Metacosmic management device, metacosmic management method, and computer program

Abstract

The meta universe server 12 includes an entry management section 30 and a performance control section 46. And the access management part 30 manages the user to access the meta universe. When a user who has entered the meta-universe satisfies a predetermined condition, a performance control section 46 causes a performance to be presented in the meta-universe that notifies other users of the entry of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing technology, and in particular to a metaverse management device, a metaverse management method and a computer program. Background Art

[0002] Metaverses, which provide services that create three-dimensional virtual spaces on computers, are becoming increasingly popular. For example, users can move their avatars around in the metaverse, interact with other users, or participate in events held within the metaverse. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] The number of metagames is expected to increase in the future, and the inventors of this application have hypothesized that success or failure in the metaverse business depends on the number of users that can be attracted. One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a technology that helps the metaverse attract more users.

[0005] Solution to the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the metaverse management device according to the mode of the present invention includes: an entry management part, which manages the entry of users into the metaverse; and a performance control part, which, when a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, causes a performance to be presented in the metaverse to notify other users of the user's entry.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a metaverse management method, wherein a computer executes the steps of managing user entry into the metaverse and, when a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, causing a performance to be presented that notifies other users of the user's entry.

[0008] Note that arbitrary combinations of the constituent elements described above and expressions obtained by converting expressions of the present invention between systems, computer programs, recording media storing the computer programs, and the like are also effective as modes of the present invention.

[0009] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can help the metaverse attract more users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a view showing the configuration of the metaverse system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing main functional blocks of the Metaverse server according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the Metaverse server according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the Metaverse server according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing main functional blocks of a metaverse server according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the Metaverse server according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 are views showing examples of advertising presentations.

[0018] Figure 8 : are views showing examples of advertising presentations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] First, an overview of the embodiments will be described. The metaverse according to the embodiments is a three-dimensional virtual space (also called cyberspace) and the services provided within it. Users participating in the metaverse move their avatars, which serve as their alter egos, around the metaverse, interacting with other users and participating in events held within the metaverse. As the number of metaverses is expected to increase, the success or failure of metaverse services depends on the number of users they can attract. The first and second embodiments described below will present a technology for helping metaverses attract more users.

[0020] <First embodiment>

[0021] In the metaverse management system according to the first embodiment, a mechanism is provided for making a specific user stand out in the metaverse by running advertisements for the specific user in the metaverse. This mechanism helps the metaverse enhance its appeal and attract more users.

[0022] Figure 1 The configuration of a metaverse system 10 according to the first embodiment is shown. Metaverse system 10 is an information processing system that provides metaverse services to multiple users. Metaverse system 10 includes a metaverse server 12 and multiple user terminals 14. These devices are connected via a communication network including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, and the like.

[0023] Metaverse server 12 is an information processing device that manages the Metaverse service and its users. Metaverse server 12 provides Metaverse images and sounds to users who have subscribed to and are using the Metaverse. Metaverse images include at least videos of the Metaverse. Furthermore, Metaverse images may be what are commonly referred to as virtual reality images or augmented reality images.

[0024] Multiple user terminals 14 are information terminals operated by different users. Each of user terminals 14 may be a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a fixed game console, a portable game console, or a head-mounted display. Furthermore, each user terminal 14 may include a display device, a speaker, and a controller (operating device).

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main functional blocks of the Metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment. While the blocks shown in the block diagrams of this specification can be implemented in hardware by devices and electronic circuits including a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), and memory of a computer or mechanical device, and in software by a computer program loaded into memory, etc., the blocks shown here are functional blocks implemented through collaboration between them. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] The Metaverse server 12 includes a data processing unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 24. The data processing unit 20 performs various data processing operations related to the Metaverse service. The storage unit 22 stores data referenced or updated by the data processing unit 20. The communication unit 24 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The data processing unit 20 transmits and receives data to and from the plurality of user terminals 14 via the communication unit 24.

[0027] Storage section 22 includes user information storage section 26. User information storage section 26 stores information related to multiple users belonging to the Metaverse, that is, information related to multiple users who have subscribed to the Metaverse service. This user-related information includes an advertising flag. The advertising flag is set to ON if the user pays for advertising. Note that user information storage section 26 may also store data related to each user's avatar (e.g., data related to the avatar's visual appearance) in the Metaverse.

