Server device, avatar moving method, and avatar moving program

Abstract

To provide a device, method and program for moving an avatar at a moving speed in which the situation of a user is properly reflected.SOLUTION: In a virtual space communication system, a server device and a plurality of user-side devices can communicate with each other over a network, such as the Internet. The server device includes: an acquisition unit which acquires user moving speed at which a user moves in a real space, and an avatar set speed at which the user moves an avatar in a virtual space, the avatar set speed being set in association with the user moving speed; a correction value setting unit which sets a correction value of the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space, on the basis of the acquired user moving speed and a reference speed which is a basis for the user moving speed in a user attribute that the user belongs to; and a virtual information processing unit which moves the avatar at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed with the set correction value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, an avatar movement method, and an avatar movement program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for providing a user with a virtual space such as a virtual reality (VR) space. For example, there is known a technique for displaying an avatar moving in the virtual space in response to the user's movement in the real space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-229394 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When moving an avatar in a virtual space in response to the movement of a user in real space, it is required that the avatar move at a speed that more appropriately reflects the user's situation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a server device, an avatar movement method, and an avatar movement program that are capable of moving an avatar in a virtual space in response to the user's movement in real space at a movement speed that more appropriately reflects the user's situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, a correction value setting unit that sets a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a basis for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs, and a virtual information processing unit that moves the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0007] The avatar movement method of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which an avatar of the user moves in virtual space, the avatar set speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed, setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a reference for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs, and moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0008] The avatar movement program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which an avatar of the user moves in virtual space, the avatar set speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed; set a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a reference for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs; and move the avatar at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a server device, an avatar movement method, and an avatar movement program that are capable of moving an avatar at a movement speed that more appropriately reflects the user's situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space communication system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a user-side device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations of the server device according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a server device, an avatar movement method, and an avatar movement program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of a virtual space communication system 100 according to the present embodiment. The virtual space communication system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a system in which, for example, a user can take a walk, go shopping, play games, and the like in real time in a virtual space.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the virtual space communication system 100 includes a server device 10 and a user device 20. The server device 10 and the multiple user devices 20 are capable of communicating with each other via a network such as the Internet. Types of the user device 20 include, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), a smartphone, a tablet, and a head-mounted display device (hereinafter referred to as an HMD device) that a user can wear on his / her head.

[0014] The server device 10 centrally manages the virtual space communication system 100. The server device 10 has various applications, data, programs, etc. for displaying the virtual space on the display units of the multiple user side devices 20. As the server device 10, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, etc. are used, but are not limited thereto.

[0015] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0016] The communication unit 11 performs wired or wireless communication with an external device and includes an interface such as a network interface card.

[0017] The processing unit 12 performs various information processing. The processing unit 12 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing unit 12 includes an acquisition unit 14, a correction value setting unit 15, and a virtual information processing unit 16.

[0018] The acquisition unit 14 acquires the user's movement speed in the real space and the avatar setting speed for the user's avatar in the virtual space. Here, the user movement speed is the speed at which the user moves in the real space. The avatar setting speed is the movement speed for moving the avatar, and is set corresponding to the user movement speed. Regarding the correspondence relationship between the user movement speed and the avatar setting speed, for example, it is stored in the storage unit 13 in a preset state. The storage unit 13 may store the avatar setting speed in advance. The storage unit 13 may store an avatar setting speed set slower compared to the avatar setting speeds when the user movement speed is s1 and when the user movement speed is s2 (s1 < s2).

[0019] The correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value for the avatar setting speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed.

