Information processing system, method of information processing system, information processing device, recording medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing system, method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. An information processing apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor that executes one or more commands stored in the at least one memory, the information processing system executing: when an item related to a product is customized in accordance with an action of an avatar corresponding to a user in a virtual space; generating first customization information specifying the customized content; and selecting and executing at least one of a first process for endowing the article, which has been customized on the basis of the first customization information, to the avatar in the virtual space and a second process for endowing the article, which has been customized on the basis of the second customization information, to the avatar in accordance with an operation of the user. The second processing is used for enabling the user to acquire the commodity in the real world corresponding to the customization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing system, an information processing device, and a program. Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-217142, in a virtual space constructed by a computer, an avatar (online avatar) is used to communicate with other users who make other avatars move according to the operation of the user, or to participate in activities and games held in the virtual space. In such a service, the avatar can wear objects such as clothes and accessories. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the information processing system disclosed in the present invention is an information processing system including multiple information processing devices, wherein the information processing devices have at least one memory and at least one processor that executes one or more commands stored in the at least one memory, wherein the information processing system performs: when an object related to a commodity is customized according to the action of an avatar corresponding to a user in a virtual space, generating first customization information that specifies the content of the customization; and selecting and executing at least one of a first process and a second process according to the operation of the user, the first process being used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process being used to enable the user to obtain the commodity in the real world corresponding to the customization.

[0004] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of an information processing system.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a VR server.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the content of user management data.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a VR device.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the EC server.

[0011] Figure 7 This diagram shows a VR screen.

[0012] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a custom IF.

[0013] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a state where the short tape icon is selected.

[0014] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the state in which a product object is generated by selecting the export button.

[0015] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the content of the first custom data.

[0016] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the contents of the customization correspondence table.

[0017] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the content of the second custom data.

[0018] Fig.14 This figure shows a purchase screen.

[0019] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a purchase screen with the direction of a product changed.

[0020] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a purchase screen with a dialog box displayed.

[0021] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing a reception screen displaying a second website.

[0022] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the customization process.

[0023] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the commodity purchase process performed by the CPU of the control device.

[0024] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the commodity purchase process performed by the CPU of the EC server.

[0025] Fig.21 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the gift commodity providing process performed by the CPU of the control device.

[0026] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the gift commodity providing process performed by the CPU of the EC server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings.

[0028] (Overview of Information Processing System)

[0029] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1 .

[0030] The information processing system 1 includes a VR server 10, a plurality of control devices 20 (information processing devices), a plurality of VR devices 30 (terminal devices), and an EC server 40. The information processing system 1 provides a plurality of users who use the information processing system 1 with a three-dimensional virtual space 2 (metaverse) constructed by a computer (see Figure 7 ) in the metaverse. In addition, the information processing system 1 can provide users with services that apply VR (virtual reality) in the metaverse (hereinafter referred to as "VR services"). VR is a technology that allows users to experience the virtual world constructed in the virtual space 2 as if they were experiencing reality. In addition, the information processing system 1 can purchase (obtain) a commodity object 70 (objects related to the commodity) in the virtual space 2 customized by the user on the website of the EC (electronic commerce transaction) service provided by the EC server 40 (refer to Fig.10 ) or a real-world product 90 of the same design as the product object 70 (see Fig.14 ).

[0031] Each user of the information processing system 1 uses a control device 20 and a VR device 30. The control device 20 and the VR device 30 are connected so as to be able to send and receive data through wireless communication. The VR device 30 includes a VR headset 31 (head-mounted device) and a controller 32 worn and used by the user. The VR device 30 detects the user's actions and input operations by the VR headset 31 and the controller 32, and sends the detection results to the control device 20. The control device 20 displays a VR screen 3151 (refer to the VR screen 3151 of the virtual space 2) according to the user's actions and input operations detected by the VR device 30. Figure 7 ) and sound data are sent to the VR headset 31, which displays the VR screen 3151 and outputs the sound. In this way, VR is realized by causing the VR headset 31 to display the VR screen 3151 of the virtual space 2 or output the sound in real time according to the user's actions and input operations. In the virtual space 2, an avatar 80 (see Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) replaces the user's actions. In other words, the VR picture 3151 of the virtual space 2 seen from the perspective of the avatar 80 is displayed on the VR head-mounted device 31 in real time.

[0032] The VR server 10 , the plurality of control devices 20 , and the EC server 40 are communicatively connected via a network N and can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The network N is, for example, the Internet, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] Hereinafter, each component of the information processing system 1 will be described in detail.

[0034] (VR server structure)

[0035] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the VR server 10 .

[0036] The VR server 10 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a bus 15. The various components of the VR server 10 are connected via the bus 15. In addition, the VR server 10 may also include an operation unit and a display unit used by an administrator of the VR server 10. The VR server 10 acquires and manages various data required for providing VR services, and sends the data to a plurality of control devices 20 as needed.

[0037] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of each part of the VR server 10 by reading and executing the program 131 stored in the storage unit 13 and performing various calculations. In addition, the VR server 10 may have multiple processors (e.g., multiple CPUs) that can perform multiple processes performed by the CPU 11 of this embodiment. In this case, the multiple processors may participate in a common process, or the multiple processors may independently perform different processes in parallel.

[0038] RAM 12 provides a memory space for CPU 11 to work and stores temporary data.

[0039] The storage unit 13 is a non-temporary recording medium that can be read by the CPU 11 as a computer, and stores a program 131 and various data. The storage unit 13 includes non-volatile memories such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). The program 131 is stored in the storage unit 13 in the form of computer-readable program code. The data stored in the storage unit 13 include object data 132, first customized data 133 (first customized information), and user management data 134. The object data 132 includes information such as the position and appearance of each object in the virtual space 2. The first customized data 133 includes information related to the customized content of the commodity object 70 based on the user's avatar 80. The first customized data 133 is data received from the control device 20 and stored in the storage unit 13, and includes the first customized data 233 (refer to the first customized data 233 of the control device 20) Figure 4 ) is at least partly the same data.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the content of the user management data 134.

[0041] One data row of the user management data 134 corresponds to an account of one user of the information processing system 1. The "user ID" in this data row is a fixed symbol assigned to the user. The "avatar ID" is a fixed symbol assigned to the avatar 80 corresponding to the user.

[0042] "Holding object" indicates information related to the object held by avatar 80. "Holding object" includes "name" indicating the name of the object, "object ID" which is a fixed symbol assigned to the object, and "customized ID" which is a fixed symbol indicating the customized content of the object. In addition, the state of avatar 80 holding the object is not limited to the state of wearing the object, but also includes the state of holding the object without wearing it. Figure 3 In the example shown, the avatar 80 with the avatar ID "A001" holds the wristwatch commodity item 70. The wristwatch commodity item 70 can be worn on the wrist of the avatar 80.

[0043] User management data 134 may include, in addition to Figure 3 Information other than that illustrated.

[0044] Return to Figure 2 The communication unit 14 performs a communication operation in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Through this communication operation, the communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the control device 20 and the EC server 40 via the network N.

[0045] (Structure of control device)

[0046] Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device 20 .

[0047] The control device 20 includes a CPU 21 (processing unit), a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, an operation input unit 24, a display unit 25, a communication unit 26, and a bus 27. The various components of the control device 20 are connected via the bus 27. The control device 20 is, for example, a notebook PC or a stationary PC, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a tablet terminal or a smart phone.

[0048] The CPU 21 is a processor that controls the actions of various parts of the control device 20 by reading and executing various programs such as the program 231 and the web browser 235 stored in the storage unit 23 and performing various calculations. In addition, the control device 20 may have multiple processors (e.g., multiple CPUs), and the multiple processors may perform multiple processes performed by the CPU 21 of this embodiment. In this case, a "processing unit" is composed of multiple processors. In this case, multiple processors can participate in a common process, or multiple processors can independently perform different processes in parallel.

[0049] RAM 22 provides a memory space for CPU 21 to work and stores temporary data.

