Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately support movement of an avatar in a virtual space.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a specific object generation unit that generates a specific object which allows movement of an avatar to a specific position or specific area in a virtual space; and an association processing unit that associates the specific object with information on at least one of a use condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Techniques for controlling the positional relationship between avatars in a virtual space are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-068269 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-described conventional techniques, it is difficult to appropriately support the movement of an avatar within a virtual space.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present disclosure is to appropriately support the movement of an avatar in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a specific object generating unit generates, in a virtual space, a specific object that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; An information processing system is provided, which includes an association processing unit that associates, with the specific object, at least one piece of information of a use condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, the present disclosure makes it possible to appropriately assist the movement of an avatar in a virtual space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a virtual reality generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image viewable through a head mounted display. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation input by a gesture. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a virtual space that can be generated by a virtual reality generation system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of a portal attribute that can be set in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a portal use condition. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the user is moving through a portal; [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a guidance process by a first agent avatar associated with each avatar; [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a guidance process by a first agent avatar associated with each avatar; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second agent avatar associated with a location or area. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a plurality of avatars waiting to use a specific portal. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a server device related to a portal function. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a portal information storage unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a user information storage unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in an agent information storage unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of data in an avatar information storage unit. [Figure 16]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a usage status / history storage unit. [Figure 17] 11 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to a portal generation process performed by a portal-related processing unit. [Figure 18] 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to a guidance process performed by a guidance setting unit. [Figure 19] 11 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to processing by a movement processing unit. [Figure 20] 11 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to a memory recording process by a movement processing unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the accompanying drawings, for ease of viewing, only some of the reference symbols may be attached to multiple parts having the same attribute.

[0010] An overview of a virtual reality generation system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the virtual reality generation system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image viewable through a head mounted display.

[0011] The virtual reality generation system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are illustrated in Fig. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

[0012] The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing system such as a server managed by an operator that provides one or more virtual realities. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device. A plurality of terminal devices 20 can be connected to the server device 10 via the network 3, typically in a different manner for each user.

[0013] The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a virtual reality application according to this embodiment. The virtual reality application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be stored in advance in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicatively connected via the network 3. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to virtual reality.

[0014] The terminal devices 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the server device 10. In the following, "one terminal device 20 transmits information to another terminal device 20" means "one terminal device 20 transmits information to another terminal device 20 via the server device 10". Similarly, "one terminal device 20 receives information from another terminal device 20" means "one terminal device 20 receives information from another terminal device 20 via the server device 10". However, in a modified example, the terminal devices 20 may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other without going through the server device 10.

[0015] The network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired network, or any combination of these.

[0016] In the following, the virtual reality generation system 1 realizes an example of an information processing system, but each element of a specific terminal device 20 (see the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) may realize an example of an information processing system, or a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system. Also, the server device 10 may independently realize an example of an information processing system, or the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system.

[0017] Here, an overview of the virtual reality according to the present embodiment will be described. The virtual reality according to the present embodiment is a virtual reality for any reality, such as education, travel, role-playing, simulation, entertainment such as games and concerts, and a virtual reality medium such as an avatar is used in conjunction with the execution of the virtual reality. For example, the virtual reality according to the present embodiment may be realized by a three-dimensional virtual space, various virtual reality media appearing in the virtual space, and various contents provided in the virtual space.

[0018] The virtual reality medium is electronic data used in virtual reality, and includes any medium, such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-virtual reality currency), tokens (e.g., Non-Fungible Token (NFT)), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. The virtual reality medium may also be virtual reality-related information, such as level information, status information, parameter information (stamina value and attack power, etc.), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). The virtual reality medium is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, or donated by a user in virtual reality, but the manner of use of the virtual reality medium is not limited to those explicitly described in this specification.

[0019] An avatar is typically in the form of a character facing forward, and may have the form of a human, animal, or the like. An avatar can have a variety of appearances (appearance when drawn) by being associated with various avatar items. In the following, due to the nature of avatars, the user and the avatar may be considered to be the same in the description. Therefore, for example, "an avatar does ____" may be synonymous with "a user does ____."

[0020] A user may wear a wearable device on his / her head or part of his / her face, and view the virtual space through the wearable device. The wearable device may be a head-mounted display or a glasses-type device. The glasses-type device may be so-called AR (Augmented Reality) glasses or MR (Mixed Reality) glasses. In either case, the wearable device may be separate from the terminal device 20, or may realize some or all of the functions of the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 may be realized by a head-mounted display.

[0021] (Server device configuration) The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together. For example, the server device 10 may be realized by a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, and the like working together. The server device 10 may also include a Web server. In this case, some of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by a browser processing an HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) associated therewith.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

[0023] The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmits and receives information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3.

[0024] The server memory unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for various processes related to virtual reality.

[0025] The server control unit 13 may include a dedicated microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU) that realizes a specific function by reading a specific program, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. For example, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to execute a virtual reality application in response to a user input.

[0026] The server control unit 13 (similar to the terminal control unit 25 below) may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination of these.

[0027] (Terminal Device Configuration) The following describes the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

[0028] The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), a fifth generation mobile communication system, and UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). The terminal communication unit 21 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

[0029] The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in the virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in the virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program may also be simply referred to as an application.

[0030] The terminal storage unit 22 may also store data for rendering a virtual space, such as images of an indoor space such as a building, an outdoor space, etc. Note that multiple types of data for rendering a virtual space may be prepared for each virtual space and used separately.

[0031] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 22 may store various images (texture images) for projection (texture mapping) onto various objects arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space.

[0032] For example, the device storage unit 22 stores avatar drawing information related to an avatar as a virtual reality medium associated with each user. The avatar in the virtual space is drawn based on the avatar drawing information related to the avatar.

[0033] The terminal storage unit 22 also stores drawing information related to various objects (virtual reality media) different from the avatar, such as various gift objects, buildings, walls, or NPCs (Non Player Characters). Various objects in the virtual space are drawn based on the drawing information. A gift object is an object corresponding to a gift from one user to another user, and is a part of an item. A gift object may be something worn by an avatar (clothes or accessories), decorations (fireworks or flowers, etc.), backgrounds (wallpapers), or the like, or a ticket or the like that can be used to spin a gacha (lottery). The term "gift" used in the present application means the same concept as the term "token". Therefore, the technology described in the present application can be understood by replacing the term "gift" with the term "token".

[0034] The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in a form built into a head-mounted display, as described above.

[0035] The input unit 24 may include a physical key, or may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse. The input unit 24 may also be capable of accepting non-contact user input such as voice input, gesture input, and gaze input. For gesture input, a sensor (such as an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a distance sensor) for detecting various states of the user, a dedicated motion capture device integrating sensor technology and a camera, or a controller such as a joypad may be used. The camera for gaze detection may also be disposed in a head-mounted display. As described above, the various states of the user are, for example, the user's orientation, position, movement, or the like. In this case, the user's orientation, position, and movement are concepts that include not only the orientation, position, and movement of a part or the whole of the user's body such as the face or hands, but also the orientation, position, movement, or the like of the user's gaze.

[0036] The operation input by gesture may be used to change the viewpoint of the virtual camera. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user changes the orientation of the terminal device 20 while holding the terminal device 20 in his / her hand, the viewpoint of the virtual camera may be changed according to the orientation. In this case, even when the terminal device 20 with a relatively small screen such as a smartphone is used, the width of the visual recognition area can be ensured in the same manner as when the surroundings can be viewed through a head-mounted display.