[0020] As an example, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value based on the user's moving speed and the reference speed in the user attributes. The user attributes can be attributes such as the user's age, gender, physique, presence or absence of exercise experience, presence or absence of disabilities, etc. The user attributes are not limited to the above and may include other items. The user attributes may be registered in advance for each user, or may be set based on information of the input user, etc. The reference speed is a moving speed that serves as a reference for the user's moving speed and is set for each user attribute. The reference speed can be, for example, the average value of the moving speed in the user attributes. For example, in the case of the user attribute of "age", the reference speed can be the average value for each age, the average value for each age group, etc. Note that the reference speed may be a speed different from the average value. The storage unit 13 may store the reference speed in advance. The storage unit 13 may store the reference speed based on the user's age. When the user's age is n1, the storage unit 13 may store a reference speed set faster than the reference speed when the user's age is n2 (n1 < n2). The storage unit 13 may store the reference speed based on the user's gender. When the user's gender is male, the storage unit 13 may store a reference speed set faster than the reference speed when the user's gender is female. The storage unit 13 may store the reference speed based on the presence or absence or degree of the user's disability. When the user has a disability, the storage unit 13 may store a reference speed set slower than the reference speed when the user does not have a disability. When the degree of the user's disability is L1, the storage unit 13 may store a reference speed set faster than the reference speed when the degree of the user's disability is L2 (L1 < L2). Here, the degree of disability L1 or L2 is such that the smaller the numerical value, the lighter the degree of disability.

[0021] When multiple users move in the real space and a plurality of avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 sets correction values for the plurality of avatars based on the user movement speed of the user with the slowest user movement speed in the real space and the reference speed. The correction value setting unit 15 may set correction values based on the user movement speed. When the user movement speed is s3, the correction value setting unit 15 may set a larger correction value compared to the correction value when the user movement speed is s4 (s3 < s4). The correction value setting unit 15 may set correction values based on the reference speed. When the reference speed is c1, the correction value setting unit 15 may set a larger correction value compared to the correction value when the reference speed is c2 (c1 < c2).

[0022] The correction value setting unit 15 can set correction values based on the history of the user movement speed of the user in the real space. The history of the user movement speed can be stored in the storage unit 13, for example, as information for each user. Note that the history of the user movement speed may be stored in the storage unit 13 as an average value and updated as appropriate.

[0023] The correction value setting unit 15 can set correction values based on the excitement level of the user in the real space. By this process, the correction value set according to the user movement speed and the reference speed in the user attributes can be further fine-tuned based on the excitement level.

[0024] Also, as another example, the correction value setting unit 15 can set correction values based on the user movement speed and the excitement level of the user in the real space.

[0025] In this case, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value according to the scene around the avatar in the virtual space. Specifically, the correction value setting unit 15 can select between a process of setting the correction value such that the higher the level of excitement of the user, the higher the correction speed becomes relative to the set avatar speed, and a process of setting the correction value such that the higher the level of excitement of the user, the lower the correction speed becomes relative to the set avatar speed, depending on the scene around the avatar.

[0026] The correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value based on the user attribute to which the user belongs. In this case, the correction value setting unit 15 can perform processing such as setting a weighting coefficient according to the user attribute in advance and multiplying the weighting coefficient corresponding to the user attribute, rather than using the reference speed in the user attribute as described above. By this processing, the correction value set according to the user movement speed and the excitement level can be further fine-tuned based on the user attribute.

[0027] When multiple users move in the real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 sets the avatar set speeds of the multiple avatars in the virtual space based on the excitement levels of the multiple users. Specifically, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value for the avatar of a user whose excitement level is lower than a reference value among the multiple users so that the avatar set speed after correction is faster than the avatar set speed before correction. In addition, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value for the avatar of a user whose excitement level is higher than a reference value among the multiple users so that the avatar set speed after correction is slower than the avatar set speed before correction.

[0028] The virtual information processing unit 16 processes information about the virtual space (hereinafter referred to as virtual space information) and controls various operations in the virtual space. The virtual space information includes, for example, information about the coordinate system of the virtual space, and information about the position and shape of an object such as an avatar that exists in the virtual space. The virtual information processing unit 16 controls, for example, the operation of an avatar. The virtual information processing unit 16 can control the operation of the avatar in response to the user's operation. When the user moves by walking or the like, the virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar at an avatar set speed corresponding to the user's moving speed due to the movement, or at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the correction value set by the correction value setting unit 15.

[0029] The storage unit 13 stores information such as various programs and data. The storage unit 13 includes storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 13 can store, for example, a relationship between the user attributes of a registered user and a reference speed of a user movement speed for the user attributes. The storage unit 13 can store a correspondence relationship between an excitement level and a correction value of an avatar set speed. The storage unit 13 may store a plurality of reference speeds for each of a plurality of user attributes. The storage unit 13 may store a plurality of correction values ​​for each of a plurality of excitement levels.

