U.S. Pat. No. 9,779,633

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation. Therefore, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications could be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In the related art described above, the immersion in a virtual space has not consisted with an actual movement in an actual space because a user is not able to see a real world in a state of wearing an immersive head mounted device. In other words, a human learns to set foot while sensing a real world, particularly in a visual way (more preferably, by means of a three-dimensional vision), but the head mounted device blocks the vision for the real world. Therefore, a general virtual reality system, which includes a head mounted device worn by a user so that the user may immerse in a virtual space and play a game, just allows the user to move on the spot.

In the present disclosure, a user may utilize abundant virtual objects (for example, virtual enemies or virtual exhibits) provided in a virtual world while actually moving in an actual space. In order to allow the immersion in a virtual space to consist with the actual movement in an actual space as described above, the virtual space displayed on a display of the head mounted device should be visually recognized by the user with the same size and visual field as the actual space. Detailed means and methods for this will be described later, and specific embodiments of the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure will be described first.

The virtual reality system of the present disclosure may be very suitably implemented as an entertainment system, without being limited thereto. Here, the ‘entertainment system’ using virtual reality in the present disclosure includes a system in which any kind of feeling perceivable by a user who is moving in a real world, for example game, exercise, education/training, viewing or the like can be reproduced in a virtual space.

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view showing a virtual reality system according to the present disclosure in a real world, which is applied to a survival game or shooting game system.

The virtual reality system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as depicted inFIG. 1includes a play ground100with a predetermined area (for example, at least several meters in length and width) where a user10is actually movable, in an actual space of the real world. Here, the play ground100may use an existing survival game ground intactly, or the play ground100may also use an unhampered flatland having no or minimal obstacles110. Even though the play ground100is configured as a ground with no obstacle, the present disclosure may utilize virtual objects of a virtual space, displayed on the display of the head mounted device300, as desired, which gives fun and exercise effects close to or superior to an actual survival game. However, the play ground100may have an obstacle110at which the user10may hide or lean his/her body, in the nature of the survival game, and may further have a structure such as an unevenness or step120or a layered structure, instead of a flatland.

FIG. 2shows an example of an image of a virtual space200displayed on the display of the head mounted device300when a user stands at a location and in a direction as shown inFIG. 1in the play ground100. Here, the virtual space200is constructed with the same structure as an actual space to correspond to the actual space, namely real objects (a ground structure, obstacles or facilities)110,120in the play ground100(a method for constructing the virtual space200will be described later). However, as shown inFIG. 2, even though the actual space100and the virtual space200have the same basic structure, virtual objects210,220are much more diverse than the real objects110,120, fixed virtual objects (for example, buildings230serving as a background inFIG. 2) not present in the actual space100are further present. Moreover, though not shown inFIG. 2, a moving virtual character (for example, a virtual enemy or friendly soldier) may be further present as a virtual object.

In addition, in the virtual space200displayed on the display of the head mounted device300worn by the user10, virtual objects210,220corresponding to real objects110,120which are observed by the user10at a current location in a current direction in the actual space100are displayed in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance in the actual space100(this displaying method will be described later). In other words, if the user turns his/her head right or left or raises or lowers his/her head, virtual objects210,220corresponding to real objects110,120such as the ground or obstacle present in the gazing direction of the user10in the actual space100are displayed at the center of the display. Therefore, the user may move, for example naturally walk or run, while visually recognizing the ground and the virtual objects210,220in the virtual space200as if they are the real ground and the real object110,120in the actual space100. If the user10moves in the play ground100serving as an actual space as described above, a changed current location and a changed current gazing direction of the user are calculated by means of a sensor, described later, and an image of the virtual space200corresponding to the changed location and direction of the user is displayed on the display.

Further, the user may enjoy a game by shooting with a gun held by his/her hand if a virtual enemy appears in the virtual space200. Of course, the user actually holds a sensor410for sensing a shot. For better reality, a switch having a trigger shape and a sensor for sensing a facing direction of a gun may be attached to a toy gun so that a current facing direction of the gun is displayed as an aiming point in the virtual space200. If so, the user aims and shoots at a virtual enemy by using the aiming point, and it is programmed that the virtual enemy falls down if the aiming point is identical to the virtual enemy, which may enhance fun and reality of the game. Further, information240showing a current state of the game, for example a remaining game time, the number of remaining bullets, the number of remaining enemies, the number of falling-down enemies, whether or not to be shot, a score or the like, may be displayed at a predetermined location in the image of the virtual space200on the display.

FIG. 3is a schematic perspective view showing a virtual reality system in a real world according to the present disclosure, which is applied to a boxing game system.

In the virtual reality system according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, a play ground100′ is implemented as a ring similar to a rectangular ring used in an actual boxing game. In this embodiment, the play ground may use an actual boxing ring, and the play ground may also use a simple flatland on which real objects110′ such as poles and ropes are implemented as virtual objects210′.