[0037] The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20.

[0038] The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for various processes related to virtual reality from at least one of the server device 10 and another external server. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may store a browser (Internet browser) for connecting to a Web server.

[0039] The terminal control unit 25 starts a virtual reality application in response to a user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display an image of a virtual space. For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that detects a user operation may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect various operations by a user's gesture (operations corresponding to a tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation, etc.). The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10.

[0040] The terminal control unit 25 draws an avatar or the like together with the virtual space (image) and displays the terminal image on the display unit 23. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a stereoscopic image for a head mounted display may be generated by generating images G200 and G201 that are respectively viewed by the left and right eyes. In FIG. 2, images G200 and G201 that are respectively viewed by the left and right eyes are shown in a schematic manner. In the following, unless otherwise specified, an image of the virtual space refers to the entire image represented by images G200 and G201. In addition, the terminal control unit 25 realizes various movements of the avatar in the virtual space, for example, in response to various operations by the user.

[0041] The virtual space described below is a concept that includes not only a continuous three-dimensional space that is visible using a head-mounted display or the like and in which a user can move around freely (as in reality) through an avatar, but also a non-immersive space that is visible using a smartphone or the like as described above with reference to FIG. 3. The non-immersive space that is visible using a smartphone or the like may be a continuous three-dimensional space in which a user can move around freely through an avatar, or may be a two-dimensional discontinuous space. Hereinafter, when making a distinction, the continuous three-dimensional space in which a user can move around freely through an avatar is also referred to as the "metaverse space."

[0042] In addition, unless otherwise specified, the various objects and facilities (e.g., movie theaters, etc.) that appear in the following description are objects in the virtual space and are different from the real thing. In addition, the various events in the following description are events in the virtual space (e.g., movie screenings, etc.) and are different from real events.

[0043] In the following, an object corresponding to any virtual reality medium different from an avatar (for example, a building, a wall, a tree, or an NPC, etc.) and drawn in a virtual space is also referred to as a second object M3. In this embodiment, the second object M3 may include an object fixed in the virtual space, an object movable in the virtual space, etc. The second object M3 may also include an object that is always placed in the virtual space, or an object that is placed only when a predetermined placement condition is satisfied, etc.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a virtual space that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the virtual space includes a plurality of space sections 70 and a free space section 71. In the free space section 71, the avatar can basically move freely. In this case, each space section 70 may be a local section called a world, and the entire virtual space may be a global space. Some or all of the plurality of space sections 70 may be part of a virtual space constructed by one platform provider, or may be virtual spaces themselves constructed by different platform providers.

[0046] Each space section 70 may be a space section at least partially separated from the free space section 71 by a wall body (an example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition section (an example of the second object M3). For example, the space section 70 may have an entrance / exit (e.g., a second object M3 such as a hole or a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit the free space section 71. In the space section 70, content may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space section 70.

[0047] The space section 70 may be a space section at least partially separated from the free space section 71 by a wall body (an example of a predetermined object to be described later) or a movement prohibition section (an example of a predetermined object to be described later). For example, the space section 70 may have an entrance / exit (e.g., a predetermined object such as a hole or a door) through which the avatar can enter and exit the free space section 71. Note that in FIG. 4, the space section 70 and the free space section 71 are depicted as two-dimensional planes, but the space section 70 and the free space section 71 may be set as three-dimensional spaces. For example, the space section 70 and the free space section 71 may be spaces having walls and a ceiling in a range corresponding to the planar shape shown in FIG. 4 as a floor. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 4, the space section 70 and the free space section 71 may be worlds that imitate a space having a height such as a dome shape or a sphere, a structure such as a building, a specific place on the earth, or a space in space where an avatar can fly around.

[0048] The plurality of spaces 70 may include spaces for providing content. Note that content (for example, various contents to be described later, such as those provided in the space 70) may be provided in the free space 71 as appropriate.

[0049] The types and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided in the space unit 70 are arbitrary. In the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided in the space unit 70 include digital contents such as various types of video. The video may be real-time video or non-real-time video. The video may be video based on a real image or video based on CG (Computer Graphics). The video may be video for providing information. In this case, the video may be related to an information providing service in a specific genre (information providing service related to travel, housing, food, fashion, health, beauty, etc.), a broadcasting service by a specific user (for example, Youtube (registered trademark)), etc.

[0050] The content provided in the space section 70 may be various items (an example of a second object) that can be used in the virtual space. In this case, the space section 70 that provides the various items may be in the form of a sales outlet. Alternatively, the content provided in the space section 70 may be an acquisition right or a token for an item that is available in reality. Some of the multiple space sections 70 may be space sections that do not provide content.

[0051] Each of the space sections 70 may be operated by a different entity, similar to a real-world store. In this case, the operator of each space section 70 may use the corresponding space section 70 by paying a store opening fee or the like to the operator of the virtual reality generation system 1.

[0052] The virtual space may be expandable with an increase in the space section 70. Alternatively, a plurality of virtual spaces may be set for each attribute of the content provided in the space section 70. In this case, the virtual spaces may be discontinuous or continuous with each other as "space sections."

[0053] In the metaverse space, many avatars can move around freely, but when the destination is a relatively far away place that would take a long time to travel to using normal travel methods, it is useful to provide appropriate support for the avatar's movement to the destination.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, a portal is generated as a specific object that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or area in the virtual space.

[0055] In this embodiment, the portals may be set at the destination and the source, respectively. In this case, the avatar can move in a manner of directly going back and forth between the two portals. The time required for directly going back and forth between the two areas related to the two portals may be significantly shorter than the time required for moving the avatar over the distance between the two areas based on a movement operation input. This allows the user to realize efficient movement by using the portals. In a modified example, the portals may include not only a type that allows bidirectional movement, but also a type that allows only unidirectional movement. In addition, the portals may be set in a variety of ways in the virtual space in a manner having a plurality of types of attributes, as described later.

[0056] In the virtual space shown in FIG. 4, an example of a portal 1100 is set. The position of the portal 1100 may be fixed, or the position may be changed as appropriate. The portal 1100 may appear when a predetermined appearance condition is satisfied. A destination from the portal 1100 may be set for each portal 1100. Note that the destination from the portal 1100 does not necessarily have to be a space part different from the space part to which the current position belongs (for example, a discontinuous space part), and may be set within the same space part as the space part to which the current position belongs.

[0057] In this embodiment, a portal (return portal) corresponding to one portal 1100 may be set in the destination space or the like in a manner that allows direct travel between two positions or regions. In this case, bidirectional movement is possible via the portal. For example, FIG. 4 shows a pair of portals 1100-1 and 1100-2. In this case, passing through one of the portals 1100-1 and 1100-2 allows instantaneous movement (hereinafter referred to as "teleportation") to the other position. The teleportation between two points (for example, the teleportation between the pair of portals 1100-1 and 1100-2) is a movement mode that cannot be realized in reality, and refers to a movement mode in which the user avatar M1 can move between two points in a time significantly shorter than the minimum time required for moving the user avatar M1 between the two points by, for example, a movement operation input.

[0058] Here, even in the same physical space, a portal in CG (Computer Graphics) superimposed as AR (Augmented Reality) (e.g., a portal in the form of a mirror, etc.) may be installed as a partition wall, and the portal may have the role of connecting events and spaces in the metaverse. In this case, an avatar may be able to enter an event or space in the metaverse by coming into contact with or passing through the portal.