[0050] The storage unit 23 is a non-temporary recording medium that can be read by the CPU 21 as a computer, and stores a program 231, a web browser 235, and programs such as the web browser 235 and various data. The web browser 235 is a program for displaying a website such as an EC site provided by the EC server 40 on the display unit 25. The storage unit 23 includes a non-volatile memory such as an HDD and an SSD. The program is stored in the storage unit 23 in the form of a computer-readable program code. As data stored in the storage unit 23, there are object data 232, first customized data 233, and second customized data 234 (second customized information). The object data 232 is data received from the VR server 10 and stored in the storage unit 23, including data that is the same as at least a part of the object data 132 of the VR server 10. The second customized data 234 is data received from the EC server 40 and stored in the storage unit 23, including data that is the same as the second customized data 433 of the EC server 40 (see Figure 6 ) is at least partly the same data.

[0051] The operation input unit 24 receives an input operation from a user and outputs an input signal corresponding to the input operation to the CPU 21. The operation input unit 24 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0052] The display unit 25 displays information on websites such as EC sites, processing contents in the control device 20, various states, etc. to the user. The display unit 25 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, for example.

[0053] The communication unit 26 performs communication operations in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Through this communication operation, the communication unit 26 transmits and receives data between the VR server 10 and the EC server 40 via the network N. In addition, the communication unit 26 transmits and receives data with the VR device 30 by wireless communication.

[0054] (Structure of VR equipment)

[0055] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the VR device 30 .

[0056] The VR device 30 includes a VR headset 31, a controller 32 for the right hand, and a controller 32 for the left hand. The two controllers 32 are connected to the VR headset 31 wirelessly or by wire so that data can be communicated. The VR headset 31 is used by being worn on the user's head. The controller 32 is used by being worn or held in the user's hand. The controller 32 is equivalent to an "input unit".

[0057] The VR headset 31 includes a CPU 311 , a RAM 312 , a storage unit 313 , an operation input unit 314 , a display unit 315 , a sound output unit 316 , a sensor unit 317 , a communication unit 318 , and a bus 319 . The components of the VR headset 31 are connected via the bus 319 .

[0058] The CPU 311 is a processor that controls the operation of each unit of the VR head mounted device 31 by reading and executing a program 3131 stored in the storage unit 313 and performing various calculation processes.

[0059] RAM312 provides a memory space for CPU311 to use for operations and stores temporary data.

[0060] The storage unit 313 is a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by the CPU 311 as a computer, and stores a program 3131 and various data.

[0061] The operation input unit 314 includes various switches, buttons, etc., receives input operations from the user, and outputs input signals corresponding to the input operations to the CPU 311. The operation input unit 314 corresponds to an "input unit".

[0062] The display unit 315 displays an image visually recognized by the user wearing the VR head mounted device 31. The display unit 315 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc., which is provided at a position visually recognized by the user wearing the VR head mounted device 31. The image data of the image displayed by the display unit 315 is sent from the control device 20 to the VR head mounted device 31. The display unit 315 displays the image based on the received image data in accordance with the control of the CPU 311.

[0063] The sound output unit 316 outputs various sounds that can be recognized by the hearing of the user wearing the VR head mounted device 31 in accordance with the control of the CPU 311 .

[0064] The sensor unit 317 detects the movement and orientation of the head of the user wearing the VR headset 31. The sensor unit 317 includes, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in three orthogonal axis directions, a three-axis gyroscope sensor that detects angular velocity around three orthogonal axes, and a three-axis geomagnetic sensor that detects geomagnetism in three orthogonal axis directions. The CPU 311 derives the movement and orientation of the user's head based on the acceleration data, angular velocity data, and geomagnetic data received from the sensor unit 317. The sensor unit 317 can accept the user's movement and orientation as a user operation, and is equivalent to an "input unit".

[0065] The communication unit 318 performs a communication operation in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Through this communication operation, the communication unit 318 transmits and receives data between the controller 32 and the control device 20 by wireless communication.

[0066] The controller 32 includes a CPU 321 for overall control of the actions of the controller 32, a RAM 322 for providing storage space for the CPU 321 for operations, a storage unit 323 for storing programs and data required to execute the programs, an operation input unit 324, a sensor unit 325, a communication unit 326 for data communication with the VR head mounted device 31, and the like.

[0067] The operation input unit 324 (input unit) includes various switches, buttons, operation keys, etc., receives input operations from the user, and outputs input signals corresponding to the input operations to the CPU 321. The operation input unit 324 may be able to detect the movement of each finger of the user individually.

[0068] The sensor unit 325 includes a three-axis acceleration sensor, a three-axis gyro sensor, and a three-axis geomagnetic sensor, and detects the movement and orientation of the hand of the user holding or wearing the controller 32. The structure and operation of the sensor unit 325 may be the same as the sensor unit 317 of the VR headset 31, for example.

[0069] In addition, the structure of the VR device 30 is not limited to the above structure.

[0070] For example, the VR device 30 may also be provided with an auxiliary sensor device that is not held or worn by the user. The sensor device may be a device that is set on the floor or the like and optically detects the user's movement or the movement of the VR headset 31 and the controller 32 by laser scanning or the like.

[0071] In addition, when there is no need to detect the movement of both hands separately, the controller 32 of one side can be omitted. In addition, when the VR head mounted device 31 can detect the required user's action and input operation, the controller 32 can be omitted.

[0072] Figure 6It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the EC server 40 .

[0073] The EC server 40 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a storage unit 43, a communication unit 44, a bus 45, and the like. The various units of the EC server 40 are connected via the bus 45. The CPU 41 corresponds to an "information processing unit that performs processing related to electronic transactions of commodities". In addition, the EC server 40 may further include an operation unit and a display unit used by the administrator of the EC server 40. The EC server 40 acquires and manages various data required for providing EC services, and transmits the data to the control device 20 as needed.

[0074] The CPU 41 is a processor that controls the operation of each unit of the EC server 40 by reading and executing the program 431 stored in the storage unit 43 and performing various calculations. In addition, the EC server 40 may have multiple processors (e.g., multiple CPUs), and the multiple processors may perform multiple processes performed by the CPU 41 of this embodiment. In this case, the multiple processors may participate in a common process, or the multiple processors may independently perform different processes in parallel.

[0075] RAM 42 provides a memory space for CPU 41 to work and stores temporary data.

[0076] The storage unit 43 is a non-temporary recording medium that can be read by the CPU 11 as a computer, and stores a program 431 and various data. The storage unit 43 includes a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or an SSD. The program 431 is stored in the storage unit 43 in the form of a computer-readable program code. The data stored in the storage unit 43 include a custom correspondence table 432 and second custom data 433. The contents of these data will be described later.

[0077] The communication unit 44 performs a communication operation in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 44 transmits and receives data between the VR server 10 and the control device 20 via the network N through this communication operation.

[0078] (Operation of the information processing system)

[0079] Next, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0080] In the following description, the action subject is the CPU 11 of the VR server 10, the CPU 21 of the control device 20, the CPU 311 of the VR head-mounted device 31, the CPU 321 of the controller 32, or the CPU 41 of the EC server 40, but for the sake of convenience of explanation, the VR server 10, the control device 20, the VR head-mounted device 31, the controller 32 or the EC server 40 is sometimes recorded as the action subject.

[0081] In addition, the user's movements and input operations detected by the VR device 30 are collectively referred to as "user operations" hereinafter. That is to say, the "user operations" in the present embodiment include the input operations detected by the operation input unit 314 of the VR head-mounted device 31 and the operation input unit 324 of the controller 32, as well as the movements detected by the sensor unit 317 of the VR head-mounted device 31 and the sensor 325 of the controller 32.

[0082] In addition, in the following description, the display operation of the image in the VR head-mounted device 31 is mainly described, and other operations such as sound output are omitted.

[0083] <Basic operations related to VR>

[0084] When the user starts using the VR service provided by the information processing system 1, the user wears the VR head-mounted device 31 and the controller 32 of the VR device 30 and performs a prescribed operation for starting the VR service. According to this operation, the user's authentication information is sent from the control device 20 to the VR server 10. When the VR server 10 performs user authentication, the authentication result is returned from the VR server 10 to the control device 20, and the VR service is started for the authenticated user.

