Virtual space control system and virtual space control method

Abstract

A control section included in a virtual space control system (1) detects a display state of a virtual space in a display screen of an information terminal device (10), and changes a form of an information sharing range around a virtual figure corresponding to a user of the information terminal device (10) based on the display state of the virtual space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a virtual space control system and a virtual space control method. Background Technology

[0002] In virtual offices and similar structures within a virtual space, users conduct business using virtual avatars. A known technology sets virtual avatars to be able to hear each other's voices or other sounds when they are close together or in the same space (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-071314. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Because each virtual avatar displays a virtual space on the screen of each information terminal device, users may sometimes not acknowledge or be unable to acknowledge the displayed virtual space, depending on the business content. In this situation, if a user continues to speak without noticing another user's virtual avatar approaching, their speech may be overheard by other virtual avatars who did not intend for them to hear it.

[0005] This disclosure aims to appropriately set conditions for information sharing between users of other virtual avatars around their own virtual avatars.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues and achieve the objectives, the present disclosure relates to a virtual space control system that enables an information terminal device to display a virtual space and, within that virtual space, displays a virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device. The control unit included in the virtual space control system detects the display state of the virtual space on the display screen of the information terminal device and, based on the display state of the virtual space, changes the shape of the information sharing range surrounding the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device.

[0007] The virtual space control method disclosed herein is a virtual space control method executed by a virtual space control system. The virtual space control system enables an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays a virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device in the virtual space. The virtual space control system performs the following actions: detecting the display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, and changing the shape of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device based on the display state of the virtual space.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to appropriately set information sharing conditions between users of other virtual avatars around their own virtual avatar. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the virtual space control system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device.

[0014] Figure 6 These are other examples of the display screens of information terminal devices.

[0015] Figure 7 These are other examples of displays showing virtual offices on the screen of information terminal devices.

[0016] Figure 8 These are other examples of displays showing virtual offices on the screen of information terminal devices.

[0017] Figure 9 These are other examples of displays showing virtual offices on the screen of information terminal devices.

[0018] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the correspondence between the size of the virtual office display and the size of the information sharing area.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the display scale of a virtual office screen and the size of the information sharing area.

[0022] Figure 14This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method involved in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the virtual space control system and virtual space control method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0028] [First Implementation Method] (Virtual space control system) Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the virtual space control system according to the first embodiment. The virtual space control system 1 controls a virtual office constructed in a virtual space. In the following embodiment, a virtual office is used as an example for description, but it is not limited to a virtual office; it can also be applied to various services such as communication using virtual avatars in a virtual space.

[0029] In the following description, "user" may sometimes be referred to as "first user" and "other users" as "second user". Additionally, the information terminal device used and logged into the virtual office by the first user may sometimes be referred to as the first information terminal device, and the information terminal device used and logged into the virtual office by other users (second users) may be referred to as the second information terminal device. The first information terminal device is any information terminal device used to log into the virtual office, and the second information terminal device is an information terminal device different from the first information terminal device, but is any information terminal device used to log into the same virtual office as the first information terminal device.

[0030] This section describes the overview of the virtual office controlled by the virtual space control system 1. Users log in to the virtual office using their own accounts via information terminal device 10 and conduct business. A virtual avatar corresponding to each user is set up within the virtual office. When a user logs in to the virtual office using their information terminal device 10 (described later), user operations and displays are performed to move the virtual avatar to any seat within the virtual office or a pre-determined seat and allow it to sit down. Users can manipulate their virtual avatars to move within the virtual office. Within the virtual office, for example, when virtual avatars are close together or located in the same space such as a meeting room, information sharing is possible, allowing them to hear each other's voices and other sounds.

[0031] However, users sometimes fail to consistently view the virtual office display on their own information terminal device 10, or their attention is not focused on the virtual office display due to other tasks. For example, sometimes the virtual office display (window) may be minimized, or other displays may be overlaid on top of the virtual office display. In such cases, users may not notice that other users' virtual avatars have entered their own virtual avatar's information sharing range, or that there is a high probability that they have entered. For example, when engaging in a highly confidential conversation with a user of a second virtual avatar who is within the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar, it is also possible that the user may not notice that other users' virtual avatars, who are not suitable to hear the conversation, have entered their own virtual avatar's information sharing range, or that there is a high probability that they have entered.

[0032] In this embodiment, the virtual space control system 1 detects the display status of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10, and changes the form of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 based on the display status of the virtual office.

[0033] The virtual space control system 1 includes an information terminal device 10 for each user to log in to the virtual office for business purposes, and a server device 30.

[0034] The control unit included in the virtual space control system 1 is a conceptual control unit implemented through the cooperation of any one or both of the terminal control device 20 of the multiple information terminal devices 10 and the server control device 40 of the server device 30 used in the virtual office. Either the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 or the server control device 40 of the server device 30 can be used as the control unit included in the virtual space control system 1, or both the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the server control device 40 of the server device 30 can be used as the control unit included in the virtual space control system 1.

[0035] (Information terminal device) Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by a user conducting business in a virtual office. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by the user to execute the virtual office application. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by the user to log into the virtual office using their own account.

[0036] The information terminal device 10 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The information terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 30 via a network in a data communication manner.

[0037] The information terminal device 10 logs into the virtual office based on the user's account information, etc.

[0038] The information terminal device 10 includes a camera 11, a microphone 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 17, a sound output unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a terminal control device 20.

[0039] Camera 11 captures images from the direction directly opposite the information terminal device 10. Camera 11 is positioned to capture images from the direction opposite the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. In other words, camera 11 captures images from the direction where the user of the information terminal device 10 is located. Camera 11 is, for example, positioned around the display unit 17. Camera 11 outputs the captured images to the image acquisition unit 21 of the terminal control device 20.

[0040] Microphone 12 collects sounds from the vicinity of the information terminal device 10. Microphone 12 can collect sounds from the direction opposite the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10, or it can be installed on a headset or similar device connected to the information terminal device 10. In other words, microphone 12 collects the sounds emitted by the user of the information terminal device 10 and the surrounding sounds. Microphone 12 outputs sound information related to the collected sounds to the sound acquisition unit 22 of the terminal control device 20.

[0041] The operation unit 13 is an input device capable of inputting various operations on the information terminal device 10. The operation unit 13 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received input operation to the terminal control device 20. The operation unit 13 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 17, buttons, switches, etc. The operation unit 13 may accept key input operations, click operations, or touch operations.