[0059] 4, the two portals 1100 are set in the free space section 71, but one or both of the two portals 1100 may be set in the space section 70. Also, there are two or more destinations to which one portal can teleport, and these may be selectable by the user or may be selected randomly.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of portal attributes that can be set in this embodiment.

[0061] In this embodiment, the attributes of the portal include elements of characteristics or authority, and specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, may include consumable type, portability, storability, copy right, transfer right, and the like.

[0062] In this case, each portal may be associated with a setting state of whether or not it can be consumed when used by an avatar, as a setting state related to the consumption type. For example, a portal whose consumption is set to "finite" may disappear (be consumed) when used. In this case, a portal whose consumption is set to "finite" may be associated with a consumption condition.

[0063] Furthermore, each portal may be associated with a setting state of whether or not it can be carried by an avatar as a setting state related to portability. For example, a portal for which portability by an avatar is set to "Yes (○)" may be made portable (moving within the virtual space) by the associated avatar. Note that instead of or in addition to the setting state related to portability, a setting state of whether or not it is fixed in the virtual space may be associated. In this case, for example, a portal set to "fixed" may be made unable to move normally (moving within the virtual space) except for movement by a specific avatar (for example, the avatar of the installer of the portal or the avatar of the operator of the portal).

[0064] Furthermore, each portal may be associated with a setting state relating to storage possibility, which is whether or not it is stored in the pocket of the avatar's clothing or inside the avatar. For example, a portal whose storage possibility is set to "possible (○)" may be made storable (for example, storable after shrinking) in the pocket of the associated avatar. In this case, even a relatively large portal can be easily moved (moved due to portability) within the virtual space. Also, while the portal is stored, there is no need to draw it, which reduces the processing load.

[0065] Each portal may be associated with a setting state of whether or not copying is possible as a setting state related to the copying right. For example, a portal with a copying right set to "Yes (○)" may be allowed to be copied under certain conditions. In this case, it becomes easy to install multiple similar portals in the virtual space.

[0066] In addition, each portal may be associated with a setting state of whether or not it is transferable as a setting state related to the transfer right. For example, a portal with a transfer right set to "Yes (○)" may be transferable to another avatar under certain conditions. In this case, it is also possible to make the portal an asset by trading it.

[0067] In this embodiment, the attributes of a portal include a type element as a form, and specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, may include a ticket type, a poster type, a flyer type, an elevator type, a tunnel type, a random type, and the like. Note that the flyer type is typically in the form of a leaflet. Note that, although several types are exemplified here, the form of a portal is arbitrary as long as its existence can be visually recognized by an avatar (user).

[0068] In this case, the relationship between the type as a form and the setting state related to the above-mentioned characteristics or authority elements may be associated in advance according to the real characteristics related to the form of the form, as shown in Fig. 5. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 5, in the case of a ticket type, like a real ticket, it is consumable, portable, storable, non-duplicable, and transferable. Note that in Fig. 5, "△ (paid)" means that it becomes "○ (available)" on the condition that it is paid.

[0069] In this embodiment, the usage conditions of each portal may preferably be different for each portal, which makes it possible to set usage conditions that correspond to the diversification of portal attributes as described above.

[0070] The usage conditions of a portal are conditions that must be met in order to use (pass through) the portal. The usage conditions of a portal may be freely set by a specific avatar (for example, the avatar of the installer or operator of the portal). This allows for further diversification of portals and makes it easier for a specific avatar to adjust the ease of use of the portal, improving convenience.

[0071] In this embodiment, a portal that can be used by multiple avatars at the same time is set. In other words, a portal that cannot be used by only one avatar is set. The usage conditions of a portal with such attributes preferably include a condition regarding the number of avatars that can move at the same time. The upper limit regarding the number of people may be specified by an upper limit number or a lower limit number. Hereinafter, a type of portal that can only be used by multiple avatars at the same time is also referred to as a "multiple avatar passing portal".

[0072] For example, in the case of a certain elevator-type portal, the condition for using the elevator-type portal may be satisfied when a predetermined number of avatars gather. The predetermined number may be a fixed number, or may be dynamically variable. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a portal usage condition. In the example shown in FIG. 6, four avatars A1 to A4 are holding hands. In this manner, the usage condition for a certain portal may be satisfied when a predetermined number or more of avatars hold hands in the vicinity of the portal (i.e., the position or area associated with the portal).

[0073] As in the case of such a portal through which multiple avatars pass, if the conditions for using the portal include a condition regarding the number of avatars that can move at the same time, then, for example, friends can move through the portal together, and the process of the movement can be enjoyed. In addition, it is possible to increase the sense of expectation of the fun at the destination. For example, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state during movement through a portal. In FIG. 7, the movement through the portal is realized by an image of being sucked into a hole such as a black hole, but it may also be realized by an image of moving on a vehicle. In addition, if the portal is related to a vehicle such as an elevator, the portal itself may be depicted as moving (for example, if the portal is in the form of a car or bus, the surrounding scenery from the car window may change).

[0074] Also, a predetermined video may be output to the moving avatar during movement through the portal. The predetermined video may be output to the background, a display unit of the vehicle, or the like. In this case, the predetermined video may be generated based on avatar information or user information associated with the moving avatar. For example, the predetermined video may include a video that evokes common memories, etc., based on the avatar information or user information of each moving avatar.

[0075] Here, in this specification, various videos may be generated based on motion data for generating the videos (for example, the movement of a moving body such as an avatar that may be included in the video) and avatar information of the avatar (see FIG. 15). In this case, the motion data may be generated based on the motion of moving and manipulating the avatar, facial expressions, audio playback, and sound effect playback. In addition, even for a given video with the same attributes, the video itself may be different depending on the avatar that appears. For example, after outputting destination information such as "It seems that no matter how strong a person has tried to pull out the legendary sword beyond this portal, he or she has been unable to do so," a digest of the motion and facial expression of a moving avatar putting all their strength into pulling out the sword may be played as the given video, together with sound effects.

[0076] Also, while moving through a portal, the clothes and possessed items of the moving avatar may be changed to clothes and possessed items according to the attributes of the destination. That is, a change of clothes, a transformation, etc. may be realized. For example, if the destination is a ballpark (baseball stadium) and the purpose is to cheer, a change of clothes into the uniform of a favorite team, a megaphone for cheering, etc. may be realized.

[0077] In addition, while moving through the portal, the moving avatars may be able to have a conversation with each other. For example, while moving through the portal, the moving avatars may have a lively conversation while watching the above-mentioned predetermined video. By the way, in the case of implementation in games, animations during movement through a portal have been implemented as effects (effects to create a gap) between loading into memory, as a time-buying measure, or by playing videos prepared in advance as story explanations between scene transitions. On the other hand, in the metaverse space, the player character and the surrounding avatars are not necessarily characters that can be prepared in advance. Since the player characters may be avatars designed with different worldviews, it is necessary to change their clothes and equipment to match the worldview of the destination. Therefore, it is preferable that the movement through the portal is accompanied by effects that can be agreed upon by the user. In addition, there are also users who become "viewers" who enjoy observing the actions of the players. Therefore, a function that allows communication between viewers and other players during the time of movement through the portal is useful.

