Apparatus for experiencing virtual reality

Abstract

To provide a virtual reality experiencing device capable of bringing a feeling of moving by using a foot in a virtual reality space close to a feeling of actually moving by actually using the foot in a real space while being in the real space of a limited area and obtaining a moving feeling using the foot close to nature.SOLUTION: A display device 2 that displays a virtual reality space VR to an experiencing person M, a tracking device 3 that tracks a movement operation in a real space RW, a rotating device R that rotates in a state of carrying the experiencing person M and changes a direction of the body in the real space RW, and a control device 4 that controls the display device 2 and the rotating device, the virtual reality experiencing device 1A controls the display 2 so as not to be changed during rotation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for virtual reality experiences. [Background technology]

[0002] When people want to walk for sports, rehabilitation, etc., but the size of the real space (e.g., a room) in which to do so is limited, various methods have been proposed to use virtual reality technology to experience virtual reality in a virtual reality space that is larger than the real space, thereby achieving a sense of satisfaction. These methods have been proposed in numerous papers and can be broadly categorized into (a) repositioning systems, (b) proxy gestures, and (c) redirection techniques (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Method (a) uses a mechanical mechanism such as a treadmill to create a situation where the user can continue to step in place. Method (b) recognizes walking gestures and provides a pseudo-feeling of walking. These methods, broadly categorized as (a) and (b), differ in whether they use a mechanical mechanism or not, but they allow the user to continue walking infinitely in the virtual reality space by simply continuing to step in a certain location in the real space. In other words, this method can be interpreted as mapping the walking trajectory in the virtual reality space to a fixed position in the real space.

[0004] Method (c) uses an illusion to create the feeling of walking. This method manipulates the direction of travel while walking within a range that cannot be perceived by the user (for example, when operating a mouse, the mouse only moves a few centimeters in reality, but on the computer screen it moves tens of centimeters). In other words, this method can be interpreted as mapping the walking trajectory in the virtual reality space after adjusting the walking gain in the translational and rotational directions so that it fits within the real space. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] NIELS CHRISTIAN NILSSON and STEFANIA SERAFIN, Aalborg University Copenhagen, FRANK STEINICKE, University of Hamburg, ROLF NORDAHL, Aalborg University Copenhagen. NaturalWalking in Virtual Reality: A Review. ACM Computers in Entertainment, Vol. 16, No. 2, Article 8. Publication date: April 2018. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Methods (a) to (c) are excellent methods for allowing users to experience virtual reality, such as walking, in a large virtual reality space while being in a real space of limited size. However, the sensation experienced by the user walking in the virtual reality space (the sensation of moving using one's feet) is significantly different from the sensation experienced when actually walking in real space (the sensation of actually moving using one's feet), and therefore a sensation of walking, etc. that is close to natural (a sensation of moving using one's feet that is close to natural) cannot be obtained. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a virtual reality experience device that can bring the sensation of walking in a virtual reality space (the sensation of moving using your feet) closer to the sensation of actually walking in a real space (the sensation of actually moving using your feet), while being in a real space of limited size, and that can provide a sensation of walking, etc. that is close to natural (a sensation of moving using your feet that is close to natural).

[0007] The virtual reality experience device of the present invention is a virtual reality experience device for experiencing virtual reality by changing the display of the virtual reality space seen by the experiencer based on the tracking results of the experiencer's movement movements using their feet within a limited real space, and the virtual reality experience device comprises a display device that displays the virtual reality space to the experiencer, a tracking device that tracks the experiencer's movement movements within the real space, a rotation device that rotates while the experiencer is riding on it and changes the orientation of the experiencer's body in real space, and a control device that controls the display on the display device and the rotation of the rotation device, and is characterized in that when the rotation device is rotated a predetermined angle while the experiencer is riding on it, the control device controls the display device so that the display of the virtual reality space seen by the experiencer is changed before and after the rotation based on the tracking results of the tracking device, and does not change during the rotation.

[0008] Here, the "real space of limited size" refers to, for example, the space inside a real room of limited size. "Movement using feet" refers to movement using feet, such as walking or running. "Changing the display of the virtual reality space seen by the experiencer based on the tracking results of the experiencer's movement using his / her feet" means, for example, changing the display of the virtual reality space seen by the experiencer according to the tracking results (tracking results) of the experiencer's position while walking, tilt of the experiencer's head, etc., so that something that appeared far away gradually appears closer, or something that appeared centered on the floor now appears centered on the ceiling, etc. "The real space has a size that allows the experiencer to actually move using their feet" means that the real space has a size that allows the experiencer to actually move using their feet, such as by walking (walking forward) or running (running forward). "Tracking device" refers to a device that tracks the location and movements of the participant. For example, it is composed of sensors (sensor modules) such as gyros and acceleration sensors. A "rotation device" refers to, for example, a motorized turntable that can rotate with a participant on it, and when the participant is placed on it and rotated a certain angle, the participant's body orientation changes (thereby changing the direction when they resume walking, etc.).

