Program and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To reduce an adverse influence on a virtual space by leaving an article object in its placed state.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as: object control means which controls a behavior of a user object being an avatar of a user in a virtual space; and image generation means which, if an article object disposed in the virtual space is an article object of the user disposed by the user object itself, generates an image in which the article object of the user is disposed, as an image representing a situation of the virtual space viewed from the user object and, if the article object is an article object of another person which is not disposed by the user object, generates an image in which the article object of the other person is not disposed, as the image representing a situation of the virtual space viewed from the user object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a program configured to expand a community by allowing users to interact with each other using user objects (e.g., avatars, characters, etc.) that are their avatars in a virtual space (e.g., a metaverse, a game field, etc.) (e.g., Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-56409 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a virtual space, user objects can freely move and place their own item objects. However, if an item object placed by a user object is left in the virtual space, it may have a negative effect on the virtual space, for example, it may become a nuisance for other user objects or it may disrupt the worldview of the virtual space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space caused by leaving an article object in its placed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: Computer, an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in a virtual space is an item object placed by the user object himself / herself, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object is placed, an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in the virtual space is another person's item object not placed by said user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from said user object, in which said other person's item object is not placed; It is a program that functions as a Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of product information according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of region information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a world coordinate system, a view coordinate system, and a screen coordinate system when generating an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint. [Figure 9]11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen in a client terminal 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in the client terminal 10A. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the presence or absence of a special relationship. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third screen in the client terminal 10A. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of one's own or another person's item, the presence or absence of a special relationship, and the presence or absence of a predetermined time period having elapsed. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the rarity of the item. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the rarity of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the size of the item. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the size of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the rarity of an item. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation relating to an image generating method according to the size of an article. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generating method according to the rarity of an item and whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to an image generating method according to the size of an article and whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, the computer, an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in a virtual space is an item object placed by the user object himself / herself, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object is placed, an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in the virtual space is another person's item object not placed by said user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from said user object, in which said other person's item object is not placed; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes the user's own item object but does not include other people's item objects, so that even if other people's item objects are left behind in the virtual space, they are not visible on the user's screen and do not become an annoying residue for the user. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space by leaving the item objects in their original positions.

[0009] Also, such a program includes: The image generating means may generate an image in which the other person's item object is not placed when the other person's item object is an item object after a predetermined time has passed, and may generate an image in which the other person's item object is placed when the other person's item object is an item object before the predetermined time has passed. According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects before the predetermined time has elapsed, but does not include other people's item objects after the predetermined time has elapsed, so even if other people's item objects are left behind in the virtual space, they will not be visible on the user's screen after the predetermined time has elapsed and will not become an annoying residue for the user. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space by leaving the item objects in their original position.

[0010] Also, such a program includes: The image generation means may, when the other person's item object is a other person's item object that does not have a pre-defined relationship with the user, generate an image in which the other person's item object is not placed as an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, and when the other person's item object is a other person's item object that has a pre-defined relationship with the user, generate an image in which the other person's item object is placed. According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes item objects of other people with a preset relationship, but does not include item objects of other people with no preset relationship, so that even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, the related items of other people will be visible on the user's screen, and the unrelated items of other people will be treated as intrusive remains and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original positions, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space.

[0011] Also, such a program includes: The image generating means includes: When the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is not placed, and when the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is placed, or When the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity setting, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is not placed, and when the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity setting, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is placed. According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects with low rarity, but does not include other people's item objects with high rarity, so even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, other people's items with low rarity will be visible on the user's screen, and other people's items with high rarity will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in the arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect that other people's items are easily seen by anyone in the virtual space, even if they are high rarity items. Or, in the opposite case, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects with high rarity, but does not include other people's item objects with low rarity, so even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, other people's items with high rarity will be visible on the user's screen, and other people's items with low rarity will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in the arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect that the virtual space will be filled with items with low rarity and low attention.