[0028] The data processing section 20 includes an entry management section 30 , a metaverse (MV) image generation section 32 , an MV sound generation section 34 , a vibration generation section 36 , an MV data provision section 38 , an avatar operation reception section 40 , an avatar control section 42 , a payment management section 44 , a performance control section 46 , and a follower setting section 48 .

[0029] The functions of the various functional blocks in data processing section 20 may be implemented as a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a "Metaverse Management Application"). The Metaverse Management Application may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and installed into the memory of Metaverse server 12 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the Metaverse Management Application may be downloaded via a communication network and installed into the storage device of Metaverse server 12. The processor (CPU, etc.) of Metaverse server 12 may perform the functions of the aforementioned various functional blocks by reading the Metaverse Management Application from main memory and executing it.

[0030] The entry management section 30 manages the user's entry into the metaverse. For example, when a user enters the metaverse, the entry management section 30 may set the user's entry flag stored in the user information storage section 26 to ON.

[0031] The MV image generating section 32 generates image data in which a virtual space as a metaverse is rendered. The MV image generating section 32 may generate virtual reality image data or augmented reality image data including elements of the metaverse.

[0032] The MV sound generating section 34 generates sound data of the metaverse. The vibration generating section 36 generates vibration data in which a pattern of vibration for the user terminal 14 (eg, a controller connected to the user terminal 14) is defined.

[0033] The MV data providing section 38 transmits the image data of the metaverse generated by the MV image generating section 32 , the sound data of the metaverse generated by the MV sound generating section 34 , and the vibration data generated by the vibration generating section 36 to the user terminal 14 .

[0034] The avatar operation receiving section 40 receives information related to an operation performed by a user on his / her own avatar set in the metaverse and transmitted from the user terminal 14. The avatar control section 42 moves the avatar corresponding to the user in the metaverse with reference to the user operation information received by the avatar operation receiving section 40.

[0035] The payment management section 44 manages payments from users, and in the first embodiment, manages the payment of advertising fees from users. For example, when a user is notified of payment of advertising fees from the terminal of the administrator of the Metaverse server 12, the payment management section 44 sets the user's advertising flag stored in the user information storage section 26 to ON.

[0036] When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as an "advertisement condition"), the performance control section 46 causes a performance to be presented in the metaverse that notifies other users of the user's entry (hereinafter also referred to as an "entry performance"). An entry performance can also be considered an appearance performance that notifies other users of a user's presence. The advertising condition in the first embodiment is that the user pays a predetermined amount of advertising fees. When the user pays the predetermined amount of advertising fees to the metaverse management company, the advertising condition is satisfied.

[0037] The performance includes one or both of visual expressions (e.g., video) and auditory expressions (e.g., sound) that provide entertainment to the user. The entry performance according to the first embodiment includes at least one of a sound and a video indicating the user's entry. For example, the performance control part 46 can cause the MV image generation part 32 to generate image data including a special video for entering the performance or cause the MV sound generation part 34 to generate sound data including a special sound for entering the performance. Moreover, the performance control part 46 can also cause the vibration generation part 36 to generate vibration data indicating a vibration pattern for entering the performance. The MV data providing part 38 sends these multiple image data, sound data, and vibration data to the user terminal 14, and causes the entry performance to be output on the user terminal 14.

[0038] When a first user sets a setting to follow a second user, the follower setting section 48 stores data in the user information storage section 26 indicating that the first user is following the second user. "Following" refers to the act of enabling the user to follow a person being followed. For example, when the first user follows the second user, the first user is notified of the second user's actions and updates. In this case, the first user can be said to be a follower of the second user. The follower setting section 48 can record information in the second user's user information indicating that the first user is following the second user, that is, information indicating that the first user is a follower of the second user.

[0039] The operation of the metaverse system 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will now be described. Here, each of the user terminal 14a, the user terminal 14b, and the user terminal 14c is operated by user A, user B, and user C, respectively.

[0040] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The following illustrates the processing performed in connection with payment of advertising fees from a user. Payment management section 44 of Metaverse server 12 receives data from an external device indicating that a specific user has paid the advertising fee. This external device may be user terminal 14 of the user who has paid the advertising fee, a terminal (not shown) of an administrator of Metaverse server 12, a settlement device, or the like.

[0041] When receiving data indicating that the user has paid the advertising fee (Y in S10), the payment management section 44 sets the advertising flag linked to the user and stored in the user information storage section 26 to ON (S12). When not receiving data indicating that the user has paid the advertising fee (N in S10), the processing in S12 is skipped.

