction. Depending on the embodiment, the user terminal 2 (120) may separately download and install the player from the server (130), and otherwise provide a viewing environment for the distributed 3D content without logging in or logging in by accessing a URL address, etc. You may receive it.

In order to use the web-based virtual space 3D content streaming service of the present invention through the player, user terminal 2 (120) is equipped with not only a display and a speaker, but also a pointer, stylus pen, or device for appropriate content control. An interface such as a mouse may be additionally provided or supported.

Meanwhile, as described above, the server 130 may provide user terminal 1 (110) with a plug-in corresponding to the 3D tool used by user terminal 1 (110) when producing 3D data, and the user terminal 1 (110) If 3D data is held in (110), the 3D data can be imported (or uploaded) as 3D data rather than in cut units through the plug-in, and the user terminal 1 (110) can upload it on the web. After editing (or packaging), it can be distributed to user terminal 2 (120), etc. through streaming. To this end, the server 130 may include software and hardware necessary to perform the corresponding function.

The server 130 is a cloud platform or database so that the 3D data of user terminal 1 (110) is imported onto the web through the plug-in for the web-based virtual space 3D content packaging service of the present invention. (DB: database) can be built. Meanwhile, the user terminal 1 (110) may store a token issued by communicating with the server 130 for logging in to the cloud platform and/or importing 3D data, and the server 130 Additionally, the token may be stored to determine whether a user has authority and to manage login.

The server 130 creates 3D data and provides a related API to support mutual data communication between user terminal 1 (110), which distributes 3D content, and/or user terminal 2 (120), which watches distributed 3D content. (Application Program Interface), etc. can be supported.

In addition, communication or data communication between components belonging to the web-based virtual space 3D content packaging and streaming service provision system (1) of the present invention can be achieved through various wired/wireless communication networks that have been developed to date or will be developed in the future. , all components do not need to use the same communication network or communication protocol.

Meanwhile, the user terminal has a plug-in corresponding to the 3D tool used when creating 3D content (e.g., Unreal engine, Autodesk, 3DS Max, Unity, SketchUp, etc.) in) and create 3D content using the 3D tool, import 3D data to the web through the installed plug-in and then perform preprocessing to convert it into 3D content for external distribution. For this purpose, the present invention provides 3D data packaging technology.

Therefore, hereinafter, the 3D data packaging technology according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

The 3D data packaging technology of the present invention is a technology for easily and quickly building a virtual space that can be used in environments such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, or metaverse. It can simplify and automate the construction process of virtual space and solve problems with existing technology, so virtual space managers (including creators) can convert 3D data more easily and quickly to create virtual space. There is an effect that can be built.

Conventionally, the production of existing realistic content required repetitive processing processes such as modeling, rendering, and composition based on 3D data. It took a lot of time because multiple processes were required, and the final The results could not be provided through streaming through the web, and could only be experienced as images, videos, or installations.

However, unlike web builders that receive and process 3D data in cut units as before, the 3D data packaging technology according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a plug-in that can be installed on a terminal. is providing. In addition, because this allows the terminal to easily import pre-produced 3D data onto the web, it does not matter what type of 3D tool the 3D data was created with, resulting in excellent versatility and convenience.

Additionally, the terminal can use the 3D data packaging service to convert 3D data imported onto the web through the plug-in into 3D content representing its own virtual space. Once conversion to 3D content representing one's own virtual space is completed through the 3D data packaging service, it is possible to transmit the 3D content to other terminals in a streaming manner to induce participation and interaction in the virtual space.

In other words, the present invention makes it possible to standardize the virtual space construction and distribution process with a standardized pipeline, which has the effect of dramatically shortening the repetitive process time. In addition, as will be explained later, 3D content can be operated not only in various forms such as conventional 360-degree images and videos, but also in various device environments such as web, mobile, and installed, providing higher accessibility and versatility. There is an effect.

In addition, virtual space construction and management functions are provided in the form of a plug-in, but as described later, each function is provided in module units, significantly lowering the physical/logical costs and entry barriers required for building and managing virtual spaces. There are also effects that can be given.

Meanwhile, the 3D data packaging technology of the present invention includes a real-time 3D modeling data automatic extraction function, a metadata extraction function, a light map extraction function, a resource-lightening function, a 3D model optimization function, and a real-time 360-degree image recombination function for publishing. It may include, but is not limited to this, and may further include other functions necessary to perform conversion to 3D content representing a virtual space using 3D data on the web.

Hereinafter, each function of 3D data packaging technology will be described in more detail as follows.

1. Real-time 3D modeling data automatic extraction function

In order to produce and provide high-quality virtual space 3D content to users, the quality of the image sampled by shooting the space in 360 degrees can be considered an important factor. However, due to the nature of virtual space 3D content that expresses the user's gaze through a camera, the rendering effect applied on the camera varies in real time depending on the position or direction of the camera, so general image capture and image merging methods do not provide virtual space 3D content. It is impossible to obtain high-quality 360 images to provide content services in a web or mobile environment.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a function to automatically extract 3D modeling data based on real-time rendering, as shown in FIG. 2.

In other words, the present invention is that when the terminal imports pre-produced 3D content data onto the web through the plug-in described above, the camera in the 3D content is rotated in all directions (360 degrees × 360 degrees) at a predetermined specific position and Image sampling of the 3D content data is performed using a given tile as a unit.

Afterwards, the sampled image tiles are overlapped at predetermined positions to interpolate each pixel value, and the interpolated pixel values are projected onto an equirectangular surface, which is a preset dedicated image format, to the 3D content data. High-quality 360-degree images can be extracted. In the present invention, the high-quality 360-degree image extracted in this way is expressed as a real-time 360-degree image to distinguish it from the prior art. Additionally, in the above explanation, interpolation refers to a method of estimating the value of an unconfirmed point using confirmed data, and equirectangular refers to a method that captures a 360-degree sphere screen on a plane with a 2:1 ratio. It can mean a method.