FIG. 4shows an example of an image of a virtual space200′ displayed on the display of the head mounted device300when the user stands in the play ground100′. In this example, the virtual space200′ is also constructed with the same structure as an actual space, namely corresponding to real objects110′ (a floor, poles, ropes or the like) in the play ground100′. However, similar to the former embodiment, the virtual space200′ has the same basic structure as the actual space100′ but is much more diverse, and a moving virtual character230′ such as an opponent or spectators, which is not present in the actual space100′, may be further present in the virtual space200′. In particular, an opponent serving as the virtual character230′ may interactively move according to a motion or movement of the user10, and the user may select an opponent suitable for his/her level.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the virtual space200′ displayed on the display of the head mounted device300worn by the user10, virtual objects210′ corresponding to real objects110′ which are observed by the user10at a current location in a current direction in the actual space100′ are displayed in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance in the actual space100′, and the image of the virtual space200′ is changed to be synchronized with a motion or movement of the user. Therefore, the user may naturally step or move while visually recognizing the ground and the virtual objects210′ in the virtual space200′ as if they are the real ground and the real object110′ in the actual space100′.

However, the opponent serving as the virtual character230′ in this embodiment is a virtual object in the actual space100′. Therefore, even though the user10hits the opponent230′ or is hit by the opponent230′, the user is not able to feel a hitting or hit feeling. However, similar to the former embodiment in which a virtual enemy hit by the user falls down, a punch accuracy rate or the like is calculated in consideration of a location and speed of the first of the user10, sensed by the sensor450, and a location of the opponent230′, and it may be programmed that an image showing that the opponent230′ falls down is displayed accordingly. In addition, similar to the former embodiment, current state information showing a hitting or hit punch accuracy rate, a current round, a remaining time or the like may be displayed at a predetermined location in the image of the virtual space200′, which may enhance fun and reality of the game.

As described above, if the virtual reality system of the present disclosure is used, the user may utilize abundant virtual objects in a virtual space while making an actual movement or motion in an actual space, which enables a new-generation entertainment system where virtual reality is combined with the real world. In particular, even though an existing game allows a user to play a game while sitting on a chair or making a motion on the spot, which results in shortage of exercise and abnormal emotion of children or youths who need suitable exercise for body development, the present disclosure allows a user to actually exercise while being entertained.

FIG. 5is a schematic perspective view showing a virtual reality system in a real world according to the present disclosure, which is applied to a virtual exhibition system.

In the virtual reality system according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5, a play ground100″ is implemented as an exhibition center. In this embodiment, the play ground may utilize an actual exhibition center, and the play ground may also be implemented by imitating only a building structure of a popular museum or gallery. Further, different from the former embodiments, an extreme movement is not expected in this embodiment, and thus the play ground may be implemented as a simple flatland with no special border or real object110″. Meanwhile, inFIG. 5, a reference symbol130is a location where a virtual exhibit is to be posted in a virtual space, and this location130may be distinguishably present on a wall110″ in the actual play ground100″ or may not be actually present.

In this embodiment, though not shown in the figure, an image of a virtual space is displayed on the display of the head mounted device300according to a current location and direction of the user10. In the virtual space, a virtual object corresponding to the wall110″ of the actual space100″ and a virtual object serving as a virtual exhibit to be posted are displayed at given locations130. Here, the virtual exhibit may be selected by the user from collections in a popular museum or gallery. In addition, a docent or other spectators may also be displayed as virtual characters.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the virtual space displayed on the display of the head mounted device300worn by the user10, virtual objects corresponding to real objects110″,130which are observed by the user10at a current location in a current direction in the actual space100″ are displayed in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance in the actual space100″, and the image of the virtual space is changed to be synchronized with a motion or movement of the user. Therefore, the user may naturally move in the exhibition center (actually, the play ground100″) and watch virtual exhibits while visually recognizing the ground and the virtual objects in the virtual space as if they are the real ground and the real object110″ in the actual space100″.

As described above, if the virtual reality system of the present disclosure is used, the user may utilize abundant virtual exhibits while actually moving in a popular museum, gallery or fairground, where the user cannot go, by means of a virtual reality system, which enables a new-generation exhibition and viewing system where virtual reality is combined with the real world beyond the limit in time and space.

FIG. 6is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a real world when a virtual reality system according to the present disclosure is applied to a battle training system.

In the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 5, one user10gets a feeling as if the user exists and moves in a virtual space, if the user10wears the head mounted device300and actually moves in an actual space in a play ground. In this embodiment described with reference toFIG. 6, two users10,20in an actual space of a real world are located in an actual space of a play ground with a predetermined area (for example, at least several meters in length and width). In the embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1, one user10does a survival game or shooting game, while in this embodiment described with reference toFIG. 6, at least two users10,20are divided into friendly troops and enemy troops or team up, and do battle training in the play ground100. The play ground100ofFIG. 6and an actual environment of the play ground100are the same as described with reference toFIG. 1.

FIG. 7is a diagram showing an example of an image of a virtual space200″ displayed on the display of the head mounted device300when the user10stands at a location and in a direction as shown inFIG. 6in the play ground100.