[0030] The memory unit 13 stores an avatar movement program that causes a computer to execute, for example, a process of acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, a process of setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a standard for the user movement speed in the user attributes to which the user belongs, and a process of moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value.

[0031] The memory unit 13 also stores an avatar movement program that causes the computer to execute, for example, a process of acquiring a user movement speed at which the user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, a process of setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and the user's excitement level, and a process of moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value.

[0032] In the server device 10, the processor in the processing unit 12 reads out various programs and loads them in memory, thereby executing information processing corresponding to the functions of each of the above units. Examples of the various programs include a program received by the communication unit 11, a program stored in the storage unit 13, and a program recorded on an external recording medium. The server device 10 functions as an information processing device (computer) that executes various information processes. Note that the various programs may be executed by an information processing device other than the server device 10, or the server device 10 and the other information processing device may cooperate to execute the various programs.

[0033] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the user device 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the user device 20 includes an input / output unit 21, a communication unit 22, a processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a display unit 25, and a detection unit 26.

[0034] The input / output unit 21 is connected to, for example, a display unit 25 and a detection unit 26. The input / output unit 21 outputs a display signal to the display unit 25. In addition, the input / output unit 21 receives a detection signal from the detection unit 26.

[0035] The display unit 25 displays various information including characters and images. The display unit 25 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 25 may be a head-mounted display device (hereinafter referred to as an HMD device) that is worn on the user's head. The display unit 25 is capable of displaying a virtual space and an avatar within the virtual space. The display unit 25 may have an audio output unit. The display unit 25 may be provided separately from the housing described above and may be configured to be connected to the input / output unit 21 from the outside.

[0036] The detection unit 26 detects various states of the user. The various states of the user include, for example, a user moving speed, which is the moving speed of the user, and biological information for calculating the excitement level of the user. The detection unit 26 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the moving speed of the user. The detection unit 26 also includes a biological information sensor capable of detecting biological information for calculating the excitement level of the user. Examples of the biological information include brain waves, cerebral blood flow, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweat rate, and muscle current. The detection unit 26 outputs the detection result. The detection unit 26 may be configured to be provided separately from the above-mentioned housing and connected to the input / output unit 21 from the outside.

[0037] The communication unit 22 communicates information with the server device 10 via a network, either wired or wirelessly. The communication unit 22 transmits the user's state to the server device 10. The communication unit 22 receives virtual space information transmitted from the server device 10.

[0038] The processing unit 23 controls each unit of the user side device 20. The processing unit 23 has a processing device such as a CPU, and memories such as a RAM and a ROM. The processing unit 23 calculates the user's user movement speed and excitement level based on a detection signal from the detection unit 26. The user movement speed and excitement level may be calculated on the server device 10 side. The detection unit 26 can calculate a score according to the detection result of the biological information, for example, and calculate the excitement level based on the score. The processing unit 23 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit and receive information. The processing unit 23 causes the display unit 25 to display the virtual space information transmitted from the server device 10.

[0039] The storage unit 24 has a storage such as an HDD, an SSD, etc. An external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 stores an operating system of the user side device 20, various programs for controlling the operation of each unit, a chat application for chatting, various programs, data, etc.

[0040] Next, an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system 100 configured as above will be described. Fig. 4 to Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the virtual space communication system 100. When a user connects to the server device 10 via the user side device 20, the virtual information processing unit 16 in the server device 10 authenticates the user. When the authentication is completed, the virtual information processing unit 16 sets an avatar of the user in the virtual space. With this setting, as shown in Fig. 4, the display unit 25 of the user side device 20 displays a state in which an avatar A corresponding to the user U exists in the virtual space VR.

[0041] For example, when a user walks at a user moving speed in real space, the detection unit 26 in the user-side device 20 detects and outputs the user moving speed. The processing unit 23 acquires the output user moving speed and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit it to the server device 10.