On the other hand, the real-time 360-degree image that can be extracted according to the above method utilizes the final result of the 3D content being rendered on the screen through a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), so post processing and flat Planar reflection, etc. can all be applied, and as a result, it can be seen in Figure 3 that the anti-aliasing effect, called anti-aliasing, is significantly improved compared to the prior art. Here, removing false signals means suppressing or minimizing the staircase phenomenon that occurs when a high-resolution signal is displayed at low resolution.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the above steps can be implemented in a modular manner, and as a result, the entire real-time 360-degree image extraction process can be modularized and/or automated. Additionally, the extracted real-time 360-degree image can be used for conversion to virtual space, web upload, and distribution within the plug-in.

2. Metadata extraction function

In order to reassemble and distribute real-time 360-degree image data extracted from 3D content data in various environments (web/mobile/HMD, etc.), 3D models, markers (icons or objects that users can interact with, etc.) Metadata about the 3D coordinates and directions of resources such as (including ) must also be transmitted. Therefore, the present invention can provide a function to protocolize metadata necessary for 3D content distribution, extract it through a plug-in, and then load/manage the extracted metadata for each virtual space.

In order to place 3D models and markers (objects, etc.) in accurate positions and move them independently in virtual space content, the coordinate systems must be aligned and the rotation center axis (pivot) must be corrected.

Therefore, in the present invention, the position, scale, and rotation values on the global coordinate system are matched to the coordinate system by performing a matrix operation with each vertex of the 3D model and marker, and the position vector ( vector) can be saved separately to correct the rotation center axis, and the 3D model and marker extracted through this can be controlled independently in other environments (web/mobile/HMD, etc.).

3. Lightmap extraction function

Meanwhile, the real-time 360-degree image that can be extracted according to the above method is high quality, but is static, so there may be limitations in the user's ability to control changes to the material or structure of the 3D model, marker, etc. Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, light of a predetermined size can be extracted from a predetermined direction on the surface of the 3D model and marker, and depending on the embodiment, this can be performed using WebGL (Web Graphic). Library), but is not limited to this.

4. Resource lightweight function

In order to smoothly service virtual space 3D content in environments such as mobile and PC, there is a need to lightweight resources such as extracted real-time 360-degree images, 3D models, and markers.

At this time, the resource lightweighting not only considers the implementation aspects of technology and services, but is also closely related to capacity reduction and cost reduction, so network traffic can be reduced when services are provided to multiple users. Therefore, it can have the advantage of increasing user experience and minimizing costs.

Therefore, as will be described later, the present invention includes functions such as image tiling and model optimization, enabling resource reduction, which has the effect of minimizing costs.

On the other hand, if a virtual space is provided by loading the real-time 360-degree image extracted from 3D content data as the extracted original, users who use it will have to wait for a long time for loading, and in particular, when moving the location within the virtual space, it will be difficult to load the next image. Since you have no choice but to load the entire image each time, you may experience the inconvenience of experiencing a white screen or a very long waiting time while loading.

Therefore, in the present invention, as a resource-lightening function to prevent and solve these problems, the extracted real-time 360-degree image is divided into three stages representing different resolutions (e.g., low resolution, medium resolution, and high resolution), and these are tiled ( By storing data using multi-level tiling, the above problem can be solved.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the real-time 360-degree image is divided into three levels representing different resolutions (e.g., low resolution, medium resolution, and high resolution), and specifically, the real-time 360-degree image is expressed as one side of several tens of KB. (Kilobyte) unit low-resolution preview image, real-time 360-degree image divided into 6 sides, hundreds of KB (Kilobyte) unit medium-resolution image, and each image of the above 6 sides again divided into 4 sides to create a total of 24 tiles (MB) Like a high-resolution image in megabytes, it can be divided into a total of three stages and stored by tiling them.

On the other hand, when displaying 3D models, markers, etc. in virtual space in an environment where the use of GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is limited, such as the web, the rendering time becomes longer if the number of vertices in the 3D model or marker itself is large. Users may experience problems such as screen interruption or slowdown.

Therefore, in the present invention, as another resource-lightening function to prevent and solve this problem, a file format conversion step and a vertex grouping step for vertex reduction can be performed.

First, after checking the format of the 3D file, if the 3D file already meets predetermined file format standards, the file format conversion step can be omitted. However, if the corresponding 3D file does not meet the predetermined file format standards, file format conversion may be performed as shown in FIG. 6.

For example, assuming that the predetermined file format standards are OBJ and GLTF, if the format of the confirmed 3D file is the FBX file format, this does not correspond to the predetermined file format standards (OBJ, GLTF), so as described above File format conversion may be performed. At this time, the predetermined file format standard may be a file format that allows the 3D model and marker to be expressed with fewer vertices than a predetermined number, and is limited to the OBJ and GLTF described above as examples. no.

The vertex grouping step according to an embodiment of the present invention includes vertex grading, which assigns weights according to high and low visual importance, triangulation (polygon) division of vertices, and grouping of vertices based on geometric accessibility. Clustering that performs, Synthesis that derives representative vertices of grouped vertices, Elimination of duplicate triangles (polygons) and vertices, and Adjustment of normals that connects the remaining vertices to form a triangle. ) process, vertex clustering is performed, and through this, it can be confirmed that 18 vertices are reduced to 12 vertices through the grouping, as shown in FIG. 7.

Therefore, by using the above technical features of the present invention, the number of vertices of the 3D model or marker itself can be reduced, so 3D models, markers, etc. can be created in virtual space in an environment where the use of GPU is limited, such as the web. Even if it is displayed, the phenomenon of screen interruption or slowdown can be significantly reduced.

5. Real-time 360-degree image recombination function

Resources and metadata sampled during the real-time 360-degree image extraction process and loaded on the server must be recombined and reproduced according to predetermined standards. To this end, the present invention applies the Cubric Rendering method according to an embodiment. You can.

The Kubrick rendering method, as shown in FIG. 8, is a method of recombining the real-time 360-degree image tiles and resources/metadata stored by tiling as described above, and renders only the necessary images according to the position on which the user's gaze focuses, In addition, it is a method that performs step-by-step loading over time. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, virtual space services can be provided at a high speed and network traffic consumption can also be minimized.