[0009] According to the virtual reality experience device of the present invention, a rotation device is disposed in real space that rotates the user while carrying the user and changes the user's body orientation in real space. For example, when a user who is walking toward a wall approaches the wall and steps onto the rotation device, the rotation device rotates the user by a predetermined angle while carrying the user, changing the user's body orientation so that their back is to the wall. Meanwhile, the virtual reality space seen by the user (the display of the display device) changes based on the tracking results of the tracking device before and after the rotation device rotates, but does not change during the rotation. Therefore, even though the user's body orientation has changed in real space, the user is given the illusion that the body orientation before the rotation has not changed. When the user resumes walking, the user is given the illusion that they are moving in the same direction as before the rotation, and in real space they move in a direction that will not hit the wall. Therefore, since the user actually walks in real space while viewing the virtual reality space, the sensation of walking in the virtual reality space (the sensation of moving using one's feet) can be made similar to the sensation of actually walking in real space (the sensation of actually moving using one's feet), even while being in a real space of limited size, and it is possible to provide a virtual reality experience device that gives a sensation of walking, etc. that is close to natural (a sensation of moving using one's feet that is close to natural). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of a virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram for explaining a rotation device R (R1 to R4) used in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when walking using the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when the rotation device R3 rotates in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between the present invention (virtual reality experience device 1A according to embodiment 1) and the prior art. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1B according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1C according to a third embodiment and a virtual reality experience apparatus 1D according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1E according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1F according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Virtual reality experience devices 1A to 1H of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 as appropriate (virtual reality experience devices 1G and 1H are not shown). In the following embodiments, movement (motion) using feet will be described as walking. Basically, real space RW is indicated by a solid line, and virtual reality space VR is indicated by a dashed line. Note that the figures described below are simplified schematic diagrams of real space RW, virtual reality space VR, device structure, virtual reality image, processing flow, etc. Each embodiment does not limit the invention according to the claims. Not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used across embodiments for components, processes, etc. that are considered to be substantially equivalent, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] 1 to 7 are diagrams illustrating a virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a rotation device R (R1 to R4) used in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when walking using the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when the rotation device R3 rotates in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows the relationship between the real space RW and the virtual reality space VR seen by the participant. The participant M is in a real space RW (a room, limited in size) surrounded by walls W1 to W4 and a floor F, and walks within the real space RW. Rotation devices R1 to R4 are placed near the walls W1 to W4 of the real space RW. 1(b) is a diagram showing the real space RW as seen by the user M when the user M is in the position shown in FIG. 1(a) and removes the display device 2 from in front of his or her eyes. The user M can see the walls W2 to W4, the floor F, the rotation devices R2 to R4, etc. of the real space RW. 1(c) is a diagram showing the virtual reality space VR as seen by the participant M when the participant M is in the position shown in FIG. 1(a) and wearing the display device 2, similar to FIG. 1(b). The participant M can see the virtual reality walls VW2 to VW4, the virtual reality gates VG2 to VG4, etc. in the virtual reality space VR.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1 is a virtual reality experience device that allows a user M to experience virtual reality by changing the display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the user M based on the tracking results of the user M's walking movement (movement using foot M1) within a limited real space RW. This virtual reality experience device 1A includes a display device 2 that displays a virtual reality space VR to the experiencer M, a tracking device 3 that tracks walking movements (movement movements using foot M1) within the real space RW, rotation devices R1 to R4 (the rotation devices may be referred to as "R") that rotate while carrying the experiencer M and change the orientation of the body within the real space RW, and a control device 4 that controls the display of the display device 2 and the rotation of the rotation devices. When the control device 4 rotates the rotation device R by a predetermined angle while the user M is riding on it, the control device 4 controls the display device 2 so that the display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the user M changes before and after the rotation based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3, but does not change during the rotation (this will be described later in Figure 4, etc.). The display device 2, tracking device 3, and control device 4 are integrated into a head-mounted display HMD. The head-mounted display HMD is worn on the head of the user M when in use.

[0015] In the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 rotates the rotation devices R1 to R4 by a predetermined angle (180°) with the experiencer M riding on them, and then changes the display device 2's indication that movement is stopped to an indication that movement is possible. Examples of stop movement / stop movement displays include text displays such as "stop moving" / "movement allowed," "stop walking" / "walkable," "stop" / "go ahead," and graphic displays such as traffic lights with green and red lights.

[0016] In the virtual reality experience device 1A according to the first embodiment, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 as stop-movement displays and moveable displays (described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, etc.). The virtual reality gates VG include doors, gates, etc., and doors are displayed as the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4.

[0017] In the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display information indicating that the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 will close when there is an obstacle (walls W1 to W4) in the real space RW that prevents the user M from walking, and that the rotation devices R1 to R4 will rotate a predetermined angle (180°) with the user M on board, thereby opening the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 when there is no longer an obstacle (walls W1 to W4) that prevents the user M from walking (described later in Figures 4 to 6). In addition to walls, obstacles in the real space RW include, for example, windows, partitions provided in the real space RW, equipment placed in the real space RW, desks, and the like.

[0018] In the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display a different virtual reality space VR, such as VR', VR'', when the experiencer M passes through the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 (described later in Figures 4 and 5).

[0019] In virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to embodiment 1, control device 4 causes display device 2 to display virtual reality space VR so that the size of virtual reality space VR is smaller than real space RW (described later with reference to FIG. 5).

[0020] In the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 displays on the display device 2 a virtual reality space (VR, VR') formed where the boundary (VW1 to VW4) of the virtual reality space VR intersects with the rotating plate R12 (see Figure 3) of the rotating devices R1 to R4 (described later in Figure 5).

[0021] In addition, in the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 may be configured to display on the display device 2 the movement stop positions of the experiencer M in the virtual reality space VR, which correspond to the positions of the rotation devices R1 to R4 in the real space RW (not shown). In this case, for example, control device 4 causes display device 2 to display an X mark, a circle mark, or the like at a position in virtual reality space VR that corresponds to the placement position of rotation device R (rotary plate R12) in real space RW.

[0022] We will explain about real space RW etc. [Real space RW] As shown in Fig. 1, the real space RW is a space (room) of limited size surrounded by walls W1 to W4 and a floor F. For example, it is a space made up of real rooms such as a sports gym, training room, gymnasium, classroom, rehabilitation room, etc.

[0023] [Virtual reality space VR] This space is created by the control device 4 and allows the user to experience a virtual space (world) as if it were real.

[0024] [Display device 2] These include LCD displays, EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, etc. They display virtual reality space (VR).

[0025] [Tracking Device 3] The tracking device 3 tracks the walking (movement) of the participant M within the real space RW. It is composed of a sensor module including a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc. The tracking device 3 is worn on the head of the participant M, and tracks the participant M by detecting his / her position, head tilt, rotation direction, etc. For example, the tracking device 3 measures the change in speed per second with an acceleration sensor, the rotational angular velocity with a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), and the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field with a magnetic sensor. In this way, the tracking device 3 or the control device 4 measures the movement direction, amount of movement, distance of movement, etc. of the experiencer M to estimate the current location (using pedestrian autonomous navigation positioning).

[0026] The control device 4 changes the virtual reality space VR (displayed on the display device 2 and viewed by the user M) based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3. For example, when the user M approaches the wall W3, the virtual reality wall VW3 is displayed nearby; when the user M raises his / her head, the upper side of the virtual reality space VR is displayed; when the user M lowers his / her head, the lower side is displayed; and when the user M looks left or right, the left and right spaces are displayed.