[0042] The operation unit 13 can accept operations such as moving the virtual avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual office in any direction on the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, the operation unit 13 can accept operations such as overlapping or placing the user's virtual avatar next to other virtual avatars in the virtual office on the display screen of the display unit 17.

[0043] By performing actions such as overlapping or placing one's virtual avatar next to other virtual avatars, users in the virtual office application can initiate communication such as video or voice calls. Which type of call—video or voice—is selected can be preset or determined by the user.

[0044] Display unit 17 displays various images including text and graphics. Display unit 17 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. Display unit 17 displays images of a virtual office, etc. In this embodiment, when a video call is possible, display unit 17 outputs the image of another virtual avatar user participating in the video call; in other words, it outputs the image captured by the camera 11 of the information terminal device 10 used by the other virtual avatar user. The display on display unit 17 is controlled by display control unit 27.

[0045] The sound output unit 18 is a sound output device that outputs sound from the virtual office, etc. In this embodiment, when the virtual office is used, the sound output unit 18 outputs the sound around its own virtual avatar in the virtual office. Additionally, when voice or video calls are possible, the sound output unit 18 outputs the sound of other virtual avatars who are making voice or video calls; in other words, it outputs the sound collected by the microphone 12 of the information terminal device 10 used by the virtual avatar's user. The sound output of the sound output unit 18 is controlled by the sound output control unit 28.

[0046] Communication unit 19 is a communication unit used for wired or wireless communication. Communication unit 19 communicates using methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or mobile phone lines, and connects to an intranet or the Internet. Communication of communication unit 19 is controlled by communication control unit 29. Communication unit 19 communicates with server device 30 for data such as images and sounds, and application operation information. Communication unit 19 also communicates with server device 30 for data such as user account information logged into information terminal device 10 and application operation status information.

[0047] (Terminal control device) The terminal control device 20 controls various parts of the information terminal device 10. The terminal control device 20 includes, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The terminal control device 20 executes a program that controls the operation of the information terminal device 10 according to this disclosure. The terminal control device 20 may also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The terminal control device 20 loads a stored program into memory and executes the instructions contained in the program. The terminal control device 20 includes the aforementioned internal memory such as RAM, which is used for temporary storage of data in the terminal control device 20. The terminal control device 20 may also be implemented through a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] The terminal control device 20 is a functional block implemented by a circuit or an executed program, and includes an image acquisition unit 21, a sound acquisition unit 22, an operation receiving unit 23, an application control unit 24, a detection unit 25, a storage unit 26, a display control unit 27, a sound output control unit 28, and a communication control unit 29.

[0049] The image acquisition unit 21 acquires images captured by the camera 11. More specifically, the image acquisition unit 21 acquires images captured by the camera 11, including images of the user and others facing the information terminal device 10. The image data acquired by the camera 11 is a moving image.

[0050] The sound acquisition unit 22 acquires the sound detected by the microphone 12. The sound acquisition unit 22 also acquires sounds such as those emitted by users in the vicinity of the information terminal device 10.

[0051] The operation receiving unit 23 acquires the operation signal corresponding to the operation on the operation unit 13 from the operation unit 13. The operation receiving unit 23 outputs the control signal corresponding to the acquired operation signal to each unit.

[0052] The operation receiving unit 23 receives operations on the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, the operation receiving unit 23 receives operations such as moving its own virtual image in the virtual office on the display screen of the display unit 17. The operation receiving unit 23 also receives operations such as overlapping or adjacenting its own virtual image in the virtual office with other virtual images on the display screen of the display unit 17.

[0053] The application control unit 24 controls the actions of various applications running on the information terminal device 10. Applications operating in the application control unit 24 can also cooperate with the virtual office control unit 42 of the server device 30 (described later) to control various applications.

[0054] The application control unit 24, through the display control unit 27 (described later), causes the display unit 17 to display applications-related information that operates on the information terminal device 10. Application-related information refers to windows, icons, or other displays related to the application shown to the user of the information terminal device 10.

[0055] When a user of the information terminal device 10 logs into the virtual office, the application control unit 24 enables the virtual office, which is executed in the virtual office control unit 42 of the server device 30, to be available on the information terminal device 10.

[0056] When the virtual office application is executed in the information terminal device 10, the application control unit 24 performs information sharing using the display control unit 27 and the audio output control unit 28 based on the information sharing range set around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10. Furthermore, when the virtual office application is executed in the information terminal device 10, if a video call is initiated between virtual avatars corresponding to other users, the application control unit 24 performs the video call using the display control unit 27 and the audio output control unit 28.

[0057] The application control unit 24 displays, on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, not only the display screen (window) of the virtual office application, but also display screens (windows) related to other applications besides the virtual office application.

[0058] The application control unit 24 arbitrarily changes the display size and position of these screens based on user operations. The application control unit 24 detects the size of the virtual office application's screens and sends the detected screen size to the server device 30.

[0059] The application control unit 24 can arbitrarily change the position of the virtual image displayed on the screen of the virtual office based on the user's operation.

[0060] When video calls are possible, the application control unit 24 causes the first information terminal device 10 where the first user logs into the virtual office and the second information terminal device 10 where the second user logs into the virtual office to display images such as faces to each other. More specifically, the application control unit 24 of the terminal control device 20 of the first information terminal device 10 causes the display unit 17 of the first information terminal device 10 to output the image of the second user captured by the camera 11 of the second information terminal device 10. Similarly, the application control unit 24 of the terminal control device 20 of the second information terminal device 10 causes the display unit 17 of the second information terminal device 10 to output the image of the first user captured by the camera 11 of the first information terminal device 10.

[0061] When the video call ends, the application control unit 24 stops image sharing between the first user and the second user.

[0062] The detection unit 25 detects the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. For example, the detection unit 25 detects the display size of the virtual office display screen on the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0063] The detection unit 25 sends the detection results to the server device 30.

[0064] The storage unit 26 stores, for example, the computational content and program information of the terminal control device 20. The storage unit 26 may be composed of main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and storage devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0065] Storage unit 26 stores, for example, programs and settings related to applications used in information terminal device 10, such as virtual office applications.

[0066] This section explains the information sharing scope and information sharing mechanism for virtual avatars within a virtual office. In the virtual office, an information sharing scope is defined around each virtual avatar. This scope is the area where users of other virtual avatars can share information; it is the range within which multiple users, each contained within the information sharing scope, can share information. One example of information sharing within this scope is the sharing of sound. In other words, the information sharing scope is the range within which the voices of each virtual avatar's users can be heard by other virtual avatar users. Furthermore, the information sharing scope is the range within which users of each virtual avatar can hear the voices of other virtual avatar users. The information that can be shared within the information sharing scope is not limited to sound; it also includes other information such as images or text. In this embodiment, the sharing of sound within the information sharing scope will be explained as an example.

