Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system for sharing information among a plurality of virtual spaces.SOLUTION: A server 10 of a 3D data system comprises acquisition means 12 for acquiring, for each of multiple users and multiple virtual spaces, an action history including virtual position information indicative of a position of the user in the virtual space and real world time information from a plurality of other servers, and storage means 11 for storing user identification information, virtual position information, and time information in a database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for sharing information in a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] A virtual space technology known as the metaverse is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a user with an image of a virtual space using the so-called XR (eXtended Reality) technology. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7097125 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 does not allow information to be shared across multiple virtual spaces.

[0005] In response to this, the present invention provides a technique for sharing information among multiple virtual spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing system having an acquisition means for acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual location information indicating the user's location in the virtual space and real time information, and a storage means for storing the user's identification information, the virtual location information, and the time information in a database.

[0007] The acquisition means may acquire status information indicating the user's status in the virtual space, and the storage means may store the user's identification information, the virtual position information, the time information, and the status information in a database.

[0008] The acquisition means may acquire behavioral information indicating the user's behavior in the virtual space, and the storage means may store the user's identification information, the virtual position information, the time information, and the behavioral information in a database.

[0009] The behavior information may indicate a behavior defined in the virtual space.

[0010] The acquisition means may acquire real-world location information indicating the user's location in the reality, and the storage means may store the user's identification information, the virtual location information, the time information, and the real-world location information in a database.

[0011] The virtual space may be hierarchical, and the virtual position information may indicate the level in which the user was located in the virtual space and the user's position within that level.

[0012] The information processing system may include an estimation means for estimating a relationship between a first user and a second user using the information stored in the database.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing method including the steps of acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual location information indicating the user's location in the virtual space and real-time information, and storing the user's identification information, the virtual location information, and the time information in a database.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual location information indicating the location of the user in the virtual space and real-time information, and storing the user's identification information, the virtual location information, and the time information in a database. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, information can be shared among a plurality of virtual spaces. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a 3D data system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a 3D data system 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the server 20. [Diagram 5] 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the 3D data system 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data recorded in a database 111. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a 3D data system 1 according to an embodiment. The 3D data system 1 is a system for sharing information in a plurality of virtual spaces. The 3D data system 1 includes a server 10, a server 20, a server 30, and a user terminal 40. The server 20 and the server 30 each provide a different virtual space. The term "virtual space" includes a so-called metaverse. Hereinafter, the virtual space provided by the server 20 is referred to as a virtual space VS[1], and the virtual space provided by the server 30 is referred to as a VS[2]. When there is no need to distinguish between the virtual space VS[1] and the virtual space VS[2], they are simply referred to as a virtual space VS. The server 20 and the server 30 may be managed and operated by different operators.

[0018] The server 10 provides 3D data for each virtual space. The 3D data here includes data showing a 3D model (so-called avatar) of a human user of each virtual space. The server 10 has a database that records 3D data of each of a plurality of users. The server 10 provides the 3D data in response to a request from another device, such as the server 20 or the server 30.

[0019] In addition, the server 10 acquires the user's behavior history in each virtual space and records the acquired information. The server 10 provides a part or all of the recorded information, or information obtained from the analysis result of the recorded information, to another device.

[0020] The user terminal 40 is a computer device operated by a user U, and is a client in the 3D data system 1. The user can log in to the virtual space VS[1] and the virtual space VS[2] from the user terminal 40.

[0021] The number of virtual spaces in the 3D data system 1 and the number of user terminals 40 are not limited to the example in Fig. 1. The 3D data system 1 may share information in three or more virtual spaces. In addition, multiple user terminals 40 may access the 3D data system 1.

[0022] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the 3D data system 1. The 3D data system 1 has a storage means 11, an acquisition means 12, an analysis means 13, a communication means 14, a storage means 41, a communication means 42, and a control means 43. Of these, the storage means 11, the acquisition means 12, the analysis means 13, and the communication means 14 are implemented in the server 10, and the storage means 41, the communication means 42, and the control means 43 are implemented in the user terminal 40, respectively.