[0027] [Hardware configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. 2, the virtual reality experience device 1A includes a display device 2, a tracking device 3, rotation devices R1 to R4 (the rotation devices may be referred to as "R") that rotate with the user M seated on them and change the orientation of the body in the real space RW, and a control device 4 that controls the display on the display device 2 and the rotation of the rotation devices R1 to R4. These are connected to an external bus 46 (composed of a connection cable, a wired or wireless communication line, etc.).

[0028] [Control device 4] The control device 4 is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 42 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 43 (Random Access Memory), an internal bus 45 connecting these, and an interface 44 (interface circuit) provided between the internal bus 45 and an external bus 46. The CPU 41 executes various processes in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 42 or a program loaded from an external storage device (not shown) into the RAM 43. The RAM 43 stores data and the like required when the CPU 41 executes various processes. The control device 4 controls the display of the display device 2 and the rotation of the rotation device.

[0029] [Rotation device R (R1~R4)] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the rotation device R (R1 to R4) used in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. The rotation device R has a rotation plate R12, a rotation shaft R13 that transmits the power of the motor R11 to the rotation plate R12, and casters R14. A horizontal surface R17 and an inclined surface R18 are formed on the top. The rotation device R rotates with the participant M standing on the horizontal surface R17, or on both the horizontal surface R17 and the inclined surface R18. The inclined surface R18 is intended to reduce the difference in level between the floor 7 and the horizontal surface R17.

[0030] [Relationship between real space RW, virtual reality space VR, and participant M] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when the user M is walking using the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4(a) shows the real space RW on the left and the virtual reality spaces VR, VR', and VR'' on the right. As shown in the left figure, participant M starts from start position X1 in real space RW, walks in the direction of d1 to d3, and finishes at goal position Y1. In this case, as shown in the right figure, the participant M starts from the virtual reality start position VX1 within the virtual reality space VR, walks through the virtual reality space VR in the direction of Vd1, passes through the virtual reality gate VG3, enters the virtual reality space VR', walks in the direction of Vd2, passes through the virtual reality gate VG3, enters the virtual reality space VR'', walks in the direction of Vd3, and finishes at the virtual reality goal position VY1.

[0032] Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram of the case where participant M walks in the direction d1 within real space RW. The left figure shows the real space RW, and the right figure shows the virtual reality space VR. Participant M sees the virtual reality space VR surrounded by virtual reality walls VW2-VW3 and virtual reality gates VG2-VG4. The virtual reality gate VG3 in front is closed.

[0033] When participant M stops in front of virtual reality gate VG3, rotation device R3 rotates (flips). The bottom of Figure 4(b) shows how participant M's body orientation rotates in real space RW. On the right side, it is shown that when the participant M stops in front of the virtual reality gate VG3 in the virtual reality space VR, the virtual reality gate VG3 is closed, but after the rotation of the rotation device R3 in the real space RW, the virtual reality gate VG3 appears to be open.

[0034] Figure 4(c) is an explanatory diagram of the case where participant M walks in the direction d2 within real space RW. The left figure shows the state of real space RW, and the right figure shows the virtual reality space VR' (a diagram when participant M is walking in the direction of rotation device R4). Participant M sees the virtual reality space VR surrounded by virtual reality walls VW3', VW4', VW1', virtual reality gates VG3', VG4', VG1', etc. The virtual reality gate VG4' in front is closed.

[0035] When participant M stops in front of virtual reality gate VG4', rotation device R4 rotates (flips). The bottom of Figure 4(c) shows how participant M's body orientation rotates in real space RW. On the right side, it is shown that when the participant M stops in front of the virtual reality gate VG4' in the virtual reality space VR', the virtual reality gate VG4' is closed, but in the real space RW, the virtual reality gate VG4' appears open after the rotation of the rotation device R4 has finished.

[0036] FIG. 4(d) is an explanatory diagram of the case where participant M walks in the direction d3 within real space RW. The left figure shows the real space RW, and the right figure shows the virtual reality space VR''. Participant M sees the virtual reality space VR'' surrounded by virtual reality walls VW1'' to VW3'' and virtual reality gates VG1'' to VG3''. The virtual reality gate VG2'' in front is closed. The user M walks through the virtual reality space VR'' and reaches the virtual reality goal position VY1. In the real space RW, the user M walks through it and reaches the goal position Y1. Although the room of the real space RW and the room of the virtual reality space (VR, VR', VR'') illustrated in FIG. 4 are square, one or both of them may be rectangular with different length and width.

[0037] [Rotation of Rotating Device R] The relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when the rotation device R rotates will be explained using the rotation device R3 (virtual reality gate VG3) as an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the real space RW, the virtual reality space VR, and the user M when the rotation device R3 rotates in the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the virtual reality wall VW3 is formed inside the wall W3. Control device 4 causes display device 2 to display virtual reality space VR so that the size of virtual reality space VR is smaller than real space RW (described later with reference to FIG. 5). 5, the virtual reality wall VW3 is formed so as to intersect with the rotating plate R12 of the rotation device R3. It is preferable that the virtual reality wall VW3 intersects with the vicinity of the rotation center of the rotation device R3. In this way, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display the virtual reality space (VR, VR') in which the boundary (VW1 to VW4) of the virtual reality space VR intersects with the rotating plate R12 of the rotation devices R1 to R4.

[0039] While participant M walks through the virtual reality space VR, he / she sees the virtual reality space VR, which changes based on the tracking of the tracking device 3. When participant M comes in front of virtual reality gate VG3, virtual reality gate VG3 is closed, so participant M stops walking. At this time, in the diagram of Figure 5, participant M is standing on the front side of rotation device R3 (see the diagram on the left side of Figure 5). participant M is looking at the virtual reality space VR.

[0040] Next, the control device 4 rotates the rotation device R3 by 180 degrees. The user M moves to the other side of the rotation device R3. The display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the user M changes based on the tracking results of the tracking device before and after the rotation, but does not change during the rotation. When the rotation is complete, the control device 4 displays a message indicating that the virtual reality gate VG3 can be opened. The participant M is in the virtual reality space VR, but can see another virtual reality space VR' (another room) on the other side of the open virtual reality gate VG3 (see the center diagram in Figure 5).

[0041] When the user M passes through the virtual reality gate VG3, the virtual reality gate VG3 closes, and the user M walks through the virtual reality space VR'. The control device 4 changes the display of the virtual reality space VR' seen by the user M based on the tracking results of the tracking device (see the diagram on the right side of Figure 5).