[0042] Figure 4 It is also a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The following figure illustrates the processing performed in connection with a user's entry into the metaverse. When a user logs into the metaverse (Y in S20 ), the avatar control unit 42 of the metaverse server 12 causes the logged-in user's avatar to appear in the metaverse. Simultaneously, the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 checks the status of the logged-in user's advertising flag ( S22 ). If the logged-in user's advertising flag is on (Y in S24 ), the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 presents an entry performance related to the logged-in user in the metaverse ( S26 ).

[0043] If the logged-in user's advertising flag is OFF (N in S24), processing in S26 is skipped, and the login performance related to the logged-in user is not presented. In this case, for example, the logged-in user's avatar appears in the Metaverse in normal mode. If the user is not logged into the Metaverse (N in S20), processing in S22 and subsequent steps is skipped.

[0044] Here, we assume that User A has already paid advertising fees to the Metaverse's management company. The following description will illustrate the case where User A, having paid the advertising fees, logs into the Metaverse, specifically the example of the entry performance presented when User A's avatar enters the Metaverse.

[0045] The show control section 46 may present an entrance show that includes a special sound (e.g., an entrance song or an appearance sound) for notifying other users that user A has logged in, instead of or in addition to the notification given by text reading, for example, “User A has logged in.” For example, the show control section 46 may present a show in which the avatar of user A appears along with the appearance sound, as in the entrance of a wrestler in professional wrestling.

[0046] The appearance sound may be a sound pre-specified by user A, or may be a sound that is not output when a user other than user A is logged in. In other words, the appearance sound may be unique content that is output only when user A is logged in. Thus, the appearance sound becomes user A's theme song and can assist in user A's branding.

[0047] Furthermore, the entrance performance may include a visual video performance (such as a change in lighting) in place of or in addition to the entrance sound. This video performance may include, for example, content showing a change in the color of the entire metaverse space, content showing a change in the background of the metaverse, or changes in weather conditions. Furthermore, the video performance may include content showing the ground of the metaverse shaking (e.g., an earthquake). Like the entrance sound, the video performance may also be unique content that is only displayed when user A logs in. In other words, the performance control section 46 can present an entrance performance (entry sound and / or video performance) with unique content for each user who has paid the advertising fee.

[0048] Furthermore, the entry into the performance may include a content for vibrating the controller connected to the user terminal 14. For example, the performance control section 46 may also cause the vibration generation section 36 to generate a signal for generating a special vibration as an entry into the performance for user A. The performance control section 46 may cause the MV data provision section 38 to send a signal to the user terminal 14b of user B and the user terminal 14c of user C. In other words, the performance control section 46 may cause the controllers held by user B and user C to vibrate in a pattern indicating that user A is entering.

[0049] As a variation, the entry performance may include content that causes the screen (video performance) viewed by users B and C to vibrate instead of vibrating the controller. For example, when presenting the entry performance for user A, the performance control section 46 may cause the content on the screen viewed by users B and C to vibrate. Furthermore, the entry performance may include both content that causes the controller to vibrate and content that causes the screen viewed by the user to vibrate.

[0050] According to the first embodiment, the Metaverse server 12 allows users who have paid advertising fees to be featured in a show, thereby enhancing their visibility within the Metaverse and, for example, helping them increase their number of followers within the Metaverse. In other words, the Metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment can assist users who have paid advertising fees in increasing their influence within the Metaverse. Furthermore, providing this mechanism for highlighting individuals can enhance the appeal of the Metaverse and attract more users to it. Furthermore, this mechanism enables new businesses within the Metaverse, where advertising fees are earned in exchange for highlighting individuals.

[0051] The present invention has been described above based on the first embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first embodiment is an example, and the combination of constituent elements and processing procedures can be modified in various forms, and such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. Modified configurations can be combined as needed.

[0052] A first variation of the first embodiment will be described. The performance control section 46 of the metaverse server 12 may change the mode of entering the performance according to the advertising fee paid by the user. The elements to be changed may include at least one of the length of time to enter the performance and the volume of the volume to enter the performance. For example, the performance control section 46 may increase the length of time to present the entry into the performance and / or increase the volume of the entry into the performance as the user pays a higher advertising fee. According to this variation, various entry into the performance corresponding to different amounts of advertising fees can be provided. This increases the user-friendliness of the advertising service and makes it easier to increase the number of users who use advertising.