[0085] When starting the VR service, the control device 20 downloads the object data 232 required for displaying the virtual space 2 from the VR server 10 and stores it in the storage unit 23. In addition, the image data of the virtual space 2 is started to be sent from the control device 20 to the VR head-mounted device 31 of the VR device 30. Here, the image data of the virtual space 2 seen from the perspective of the avatar 80 at a prescribed initial position in the virtual space 2 is sent to the VR head-mounted device 31. The image data is generated based on the object data 232 and the like. According to the transmission of the image data, in the display unit 315 of the VR head-mounted device 31, the VR screen 3151 of the virtual space 2 is started to be displayed based on the received image data.

[0086] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the VR screen 3151.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the case where the user and his avatar 80 receive services in the virtual store 200 of the watch set in the virtual space 2 is taken as an example for description. The virtual store 200 customizes and sells the commodity object 70 of the watch. The VR screen 3151 includes an image showing the inside of the virtual store 200 in a three-dimensional manner. Inside the virtual store 200, there are a customization IF (interface) 50, a sample object 60, a pedestal 201 for the sample object 60, a purchase counter 202 for performing the purchase procedures of the commodity, and the like. The positions, orientations, colors, shapes, etc. of the various objects in the virtual store 200 are determined based on the information of the object data 232.

[0088] The customization IF 50 is an interface designed for customizing the commodity item 70 of a watch operated by the avatar 80 .

[0089] The sample object 60 is an object that is an enlarged model of the commodity object 70 of the watch. The sample object 60 reflects the content of the customization performed by the customization IF 50. The sample object 60 is arranged in the space above the base 201.

[0090] When the virtual store service starts, the VR device 30 starts to detect the user's operation and continuously sends the detection result to the control device 20. The control device 20 controls the operation of the avatar 80 in the virtual store 200 (virtual space 2) according to the received user's operation. That is, the control device 20 converts the received user's operation into the action of the avatar 80 in the virtual store 200, and determines and updates the position, orientation, posture, etc. of the avatar 80 in the virtual store 200 in real time. Then, the control device 20 generates image data of the virtual store 200 from the perspective of the avatar 80 with the updated position and orientation, and sends it to the VR headset 31. The generation and transmission of this image data are repeated at a predetermined frame rate. The display unit 315 of the VR headset 31 displays the VR screen 3151 at the above frame rate based on the received image data of the virtual store 200. As a result, the user wearing the VR headset 31 can visually confirm the inside of the virtual store 200 in real time from the perspective of the avatar 80 moving and acting in the virtual store 200 according to his / her own operation. In addition, the control device 20 transmits information such as the position, orientation, and posture of the avatar 80 to the VR server 10 .

[0091] <Operations related to customization of product items>

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, in the virtual store 200, a virtual line L extends from the fingertip of the right hand 80R of the avatar 80, and a pointer P is generated at the intersection of the virtual line L and the object. By performing a predetermined operation in a state where the pointer P is aligned with the position of the desired object, the object in the virtual store 200 can be selected. When the user wants to customize the design of the commodity object 70, the user uses the pointer P to operate the customization IF 50 through the movement of the avatar 80.

[0093] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the customized IF50.

[0094] The custom IF 50 is a plate-shaped object of a standing billboard. The custom IF 50 is provided with an object selection IF 51 , a color selection IF 52 , and an export button 53 .

[0095] The object selection IF51 is an interface for selecting components for constituting a customized object from among the multiple components (multiple parts) constituting the merchandise object 70. The object selection IF51 of the present embodiment includes a bezel icon 511 for selecting the bezel 61 of the watch as the customized object, a dial icon 512 for selecting the dial 62, a short strap icon 513 for selecting the short strap 63, a long strap icon 514 for selecting the long strap 64, an movable ring icon 515 for selecting the movable ring 65, and a buckle icon 516 for selecting the buckle 66. Each of the icons 511 to 516 can be selected using the pointer P described above. In Figure 8 In the example shown, one selected icon (here, the bezel icon 511 ) is surrounded by a frame, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, only the selected icon may be lit while the other icons may be turned off.

[0096] In addition, the components of the customized object are only examples, and components other than the above may be set as customized objects. For example, in addition to the activity ring icon 515 corresponding to a single activity ring, activity ring icons corresponding to three (triple) activity rings may also be displayed, and by selecting one of the activity ring icons, the shape of the activity ring can be selected from a single or three.

[0097] The color selection IF52 is an interface for specifying the color of the component selected by the object selection IF51. The color selection IF52 includes a plurality of color palettes 521 corresponding to any one of a plurality of different colors. Each color palette 521 can be selected using the pointer P. The type of the color palette 521 included in the color selection IF52 is switched in accordance with the icon selected from the icons 511 to 516 in the object selection IF51. That is, the color palette 521 of the color pre-set for the component corresponding to the selected icon is displayed on the color selection IF52.

[0098] When one of the icons 511 to 516 is selected in the object selection IF 51 , the color of the component corresponding to the icon 511 to 516 can be changed by selecting one of the color palettes 521 in the color selection IF 52 . The change in the color of the component is reflected in the sample object 60 .

[0099] In the default state at the start of customization, the color of each component of the sample object 60 is white, and the color of each component changes at any time according to the operation of the customization IF 50. In the default state, the sample object 60 is arranged so that the dial 62 showing the time faces the prescribed front direction of the virtual store 200. Figure 7 A sample object 60 is shown in a default state.

[0100] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a state where the short tape icon 513 is selected.

[0101] For ease of explanation, Fig. 9 3 shows a third-party perspective screen 3152 showing the inside of the virtual store 200 from a third-party perspective. The third-party perspective screen 3152 is an image of the virtual store 200 seen from a predetermined point above the virtual space 2, which is different from the perspective of the avatar 80. The user can switch between the VR screen 3151 and the third-party perspective screen 3152 by performing a predetermined operation.

[0102] When the selection object selects one of the icons 511 to 516 of the IF 51, the orientation of the sample object 60 is changed so that the avatar 80 (user) can easily see the component corresponding to the selected icon. Fig. 9 In the example shown, in response to the short band icon 513 being selected, the sample object 60 is rotated so that the short band 63 of the sample object 60 faces in the front direction.

[0103] In addition, Fig. 9 In the state where the short tape icon 513 is selected, the color of the short tape 63 is designated as yellow. In response to this, the short tape 63 of the sample object 60 is colored in yellow.

[0104] In this way, by selecting the color palette 521 of the color selection IF52 while one of the icons 511 to 516 of the object selection IF51 is selected, the color of the components of the sample object 60 can be changed. By repeating this operation, the color of each component of the sample object 60 can be changed and the design can be customized. In other words, when the customization IF50 is operated by the avatar 80, the settings related to the sample object 60 and the product object 70 are changed, and the sample object 60 and the product object 70 are customized according to the content of the operation.

[0105] In addition, Fig. 9 , the method of customizing the color of each component is illustrated, but other design elements of each component, such as shape, can be customized by the same method. In order to customize the shape, in addition to the color selection IF52, a shape selection IF not shown is also displayed for selecting the shape.

[0106] The object data 232 received from the VR server 10 includes image data of customized contents that may be selected for each component of the sample object 60 in advance, and the control device 20 can display the sample object 60 with a changed color and / or shape by combining the image data.

[0107] In addition, customization of the design can be performed collectively through a plurality of avatars 80 corresponding to a plurality of users.

[0108] After the design is customized as described above, by selecting the export button 53 , a merchandise object 70 of the design reflecting the customized content is generated in the virtual space 2 .

[0109] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a state where a product object 70 is generated in response to the selection of the export button 53 .

[0110] When the export button 53 is selected, a product object 70 having the same design as the sample object 60 at that time point is generated and displayed (output) near the export button 53. In response to the generation of the product object 70, the sample object 60 can be returned to Figure 7 The default state color scheme is shown.