[0078] The usage conditions of a portal may be dynamically changed based on the state (particularly a state that may change dynamically) of a destination accessible via the portal. For example, in this case, when the degree of congestion (density, etc.) of a destination accessible via the portal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the usage conditions of the portal may be changed to be stricter than usual. In this case, the usage conditions of the portal may be changed so that the portal becomes substantially unusable. Alternatively, the usage conditions of the portal may be changed in multiple stages. In addition, the usage conditions of the portal may be changed so that the portal becomes substantially unusable when a problem occurs in a destination accessible via the portal, such as the appearance of an avatar that is behaving suspiciously or engaging in nuisance activities.

[0079] By the way, although this type of portal is very convenient, avatars tend to hesitate to use it if they do not have a clear understanding of the information about the destination.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, various kinds of guidance processing may be performed by using an agent avatar in association with a portal. Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of an example of guidance processing by an agent avatar associated with each avatar.

[0081] Fig. 8A shows an example of a terminal image G110A in a state where avatar A has arrived in front of the portal 1100, and Fig. 8B shows an example of a terminal image G110B in a state where an agent avatar (indicated as "agent X1" in Fig. 8B) associated with avatar A has appeared. Hereinafter, an agent avatar (an example of a first predetermined object, a first avatar) generated in such a manner as to accompany an avatar is also referred to as a "first agent avatar." The first agent avatar may be an avatar that operates automatically based on an artificial intelligence algorithm, a previously prepared algorithm, or the like.

[0082] In addition, the first agent avatar may be placed not only by a developer through prior preparation, but also by a general user (moderator) who designs and configures the metaverse. In this case, unlike the method proposed by software algorithms such as artificial intelligence and agents that have been designed according to the purpose as a service on the service provider's side, it is useful to design it as a general-purpose interface that can be used as a creation by users. For this purpose, it may be provided with programmable elements that can simply describe and process complex logic using variables, scripts, etc. Also, it may be selectable based on user attributes, such as displaying only to users with different levels of understanding, such as beginner users and users who need a tutorial.

[0083] The first agent avatar may always accompany avatar A, or, as can be seen by comparing Figures 8A and 8B, may be generated only when avatar A is located near the portal 1100. Alternatively, the first agent avatar may be generated in response to a request from avatar A (user input).

[0084] In either case, the first agent avatar may output information regarding the destination when using portal 1100 (hereinafter, also referred to as "destination information"). The destination information may be output as text, audio, images (including video), or any combination of these. For example, when the destination information includes video, the video may include a digest version of the video (preview video) that provides an overview of what the avatar can do at the destination.

[0085] The form and voice quality of the first agent avatar may be selectable by the corresponding avatar (user). The form of the first agent avatar may be changed according to the attributes of a portal located nearby.

[0086] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an agent avatar linked to a position or an area. FIG. 9 shows an example of a terminal image G110C in a state in which two agent avatars (in FIG. 9, written as "agent Y1" and "agent Y2") are located in the vicinity of the portal 1100. Hereinafter, the agent avatar (an example of a second predetermined object, a second avatar) linked to a position or an area in this way is also referred to as a "second agent avatar" to distinguish it from the above-mentioned first agent avatar. The second agent avatar may be an avatar that operates automatically based on an artificial intelligence algorithm or a previously prepared algorithm, or may be an avatar associated with a specific user (for example, a user related to the destination). In the latter case, for example, when the destination is a specific facility, the second agent avatar may be a staff avatar dispatched from the facility with the characteristic.

[0087] In either case, the second agent avatar may be linked to the portal 1100, or may be linked to an area (a set of locations) that includes the portal 1100. Also, one second agent avatar may be linked to an area that includes multiple portals. In this case, the one second agent avatar may perform various kinds of guidance at the multiple portals.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows, as an example, a portal 1100 that can move to, for example, a movie theater. In this case, an information center and an entrance are set, and two agent avatars Y1 and Y2 (indicated as "agent Y1" and "agent Y2" in FIG. 9) are associated with the information center and the entrance. The agent avatar Y1 at the information center may provide information on movies being screened at the movie theater and ticket sales locations in the associated area SP1. Alternatively, the agent avatar Y1 at the information center may sell tickets. In this case, the sale (payment) of tickets may be realized by a smart contract. The smart contract may be realized via a distributed network or the like. Also, the agent avatar Y2 at the entrance may provide information on admission management, such as tearing tickets, in the associated area SP2.

[0089] In the example shown in Fig. 9, a display device 120 (second object M3) such as digital signage is installed at the information desk. In this case, a digest version of a movie that shows an outline of the contents of a movie that the avatar can watch at the destination (movie theater) may be displayed on the display device 120. Also, even in the situation shown in Fig. 9, a first agent avatar may be accompanied. In this case, the first agent avatar may notify the corresponding avatar of information obtained from the second agent avatar.

[0090] Incidentally, in the case of a portal that multiple avatars can pass through, when the usage conditions include a condition regarding the number of avatars, a mechanism may be set up to promote interaction between avatars in order to ensure the number of people required to pass through the portal.

[0091] For example, FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a plurality of avatars waiting to use a specific portal. In this case, the use condition of the specific portal is satisfied when six or more avatars are located in the region R1 and all the avatars hold hands. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 10, the use condition of the specific portal is not satisfied, and five avatars M1 are waiting. For such a region R1, destination information may be provided to the waiting avatars. For example, the destination information may be displayed on an image such as a poster, may be synthesized as a speech of the first agent avatar or the second agent avatar, or may be displayed as a speech bubble in the space. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the wall (second object M3) may be associated with a display medium 1002R that shows a talk theme related to the destination or a talk theme related to a conversation between the waiting avatars. In this case, the display medium 1002R may include text information or the like that shows the corresponding talk theme. The display medium 1002R may be installed in a position that is easily visible from the viewpoint of an avatar M7 about to enter the region R1 as another user. This makes it possible to promote the participation of external avatars (use of a specific portal). Also, the avatar M1 in the region R1 can invite the avatar M7 outside. Note that a second agent avatar associated with the destination may exist in the region R1. In this case, a guidance process may be realized for the avatar M7 and the like via the second agent avatar. 10, a display object M10 (second object M3) that can be viewed by each avatar may be arranged in the area R1. The above-mentioned preview video may be displayed as movement information on the display object M10. This promotes interaction between avatars waiting in the area R1 and appeal to avatars outside the area R1, thereby promoting the use of the portal by avatars.

[0092] Next, the above-mentioned portal-related functions (hereinafter also referred to as "portal functions") will be further described with reference to FIG. 11 and subsequent figures.

[0093] In the following, the server device 10 performing processing related to the portal function realizes an example of an information processing system, but as described later, each element of a specific terminal device 20 (see the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) may realize an example of an information processing system, or a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system. Also, the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system.

[0094] FIG. 11 is an example of a functional block diagram of the server device 10 related to the portal function. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of data in the portal information storage unit 140. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of data in the user information storage unit 142. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of data in the agent information storage unit 143. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of data in the avatar information storage unit 144. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of data in the usage status / history storage unit 146. In FIG. 12 to FIG. 16, "***" indicates that some information is stored, "-" indicates that no information is stored, and "..." indicates a similar repetition.

[0095] 11, the server device 10 includes a portal information storage unit 140, a user information storage unit 142, an agent information storage unit 143, an avatar information storage unit 144, a usage status / history storage unit 146, and a behavior storage unit 148. Note that the portal information storage unit 140 to the behavior storage unit 148 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, and the operation input acquisition unit 150 to the token issuing unit 164 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1.