[0042] In the server device 10, the user movement speed transmitted from the user side device 20 is received by the communication unit 11. In the processing unit 12, the acquisition unit 14 acquires the user movement speed. The acquisition unit 14 acquires, from the storage unit 13, an avatar set speed that is set corresponding to the acquired user movement speed.

[0043] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar at a moving speed based on the acquired avatar set speed V1a. At this time, the virtual information processing unit 16 can move the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using a correction value. Here, first, an operation in the case where a correction value for the avatar set speed is set according to a reference speed in the user attributes will be described.

[0044] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a case where a user U1 moves at a user movement speed V1 will be described as an example. The correction value setting unit 15 obtains a reference speed for the user movement speed V1 in the user attribute based on the user attribute of the user U1 who uses the user side device 20. FIG. 5 illustrates information such as the user attribute of the user U1, the correspondence between the user movement speed and the avatar set speed, the reference speed, and the correction value. The reference speed Vm is, for example, an average value of the movement speed in "user attribute 1", which is the user attribute of the user U1. The correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value according to the avatar set speed and the reference speed Vm. The correction value can be set as a constant by which the avatar set speed is multiplied. The correction value may be a number to be added to the avatar set speed. These pieces of information are stored in, for example, the storage unit 13. The correction value setting unit 15 can obtain the reference speed Vm from the user attribute by using the correspondence stored in advance in the storage unit 13. The correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value α1 for the avatar set speed from the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit 13, based on the acquired user movement speed V1 and the calculated reference speed Vm.

[0045] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar A1 at a corrected speed V1b obtained by correcting the avatar set speed V1a by the set correction value α1. The virtual information processing unit 16 multiplies the avatar set speed V1a by the correction value α1 to calculate the corrected speed V1b. The correction value α1 is a positive value equal to or greater than 0. The virtual information processing unit 16 may add the correction value β1 to the avatar set speed V1a to calculate the corrected speed V1b. The correction value β1 may be a positive value, a negative value, or 0.

[0046] With this control, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user U1 moves at the user moving speed V1 in the real space, the display unit 25 displays the avatar A1 corresponding to the user U1, and displays the state in which the avatar A1 moves at a corrected speed V1b faster than the avatar set speed V1a. The dashed line portion A10 in FIG. 5 indicates the position of the avatar A1 before the movement. The avatar A1 shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 indicates the position of the avatar A1 when it moves from the dashed line portion A10 at the corrected speed V1b for a predetermined time. The dashed line portion A11 in FIG. 5 indicates the virtual position of the avatar A1 when it moves from the dashed line portion A10 at the avatar set speed V1a for a predetermined time. The correction value setting unit 15 may set the correction value so that the avatar A1 moves at a corrected speed slower than the avatar set speed V1a. When the correction value setting unit 15 sets the correction value, the avatar is displayed on the display unit 25 as A11 when the correction value α1 is 1, and as A1 when the correction value α1 is greater than 1. In particular, when the user U1 is an elderly person, the reference speed is set slower than that of a young person. Then, since the correction value is set larger than that of a young person, the difference between the user movement speed V1a and the correction speed V1b is larger than that of a young person. In other words, even an elderly person can move in the virtual space in the same way as a young person.

[0047] Next, the case where a plurality of users move in the real space will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the case where two users U2 and U3 move at different speeds V2 and V3 (V2 > V3) in the real space will be taken as an example for explanation. The correction value setting unit 15 determines whether a plurality of avatars A20 and A30 corresponding to a plurality of users U2 and U3 in the virtual space VR are located within a predetermined distance DD. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of avatars A20 and A30 are located at a distance D (< DD) and are located within the predetermined distance DD. When the correction value setting unit 15 determines that the plurality of avatars A20 and A30 are located within the predetermined distance DD, based on the user movement speed V3 of the slowest user among the user movement speeds V2 and V3 in the real space, that is, the user U3, and the reference speed Vm, the correction values of the plurality of avatars A2 and A3 are set. For example, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value α2 so that the avatar setting speed V2a of another avatar A2 is made the same as the avatar setting speed V3a of the avatar A3 corresponding to the user U3 with the slowest user movement speed. Therefore, the correction value setting unit 15 sets the correction value α2 so that the correction speed V2b of the avatar A2 becomes the avatar setting speed V3a of the avatar A3.