[0012] Also, such a program includes: The image generation means may, when the other person's item object is an item object set to a small size, generate an image in which the other person's small-sized item object is not placed as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen by the user object, and, when the other person's item object is an item object set to a large size, generate an image in which the other person's large-sized item object is placed. According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's large item objects but does not include other people's small item objects, so that even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, the large and conspicuous items of other people will be visible on the user's screen, and the small and inconspicuous items of other people will be treated as intrusive residue and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with other people's small and inconspicuous items.

[0013] In addition, the computer an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of low rarity level is placed, and when a high rarity level is set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed, or an image generating means for generating an image in which an item object of high rarity is placed in a virtual space as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object when a high rarity is set for the item object placed in the virtual space, and for generating an image in which an item object of low rarity is not placed in a virtual space as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object when a low rarity is set for the item object; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes low rarity item objects but does not include high rarity item objects, so that even if the item objects are left in the virtual space, the items with low rarity value will be visible on the user's screen and the items with high rarity value will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in the arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect that the items are easily seen by anyone in the virtual space, even if they are high rarity items. Or, in the opposite case, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes high rarity item objects but does not include low rarity item objects, so that even if the item objects are left in the virtual space, the items with high rarity value will be visible on the user's screen and the items with low rarity value will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in the arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect that the virtual space will be filled with items with low rarity value that do not attract attention.

[0014] In addition, the computer an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to be large, an image in which the large-sized article object is placed as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in the virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, the image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes large-sized item objects but does not include small-sized item objects, so that even if the item objects are left in the virtual space, the large and conspicuous items will be visible on the user's screen, while the small and inconspicuous items will be treated as intrusive residue and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their arranged state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small and inconspicuous items.

[0015] an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit that generates an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the user object's own item object is placed, when the item object placed in the virtual space is the user object's own item object placed by the user object, an image generating unit that generates, when an item object placed in the virtual space is another person's item object that has not been placed by the user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the other person's item object is not placed; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, adverse effects on the virtual space can be mitigated by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0016] an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of low rarity level is placed, and when a high rarity level is set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed, or an image generating unit which generates an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when an item object placed in the virtual space is set to a high rarity, in which the item object of high rarity is placed, as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when viewed from the user object, and generates an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when an item object of low rarity is set, in which the item object of low rarity is not placed, as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when viewed from the user object; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, adverse effects on the virtual space can be mitigated by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0017] an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit configured to generate an image in which a large-sized article object is placed in a virtual space as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the size of the article object placed in the virtual space is set to a large size, an image generating unit that generates, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, adverse effects on the virtual space can be mitigated by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0018] === Implementation form === In the following, a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The present invention can be widely applied to a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, and the like that employ a virtual space providing service that provides a virtual space to a user. In the embodiment, a case where the virtual space is a virtual three-dimensional space will be described as an example.

[0019] <<System configuration>> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0020] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device operated by a user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a terminal device such as a home or commercial game machine. The server device 20 manages and controls the virtual space providing service performed by the user on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the virtual space providing service. The network N is the Internet or the like, and includes a mobile wireless base station.

[0021] In addition to the client-server type information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the present invention can also be applied to a single game device (information processing device) by providing a separate mechanism for performing billing processing in a virtual space. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers.

[0022] <<Hardware configuration>> <Client terminal and server device> Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0023] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and a HDD 58, all of which are connected to one another via a bus line B. Note that the server device 20 may be configured such that the input device 55 and the display device 56 are connected and used when necessary.

[0024] The CPU 51 is a calculation device that reads out programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52, and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0025] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0026] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started.

[0027] The communication interface is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This allows the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface .

[0028] The input device 55 is a device used by a user or an administrator to input various signals. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operation device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0029] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen to a user or an administrator. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0030] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0031] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0032] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0033] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the hardware configuration described above.

[0034] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0035] The server device 20 according to the present embodiment realizes a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0036] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 in this embodiment includes an information management unit 201 and a sales unit 202.