[0096] Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the server device 10 includes an operation input acquisition unit 150, an avatar processing unit 152, a portal-related processing unit 154, a drawing processing unit 156, a guidance setting unit 160, a movement processing unit 162, and a token issuing unit 164.

[0097] Note that some or all of the functions of the server device 10 described below may be appropriately realized by the terminal device 20. Also, the division into the portal information storage unit 140 to the behavior storage unit 148 and the division into the operation input acquisition unit 150 to the token issue unit 164 are for convenience of explanation, and some functional units may realize the functions of other functional units. For example, some or all of the functions of the avatar processing unit 152 and the drawing processing unit 156 may be realized by the terminal device 20. Also, for example, some or all of the data in the user information storage unit 142 may be integrated with the data in the avatar information storage unit 144, or may be stored in a separate database.

[0098] The portal information storage unit 140 stores portal information related to various portals available in the virtual space. The portal information stored in the portal information storage unit 140 may be generated by a user, as described later in relation to the portal-related processing unit 154. For example, the portal may be generated as UGC (User Generated Content). In this case, the data (portal information) in the portal information storage unit 140 described above constitutes UGC. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the portal information includes six elements E1 to E6 for each portal.

[0099] Element E1 is a portal object ID, which is an identifier given to each portal. The portal object ID may include the user ID who created the corresponding portal, but the user ID may be omitted for portals with transferable attributes. Note that a fee (charge) may be required for the issuance of the portal object ID.

[0100] Element E2 indicates an authority level. The authority level indicates the authority for editing portal information, and indicates whether the portal is an operator's portal or a portal created by a user. The authority level may be extensible, such as being time-limited, valid only for the world, or valid globally.

[0101] The element E3 represents the attributes of the portal described above with reference to Fig. 5. The attributes of the portal may be automatically determined according to the type of the portal (for example, the ticket type or the poster type shown in Fig. 5).

[0102] Element E4 represents 3D object information (drawing data) of the portal, and may be generated (customizable) by the user.

[0103] Element E5 represents the portal usage conditions (passing conditions). The portal usage conditions are as described above with reference to FIG. 6 etc. The portal usage conditions may be described, for example, in a script. The portal usage conditions may also be described in a format that automatically redirects to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for determining the usage conditions. In this case, the user does not need to create the portal usage conditions, improving convenience. Similarly, if the portal usage conditions include payment, a URL for a smart contract may be described.

[0104] For example, the conditions for using a portal such as "Friends, four people, playing the Warp emote" may be written as follows: “Friends==true&GroupNum==4&Emote==Warp” Note that Emote==Warp means that the Warp emote is played (each avatar performs the Warp action). In an example in which the terms of use of such a portal are determined using an external linkage API (Application Programming Interface), the following web request may be generated. “https: / / gate.request / ?Friend=true&GroupNum=4&Emote=Warp&key=12345” In this case, a key string {key=12345} is added for security purposes. The external linkage API specifies {Friend, GroupNum, Emote}. In this case, the server device 10 determines whether the Web request is accepted if it returns a success response (e.g., "200"), or not accepted if it returns an error response (e.g., "400").

[0105] Element E6 represents the coordinate information of the destination when using the portal. The coordinate information of the destination does not have to be a single point, and may be expressed as a set (area). The coordinate information of the destination may be described in any form, for example, in URL format. In this case, for example, the coordinate information of the destination may be described as follows: metaportal: / / vrsns.***.app / world / ?wid:123-4567&lat=72.3&lon=12.5&objid=door1 In this case, metaportal is a protocol name, and vrsns.***.app is the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the server (i.e., the server device 10) that provides the service. Note that this FQDN is a name that can be resolved by a DNS (Domain Name System) server (an element of the server device 10), and in reality, multiple redundant servers may respond. Wid is a world ID, and may include, for example, the ID given to each space part 70 described above with reference to FIG. 2. In this case, an instance can be acquired by inquiring of the above-mentioned linked server or the like. lat, lon are the latitude and longitude of the destination, and may actually be coordinates such as x, y, and z. Note that the latitude and longitude of the destination may be implemented in a key-value type table together with the world ID. Also, objid is an object ID that connects with the portal. For example, in the case of a round-trip portal, the ID of an object in the world or the ID of a 3D object to be displayed can be specified. Note that in the case of a round-trip portal, if a portal exists at the same coordinates as the destination, an infinite loop may occur. The element E6 may be set so that such an infinite loop does not occur.

[0106] The element E6 may include information indicating attributes of the destination. The attributes of the destination may be any attributes related to the attributes of the content that may be provided at the destination, the size of the destination area, the method of returning from the destination (round trip type, etc.), etc.

[0107] The user information storage unit 142 stores information about each user. The information about each user may be generated, for example, when the user is registered, and may be updated thereafter as appropriate. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 13, the user information storage unit 142 stores a user name, an avatar ID, profile information, portal usage information, and the like, in association with a user ID. Of the information in the user information storage unit 142, a portion of the information related to a certain user may be used to determine whether or not the usage conditions for the portal related to the avatar associated with that certain user are met.

[0108] The user ID is automatically generated when the user registers.

[0109] The user name is a name registered by each user himself / herself and is arbitrary.

[0110] The avatar ID is an ID representing an avatar used by a user. The avatar ID may be associated with avatar drawing information (see FIG. 15) for drawing the corresponding avatar. The avatar drawing information associated with one avatar ID may be added or edited based on an input from the corresponding user.

[0111] The profile information is information representing a user profile (or an avatar profile) and is generated based on information input by a user. For example, the profile information may be generated based on information input by a user. The profile information may also be selected via a user interface generated on the terminal device 20 and provided to the server device 10 by a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) request or the like.

[0112] The portal usage information includes information indicating the usage history of each portal by the corresponding avatar, etc. Note that the portal usage information is consistent with the usage avatar information described later with reference to Fig. 16, and one of them may be omitted.

[0113] The agent information storage unit 143 stores agent information on each agent avatar. The agent information includes information on the second agent avatar out of the first agent avatar and the second agent avatar described above. The agent information may include information on a jurisdiction area, a guidance history, a number of points, and the like for each agent avatar ID. The jurisdiction area indicates a position or area associated with an agent avatar. The guidance history may include a history of guidance processing performed by the agent avatar in relation to a portal (date and time, the other party's avatar, and the like) as described above. The number of points is a parameter related to the evaluation of the agent avatar, and may be calculated and updated based on, for example, the frequency of performing guidance processing and an effectiveness rate (the number of times or frequency that an avatar that performed guidance processing used a portal). In this case, a reward or incentive according to the number of points may be given to the agent avatar.

[0114] The avatar information storage unit 144 stores avatar drawing information for drawing the avatar of each user. Note that, among the information in the avatar information storage unit 144, a part of the information related to one avatar may be used to determine whether or not the use conditions of the portal related to the one avatar are satisfied. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the avatar drawing information associates each avatar ID with a face part ID, a hairstyle part ID, a clothing part ID, and the like. The part information related to appearance, such as the face part ID, hairstyle part ID, and clothing part ID, is a parameter that characterizes the avatar, and may be selected by each user. For example, a plurality of types of information related to appearance, such as the face part ID, hairstyle part ID, and clothing part ID, related to the avatar, are prepared. In addition, with regard to the face part ID, a part ID is prepared for each type, such as face shape, eyes, mouth, and nose, and the information related to the face part ID may be managed as a combination of IDs of each part constituting the face. In this case, it is possible to draw each avatar not only on the server device 10 but also on the terminal device 20 side based on each ID related to appearance linked to each avatar ID.