[0042] [Processing flow] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed by the virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to embodiment 1. "Sx" means "processing at step Sx." The explanation will be given with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0043] In S1, the tracking device 3 tracks the movement (walking) of the experiencer M in the real space RW. Then, the tracking device 3 or the control device 4 detects or estimates the position, posture, line of sight, etc. of the experiencer.

[0044] In S3, the control device 4 controls the display device 2 to change the virtual reality space VR based on the tracking result of the tracking device 3. "Changing the virtual reality space VR" means that, for example, when the user M walks and moves, the tracking device 3 tracks the position of the user M in the real space RW, the control device 4 changes the position of the user M in the virtual reality space VR based on the tracking results, and the virtual reality space VR as seen from that position is displayed on the display device 2. When the user M moves his / her head up and down, the upper part of the virtual reality space VR is displayed; when he / she moves his / her head down, the lower part is displayed; and when he / she moves his / her head left or right, the left and right spaces are displayed.

[0045] S5 is an annotation about the behavior of participant M, and is enclosed by a dotted line. S5 describes participant M moving (walking) using his feet.

[0046] Now, let us consider S7. Normally, the virtual reality gate VG is closed. The tracking device 3 (or the control device 4) detects (or determines) whether the user M has reached the position of the rotation device R in the real space RW, in other words, whether he / she has reached the position above the rotation device R (whether he / she has reached the position in front of the virtual reality gate VG in the virtual reality space VR). If NO, return to S1. If YES, proceed to S9.

[0047] In S9, the control device 4 (or tracking device 3) determines (or detects) whether the user M has passed through the virtual reality gate VG. If NO, return to S1. If YES, proceed to S11.

[0048] In S11, the control device 4 rotates the rotation device R with the user M on board. During the rotation, the display in the virtual reality space VR does not change. "Doing not change the display of the virtual reality space VR" mainly means that even if the position of the user M in the real space RW changes (rotates) due to rotation, the display of the virtual reality space VR will not be changed based on the tracking results and position information of the user M during the rotation of the rotation device R. When the user M turns his / her face (head) up and down or to the left or right, the control device 4 displays the upper or lower part of the virtual reality space VR, or the left and right spaces, while the position of the rotation device R remains the same as before the rotation started. The display during rotation may remain the still image that was displayed before the rotation started.

[0049] In S13, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display that the virtual reality gate VG will automatically open when the rotation of the rotation device R has finished (or that the virtual reality gate VG3 will open when the user M opens the gate). Meanwhile, the control device 4 moves the position of the user M in the virtual reality space to the position of the virtual reality space VR', and displays on the display device 2 based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3. The walking direction of the user M in the real space RW and the walking direction in the virtual reality space are opposite directions, and the left-right direction of the face (head) in the real space RW and the left-right direction in the virtual reality space are also opposite directions. The up-down direction is the same. The control device 4 calculates these relationships and displays them on the display device 2. When participant M passes through the gate, the display will indicate that it is closing. Then return to S1. When the user M walks, the position in the virtual reality space VR' is changed based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3, and the scenery that was far away is displayed closer. Also, when the user M turns his / her face (head) left / right or up / down, the scenery displayed above and below or left / right changes based on the tracking results.

[0050] The first embodiment may be partially modified as follows. (a) The control device 4 generates multiple rooms (e.g., square rooms) of the same size as rooms in the real space RW as virtual reality spaces (VR, VR', VR''). (b) The control device 4 matches one of the generated rooms (virtual reality space VR) with a room in the real space (real space RW). (c) Rotation devices (R1 to R4, e.g., turntables) are installed (placed) on the walls (W1 to W4) of the room in the real space RW, and the control device 4 visually installs virtual reality gates (VG1 to VG4, e.g., virtual reality doors) at the same positions in the room in the virtual reality space VR. (d) The control device 4 connects (makes possible access to and from) a room in the virtual reality space VR' adjacent to a room in the virtual reality space VR via the virtual reality gate VG3 (virtual reality door). (e) After user M starts walking, when he or she moves (walks) in front of virtual reality gate VG3 (virtual reality door) in the room of virtual reality space VR, the control device 4 automatically rotates the direction of the user's body by 180 degrees relative to virtual reality gate VG3 (virtual reality door) using rotation device R3. However, visually, the control device 4 maintains the situation of the user standing in front of virtual reality gate VG3 (virtual reality door). (f) After rotation device R3 has finished rotating, the control device 4 automatically opens virtual reality gate VG3, or opens virtual reality gate VG3 in response to user M's gate-opening action. This allows the control device 4 to move user M to the adjacent room of virtual reality space VR'.

[0051] [Comparison of the present invention (embodiment 1) with the prior art] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the present invention (virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to embodiment 1) in comparison with the prior art. The left side is a comparative explanatory diagram of (a) the repositioning system and (b) the proxy gesture described in the prior art, the center is (c) the redirection technique, and the right side is the present invention (virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1)'s respective techniques.

[0052] 7 shows the walking trajectories in the real spaces RW91, RW92, and RW for each method, respectively, and the lower diagram shows the walking trajectories in the virtual reality spaces VR91, VR92, and VR for each method, respectively. Note that to make the comparison easier to understand, the walking trajectory in the present invention (embodiment 1) shown on the right is in the same virtual reality space VR as in the prior art (rotation devices R1-R4 are not used, and no passage through virtual reality gates VG1-VG4 is not performed).

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, in the conventional technology shown on the left and center, the walking trajectory in real space (see the upper drawing) and the walking trajectory in virtual real space (see the upper drawing) do not match, whereas in the present invention (embodiment 1) on the right, they do match.

[0054] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, rotation devices R1 to R4 that rotate with the experiencer M on them and change the orientation of the body are arranged in the real space RW, and the control device 4 causes the rotation devices R1 to R4 to rotate by a predetermined angle with the experiencer M on them, thereby changing the orientation of the experiencer M's body in the real space RW. On the other hand, the virtual reality space VR (displayed on the display device 2) seen by the participant M changes before and after the rotation based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3, but does not change during the rotation. Therefore, participant M has the illusion that the direction of his / her body before the rotation has not changed, even though the direction of his / her body has changed in the real space RW. When participant M resumes walking after the rotation, participant M has the illusion that he / she is walking in the same direction as before the rotation, but in the real space RW he / she is walking in a different direction than before the rotation. Therefore, since the user M actually walks in the real space RW while in the virtual reality space VR, it is possible to provide a virtual reality experience device 1A that allows the user M to get a walking sensation (a sensation of moving using one's feet) that is close to the natural sensation of walking (a sensation of moving using one's feet) even while being in the limited size of the real space RW.