[0023] In the server 10, the acquisition means 12 acquires from the server 20 and the server 30, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, the behavior history of the user in the virtual space. The behavior history includes at least virtual position information indicating the position of the user in the virtual space, and real time information. The storage means 11 stores various data and programs. In this example, the storage means 11 stores a database 111 and a database 112. The database 111 is a database for recording the behavior history of the user in the virtual space acquired by the acquisition means 12. The database 112 is a database in which 3D data of each of a plurality of users is recorded. The analysis means 13 analyzes (or processes) the data recorded in the database 111. The processing performed by the analysis means 13 includes, for example, a process of estimating the degree of intimacy between users from the data recorded in the database 111 (i.e., an example of an estimation means). The communication means 14 communicates with other devices. In this example, the communication means 14 transmits information indicating the results of processing by the analysis means 13 to another device such as a user terminal 40.

[0024] In the user terminal 40, the storage means 41 stores various data. The communication means 42 communicates with other devices such as the server 10, the server 20, and the server 30. The control means 43 performs various controls.

[0025] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server 10. The server 10 is a computer device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, and a communication IF 104. The CPU 101 is a calculation device that performs various calculations according to a program. The memory 102 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 103 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various data and programs, and includes, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The communication IF is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (for example, Ethernet), and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0026] In this example, the programs stored in the storage 103 include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "server program") for causing the computer to function as a server in the 3D data system 1. The CPU 101 executes the server program, thereby implementing the functions of Fig. 2 in the computer. In a state in which the CPU 101 is executing the server program, at least one of the memory 102 and the storage 103 is an example of a storage means 11, the communication IF 104 is an example of an acquisition means 12 and a communication means 14, and the CPU 101 is an example of an analysis means 13.

[0027] Although not shown in the figures, the user terminal 40 is a computer device having a CPU, memory, storage, communication IF, input device (e.g., a touch screen or keyboard), and output device (e.g., a liquid crystal display), such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal. In this example, the programs stored in the storage include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "client program") for causing the computer to function as a client in the 3D data system 1. When the CPU is executing the client program, at least one of the memory and the storage is an example of storage means 41, the communication IF is an example of communication means, and the CPU is an example of control means 43.

[0028] 2. Operation Next, the operation of the 3D data system 1 will be described. Prior to the description of the operation of the 3D data system 1, the virtual space VS will be described. The virtual space VS is a virtual space constructed on a server, and is formed by 3DCG. Formed by 3DCG means that the combination and positions of 3D objects of architectural structures (buildings, roads, bridges, etc.) are defined. Users can participate in this world with their own avatars. Through the avatars, users can move within the virtual space and communicate with other users. Furthermore, through the avatars, users can shop, create and sell objects in the virtual space.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the server 20. The server 20 records the behavior history of each user in the virtual space VS[1]. The behavior history includes, for example, the following information (1) to (6): (1) User position information in the virtual section VS[1]. (2) Time information in the virtual space VS[1] when the user was in position (1). (3) User state information when the user was in position (1). (4) User behavior information when the user was in position (1). (5) User position information in reality when the user was in position (1). (6) The time in reality when the user was in position (5).

[0030] The user's location information includes the coordinates where the user's avatar is located in the virtual space VS[1]. Coordinates are defined in the virtual space VS[1]. In this example, the virtual space VS[1] is hierarchical. For example, the first level is outdoors, the second level is a common area in the building (e.g., a lobby or a hallway), and the third level is inside a room in the building. In this case, the location information includes a level identifier and the coordinates in that level.

[0031] The time information in the virtual space VS[1] includes the time in the virtual space VS[1]. In the virtual space, a time different from that in reality may be defined. For example, the movement of the sun is defined in the virtual space VS[1], and the change of day and night accompanying the movement of the sun is defined, and the cycle of the change of day and night may be different from that in reality. In one example, the cycle of the change of day and night is three times faster than in reality, for example, one cycle is 8 hours.