[0111] The avatar 80 performs a predetermined action, and the generated merchandise object 70 is held or worn at a predetermined part of the avatar 80. When the avatar 80 holding or wearing the merchandise object 70 moves in the virtual space 2, the position and orientation of the merchandise object 70 in the virtual space 2 follows the position and orientation of the part of the avatar 80 where the merchandise object 70 is worn.

[0112] When generating the merchandise object 70 , the control device 20 first generates the first customized data 233 that specifies the customized content of the merchandise object 70 to be generated, and stores the first customized data 233 in the storage unit 23 .

[0113] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the content of the first custom data 133 and 233.

[0114] The first custom data 133, 233 includes six variables corresponding to six components (bezel, dial, short strap, long strap, movable ring and buckle), values ​​​​substituted into each variable and information on a fixed custom ID assigned to the custom content. "Component", "variable" and "value" corresponding to a component are equivalent to "first component design information I1". The value substituted into each variable represents the custom content of the corresponding component. For example, the third digit "1" of the hexadecimal value "0x102" substituted into the variable "bezel_custom_id" corresponding to the bezel represents the custom content of the bezel, and the last two digits "02" are predetermined codes representing the custom content of the bezel (here set as a combination of color and shape). The same is true for the variables of other components. In addition, the third digit of the variable value is one of "1" to "6", which respectively represents the custom content of the bezel, dial, short strap, long strap, movable ring, and buckle.

[0115] Can also replace Fig.11 In this way, a variable is set individually for each component, a plurality of values ​​with different third digits are substituted into a variable common to each component, and the value corresponding to each component is determined by the third digit.

[0116] The generated first customized data 233 is sent from the control device 20 to the VR server 10 and stored as the first customized data 133 .

[0117] The object data 232 received from the VR server 10 includes in advance image data of customized contents that may be selected for each component of the commodity object 70. Each component of the commodity object 70 may be obtained by reducing the size of each component of the sample object 60, and the image data of each component of the commodity object 70 and the sample object 60 may be shared. The control device 20 combines the image data of each component of the "shape" and "color" specified in the first customized data 233 to generate image data of the entire commodity object 70, and sends the image data to the VR device 30 for display.

[0118] Alternatively, the VR server 10 that has received the first customized data 133 may generate image data of the commodity object 70 having the customized content specified by the first customized data 133 and transmit the image data to the control device 20 .

[0119] <Actions related to purchasing a product or corresponding product>

[0120] The user can start a purchase procedure for purchasing the merchandise object 70 or purchasing (obtaining) a real-world watch product 90 that has been customized in the same way as the merchandise object 70 (corresponding to customization) by moving the avatar 80 holding or wearing the generated merchandise object 70 to the purchase counter 202 and performing a prescribed action (for example, an operation of pressing a purchase button not shown). In the case where a plurality of customized merchandise objects 70 are generated, the merchandise object 70 that is located closest to the purchase counter 202 (for example, the merchandise object 70 held or worn by the avatar 80) can be determined as the purchase object. When purchasing a merchandise object 70, the merchandise object 70 is assigned to the user's avatar 80. That is, as Figure 3 As shown, in the user management data 134, the customized commodity object 70 is registered as a held object of the avatar 80 in correspondence with the avatar 80. For example, the purchased held object can be taken out of the virtual space 2 to the outside of the virtual store 200. In addition, when the commodity 90 is purchased, the commodity 90 is delivered to the user's residence in the real world.

[0121] The purchase procedure is performed by the control device 20 as a client terminal and the EC server 40. When the purchase procedure is started, the web browser 235 of the control device 20 is started and an operation is performed to display the first website 251 (see Fig.14 )'s purchase screen 250 is used for the following processing.

[0122] First, the first customized data 233 is sent from the control device 20 to the EC server 40. The EC server 40 refers to the customized correspondence table 432 and converts the first customized data 233 into the second customized data 433. The process involved in this conversion is equivalent to the "third process of converting the first customized information into the second customized information that can be interpreted by the information processing unit".

[0123] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the contents of the customization correspondence table 432 .

[0124] In the custom correspondence table 432, for each component, the "color" and "shape" of the component are registered in correspondence with the value of the variable of the first custom data 233. The "color" and "shape" may be in any form as long as the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 can interpret them as design elements of the component.

[0125] In addition, the custom correspondence table 432 may be a custom correspondence table that establishes correspondence between the design code of the component and the value of the variable of the first custom data 233. In this case, the "color" and "shape" corresponding to the design code may be determined by referring to other table data.

[0126] The EC server 40 converts the first customized data 233 into the second customized data 433 based on the correspondence relationship between the values ​​of the variables of the first customized data 233 and “color” and “shape” in the customized correspondence table 432 .

[0127] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing the content of the second custom data 433.

[0128] The second customized data 433 includes information on the customized elements, namely, "color" and "shape" in the six components. The "component", "color" and "shape" corresponding to one component are equivalent to the "second component design information I2". The second component design information I2 corresponding to each component of the second customized data 433 is obtained by extracting the "color" and "shape" corresponding to the values ​​of the variables of each component of the first customized data 233 in the customized correspondence table 432. Therefore, the second customized data 433 includes information that determines the same customized content as the first customized data 233, and can be interpreted by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40.

[0129] The EC server 40 transmits the generated second customized data 433 to the control device 20 together with the content data (HTML, CSS, image data, etc.) required to display the first website 251. The control device 20 causes the storage unit 23 to store the received second customized data 433 as the second customized data 234. The control device 20 causes the display unit 25 to display the purchase screen 250 including the first website 251 on the web browser 235 based on the received content data and the second customized data 234. Thereafter, the user removes the VR head mounted device 31 and the controller 32, and operates the operation input unit 24 while visually recognizing the display unit 25 of the control device 20.

[0130] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a purchase screen 250 .

[0131] The purchase screen 250 is a screen that displays a first website 251 for purchasing a product object 70 or a product 90. The purchase screen 250 displays the product 90 to be purchased, a first URL 252 of the first website 251, a first logo 253, a second logo 254, an object selection icon 255, a color selection icon 256, an object purchase button 257, and a product purchase button 258.

[0132] Each component in the image of the product 90 is designed to reflect the design of the customized content specified by the received second customized data 234. For example, by executing a program such as JavaScript (registered trademark) included in the content data of the first website 251, the image of each component is drawn based on the content of the second customized data 234. Fig.14 Although an image of a commodity 90 in the real world is used, an image of a commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 may be used instead.

[0133] The first mark 253 is a mark indicating that customization has been performed in the virtual space 2. Fig.14 In the example shown, the first identifier 253 includes the characters “VR CUSTOM”, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The second mark 254 is a mark indicating the customized avatar 80. Fig.14 In the example shown, the second identifier 254 includes the avatar ID of the avatar 80 , but is not limited thereto. For example, an image of the avatar 80 may be displayed as the second identifier 254 .

[0135] In addition, one or both of the first mark 253 and the second mark 254 may be omitted.

[0136] The object selection icon 255 is an icon group for designating a component of a customized object in the case of further customizing the design of the component on the purchase screen 250. The six icons of the object selection icon 255 correspond to the six icons included in the object selection IF51 of the customization IF50.

[0137] The color selection icons 256 are an icon group for specifying the color of a component when designing a custom component in the purchase screen 250. The color selection icons 256 include, for example, the same color palette as the color palette 521 included in the color selection IF 52 of the custom IF 50.

[0138] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a purchase screen 250 in which the orientation of the product 90 has been changed.

[0139] exist Fig.15 In response to selecting the buckle icon in the object selection icon 255, the orientation of the commodity 90 is changed so that the buckle of the commodity 90 is located at the near front side. Fig.15 As shown, a first mark 91 indicating that customization has been performed in the virtual space 2 and a second mark 91 indicating that the avatar 80 that has been customized are given on the back cover of the main body of the commodity 90 (or the commodity object 70). The first mark 91 is the same as the first mark 253, and the second mark 92 is the same as the second mark 254. The first mark 91 and the second mark 92 are not only printed on the purchase screen 250, but also printed on the back cover of the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 and the back cover of the commodity 90 in the real world. That is, the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 registers the setting of printing the first mark 91 and the second mark 92 on the commodity object 70 and the commodity 90 in the setting information (not shown) related to the commodity object 70 and the commodity 90. The processing related to this registration is equivalent to "processing for assigning at least one of the first mark and the second mark to the object or the commodity". In addition, one or both of the first mark 91 and the second mark 92 may be omitted.