[0053] A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. When multiple users enter the metaverse simultaneously and at least one of the multiple users is paying an advertising fee, the performance control section 46 of the metaverse server 12 may present an entry performance that notifies other users of the multiple users' entry.

[0054] The entry management section 30 of the metaverse server 12 can use known techniques to allow a group of multiple users to enter the metaverse simultaneously. In this case, the performance control section 46 can check the advertising flag of each of the multiple users entering the metaverse simultaneously. When the advertising flag of at least one of the multiple users entering the metaverse simultaneously is on, the performance control section 46 can present an entry performance including video and audio content, notifying other users that multiple users have simultaneously entered the metaverse. According to this variation, increasing the number of people who are advertised to can promote the use of advertising in the metaverse.

[0055] A third variation of the first embodiment will now be described. The performance control section 46 of the Metaverse server 12 can cause the entry performance, which notifies other users that a certain user (herein referred to as the "target user") has entered the Metaverse, to be presented on the terminals of other users who follow the target user (i.e., the target user's followers). At the same time, the performance control section 46 can prevent the target user's entry performance from being presented on the terminals of users who are not followers of the target user, that is, can hide the target user's entry performance.

[0056] For example, assume that user A has paid the advertising fee, and user B is a follower of user A. Furthermore, assume that user C is not a follower of user A and has no connection with user A. In this case, the performance control section 46 can cause the entry performance that would be presented when user A logs into the metaverse to be presented in the metaverse provided to user B's user terminal 14b. Simultaneously, the performance control section 46 can avoid presenting the entry performance that would be presented when user A logs into the metaverse in the metaverse provided to user C's user terminal 14c. In this modified example, users to be notified of the target user's entry into the metaverse are limited to the target user's followers. This can prevent the users to be notified from feeling annoyed.

[0057] A fourth variation of the first embodiment will be described. When a user (also referred to herein as the "target user") re-enters the Metaverse after an entry performance notifying other users of the target user's entry has been presented, the performance control section 46 of the Metaverse server 12 may re-present the entry performance associated with the target user, provided that a preset suppression time has elapsed since the previous presentation of the entry performance associated with the target user. The performance control section 46 may cause the user information storage section 26 to store therein the date and time when the target user's entry performance was last presented. The performance control section 46 may compare the length of time that has elapsed from the date and time when the target user's entry performance was last presented until the target user re-entered the Metaverse with the suppression time, thereby determining whether to present the target user's entry performance.

[0058] The suppression time is the period of time during which the presentation control section 46 suppresses the presentation of an entry presentation to the same user. The suppression time can be set to a value between 30 and 60 minutes, for example. The suppression time can be set to an appropriate value based on the knowledge of the developer of the Metaverse server 12 or experiments using the Metaverse system 10. According to this variation, an entry presentation for the same user is presented conditionally upon the lapse of a specified avoidance time period from the previous presentation of the entry presentation. This prevents excessive presentation of the entry presentation, preventing the user who is to be presented with the entry presentation from feeling annoyed.

[0059] <Second embodiment>

[0060] The description of the second embodiment focuses on the differences from the first embodiment; description of similarities will be omitted as appropriate. Features of the second embodiment may be combined with those of the first embodiment or its modifications as needed. Components of the second embodiment that are identical or corresponding to those of the first embodiment are appropriately assigned the same reference numerals for the purpose of description.

[0061] In the metaverse management system according to the second embodiment, multiple worlds are provided within the metaverse, accessible to users. These multiple worlds are multiple, distinct virtual spaces provided within one or more metaverses. These multiple worlds include, for example, a world modeled after the interior of a train, a world modeled after an abandoned building, a world for playing mini-games, and so on. The metaverse management system according to the second embodiment includes a mechanism for placing advertisements for a particular world in different worlds, thereby making that particular world stand out within the metaverse. This helps the metaverse enhance its appeal and attract more users.

[0062] The configuration of the metaverse system 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that according to Figure 1 The configuration of the metaverse system 10 of the first embodiment shown in is the same. Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 according to the second embodiment. The metaverse server 12 according to the second embodiment includes a world information storage section 28, a world management section 50, and an event information acquisition section 52 in addition to the functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] The world information storage section 28 stores information related to a plurality of worlds to be managed by the metaverse server 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "world information"). The world information is information about worlds for which advertising fees have been paid, that is, includes information indicating which worlds are to be highlighted. In the second embodiment, the world information includes an advertising flag, and the advertising flag of the world for which the advertising fee has been paid is set to ON.