In the virtual space200″ displayed on the display of the head mounted device300worn by the user10, virtual objects210,220corresponding to fixed real objects110,120which are within the field of view of the user10when viewing at a current location in a current direction in the actual space100, and a virtual object250corresponding to the other user20who is moving are displayed in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance from the user10in the actual space100(this displaying method will be described later). In other words, if the user10turns his/her head right or left or raises or lowers his/her head, virtual objects210,220,250corresponding to real objects110,120,20, such as the ground, obstacle or another user, present in the gazing direction of the user10in the actual space100are displayed at the center of the display in response thereto. Therefore, the user10may move, for example naturally walk or run, while visually recognizing the ground of the virtual space200″ and the virtual objects210,220,250as if they are the real ground of the actual space100and the real objects110,120,20.

The virtual space200″ is displayed on the head mounted device300of not only the user10but also the user20in the same manner as described above. That is, on the display of the head mounted device300of the other user20, virtual objects corresponding to fixed real objects110,120in the actual space100and a virtual object corresponding to the user10who is moving are displayed in the virtual space200″, and in this instance, the corresponding virtual objects are displayed in the virtual space200″ in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance from the user20in the actual space100. If the users10,20move in the play ground100which is an actual space, the current location and gazing direction of the users10,20changed is calculated by a sensor as described below, and an image of the virtual space200″ corresponding to the changed location and direction of the users10,20is displayed on the display of the head mounted device300of each user10,20.

The users10,20can do battle training by shooting an opponent with a gun in the virtual space200″. Alternatively, the users10,20can do battle training by teaming up to shoot a virtual enemy with a gun in their hands when the virtual enemy is found in the virtual space200″. The gun held in the hands of the users10,20in the real world has the same shape and weight as a real gun and is manufactured to shoot the gun by pulling the trigger in the same way as a real gun, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 10. The gun may include a sensor410to sense a direction and motion of a gunpoint, a recoil means510to give recoil as if a bullet is discharged when the trigger is pulled, and a signal transmitter520to sense a gun shot and transmit a shooting signal. Here, the recoil means may include an air compressor and a solenoid valve. The recoil means may generate a sound of real gunshot while giving recoil when the gun is fired. The recoil means of the gun for training is generally widely known and its detailed description is omitted herein. Furthermore, the gun may have a laser pointer530to display an aiming location of the gunpoint. To implement more realistically, the head mounted device300, or as shown in (b) ofFIG. 10, a battle clothing (for example, a vest) worn by the users10,20may have a vibration means540. The vibration means540may be implemented as a piezoelectric device or a vibration motor, and when the user is shot by other user which is an enemy or a virtual enemy during battle training, the vibration means540generates vibration. When the vibration means540is mounted on the battle clothing, the battle clothing includes a signal receiver550, and when a control signal notifying getting shot is received through the signal receiver550, the vibration means540generates vibration.

A direction of the gunpoint is sensed through the sensor410attached to the gun, a direction in which the gun is currently facing may be displayed as an aiming point in the virtual space200″. Then, the users10,20shoot on a virtual enemy or other user as an aiming point, and when the aiming point matches the virtual enemy or other user, a virtual object corresponding to the virtual enemy or other user is programmed to fall, thereby increasing fun and reality of the game. Further, information240showing a current state of the game, for example a remaining game time, the number of remaining bullets, the number of remaining enemies, the number of falling-down enemies, whether or not to be shot, a score or the like, may be displayed at a predetermined location in the image of the virtual space200″ on the display.

Next, a method for constructing the virtual space200,200′,200″, which is essential to the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure, will be described.

The virtual reality system according to the present disclosure includes the play ground100,100′,100″ which is a real world, and the users10,20move, for example, walks or runs, in the play ground100,100′,100″ without watching the actual space. Therefore, except for a case where a flatland having no border is used as a play ground, real objects110,120,110′ such as fixed obstacles in the play ground100,100′,100″ should be displayed as corresponding virtual objects210,220,210′ in the virtual space200,200′,200″.

Therefore, in a first step for constructing the virtual space200,200′,200″, a frame of the virtual space200,200′,200″ having the same structure and size as the play ground100,100′,100″, which is an actual space, is constructed. In the step of constructing a frame of the virtual space200,200′,200″, if the display of the head mounted device300respectively displays both left and right eye images so that the virtual space is displayed as a three-dimensional stereoscopic image as described above, a method for constructing three-dimensional stereoscopic image data may be used.

In detail, the play ground100,100′,100″ is scanned to obtain depth information of the actual space and thus get a depth map therefrom. A most general method for obtaining depth information of the actual space is a stereo matching method which uses images obtained by scanning the play ground100,100′,100″ with two cameras. In the stereo matching method, disparity information between pixels corresponding to the same object in two images is obtained to get depth information of objects (real objects). As another general method for obtaining depth information of the actual space, a distance between objects in the actual space may be directly measured to obtain a depth map of the actual space. In other words, the play ground100,100′,100″ is scanned by using a depth camera which emits infrared ray or optical signals, and a distance between objects, namely depth information, is from a phase difference of signals reflected and returned.