[0067] For example, when the second virtual avatar enters the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar, the second user of the second virtual avatar can hear the voice of the first user of the first virtual avatar. Furthermore, when both the second and first virtual avatars enter each other's information sharing range, through two-way voice sharing, they can sense each other's presence and converse without special operation. Therefore, the information sharing range can also be referred to as the voice sharing range. Specifically, when the first and second virtual avatars are mutually contained within the information sharing range, the voice acquisition unit 22 of the information terminal device 10 used by the first user of the first virtual avatar acquires the voice that can be heard on the information terminal device 10 used by the second user, and the voice acquisition unit 22 of the information terminal device 10 used by the second user of the second virtual avatar acquires the voice that can be heard on the information terminal device 10 used by the first user.

[0068] Alternatively, spaces can be set up that allow information sharing among all virtual avatars within a specific area (such as a meeting room in a virtual office). In addition to such spaces, information sharing scopes can be set for each virtual avatar.

[0069] The information sharing area is displayed during virtual avatar operations. The size and shape of the information sharing area for each virtual avatar are initially set when the virtual office is first used. The size and shape of the information sharing area for each virtual avatar can be changed through user interaction.

[0070] The initial shape of the information sharing scope is, for example, a circle centered on the virtual image that becomes the object. The initial size of the information sharing scope is, for example, set to include the dimensions of approximately two or three virtual desks used by approximately two to four people in a virtual office.

[0071] The display control unit 27 controls the display of various images on the display unit 17. The display control unit 27 controls the display of images of the virtual office on the display unit 17. In this embodiment, when the information being shared contains images or text, the images or text are output to the display unit 17. Additionally, when video calls are possible, the display control unit 27 outputs images of the user, such as the virtual avatar of the user in the virtual office, to the display unit 17.

[0072] The display control unit 27 changes the display mode of the virtual office display screen based on information received from the server device 30, which indicates a change in the form of information sharing scope.

[0073] The sound output control unit 28 controls the sound output of the sound output unit 18. When information sharing is in progress, the sound output control unit 28 causes the sound output unit 18 to output the voices of other virtual avatars within the information sharing scope of the virtual office. Additionally, when video calls are possible, the sound output control unit 28 causes the sound output unit 18 to output the voices of the user being called.

[0074] The communication control unit 29 controls the communication unit 19, controlling the transmission and reception of image and sound data, as well as application operation status information, between the communication unit 29 and the server device 30. More specifically, the communication control unit 29, for example, controls the communication unit 19 to receive images and sound from the virtual office from the server device 30. The communication control unit 29, for example, controls the communication unit 19 to send to the server device 30 the user's image and sound, acquired by the image acquisition unit 21 and the sound acquisition unit 22, which are displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. Application operation status information refers, for example, to the virtual avatar's actions performed by the operation unit 13 in the virtual office application, and the start and end of video calls. Additionally, the communication control unit 29 sends information representing the detection results obtained by the detection unit 25 to the server device.

[0075] (Server device) Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. The server device 30 may be a server device belonging to the enterprise to which each user of the information terminal device 10 belongs, or a server device of a business providing virtual office services, or it may be a general-purpose server device, including distributed types. The server device 30 constructs and controls virtual spaces such as virtual offices. The server device 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a server control unit 40.

[0076] The communication unit 31 is a communication unit used for wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 31 communicates using methods such as Wi-Fi or mobile phone lines and connects to an intranet or the Internet. Communication communication is controlled by the communication control unit 41. The communication unit 31 communicates with multiple information terminal devices 10, including data such as images and sounds, and application operation status information.

[0077] (Server control device) Server control device 40 controls various parts of server device 30. Server control device 40 may include, for example, a control device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. Server control device 40 may also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Server control device 40 may also be implemented through a combination of hardware and software. Server control device 40 executes programs that control the operation of the server device 30 according to this disclosure.

[0078] The server control unit 40 is a functional block implemented by circuits or executed programs, including a communication control unit 41, a virtual office control unit 42, and a storage unit 49.

[0079] The communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31, controlling the transmission and reception of data including images and sound, and application operation status information between the communication unit 41 and the information terminal device 10. For example, the communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31 to receive images captured by the camera 11 of the information terminal device 10 and sound collected by the microphone 12. For example, the communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31 to send images and sound of the virtual office to the information terminal device 10. Application operation status information includes, for example, the configuration information of the virtual office application.

[0080] The virtual office control unit 42 controls the operation of various applications running on the server device 30. For example, the virtual office control unit 42 controls the operation of applications used for virtual offices. For example, the virtual office control unit 42 controls the operation of applications used for online communication.

[0081] The virtual office control unit 42, via the communication control unit 41, sends the configuration of the application running on the server device 30 to the information terminal device 10 that is executing the application. Specifically, the virtual office control unit 42 sends information indicating the configuration of the virtual office running on the server device 30 to the information terminal device 10 that has logged into the virtual office.

[0082] The virtual office control unit 42 detects the positions of the first virtual avatar corresponding to the first user and the second virtual avatar corresponding to the second user within the virtual office. More specifically, the virtual office control unit 42 detects, for example, the first virtual avatar entering the information sharing range of the second virtual avatar within the virtual office. The virtual office control unit 42 also detects, for example, the first virtual avatar leaving the information sharing range of the second virtual avatar within the virtual office.

[0083] The virtual office control unit 42 detects the virtual images of other users who communicate with the user and are located within the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10.

[0084] The virtual office control unit 42 changes the shape of the information sharing range around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 based on the display status of the virtual office. More specifically, the virtual office control unit 42 changes the shape of the information sharing range around the virtual avatar based on the detection results received from the information terminal device 10 regarding the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10. The virtual office control unit 42 sends the changed information sharing range shape to the information terminal device 10.

[0085] In cases where it is difficult to grasp the display form of other virtual images corresponding to users of other information terminal devices 10, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10.

[0086] It is difficult to determine the display form of other virtual images corresponding to users of other information terminal devices 10 that are similar to the virtual images corresponding to users of information terminal devices 10. For example, this includes situations where the display size of the virtual office is small, the virtual office is largely obscured by other display screens, the virtual office itself is not displayed on the virtual office screen, the virtual office area displayed on the virtual office screen is large, or the display scaling ratio of the virtual office displayed on the virtual office screen is small, etc. However, these are not limited to these situations.