[0115] The usage status / history storage unit 146 stores the usage status or usage history of each portal by each avatar for each portal. In the example shown in FIG. 16, information representing the installation time (period), the used avatar, etc. is stored for each portal object ID. The installation time may represent the time during which the avatar is installed in a usable state (available time). The used avatar information is information representing the avatar that used the corresponding portal. The used avatar information may include the number of used avatars, etc., and in this case, the value (popularity, etc.) of the corresponding portal can be represented. Therefore, in the case of a portal having asset properties (i.e., in the case of a portal in which the transfer right described above with reference to FIG. 5 is set to "Yes (○)"), the value of the portal may be calculated or predicted based on the used avatar information.

[0116] The behavior memory unit 148 stores, for each avatar, behaviors performed in relation to a portal. The behaviors to be stored are arbitrary, but are preferably memorable. For example, when an avatar moves to a corresponding destination through a portal, the behavior of the avatar during the movement to the destination (e.g., taking a commemorative photo with another avatar) may be stored. Also, when an avatar moves to a corresponding destination through a portal, the behavior of the avatar at the destination (e.g., an activity performed with another avatar) may be stored. The data stored in the behavior memory unit 148 may include image data of a virtual camera related to the corresponding avatar (i.e., image data for the terminal).

[0117] The operation input acquisition unit 150 acquires various user inputs by each user inputted via the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20. The various inputs are as described above.

[0118] Avatar processing unit 152 determines the behavior of each avatar (change in position, movement of each body part, etc.) based on various inputs by each corresponding user for each avatar.

[0119] The portal-related processing unit 154 stores and updates the data in the above-mentioned portal information storage unit 140. The portal-related processing unit 154 includes a portal generating unit 1541 and an association processing unit 1542.

[0120] The portal generation unit 1541 generates a portal in a virtual space. The portal is as described above. The generation of the portal includes the issuance of the portal object ID described above. The portal generation unit 1541 generates a portal based on a generation request (user input) from a user who is about to generate a portal. The portal generation conditions are arbitrary, but may be set for each attribute of the portal. For example, in the case of a non-portable portal, the portal generation conditions may include conditions related to the ownership and usage rights of the land on which the portal is to be placed.

[0121] The association processing unit 1542 associates the portal usage conditions, portal attributes, and destination (specific destination) attributes for each portal. The portal attributes and destination are as described above in relation to the portal information storage unit 140. In this case, the association processing unit 1542 can associate the portal usage conditions, portal attributes, and destination (specific destination) attributes for the portal by adding data related to one portal in the portal information storage unit 140.

[0122] The association processing unit 1542 may dynamically change the usage conditions of a specific portal. In this case, the association processing unit 1542 may dynamically change the usage conditions of the specific portal according to various states (various states that can change dynamically) of the destination related to the specific portal. Such a dynamic change mode may be as described above.

[0123] The drawing processor 156 generates an image (an image for terminal device 20) which is an image of a virtual space including an avatar and is to be viewed on the terminal device 20. The drawing processor 156 generates an image for each avatar (an image for terminal device 20) based on a virtual camera associated with each avatar.

[0124] The guidance setting unit 160 sets a predetermined guidance process via the above-mentioned first agent avatar or a predetermined guidance process via the above-mentioned second agent avatar. The predetermined guidance process includes a guidance process related to a portal, and the guidance process related to a portal may be as described above with reference to Figures 8A to 9.

[0125] The movement processing unit 162 determines whether or not a usage condition for one portal is satisfied for one or more avatars, and when the usage condition is satisfied, allows the one or more avatars to use the portal. The determination of the usage condition for the portal may be realized by any method, and may be made, for example, by using an external linkage API as described above.

[0126] The movement processing unit 162 may automatically execute a movement process to a destination via a portal when the usage conditions for a portal are satisfied for one or more avatars, or may execute a movement process to a destination via a portal in response to a new specified user input.

[0127] Moreover, the movement processing unit 162 outputs a predetermined video during movement to the destination via the portal. The predetermined video is as described above. For example, the movement processing unit 162 may generate the predetermined video based on avatar information or user information associated with the avatar. Furthermore, the movement processing unit 162 may enable a game (mission), quiz, or the like related to the destination to be implemented during movement to the destination via the portal. In this case, a benefit at the destination may be given depending on the results of the game or quiz.

[0128] Furthermore, the movement processing unit 162 may further associate an item or object according to the destination with the avatar. The item or object according to the destination is as described above. For example, if the destination is a tropical island, the item or object according to the destination may include light clothing such as an aloha shirt and beach sandals.

[0129] When the usage conditions for one portal are not satisfied for one or more avatars, the movement processing unit 162 may notify that effect via the first agent avatar and / or the second agent avatar.

[0130] The token issuing unit 164 issues a non-fungible token (NFT) based on the data in the behavior memory unit 148. In this case, the user can issue data related to the experience obtained through his / her avatar (for example, video data such as a landscape viewed through a virtual camera) as a non-fungible token. In this case, the data related to the experience can be recorded by using a blockchain to record the owner and the transfer of ownership, or can be copied or destroyed by a paid or free application. In this case, the data related to the experience can be processed not only within the system related to the virtual reality generation system 1 but also by using a blockchain to record the owner and the transfer of ownership, or can be copied or destroyed by a paid or free application in a market, smart contract, or distributed processing module outside the system related to the virtual reality generation system 1.

[0131] The above-mentioned division of functions between the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 is merely an example, and as described above, various changes are possible. That is, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by the terminal device 20 as appropriate. For example, some or all of the functions of the drawing processing unit 156 may be realized by the terminal device 20. In the case of such a client rendering type configuration, the drawing processing unit 156 may generate image generation conditions for drawing an image for a terminal. In this case, the terminal device 20 may generate a virtual DOM (Document Object Model) and draw an image for a terminal by difference detection based on the image generation conditions transmitted from the server device 10.

[0132] Next, an example of the operation of the virtual reality generation system 1 related to the above-mentioned portal function will be described with reference to FIG. 17 onwards.

[0133] FIG. 17 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of an operation related to the portal generation process by the portal-related processing unit 154 described above.

[0134] In step S1700, the portal-related processing unit 154 judges whether or not a portal generation request has been received from a user. The portal generation request by the user may be generated in any manner. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1702, otherwise the process for the current cycle ends.

[0135] In step S1702, the portal-related processing unit 154 outputs a user interface for portal generation via the terminal device 20 related to the requesting user. The user interface for portal generation may be generated in a manner in which it is superimposed on the terminal image. The user interface for portal generation is a user interface for the user to generate (describe) portal information as described above.

[0136] In step S1704, the portal-related processing unit 154 judges whether or not the user's input to the user interface for generating the portal is complete. The completion of the input may be generated through a confirmation (confirmation) operation by the user. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1706, and otherwise the process waits for the completion of the input. Note that if the wait state continues for a certain period of time or more, the process may end.

[0137] In step S1706, the portal-related processing unit 154 acquires the result of the user's input to the user interface for generating the portal.