[0048] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar A2 at a correction speed V2b obtained by correcting the avatar setting speed V2a with the set correction value α2, and moves the avatar A3 at the avatar setting speed V3a. The virtual information processing unit 16 multiplies the avatar setting speed V2a by the correction value α2 to calculate the correction speed V2b. The correction value α2 is a positive value of 0 or more. The virtual information processing unit 16 may add the correction value β2 to the avatar setting speed V2a to calculate the correction speed V2b. The correction value β2 may be a positive value, a negative value, or 0.

[0049] By this control, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 25 displays avatars A2 and A3 corresponding to a plurality of (for example, two) users U2 and U3, and displays a state in which the avatars A2 and A3 move at the same speeds V2b and V3a (=V2b). In this way, a state in which a plurality of avatars A2 and A3 move together can be displayed. Note that dashed lines A20 and A30 in FIG. 6 indicate the positions of the avatars A2 and A3 before they move. Also, the avatars A2 and A3 shown by solid lines in FIG. 6 indicate the positions of the avatars A2 and A3 when they move from the dashed lines A20 and A30 at the same speeds V2b and V3a, respectively, for a predetermined time. Also, the dashed line A21 in FIG. 6 indicates the virtual position of the avatar A2 when it moves from the dashed line A20 at the avatar setting speed V2a for a predetermined time. A case will be described in which the users U2 and U3 are located at different locations in the real space and the user attributes of the users U2 and U3 are different from each other. The correction value setting unit 15 sets the correction value based on the slower user movement speed V3 of the user movement speeds V2 and V3 in the real space, so the two users' correction speeds become the same. In other words, users U2 and U3 can move together in the virtual space even if user U2 does not change his / her user movement speed.

[0050] When multiple users move in real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance DD in the virtual space VR, the correction value setting unit 15 may set correction values ​​for the multiple avatars based on a user movement speed and a reference speed Vm of any one of the multiple users. When multiple users move in real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance DD in the virtual space VR, the correction value setting unit 15 may set correction values ​​for the multiple avatars based on an average value or a mode value of the user movement speeds of the multiple users.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a history of a user's moving speed. As shown in FIG. 7, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value based on the history of the user's moving speed for the user in the real space. The history of the user's moving speed may be stored in, for example, the storage unit 24 of the user-side device 20. The history of the user's moving speed may be transmitted from the communication unit 22 to the server device 10 and stored in the storage unit 13 of the server device 10. For example, when the user's moving speed history V11, V12, V13, V14, and V15 shown in FIG. 7 are recorded in chronological order and the values ​​gradually increase, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value to a value smaller than the correction value set in the past, assuming that the user's motor ability is improving from a deteriorated state.

[0052] Next, an operation for setting a correction value for the avatar set speed in accordance with the user's excitement level in the real space will be described.

[0053] 8, a case will be described as an example in which a user U4 with an excitement level E4 moves at a user moving speed V4 in real space. The correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value for the avatar set speed based on the excitement level of the user U4 who uses the user side device 20. When the correspondence between the excitement level and the correction value for the avatar set speed is stored in the storage unit 13, the correction value setting unit 15 calculates the correction value based on the stored correspondence.

[0054] At this time, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value according to the scene around the avatar A4 in the virtual space VR. FIG. 8 illustrates the correspondence between the scene around the avatar A4, the user movement speed, the avatar set speed, the excitement level, and the correction value. The excitement level is calculated as a value based on the biological information detected by the detection unit 26. The correction value can be set as a constant to be multiplied by the avatar set speed. The correction value may be a number to be added to the avatar set speed. This information is stored in the storage unit 13, for example.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value α4 corresponding to the user movement speed V4 and excitement level E4 in the scene 1 around the avatar A4. In the virtual space VR, when the "scene 1" that is the scene around the avatar A4 is, for example, a scene where sports are being played, the correction value α4 can be set so that the correction speed V4b becomes higher than the avatar set speed V4a as the excitement level of the user U4 increases. In addition, in the virtual space VR, when the "scene 1" that is the scene around the avatar A4 is, for example, a scene where a landscape is being enjoyed, the correction value α4 can be set so that the correction speed V4b becomes lower than the avatar set speed V4a as the excitement level of the user U4 increases.