[0087] When the virtual office display screen of the information terminal device 10 is displayed with a small screen size, the smaller the display screen size of the virtual office, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. The virtual office control unit 42 can also reduce the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user by making the display screen smaller. If the display screen size of the virtual office is small, the user may have difficulty noticing other virtual avatars approaching the information sharing area, making it difficult for the user to grasp the approach of other virtual avatars. Therefore, by reducing the information sharing area, the possibility of speech being unintentionally overheard is reduced.

[0088] The display size refers to the proportion of the virtual office's display area to the overall display area of ​​the information terminal device 10. Alternatively, the display size can refer to the vertical or horizontal dimensions of the virtual office's display area relative to the overall vertical or horizontal dimensions of the information terminal device 10's display area.

[0089] The scope of information sharing can be reduced, or it can be excluded to make the scope of information sharing zero. In other words, the area is reduced while maintaining the state of information sharing.

[0090] When there are virtual images of other users communicating with the user within the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user when the information sharing range of the virtual image corresponding to the user overlaps with that of the virtual image of other users.

[0091] Based on the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, the virtual office control unit 42 changes the form of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user to a range that avoids the passage of other virtual images.

[0092] The range through which other virtual characters pass includes, for example, the passageway of a virtual office that other virtual characters are moving through, or the passageway of a virtual office that other virtual characters are presumably moving to.

[0093] Changes in the scope and form of information sharing are not limited to shrinking, but also include transformations that avoid or reduce the areas through which other virtual avatars pass (such as areas with large gaps between virtual desks).

[0094] Storage unit 49 stores, for example, the computational content and program information of server control device 40. Storage unit 49 may be composed of, for example, main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, or storage devices such as SSD and HDD.

[0095] Storage unit 49 stores information representing a virtual office constituting a virtual space. Storage unit 49 stores, for each user logging into the virtual office, a virtual avatar, the corresponding information terminal device 10, and information about the account user representing the information terminal device 10. Storage unit 49 also stores information representing the layout of the virtual office, the configuration of objects constituting the virtual office such as virtual desks, etc.

[0096] use Figures 4 to 9 This describes the display screen of the virtual office shown on the display section of the information terminal device. Figure 4 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device. Figure 4 In the information terminal device 10, the display unit 17 displays, for example, a display screen W1 showing the virtual office through the virtual office application, and a display screen W2 related to other applications.

[0097] Figure 5This diagram illustrates an example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. Figure 5 For illustrative purposes, only the information sharing range C1 of the first virtual avatar A1 is shown, while the information sharing ranges of other virtual avatars are omitted. The information sharing range defines the area where information can be shared; it may or may not be displayed on the screen of the information terminal device. The same applies to the following diagrams. Additionally, a virtual desk D is configured in the virtual office. Figure 5 This illustrates an example where, in a display screen W1 showing a virtual office, the information sharing range C1 of the first virtual avatar A1 is set to an initial value size. Figure 5 In the process, the second virtual avatar A2, corresponding to the second user, moves within the virtual office and may enter the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar A1, corresponding to the first user, during its movement.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, when the display size of the virtual office display screen W1 is above the threshold, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the information sharing range of the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device, namely the first virtual image A1, is set as the initial value size.

[0099] Figure 6 These are other examples of the display screen of an information terminal device. In Figure 6 In the information terminal device 10, the display unit 17 displays, for example, a display screen W1 showing the virtual office through a virtual office application, and display screens W2 and W3 related to other applications. The display screen W1 showing the virtual office is in a state where the display size is less than a threshold.

[0100] The threshold for the display size of the so-called virtual office screen is, for example, set to approximately 50% of the screen size of the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. (Relative to...) Figure 4 The screen size of the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10, which displays the virtual office screen W1, is more than 50% larger in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, compared to... Figure 6 The screen size of the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10, and the display size of the display screen W1 of the virtual office, are both less than 50% in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0101] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates another example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. In the display screen W1 showing the virtual office, the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar A1 is radially reduced.

[0102] like Figure 6As shown, when the display size of the virtual office display screen W1 is less than the threshold display size, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the information sharing range of the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device, namely the first virtual image A1, is set to a radially reduced size; in other words, the information sharing range of the first virtual image A1 is reduced.

[0103] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates another example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. When there are virtual avatars of other users communicating with this user, the information sharing range of the user's virtual avatar overlaps with that of the other users' virtual avatars, but the information sharing range of the virtual avatars is reduced. Specifically, in the display screen W1 showing the virtual office, the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar A1 is reduced to an ellipse encompassing both the first virtual avatar A1 and the third virtual avatar A3. In other words, the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar is reduced while the first virtual avatar A1 and the third virtual avatar A3 are mutually contained within each other's information sharing range.

[0104] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates another example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. The information sharing range C1 of the first virtual avatar A1 is narrowed to avoid the passage of other virtual avatars. Figure 9 In the virtual office, the space between the virtual desks D below the first virtual image A1 and above the second virtual image A2 is relatively wide, which is the passageway for other virtual images; in other words, it is the passageway within the virtual office. Figure 9 The information sharing range C1 of the first virtual avatar A1 shown is a shape that avoids other virtual avatars passing through the range, and is changed to be within... Figure 5 The initial state shown represents the state in which the third virtual image A3 and the fourth virtual image A4, which are included within the information sharing range, enter; in other words, it is the state in which information sharing is maintained.

[0105] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the correspondence between the display size of a virtual office screen and the size of the information sharing area. Figure 10 of (a) Figure 10 (b) is an example where the size of the information sharing scope varies in two levels based on the display size of the virtual office screen. Figure 10 of (a) Figure 10 In (b), when the display size of the virtual office screen is above the threshold, the size of the information sharing range is the initial value; when the display size of the virtual office screen is below the threshold, the size of the information sharing range is reduced. Figure 10In (c), when the display size of the virtual office screen is above the threshold, the size of the information sharing range is the initial value; when the display size of the virtual office screen is below the threshold, the size of the information sharing range changes linearly. Figure 10 In (d), the size of the information sharing scope varies linearly according to the display size of the virtual office screen. For example... Figure 10 As shown, when the display size of the virtual office screen is smaller than the threshold, the information sharing scope is as follows: Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 That's how it's set up. Additionally, when the virtual office display screen is at its minimum size, in... Figure 10 of (a) Figure 10 In case (c), maintain the size of the reduced information sharing scope, Figure 10 In case (d), it maintains a certain size. Minimizing the display size of the virtual office screen refers to the minimum size or no display state when the virtual office screen is being displayed. Figure 10 In case (b), when the display size of the virtual office screen is at its minimum, the size of the information sharing range is also at its minimum or there is no information sharing range. Figure 10 In case (b), when the display size of the virtual office screen is set to the minimum, the size of the information sharing range is set to the minimum, or the range within which video call requests can be made by overlapping virtual avatars. The range within which video call requests can be made by overlapping virtual avatars is the same as the display range of the virtual avatars displayed on the screen.