[0055] In other words, the virtual reality experiencing device 1A of embodiment 1 effectively connects (associates) the virtual reality space VR or the like with the real space RW, thereby creating an illusion that the real space RW is perceived as being larger than it actually is, and realizing more natural walking within the generated virtual reality space (VR or the like). This makes it possible to create the illusion that a single room that exists within the real space RW has been expanded into multiple rooms (VR, VR', VR''), enabling more natural walking within the infinitely expanding virtual reality space without converting walking trajectories.

[0056] To explain further, in the past, walking in a virtual reality space required some kind of mechanism to vary the walking trajectory, but this created an unnatural feeling in the sense of walking itself, which is a natural, everyday action. In contrast, the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1 aims to achieve the extensibility of the size of the virtual reality space by seamlessly connecting a specific room existing in the real space RW with multiple rooms (VR, VR', VR'') generated in the virtual reality space, and does not focus on methods for varying the walking trajectory. This is because if the extensibility of the size of the virtual reality space is achieved, the walking trajectories in the real space and the virtual reality space will ultimately match. This reduces or eliminates the unnatural feeling in the sense of walking itself. In other words, it provides a solution from a completely different perspective to the conventional one to the trade-off problem between the emphasis on the sense of walking and the expandability of the virtual reality space.

[0057] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, after the control device 4 rotates the rotation devices R1 to R4 by a predetermined angle with the user M on board, the display device 2 changes the movement (walking) stopped display to a movement (walking) enabled display, thereby reducing the risk that the user M will fall when trying to resume walking in the middle of the rotation, or will collide with the walls W1 to W4 after resuming walking because the direction of his or her body is not sufficient.

[0058] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 displays the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 on the display device 2 as a movement (walking) stop indication and a movement (walking) possible indication, so that the experiencer M can easily intuitively understand that he or she must stop walking or that he or she may resume walking.

[0059] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 displays on the display device 2 that when there is an obstacle (walls W1 to W4) in the real space RW that hinders the walking progress of the experiencer M, the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 will be closed, and when the obstacle (walls W1 to W4) that hinders the walking progress of the experiencer M is no longer there, the rotation devices R1 to R4 will rotate by a predetermined angle (108°) with the experiencer M on board, and the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 will be opened, thereby making it possible to change the walking direction of the experiencer M so that it is not hindered by the obstacles (walls W1 to W4).

[0060] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, when the user M passes through the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4, the control device 4 displays on the display device 2 the virtual reality space VR that the user M sees, changing to a different virtual reality space VR', VR'', etc. from the one before passing through. Therefore, by moving from the virtual reality space VR to another virtual reality space VR', the user M can enjoy a virtual reality space VR that is larger than the real space RW. In addition, this is expected to have the effect of encouraging the user M to walk in a direction that passes through the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 (for example, walking in a direction that is not close to the walls W1 to W4).

[0061] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the rotation devices R1 to R4 are positioned inside the walls W1 to W4 that form the boundary of the real space RW, and therefore, since the size of the virtual reality space VR is narrower than the real space RW, adverse effects such as the experiencer M colliding with the walls W1 to W4 of the real space RW can be suppressed.

[0062] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the virtual reality space VR is easily created by creating a virtual reality space (VR, VR') in which the boundary of the virtual reality space VR (virtual reality walls VW1 to VW4) intersects with the rotating plate R12 of the rotating devices R1 to R4.

[0063] According to the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display the movement stop position of the experiencer M in the virtual reality space VR, corresponding to the placement positions of the rotation devices R1 to R4 in the real space RW, so that the experiencer M stops walking at that position, allowing him or her to rotate safely.

[0064] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience device 1B according to embodiment 2. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram for explaining in a plan view the outline of the virtual reality experience device 1B according to embodiment 2, Fig. 8(b) is a diagram for explaining (in a plan view) in real space RW how a user M walks in the directions d1 and d2, and Fig. 8(c) is a diagram for explaining the virtual reality space VR that can be seen when the user M walks in the directions d1 and d2.

[0065] The virtual reality experience device 1B of embodiment 2 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, but differs in that it has only two rotation devices, R2 and R4, and only two corresponding virtual reality gates, VG2 and VR4.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8(a), there are only two rotation devices, R2 and R4, which are located near walls W2 and W4, respectively. Then, control device 4 displays corresponding virtual reality gates VG2 and VG4 in virtual reality space VR. A plan view of the user M and others in the real space RW when the user M moves from wall W4 toward wall W2 (direction d1) is shown on the left side of Fig. 8(b), and the state of the virtual reality space VR as seen by the user M at that time is shown on the left side of Fig. 8(c). Except when the rotation devices R2 and R4 rotate with the user M on board, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display based on the tracking of the tracking device 3.

[0067] When participant M walks up to virtual reality gate VG2, virtual reality gate VG2 is closed, so participant M stops walking. Then, control device 4 reverses rotation device R2 with participant M on it. Display device 2 displays the image before rotation (displaying that virtual reality gate VG2 is closed). When rotation device R2 is reversed, participant M's body orientation reverses. Control device 4 also displays the image before rotation (displaying that virtual reality gate VG2 is closed) on display device 2. The rotation of rotation device R2 and the reversal of participant M's body orientation are shown in the center of Figure 8(b). When rotation device R2 finishes rotating, control device 4 displays the image on display device 2 that virtual reality gate VG2 is open. Then, display device 2 resumes displaying based on tracking by tracking device 3.

[0068] A plan view of the participant M and others in the real space RW when the participant M walks from wall W2 to wall W4 (direction d2) is shown on the right side of Figure 8(b), and the state of the virtual reality space VR as seen by the participant M at that time is shown on the right side of Figure 8(c). When participant M walks up to virtual reality gate VG4, the same process as when he or she approaches virtual reality gate VG2 is carried out.