[0064] The payment management section 44 manages payments from world administrators. In the second embodiment, the payment management section 44 manages the payment of advertising fees from world administrators. For example, when an external device notifies a world of the need to pay advertising fees, the payment management section 44 sets the advertising flag for that world, stored in the world information storage section 28, to ON. The external device may be a terminal of an administrator of the Metaverse server 12, a terminal of an administrator of a world that has paid advertising fees, or a settlement device.

[0065] In the following description, the world that presents the advertising performance for other worlds is referred to as the first world, and the world that is the target of the advertisement is referred to as the second world. The first world can also be considered the first metaverse, and the second world can also be considered the second metaverse. The performance control section 46 controls the performances in the multiple metaverses (e.g., the first world and the second world) managed by the metaverse server 12.

[0066] The world management section 50 manages the current state of each of the multiple worlds. For example, the world management section 50 causes the world information storage section 28 to store event information related to events (e.g., concerts, sports events, competitions, etc.) currently being held in each of the first and second worlds, and sequentially updates the event information. The event information may include video data and sound data related to the events in each world.

[0067] The event information acquisition section 52 acquires data related to the current state of the second world to be advertised. For example, the event information acquisition section 52 acquires event information, including video data capturing the state of an event currently being held in the second world and the sound of the event, from the world management section 50 and the world information storage section 28. Note that the world management section 50 may detect that an event has already begun in the second world. Upon detecting that an event has begun in the second world, the event information acquisition section 52 may acquire event information related to the event currently being held in the second world.

[0068] The performance control section 46 causes a performance (hereinafter also referred to as an "advertising performance") representing the current state of the second world and intended to advertise the second world to be presented in a first world separate from the second world. The performance control section 46 causes the advertising performance to be presented in the first world, conditional on payment of an advertising fee from the second world (e.g., the administrator of the second world) to the world information storage section 28. The advertising performance includes at least one of sound and light indicating an event currently being held in the second world.

[0069] The operation of the metaverse system 10 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. Here, the metaverse server 12 manages World A and World B. Furthermore, it is assumed that the administrator of World B is paying advertising fees to the administrator of the metaverse server 12, and that World B's advertising performance is presented in World A.

[0070] The processing performed in connection with the payment of advertising fees from the administrator of World B is the same as that performed according to Figure 3 The operation of the Metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment shown is the same. Upon receiving data indicating that the administrator of World B has paid the advertising fee from an external device, the payment management section 44 of the Metaverse server 12 sets the advertising flag linked to World B and stored in the world information storage section 28 to ON.

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the metaverse server 12 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6The process of displaying the advertisement performance of World B in World A is shown. The MV image generation section 32 of the Metaverse server 12 generates an image of World A. The MV data providing section 38 of the Metaverse server 12 displays the image of World A on the user terminal 14 ( S30 ).

[0072] The show control section 46 of the Metaverse server 12 identifies a world whose advertising flag is set to ON from among the multiple managed worlds. Here, the show control section 46 detects that the advertising flag of World B is ON (Y in S32). The event information acquisition section 52 of the Metaverse server 12 acquires event information indicating the status of the event currently being held in World B (S34). Based on the event information for World B acquired in S34, the show control section 46 of the Metaverse server 12 presents an advertising show in World A (S36). If the advertising flag of World B is OFF (N in S32), processing in S34 and subsequent steps is skipped.

[0073] In S36, the performance control section 46 may cause the MV image generation section 32 to generate an advertising performance image including the event video, referring to the event information. Furthermore, the performance control section 46 may cause the MV sound generation section 34 to generate advertising performance sound including the event sound. Furthermore, the performance control section 46 may cause the vibration generation section 36 to generate vibration data indicating a vibration pattern for the advertising performance. The MV data provision section 38 may cause an image of World A, including World B, to be displayed on the user terminal 14 by transmitting world data (in other words, metaverse data) including the advertising performance image, advertising performance sound, and vibration data to the user terminal 14.

[0074] Figure 7 An example of an advertising presentation is shown. Figure 7 The world image 60 in FIG. 1 is an image provided to a user who has logged into the world A, and shows a space of the world A where an advertisement performance of the world B is displayed. Figure 7 The world image 60 in FIG. 4 includes an avatar 62 and a subspace 64. The avatar 62 is an avatar operated by the user. The presentation control section 46 displays the area of the world A where the advertising presentation is presented in a manner different from that of the surrounding area, and displays the area as Figure 7 Subspace 64 in the example shown.