Specifically, when a user quickly moves to a specific location on a virtual space service, only some tiles visible in front need to be loaded at a location where the user stays for a while while moving, so only about 1/6 of the data that needs to be loaded needs to be loaded. As a result, only about 1/6 of the data that needs to be loaded needs to be loaded. The burden on the terminal and data consumption can be significantly reduced.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, for a general 360-degree image, the initial screen loading time (time from user entry to first screen rendering) took 1650 ms, but for a real-time 360-degree image and When using the tiling and saving method, the initial screen loading time takes 320ms, showing the effect of being reduced by about 80%, and the data consumption when using virtual space services is also about 360ms compared to regular 360-degree images. It shows the effect of saving about 40%. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect of minimizing network traffic consumption, terminal burden, and data consumption when using virtual space services.

Meanwhile, the 3D data packaging and streaming service processing system (1) for building a web-based virtual space according to the present invention provides matching and spatial movement functions between real-time 360-degree images and 3D information, and real-time rendering-based presets for 3D data authoring. It may further include functions, a function to provide module-level markers for interaction, a cloud login function, etc.

In the case of real-time 360-degree images, due to the nature of the image, it is composed of 2D, so even if the scene movement point is placed on an object or wall within the virtual space, the curves of the 3D model or marker cannot be expressed.

Therefore, in the present invention, in order to provide better user experience and immersion, the extracted metadata described above is used to calculate the x, y, and z coordinates of each object or wall to create a moving pointer shape, and the reflection of the By expressing values, as shown in FIG. 10, material features such as the curvature of a 3D model or marker can be provided even in a real-time 360-degree image.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, in relation to the spatial movement method used by the user to move to a specific location on the virtual space service, in the case of the conventional spatial movement method indicated by a plurality of arrows as shown at the top of FIG. 11, the method is limited and limited. There is a problem that only movement can be provided. To solve this problem, a spatial movement method using a mouse pointer can be provided.

More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a user selects and clicks a random area of the entire virtual space to move to a specific location on a virtual space service, if the clicked area is determined to be the floor, the user Since it may be determined that the user wishes to move, in this case, the mouse pointer area closest to the clicked area is searched among the predetermined mouse pointer areas set to allow the user to move, and then the user's position is moved to the searched mouse pointer area. This will come true.

Meanwhile, the 3D data packaging and streaming service processing system (1) for building a web-based virtual space according to the present invention has a function of providing real-time rendering-based presets for 3D data authoring, a function of providing module unit markers for interaction, and a cloud login function. It may further include the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the process of providing web-based 3D data packaging and streaming services, the system 1 according to the present invention uses real-time rendering-based presets (Presets, predefined settings) for 3D data authoring. (Aggregation) Additional functions may be included.

The preset is intended to provide a uniform approach in maintaining and utilizing the established virtual space, and the necessary setting values can be optimized in advance and automatically applied. In the present invention, the types of presets include environmental setting presets for creating a realistic space, material setting presets for setting various materials, and lighting presets that define the values of light that actually exist, but these are only examples and are not limited thereto. does not

In other words, each set value or information is embedded in one or more presets and can be conveniently applied at any time desired by the virtual space manager (including the creator). Therefore, the present invention provides the above quantified and automated various presets to easily control the quality of the virtual space, further reducing the time and effort required for production, and lowering the producer's skill requirements. You can.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, all of the above presets may be provided in modular form such as environment setting presets, material setting presets, lighting presets, etc., and through this, virtual spaces can be built and maintained/utilized on a module basis. there is.

Specifically, the present invention provides, when a virtual space manager wishes to build a virtual space, a service that can be built and managed in the form of a virtual space including a module-level structure and module-level functions through the functions described above and modularized presets. This also has the effect of reducing the time and cost burden of building and managing a virtual space.

Meanwhile, the system 1 according to the present invention may further include a function of providing module unit markers for interaction in the process of providing web-based 3D data packaging and streaming services.

In the case of virtual space services, there is a need to provide additional interactive activities beyond simply displaying the virtual space to users and allowing them to view it. In other words, it is necessary to provide various types of interactive objects or markers, such as icons, screens, and 3D models in virtual space, to enable various interactions with users, but to secure scalability.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the object or marker operates based on web-specific functions, so it can be freely edited on a web-based converting tool separately from the virtual space, and can also be linked with various types of external services. there is.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the object or marker for the interactive activity can be applied in the packaging process of 3D content, and is specifically inserted into a specific area of the virtual space or displayed through a viewer, etc. when a specific button is clicked. It can be applied to express specific information or perform a predefined action. For example, a video marker can be used to give a lecture in a conference hall in a virtual space, display detailed product information, etc. using a viewer, and send/receive data to a chat server using a Web Socket. By linking an external API, it can be applied to conduct group video chats or webinars in the viewer in the form of an iframe.

Objects or markers according to an embodiment of the present invention include a basic marker that exposes an image, video, or web page in a virtual space in a modal form to obtain additional information, a specific wall inside the virtual space, or A 3D marker that marks the model itself with various shapes, such as a viewer marker used to play images or videos on an object or a human body placed in a virtual space, and gives basic marker functions or custom functions during interaction. Model marker, external interaction marker that enables data communication in the form of a post message with the outside world when virtual space content is included in an external web service, TTS (Text-To-Speech) and face reconstruction technology There may be special markers that place AI humans created in virtual space, external links, or other markers that allow linking with services (surveys, video chats, webinars, etc.), but are not limited to these.

Meanwhile, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the configuration of the server 130 for a web-based virtual space 3D content packaging service according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the processor 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a structural block diagram, and Figures 14 and 15 are flowcharts shown to explain the 3D content processing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 12, the server 130 for providing a web-based virtual space 3D content packaging service includes an account 210, IAM (Identity and Access Management) 220, an editor 230, and a processor 240. , a player 250, and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) 260. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be implemented including one or more other components or vice versa.