[0069] [Effects of the second embodiment] In the virtual reality experience device 1B according to the second embodiment, user M walks in the virtual reality space VR20 toward virtual reality gate VG2, stops in front of closed virtual reality gate VG2, passes through virtual reality gate VG2 when it opens, and continues walking toward virtual reality gate VG4. User M stops in front of closed virtual reality gate VG4, passes through virtual reality gate VG4 when it opens, and continues walking toward virtual reality gate VG2 (see FIGS. 8(a)-(c)). This process is repeated, but in the real space RW, user M simply travels back and forth between wall W2 and wall W4 (between rotation device R2 and rotation device R4). Note that a different virtual reality space is displayed each time user passes through virtual reality gates VG2 and VG4, but this is omitted in the drawings. In this way, by simply using two rotation devices, it is possible to walk straight and infinitely in the virtual reality space VR, even in the limited real space RW.

[0070] Note that, with respect to points other than those described in embodiment 1, the configurations, methods, effects, and other aspects described in embodiment 1 can be applied as they are to embodiment 2. The same applies to embodiment 3 and subsequent embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted in those embodiments.

[0071] [Embodiments 3 and 4] 9 is a diagram illustrating a virtual reality experience device 1C according to embodiment 3 and a virtual reality experience device 1D according to embodiment 4. In these embodiments, the number of virtual reality gates VG in the virtual reality space VR is smaller than the number of rotation devices 8 in the real space RW.

[0072] [Embodiment 3] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. Virtual reality experience apparatus 1C according to embodiment 3 is basically the same as virtual reality experience apparatus 1A according to embodiment 1. However, a difference is that in embodiment 1, control device 4 causes display device 2 to display that virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 are closed when obstacles (W1 to W4) that impede user M's walking progress are present in real space RW, and that virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 are opened when obstacles (W1 to W4) that impede user M's walking progress are removed by rotating rotation devices R1 to R4 by a predetermined angle (180°) with user M on board. In contrast, in embodiment 3, control device 4 causes display device 2 to display that virtual reality gate VG8 is closed when it is desired to impede user M's walking progress even when there are no obstacles (W1 to W4) that impede user M's walking progress in real space RW, and that virtual reality gate VG8 is opened after rotation device R8 rotates by a predetermined angle with user M on board.

[0073] In other words, in embodiment 1, there are obstacles (walls W1 to W4) beyond the four virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 (which correspond to the rotation devices R1 to R4) in the virtual reality space VR that prevent the participant M from walking in the real space RW, so the virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 are displayed as closed to prevent the participant M from colliding with them when walking forward (see Figure 1). In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9(a), in the third embodiment, in addition to rotation devices R1-R4 located near walls W1-W4, rotation devices R5-R8 are also located between these walls and the center of the real space RW. The space around rotation devices R1-R3 and R8 is displayed as a virtual reality space VR30 surrounded by virtual reality walls VW11, VW2, VW13, VW14, etc. These virtual reality walls include virtual reality gates VG1-VG3 and VG8 (corresponding to rotation devices R1-R3 and R8). Although there are no walls beyond virtual reality gate VG8 that would prevent user M from walking within the real space RW, virtual reality gate VG8 is displayed in a closed state to create a space surrounded by virtual reality walls VW14, etc. The rotation device R8 is displayed as opening after rotating a predetermined angle with user M on board.

[0074] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] In this way, it is possible to form virtual reality wall VW14 far away from wall W4 of real space RW, and to form virtual reality gate VG8 at virtual reality wall VW14.

[0075] [Embodiment 4] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment. The virtual reality experience device 1D of embodiment 4 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, but differs in that the number of rotation devices R in the real space RW is increased compared to the virtual reality experience device 1C of embodiment 3 (see Figure 9(a)), and a large number of rotation devices R are arranged (spread out) over the entire area within the real space RW.

[0076] For example, as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 9(b), virtual reality space 40 is displayed as virtual reality space VR40 surrounded by virtual reality walls VW21-VW24 (which intersect with multiple rotation devices R in a plan view). These virtual reality walls have virtual reality gates VG21-VG24. User M walks through virtual reality space VR40. Although there are no walls outside virtual reality gates VG23 and VG24 that would prevent user M from walking in real space RW, user M stops walking in front of closed virtual reality gates VG23 and VG24. Then, user M is rotated a predetermined angle while riding on rotation devices R corresponding to those virtual reality gates in real space RW. When virtual reality gates VG8 and the like open in virtual reality space VR40, user M resumes walking in the same direction as when he or she walked into that gate, but in real space RW, he or she walks in a different direction than before the rotation.

[0077] [Effects of the fourth embodiment] In this way, since a large number of rotation devices R are arranged throughout the entire area within the real space RW, it becomes possible to achieve at least one of the following: the shape of the virtual reality space VR and the position of the virtual reality gate VG can be changed relatively freely, the participant M can be shown virtual reality spaces VR of various shapes, and the participant M can be easily guided in the direction of walking.

[0078] [Embodiment 5] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a virtual reality experience apparatus 1E according to embodiment 5. Fig. 10(a) is a diagram for explaining the virtual reality experience apparatus 1E according to embodiment 5 in a plan view, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram for explaining virtual reality spaces VR50 and VR51 as seen by a user M. The virtual reality experience device 1E of embodiment 5 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, but in embodiment 1, the virtual reality space VR is a room surrounded by virtual reality walls VW1 to VW4 (walls that block the view) and virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 (doors that block the view), etc., from which the outside cannot be seen, whereas in embodiment 5, the virtual reality space VR50 is a park (virtual reality space) surrounded by virtual reality walls VW1 to VW4 (fences that do not block the view) and virtual reality gates VG1 to VG4 (barriers that do not block the view, such as those used for crossing barriers at railroad crossings), etc., but the scenery outside (virtual reality space VR51) can also be seen.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 10(a), even though user M is in real space RW surrounded by walls W1-W4, as shown in Fig. 10(b), control device 4 causes display device 2 to display virtual reality walls VW1-VW4 as fences and virtual reality gates VG1-VG4 as barriers. Also, outside virtual reality space VR50 (a park) surrounded by virtual reality walls VW1-VW4 (fences), control device 4 causes virtual reality space VR51 (the scenery outside the park) to be displayed. In virtual reality space VR51, a landscape including, for example, virtual reality trees VT and a virtual reality road VU is displayed.

[0080] [Effects of the fifth embodiment] In this way, even if the participant M is inside the virtual reality space VR50 (park) surrounded by the virtual reality walls VW1 to VW4 (fences), he or she can see the virtual reality space VR51 (the scenery outside the park) outside, allowing him or her to feel a sense of openness.