[0140] In addition, in the above, in order to make the components of the product 90 (or product object 70) in the purchase screen 250 become the design reflecting the customized content, the image of the component is changed on the control device 20 side by JavaScript or the like, but this is not limited to this method. For example, data of the component design reflecting the customized content may be sent from the EC server 40 to the control device 20, and the image of each component of the product 90 reflecting the customized content may be displayed in the control device 20 based on the received data.

[0141] In addition, at least a part of the components is designed to correspond to each customized content (i.e., each customized ID) among a plurality of customized contents that are different from each other, and a separate first website 251 and a first URL 252 are generated, and the first URL 252 is specified in the web browser 235 of the control device 20, so that the first website 251 including the image of the commodity 90 reflecting the customized content and the purchase screen 250 can be displayed. For example, the EC server 40 can generate a separate first website 251 and a first URL 252 each time based on the received first customized data 233, and pre-generate and store the first website 251 and the first URL 252 that can be combined in the storage unit 43 of the EC server 40.

[0142] exist Fig.14 and 15 In the example shown, the first URL 252 of the first website 251 includes the string "02_03_12_09_15_08" at the end. This string corresponds to Fig.11 The last two digits of the value of each variable in the first custom data 233 are used. By determining the first URL 252 according to such a rule, the EC server 40 can easily determine the first URL 252 of the first website 251 of the corresponding design according to the first custom data 233.

[0143] The EC server 40 generates the second customized data 433 including the information of the first URL 252 based on the received first customized data 233, and transmits the second customized data 433 to the control device 20. The control device 20 can display the purchase screen 250 including the first website 251 by specifying the first URL 252 included in the received second customized data 433 (second customized data 234) on the web browser 235.

[0144] By Fig.14 or Fig.15 By selecting the object purchase button 257 in the purchase screen 250, the process for purchasing the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 can be started (the commodity object 70 is given to the avatar 80).

[0145] Furthermore, by selecting the commodity purchase button 258 , a process for purchasing the commodity 90 in the real world can be started.

[0146] When the object purchase button 257 or the commodity purchase button 258 is selected, Fig.16As shown, a dialog box 259 is displayed on the purchase screen 250 to inquire about the purpose of the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 to be purchased. In the present embodiment, the purpose is one of "for own use" for the user himself and "for gift" for the user to give (transfer) to a specified target person. The dialog box 259 displays a self-use button 2591 for declaring that it is "for own use" and a gift button 2592 for declaring that it is "for gift".

[0147] When the self-use button 2591 is selected, a process for the user to purchase the merchandise item 70 or merchandise 90 for self-use is started.

[0148] When the merchandise object 70 is purchased, the EC server 40 executes a settlement process using a predetermined method, and the VR server 10 associates the merchandise object 70 with the user's avatar 80 and registers (assigns) it in the user management data 134 .

[0149] When purchasing the product 90, the control device 20 receives input of delivery information such as the delivery destination address of the product 90, and performs settlement processing using a predetermined method (e.g., electronic settlement using credit card information) through the EC server 40. Thereafter, the product 90 is delivered to the delivery destination address in the real world.

[0150] On the other hand, when the gift button 2592 is selected, regardless of whether the merchandise object 70 or the merchandise 90 is purchased, a second URL 282 of a second website 281 for the target person to receive (obtain) the gift (merchandise object 70 or merchandise 90) or information for specifying the second URL 282 is generated through the EC server 40. Here, the information for specifying the second URL 282 may be, for example, a barcode, a QR code, or a ticket code that can be decoded to obtain the second URL 282.

[0151] Fig.17 2 is a diagram showing a reception screen 280 displaying a second website 281 .

[0152] In the control device 20 used by the target person receiving the gift, when the second URL 282 is input on the web browser 235 or the two-dimensional code is read in a predetermined method, a receiving screen 280 is displayed on the display unit 25. The receiving screen 280 displays the gifted product 90 (or product object 70), the second URL 282 of the second website 281, the first mark 283, the second mark 284, the receiving button 285, and the re-ordering button 286. The first mark 283 and the second mark 284 are related to Fig.14 The first mark 253 and the second mark 254 shown are the same mark. Fig.17, but the back cover of the commodity 90 (or commodity object 70) is given the same Fig.15 The first identification mark 91 and the second identification mark 92 shown are the same identification marks.

[0153] When the receive button 285 is selected, a process for the target person to receive the merchandise item 70 or merchandise 90 is started.

[0154] When the gift is a merchandise object 70 , the VR server 10 registers (gives) the merchandise object 70 in correspondence with the avatar corresponding to the target person in the first customized data 133 .

[0155] When the gift is a product 90 , the control device 20 receives input of delivery information such as a delivery destination address of the product 90 , and the product 90 is delivered to the delivery destination address in the real world.

[0156] On the other hand, when the re-order button 286 is selected, a process for the target person to re-order the product 90 (or product object 70) is started. The method of re-ordering is not particularly limited. For example, the receiving screen 280 may display the same Fig.14 The same customizing icon group as the object selection icon 255 and the color selection icon 256 in the purchase screen 250 of the embodiment of the present invention is used to re-customize the product according to the operation on these icon groups. When the operation for re-customization is performed, the control device 20 generates third customizing data (third customizing information) which specifies the content of the re-customization and is not shown in the figure in response to the operation. The third customizing data for the product 90 can be set to be, for example, Fig.13 The third customized data for the commodity object 70 can be, for example, Fig.11 The same form as the first custom data 233 shown. First, data in the same form as the second custom data 234 is generated, and the "color" and "shape" of the data are inversely converted into the values ​​of the variables of the first custom data 233 based on the custom correspondence table 432, thereby generating third custom data in the same form as the first custom data 233.

[0157] When the receive button 285 is selected after the third customized data is generated, a process is performed for allowing the target person to obtain the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 that has been re-customized based on the third customized data. In addition, in the case where the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 is re-customized, information indicating that the re-customization has been performed may also be sent to the target person to whom the gift was sent. Specifically, the information indicating that the re-customization has been performed is sent through an unillustrated mail application, SNS application, etc. of the control device 20 of the target person so that the information indicating that the re-customization has been performed can be viewed. In this case, the information indicating that the re-customization has been performed may be sent upon selecting one of the icons in the customization group, or may be sent upon selecting the receive button 285 after the selection (after performing the color or shape re-customization operation).

[0158] <Customized processing>

[0159] Next, the customization process, the commodity purchase process, and the gift commodity provision process executed in the information processing system 1 to realize the above-mentioned operation will be described.

[0160] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the customization process.

[0161] When starting the VR service for the user, the custom processing is executed by the CPU 21 of the control device 20. In addition, at least a part of the custom processing may be executed by the CPU 11 of the VR server 10.

[0162] When the customization process starts, the CPU 21 of the control device 20 reflects the customization corresponding to the operation of the avatar 80 for the customization IF 50 on the sample object 60 (step S101). The CPU 21 determines whether the operation of selecting the export button 53 has been performed (step S102). If it is determined that the operation has not been performed ("No" in step S102), the process is transferred to step S107. If it is determined that the operation of selecting the export button 53 has been performed ("Yes" in step S102), the CPU 21 generates the first customization data 233 reflecting the customized content and sends it to the VR server 10 (step S103). The CPU 21 generates a commodity object 70 based on the customized content of the first customization data 233, and displays it in the VR head mounted device 31 (step S104).

[0163] The CPU 21 determines whether an operation for starting the purchase process of the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 is performed by the avatar 80 (step S105). Here, when the avatar 80 holding or wearing the commodity object 70 performs a predetermined action at the purchase counter 202, the CPU 21 determines that the above operation is performed. When it is determined that the operation for starting the purchase process is performed ("Yes" in step S105), the CPU 21 starts the commodity purchase process described later (step S106).