Meanwhile, even if it is expressed as a single component in FIG. 12, it may be in the form of a module containing a plurality of components or vice versa. For example, the processor 240 of FIG. 12 may have the same configuration as FIG. 13 in the form of a single module. In FIG. 12, the editor 230 and processor 240 are components related to processing 3D content before distributing it, and the player 250 and CDN 260 can be viewed as components related to distribution of 3D content and its processing. .

The account 210 may be responsible for registering the user terminal 110, that is, the user account, and the IAM 220 is for registering and managing the user account and may be token-based. . Additionally, the IAM 220 can also manage user account access levels and permissions. In addition, IAM 220 may manage user data of user accounts.

In the present invention, when a user logs in, the editor 230 can verify the user through the account 210 and IAM 220 and perform operations according to the authority. For example, if the user has the authority, the editor 230 can check the user through the account 210 and IAM 220. ) can access the editor of the server 130. The editor 230 is a type of web editor that can provide a preview function of 3D content representing a virtual space, can handle objects in the virtual space based on coordinates, and can provide a function to distribute them. You can. The editor 230 can receive and provide data related to the above-described functions from the cloud platform.

If the above-described editor 230 is related to basic settings, etc., the processor 240 can be viewed as related to processing actual data according to basic settings, etc. The processor 240 downloads 3D content data from the plug-in through the API and receives and processes metadata, 3D model files, and/or various 360 images through the editor 230. You can. Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the editor 230 may also include the functions of the processor 240 described above.

Meanwhile, the data communication of the plug-in, that is, the protocol, is as follows.

Regarding login, for example, a token is issued by sending a login request to the Authzip (IAM) server 220 through a RESTful API (Application Programming Interface), and the authentication process is performed in subsequent communication with the server 130 through the token. can be performed. Meanwhile, regarding data download/upload, for example, tour information managed by the backstage 310 is read through RESTful API, and the constructed data is processed to generate or It can be renewed. Resources such as 3D models and 360 images can also be uploaded through the backstage API.

Referring to FIG. 13, the processor 240 includes a backstage 310, a relational database (RDB) 320, a Lambda 330, and a simple storage service (S3). It may include (340).

The backstage 310 receives virtual space data received through a plug-in, metadata, 3D model files, and 360 images received through the editor 230 and performs actual processing. You can. This backstage 310 includes tour schema management, spatial metadata management, 3D model and 360 image resource management, and editing permission management. ), version management (publish management), concurrent access control, etc. can be performed.

The backstage 310 transmits a resource exceed check to the payment module for pay management, product plan management, recurring payment support, etc. You can.

The relational database 320 may store metadata processed in the backstage 310. The relational database 320 may also store data related to transaction guarantees.

Lambda 330 may receive an image from the backstage 310 and be responsible for image processing such as cropping and compression. Lambda 330 may receive a model from the backstage 310 and be responsible for model processing.

The simple storage service 340 can store data processed in the backstage 310 and lambda 330. The simple storage service 340 can store metadata files distributed through the backstage 310 as well as 3D models and 360 images. At this time, the metadata file may be of json type, but is not limited thereto.

The player 250 may support playback of 3D virtual space content distributed according to a request from the user terminal 120. The player 250 is a web-based service that supports playback of 3D virtual space content distributed through the process of extraction, lightweighting, automation, and packaging from 3D data according to the present invention, allowing the terminal to visit or participate in the virtual space. , Function to load and render resource images, images, 3D markers, etc.) based on metadata of distributed 3D virtual space content, function to move between scenes and change themes, provision of additional information through various markers, responsive web service, etc. functions can be provided.

As described above, the player 250 may be provided to general users so that they can experience and participate in 3D virtual space content without a separate login process. However, if provided in an embedded form on an external homepage, the player 250 may be provided to general users. In order to allow access to the 3D virtual space content only through a designated URL, access can be restricted or bypassed based on the Referer header of the HTTP protocol. The referrer is a header value that records the domain before moving when moving to another page on the web. When entering the player 250 on a specific website, the referrer compares the domain in the whitelist. If it matches, access is allowed. If it does not match, access is allowed. It is possible to have some kind of firewall implemented that imposes restrictions. Users load metadata and resources distributed on AWS S3 (Simple storage service) and AWS CloudFront (CDN) through HTTP.

The player 250 can provide a virtual space tour of the metaverse environment to the user and can respond to various actions (requests) of the user terminal 120 for the 3D content being played. At this time, the various actions may include, for example, providing a view, changing the screen, moving to a floor, etc. according to the selection of a hotspot, and further, can be provided through markers, etc. described in the present invention. It can contain a variety of functions. Similarly, the player 250 may support query parameter options of the user terminal 120, where the query parameter options may include embed, start scene, etc. described above. Meanwhile, the player 250 may provide a responsive web service.

Meanwhile, in order to allow anyone to easily and quickly experience virtual space services based on 3D content in real time, it is essential to establish a standardized and simplified infrastructure operating environment. An ideal standard infrastructure environment begins with ensuring consistency and reducing complexity, which can be achieved through consistent components, interfaces, and processes.

Simplified infrastructure is easy to manage and operate, making provisioning, expansion, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery easy. If a well-known and simplified infrastructure is used, a smaller number of people can efficiently operate the infrastructure based on standardized operating procedures and processes. Therefore, if the infrastructure can be operated efficiently and stably, it will eventually be possible to provide high-quality virtual space services to users in real time. Therefore, the present invention is capable of securing integrity and high availability under high traffic for a certain period of time or instantaneously, has efficiency in preventing waste of computing resources, and has the flexibility to support changing workloads. By comprehensively considering the security of storing virtual space assets safely, an infrastructure using the cloud is used rather than on-premise.

In the past, expansion of infrastructure required additional servers, and there was the inconvenience of taking a significant amount of time for the servers purchased for this to physically arrive. However, in the case of the cloud, it can be used immediately after payment, so there is no need to worry if traffic surges. If so, immediate infrastructure expansion is possible, allowing for a quick and easy response.

Similarly, since the cloud's CDN (AWS CloudFront) is used instead of a WEB server, it not only provides HTTPS endpoints, but also reduces waiting time and delivers content quickly, eliminating the need to secure idle servers in preparation for a deluge of users. This ensures cost efficiency and the stability to provide real-time 3D virtual space content anywhere in the world.