[0075] The subspace 64 is an image representing a space in which a promotional performance of World B is presented in World A, as a subspace different from the normal space in World A. The performance control section 46 can reproduce in the subspace 64 images and sounds representing the status of an event currently being held in World B and acquired from the event information acquisition section 52. The user can view the status of an event (e.g., a concert, a game event, etc.) currently being held in World B by moving his / her own avatar 62 into the subspace 64.

[0076] For example, the performance control section 46 can render subspace 64 entirely translucent and blurred using known methods (such as alpha blending). Furthermore, the performance control section 46 can blur the boundary between subspace 64 and the surrounding area using known techniques (such as alpha blending). In other words, the performance control section 46 can blur the boundary between subspace 64 and the surrounding area. This mode allows the subspace 64 of the advertising performance for World B to be presented mixed within World A, minimizing the perception of strangeness among users of World A while fostering their interest in World B.

[0077] Figure 8 An example of an advertising presentation is also shown. Figure 8 The world image 60 in FIG. 1 is also an image provided to a user who has logged into the world A, and shows a space of the world A where an advertisement performance of the world B is displayed. Figure 8 The world image 60 in includes an event venue 66. The event venue 66 is a virtual structure (also called a stadium) where the event of World B is being held.

[0078] For example, the show control section 46 can cause the MV image generation section 32 to generate a world image 60 in which light from an event currently being held in world B (e.g., light from a video showing the current state) leaks from an event venue 66. Furthermore, the show control section 46 can cause the MV sound generation section 34 to generate a world sound that sounds as if the sound of an event currently being held in world B (e.g., the current sound) is leaking from the event venue 66. This mode makes it possible to present to the user of world A in an easily understandable manner that an event is being held in world B, and can also cultivate the user's interest in world B.

[0079] Note that the performance control section 46 can cause images and sounds representing the status of the event currently being held in world B and that has been acquired from the event information acquisition section 52 to be reproduced in the event venue 66. The user can view the status of the event currently being held in world B by moving his / her own avatar 62 to the event venue 66.

[0080] As a variation, the performance control section 46 can also vibrate the controller connected to the user terminal 14 when presenting the advertising performance, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the performance control section 46 can vibrate the content (video performance) currently displayed on the screen being viewed by the user. In other words, rather than vibrating the controller, the performance control section 46 can vibrate the content appearing on the screen being viewed by the user. Furthermore, the performance control section 46 can vibrate both the controller and the screen when presenting the advertising performance. This variation makes it easier for the user to recognize the advertising performance. Note that the advertising performance itself can include either or both the vibration of the controller and the appearance of new streets on the screen.

[0081] The Metaverse server 12 according to the second embodiment can assist World B in attracting more users by presenting an advertisement in World A that shows the current status of World B, for which advertising fees have been paid. Furthermore, since the current status of World B can be presented to users of World A in an easily understandable manner, it is easier to cultivate interest in World B among users of World A. Furthermore, it is possible to realize new businesses in the Metaverse that earn advertising fees in exchange for highlighting worlds.

[0082] The present invention has been described above based on the second embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second embodiment is an example, and that the combination of constituent elements and processing procedures may be modified in various forms, and such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] A modified example of the second embodiment will be described. The performance control section 46 of the metaverse server 12 can change the position of the advertising performance of world B in world A over time. For example, when the advertising performance (e.g., Figure 7 When a subspace 64 in World A is displayed at a certain location in World A for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one hour), the presentation control section 46 can change the settings so that the advertising presentation is displayed at a different location in World A. The predetermined period of time can be set to an appropriate value based on the knowledge of the developer of Metaverse server 12 or experimentation with Metaverse system 10. Note that the location where the advertising presentation is displayed can be randomly determined in World A. This mode can provide users with the pleasure of discovering advertising presentations in the world, increase their attention to the advertising presentations, and further facilitate the development of interest in the advertising targets.

[0084] The Metaverse server 12 according to the first or second embodiment can be implemented through collaboration among multiple computers as a system via a communication network. In this case, the functions of the Metaverse server 12 according to the first embodiment and the functions of the Metaverse server 12 according to the second embodiment can be distributed across multiple computers. For example, each of the multiple computers can include one or more communication devices, Metaverse data generation devices (such as image generation devices), and database devices.