[0164] On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation for starting the purchase process has not been performed ("No" in step S105), or when it is determined in step S105 that the operation for selecting the export button 53 has not been performed ("No" in step S102), CPU21 determines whether the avatar 80 continues to be customized (step S107). When it is determined that the customization is to be continued ("Yes" in step S107), CPU21 returns the process to step S101. When it is determined that the customization is not to be continued ("No" in step S107) or when step S106 is ended, CPU21 ends the customization process.

[0165] <Product Purchase Processing>

[0166] Next, the commodity purchase process executed when the user purchases the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 will be described. Fig.19 ) and the processing executed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 ( Fig. 20 ).in addition, Fig.19 and Fig. 20 This is an example of the shared processing between the control device 20 and the EC server 40, and is not limited to this. For example, Fig.19 At least a part of the commodity purchase process shown may be executed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40. Fig. 20 At least a part of the commodity purchasing process shown may be executed by the CPU 21 of the control device 20 .

[0167] Fig.19 1 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the commodity purchase process performed by the CPU 21 of the control device 20 .

[0168] When the commodity purchase process starts, the CPU 21 of the control device 20 starts the web browser 235 (step S201) and sends the first customized data 233 to the EC server 40 (step S202). When the CPU 21 receives the second customized data 234 from the EC server 40, the CPU 21 displays the first website 251 including the image reflecting the customized commodity 90 (or commodity object 70) on the purchase screen 250 based on the second customized data 234 (step S203). In addition, the CPU 21 displays the first website 251 at a predetermined position on the purchase screen 250. Fig.14 The first mark 253 and the second mark 254 shown are given on the back cover of the commodity 90 (or commodity object 70). Fig.15 The first mark 91 and the second mark 92 are shown (step S204).

[0169] When the CPU 21 determines that the object purchase button 257 for purchasing the commodity object 70 in the virtual space has been selected ("Yes" in step S205), the CPU 21 displays the dialog box 259 and determines whether it is used as a gift based on the selection status of the self-use button 2591 and the gift button 2592 (step S206). When the gift button 2592 is selected and it is determined to be used for a gift ("Yes" in step S206), the CPU 21 requests the EC server 40 to process the settlement and issue the second URL 282 of the second website 281 for receiving gifts (step S207).

[0170] On the other hand, when the self-use button 2591 is selected and it is determined to be for self-use (No in step S206), the CPU 21 requests the EC server 40 to process the settlement (step S208). In addition, the CPU 21 requests the VR server 10 to process the merchandise object 70 to the avatar 80 (step S209).

[0171] In step S205, when it is determined that the operation of selecting the object purchase button 257 is not performed ("No" in step S205), the CPU 21 determines whether the operation of selecting the commodity purchase button 258 for purchasing the commodity 90 in the real world is performed (step S210). When it is determined that the operation is not performed ("No" in step S210), the CPU 21 returns the processing to step S205. When it is determined that the operation is performed ("Yes" in step S210), the CPU 21 displays the dialog box 259 and determines whether it is for a gift (step S211). When the gift button 2592 is selected and it is determined that it is for a gift ("Yes" in step S211), the CPU 21 requests the EC server 40 to perform a settlement process and issue a second URL 282 of the second website 281 for receiving gifts (step S212).

[0172] In addition, in the above step S210, when the operation of selecting the product purchase button 258 for purchasing the product 90 in the real world is performed, for example, before executing the process of step S211, it can be determined whether the product 90 of the current customized content can be produced at the current time point. Specifically, the CPU 21 obtains the inventory information of each of the multiple components constituting the product 90 (the inventory information of each of the multiple parts) from the EC server 40, and based on the inventory information, determines whether the product 90 of the current customized content (the product 90 composed of the components shown in the customized content) includes a component that is not in stock. In the above determination, if it is determined that a component that is not in stock is included, the CPU 21 outputs a message indicating "cannot be produced" and ends the process of the product purchase process. In this case, after returning to the process of the customization process, the CPU 21 can output a message to the user indicating that re-customization is to be performed, and return to step S101.

[0173] On the other hand, when the self-use button 2591 is selected and it is determined to be for self-use ("No" in step S211), the CPU 21 requests the EC server 40 for settlement processing (step S213). In addition, the CPU 21 accepts input of delivery information such as the delivery destination address, and sends the input delivery information and the product delivery processing request to the EC server 40 (step S214).

[0174] When any one of steps S207, S209, S212, and S214 is completed, CPU 21 displays information related to the result of the commodity purchase on purchase screen 250 (step S215). For example, when step S207 or S212 is executed, CPU 21 displays the second URL 282 of the second website 281 (or a two-dimensional code for obtaining the second URL 282, etc.) on purchase screen 250. In addition, when step S209 or S214 is executed, CPU 21 displays a notification on purchase screen 250 indicating that the delivery process of giving commodity object 70 or commodity 90 to avatar 80 has been completed.

[0175] When step S215 is completed, CPU 21 ends the commodity purchase processing.

[0176] Fig.19 The processing of steps S201 to S209 and S215 in the commodity purchase processing of the embodiment corresponds to "a first processing for giving an object of a commodity customized based on the first customization information to an avatar in the virtual space". In addition, the processing of steps S201 to S204 and S210 to S215 corresponds to "a second processing for a user to obtain a commodity customized based on the first customization information in the real world".

[0177] Fig. 20This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the commodity purchase process performed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 .

[0178] When the commodity purchase process starts, the CPU 41 repeatedly determines whether the first custom data 233 is received from the control device 20 (step S301). When it is determined that the first custom data 233 is received ("Yes" in step S301), the CPU 41 refers to the custom correspondence table 432, converts the first custom data 233 into the second custom data 433 using the above-mentioned method, and sends it to the control device 20 (step S302). In detail, the CPU 41 converts the plurality of first component design information I1 of the first custom data 233 into a plurality of second component design information I2, and generates the second custom data 433 including the plurality of second component design information I2. The process of step S302 is equivalent to "the third process of converting the first custom information into the second custom information that can be interpreted by the information processing unit that performs the process involved in the electronic transaction of the commodity".

[0179] The CPU 41 repeatedly determines whether a settlement request has been made from the control device 20 (step S303). If it is determined that a settlement request has been made ("Yes" in step S303), the CPU 41 executes the settlement process and sends the result information (success or failure of the settlement, etc.) to the control device 20 (step S304).

[0180] When CPU 41 determines that it has received a request to issue the second URL 282 of the second website 281 ("Yes" in step S305), CPU 41 generates the second URL 282 of the second website 281 (or a QR code that can obtain the second website 281, etc.) and sends it to the control device 20 (step S306).

[0181] When it is determined that the request to issue the second URL 282 has not been received (No in step S305), the CPU 41 determines whether the delivery information and the request for the delivery process of the product 90 have been received (step S307). When it is determined that the information and the request have been received, the product delivery process for delivering the product 90 to the delivery destination address is executed based on the content of the received delivery information (step S308).

[0182] When it is determined that the delivery information and the product delivery processing request have not been received ("No" in step S307), the CPU 41 determines whether the processing of assigning the product object 70 to the avatar 80 has been performed in the VR server 10 (step S309). When it is determined that the processing has not been performed ("No" in step S309), the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S305. When it is determined that the processing has been performed ("Yes" in step S309), or when step S306 or S308 has been completed, the CPU 41 ends the product purchase processing.

[0183] <Gift product handling>

[0184] Next, the gift commodity providing process executed when the gift commodity object 70 or commodity 90 is provided to the target person of the gift is described. Fig.21 ) and the processing executed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 ( Fig. 22 ). Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The gift product provision process is equivalent to "processing for the target person to obtain an object or product that has been re-customized based on the third customization information." In addition, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 This is an example of the shared processing between the control device 20 and the EC server 40, and is not limited to this. For example, Fig.21 At least a part of the gift commodity providing process (target person's control device 20) shown in FIG. 1 may be executed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40. Fig. 22 At least a part of the gift commodity providing process (EC server 40 ) shown may be executed by the CPU 21 of the control device 20 .