[0037] The information management unit 201 manages various information related to users who use the virtual space providing service, various information for forming a virtual space, etc. The information management unit 201 according to this embodiment receives a management request for various information from the client terminal 10, stores the various information in the server storage unit 220, and transmits the various information acquired from the server storage unit 220 to the client terminal 10.

[0038] The sales unit 202 sells items that can be used in the virtual space. When the sales unit 202 according to this embodiment receives a purchase request for an item from the client terminal 10, the sales unit 202 performs a billing process based on the selling price of the item specified by the user (for example, a building, vehicle, decoration, tool, weapon, box, etc. in the virtual space) and the user's possession of money (for example, virtual currency), and transmits the purchased item to the client terminal 10.

[0039] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes an item information storage unit 221, an area information storage unit 222, and a user information storage unit 223.

[0040] The item information storage unit 221 stores item information on items that can be used in the virtual space. The item information stored in the item information storage unit 221 is composed of various data items shown below.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of item information according to the present embodiment. The item information shown in Fig. 4 has items such as an item ID, an item name, a rarity level, a size, a luxury level, a selling price, and item setting information.

[0042] The item ID is information for uniquely identifying various items. The item name is information indicating the name of the item. The rarity is information indicating the rarity value of the item. Here, five levels of rarity can be set from "1" to "5". The size is information indicating the size of the item. The luxury is information indicating the luxury of the item.

[0043] The selling price is information indicating the selling price set for an item that can be used in the virtual space. The item setting information is information including model data and texture data for forming the item as a 3D model (item object) in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a placement cost set based on the number of polygons that make up the 3D model. Here, the more the item object requires a high load of rendering processing, the higher the placement cost is set.

[0044] The area information storage unit 222 stores area information related to areas in a virtual space. The area information stored in the area information storage unit 222 is made up of the following various data.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of region information according to the present embodiment. The region information shown in Fig. 5 has items such as a region ID, a region name, position information, size information, shape information, and region setting information.

[0046] The section ID is information for uniquely identifying an area in the virtual space that is divided according to a specific criterion. The section name is information indicating the name of the area in the virtual space. The position information is information for specifying the position of the area in the virtual space.

[0047] The size information is information for specifying the size of an area in a virtual space. The shape information is information for specifying the shape of an area in a virtual space. The area setting information is information including model data and texture data for forming an area as a 3D model (land object) in a virtual three-dimensional space.

[0048] The user information storage unit 223 stores user information related to users who use the virtual space providing service. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 223 is composed of various data shown below.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to the present embodiment. The user information shown in Fig. 6 includes items such as a user ID, a name, avatar setting information, money, possessions, location information, action history information, purchase history information, and friends.

[0050] The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The name is information indicating the user name. The avatar setting information is information about the avatar that the user uses in the virtual space. It includes model data and texture data for forming the avatar as a 3D model (user object) in the virtual three-dimensional space.

[0051] The possession money is information about the virtual currency owned by the user. The possession items is information for identifying the items owned by the user among the items that can be used in the virtual space set in the item information shown in FIG.

[0052] The location information is information about the location of the property. The location information includes information for identifying who placed which property in which position in the property area and when. The behavior history information is information about the behavior history of the avatar in the virtual space.

[0053] The purchase history information is information about the purchase history of items that can be used in the virtual space. The friend is information indicating other users (friend users) with whom a friend relationship has been established through mutual approval of each other.

[0054] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0055] <Client terminal> 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0056] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment realizes a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input receiving unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0057] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. The client control unit 100 in this embodiment includes an object control unit 101, a virtual camera control unit 102, an image generation unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a purchase unit 105.

[0058] The object control unit 101 controls objects in a virtual space. The object control unit 101 according to this embodiment controls various behaviors, such as moving a user object, which is an avatar, in a virtual space and performing operations related to placing and removing an item object on a land object, based on a user's operation. Placing (placing) an item object by a user object, which is an avatar, in a virtual space includes not only a case where a motion for placing an item is set to the avatar (a motion for placing an item is given to the avatar), but also a case where such a motion is not set (a motion for placing an item is not given to the avatar).