[0106] When the second virtual avatar enters the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar, the virtual office control unit 42 enables the first user's voice to be shared by the second user. Furthermore, when the second virtual avatar is within the information sharing range of the first virtual avatar, and the first virtual avatar enters the information sharing range of the second virtual avatar, the first user's voice is shared by the second user, and vice versa. In other words, the first user and the second user can share voice and engage in voice-based conversations. More specifically, when voice sharing is possible, the virtual office control unit 42 enables voice communication between the information terminal device 10 used by the first user corresponding to the first virtual avatar and the second information terminal device 10 used by the second user who logged into the virtual office corresponding to the second virtual avatar. More specifically, the virtual office control unit 42 causes the sound output unit 18 of the first information terminal device 10 to output the second user's voice collected by the microphone 12 of the second information terminal device 10, and causes the sound output unit 18 of the second information terminal device 10 to output the first user's voice collected by the microphone 12 of the first information terminal device 10.

[0107] When the first and second virtual avatars are no longer included in the information sharing scope due to the movement of the virtual avatars, the virtual office control unit 42 stops the voice sharing between the first user and the second user.

[0108] (Virtual space control method) use Figure 11 Explain the virtual space control method. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 The processing shown is performed during the provision of a virtual office by the virtual space control system 1. Figure 11 The processing shown is performed by the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the server control device 40 of the server device 30 of the virtual space control system 1.

[0109] The terminal control device 20 initiates the operation of the virtual office application via the application control unit 24, thereby starting the display of the virtual office (step S101). More specifically, the terminal control device 20 initiates the virtual office application via user operation or automatic startup, and the application control unit 24 launches the virtual office application, thereby causing the display control unit 27 to display an image representing the virtual office screen on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. After executing step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0110] The terminal control device 20 begins detecting the display size of the virtual office screen on the display screen of the information terminal device 10 via the detection unit 25 (step S102). The terminal control device 20 sends the detection result from the detection unit 25 to the server device 30. After executing step S102, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0111] The server control device 40, through the virtual office control unit 42, determines, based on the detection result of the detection unit 25, whether the display area of ​​the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is smaller than a threshold (step S103). When the server control device 40 determines through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display area of ​​the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is smaller than the threshold (yes in step S103), it proceeds to step S104. When the server control device 40 does not determine through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display area of ​​the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is smaller than the threshold (no in step S103), it proceeds to step S107.

[0112] When it is determined that the display area of ​​the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is smaller than a threshold (yes in step S103), the server control device 40 determines whether the display screen of the virtual office is not displayed through the virtual office control unit 42 (step S104). More specifically, when the display size of the virtual office display screen is minimized, the server control device 40 determines that it is not displayed through the virtual office control unit 42. When the server control device 40 determines that the display screen of the virtual office is not displayed through the virtual office control unit 42 (yes in step S104), proceed to step S105. When the server control device 40 does not determine that the display screen of the virtual office is not displayed through the virtual office control unit 42 (no in step S104), proceed to step S106.

[0113] When it is determined that the virtual office display screen is not displayed (yes in step S104), the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 is set to the minimum (step S105). More specifically, the server control device 40, through the virtual office control unit 42, reduces the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 to a size such that when other virtual avatars enter the information sharing range of the virtual avatar, the virtual avatars overlap each other to make a video call request. After executing step S105, proceed to step S109.

[0114] When the display screen for a virtual office is not determined to be displayed (No in step S104), the size of the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 is reduced (step S106). More specifically, the server control device 40 reduces the size of the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 through the virtual office control unit 42. After executing step S106, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0115] When the display area of ​​the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is not determined to be smaller than the threshold (No in step S103), the server control device 40 determines whether the size of the information sharing range is the initial value through the virtual office control unit 42 (step S107). When the server control device 40 determines through the virtual office control unit 42 that the size of the information sharing range is the initial value (Yes in step S107), it proceeds to step S109. That is, the size of the information sharing range is maintained at the initial value. When the server control device 40 does not determine through the virtual office control unit 42 that the size of the information sharing range is the initial value (No in step S107), it proceeds to step S108.

[0116] If the size of the information sharing range is not determined to be the initial value (No in step S107), the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 is restored to the initial value (step S108). More specifically, the server control device 40 restores the size of the information sharing range of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 to the initial value through the virtual office control unit 42. After executing step S108, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0117] The terminal control device 20 determines whether to terminate the use of the virtual office (step S109). For example, when an operation to terminate the use of the virtual office is detected, when the information terminal device 10 is disconnected from the network that allows the use of the virtual office, or when an operation to turn off the power of the information terminal device 10 is performed, the terminal control device 20 determines that the use of the virtual office has been terminated. When the terminal control device 20 determines that the use of the virtual office has been terminated (yes in step S109), the processing of this flowchart ends. When the terminal control device 20 does not determine that the use of the virtual office has been terminated (no in step S109), the processing of step S103 is executed again.

[0118] When the virtual office control unit 42 of the server control device 40 is like Figure 10 of (a) Figure 10 (c) Figure 10 When controlling the size of the information sharing range as in (d), the processing of steps S104 and S105 is omitted. If step S103 is yes, the processing of step S106 is executed.

[0119] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the form of the information sharing range around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 can be changed based on the display status of the virtual office. Thus, according to this embodiment, information sharing conditions between users of other virtual avatars around one's own virtual avatar can be appropriately set.

[0120] In this embodiment, the smaller the display size of the virtual office screen, the smaller the area around the virtual avatar where information can be shared. According to this embodiment, when the display size of the virtual office screen is small, the possibility that the user of the virtual office may continue to speak without noticing other users' virtual avatars approaching can be reduced.