In addition, if the size of the infrastructure required to build a service is different from expectations, in the past there was a corresponding cost burden when there was a shortage or surplus of infrastructure, but when using the cloud, it is possible to increase or decrease in real time, but you only have to pay for what you use. It has the effect of reducing costs and managing costs efficiently.

In addition, the built real-time 3D virtual space content can be safely stored based on high security, and global cloud service providers have data centers on major continents around the world, allowing you to experience real-time 3D virtual space content at high speed from anywhere. there is.

The CDN 260 supports AWS cloud front and caching according to the request of the player 250, and can forward the request of the player 250 to the simple storage service 340.

The server 130 (including an editor and a processor) can provide a web editor service that can build highly realistic 3D virtual space content using real-time 360-degree images and 3D models. In addition, the server 130 may provide management functions, tour main functions, import functions, editing functions, and distribution functions in order to construct highly realistic 3D virtual space content, and may also provide virtual space statistics functions.

The virtual space statistics function specifically analyzes the customer behavior data of users who accessed 3D virtual space content and analyzes the number of users who accessed the content, stay time, inflow path, preferred page, click event, users by country, retention rate, etc. through Google. It can be saved and provided in the form of a custom event using Google Analytics, etc., but this is only an example and can be provided in various forms. In addition, it may be possible to collect not only statistical information but also user's unstructured log data in real time and provide it in the form of a schematic dashboard.

The management function not only creates and manages tours, but also allows the tours to be shared when multiple user accounts work as a team. The management function may also provide a guide.

For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 31, the tour main function not only manages basic settings such as title/description/tag/logo/representative image for the tour and guidance text such as a start message, but also manages the CMS. Project integration functions (e.g. chat, customer inquiry, statistics) can be provided.

The import function, for example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 31, includes functions such as creating/editing/deleting images required for the tour, filter and search functions, and creating/changing/changing floors and themes. A delete function, etc. can be provided. Meanwhile, the import function can also support multiple updates.

Editing functions can provide keymap/preview functions, 3D modeling function support, movement and various action (Hotspot) editing functions, Undo/Redo functions, auto-save functions, simultaneous operation limitation functions, and other editing-related functions. For example, Figure 32 (a) illustrates the TOP view in relation to this editing function, and Figure 32 (b) illustrates the ISO view. In Figures 32(a) and 32(b), circular items in the images represent hotspots related to camera points, and the number of these hotspots can be arbitrarily set. In addition, when one hotspot among the plurality of hotspots in the image is selected, a camera point, for example, a camera angle, set at the selected hotspot may also be displayed.

In addition, in relation to the editing function, when a plurality of hotspots among the above-described hotspots are sequentially selected at a predetermined time, the order of the hotspots is determined according to the selected order, and the order of hotspots is randomly selected according to the order (a) of FIG. 32 ) and (b) in Figure 32, the right screen (a type of preview function) can be set to automatically play. Alternatively, when one hotspot among a plurality of hotspots is selected, a tour guide may be provided by displaying the next recommended hotspot to help understand the preset or selected hotspot.

Although not shown, numbering is provided to each hotspot in the left images of Figures 32 (a) and 32 (b), and the first numbering and final numbering among the numbering provided within a predetermined time or the second numbering in the first numbering If numbering (respectively, arbitrary numbering) is selected, it may be automatically played according to the numbering order. The numbering may be set by the user terminal 110 or the server 130, or may be automatically set based on the number of views frequently viewed by the user terminal 120. In the above, selection may be made by dragging.

In addition, unlike the above, one hotspot is selected from the left images of Figures 32 (a) and (b) of Figure 32, or the right side of Figures 32 (a) and (b) according to the default hotspot. If an image is provided, it can be provided so that you can move to the next hotspot according to a change in camera angle even if you do not select another hotspot on the left. For example, in this case, in the left images of Figures 32(a) and 32(b), hotspot information that can be selected according to changes in the camera angle is highlighted and provided in a manner similar to the selected hotspot, In the image on the right, a guide may be provided on whether to select a move to another hotspot.

Regarding the distribution function, the final inspection screen (preview), distribution function, and entry URL for each scene can be provided, as shown in Figure 33. The distribution function may include hosting, embedding, etc.

Meanwhile, the editor's data communication, or protocol, is as follows.

Regarding login, you can redirect to the account domain to process integrated login and receive a token as a callback to process login.

Regarding tour creation/change/deletion, etc., for example, step-by-step loading/saving can be performed on the backstage 310 through RESTful API. The case of uploading a resource file (image, model, etc.) from the user terminal 110 is the same as described above.

Regarding simultaneous access restrictions, for example, sessions currently connected to the backstage 310 can be managed using Websocket.

The player 250 is a web service that can play tours created with a web builder, and loads and renders resources (images, videos, 3D models, etc.) based on distributed tour metadata. functions, the ability to move between scenes and change themes, the ability to provide various other functions as hotspot buttons or attached to content, the provision of additional functions in the form of query parameters, and responsive web support functions. You can. In the above, various functions may include an image slider, video viewer, 3D model viewer, custom HTML viewer, etc.

Meanwhile, the data communication, that is, the protocol, related to the player 250 is as follows. Unlike the user terminal 110, which is a 3D content maker, it can have a structure that allows general users to view it without a login process. Regarding data loading, metadata and resources distributed on the simple storage service and cloud front can be loaded using HTTP. Regarding chatting, for example, data can be sent and received to a chat server using websockets. Regarding the inquiry form, data can be sent to the Zapier service, for example, via RESTful API. Regarding statistics, as described above, for example, customer behavior data may be stored in the form of a custom event in an analysis server (e.g., Google Analytics). The customer behavior data may count scene visit/stay time (default time window for a preset random time (e.g., 15 seconds)), and may also include hotspot actions, etc.

The 3D content processing process between the server 130 and the user terminal 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 as follows.

First, referring to FIG. 14, 3D content can be produced by executing a 3D tool on the user terminal 110 (S110).