[0059] The virtual camera control unit 102 controls the virtual camera in the virtual space. The virtual camera control unit 102 according to this embodiment places the virtual camera in three-dimensional coordinates expressed in a world coordinate system, and changes the state of the virtual space seen from the virtual camera by controlling the viewpoint position, viewing direction, angle of view, zoom, movement path, movement speed, and the like of the virtual camera based on the virtual camera setting data. In addition, when an avatar in the virtual space moves due to a user's operation, the virtual camera is controlled to follow the movement of the avatar.

[0060] The image generating unit 103 generates a two-dimensional image of the state of the virtual space when an object placed in the virtual space is viewed from a virtual camera. The image generating unit 103 according to this embodiment performs coordinate conversion of an object placed in three-dimensional coordinates expressed in a world coordinate system into a view coordinate system based on the virtual camera. Then, perspective conversion or the like is performed on the object placed in the view coordinate system, and the state of the virtual three-dimensional space when viewed from the virtual camera is generated as a two-dimensional image. At this time, geometry processing, texture mapping processing, hidden surface processing, alpha blending processing, and the like are also performed.

[0061] The display control unit 104 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10. The display control unit 104 in this embodiment creates a two-dimensional image of an object placed in a virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera for each frame (for example, every 1 / 60 seconds) and outputs the state of the virtual space to the screen display unit 160.

[0062] The purchasing unit 105 performs processing for allowing the user to purchase items that can be used in the virtual space. When an item is specified by a user's operation from the list of items for sale presented on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the purchasing unit 105 according to this embodiment transmits a purchase request for the specified item to the server device 20, and receives the purchased item from the server device 20 according to the result of the billing process.

[0063] The operation input receiving unit 150 receives an operation input from a user who operates the client terminal 10. When the user performs a touch operation on the screen, the operation input receiving unit 150 according to the present embodiment receives the operation input from the user via a touch panel.

[0064] The client storage unit 120 stores various programs and various information required by the client terminal 10. The various programs include a program for the user to use the virtual space providing service. As with the server storage unit 220, the various information includes all or part of item information, area information, user information, etc. In other words, the client storage unit 120 also functions as an item information storage unit, an area information storage unit, and a user information storage unit.

[0065] The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20 via the network N.

[0066] The screen display unit 160 receives a control signal from the display control unit 104 and thereby performs screen display on the client terminal 10 .

[0067] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the client terminal 10 performs object control, virtual camera control, image generation processing, display control, etc., but the server device 20 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least some of the object control unit, virtual camera control unit, image generation unit, and display control unit may be configured not to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0068] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is an application type in which the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 performs processing related to the virtual space providing service based on an installed program. That is, FIG. 7 shows the application type as an example. Note that the information processing system 1 may be a browser type in which the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 receives page data written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like and scripts included in the page data from the server device 20 and performs processing related to the virtual space providing service. Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may be a cloud type in which the server device 20 or a server device dedicated to image processing (not shown) performs processing related to the virtual space providing service instead of the client terminal 10, and the client terminal 10 receives image data generated there, and displays a two-dimensional image showing the state of the virtual space based on the image data on a screen.

[0069] <<System Overview>> An overview of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described below. In the information processing system 1 in this embodiment, a user can use a virtual space providing service.

[0070] In the virtual space provision service of this embodiment, a user can act in a virtual space using an avatar (user object) that represents the user. In this virtual space, a plurality of areas are set in which the avatar can act. An "area" in the virtual space corresponds to a "land" in the real space.

[0071] In the virtual space of this embodiment, an avatar can move to an area corresponding to, for example, a "town square" or a "park" and communicate with other avatars and freely place their own items (item objects). However, if an avatar moves to another area leaving behind its own item that it placed there, it may have a negative effect on the virtual space, such as becoming an obstacle for other avatars or disrupting the worldview of the virtual space.