After the depth map of the play ground100,100′,100″, which is an actual space, is obtained in this way and a frame of the virtual space is constructed, objects present in the frame (they are still real objects) are corrected and rendered, thereby generating virtual objects which correspond to the real objects but are more diverse and varying.

Subsequently, pure virtual objects230,230′ not present in the play ground100,100′,100″ which is an actual space are produced. These virtual objects include background buildings (230inFIG. 2) or virtual exhibits fixed in the virtual space200,200′,200″, and moving virtual characters (230′ inFIG. 4). These pure virtual objects are produced through a general designing work. In addition, the virtual object, particularly the moving virtual character, is programmed to move in response to a behavior or motion of the users10,20. This is performed through a general interactive game programming work.

The image data of the virtual space configured as above is stored in the memory of the control unit together with a game program or an exhibition program, thereby completely preparing the virtual space which is useable in the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure.

Subsequently, detailed components of the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure as well as means and method for configuring the system of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8.

Physical components of the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure are generally classified into play ground100,100′,100″, a head mounted device300, at least one sensor400, and a control unit500. Here, the play ground100,100′,100″ has already been described above, and the following description will be focused on other components.

Meanwhile, the head mounted device300, at least one sensor400, and the control unit500may not be physically divided from each other, but as described later, they may be integrally included in or attached to a single device. In other words, these components are logically distinguished.

The head mounted device300is worn by the users10,20to surround both eyes, and a display for displaying an image of the aforesaid virtual space200,200′,200″ is provided in the head mounted device300at a location corresponding to both eyes of the user. Therefore, if the users10,20wear the head mounted device300, the users are not able to see real objects in the real world other than the image displayed on the display. Furthermore, the head mounted device300includes at least one processor and memory, and an operating system, a graphic module (instruction set), and a game program (instruction set) may be installed in the memory as software element. The operating system may be, for example, Darwin, iOS, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS or VxWorks, or an embedded operating system such as Android, and includes software that controls and manages general system task (for example, memory management, storage device control, and power management). The graphic module includes many known software elements for providing and displaying graphics on the display of the head mounted device300. The term “graphics” include, without limitation, text, web page, icon (for example, user interface element including soft key), digital image, video, animation, and 2D/3D data, and includes all objects that can be displayed to users.

The display may be divided into a left eye display and a right eye display provided at locations respectively corresponding to both left and right eyes of the users10,20. If so, the left eye display displays a left eye image which is an object image seen by the left eye of the users10,20, and the right eye display displays a right eye image which is an object image seen by the right eye of the users10,20, respectively. Therefore, without any special means such as special glasses for watching a three-dimensional image by means of a shutter or filter or a lenticular sheet attached to a surface of the display, a three-dimensional display may be provided conveniently.

Furthermore, the head mounted device300has a communication module embedded therein to transmit and receive data through communication with the control unit500. The communication module transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. The communication module converts electrical signals to electromagnetic waves or vice versa, and makes communication through the electromagnetic waves. The communication module includes, for example, an antenna system, a RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and memory, and may include known circuit that is not limited thereto but performs functions thereof. The communication module can make communication via a wireless network such as cellular phone network, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and/or MAN (metropolitan area network), and a near-file wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of multiple communication standards, protocols and technology including, but not limited to, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment), WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), Wi-MAX, Bluetooth, zigbee, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other suitable communication protocol including communication protocol not developed at the time of filing the application. Furthermore, the communication module can make communication via a wired network such as HDMI cable, USB cable or wired LAN (Local Area Network).

Such a head mounted device300is easily available and widely known in the art, and thus its basic configuration and principle will not be described in detail here.

Meanwhile, the head mounted device300may further include an earphone and/or microphone, like a general headset, to give an audio effect (sound) to the users10,20in addition to a visual effect or to receive a voice of the users10,20so that the users10,20may make a conversation with a virtual character or inputs a command to the system by voice.

The sensor generally designated by a reference symbol400may be configured in various ways according to a specific application, but basically a sensor for sensing a current location and a facing direction (a direction in which the user gazes) of the users10,20in the play ground100,100′,100″, and recognizing the shape and motion of the users10,20.

The sensor410shown inFIG. 8is a sensor capable of sensing a shot used in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 6and sensing a facing direction of a gun. For the corresponding sensor410, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor as described below may be used.

The sensor450shown inFIG. 8is a motion sensor. The motion sensor450may be implemented using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor described above. The motion sensor450may sense a hand motion or a physique motion of the user10if the user10grips the sensor as shown inFIG. 3or wears the sensor on a plurality of joints, and the sensed motion of the user10may be reflected to change a behavior of a virtual character (for example, the virtual opponent player230′ inFIG. 4). Furthermore, the motion sensor450may be worn on a plurality of joints of the users10,20to recognize shape of the users10,20.

