A plurality of objects are placed at respective positions in a three-dimensional virtual space, and for each of the plurality of objects, a movable surface including at least a first surface and a second surface at a predetermined angle to the first surface in a portion where the second surface intersects the first surface is defined. Then, based on a user input, the object is moved along the movable surface defined for the object.

A video game device calculates a difference vector extending from a predetermined reference position on the screen to an input position. Moreover, the video game device calculates movement parameter data used for moving, with respect to a fixed point in the virtual space uniquely determined based on a position of the controlled object, the point of sight to a position that is determined by a direction in the virtual space based on a direction of the difference vector and a distance in the virtual space based on a magnitude of the difference vector. The point of sight is moved based on the movement parameter data. The video game device produces an image based on a virtual camera, which has been moved according to the movement of the point of sight, and displays the image on the screen of a display device.

An exemplary embodiment provides an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a first object control unit for changing an orientation or a direction of movement of a first object in a three-dimensional space, a virtual camera control unit for determining a direction of shooting of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional space, and a display data generation unit for generating display data based on the determined direction of shooting of the virtual camera. The virtual camera control unit includes a detection unit for detecting whether the first object is hidden by another object when viewed from the virtual camera and a first following change unit for increasing a degree of causing the direction of shooting of the virtual camera to follow the orientation or the direction of movement of the first object based on a result of detection.

There is provided a display control program for a computer. The display control program includes: by an image generation block, setting a viewpoint position and a sightline direction in accordance with one of a position and an attitude of a head mounted display worn on the head of a user and rendering an object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space so as to generate an image to be displayed on the head mounted display; and by a rotation control block, upon acquiring an instruction for rotating a game field arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, rotating the game field around an axis perpendicular to the game field.

This application discloses a method for perspective rotation in a virtual environment performed at a terminal. The method includes: displaying a first perspective image of an application program associated with the virtual environment, a first function control and a second function control being overlaid on the first perspective image; receiving a first perspective rotation operation triggered based on the first function control; enabling a first function and a perspective rotation function of the first function control, and switching the first perspective image to a second perspective image; receiving a second perspective rotation operation triggered based on the second function control while the first function control is in an enabled state; and disabling the perspective rotation function of the first function control, enabling a second function and a perspective rotation function of the second function control, and switching the second perspective image to a third perspective image.

A virtual reality apparatus includes a head mountable display (HMD) to display video content; an orientation detector to detect a current orientation of the HMD; and a display generator to generate video content for display by the HMD, the video content representing a portion of a virtual environment, the display generator selecting the portion for display by the HMD in dependence upon: a current orientation of the HMD; and a location within the virtual environment of a feature of interest.

A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective porthole view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space.

This application discloses a method for moving a virtual character's perspective in a virtual environment performed at a terminal. The method includes: displaying a first perspective image of an application program observed using a first perspective direction, the first perspective image including first and second function controls; switching the first perspective image to a second perspective image according to the first perspective movement operation on the first function control, the second perspective image being an image of the virtual environment observed using a second perspective direction; receiving a second perspective movement operation on the second function control while the first function control is in an enabled state; and switching the second perspective image to a third perspective image according to the second perspective movement operation on the second function control, the third perspective image being an image of the virtual environment observed using a third perspective direction.

Technologies are described for providing turning in virtual reality environments. For example, some implementations use roll turning that involves rotating around an outer edge of a control input, some implementations use tap turning to move directly to a location indicated by a control movement, and some implementations involve combinations of roll turning and tap turning.

A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective porthole view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space.