[0072] Therefore, in the virtual space providing service of this embodiment, when an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user operating an avatar is displayed on the screen, an image that includes the user's own items but does not include items of other people is displayed on the screen, for example. As a result, even if items placed by other people's avatars are left behind in the virtual space, they are not displayed or visible on the user's screen, making it possible to mitigate the adverse effects of other people's remaining items being a nuisance.

[0073] In addition, when an image showing the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user who operates an avatar is displayed on the screen, as another example, an image including low rarity items but not high rarity items is displayed on the screen. This makes it possible to mitigate the adverse effect of rare items being easily seen by anyone in the virtual space, even if items are left in the virtual space, while low rarity items are displayed and visible on the user's screen, and high rarity items are not displayed and cannot be seen, even if the items are left in the virtual space.

[0074] In addition, when an image showing the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user operating an avatar is displayed on the screen, as another example, an image including large-sized objects but not small-sized objects is displayed on the screen. This makes it possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small, inconspicuous objects that can be placed relatively easily, even if objects are left in the virtual space, while large, conspicuous objects are displayed and visible on the user's screen, and small, inconspicuous objects are not displayed and cannot be seen.

[0075] <<System Operation>> In this embodiment, it is assumed that user A uses the virtual space providing service by using the client terminal 10A. In this case, user A can view an image of the virtual space on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10A.

[0076] Avatar A is a user object that represents user A and acts in the virtual space according to touch operations of user A using client terminal 10A. Also, item A is an item object owned by user A, and item B is an item object owned by user B who uses the virtual space providing service.

[0077] Under these assumptions, a method for generating an image when the virtual space is viewed from a virtual viewpoint associated with avatar A in client terminal 10A will be specifically described below.

[0078] <Image generation in virtual space> Image generation in a virtual space in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the world coordinate system, the view coordinate system, and the screen coordinate system when an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint is generated.

[0079] In the following, the three-dimensional coordinates (Xw, Yw, Zw) with the virtual space reference point at the origin Ow are referred to as the world coordinate system, the three-dimensional coordinates (Xc, Yc, Zc) with the virtual camera at the origin Oc are referred to as the view coordinate system, and the two-dimensional coordinates (Xs, Ys) with the center of the screen surface (projection surface) corresponding to the screen of the client terminal 10 at the origin Os are referred to as the screen coordinate system.

[0080] The virtual camera control unit 102 places the virtual camera (virtual viewpoint) so as to look down obliquely on the Xw-Zw plane at a depression angle θ with respect to the Zw axis direction from a height in the Yw axis direction of the world coordinate system. By placing the virtual camera in the virtual space in this way, a view coordinate system is set in association with the world coordinate system.

[0081] The Zc axis direction of the view coordinate system is a direction perpendicular to the screen surface (origin Os of the screen coordinate system) corresponding to the screen of the client terminal 10, and coincides with the viewing direction of the virtual camera. The Xc-Yc plane of the view coordinate system is parallel to the screen surface, and the distance from the origin Oc of the view coordinate system to the origin Os of the screen coordinate system coincides with the focal length of the virtual camera.

[0082] The object control unit 101 in this embodiment places the avatar A, which is a user object, on the Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system. The Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system coincides with the movement plane on which the avatar A moves in the virtual space. The object control unit 101 can move the avatar A on the movement plane by changing the coordinate position on the Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system over time in accordance with the user's operation.

[0083] At this time, the virtual camera control unit 102 can move the virtual camera to follow avatar A by changing the coordinate position in the world coordinate system of the virtual camera associated with avatar A over time in accordance with the movement of avatar A.

[0084] The image generating unit 103 in this embodiment generates an image of Avatar A on a plane of movement along which Avatar A moves in virtual space, viewed from a virtual camera disposed so as to look diagonally down on the plane of movement.

[0085] Specifically, by using a coordinate transformation matrix calculated from the positional relationship between the virtual camera and avatar A shown in Fig. 8, avatar A placed in the world coordinate system (Xw, Yw, Zw) is transformed into the view coordinate system (Xc, Yc, Zc). After clipping, avatar A placed in the view coordinate system (Xc, Yc, Zc) is transformed into the screen coordinate system (Xs, Ys) by using a perspective projection method or the like. By repeating the coordinate transformation by performing geometric calculations in this way, a two-dimensional image of avatar A placed in the virtual space can be generated.