The sensor420shown inFIG. 8is an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor and is used for sensing a current location and direction of the user. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor is embedded in or attached to the head mounted device300. The acceleration sensor senses an acceleration of the head mounted device300when the head mounted device300moves according to a motion of the user10,20, and a current location and a facing direction of the user10,20in the play ground100,100′,100″ may be calculated by using the acceleration sensor. In detail, if the head mounted device300moves, the acceleration sensor420may sense its acceleration, decompose the acceleration into x-, y- and z-axis components, and generate signals therefor. If they are integrated, velocities in x-, y- and z-axis directions may be calculated, and if they are integrated again, a current location of the head mounted device300, namely coordinates on a x-, y- and z-axes based on an origin point (an initial location, for example, an entrance of the play ground100,100″ inFIGS. 1 and 5and a specific corner of the boxing ring of the play ground100′ inFIG. 3) may be obtained. In addition, since the acceleration and velocity are vectors having a magnitude and direction, if a movement history from the origin point to the current location is traced, the direction in which the head mounted device300is currently facing, namely the direction in which the user gazes, can be calculated. Meanwhile, the gyro sensor measures an angular momentum or an angular velocity of the head mounted device300rotated based on the rotation axes (x-, y-, and z-axes) and outputs them as electric signals. Similar to the acceleration sensor, the gyro sensor also allows a current location and a facing direction of the user, namely the head mounted device300, to be calculated.

For this, when the user10,20stands at the origin point to face the front or a predetermined direction, an initializing process, namely a calibration process for harmonizing a coordinate axis of the actual space with a coordinate axis of the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor420, should be performed. This initializing process and the user current location and direction calculating process are performed by the control unit500using a signal from the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor420.

The sensor430shown inFIG. 8is a camera sensor. The camera sensor430can sense a current location and direction of the user10,20, recognizes the shape and motion of the user10,20, and is used for constructing a virtual space. At least one camera sensor430may be installed at a specific location in the play ground100,100′,100″ or the head mounted device300, and preferably, a plurality of camera sensors is installed for accurately sensing a location and direction in consideration of dead zones.

The camera sensor430includes a depth camera, a color camera, and a microphone. The depth camera is a camera that measures the depth of an object, and measures depth information and outputs a depth image. Preferably, the depth camera is a camera that measures depth information by an infrared pattern. The depth camera includes an infrared ray sender and an infrared ray receiver, and if infrared rays sent from the sender reflect off an object, the receiver receives the reflected infrared rays and measures the depth of the object. The color camera is a general RGB camera and outputs a color image of an object. The microphone is a device that receives a voice and converts it into an electrical signal.

The camera sensor430photographs an image within its vision field and sends the image to the control unit500. If so, the control unit500recognizes the user and the head mounted device300from the image received from the camera sensor430and calculates a current location of the head mounted device300in the play ground100,100′,100″ from the location, size and shape in the image. This process is performed using an image recognition algorithm, and the image recognition algorithm is already widely known in the art and thus not described in detail here. A typical example of measuring a distance between real objects includes a triangulation analysis method of stereo images.

The camera sensor430may include a laser detection camera. The laser detection camera may be utilized in the battle training system. The laser detection camera may be a CCD camera having an attached filter to recognize a laser irradiated from a gun possessed by the user10,20. An image captured by the laser detection camera is transmitted to the control unit500, and the control unit500analyzes an impact point of the laser or coordinates of a trajectory by analyzing the image captured by the laser detection camera. The control unit500determines that a virtual enemy object or a real user to fight with was shot when a location of the virtual enemy object or the real user to fight with is matched with the impact point of the laser or the coordinates of the trajectory.

As another example of the sensor for sensing a current location and direction of the user, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, an emission element311,312mounted to the head mounted device300to emit an electromagnetic wave of a specific wavelength (typically, infrared ray) and at least two detection element441,442installed at predetermined locations in the play ground100,100′,100″ to detect the electromagnetic wave (infrared ray) emitted from the emission element311,312may be used. Here, the emission element may include two emission elements311,312respectively mounted to locations on an outer surface of the head mounted device300, which approximately correspond to both eyes of the user. In addition, two detection elements441,442respectively detect electromagnetic waves emitted from two emission elements311,312and respectively sense locations of two emission elements311,312therefrom. If so, the control unit500may receive the signals from the detection element441,442to calculate locations of two emission elements311,312, calculate a center point of the calculated locations of two emission elements311,312as a current location of the head mounted device300, and calculate a direction of a perpendicular bisector at the locations of the two emission elements311,312as a current facing direction of the head mounted device300, namely a direction in which the user is gazing.

Among the aforesaid sensors410,420,430,441,442,450, any one of the sensors420,430,441,442for calculating a current location and a gazing direction of the user may be independently utilized, but two or more kinds of sensors may also be combined to enhance the sensing accuracy, depending on applications.

If the actual location and the facing direction (the gazing direction) of the user10,20in the actual space100,100′,100″ is calculated using the sensor420,430,441,442, virtual objects in the virtual space200,200′,200″ located in the current gazing direction from the current location, which corresponds to the actual location and the facing direction in the actual space100,100′,100″, are displayed on the display of the head mounted device300, so that the user10,20may feel as if the user is actually present in the virtual space200,200′,200″ corresponding to the actual space100,100′,100″. In addition, if the user moves in the actual space100,100′,100″, the user may feel as if the user also moves in the virtual space200,200′,200″.