[0081] [Embodiment 6] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a virtual reality experience apparatus 1F according to embodiment 6. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram illustrating a rotation device R60 of the virtual reality experience apparatus 1F, and Fig. 11(b) is a diagram illustrating how to use the rotation device R60. The virtual reality experience device 1F of embodiment 6 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, except that in embodiment 1 the rotation devices R1 to R4 are fixedly positioned, whereas in embodiment 6 the rotation device R60 is movably positioned.

[0082] The rotation device R60 is similar to the rotation devices R (R1 to R4) of embodiment 1 (see Figure 3), but differs in that it is further equipped with retractable wheels R41 and is therefore movable, as shown in Figure 11(a). The rotation device R60 disposed near the wall W1 can be moved to a position near the walls W2 to W4 or to another position from there as needed. When the rotation device R60 is disposed near the walls W1 to W4 or moved, it plays the same role as the rotation devices R1 to R4 of the first embodiment at each of the positions.

[0083] [Effects of Embodiment 6] According to the virtual reality experience device 1F of embodiment 6, since the rotation device R60 is movable, when multiple placement positions are predetermined, it is possible to make the number of rotation devices less than the number of placement positions by covering two or more placement positions with one rotation device, or even when multiple placement positions are not predetermined, it is possible to move the rotation device R60 to any position in the real space RW and change the orientation of the body of the experiencer M at that position (in this case, a virtual reality gate VG1 or the like is displayed in the virtual reality space at the rotating position).

[0084] [Embodiment 7] The virtual reality experience device 1G (not shown) of embodiment 7 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, except that the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to vary and display the speed at which the experiencer M is walking within the virtual reality space VR. For example, the control device 4 causes the display device 2 to display a virtual reality in which the road along which the participant M walks in the virtual reality space VR is a moving walkway (a walkway using a horizontal elevator), and causes the walking speed in the virtual reality space VR to be displayed faster than the walking speed in the real space RW, or causes the scenery around the participant M walking in the virtual reality space VR to move quickly, making it appear as if the participant M is walking quickly in the virtual reality space VR.

[0085] [Effects of the Seventh Embodiment] According to the virtual reality experiencing device 1G of the seventh embodiment, the walking speed within the virtual reality space VR is varied and displayed on the display device 2 by the control device 4. Therefore, for example, if the virtual reality space VR is a room that is larger than the real space RW, or a hallway that is longer than the length of the room in the real space RW, by increasing the walking speed within the virtual reality space VR by two or three times the actual speed, the user M can walk within a virtual reality space VR that exceeds the limited size of the real space.

[0086] [Embodiment 8] The virtual reality experience device 1H (not shown) of embodiment 8 is basically the same as the virtual reality experience device 1A of embodiment 1, except that the rotation device R does not rotate, but rather rotates the room or the like that constitutes the real space around it.

[0087] Specifically, the virtual reality experience device 1H (not shown) of embodiment 8 is a virtual reality experience device for experiencing virtual reality by changing the display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the experiencer M based on the tracking results of the experiencer M's movement movements using his or her feet within a real space RW of limited size. This virtual reality experience device 1H includes a display device 2 that displays a virtual reality space VR to the user M, a tracking device 3 that tracks movement within the real space RW, a first real space component (a room excluding the rotation device R in embodiment 1) that constitutes the real space RW large enough for the user M to move around on foot, a second real space component (the rotation device R in embodiment 1) that is provided within the first real space component, and a control device 4 that controls the display on the display device 2 and the rotation of the first real space component or the second real space component. The control device 4 rotates only the first real space construct, or rotates both the first real space construct and the second real space construct in relatively opposite directions.

[0088] In this way, the first real space construct is configured to be able to rotate relative to the second real space construct, and when the participant M rotates the first real space construct by a predetermined angle while riding on the second real space construct, the control device 4 controls the display device 2 so that the display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the participant M changes based on the tracking results of the tracking device 3 before and after the rotation, but does not change during the rotation. Here, the rotation does not change the position of the user M in the real space RW, but the positions of the first real space components around the user M change (rotate). "The display of the virtual reality space VR seen by the user M is not changed during rotation" means that even if the position of the surrounding first real space components changes (rotates) due to rotation, the surrounding virtual reality space (scenery) is displayed without rotating (changing) at the angle before the rotation began. On the other hand, when the user M turns his / her face (head) left / right or up / down, the control device 4 causes the display device 4 to display a change in the up / down or left / right scenery based on the tracking result. [Effects of embodiment 8] According to the virtual reality experiencing device 1H of the eighth embodiment, the control device 4 controls the first real space constituent (e.g., corresponding to the room excluding the rotation device R of the first embodiment) to rotate relative to the second real space constituent (e.g., corresponding to the rotation device R of the first embodiment) provided within the first real space constituent, so that when only the first real space constituent is rotated, the user M does not feel dizziness or the like due to the rotation. Furthermore, even when both the first real space constituent and the second real space constituent are rotated in opposite directions, the rotation angle of the second real space constituent can be made small, making it possible to reduce dizziness or the like due to the rotation.

[0089] [Variations] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified within the scope of the invention, for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0090] (1) In the above embodiment, walking is used as an example of foot movement (movement), but foot movement (movement) is not limited to walking, and may be foot movement such as running (including jogging) or a combination of walking and running.

[0091] (2) In the above embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotation device R1 etc. is 180°, but the present invention does not limit the rotation angle to 180°. It may be 170°, 160°, 150°, etc.

[0092] (3) In the above embodiment, the rotating plate R12 (see Figure 3) of the rotating device R in the real space RW and the surrounding areas may be configured so that the user feels different sensations when they put their feet down in the real space RW, like tactile paving blocks on a road.

[0093] (4) In the above-mentioned first or sixth embodiment, the rotation device R (see FIG. 3, or R41, see FIG. 11) has an inclined surface R18, but the rotation device R (or R41) is not limited to having an inclined surface R18. It does not have to have an inclined surface R18. When using a rotation device R (or R41) that does not have an inclined surface R18, the height of the horizontal surface R17 from the floor is preferably 3 cm or less, and more preferably 2 cm or less. In this way, the user M is less likely to feel the step. In addition, in a rotation device R (or R41) having an inclined surface R18, the inclination angle between the floor and the inclined surface R18 is preferably in the range of, for example, 10° to 60°, more preferably 15° to 50°, and even more preferably 20° to 40°, and the height of the horizontal surface R17 from the floor is preferably 10 cm or less, more preferably 7 cm or less, and even more preferably 5 cm or less.