[0086] <Your own or someone else's items> <<Example>> First, an embodiment of a method for generating an image showing a state of a virtual space depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation related to a method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen in the client terminal 10A. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in the client terminal 10A.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of the avatar A in the virtual space (step S11).

[0088] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0089] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S11: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S12).

[0090] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S12: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S13).

[0091] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which an image is shown in which item object 501, which is user A's item A, is placed in area 502 together with avatar A when the item object, which is user A's item A, is present within the specified range of the virtual space.

[0092] On the other hand, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but another person's item object (step S12: NO), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S14).

[0093] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which when an item object which is user B's item B is present within the specified range of the virtual space, user B's item B is not placed in area 502, and avatar A is instead placed.

[0094] In this way, even if item B (another person's item object) placed by user B is left behind in the virtual space, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, the item placed by another person will not become an annoying residue for user A.

[0095] <<Variation 1>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of the virtual space depending on the presence or absence of not only the user's or another user's item but also a preset special relationship will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the image generating method depending on the presence or absence of the user's or another user's item and a special relationship. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third screen in the client terminal 10A.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of the avatar A in the virtual space (step S21).

[0097] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0098] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S21: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S22).

[0099] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S22: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S23).

[0100] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not its own item object but someone else's item object (step S22: NO), it determines whether or not there is a special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S24).

[0101] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the user information shown in FIG. 6 and determines that there is a special relationship if a friend relationship has been established with the other person, and determines that there is no special relationship if a friend relationship has not been established with the other person.

[0102] Then, when it is determined that there is a special relationship with the other person (step S24: YES), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S25).

[0103] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which an image is shown in which item object 503, which is user B's item B, is placed in area 502 together with avatar A when the item object, which is user B's item B, is present within the specified range of the virtual space.

[0104] In this way, even if an item B (another person's item object) was placed by a different user B, if it was placed by a different person with whom a special relationship has been set, it will be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, user A can make item B a common topic of conversation with user B, which can stimulate communication between the users.

[0105] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that there is no special relationship with the other person (step S24: NO), it removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S26).

[0106] In this way, if item B (another person's item object) is placed by user B, who is a different person with whom no special relationship is set, it is highly likely that user A will have little interest in it and will recognize it as an intrusive residue. Therefore, even if item B (another person's item object) is left behind in the virtual space, it will not be visible on user A's screen and will not be an intrusive residue for user A.

[0107] <<Variation 2>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of the virtual space depending on the presence or absence of one's own or another person's item, the presence or absence of a special relationship, and also the presence or absence of a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of one's own or another person's item, the presence or absence of a special relationship, and the presence or absence of a predetermined time has passed.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 14, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of the avatar A in the virtual space (step S31).

[0109] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0110] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S31: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S32).

[0111] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S32: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S33).

[0112] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not its own item object but someone else's item object (step S32: NO), it determines whether or not there is a special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S34).

[0113] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that there is a special relationship with the other person (step S34: YES), it determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 12 hours) has passed since the other person's item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S35).

[0114] When it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the other person's item object was placed (step S35: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S36).

[0115] In this way, even if an item B (another person's item object) is placed by user B, who is a person with whom a special relationship has been established, it can be seen on the screen of user A if a predetermined time has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can make item B a common topic of conversation with user B within a limited period of time while taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no special relationship with the other person (step S34: NO), or if it is determined that a predetermined time has passed since the other person's item object was placed (step S35: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S37).

[0117] <<Variation 3>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space according to not only the presence or absence of an item of the player's own or another person but also the rarity of the item will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image according to the presence or absence of an item of the player's own or another person and the rarity of the item.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of the avatar A in the virtual space (step S41).

[0119] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0120] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S41: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S42).

[0121] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S42: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S43).

[0122] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S42: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object has a high rarity setting (step S44).