In the virtual exhibition system depicted inFIG. 5, the user10just walks and views virtual exhibits. Therefore, the sensor420,430,441,442which calculates an actual location and a facing direction of the user10in the actual space100,100′,100″, may be sufficient as the sensor400for the system ofFIG. 5. However, in the systems depicted inFIGS. 1 to 4 and 6, the user10should make active motions (a shooting motion inFIGS. 1 and 6, a punching motion inFIG. 3, or the like) in addition to simple viewing. Therefore, these systems further require the sensors410,450for sensing a direction and motion of the gunpoint and a behavior or motion of the user as described above.

The control unit500may be generally implemented as a computer or a server apparatus separated from the user10,20and installed in or out of the play ground100,100′,100″. Here, the computer or server apparatus means an information processing device including at least a processor, a memory, an I/O interface, and a communication circuit. More specifically, the control unit500may include memory, a memory controller, at least one processor, a peripheral interface, an input/output (I/O) subsystem, a display device, an input device and a communication circuit. The components of the control unit500make communication through one or more communication buses or signal lines, and many components include one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuit, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software.

The memory may include high speed random access memory, and may include non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage device and flash memory device, or other non-volatile semiconductor memory device. In some embodiments, the memory may further include a network attached storage device that is accessed by a storage device far away from at least one processor, for example, via a communication network (not shown) such as a communication circuit, LAN (Local Area Network), WLAN (Wide LAN), SAN (Storage Area Network), or suitable combinations thereof. Access to the memory by the component such as the processor and the peripheral interface may be controlled by the memory controller.

The peripheral interface connects the input/output peripheral device of the control unit500to the processor and the memory. The at least one processor executes the instruction set stored in various software programs and/or memory to perform many functions for the control unit500and process data. In some embodiments, the peripheral interface, the processor and the memory controller may be implemented on a single chip, or as separate chips. The at least one processor may control the receipt and manipulation of input and output data between the components of the control unit500, for example, using the instructions found in the memory. An operating system and a virtual reality operating program (instruction set) may be installed in the memory.

The control unit500stores information and data in relation to the virtual space of the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure in a memory along with an operating program or the like, and executes the operating program by means of the processor so that the user10,20may enjoy the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure. In detail, the control unit500receives signals from the sensor400to calculate an actual location and a facing direction of the user10,20in the play ground100,100′,100″, and controls the head mounted device to display an image of the virtual space200,200′,200″, observed at the actual location and in the facing direction of the user10,20, on the display of the head mounted device300. In addition, the control unit500displays virtual objects such as virtual characters or virtual exhibits on the display according to the operating program, senses a motion of the user10,20by receiving signals from the sensor400, and displays an image of the virtual object changed corresponding thereto on the display.

If the control unit500is implemented using a separated computer or server apparatus as described above, the I/O interface of the control unit500for communication with the head mounted device300or the sensor400may be implemented by means of wireless communication in order to ensure free movement of the user10. The wireless communication may utilize wireless long-range communication, wireless near-field communication, infrared communication or the like, widely known in the art.

In addition, if high-speed mass data transmission is impossible in the wireless communication, the control unit500may be implemented as a portable computer possessed or worn by the user10,20(for example, a portable computer put into a backpack and carried on the user's back). In this case, the control unit500, the head mounted device300and sensor400may be connected by means of wires which allows high-speed mass data transmission.

Further, the control unit500may also be implemented as a smart phone or a tablet PC possessed by the user. In other words, the smart phone including a memory, a processor, and an I/O interface may be substantially regarded as a computer, and this may serve as a control unit for controlling a virtual reality system composed of a relatively small-capacity program and data, in some applications. In this case, an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor recently included in the smart phone may be utilized. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the user10may do boxing, holding the smart phone as the sensor450, and analyze a motion of the user10using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor embedded in the smart phone. In addition, the virtual reality system of the present disclosure may be implemented by connecting the camera sensor430, the sensor410installed in the gun or the head mounted device300by means of a wired or wireless interface and installing a necessary application program in the smart phone.

In addition, other physical components of the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure may include an earphone, a speaker, a microphone, an air blower, a sprayer or the like, as described above. In addition, the user may wear a special cloth to which piezoelectric elements or vibration motors are attached as described above so that the user may feel a hit feeling in a fighting or combat game such as a shooting game or a boxing game.

Next, the operation of a method for enjoying the virtual reality system of the present disclosure, namely a method in which one user10alone enjoys the virtual reality system, will be described.

First, the user10wears the head mounted device300and necessary sensors400, and before starting a game or viewing in earnest, the calibration process described above is performed. In other words, if the user stands toward the front or in a predetermined direction at an entrance of the play ground100,100′,100″ or any other given location for a predetermined time, the control unit500harmonizes the coordinate axis of the actual space100,100′,100″ with the coordinate axis of the sensor400.