[0138] In step S1708, the portal-related processing unit 154 judges whether the portal generation conditions are satisfied based on the user's input. The portal generation conditions are as described above. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1710, otherwise the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0139] In step S1710, the portal-related processing unit 154 generates a new portal based on the user's input. In this case, the portal-related processing unit 154 may issue a new portal object ID and update the data in the portal information storage unit 140.

[0140] In step S1712, the portal-related processing unit 154 executes an error notification indicating that the portal generation conditions are not satisfied. In this case, the error notification may be realized via a user interface for portal generation.

[0141] Fig. 18 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to guidance processing by the guidance setting unit 160. Fig. 18 shows guidance processing via one second agent avatar, and guidance processing via each second agent avatar may be executed in parallel in a similar manner.

[0142] In step S1800, guidance setting unit 160 acquires position information of the target second agent avatar and position information of each avatar.

[0143] In step S1802, guidance setting unit 160 determines whether or not there are any surrounding avatars to which the second agent avatar can provide guidance, based on each piece of position information obtained in step S1800. The surrounding avatars to which the second agent avatar can provide guidance may include avatars located within a predetermined distance from the second agent avatar, avatars located within a predetermined distance from a target portal linked to the second agent avatar, etc. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1804, and otherwise the process ends.

[0144] In step S1804, the guidance setting unit 160 executes guidance processing via the second agent avatar. The content of the guidance processing via the second agent avatar may be specified in advance. As described above, the second agent avatar may be an agent entrusted by the administrator of the destination facility or the like. In this case, the entrustor may specify a URL related to the agent in order to use an API prepared in advance. This allows the entrustor to realize guidance processing via the second agent avatar without the need to create detailed conditions.

[0145] In step S1806, in response to the execution of the guidance process by the second agent avatar, guidance setting unit 160 updates the history of the guidance process by the second agent avatar (see "guidance history" in FIG. 14). In this case, information indicating whether or not the portal was used by the guidance process (i.e., information regarding the validity of the guidance process) may also be stored.

[0146] Fig. 19 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the processing by the movement processing unit 162. Fig. 19 shows the processing related to one portal (hereinafter also referred to as "this portal"), and the processing related to each portal may be executed in parallel in a similar manner.

[0147] In step S1900, the movement processing unit 162 extracts an avatar that wishes to use the portal from among the avatars around the portal. The avatar that wishes to use the portal may include, for example, an avatar that exists within an area associated with the portal, an avatar that makes a request to use the portal based on a user input, and the like.

[0148] In step S1902, the movement processing unit 162 judges whether or not the one or more avatars extracted in step S1900 satisfy the portal usage conditions. If the portal is a multiple avatar passing portal, multiple avatars that wish to accompany the user may be extracted, and a judgment may be made as to whether or not the extracted multiple avatars satisfy the portal usage conditions. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1904, otherwise the process for the current processing cycle ends.

[0149] In step S1904, the movement processing unit 162 starts movement via the portal for one or more avatars that satisfy the portal usage conditions.

[0150] In step S1906, the movement processing unit 162 sets the movement destination flag to "1." The movement destination flag is a flag that is "1" during movement to a movement destination using a portal, during stay at the movement destination, and during movement back from the movement destination. In other words, the movement destination flag is a flag that is "1" from the start of movement via a portal until movement from the movement destination to the original location (or another new movement destination).

[0151] In step S1908, the movement processing unit 162 acquires user information related to one or more avatars that are moving.

[0152] In step S1910, the movement processing unit 162 generates a predetermined video based on the user information acquired in step S1908. The predetermined video is as described above. If the moving avatars are friends, the predetermined video may be a video that evokes common memories. Alternatively, the predetermined video may include a video such as a tutorial related to the destination.

[0153] In step S1912, the movement processing unit 162 outputs the predetermined video generated in step S1910 via the terminal device 20 associated with the corresponding avatar. Note that the generation (drawing) of the predetermined video may be performed on the terminal device 20 side, as described above.

[0154] In step S1914, the movement processing unit 162 starts the above-mentioned data update process in the behavior storage unit 148 for each of one or more moving avatars (hereinafter also referred to as "memory recording process"). Note that the setting of the memory recording function may be switched on / off by the avatar. In this case, the memory recording process may be executed for an avatar whose setting of the memory recording function is on.

[0155] Here, the memory recording function is basically the recording and playback of actions in the metaverse world by saving motion data. Therefore, the recorded data may be played back along with logic for automatic playback, such as sound effects, effects, and camera position information. In addition, when playing back, tone mapping such as black and white images and sepia processing may be applied to evoke the idea that it is a memory. It is also possible to play back changes in state, such as changing clothes and acquiring items. In this case, irreversible processes such as transfer of ownership, such as acquiring an item during playback, and "destruction or death" may not be processed. This is to prevent duplicate processing.

[0156] The memory data may be compressed and stored together with the handler ID in the server device 10 or in the user's data area. For example, the handler ID is written on the NFT, and when ownership of the NFT is transferred, the data is transferred or copied. The handler describes the compression and decompression process, and the data is in a format that can be played or restored on other systems (for example, compression in an encrypted file such as ZIP format, and decompression using the encryption described in the NFT). For compatibility, the data may be converted into standardized images or videos such as MPEG.

[0157] In this case, while maintaining "video as a compatible format," memories created through original 3D avatar animations can be circulated as the largest playback format available on the platform. As a result, the appeal of the platform can be increased while maintaining the non-convertibility and circulability of NFTs.

[0158] A further specific example of the memory recording process will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0159] Fig. 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of operations related to the memory recording process by the movement processing unit 162. The process shown in Fig. 20 may be executed in parallel for each avatar that is the target of the memory recording process.

[0160] In step S2000, the movement processing unit 162 determines whether or not the movement destination flag is 1. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S2002, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S2012.

[0161] In step S2002, the movement processing unit 162 judges whether or not the memory recording is in progress. The image to be recorded by the memory recording may be an image of a landscape or the like seen from a virtual camera corresponding to the line of sight of the corresponding avatar. Alternatively, a virtual camera for memory recording that captures an avatar or the like from a line of sight different from that of the corresponding avatar may be set. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2004, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S2008.

[0162] In step S2004, the movement processing unit 162 judges whether or not a recording stop condition is satisfied. The recording stop condition may be satisfied, for example, when a stop instruction is received from the corresponding avatar. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2006, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2007.

[0163] In step S2006, the movement processing unit 162 stops the memory recording.

[0164] In step S2007, the movement processing unit 162 continues the memory recording. In this case, the image (moving image) related to the memory recording may be stored in a predetermined storage area.

[0165] In step S2008, the movement processing unit 162 judges whether or not the recording restart condition is satisfied. The recording restart condition may be satisfied, for example, when a recording restart instruction is received from the corresponding avatar. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2010, otherwise the current processing cycle ends. In step S2010, the movement processing unit 162 resumes the memory recording.

[0166] In step S2012, the movement processing unit 162 judges whether or not the movement destination flag in the previous processing cycle was "1". That is, it judges whether or not the movement destination flag has transitioned from "1" to "0" in the current processing cycle. If the judgment result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2014, otherwise the current processing cycle ends.