[0056] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar A4 at a corrected speed V4b obtained by correcting the avatar set speed V4a by the set correction value α4. The virtual information processing unit 16 multiplies the avatar set speed V4a by the correction value α4 to calculate the corrected speed V4b. The correction value α4 is a positive value equal to or greater than 0. The virtual information processing unit 16 may add the correction value β4 to the avatar set speed V4a to calculate the corrected speed V4b. The correction value β4 may be a positive value, a negative value, or 0.

[0057] By this control, as shown in FIG. 8, when a user U4 with an excitement level E4 moves at a user moving speed V4 in the real space, the display unit 25 displays an avatar A4 corresponding to the user U4, and displays a state in which the avatar A4 moves at a correction speed V4b faster than the avatar set speed V4a. The correction value setting unit 15 may set a correction value so that the avatar A4 moves at a correction speed slower than the avatar set speed V4a. The dashed line portion A40 in FIG. 8 indicates the position of the avatar A4 before moving. The avatar A4 shown by a solid line in FIG. 8 indicates the position of the avatar A4 when it moves from the dashed line portion A40 at the correction speed V4b for a predetermined time. The dashed line portion A41 in FIG. 8 indicates the virtual position of the avatar A4 when it moves from the dashed line portion A40 at the avatar set speed V4a for a predetermined time.

[0058] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar A4 at a corrected speed V4b obtained by correcting the avatar setting speed V4a with the set correction value α4. By this control, as shown in FIG. 8, on the display unit 25, a state in which the avatar A4 moves at the corrected speed V4b according to the excitement level E4 of the user U4 and the scene around the avatar A4 is displayed. That is, the user U4 can obtain a high sense of immersion by moving in the virtual space based on the excitement level E4 and the scene.

[0059] Next, the case where a plurality of users move in the real space will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the case where two users, user U5 with excitement level E5 and user U6 with excitement level E6, move at different speeds V5 and V6 (for example, V5 > V6, V5a > V6a) in the real space will be described as an example. The correction value setting unit 15 determines whether or not a plurality of avatars A50 and A60 corresponding to a plurality of users U5 and U6 in the virtual space VR are located within a predetermined distance DD. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of avatars A50 and A60 are located at a distance D (< DD) and are located within the predetermined distance DD. When the correction value setting unit 15 determines that the plurality of avatars A50 and A60 are located within the predetermined distance DD, it can set correction values for the avatar setting speeds of the plurality of avatars A5 and A6 in the virtual space VR based on the excitement levels of the plurality of users U5 and U6.

[0060] For example, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value for an avatar of a user whose excitement level is lower than a reference value EE among a plurality of users so as to match the avatar set speed of an avatar of another user whose excitement level is higher than the reference value EE. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the excitement level E5 of the user U5 is higher than the reference value EE, and the excitement level E6 of the user U6 is lower than the reference value EE. Therefore, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value α6 for the avatar set speed V6a for the avatar A6 of the user U6 whose excitement level is lower than the reference value EE so that the corrected correction speed V6b corresponds to the avatar set speed V5a of the avatar A5. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the avatar set speed is V5a>V6a. Therefore, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value α6 so that the corrected correction speed V6b of the avatar A6 is faster than the avatar set speed V6a. As an example, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value α6 so that the corrected correction speed V6b of the avatar A6 is the same as the avatar set speed V5a of the avatar A5. The correction value setting unit 15 may set the corrected correction speed V6b of the avatar A6 to be faster than the avatar movement speed V6a before correction, instead of making it the same as V5a.

[0061] The virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar A5 at an avatar set speed V5a. The virtual information processing unit 16 also moves the avatar A6 at a corrected speed V6b obtained by correcting the avatar set speed V6a by a set correction value α6. The virtual information processing unit 16 multiplies the avatar set speed V6a by the correction value α6 to calculate the corrected speed V6b. The correction value α6 is a positive value equal to or greater than 0. The virtual information processing unit 16 may add a correction value β6 to the avatar set speed V6a to calculate the corrected speed V6b. The correction value β6 may be a positive value, a negative value, or 0.