[0032] The user state information indicates the user state of the user (or avatar) in the virtual space VS[1]. In the virtual space VS[1], a user state is defined. The user state indicates the state of the user in the virtual space VS[1]. The user state includes, for example, active (or online) and inactive (or offline). Alternatively, a plurality of states are defined in the virtual space VS[1], and the user state indicates which state the avatar is in. The states defined in the virtual space include, for example, a state that follows the same physical laws as the real world and a state that follows some physical laws that are different from the real world (for example, being able to fly in the sky, being able to pass through walls, not being visible to other users, etc.). Alternatively, the states defined in the virtual space may include, for example, a state in which some of the abilities are enhanced (for example, a state in which strength, jumping power, eyesight, or hearing are enhanced more than that of a normal human), or a state in which the appearance of the avatar is changed (for example, a state in which the skin color or paper color is changed, or a state in which the shape of the model is changed, such as deforming a six-head body into a three-head body). The user state information may include a user state in reality, instead of or in addition to the user state in the virtual space VS [1]. The user state in reality may include, for example, on vacation, in a meeting, traveling, and eating.

[0033] The user behavior information indicates the behavior of the user in the virtual space VS[1]. The behavior information indicates the behavior of the avatar in the virtual space VS[1]. In one example, the behavior information indicates the movement of the avatar. The movement of the avatar is, for example, that the avatar raised its right hand, that the avatar ran, that the avatar jumped, etc. The behavior information indicates the details of the movement of the avatar, for example, the trajectory of the right wrist when the avatar raised its right hand. Alternatively, the behavior information may be binary information indicating whether the avatar performed a predetermined movement.

[0034] The user's real-world location information indicates the user's real-world location when the avatar was at location (1) in the virtual space VS[1]. The real-world location indicates the location of the user terminal 40 that is logged in to the virtual space VS[1]. The location of the user terminal 40 is measured, for example, by a positioning function (for example, using GPS) that the user terminal 40 has.

[0035] The real-world time information includes the real-world time when the user was at the position (5). The real-world time indicates the time of the user terminal 40. The time of the user terminal 40 is obtained, for example, by a timekeeping function that the user terminal 40 has.

[0036] The behavior history is associated with a user ID. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user in the virtual space VS[1]. The user ID is assigned, for example, by an administrator of the virtual space VS[1].

[0037] The server 20 records this information when a specific event occurs. This event is, for example, an event that a user logs into the virtual space VS[1], an event that a user logs out of the virtual space VS[1], an event that an avatar takes a predetermined action in the virtual space VS[1], an event that a specific time has come in the virtual space VS[1], or an event that a specific time has come in reality.

[0038] Similarly, the server 30 records the behavior history of each user in the virtual space VS[2].

[0039] FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the 3D data system 1. In step S1, the server 10 acquires the behavior history of the user A in the virtual space VS[1] from the server 20. This data includes the identification information (user ID) and behavior history of the user A. The process of step S1 is executed in response to a predetermined event. The event that triggers step S1 is, for example, an event that a predetermined time has passed since the behavior history was last acquired, an event that the current time has become a predetermined time, or an event that a request for behavior history acquisition has been made from a user accessing the server 10. The server 20 may transmit the behavior history in response to a request from the server 10, or may transmit the behavior history spontaneously even without a request from the server 10.

[0040] Alternatively, the event of step S1 may be executed when the server 20 requests the server 10 to provide 3D data. In this example, the server 10 has a database in which 3D data of each of a plurality of users is recorded. The 3D data represents a 3D model of the user. The server 20 requests the server 10 to transmit 3D data of the user who has logged in to the virtual space VS[1]. The server 10 provides the requested 3D data of the user to the server 20. The server 20 uses the 3D data to display the user's avatar in the virtual space. When the server 20 receives the 3D data, it transmits the most recent behavior history of the user to the server 10. Alternatively, when the user logs out of the virtual space VS[1], the server 20 transmits the behavior history of the user during the login period to the server 10.