[0085] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and variations is also valid as an embodiment of the present invention. New embodiments generated as a result of the combination have the effects of both the combined embodiments and variations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions to be implemented by the constituent elements recited in the claims are achieved by the constituent elements themselves, the variations, or their collaboration as exemplified in the embodiments.

[0086] <Supplement>

[0087] The description related to the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications includes disclosure of the following techniques.

[0088] [Technique 1-1]

[0089] A metaverse management device, comprising:

[0090] an entry management section that manages user entry into the Metaverse; and

[0091] A performance control section that, when the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, causes a performance that notifies other users of the user's entry to be presented in the metaverse.

[0092] According to this metaverse management device, when a user who meets predetermined conditions enters the metaverse, other users are notified of the user's entry, thereby increasing the user's visibility and influence within the metaverse and enabling new services for advertisers. Furthermore, providing a mechanism for increasing a user's visibility and influence makes it possible to attract more users to the metaverse.

[0093] [Technique 1-2]

[0094] The metaverse management device according to technology 1-1, wherein:

[0095] The performance includes at least one of sound and video representing the user's entry.

[0096] The metaverse management device can present the user's entry to other users in an easily understandable manner.

[0097] [Techniques 1-3]

[0098] The metaverse management device according to technology 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the performance includes at least one of: vibrating the controller of the other user, and vibrating the content being displayed on the screen viewed by the other user.

[0099] The metaverse management device makes it further easy for other users to identify the performance that notifies other users of the user's admission.

[0100] [Techniques 1-4]

[0101] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 1-1 to 1-3, wherein the performance control section changes a pattern of the performance according to an advertising fee paid from the user.

[0102] The metaverse management device enables a variety of performances and increases the number of users of advertisements by differentiating the performances according to the amount of advertising fees.

[0103] [Techniques 1-5]

[0104] A metaverse management device according to any one of technologies 1-1 to 1-4, wherein, when multiple users enter the metaverse at the same time and at least one of the multiple users is paying the advertising fee, the performance control part causes a performance to be presented that notifies other users of the entry of the multiple users.

[0105] The metaverse management device can seek to increase the number of users of advertisements by increasing the number of advertisement targets.

[0106] [Techniques 1-6]

[0107] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 1-1 to 1-5, wherein the performance control section causes a performance that notifies the other users of the user's entry to be presented on terminals of the other users who are following the user.

[0108] The metaverse management device makes it easier to prevent the user to be notified from feeling annoyed by limiting the users to be notified of the user's entry to followers of the relevant user.

[0109] [Techniques 1-7]

[0110] A metaverse management device according to any one of technologies 1-1 to 1-6, wherein, when a user enters the metaverse again after the performance that notifies the other users of the user's entry has been presented, the performance control part causes the performance to be presented again under the condition that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the previous presentation of the performance.

[0111] The metaverse management device makes it easier to prevent the user to be notified from being annoyed by providing an interval of a predetermined amount of time when presenting a show that notifies other users of the user's entry.

[0112] [Techniques 1-8]

[0113] A computer-implemented metaverse management method comprising:

[0114] Managing the steps for users to enter the Metaverse; and

[0115] When the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a step is performed to present a performance in the metaverse that notifies other users of the user's entry.

[0116] This metaverse management method produces an effect similar to that of the metaverse management device according to technology 1-1.

[0117] [Techniques 1-9]

[0118] A computer program for causing a computer to:

[0119] Functionality to manage user access to the Metaverse; and

[0120] When the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a function of presenting a performance informing other users of the user's entry is presented in the metaverse.

[0121] This computer program can realize a computer that produces an effect similar to that of the metaverse management device according to technology 1-1.

[0122] [Technique 2-1]

[0123] A metaverse management device, comprising:

[0124] a performance control section that controls the performance in the first metaverse; and

[0125] an acquisition section that acquires data related to a current state of a second metaverse different from the first metaverse, wherein

[0126] The performance control section causes a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse to be presented in the first metaverse.

[0127] The metaverse management device can assist the second metaverse in attracting more users by presenting a representation of the current state of the second metaverse in the first metaverse.

[0128] [Technique 2-2]

[0129] The metaverse management device according to technology 2-1, wherein the show control section causes a show including at least one of sound and light indicating an event currently being held in the second metaverse to be presented as the show.