[0062] With this control, as shown in FIG. 9, even when there is a user U6 with an excitement level below the reference value in the display unit 25, the plurality of avatars A5 and A6 can be moved together as if the excitement levels of all of the plurality of users U5 and U6 are above the reference value. Note that the dashed line portions A50 and A60 in FIG. 9 indicate the positions of the avatars A5 and A6 before movement. Also, the avatars A5 and A6 shown by solid lines in FIG. 9 indicate the positions of the avatars A5 and A6 when they have moved from the dashed line portions A50 and A60 at the same speeds V5a and V6b for a predetermined time, respectively. Further, the dashed-dotted line portion A61 in FIG. 9 indicates the virtual position of the avatar A6 when it moves from the dashed line portion A60 at the avatar setting speed V6a for a predetermined time.

[0063] Note that the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value α6 so that the corrected correction speed V6b of the avatar A6 becomes slower than the avatar setting speed V6a when, for example, the avatar setting speed is V5a < V6a. The correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value according to the user with a high excitement level even when there is a user with an excitement level below the reference value. That is, it is possible to prevent the excitement level of the user with a high excitement level from decreasing due to the user with an excitement level below the reference value.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the server device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the server device 10 performs an acquisition step S10, a correction value setting step S20, and a virtual information processing step S30.

[0065] In the acquisition step S10, the acquisition unit 14 acquires the user movement speed at which the user moves in the real space and the avatar setting speed that is set corresponding to the user movement speed and at which the avatar of the user is moved in the virtual space.

[0066] In the correction value setting step S20, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that is a reference for the user movement speed in the user attribute to which the user belongs. In this case, in the correction value setting step S20, when multiple users move in the real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 can set correction values ​​for the multiple avatars based on the user movement speed and reference speed of the user whose user movement speed in the real space is the slowest. In addition, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value based on the history of the user movement speed for the user in the real space. In addition, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value based on the excitement level of the user in the real space.

[0067] In addition, in the correction value setting step S20, the correction value setting unit 15 may set a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and the excitement level of the user in the real space. In this case, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value according to the scene around the avatar in the virtual space. In addition, the correction value setting unit 15 can set the correction value based on the user attribute to which the user belongs. In addition, when multiple users move in the real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 sets the avatar set speeds of the multiple avatars in the virtual space based on the excitement levels of the multiple users. In addition, the correction value setting unit 15 can set a correction value for the avatar of a user whose excitement level is lower than a reference value among the multiple users so that the avatar set speed after correction is faster than before correction.

[0068] In the virtual information processing step S30, the virtual information processing unit 16 moves the avatar at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value.

[0069] As described above, the server device 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 14 that acquires a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar setting speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, a correction value setting unit 15 that sets a correction value for the avatar setting speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a reference for the user movement speed in the user attributes to which the user belongs, and a virtual information processing unit 16 that moves the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar setting speed using the set correction value.

[0070] In addition, the avatar movement method according to this embodiment includes the steps of acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a standard for the user movement speed in the user attributes to which the user belongs, and moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0071] In addition, the avatar movement program of this embodiment causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed; set a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that serves as a standard for the user movement speed in the user attributes to which the user belongs; and move the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0072] According to this configuration, a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space is set based on the user movement speed and the reference speed in the user attributes, and the avatar is moved at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value, so that the avatar can be moved at a movement speed that more appropriately reflects the user's situation.

[0073] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, when multiple users are moving in real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 sets correction values ​​for the multiple avatars based on the user movement speed and reference speed of any one of the multiple users.

[0074] This configuration makes it possible to appropriately realize a situation in which multiple avatars are moving together.

[0075] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value based on the history of the user's moving speed in real space.

[0076] According to this configuration, a correction value is set based on the history of the user's movement speed, so that if the user's movement speed changes relative to the history, for example, if the user's athletic ability improves or declines, a correction value can be set in accordance with the change.

[0077] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value based on the excitement level of the user in the real space.