If the user10starts a game or viewing in earnest, namely if the user10makes a movement or motion in the play ground100,100′,100″, the control unit500calculates an actual location and a facing direction (or, a gazing direction) of the user, namely the head mounted device300, from signals input from the sensor400. Subsequently, if the actual location and direction of the head mounted device300is calculated, a virtual space image observed at the same location and in the same direction in the virtual space200,200′ having the same structure and size is generated and displayed on the display of the head mounted device300. This process for generating an image of the virtual space is identical to a three-dimensional animation producing process, in which a virtual camera is disposed at the above location to face the above direction in the constructed virtual space and an image of the virtual space within a vision field of the virtual camera is captured. At this time, if the system displays a three-dimensional image, a left eye image and a right eye image are captured respectively from two virtual cameras spaced apart as much as a distance between left and right eyes. In addition, a magnification of the virtual camera is adjusted so that a size of an object observed by the eyes of a human in the actual space at the same location and in the same direction becomes identical to a size of the virtual object in the image captured by the virtual camera. In addition, when the image of the virtual space is captured, illumination effects may be suitably applied so that the virtual space may be decorated more diversely.

The captured image of the virtual space observed at the current location and in the current direction of the user10is displayed on the display of the head mounted device300. At this time, sound effects or the like may be added to enhance the immersion and reality of the virtual space.

After that, in real time or whenever a motion of the head mounted device300is sensed, a process of calculating an actual location and a facing direction of the head mounted device300and a process of generating an image of the virtual space200,200′ corresponding thereto and displaying the image on the display are repeated, so that a motion or movement of the user10in the play ground100,100′,100″ is synchronized with a motion or movement in the virtual space200,200′.

Meanwhile, according to a progression of a game program or the like and a behavior or motion of the user10sensed by the sensor400, a virtual character may appear in the virtual space and is interactively changed according to the behavior or motion of the user.

By doing so, in the present disclosure, the immersion in a virtual space can consist with the actual movement in an actual space, and the immersion and reality may be maximized.

Next, the operation of another method for enjoying the virtual reality system according to the present disclosure, namely, a method in which at least two users10,20enjoy the battle training system, is described.

First, the users10,20wear the head mounted device130and the sensor400for sensing a location and a gazing direction, and before starting a game or viewing in earnest, the calibration process described above is performed. That is, if at least two users10,20stand toward the front or in a predetermined direction at an entrance of the play ground100or any other given location for a predetermined time, the control unit500harmonizes the coordinate axis of the actual space100with the coordinate axis of the sensor. In this instance, as the at least two users10,20do battle training together, each user10,20stands at non-overlapping locations. In this instance, the two users10,20may team up or may be opponents to fight against.

When a location and a gazing direction of the users10,20are analyzed using the camera sensor430, the aforesaid process may not be performed. As the virtual space is constructed with the same structure and size as the play ground which is the actual space, a location and a gazing direction of the users10,20in the play ground may be analyzed through analysis of images captured by the camera sensor430. Meanwhile, the two users10,20may be each located in two play grounds distant from each other. In this case, the locations at which the users10,20stand initially may be non-overlapping locations in the play ground. That is, if the user10stands at a first designated location (X1, Y1) in the first play ground, the user20stands at a second designated location (X2, Y2) in the second play ground. Even in case that a location and a gazing direction of the user10,20is analyzed using the emission elements and the detection elements311,312,441,442, as the location of the detection elements441,442is a known fixed location, an initial calibration process may be unnecessary, and in the same way as the camera sensor430, the locations at which the users10,20stand initially be non-overlap locations in the play ground.

Meanwhile, each user10,20is photographed using the camera sensor430and the shape of each user10,20is analyzed to generate virtual objects corresponding to the users10,20. A method for forming virtual objects corresponding to each user10,20is performed in the same manner as the method for constructing a virtual space as described previously, and scans each user10,20to obtain depth information, analyzes the shape of each user10,20using the depth information, and generates a corresponding 3D virtual object. In this instance, the shape of the users10,20may be analyzed through the motion sensor450installed at each joint of the users10,20other than the camera sensor430.

If battle training starts in earnest, namely, if the users10,20make a movement or motion in the play ground100, the control unit500calculates an actual location and a facing direction (or, a gazing direction) of the user, namely the head mounted device300, from signals input from the sensor (for example, the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor420, or the camera sensor430or the emission element and the detection device311,312,441,442).

Subsequently, when the actual location and direction of the head mounted device130is calculated, the control unit500generates an image of the virtual space observed at the same location and direction in the virtual space200″ having the same structure and size, and transmits it to the head mounted device300to display it on the display of the head mounted device300.

The virtual space200″ observed at the current location and the gazing direction of each user10,20is displayed on the display of the head mounted device300of each user10,20. In this instance, the actual space observed at the current location and the gazing direction of each user10,20, namely, the virtual objects210,220corresponding to the real objects110,120fixed in the play ground100are display in the virtual space200″ in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance in the actual space. Furthermore, when other user10,20is present in the actual space observed at a current location and a gazing direction of each user10,20, the virtual object250corresponding to other user10,20is displayed in the virtual space200″ in the current direction with a size proportional to a distance in the actual space. As a current location and a gazing direction of each user10,20in the actual space is calculated as described previously, when a second user is present in a gazing direction of a first user in the actual space and makes a movement, a virtual object corresponding to the second user is displayed in synchronization with the real motion in the virtual space200″ displayed on the display of the first user. In this instance, the immersion or reality in the virtual space can be enhanced using sound effects.