[0041] The server 20 transmits to the server 10 a part or all of the behavior history stored therein. Which part of the stored behavior history is selected and transmitted to the server 10 is determined, for example, according to a request from the server 10. For example, the server 10 requests the behavior history of a specific user (user A in this example), and the server 20 transmits the behavior history of the requested user to the server 10. Alternatively, the server 10 requests the behavior history for a specific date and time (this date and time may be indicated by the time in the virtual space VS[1] or may be indicated by the time in the real world), and the server 20 transmits the behavior history (of all users) for the requested date and time to the server 10. Note that the example of selecting the behavior history to be transmitted to the server 10 is not limited to this, and the behavior history may be narrowed down by any condition.

[0042] In step S2, the server 10 records the behavior history acquired from the server 20 in the database 111.

[0043] In step S3, the server 10 acquires the behavior history of the user A in the virtual space VS[2] from the server 30. The specific method of acquiring the behavior history from the server 30 is the same as the example of acquiring the behavior history in the virtual space VS[1] from the server 20. In step S4, the server 10 records the behavior history acquired from the server 30 in the database 111.

[0044] The order of steps S1 and S2 and steps S3 and S4 is not limited to this. The process of step S1 and the process of step S3 may be triggered by independent events, and the frequency of execution may differ.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data recorded in database 111. Database 111 has a plurality of records. Each record includes a virtual space ID, a user ID (virtual space), and a behavior history. The virtual space ID is identification information for identifying a virtual space. The virtual space ID is assigned, for example, by an administrator of server 10. The user ID (virtual space) is identification information for identifying a user in that virtual space. The user ID (virtual space) is the same as the user ID in FIG. 4. A user ID (3D model) is associated with each record. The user ID (3D model) is identification information for identifying a user when providing 3D data. The user ID (3D model) is assigned by an administrator of server 10.

[0046] The server 10 has a database (not shown) in which the correspondence between the user ID (virtual space) and the user ID (3D model) is recorded. When the server 10 receives the behavior history from the server 20 or the server 30, the server 10 refers to this database to identify the corresponding user ID (3D model), and records it in the database 111 together with the identified user ID (3D model).

[0047] 5 again. In step S5, the server 10 analyzes the data recorded in the database 111. This analysis includes, for example, a process of estimating relationships between users. The process of step S5 is started, for example, in response to a request from the user terminal 40.

[0048] The process of estimating the relationship between users includes, for example, a process of extracting users whose intimacy with a designated user is equal to or higher than a criterion. The intimacy of users is a parameter indicating the degree of intimacy between two users. The intimacy is calculated by comprehensively considering, for example, the frequency and amount of conversation between the two users, the frequency with which the two users approached each other within a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m) in a virtual section, the time spent by the two users alone in an enclosed space (for example, a room) defined in the virtual space, the content of the action taken together in the virtual space (for example, dancing together indicates higher intimacy than taking a walk together), and the number of virtual spaces in which contact is confirmed (contact confirmed across multiple virtual spaces indicates higher intimacy than contact confirmed only in a single virtual space). The server 10 calculates the intimacy between a user (for example, user A) designated by the user terminal 40 and other users. The server 10 extracts users whose calculated intimacy exceeds a criterion. This criterion may be defined in the 3D data system 1 or may be designated by the user terminal 40.

[0049] In another example, the process of estimating the relationship between users includes a process of calculating the degree of intimacy between two designated users. The two users are designated by the user terminal 40, for example.

[0050] In yet another example, the analysis of the data recorded in the database 111 includes prediction of the behavior of a specific user in the virtual space. The behavior prediction includes, for example, prediction of when and where in which virtual space the avatar of a specified user will appear. The user to be predicted is specified by, for example, the user terminal 40. This prediction is performed, for example, using machine learning. In this case, the server 10 inputs the target user identification information and the date and time for which the behavior is to be predicted and the attribute information thereof to the trained machine learning model. The machine learning model outputs information indicating where in which virtual space the specified user will appear at the specified date and time. For example, this machine learning model is a machine learning model in which data is given as teacher data for multiple users, with the behavior history up to a certain period and the attribute information for that period as input, and the behavior history for the subsequent period and the attribute information for the subsequent period as output. Here, the attribute information of the date and time or period refers to, for example, the day of the week or whether it is a weekday or a holiday.