[0121] In this embodiment, when there are virtual avatars of other users communicating with the user within the information sharing range, the area of ​​the information sharing range around the user's virtual avatar can be reduced while the information sharing ranges of the user's virtual avatar and the virtual avatars of other users communicating overlap. According to this embodiment, the information sharing range can be changed while maintaining the currently ongoing communication.

[0122] In this embodiment, based on the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, the form of the information sharing range around the user's virtual avatar can be changed to avoid the passage of other virtual avatars. According to this embodiment, the information sharing conditions between users of other virtual avatars around their own virtual avatar can be appropriately set.

[0123] [Second Implementation] use Figures 12 to 14 The virtual space control system 1 involved in the second embodiment is described. Figure 12 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between the scale of a virtual office display and the size of the information sharing area. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same or corresponding reference numerals are used to refer to the same components as those in the virtual space control system 1 of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the virtual space control system 1, the processing in the detection unit 25 of the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the virtual office control unit 42 of the server control device 40 of the server device 30 differs from that in the first embodiment.

[0124] The detection unit 25 detects the display ratio of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10, as the display status of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0125] The display ratio of the virtual office display screen refers to the ratio of the display area when the virtual office display screen is obscured by the back side of other display screens, etc., to the display area when it is not obscured by other display screens, etc. In this case, the display size of the virtual office display screen is preferably a size of the threshold or above in the first embodiment.

[0126] Regarding the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user when the proportion of the virtual office display screen that is obscured by other display screens is large, the proportion that is obscured by other display screens is small, or the proportion that is visible in the virtual office display screen is small. The virtual office control unit 42 may also reduce the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user as the proportion of the virtual office display screen is larger, the proportion that is obscured by other display screens is smaller, or the proportion that is visible in the virtual office display screen is smaller. In other words, the smaller the proportion of the virtual office display screen that is obscured by other display screens, i.e., the smaller the proportion that is visible in the virtual office display screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. If the proportion of the virtual office display screen that is obscured by other display screens is large, the user may not notice that other virtual avatars are approaching the information sharing area, and the user may not be able to grasp that other virtual avatars are approaching. Therefore, by reducing the information sharing area, the possibility of being unintentionally overheard is reduced.

[0127] use Figure 12 This illustrates an example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. Figure 12 In the information terminal device 10, the display unit 17 displays, for example, a display screen W1 showing the virtual office through the virtual office application, and a display screen W2 related to other applications. The display screen W1 showing the virtual office is in a state where the proportion obscured by the display screen W2 related to other applications is above a threshold, that is, the proportion of the display screen W1 showing the virtual office is less than a threshold because it is obscured by the display screen W2 related to other applications.

[0128] The threshold for the proportion of the virtual office's display screen that is obscured by other display screens, for example, is set to approximately 30-50%. Figure 4The proportion of the virtual office display screen obscured by other display screens is approximately 10%, which is less than the threshold. Additionally, Figure 12 The virtual office display in the system is obscured by more than 60% of other display screens, which is above the threshold.

[0129] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the display scale of a virtual office screen and the size of the information sharing area. Figure 13 of (a) Figure 13 (b) is an example where the size of the information sharing scope varies in two levels according to the display ratio of the virtual office screen. Figure 13 of (a) Figure 13 In (b), when the display ratio of the virtual office's screen is above a threshold (i.e., the proportion of the virtual office's screen obscured by other screens is less than a threshold), the size of the information sharing range is the initial value. When the display ratio of the virtual office's screen is less than a threshold (i.e., the proportion of the virtual office's screen obscured by other screens is above a threshold), the size of the information sharing range is reduced. Figure 13 In (c), when the display ratio of the virtual office's screen is above a threshold (i.e., when the proportion of the virtual office's screen obscured by other screens is less than the threshold), the size of the information sharing range is the initial value. When the display ratio of the virtual office's screen is less than the threshold, the size of the information sharing range changes linearly. Figure 13 In (d), the size of the information sharing range changes linearly according to the display ratio of the virtual office screen, that is, according to the proportion of the virtual office screen that is obscured by other display screens. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the display ratio of the virtual office screen is less than the threshold, meaning that the proportion of the virtual office screen obscured by other screens exceeds the threshold. The information sharing range is as follows: Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 That's how it's set up. Also, when the virtual office display is minimized, in... Figure 13 of (a) Figure 13 In case (c), maintain the size of the reduced information sharing scope, Figure 13 In case (d), maintain a certain size. Minimizing the display ratio of the virtual office screen refers to a state where the virtual office screen is 100% or almost 100% obscured by other screens. Figure 13 In case (b), when the display scale of the virtual office screen is minimized, it indicates that the size of the information sharing range is at its minimum or there is no information sharing range. Figure 13In case (b), when the display scale of the virtual office screen is minimized, the size of the information sharing range is set to the minimum value, or the range to which video call requests can be made by overlapping virtual avatars.

[0130] (Virtual space control method) use Figure 14 Explain the virtual space control method. Figure 14 The processing of steps S201, S202, S204 to S209 is performed in conjunction with... Figure 11 The same process applies to steps S101, S102, S104 to S109.

[0131] The server control device 40, through the virtual office control unit 42, determines, based on the detection result of the detection unit 25, whether the display ratio of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is less than a threshold (step S203). When the server control device 40 determines through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display ratio of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is less than the threshold (yes in step S203), it proceeds to step S204. When the server control device 40 does not determine through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display ratio of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is less than the threshold (no in step S203), it proceeds to step S207.

[0132] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the greater the proportion of the virtual office display screen that is obscured by other display screens, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar becomes. According to this embodiment, when the display size of the virtual office display screen is small, the possibility that the user of the virtual office may continue to speak without noticing other users' virtual avatars approaching can be reduced.

[0133] [Third Implementation Method] use Figure 15 The virtual space control system 1 involved in the third embodiment is described. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the third embodiment. In the virtual space control system 1, the processing in the detection unit 25 of the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the virtual office control unit 42 of the server control device 40 of the server device 30 differs from that in the first embodiment.

[0134] The detection unit 25 detects whether its own virtual image is displayed on the display screen of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10, as the display status of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0135] Regarding the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, if the user's virtual avatar is not displayed on the screen, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the user's corresponding virtual avatar. The situation where the user's virtual avatar is not displayed on the screen could be, for example, when the user is viewing an area outside the range of their own virtual avatar within the virtual office. In this case, the user cannot confirm the area around their own virtual avatar and is unlikely to notice other virtual avatars approaching their information sharing range. Therefore, by reducing the information sharing range, the possibility of unintentionally being overheard is reduced.