The server 130 can receive 3D content data produced in the user terminal 110 as is through a plug-in using the API (S120).

The server 130 (web builder) can edit and package the received 3D content data (S130).

The server 130 can distribute the packaged 3D content (S140).

Referring to FIG. 15, the packaging work method is described as follows.

When the server 130 receives 3D content data produced by the user terminal 110 using an API, it packages it. In this case, a packaging operation method can be selected (S210). This is because the server 130 provides a template (or preset) in relation to flow creation for the convenience of use of the user terminal 110.

The first method is to create a new flow in the server 130 in which all data for which default values can be defined are specified (S220). The first method may be a method that uses only the frame of the template provided by the server 130.

On the other hand, the second method is to create a new flow by using the sequence, module, item, etc. created as a sample in the template in the server 130 (S230). The second method may still use the template provided by the server 130.

Meanwhile, in the third method, the server 130 automatically creates a new flow without a template. In this case, the user can also create the sequence (S240). The third method may be a method of directly distributing 3D content data extracted through a plug-in from the user terminal 110 through an API, for example.

Meanwhile, when a new flow is created in steps S230 and S240, the server 130 may provide changes such as settings and sharing and editing functions for modules such as images, tours, and videos on the user terminal ( S250).

After step S250, flow data processed in the first to third methods described above may be distributed. At this time, in relation to the distribution method, hosting distribution with the above-mentioned player, creation of an embedding script, storage in file format, etc. may be adopted. In the case of hosting distribution, 10 flows can be arbitrarily created per user account.

Next, the 3D virtual space content streaming service is described as follows.

Figure 16 is a block diagram of the configuration of the server 130 for a 3D virtual space content streaming service according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 17 illustrates the processing process of 3D virtual space content according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a flow chart shown for this purpose.

Referring to FIG. 16, the server 130 for streaming service of 3D virtual space content includes an account 610, an IAM 620, a payment module 630, a Live Console 640, and a processor 650. ), cloud platform 660, player 670, CAM 680, signaling server 690, etc. The server 130 for a streaming service of 3D virtual space content is not necessarily limited to the components shown in FIG. 16 and may further include one or more components or vice versa. Even if shown as individual components, one or more components may be modularized or vice versa, depending on the embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIGS. 12 and 13 described above are referred to in the corresponding description, and redundant description is omitted here. Hereinafter, the provision of a streaming service for 3D virtual space content will be described, focusing on configurations that are different from those in FIGS. 12 and 13.

The live console (Frontend) 640 is a console web service responsible for uploading/changing settings of 3D virtual space content, and can provide the following functions.

The live console 640 can provide a large file upload function, a plan selection function, and a control panel provision function. Relatedly, the content file has an EXE format and may be pixel streaming enabled. The live console 640 provides a control panel to set content on/off, version, etc., as well as maximum connection and quality (QoS: number of always-ready VMs, quality: FHD, HD, etc.) Customer limit setting functions such as control can be performed.

Meanwhile, the data communication (protocol) of the live console 640 can upload files and transmit control requests to the processor 650, that is, the Livewire backend, through RESTful API, for example.

The player (frontend) 670, as a streaming player, can provide a live streaming service based on WebRTC to another URL (e.g., https://olimplayer.com/live/{content_id}) within the player, and provides content connection. It may include unstable connection control functions such as providing a standby screen, real-time screen transmission function through WebRTC, and content control function (user control transmission) function.

Data communication (protocol) of the player 670 can, for example, receive metadata and connection protocols from the processor 650 (i.e., LiveWire) through a RESTful API, and from a VM (virtual machine) through WebRTC. Real-time screen data can be received.

The processor 650 is a LiveWire (backend) and can perform content management, user request management, virtual machine management, etc. as the main backend of the live service.

The processor 650 provides content management functions such as content file management for each user and content streaming option management, user request management functions such as user request and status management that must wait for connection through a request queue, and maximizes reuse through a VM scheduler. It is possible to provide virtual machine management functions that minimize costs and improve user experience.

The data communication (protocol) of the processor 650 can be used to provide an API to the live console 640 and the player 670 and to the cloud platform 660 for control and status confirmation through RESTful API. The processor 650 can be used to check virtual machine status and other real-time data through web sockets.

The live console 640 can transmit EXE files and settings requests to the processor 650. The processor 650 may upload EXE files and VM actions to the cloud platform 660. Here, the cloud platform may include VMs and shared storage. The CAM (Content Access Manager) 680 performs rule-based access control and can perform public/private checks and paid checks in relationship with the processor 650. The signaling server 690 may perform signaling for address exchange, connection maker, and quality control in relationship with the processor 650 according to the operation request of the player 670. The player 670 can perform a relay function through a TURN server (not shown) according to the WebRTC protocol in relationship with the virtual machine of the cloud platform 660. The cloud platform 660 may include a Windows-based VM supported by a GPU (Graphics Process Unit), and ElasticSearch (not shown) provides user action data for scenes, layers, hotspots, etc. through the VM and player 670. Logs can be collected and returned to the player.

With reference to FIG. 17, the 3D virtual space content file processing process is described as follows.

When a large content file such as 3D virtual space content is created in the user terminal 110, the generated 3D virtual space content file can be received in real time from the live console 640 (S310).

The live console 640 may upload the 3D virtual space content file and settings request received through the API to the processor 650 (S320).

The processor 650 may upload virtual machine action data according to virtual machine scheduling and the received 3D virtual space content file to the cloud platform 660 including virtual machines (S330).

The cloud platform 660 may process the 3D virtual space content file received through a virtual machine scheduled by the processor 650 (S340). At this time, the 3D virtual space content file processed by the virtual machine can be stored in shared storage.

3D virtual space content processed by the virtual machine of the cloud platform 660 via the signaling server 690 is uploaded to the player 670 and can be provided as a streaming service by the player 670 (S350).