[0094] (5) In the above-described first or sixth embodiment, the rotation device R (see FIG. 3 or R41, see FIG. 11) is disposed by placing the rotation device R (or R41) on the floor. However, the arrangement of the rotation device R (or R41) is not limited to being disposed on the floor. For example, the rotation device R (or R41) may be disposed by being embedded in the floor. When the rotation device R (or R41) is embedded in the floor, the height of the horizontal plane R17 from the floor is preferably 3 cm or less, more preferably 2 cm or less, even more preferably 0.1 cm or less, and even more preferably zero. By embedding the rotation device R (or R41) in the floor, the step between the floor and the horizontal surface R17 of the rotation device R (or R41) can be reduced or eliminated. Also, the need to make the rotation device R (or R41) thin due to concerns about the step is reduced.

[0095] (6) In the above-described embodiment 1, when rotating the rotation device R, the control device 4 may rotate the motor R13 (see FIG. 3) in the following manner, for example: (a) after starting rotation, the rotation speed may be gradually increased, then the rotation speed may be kept constant, and the rotation speed may be gradually decreased until the rotation ends; or (b) the rotation speed may be kept constant from the start of rotation to the end of rotation.

[0096] (7) In the first embodiment, the rotation device R is configured to transmit the power of the motor R11 to the rotation shaft R13 to rotate the rotation plate R13 (see FIG. 3), but the power of the motor R11 may be transmitted to the rotation shaft R13 or the rotation plate R13 via a clutch (not shown) to rotate the rotation plate R13. In this case, the motor R11 may be configured to always rotate at high speed.

[0097] (8) In the first embodiment, pedestrian dead-end navigation was used to measure (estimate) the position of the pedestrian, but the method of measuring the position is not limited to this. For example, a Wi-Fi measurement method may be used in which a Wi-Fi receiving device is built into the tracking device 3 and triangulation is performed based on the differences in the strength and arrival time of radio waves from multiple Wi-Fi access points to measure (estimate) the position of the experiencer M. Alternatively, as part of the tracking device 3, multiple infrared LEDs and an infrared camera may be attached to the HMD, and the walls, windows, etc. in the real space illuminated by the multiple infrared LEDs may be captured by the infrared camera, and by adding this information, the position, direction, and tilt of the participant M may be measured (estimated) more accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F...Virtual reality experience device, 2...Display device, 3...Tracking device, 4...Control device, 41...CPU, 42...ROM, 43...RAM, 44...Interface, 45...Internal bus, 46...External bus, 7...Floor, R, R1 to R4, R5 to R8...Rotation device, R11...Motor, R12...Rotating plate, R13...Rotating axis, R14...Caster, R17...Horizontal surface, R18...Inclined surface, R41...Wheel, VG, VG1 to VG4, VG8...Virtual reality gate, W1 to W4...Wall, VW1 to VW4...Virtual reality wall, VT...Virtual reality tree, VU...Virtual reality road, RW...Real space, VR, VR', VR''...Virtual reality space, M...Experiencer, HMD...Head-mounted display

Claims

1. A virtual reality experience device for experiencing virtual reality by changing a display of a virtual reality space seen by a user based on a tracking result of the user's movement using their feet within a limited real space, comprising: The virtual reality experience device comprises: a display device that displays a virtual reality space to the user; a tracking device that tracks the movement in the real space; a rotation device that rotates the experiencer while carrying the experiencer and changes the orientation of the body in real space; a control device that controls the display of the display device and the rotation of the rotation device, The control device controls the display device so that, when the rotation device is rotated by a predetermined angle while the user is riding on it, the display of the virtual reality space seen by the user is changed based on the tracking result of the tracking device before and after the rotation, but is not changed during the rotation. A virtual reality experience device.

2. 2. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 1, The control device causes the display device to display a movement stop position of the user in the virtual reality space, corresponding to the arrangement position of the rotation device in the real space. A virtual reality experience device.

3. 3. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 2, The control device rotates the rotation device by a predetermined angle with the user on board, and then changes the stop-movement display on the display device to a movable display. A virtual reality experience device.

4. 4. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 2, The control device causes the display device to display a virtual reality gate as the stationary display and the movable display. A virtual reality experience device.

5. 5. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 4, the control device closes the virtual reality gate when an obstacle is present that blocks the progress of the user; When the rotating device rotates a predetermined angle with the user on board, and there is no longer any obstacle obstructing the user's progress, a message is displayed on the display device to open the virtual reality gate. A virtual reality experience device.

6. 5. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 4, The control device causes the display device to display a message indicating that the virtual reality gate is to be closed when it is desired to prevent the user from proceeding even if there is no obstacle to prevent the user from proceeding, and that the rotation device is to rotate the user through a predetermined angle with the user on board and then open the virtual reality gate. A virtual reality experience device.

7. The virtual reality experience device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The control device controls the display device to change the virtual reality space seen by the user into a virtual reality space different from that seen before the user passed through the virtual reality gate when the user passes through the virtual reality gate. A virtual reality experience device.

8. The virtual reality experience device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The control device causes the display device to display the virtual reality space so that the size of the virtual reality space is smaller than the size of the real space. A virtual reality experience device.

9. The virtual reality experience device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The position of the rotation device is an arbitrary position in the real space. A virtual reality experience device.

10. 10. The virtual reality experience device according to claim 1, The control device varies the speed at which the user moves within the virtual reality space and displays the speed on the display device. A virtual reality experience device.

11. A virtual reality experience device for experiencing virtual reality by changing a display of a virtual reality space seen by a user based on a tracking result of the user's movement using their feet within a limited real space, comprising: The virtual reality experience device comprises: a display device that displays a virtual reality space to the user; a tracking device that tracks the movement in the real space; a first real space component that constitutes a real space large enough for the user to move around on foot; a second real space construct provided within the first real space construct; a control device that controls the display of the display device and the rotation of the first real space construct or the second real space construct, the first real space construct is configured to be capable of relative rotation with respect to the second real space construct, The control device controls the display device so that, when the experiencer rotates the first real space construct by a predetermined angle while riding on the second real space construct, the display of the virtual reality space seen by the experiencer is changed based on the tracking result of the tracking device before and after the rotation, but is not changed during the rotation. A virtual reality experience device.

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