[0136] The state where one's virtual avatar is not displayed can also include the following states: such as Figure 12 As shown, the virtual office's display is obscured by other display screens, causing the virtual avatar to become invisible despite being within the display area of ​​the virtual office's display screen.

[0137] (Virtual space control method) use Figure 15 Explain the virtual space control method. Figure 15 The processing in steps S301, S302, S304, S305 to S307, and S309 is performed in conjunction with... Figure 11 The same process applies to steps S101, S102, S106, S107 to S109.

[0138] The server control device 40, through the virtual office control unit 42, determines that its own virtual avatar is not displayed on the virtual office display screen of the information terminal device 10 (step S303). When the server control device 40 determines through the virtual office control unit 42 that its own virtual avatar is not displayed (yes in step S303), it proceeds to step S304. When the server control device 40 does not determine through the virtual office control unit 42 that its own virtual avatar is not displayed, i.e., when its own virtual avatar is displayed (no in step S303), it proceeds to step S305.

[0139] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, when the user's own virtual avatar is not displayed on the screen showing the virtual office, the area of ​​information sharing around the user's corresponding virtual avatar can be reduced. According to this embodiment, when the user's own virtual avatar is not displayed on the screen showing the virtual office, and the user may continue speaking without noticing other users' virtual avatars approaching, the possibility of the user's speech being unintentionally overheard by other virtual avatar users can be reduced.

[0140] [Fourth Implementation Method] use Figure 16 and Figure 17 The virtual space control system 1 involved in the fourth embodiment is described. Figure 16 This is an example of a display screen on an information terminal device. Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the fourth embodiment. In the virtual space control system 1, the processing in the detection unit 25 of the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the virtual office control unit 42 of the server control device 40 of the server device 30 differs from that in the first embodiment.

[0141] The detection unit 25 detects the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the screen of the information terminal device 10 as the display status of the virtual office on the screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0142] The display area of ​​the virtual office in the virtual office display screen is the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the virtual office display screen.

[0143] Regarding the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, when the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the screen is large, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. In other words, when the visible area of ​​the virtual office on the display screen is large, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. The larger the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. In other words, the larger the visible area of ​​the virtual office, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. If the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the screen is large, although the user can confirm the large area within the virtual office, it is difficult to notice other virtual avatars approaching the information sharing area, and the user has difficulty grasping that other virtual avatars are approaching. Therefore, by reducing the information sharing area, the possibility of being unintentionally overheard is reduced.

[0144] use Figure 16 This illustrates an example of a virtual office display screen shown on an information terminal device. Figure 16 In the information terminal device 10, on the display unit 17, on the display screen W1 that displays the virtual office, a range larger than the predetermined range (default range) in the virtual office is displayed.

[0145] For example, suppose the display area of ​​the virtual office shown on the display screen W1 is [missing information]. Figure 5 The indicated range is the default range. Specifically, the following range is set on the display screen W1 that shows the virtual office: it includes the department to which the user of the virtual office belongs or the location where the virtual avatar of the user of the virtual office exists, and a range with a width of approximately 4 to 6 times the width of the virtual desk is set as the default range. Figure 16 The dashed line in the middle represents the... Figure 5 The default display area for the corresponding virtual office.

[0146] In response, when a user manipulates the virtual office display screen W1 to include an area more than twice the default range, it is determined that the area displayed on the virtual office display screen exceeds the predetermined limit. Figure 16 In the image, a virtual office is displayed with an area approximately three times larger in width than the default display area shown by the dashed line.

[0147] This section illustrates the correspondence between the display area of ​​the virtual office and the information sharing area on the screen displaying the virtual office.

[0148] (Example 1) The virtual office is displayed within twice the default area. like Figure 5 As shown, the information sharing range of the first virtual character A1 is set to the initial value size.

[0149] (Example 2) The virtual office is displayed in an area that is more than twice the default area (above the pre-defined area). like Figure 7 As shown, the information sharing scope of the first virtual avatar is compared to... Figure 5 It is reduced in the radial direction.

[0150] (Example 3) The virtual office is displayed at a range that is more than 2 times the default range but less than about 5 times the default range. The larger the displayed virtual office area, the smaller the area for information sharing. In this case, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 That way, the scope of information sharing can be narrowed. When the display area of ​​the virtual office is more than 5 times the default area, the area of ​​information sharing can be a constant value.

[0151] (Virtual space control method) use Figure 17 Explain the virtual space control method. Figure 17 The processing in steps S401, S402, S404 to S407 is performed in conjunction with... Figure 11 The same process applies to steps S101, S102, S106 to S109.

[0152] The server control device 40, based on the detection results of the detection unit 25 and via the virtual office control unit 42, determines whether the area displayed on the virtual office display screen of the information terminal device 10 is a predetermined area or higher (step S403). When the server control device 40 determines via the virtual office control unit 42 that the area displayed on the virtual office display screen is a predetermined area or higher (yes in step S403), it proceeds to step S404. When the server control device 40 does not determine via the virtual office control unit 42 that the area displayed on the virtual office display screen is a predetermined area or higher (no in step S403), it proceeds to step S405.

[0153] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the display state of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10 is such that when the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the display screen is large, or when the area of ​​the virtual office displayed on the display screen is larger, the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual image corresponding to the user is smaller.

[0154] [Fifth Implementation Method] use Figure 18 The virtual space control system 1 involved in the fifth embodiment is described. Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the virtual space control method according to the fifth embodiment. In the virtual space control system 1, the processing in the detection unit 25 of the terminal control device 20 of the information terminal device 10 and the virtual office control unit 42 of the server control device 40 of the server device 30 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0155] The detection unit 25 detects the display scaling ratio of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10, as the display status of the virtual office in the display screen of the information terminal device 10.

[0156] The display scaling ratio of the virtual office in the virtual office display screen is the scaling ratio of the virtual office displayed on the virtual office display screen.

[0157] Regarding the display status of the virtual office on the display screen of the information terminal device 10, when the display zoom level of the virtual office displayed on the screen is small, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. In other words, when the display zoom level of the visible virtual office on the screen is small, the virtual office control unit 42 reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user. The smaller the display zoom level of the virtual office displayed on the screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user that the virtual office control unit 42 reduces. In other words, the virtual office control unit 42 can also reduce the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user as the display zoom level of the visible virtual office on the screen is small. If the display zoom level of the virtual office displayed on the screen is small, although the user can confirm a large area within the virtual office, it is difficult to notice other virtual avatars approaching the information sharing area, and the user has difficulty grasping that other virtual avatars are approaching. Therefore, by reducing the scope of information sharing, the possibility of unintentionally being overheard can be decreased.