[0051] In step S6, the server 10 transmits the analysis result to the user terminal 40. The analysis result includes, for example, identification information of the user whose calculated intimacy exceeds a criterion and attribute information of the user. The attribute information of the user includes, for example, information indicating events related to the user, such as the user's birthday.

[0052] According to this example, a user can analyze a database that records the user's actions across multiple virtual spaces.

[0053] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Some of the matters described in the following modifications may be applied in combination with other parts or some of the matters described in the embodiments.

[0054] 3-1. Contents of behavioral history The specific contents of the action history recorded in the virtual space VS are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. Some of the items exemplified in the embodiment may be omitted, and items not described in the embodiment may be added.

[0055] The behavioral history may include any of the following information: (a) Information between users. This is, for example, identification information of other users whose positional relationship with the target user's avatar in the virtual space satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the user has been within a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 m) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 minutes). Alternatively, this condition is that the cumulative time that the user has been within the predetermined distance exceeds a threshold. The information between users may include the content of conversations (audio data or text data) between the user and other users.

[0056] (b) Information on the relationship between the user and the space. This can also be said to be the rules applied to the avatar. For example, this indicates the degree of freedom given to the avatar in the virtual space. In the virtual space, restrictions may be placed on the user's actions. For example, these restrictions include only being able to move where there is a path, not being able to speak, not being able to take off clothes, etc. The degree of freedom indicates whether or not these restrictions are applied. Note that this may overlap in part with the "user state" described in the embodiment.

[0057] (c) Information about the user's relationships with objects, such as what the avatar has picked up, worn, eaten, or used in the virtual space.

[0058] (d) Information about the user's perception of the space, for example, what the avatar sees and hears in the virtual space. The things the avatar sees might be a billboard, a television program, a play, or a concert.

[0059] By analyzing this information, the server 10 can obtain information about the user's preferences.

[0060] 3-2. How to record your activity history In the embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a predetermined event occurs in the virtual space VS, the server providing the virtual space VS records the user's behavior history in association with the user's identification information related to the event. However, the method of recording the behavior history is not limited to the example described in the embodiment. For example, in the virtual space VS, a virtual camera corresponding to the avatar of the user who is logged in to the virtual space VS is set. The virtual camera captures an image corresponding to the field of view from the avatar or an image corresponding to the field of view overlooking the avatar. The server providing the virtual space VS records the video captured by the virtual camera in association with the user's identification information. In this case, the server provides the video data to the server 10 or another server in association with a predetermined event (for example, an event that a request is received from the server 10). The server 10 or another server analyzes the video data and generates the user's behavior history from the video data. The server 10 or another server records the generated behavior history.

[0061] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 10 records the behavior history in a database (database 112) separate from the 3D data. However, the server 10 may record the behavior history in the same database (database 111) as the 3D data. In this case, the server 10 may write the behavior history of a certain user into the 3D data of the user. That is, in this case, the 3D data of a certain user includes the behavior history of the user in addition to the 3D model of the user. When the server 10 transmits the 3D data of a certain user to the user terminal 40, the 3D data includes the behavior history of the user. The user terminal 40 can extract the behavior history from the 3D data and analyze it.

[0062] 3-3.Analysis of behavioral history Specific examples of the analysis of data recorded in the database 111 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The analysis of the behavioral history includes the analysis of the user's preferences, such as the analysis of information about what kind of clothes the user likes, what kind of music the user likes, what kind of food the user likes, what kind of places the user likes, what kind of activities the user likes, and what kind of personality the user has. Such information is used, for example, for the following purposes.

[0063] (a) Inviting a friend to a restaurant For example, when a user's avatar is in a restaurant in the virtual space VS[1], the server 20 requests the server 10 to extract users to invite to the restaurant to have a meal with the user. This request includes identification information and attribute information of the restaurant. Upon receiving this request, the server 10 extracts users from the user's friends whose attribute information of the restaurant matches their preferences. A user whose attribute information matches their preferences is, for example, a user who likes food and drink provided at the restaurant. The server 10 transmits the attribute information of the extracted users to the server 20. If the extracted user is logged in to the virtual space, the server 20 invites the user to the restaurant. The server 20 may invite other users to the restaurant after obtaining permission from at least one of the inviting user and the invited user.