[0185] Fig.21 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the gift commodity providing process performed by the CPU 21 of the control device 20.

[0186] The gift product providing process starts when the target person's control device 20 starts the web browser 235 and inputs the second URL 282 of the second website 281 or reads a two-dimensional code for obtaining the second URL 282.

[0187] When the gift product providing process starts, the CPU 21 displays the receiving screen 280 including the second website 281 on the display unit 25 (step S401). The CPU 21 determines whether an operation of selecting the re-customization button 286 has been performed (step S402). When it is determined that the operation has been performed ("Yes" in step S402), the CPU 21 accepts the re-customization operation on the second website 281, generates third customized data related to the re-customized content, and sends it to the EC server 40 (when receiving the product 90) or the VR server 10 (when receiving the product object 70) (step S403).

[0188] If the receiving target is the product object 70 and it is determined that the receiving button 285 has been selected (YES in step S404 ), the CPU 21 requests the VR server 10 to perform a process of giving the product object 70 to the avatar 80 (step S405 ).

[0189] If the branch in step S404 is "No", the CPU 21 determines whether the receiving object is the product 90, and determines whether the operation of selecting the receiving button 285 has been performed (step S406). If it is determined that the operation has not been performed ("No" in step S406), the CPU 21 returns the process to step S404. If it is determined that the operation has been performed ("Yes" in step S406), the CPU 21 accepts the input of the delivery information such as the delivery destination address, and sends the input delivery information and the product delivery processing request to the EC server 40 (step S407).

[0190] When step S405 or S407 is completed, CPU 21 displays information related to the result of receiving commodity object 70 or commodity 90 on display unit 25 (step S408), and ends the gift commodity providing process.

[0191] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the gift commodity providing process performed by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 .

[0192] When the gift commodity providing process starts, the CPU 41 determines whether the third customized data is received from the control device 20 (step S501). If it is determined that the third customized data is received ("Yes" in step S501), the CPU 41 determines the customized content of the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 to be provided based on the third customized data (step S502).

[0193] When step S502 is completed, or when it is determined in step S501 that the third custom data has not been received ("No" in step S501), the CPU 41 determines whether a settlement processing request has been made (step S503). When it is determined that a settlement processing request has not been made ("No" in step S503), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S501. When it is determined that a settlement processing request has been made ("Yes" in step S503), the CPU 41 executes the settlement processing and sends the result information to the control device (step S504).

[0194] The CPU 41 determines whether the delivery information of the commodity 90 and the commodity delivery processing request are received (step S505). If it is determined that the information and request are received, the CPU 41 executes the commodity delivery processing for delivering the commodity 90 to the delivery destination address based on the content of the received delivery information (step S506).

[0195] When it is determined that the delivery information and the commodity delivery processing request have not been received ("No" in step S505), the CPU 41 determines whether the VR server 10 has performed the processing of giving the commodity object 70 to the avatar 80 of the target person (step S507). When it is determined that the processing has not been performed ("No" in step S507), the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S505. When it is determined that the processing has been performed ("Yes" in step S505), or when step S506 has been completed, the CPU 41 ends the gift commodity provision processing.

[0196] (Effect)

[0197] As described above, in the information processing method of the present embodiment, when the commodity object 70 is customized according to the action of the avatar 80 corresponding to the user in the virtual space 2, one of the first process and the second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to generate the first customization data 233 specifying the content of the customization, and the commodity object 70 customized based on the first customization data 233 is given to the avatar 80 in the virtual space 2. Fig.19 The second process is used to enable the user to obtain a commodity 90 in the real world corresponding to the customization (steps S201 to S204, S210 to S215).

[0198] In the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-217142, the color and shape of the commodity object cannot be customized according to the user's preferences, and even if the user wishes, there is no method to obtain (for example, purchase) the commodity in the real world that reflects the customization. However, according to the present disclosure, by having the above-mentioned structure, the user can freely customize the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2, and the user can obtain the commodity object 70 that reflects the customization. In addition, the user can obtain the commodity 90 in the real world that has been customized in the same way as the commodity object 70. In this way, it is possible to realize a commodity provision service across the virtual space and the real world.

[0199] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information processing method, when the first processing or the second processing is executed, a third processing is executed for converting the first customized data 233 into the second customized data 234 that can be interpreted by the CPU 41 of the EC server 40 that executes the processing related to the electronic transaction of the commodity object 70 and the commodity 90 ( Fig. 20 Step S302). Thus, the customized content of the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 can be determined in the EC server 40 and reflected in the commodity object 70 and the commodity 90 provided to the user. The format of the value of the variable representing the customized content in the first customized data 133, 233 may differ for each VR service provider, but according to the above method, even customization performed by any provider in the virtual space 2 of the VR service can be interpreted in the EC server 40.

[0200] In addition, the product object 70 and the product 90 have a plurality of components, and the first customized data 233 includes a plurality of first component design information I1 specifying the design of the plurality of components. In the third processing, the information processing method converts the plurality of first component design information I1 of the first customized data 233 into a plurality of second component design information I2 that can be interpreted by the CPU 41, and generates the second customized data 234 including the plurality of second component design information I2. Thus, the customized content of the design of each component can be interpreted in the EC server 40.

[0201] Furthermore, the second customized data 234 includes a first URL 252 of a first website 251 for conducting an electronic transaction of the customized merchandise object 70 or the merchandise 90 corresponding to the customization, or information for specifying the first URL 252. By transmitting such second customized data 234 to the control device 20, the first website 251 for purchasing the merchandise object 70 or the merchandise 90 can be easily displayed on the control device 20.

[0202] Furthermore, when the user performs an operation for transferring the customized commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 corresponding to the above customization to a predetermined target person, the information processing method generates a second URL 282 of the second website 281 for the target person to obtain the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90, or information for specifying the second URL 282. Thus, even if the user does not know the personal information of the target person such as the delivery destination address, the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 can be presented to the target person. In addition, the target person can know the information such as the model and the customization content of the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 presented on the second website 281, and can also associate it with the target person's own account. For example, the presented commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 can be added to the target person's commodity acquisition history.

[0203] Furthermore, when the target person performs an operation for re-customizing the merchandise object 70 or merchandise 90 after displaying the second website 281, the information processing method generates third customization data specifying the re-customized contents according to the operation, and executes a process for causing the target person to obtain the merchandise object 70 or merchandise 90 re-customized based on the third customization data. Thus, the target person who is presented with the merchandise object 70 or merchandise 90 can change the customized contents according to his / her preferences.

[0204] Furthermore, the information processing method performs processing for assigning at least one of a first mark 91 indicating that customization has been performed in the virtual space 2 and a second mark 92 indicating the customized avatar 80 to the customized commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 corresponding to the customization. Thus, it is possible to understand that the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 has been customized in the virtual space 2 based on the appearance of the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90.

[0205] In addition, the information processing method displays at least one of a first mark 253 indicating that customization has been performed in the virtual space 2 and a second mark 254 indicating the customized avatar 80 on the first website 251. Thus, it is possible to easily understand on the first website 251 that the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 has been customized in the virtual space 2.

[0206] In addition, the information processing system 1 and the control device 20 of the present embodiment include a CPU 21, and when the commodity object 70 is customized according to the action of the avatar 80 corresponding to the user in the virtual space 2, the CPU 21 selects and executes one of a first process for generating first customization data 233 specifying the content of the customization and giving the commodity object 70 customized based on the first customization data 233 to the avatar 80 in the virtual space 2, and a second process for allowing the user to obtain the commodity in the real world corresponding to the customization. Thus, the user can obtain the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 and the commodity 90 in the real world that reflect the customization of the user.

[0207] In addition, the program 231 of the present embodiment causes the CPU 21 to select and execute one of a first process for generating first customization data 233 specifying the content of the customization and giving the avatar 80 the customized commodity object 70 based on the first customization data 233 in the virtual space 2, and a second process for allowing the user to obtain a commodity in the real world corresponding to the customization, when the commodity object 70 is customized based on the action of the avatar 80 corresponding to the user in the virtual space 2. Thus, the user can obtain the commodity object 70 in the virtual space 2 and the commodity 90 in the real world that reflect the customization of the user.