[0130] Through the metaverse management device, the current status of the second metaverse can be prompted to the user of the first metaverse in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0131] [Technique 2-3]

[0132] The metaverse management device according to technology 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the performance control part performs at least one of the following together with the performance: vibrating the user's controller and vibrating the content being displayed on the screen viewed by the user.

[0133] The metaverse management device makes it further easy for the user to identify the performance representing the current state of the second metaverse.

[0134] [Techniques 2-4]

[0135] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 2-1 to 2-3, wherein the show control section causes an area of the first metaverse where the show is presented to be displayed differently from a surrounding area.

[0136] This metaverse management device enables users of the first metaverse to be easily informed that the relevant area is an area that presents a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse.

[0137] [Techniques 2-5]

[0138] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 2-1 to 2-4, wherein the show control section causes a boundary between an area of the first metaverse where the show is presented and a surrounding area thereof to be displayed in a blurred manner.

[0139] The metaverse management device makes it less likely that a user of the first metaverse will have a sense of strangeness by blurring the boundary between the display content of the first metaverse and the display content of the second metaverse.

[0140] [Techniques 2-6]

[0141] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 2-1 to 2-5, wherein the performance control section changes the position where the performance is presented in the first metaverse over time.

[0142] The metaverse management device can provide users of the first metaverse with the pleasure of finding an area where a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse is presented.

[0143] [Techniques 2-7]

[0144] The metaverse management device according to any one of techniques 2-1 to 2-6 further includes:

[0145] A storage portion storing the payment of advertising fees from the second metaverse side, wherein

[0146] The performance control section causes a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse to be presented in the first metaverse under the condition that an advertisement fee is paid from the second metaverse side.

[0147] The metaverse management device can assist the second metaverse in attracting more users.

[0148] [Technique 2-8]

[0149] A computer-implemented metaverse management method comprising:

[0150] Steps for controlling performances in the First Metaverse; and

[0151] a step of acquiring data relating to a current state of a second metaverse different from said first metaverse, wherein

[0152] The step of controlling the performance is to cause a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse to be presented in the first metaverse.

[0153] This metaverse management device produces an effect similar to that of the metaverse management device according to technology 2-1.

[0154] [Technique 2-9]

[0155] A computer program for causing a computer to:

[0156] Functionality to control performances in the First Metaverse; and

[0157] A function for obtaining data related to the current state of a second metaverse different from the first metaverse, wherein

[0158] The function of controlling the performance is to cause a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse to be presented in the first metaverse.

[0159] This computer program can realize a computer that produces an effect similar to that of the metaverse management device according to technology 2-1.

[0160] [Industrial Applicability]

[0161] The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to devices and systems for managing the metaverse.

[0162] Reference Signs List

[0163] 10: Metaverse System

[0164] 12: Metaverse Server

[0165] 14: User terminal

[0166] 30: Enter the management section

[0167] 32: MV image generation part

[0168] 34: MV sound generation part

[0169] 38: MV data provision part

[0170] 44: Payment management section

[0171] 46: Performance Control

[0172] 52: Event information acquisition part

Claims

1. A metaverse management device, comprising: An entry management section, which manages user entry into the Metaverse; as well as A performance control section that, when the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, causes a performance that notifies other users of the user's entry to be presented in the metaverse.

2. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: The performance includes at least one of sound and video representing the user's entry.

3. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: The performance includes at least one of vibrating a controller of the other user and vibrating content being displayed on a screen viewed by the other user.

4. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: The presentation control section changes a pattern of the presentation according to an advertisement fee paid from the user.

5. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: When a plurality of users enter the metaverse at the same time and at least one of the plurality of users is paying an advertisement fee, the presentation control section causes presentation of a presentation that notifies other users of the entry of the plurality of users.

6. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: The presentation control section causes presentation of a presentation that notifies other users who are following the user of the entry of the user to the other users on their terminals.

7. The metaverse management device according to claim 1, wherein: When the user re-enters the metaverse after the show has been presented that notifies the other users of the user's entry, the show control section causes the show to be presented again under the condition that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the previous presentation of the show.

8. A computer-implemented method for managing a metaverse, comprising: Manage the steps for users to enter the Metaverse; as well as When the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a step is performed to present a performance in the metaverse that notifies other users of the user's entry.

9. A computer program for causing a computer to: Functionality to manage user access to the Metaverse; and When the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a function of presenting a performance informing other users of the user's entry is presented in the metaverse.

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