In relation to the above-described embodiments, the following describes a cloud construction and VM scheduling framework for streaming big data such as 3D content with reference to the attached drawings. The cloud construction may correspond to or reflect the cloud platform of FIG. 16 described above. This concerns a VM scheduling framework for creating VM instances according to user requests, building backend servers capable of running streaming, building a cloud environment, and providing high-reliability/high-performance streaming services.

Regarding WebSocket and RESTful API, WebSocket for normal clients is run(activate)/exit(deactivate), and RESTful API for administrator is VM create/delete. /Can be used for VM status, etc. This may involve handling of user request queues, automatically mounted shared content stores such as file systems, VM schedulers, SQL log-based monitoring, etc. Regarding the VM scheduler above, for example, in the case where there is a pre-executed standby virtual machine instance, a recycling method, a method of limiting simultaneous connections, a method of terminating the instance after waiting for a certain period of time when the user account is deactivated and the connection is terminated, etc. may be considered. .

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the overall architecture of the framework, and Figures 19 to 30 are diagrams to explain the big data streaming processing process according to each scenario.

Referring to FIG. 18, the overall architecture of the framework may be composed of a client stage, a VM scheduling framework stage, and a cloud platform stage.

The configuration and description of each stage are explained along with the big data streaming processing process according to each scenario, which will be described later, and for a detailed description of the corresponding components, refer to the description of FIG. 16 described above.

First, the scenario for the big data streaming processing process can be defined as follows. The first scenario is activation with a new VM (see Figures 19 and 20), the second scenario is activation with a reusable VM and the content on the VM (see Figures 21 and 22), and the third scenario is with a new VM. Activation (see Figures 23 and 24), the fourth scenario is Activation with a reusable VM and content on the VM (see Figures 25 and 26), and the Fifth Scenario is Activation with a new VM (Figures 27 and 28), and the sixth scenario is activation with reusable VMs and content on the VMs (see FIGS. 29 and 30).

First, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the processing according to the first scenario (when a VM instance does not exist and resource allocation is possible) will be described.

When client 1 makes an activation request with a content identifier (contentId) (1), the VM scheduler can send a fetch request to the VM status table through the scheduling queue (2). The VM status table of the VM scheduler can make a log request to the database upon receiving a fetch request (3).

In the cloud platform, a new VM can be created and the new VM created in this way can be assigned with a content identifier (4). At this time, the newly created VM information may be recorded in the VM status table along with the content identifier.

The VM scheduler may refer to the VM status table to transmit VM information (content identifier and assigned VM) to the signaling server (5), and signal the signaling server from the assigned VM (6).

The signaling server sends a ready message to the VM scheduler (7), and the VM scheduler responds to Client 1's activation request with the allocated VM information (8).

When Client 1 signals the signaling server (9), WebRTC is connected and activated between Client 1 and the assigned VM (10).

Referring to FIG. 20, the client may request the creation of a web socket for communication with the server 130, and the server 130 may create a web socket.

When a WebSocket is created in this way, the client requests activation, creates a request queue in the scheduling queue, and transmits it to the VM scheduler, and the VM scheduler can perform VM scheduling.

Looking at the VM scheduling process, the VM scheduler first determines whether the requested queue is an existing VM instance. If the requested queue is not an existing VM instance, the VM scheduler determines whether additional VM startup is possible and, if possible, creates a new VM instance. You can start up a VM instance (VM-N), assign a content identifier to the started VM instance, and assign the VM.

Information on the assigned VM is delivered to the client through WebRTC, and the client and VM-N can be connected through WebRTC.

Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the processing according to the second scenario (when a VM instance corresponding to existing content already exists) will be described.

In explaining the processes of FIGS. 21 and 22, they are the same except for the content related to VM allocation, so refer to the previous description, and here, the differences from the first scenario will be mainly explained.

Referring to FIG. 21, the VM scheduler examines the VM status table according to the fetch request, and if a VM identical to the content identifier already exists, - rather than starting and assigning a new VM as in the first scenario described above - The VM can be reused and reallocated.

Referring to FIG. 22, if the received fetch request is for an existing VM instance and the content identifier of the VM instance is the same as the content identifier requested to fetch, the VM scheduler may assign the VM to be reused.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, the processing according to the third scenario (when a VM instance exists but the corresponding content identifier is not present) will be described.

In explaining the processes of FIGS. 23 and 24, they are the same except for the content related to VM allocation, so refer to the previous description, and here, the differences between the first scenario and the second scenario will be mainly explained.

Referring to FIG. 23, the VM scheduler examines the VM status table according to the fetch request, and if a VM identical to the content identifier already exists, - this is not a new VM startup and allocation as in the first scenario described above - The VM can be reused and reallocated. However, in this case, in the second scenario, the same content that has already been assigned to the corresponding VM is not reused, but in the third scenario, there is a reusable VM that can be assigned but does not have the same content identifier. Therefore, the VM scheduler can assign a reusable VM with the content identifier requested to be fetched.

Referring to FIG. 24, if the received fetch request is for an existing VM instance, but the content identifier of the VM instance is not the same as the content identifier requested to fetch, the VM scheduler assigns the content identifier to the VM instance so that the VM is It can be allocated to be reused.

With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the processing process according to the fourth scenario (streaming data) will be described.

Referring to Figures 25 and 26, the client can create a signaling server and a web socket, and the signaling server can create a VM and a web socket. If the signaling server creates a web socket between the client and the VM, the client and the VM can provide streaming services through WebRTC.

Referring to FIG. 27, the processing process according to the fifth scenario (inquiry of existing VM instance status) will be described.

When a client sends a request to query the status of an existing VM instance, a queue is created in the scheduling queue and sent to the VM scheduler, and the VM scheduler searches the VM status table for the corresponding VM instance and returns the result to the client (response). can do.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the processing process according to the sixth scenario (VM instance deactivation) will be described.

Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the client transmits a VM deactivation request to the signaling server, the signaling server may transmit a disconnection message to the VM scheduler.

The VM scheduler updates the VM status table and records log client and VM information in the database. And the VM scheduler can send a deactivation request for the corresponding VM (instance) to the cloud platform and deactivate the corresponding VM in the cloud platform.