[0208] (other)

[0209] In addition, the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

[0210] For example, the functions of the EC server 40 may be integrated into the VR server 10, and the EC server 40 may be omitted. That is, within the VR service (within the virtual space 2), settlement processing related to the purchase of the merchandise object 70 or the merchandise 90 and merchandise delivery processing may be performed based on the actions of the avatar 80.

[0211] Furthermore, the functions of the control device 20 may be integrated into the VR device 30 (eg, the VR head mounted device 31 ), and the control device 20 may be omitted.

[0212] In addition, the function of the control device 20 may be integrated into the VR server 10 and the control device 20 may be omitted, and the VR service may be performed by the VR server 10 and the VR device 30. In this case, the operation input unit 324 of the VR device 30 and the signal output from the sensor unit 325 are sent to the communication unit 14 of the VR server 10 via the communication unit 326. The VR server 10 controls the action of the avatar 80 in the virtual space 2 according to the received user operation. That is, the VR server 10 performs the same processing as the control device 20 described above, generates image data of the virtual space 2, and sends it to the VR device 30.

[0213] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the purchase process of the commodity item 70 or the commodity 90 is performed on the web browser 235 of the control device 20, but in the VR head mounted device 31 of the VR device 30, if the first website 251 or the second website 280 can be displayed, the user can perform the purchase process while keeping wearing the VR head mounted device 31.

[0214] In addition, it is also possible to set a method in which the user operates the avatar 80 without wearing the VR head mounted device 31. In this case, instead of the VR head mounted device 31, an image of the virtual space 2 is displayed on a normal display (for example, a liquid crystal display included in the display unit 25 of the control device 20) set at a position where the user can visually recognize it. The screen displayed in this case may also be a VR screen 3151 when the VR device 30 can detect the user's movement. In addition, a third-party perspective screen may be displayed instead of the VR screen 3151. For example, it may be a method in which the user moves the avatar 80 from a third-party perspective in the virtual space 2 by operating the controller 32.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, the purchase of the customized merchandise object 70 and the merchandise 90 is determined by selecting the object purchase button 257 or the merchandise purchase button 258 on the purchase screen 250, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, two buttons corresponding to the object purchase button 257 and the merchandise purchase button 258 are provided at the purchase counter 202 of the virtual store 200, and the purchase of the merchandise object 70 and the merchandise 90 is determined by the action of pressing which button by the avatar 80.

[0216] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in response to the avatar 80 performing a predetermined action at the purchase counter 202 to start the web browser 235, the EC server 40 generates the second customized data 234 (433) based on the first customized data 233 at the time of startup, and displays the first website 251 including the customized image of the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 on the web browser 235 based on the second customized data 234, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the following method may be adopted instead of this method, that is, in response to the avatar 80 performing a predetermined operation at the purchase counter 202, the CPU 41 of the VR server 10 generates the second customized data 234 based on the first customized data 233 at that time, and the VR server 10 sends the second customized data 234 to the EC server 40 and / or the control device 20, and displays the first website 251 reflecting the content of the second customized data 234 on the web browser 235.

[0217] Furthermore, the acquisition of the commodity object 70 or the commodity 90 is not limited to paid purchase, and may also be free transfer.

[0218] In the above embodiment, either the merchandise object 70 or the merchandise 90 is purchased, but both the merchandise object 70 and the merchandise 90 may be purchased. In this case, the merchandise object 70 may be given to the avatar 80 before the merchandise 90 is delivered. In addition, the merchandise object 70 may be given to the avatar 80 at a timing that matches the timing of the merchandise 90 being delivered.

[0219] Furthermore, the customized elements of the design of the components of the merchandise item 70 exemplify colors and shapes, but the customized elements are not limited thereto and may include other elements such as patterns.

[0220] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the method in which the target person of the gift can re-customize the commodity object 70 or commodity 90 presented by the user is illustrated, but the target person may be prohibited from re-customizing instead. In addition, the prohibition of re-customization by the target person of the gift may be for the entire commodity object 70 or commodity 90 (all components), or the target person sending the gift may specify a part of the components in the commodity object 70 or commodity 90. In the case of prohibiting re-customization, in the display unit 25 of the control device 20 of the gift target person, by displaying the icon corresponding to the component prohibited from re-customization in gray or not displaying it in the same customization icon group as the object selection icon 255 and the color selection icon 256, it is possible to understand that re-customization is prohibited.

[0221] Furthermore, although a watch is exemplified as an object of merchandise and a watch is exemplified as a merchandise, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to merchandise objects and merchandise of any article.

[0222] In addition, in the above description, an example of using the HDD and SSD of the storage unit 13, 23, 43 as a computer-readable medium for the program involved in the present disclosure is disclosed, but it is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, information recording media such as flash memory and CDROM can be applied. In addition, as a medium for providing data of the program involved in the present disclosure via a communication line, a carrier wave (transmission wave) is also applied to the present disclosure.

[0223] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0224] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-159314 filed on September 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising a plurality of information processing devices, each of which has at least one memory and at least one processor for executing one or more commands stored in the at least one memory, wherein: The information processing system performs: When an object related to the merchandise is customized according to an action of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space, generating first customization information that specifies the content of the customization; At least one of a first process and a second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process is used to enable the user to obtain the product in the real world corresponding to the customization.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: When the first process or the second process is executed, a third process is executed to convert the first customized information into second customized information that can be interpreted by an information processing unit that executes a process related to the electronic transaction of the object and the commodity.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The object and the commodity have multiple parts, The first customization information includes a plurality of first component design information specifying designs of the plurality of components, In the third process, the plurality of first component design information of the first custom information is converted into a plurality of second component design information that can be interpreted by the information processing unit, and the second custom information including the plurality of second component design information is generated.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second customization information includes a first URL of a first website for conducting the electronic transaction of the customized object or the electronic transaction of the commodity corresponding to the customization, or information for specifying the first URL.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: When the user performs an operation for transferring the customized object or the product corresponding to the customization to a specified target person, a second URL of a second website for the target person to obtain the object or the product, or information for specifying the second URL, is generated.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein: After the second website is displayed, when the target person performs an operation for re-customizing the object or the product, third customization information specifying the content of the re-customization is generated according to the operation, A process is executed for causing the target person to obtain the object or the commodity that has been re-customized based on the third customization information.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: Processing is performed for assigning at least one of a first identifier and a second identifier to the customized object or the commodity corresponding to the customization, wherein the first identifier indicates that the customization is performed in the virtual space and the second identifier indicates the avatar that performed the customization.

8. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of a first mark indicating that the customization is performed in the virtual space and a second mark indicating the avatar that performed the customization is displayed on the first website.

9. A method performed by an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices, the method comprising: When an object related to the merchandise is customized according to an action of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space, generating first customization information that specifies the content of the customization; as well as At least one of a first process and a second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process is used to enable the user to obtain the product in the real world corresponding to the customization.

10. An information processing device comprising at least one memory and at least one processor for executing one or more commands stored in the at least one memory, The at least one processor executes according to the one or more instructions: When an object related to the merchandise is customized according to an action of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space, generating first customization information that specifies the content of the customization; and At least one of a first process and a second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process is used to enable the user to obtain the product in the real world corresponding to the customization.

11. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: When an object related to the merchandise is customized based on an action of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space, a process of generating first customization information specifying the content of the customization; At least one of a first process and a second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process is used to enable the user to obtain the product in the real world corresponding to the customization.

12. A computer program product, wherein: The method comprises computer program instructions, and when a processor executes the computer program instructions, the following steps are implemented: When an object related to the merchandise is customized according to an action of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space, generating first customization information that specifies the content of the customization; as well as At least one of a first process and a second process is selected and executed according to the operation of the user, wherein the first process is used to assign the object customized based on the first customization information to the avatar in the virtual space, and the second process is used to enable the user to obtain the product in the real world corresponding to the customization.

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