[0064] (b) Providing Advertisements The 3D data system 1 can obtain information about the preferences of a user from the analysis results of the behavioral history. The 3D data system 1 can provide the information thus obtained to an advertisement provider in the virtual space or in the real world. The advertisement provider in the virtual space or in the real world can provide advertisements according to the user's preferences.

[0065] (c) The educational 3D data system 1 can obtain information about a user's personality from the analysis results of the behavioral history. The 3D data system 1 can provide the information thus obtained to an educational service provider in a virtual space or in reality. The educational service provider in a virtual space or in reality can provide an educational service according to the user's personality. For example, when studying a certain theme, the service provider can decide, according to the user's personality, whether it is better to have the user study subject A or subject B first.

[0066] (d) Activity Suggestion The 3D data system 1 can obtain information about the preferences of a user from the analysis results of the behavioral history. The 3D data system 1 can provide the information thus obtained to an activity provider in the virtual space or in reality. The activity provider in the virtual space or in reality can provide an activity according to the user's preferences. For example, the activity provider can suggest to a user who likes baseball that he or she participate in a baseball-related event.

[0067] 3-4.Other Modifications The relationship between the functions and hardware in the 3D data system 1 is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. For example, a plurality of devices may physically cooperate to have the function of the server 10. In particular, various databases may be stored in a device other than the server 10. In this case, the server 10 only needs to have a means for accessing the database. The server 10 may be a physical server or a virtual server (including a so-called cloud). In addition, some of the functions described as being possessed by the server 10 in the embodiment may be possessed by the server 20, the server 30, or another server. That is, some of the functions of the server 10 may be omitted. In particular, the server 10 may not have the analysis means 13. In this case, the server 10 outputs data recorded in the database 111 or the database 112 in response to a request from another device.

[0068] The programs executed by the CPU 101, etc. may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, or may be provided in a state available for download via a computer network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1...3D data system, 10...server, 11...storage means, 12...acquisition means, 13...analysis means, 14...communication means, 20...server, 30...server, 40...user terminal, 41...storage means, 42...communication means, 43...control means, 101...CPU, 102...memory, 103...storage, 104...communication IF

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual position information indicating the position of the user in the virtual space and real time information; a storage means for storing the user's identification information, the virtual position information, and the time information in a database; and The virtual location information is recorded in response to a predetermined event, including an event that a predetermined action other than logging out is taken in the virtual space, an event that a predetermined time has arrived in the virtual space, or an event that a predetermined time has arrived in reality. Information processing system.

2. the acquiring means acquires status information indicating a status of the user in the virtual space; The storage means stores the user's identification information, the virtual position information, the time information, and the status information in a database. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means acquires behavior information indicating the user's behavior in the virtual space; The storage means stores the user's identification information, the virtual position information, the time information, and the behavior information in a database. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The behavior information indicates a behavior defined in the virtual space. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. the acquiring means acquires real-world position information indicating a position of the user in the reality; The storage means stores the user's identification information, the virtual position information, the time information, and the real position information in a database. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The virtual space is hierarchical, The virtual location information indicates the floor where the user was in the virtual space and the position in the floor. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. an estimation means for estimating a relationship between a first user and a second user using information stored in the database; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual position information indicating a position of the user in the virtual space and real time information; storing the user's identification information, the virtual location information, and the time information in a database; and The virtual location information is recorded in response to a predetermined event, including an event that a predetermined action other than logging out is taken in the virtual space, an event that a predetermined time has arrived in the virtual space, or an event that a predetermined time has arrived in reality. Information processing methods.

9. On the computer, acquiring, for each of a plurality of users and a plurality of virtual spaces, virtual position information indicating a position of the user in the virtual space and real time information; storing the user's identification information, the virtual location information, and the time information in a database; A program for executing The virtual location information is recorded in response to a predetermined event, including an event that a predetermined action other than logging out is taken in the virtual space, an event that a predetermined time has arrived in the virtual space, or an event that a predetermined time has arrived in reality. program.

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