Figure 30 illustrates the interface, or API, between each component used in the scenario. For the client, the VM scheduler and WebSocket API are set, and for the client (administrator), the VM scheduler and RESTful API are set. You can.

A RESTful API can be set up between the VM scheduler and the VMs of the cloud platform, and between the VM scheduler and the signaling server.

A WebSocket API can be set between the client and the signaling server, between the signaling server and the VM, and between the client and the VM, respectively.

However, the API illustrated in FIG. 30 is an example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

Figure 34 is a flow chart illustrating a 3D content data processing process according to another embodiment.

Figure 34 shows a case where after importing content data produced in a 3D tool through a plug-in installed on the user terminal 110 using an API, there is a change or update such as correction, addition, or deletion during processing in the server 130. This is an embodiment of automatically reflecting the 3D tool of the user terminal 110.

Meanwhile, the opposite case of the above is also possible. That is, after importing content data produced in a 3D tool through a plug-in installed on the user terminal 110 using an API, if there is an update of the content data in the 3D tool of the user terminal 110, the server 130 This is to ensure that it is reflected in real time even if no separate operation is performed at the stage.

Meanwhile, in the above process, when there is a change or update, it can be controlled to have a new file name so that differences from the previous work can be identified. This is to prevent problems caused by errors or mistakes during multiple work processes. Meanwhile, the reflected update content can be displayed so that it can be identified so that the update content can be intuitively judged.

The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 34, but steps S410 to S430 are the same as steps S110 to S130 of FIG. 14, so reference is made to them and redundant description is omitted.

The server 130 determines whether there is update content during the packaging process (S440), and if there is update content as a result of the determination, the server 130 may extract the content and generate control data including a control command (S450).

The server 130 may transmit the control data generated in step S450 to the user terminal 110 (S460) so that it is automatically reflected in 3D content on the 3D tool (S470). In this case, it is saved together by indicating that it is about the 3D content through a tag, and later, when the 3D tool is run and the 3D content is called, a guide is provided along with an indication that there is an update, and the content is automatically updated according to the selection. 3D content reflecting the updater can be provided on a 3D tool. Meanwhile, if there are multiple updates before executing the above-described 3D tool and calling the corresponding 3D content, for example, the updates may be displayed separately in chronological order, or only the latest version of the update may be displayed. In the former case, brief contents of each separated update can be displayed so that users can intuitively select whether or not to reflect the update.

Figure 35 is a block diagram of the server 130.

First, Figure 35 is a block diagram of the server 130. The server 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented including a memory 2510 and a processor 2520. .

The memory 2510 may be one or more databases (DB) and may correspond to the various databases described above.

The processor 2520 can perform various functions described in FIGS. 12 to 15, 16 to 17, 19 to 29, and 34. The processor 2520 can process the user interface shown in FIGS. 31 to 33 to be provided.

As described above, the present invention converts 3D space and actions performed in the space into easily accessible web-based 3D virtual space content, including automatic conversion function for location information and visualization contents required for this, automatic hosting construction, and the above. Various related functions related to behavior can be controlled through a web builder and an authoring tool can be provided that allows stakeholders such as teams to easily collaborate.

Meanwhile, the above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates the program using a computer-readable medium. Additionally, the data structure used in the above-described method may be recorded on a computer-readable medium through various means. Computer-readable media storing executable computer code for performing the various methods of the present invention include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical readable media (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.) etc.) and other storage media.

Those skilled in the art related to the embodiments of the present invention will understand that the above-described material may be implemented in a modified form without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the detailed description of the invention, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

The present inventor's method and device for lightweighting image and object data for web distribution of 3D content can be used in various methods and devices for lightweighting image and object data.

Claims (7)

In a method for a server to provide a streaming service of virtual space 3D content,
Receiving a request to access virtual space 3D content from a user terminal; and
Including providing streaming virtual space 3D content to the user terminal in response to the request,
The virtual space 3D content is a combination of at least one tile image taken in tile units of a predetermined size in all directions corresponding to 360 degrees x 360 degrees of the virtual space,
The step of providing the virtual space 3D content by streaming includes dividing the virtual space into at least one area, and at least one of the divided areas for a specific area corresponding to the user's current location or current gaze in the virtual space. Including first performing rendering of the above tile images and providing them to the user terminal,
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. According to paragraph 1,
Dividing the virtual space into at least one area,
Including dividing the virtual space into cubes corresponding to hexahedrons of the same size or different sizes and dividing the virtual space into six areas of the same size or different sizes.
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. According to paragraph 1,
When the user's position or gaze moves within the virtual space,
Rendering at least one tile image for a moving area corresponding to the moved position or the moved gaze among the divided areas and providing the image to the user terminal.
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. According to paragraph 1,
Regarding at least one tile image for the remaining areas excluding the specific area among the divided areas,
After rendering the tile image for the specific area, rendering is performed sequentially according to predetermined standards and provided to the user terminal.
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. According to clause 4,
At least one tile image for the specific area performs high-resolution rendering at a predetermined level,
At least one tile image for the remaining area performs mid- or low-resolution rendering at a predetermined level,
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. According to paragraph 1,
A request to access the virtual space 3D content is,
When the user terminal requests access to the virtual space through a player for the virtual space 3D content, or when the user terminal requests access to the virtual space through a URL address for the virtual space 3D content Including when requested,
A method of providing streaming services for virtual space 3D content. In a device that provides a streaming service of virtual space 3D content,
A memory unit containing virtual space 3D content; and
Including a control unit;
The control unit receives a request to access virtual space 3D content from the user terminal,
In response to the request, control to provide streaming virtual space 3D content to the user terminal,
The virtual space 3D content is a combination of at least one tile image taken in tile units of a predetermined size in all directions corresponding to 360 degrees x 360 degrees of the virtual space,
Controlling the control unit to provide streaming of the virtual space 3D content includes dividing the virtual space into at least one area, and, among the divided areas, a specific area corresponding to the user's current location or current gaze in the virtual space. Including performing high-resolution rendering at a predetermined level on at least one tile image and providing it to the user terminal,
A device that provides streaming services for virtual space 3D content.