[0167] In step S2014, the movement processing unit 162 updates the data in the behavior memory unit 148 based on the image data recorded during the period when the current movement destination flag is "1". In this case, the above-mentioned token issuing unit 164 may issue a non-fungible token based on the new image data or its processed data (data edited by the user). More specifically, the motion data may be saved and stored together with the handler. In this case, the stored data may be distributed as it is within the virtual reality generation system 1 (for example, one song of a live music performance), or may be exported in a rendered state as an MPEG video when distributed externally as an NFT.

[0168] In the explanation of Fig. 17 and subsequent figures, the case where the processing of each step is executed by the server device 10 has been described. However, as described above, the virtual reality generation system 1 (information processing system) according to this embodiment may be realized by the server device 10 alone, or may be realized by the server device 10 in cooperation with one or more terminal devices 20. In the latter case, for example, image generation conditions may be transmitted from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 may draw an image for the terminal based on the image generation conditions. When drawing is performed on the terminal device 20 side, each object (e.g., a portal) and the relationship between each object, etc., do not necessarily have to be drawn in the same way on each terminal device 20.

[0169] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. In addition, it is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiments.

[0170] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the memory recording process is executed in relation to movement through a portal, but it may be executed independently of movement through a portal.

[0171] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding each of the above-described embodiments. [Appendix 1] a specific object generating unit that generates a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; An information processing system including: an association processing unit that associates, with the specific object, at least one of information on the usage conditions of the specific object and the attributes of the specific object, the attributes of the specific position, or the attributes of the specific area. [Appendix 2] The information processing system described in Appendix 1 further includes a guidance setting unit that sets a predetermined guidance process via a first predetermined object accompanying the avatar, or a predetermined guidance process via a second predetermined object linked to a location or area. [Appendix 3] The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined guidance process includes a process of outputting information relating to the specific location or specific area. [Appendix 4] The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the information relating to the specific location or specific area includes a video relating to the specific location or specific area. [Appendix 5] The information processing system according to claim 3, further comprising a usage status / history memory unit configured to store, for each of the specific objects, a usage status or usage history of one of the specific objects by a plurality of the avatars. [Appendix 6] The information processing system described in Appendix 2, wherein the second specified object includes at least one of a first avatar associated with an area including the position of the specific object, and a second avatar associated with the specific position or the specific area. [Appendix 7] The information processing system of Appendix 1, wherein the attributes of the specific object include at least two of a setting state of whether the object can be consumed when used by the avatar, a setting state of whether the object can be carried by the avatar, a setting state of whether the object is fixed in virtual space, a setting state of whether the object is stored in a pocket of the avatar's costume or inside the avatar, a setting state of whether the object can be copied, and a setting state of whether the object can be transferred. [Appendix 8] The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the association processing unit sets or updates a usage condition of the specific object based on a state related to the specific position or specific area. [Appendix 9] The information processing system according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the usage conditions of the specific object include a condition regarding the number of the avatars that can move at the same time. [Appendix 10] The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a movement processing unit that outputs a predetermined video during movement to the specific position or specific area. [Appendix 11] The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the movement processing unit generates the predetermined video based on avatar information or user information associated with the avatar. [Appendix 12] The information processing system of claim 10, wherein the movement processing unit further associates an item or object corresponding to the specific position or specific area with the avatar. [Appendix 13] The information processing system described in Appendix 1 further includes a behavior memory unit that stores, when one of the avatars moves to the specific position or specific area via one of the specific objects, at least one of the behavior of the one avatar while moving to the specific position or specific area and the behavior of the one avatar at the specific position or specific area. [Appendix 14] The information processing system of claim 13, further comprising a token issuing unit that issues a non-fungible token (NFT) based on the data in the behavior memory unit. [Appendix 15] The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the association processing unit generates or updates a usage condition of the specific object based on a user input from a specific user associated with the specific position or specific area. [Appendix 16] generating a specific object in the virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; Associating at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination with the specific object; A program that causes a process to be executed by a computer. [Appendix 17] generating a specific object in the virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising associating, with the specific object, at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object, and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1 Virtual reality generation system 3. Network 10. Server device 11 Server Communication Section 12 Server memory section 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal Equipment 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory section 23 Display section 24 Input section 25 Terminal control unit 140 Portal information storage unit 142 User information storage unit 143 Agent information storage unit 144 Avatar information storage unit 146 Usage status / history memory section 148 Behavioral Memory Department 150 Operation input acquisition unit 152 Avatar Processing Unit 154 Portal-related processing section 1541 Portal Generation Unit (Specific Object Generation Unit) 1542 Correspondence processing unit 156 Drawing Processing Unit 158 Processing section 160 Guidance setting section 162 Movement Processing Unit 164 Token Issuer

Claims

1. a specific object generating unit that generates a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; an association processing unit that associates, with the specific object, at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object, an attribute of the specific position, or an attribute of the specific area; a correspondence unit that corresponds an item or object corresponding to the specific position or specific area to the avatar when the avatar moves to the specific position or specific area via the specific object; An information processing system comprising:

2. A specific object generating unit that generates a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space; a correspondence processing unit that corresponds, to the specific object, at least one of a use condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object, an attribute of the specific position, or an attribute of the specific area; The association processing unit sets or updates a usage condition of the specific object based on a state related to the specific position or specific area.

3. The information processing system described in Claim 2, characterized in that the correspondence processing unit changes the usage conditions for the specific object so that the usage conditions for the specific object are stricter than usual when the degree of congestion at the destination related to the specific object exceeds a predetermined threshold.

4. The information processing system described in Claim 2, characterized in that the correspondence processing unit changes the usage conditions of the specific object so that the specific object becomes substantially unusable if a problem occurs at the destination related to the specific object.

5. The information processing system comprises:

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a display processing section for causing the specific object to appear in the virtual space when a predetermined appearance condition is satisfied.

6. The information processing system comprises: The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display processing unit for displaying the specific object superimposed on an image in real space.

7. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage conditions of the specific object include a condition regarding the number of avatars that can move at the same time.

8. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a movement processing unit that outputs a specified video during movement to the specific position or specific area.

9. The information processing system described in Claim 8, wherein the movement processing unit generates the specified video based on avatar information or user information associated with the avatar.

10. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a behavior memory unit which stores at least one of the behavior of the one avatar while moving to the specific position or specific area and the behavior of the one avatar at the specific position or specific area when the one avatar moves to the specific position or specific area via one of the specific objects.

11. The information processing system as described in claim 10, further comprising a token issuing unit that issues a non-fungible token (NFT) based on the data in the behavior memory unit.

12. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the correspondence processing unit generates or updates the usage conditions of the specific object based on user input from a specific user who is associated with the specific location or specific area.

13. A method of generating a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space, Associating at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination with the specific object; A program that causes a computer to execute a process of associating an item or object corresponding to the specific position or specific area with the avatar when the avatar moves to the specific position or specific area via the specific object.

14. A method of generating a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space, Associating at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination with the specific object; An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising associating an item or object corresponding to the specific position or specific area with the avatar when the avatar moves to the specific position or specific area via the specific object.

15. A method of generating a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space, Associating at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination with the specific object; A program for causing a computer to execute a process of setting or updating a usage condition of the specific object based on a state related to the specific position or specific area.

16. A method for generating a specific object in a virtual space that enables an avatar to move to a specific position or a specific area in the virtual space, Associating at least one of information on a usage condition of the specific object and an attribute of the specific object or an attribute of a specific destination with the specific object; An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising setting or updating a usage condition of the specific object based on a state relating to the specific position or specific area.

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