[0158] For example, suppose the display area of ​​the virtual office shown on the display screen W1 is... Figure 5 The scaling ratio shown is the default scaling ratio. Specifically, on the display screen W1 that displays the virtual office, the area containing the virtual avatar of the user with the virtual office is set to the default scaling ratio (1.0x), and the scaling ratio of the area including the width of the virtual desk is set to approximately 4 to 6 times.

[0159] In response, when a user changes the display scaling of the virtual office display screen W1 from the default scaling to a smaller scaling such as 0.5 times (half), it is determined that the display scaling of the virtual office displayed on the virtual office display screen is less than the predetermined display scaling.

[0160] Figure 16 The dashed line in the middle represents the... Figure 5 The corresponding virtual office display scaling is the range shown at the default display scaling. Figure 16 In this context, the virtual office is displayed at approximately 0.3 times (one-third) the scaling ratio of the default virtual office display.

[0161] This section illustrates the correspondence between the display area of ​​the virtual office and the information sharing area on the screen displaying the virtual office.

[0162] (Example 1) The virtual office display scaling is within 0.5 times the default range. like Figure 5 As shown, the information sharing range of the first virtual character A1 is set to the initial value size.

[0163] (Example 2) The virtual office is displayed at a range that is more than 0.5 times the default range (the area above the pre-defined range). like Figure 7 As shown, the information sharing scope of the first virtual avatar is reduced radially.

[0164] (Example 3) The virtual office is displayed at approximately 0.3 to 0.5 times the default range. The smaller the display scaling of the virtual office, the smaller the area where information is shared. In this case, such as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 In this way, the scope of information sharing can be narrowed. When the display scaling of the virtual office is less than 0.3 times the default display scaling, the area of ​​information sharing can be a constant value.

[0165] (Virtual space control method) use Figure 18 Explain the virtual space control method. Figure 18 The processing in steps S501, S502, S504 to S507 is performed in conjunction with... Figure 11 The same process applies to steps S101, S102, S106 to S109.

[0166] The server control device 40, based on the detection results from the detection unit 25, determines whether the display scaling ratio of the virtual office display screen on the information terminal device 10 is less than a predetermined value (step S503). If the server control device 40 determines through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display scaling ratio of the virtual office display screen is less than the predetermined value (yes in step S503), it proceeds to step S504. If the server control device 40 does not determine through the virtual office control unit 42 that the display scaling ratio of the virtual office display screen is less than the predetermined value (no in step S503), it proceeds to step S505.

[0167] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, when the display scaling of the virtual office displayed on the screen of the information terminal device 10 is small, the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user can be reduced; or the smaller the display scaling of the virtual office displayed on the screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual avatar corresponding to the user can be.

[0168] The components of the virtual space control system illustrated are functional concepts and do not necessarily need to be physically arranged as shown in the diagram. That is, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the diagram, and they can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit, depending on the processing load or usage of each device.

[0169] The virtual space control system can be configured, for example, by a program loaded into memory as software. In the above embodiments, functional blocks implemented through the cooperation of these hardware or software components have been described. That is, these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms, using only hardware, only software, or a combination thereof.

[0170] The constituent elements described above include substantially the same elements that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the constituent elements described above can be appropriately combined. Additionally, various omissions, substitutions, or changes to the constituent elements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0171] The virtual space control system and virtual space control method disclosed herein can be used, for example, in a communication system that can be used to communicate using virtual avatars in virtual spaces such as virtual offices.

[0172] Symbol Explanation 1. Virtual Space Control System 10. Information terminal devices 11 cameras 12 microphones 13 Operations Department 17 Display Section 18. Sound Output Section 19 Ministry of Communications 20. Terminal control device (control unit) 21 Image Acquisition Department 22 Sound Acquisition Department 23 Operation Receiving Section 24 Application Control Department 25. Testing Department 26 Storage Department 27 Display Control Unit 28. Sound Output Control Unit 29. Communications Control Department 30 server devices 31 Ministry of Communications 40 Server Control Unit (Control Section) 41. Communications Control Department 42 Virtual Office Control Department 49 Storage Department

Claims

1. A virtual space control system that enables an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays a virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device within the virtual space, wherein, The control unit included in the virtual space control system detects the display status of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, and changes the form of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device based on the display status of the virtual space.

2. The virtual space control system according to claim 1, wherein, When it is difficult to grasp the display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, and other virtual images are close to the display form of the virtual image corresponding to the user, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual image corresponding to the user.

3. The virtual space control system according to claim 2, wherein, As the display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, when the display size of the display screen of the virtual space is small, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user; or the smaller the display size of the display screen of the virtual space, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user will be.

4. The virtual space control system according to claim 2, wherein, As the display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, when the proportion of the display screen of the virtual space being obscured by other display screens is large, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user; or the greater the proportion of the display screen of the virtual space being obscured by other display screens, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user will be.

5. The virtual space control system according to claim 2, wherein, As a display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, when the virtual image of the user is not displayed on the display screen of the virtual space, the control unit reduces the area of ​​information sharing around the virtual image corresponding to the user.

6. The virtual space control system according to claim 2, wherein, As a display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, when the range of the virtual space displayed on the display screen is large, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user; or the larger the range of the virtual space displayed on the display screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user.

7. The virtual space control system according to claim 2, wherein, As the display state of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, when the display scaling ratio of the virtual space displayed on the display screen is small, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user; or the smaller the display scaling ratio of the virtual space displayed on the display screen, the smaller the area of ​​information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user will be.

8. The virtual space control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, If, within the information sharing range surrounding the virtual avatar corresponding to the user, there are virtual avatars of other users communicating with the user, and the information sharing ranges of the virtual avatar corresponding to the user and the virtual avatars of the other users overlap, the control unit will reduce the area of ​​the information sharing range surrounding the virtual avatar corresponding to the user.

9. The virtual space control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Based on the display status of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device, the control unit changes the form of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user to a range that avoids the passage of other virtual images.

10. A virtual space control method, executed by a virtual space control system, wherein the virtual space control system causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays a virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein... The virtual space control system executes: The display status of the virtual space in the display screen of the information terminal device is detected, and based on the display status of the virtual space, the form of the information sharing range around the virtual image corresponding to the user of the information terminal device is changed.

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