After that, in real time or whenever a motion of the user10,20is sensed, the control unit500calculates an actual location and a facing direction of the head mounted device300, generates an image of the virtual space200″ corresponding thereto and displays the image on the display of the head mounted device300repeatedly, so that a motion or movement of the user10,20in the play ground100is synchronized with a motion or movement in the virtual space200″. Meanwhile, according to a progression of a battle training program and a behavior or motion of the user10,20, a virtual character may appear in the virtual space, and is interactively changed according to the behavior or motion of the user.

Furthermore, when the user10,20detects an enemy in the virtual space200″ and pulls the trigger of the gun the user actually possesses, the recoil means of the gun generates recoil as if a bullet is actually discharged, and the signal transmitter provided in the gun wirelessly transmits a shooting signal to the control unit500. The control unit500that received the shooting signal analyzes a direction of the gunpoint by analyzing the signal received from the sensor410installed in the gun, and when the direction of the gunpoint matches the location of the enemy, determines that the corresponding enemy was shot. Alternatively, the control unit500that received the shooting signal may analyze a trajectory of laser emitted from the gun by analyzing an image received from the camera sensor430, and when the trajectory of laser matches the location of the enemy, determine that the corresponding enemy was shot. The control unit500displays that the enemy object falls in the virtual space200″. Furthermore, when the enemy is a real user and the corresponding user wears a vest including a vibration means, the control unit500transmits a vibration control signal to the vest of the user to allow the corresponding user to feel himself/herself that he/she was shot. Further, the control unit500may display information240showing a current state of the battle, for example, information such as the number of remaining bullets, the number of remaining enemies/friendly soldiers and the number of falling-down enemies/friendly soldiers, at a predetermined location in the image of the virtual space200″.

By doing so, according to the present disclosure, the effect of battle training can be maximized by making immersion in a virtual space and a movement in an actual space compatible and maximizing immersion and reality.

Meanwhile, since humans have very developed sight, a three-dimensional display technique is inferior to the human sight even though it has been greatly developed recently. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an eye tracking technique is utilized to enhance the reality of the virtual space further.

The eye tracking technique detects pupils L, R of a left eye and a right eye as shown in (a) ofFIG. 11, and calculates a gazing point, which is gazed by a user, therefrom as shown in (b) ofFIG. 11.

When seeing an object, a human generally turns his/her head toward a gazing point so that the gazing point is put into a front center of the face, namely a center of the vision field. However, a human may also observe a gazing point P3at a corner of the vision field just by rolling his/her eyeballs without turning his/her head. At this time, the pupils L, R of both left and right eyes move respectively from the centers of both eyes toward the gazing point P3(see L3, R3).

Further, even though the gazing direction is identical, different gazing points P1and P2may be set when a human observes an adjacent object and a distant object. In other words, a distance between the pupils of both eyes is closer when the gazing point is close (P2) in comparison to the case when the gazing point is far (P1) (the distance decreases from L1and R1to L2and R2). From the nature of the human sight, a current gazing point may be found by detecting locations of the pupils L, R of both left and right eyes.

In addition, the eye of a human adjusts a focusing distance of the eye lens according to a distance to the gazing point by controlling the eye lens thinner when seeing a distant point and controlling the eye lens thicker when seeing a close point, and a focus of an image focused on the retina changes accordingly.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gazing point of the user10,20is calculated, and when an image of the virtual space is generated from a virtual camera of the virtual space, an image having a focus at the calculated gazing point of the user is generated and displayed on the display.

For this, the head mounted device300includes an eye tracking unit for detecting a pupil of the user10,20. In detail, the eye tracking unit includes cameras (preferably, infrared ray cameras) respectively at the front of both left and right eyes in the head mounted device300. In addition, the control unit500detects locations of the pupils of both left and right eyes from the image obtained from the camera by using the image recognition algorithm described above. From the locations of the pupils of both eyes, a gazing point is calculated. Subsequently, when capturing the virtual space from the virtual camera of the virtual space, the control unit500generates an image focused at the calculated gazing point of the user and displays the image on the display.

By doing so, an image of the virtual space more close to the nature of the human sight may be provided, thereby enhancing the reality of the virtual space further.

Meanwhile, if the eye tracking function is applied, in the initializing step for enjoying the virtual reality system of the present disclosure, namely in the calibration step, initial locations of the pupils of both eyes of the user10,20are detected, and a gazing point is calculated based on the initial locations. At this time, the initial locations may be detected by guiding the user to gaze a plurality of points (for example, upper, lower, right and left corners and a center) in an initial image displayed on the display, and then detecting locations of the pupils of both eyes at that time.

The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.