[0078] According to this configuration, the correction value can be set based on both the reference speed and the excitement level in the user attributes, so that the avatar can move at a speed that corresponds to the user's situation.

[0079] In the server device 10 according to the present embodiment, the reference speed is the average value of the moving speed in the user attributes.

[0080] According to this configuration, by setting the average value of the movement speed in the user attributes as the reference speed, it is possible to move the avatar at the average movement speed in the user attributes.

[0081] The server device 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 14 that acquires a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space and which is set corresponding to the user movement speed, a correction value setting unit 15 that sets a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and the user's excitement level, and a virtual information processing unit 16 that moves the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0082] The avatar movement method of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar set speed at which an avatar of the user moves in virtual space, the avatar set speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed, setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and the user's excitement level, and moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value.

[0083] The avatar movement program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space; and an avatar set speed at which the user's avatar moves in virtual space, the avatar set speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed; set a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and the user's excitement level; and move the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value.

[0084] According to this configuration, a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space is set based on the user movement speed and the user's level of excitement, and the avatar is moved at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed using the set correction value, thereby making it possible to move the avatar at a movement speed that more appropriately reflects the user's situation.

[0085] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value according to the scene around the avatar in the virtual space.

[0086] According to this configuration, the correction value is set according to the scene around the avatar in the virtual space, so that the avatar can move at a movement speed according to the scene around the avatar.

[0087] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value based on the user attribute to which the user belongs.

[0088] According to this configuration, the correction value set according to the excitement level can be finely adjusted based on the user attributes, so that the avatar can move at a movement speed that more appropriately reflects the user attributes.

[0089] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, when multiple users move in the real space and multiple avatars corresponding to the multiple users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value based on the excitement levels of the multiple users.

[0090] With this configuration, it is possible to move a plurality of avatars at movement speeds that more appropriately reflect the situations of the plurality of users.

[0091] In the server device 10 according to this embodiment, the correction value setting unit 15 sets a correction value for the avatar of a user among a plurality of users whose excitement level is lower than a reference value so that the avatar set speed after correction is faster than before correction.

[0092] According to this configuration, even if there are users whose excitement levels are below the reference value, it is possible to move the multiple avatars as if the excitement levels of all of the multiple users were above the reference value.

[0093] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] α1, α2, α4, α6...correction values, A, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6...avatars, U, U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6...users, E4, E5, E6...excitement levels, EE...reference values, V1, V2, V3, V4...user movement speed, VR...virtual space, V1a, V2a, V3a, V4a, V5a, V6a...avatar set speed, V1b, V2b, V4b, V6b...correction speed, Vm...reference speed, 10...server device, 11, 22...communication unit, 12, 23...processing unit, 13, 24...storage unit, 14...acquisition unit, 15...correction value setting unit, 16...virtual information processing unit, 20...user device, 21...input / output unit, 25...display unit, 26...detection unit, 100...virtual space communication system

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar setting speed at which an avatar of the user moves in virtual space and that is set corresponding to the user movement speed; a correction value setting unit that sets a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that is a reference for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs; a virtual information processing unit that moves the avatar at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value; A server device comprising:

2. When a plurality of the users move in the real space and a plurality of the avatars corresponding to the plurality of the users are located within a predetermined distance in the virtual space, the correction value setting unit sets the correction value based on the user movement speed and the reference speed of any one of the plurality of the users. The server device according to claim 1 .

3. The correction value setting unit sets the correction value based on a history of the user movement speed of the user in the real space.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in a real space, and an avatar set speed at which an avatar of the user moves in a virtual space, the avatar set speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed; setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that is a reference for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs; moving the avatar at a corrected speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value; Avatar movement methods including.

5. A process of acquiring a user movement speed at which a user moves in real space and an avatar setting speed at which an avatar of the user moves in virtual space, the avatar setting speed being set corresponding to the user movement speed; setting a correction value for the avatar set speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the acquired user movement speed and a reference speed that is a reference for the user movement speed in a user attribute to which the user belongs; a process of moving the avatar at a correction speed obtained by correcting the avatar set speed by the set correction value; An avatar movement program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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