[0123] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that if a rarity level of "4" to "5" is set for another person's item object, a high rarity level is set, and if a rarity level of "1" to "3" is set, a low rarity level is set.

[0124] Then, when it is determined that the other person's item object has a high rarity level set (step S44: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S45).

[0125] In this way, even if item B (another person's item object) placed by user B, who is another person, is left in the virtual space, if the item is set to a high rarity level, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect that an item belonging to another person, which is highly rare, can be easily seen by anyone.

[0126] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S44: NO), it generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S46).

[0127] <<Variation 4>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of the virtual space depending on the presence or absence of an item of the player or another person, the rarity of the item, and also whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the player or another person, the rarity of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 16, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S51).

[0129] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0130] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S51: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S52).

[0131] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S52: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S53).

[0132] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S52: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object has a high rarity setting (step S54).

[0133] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object has a high rarity setting (step S54: YES), it determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the other person's high rarity item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S55).

[0134] When the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the first time has not elapsed since the other person's high rarity item object was placed (step S55: NO), it generates an image including the other person's high rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S53).

[0135] In this way, even if item B (other person's item object) of user B, who is a different person, is set to a high rarity level, it can be seen on user A's screen if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other person's highly rare item only for a limited short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0136] In response to this, when it is determined that the first time has elapsed since the high rarity item object of the other person was placed (step S55: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the high rarity item object of the other person from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object of the other person as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S56).

[0137] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S54: NO), it determines, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6, whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the other person's item object with a low rarity level was placed (step S57).

[0138] When the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the second time has not elapsed since the other person's low-rarity item object was placed (step S57: NO), it generates an image including the other person's low-rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S58).

[0139] In this way, even if item B (other person's item object) of user B, who is a different person, is set to a low rarity, it can be seen on the screen of user A if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other people's items with low rarity within a longer time limit than other people's items with high rarity.

[0140] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the low-rarity item object of the other person was placed (step S57: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the low-rarity item object of the other person from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object of the other person as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S56).

[0141] <<Variation 5>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, as well as the size of the item, will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the size of the item.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 17, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S61).

[0143] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0144] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S61: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S62).

[0145] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the present item object is the user's own item object (step S62: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S63).

[0146] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S62: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S64).

[0147] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that a small size is set if the size "small" is set for another person's item object, and determines that a large size is set if the size "large" is set.

[0148] Then, when it is determined that the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S64: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S65).

[0149] In this way, even if item B (another person's item object) placed by user B, who is another person, is left in the virtual space, if it is a small and inconspicuous item, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small and inconspicuous items that can be placed relatively easily.

[0150] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a small size but is set to a large size (step S64: NO), it generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S66).

[0151] <<Variation 6>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the size of the item, and also whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the size of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 18, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S81).

[0153] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0154] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S81: YES), it determines whether or not the item object is an item object that the user has placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S82).

[0155] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S82: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S83).

[0156] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S82: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S84).

[0157] Then, when it is determined that a small size is set for the other person's item object (step S84: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the other person's small-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S85).

[0158] When it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the other person's small-sized item object was placed (step S85: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's small-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S83).

[0159] In this way, even if a small-sized item B (another person's item object) belonging to user B, who is a different person, is placed, it can be seen on the screen of user A if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see the small, inconspicuous item belonging to the other person only for a limited short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0160] In response to this, when it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the small-sized item object of the other person was placed (step S85: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the small-sized item object of the other person from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object of the other person as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S86).

[0161] Then, when it is determined that the other person's item object is not set to a small size but is set to a large size (step S84: NO), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6, whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the other person's large-sized item object was placed (step S87).

[0162] When it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the other person's large-sized item object was placed (step S87: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's large-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S88).

[0163] In this way, even if the large-sized item B (other person's item object) belongs to user B, who is a different person, it will be visible on user A's screen if it is placed before the second time (predetermined time) has elapsed. Therefore, user A can see the large-sized item of the other person within a longer time limit than the small-sized item of the other person.

[0164] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the other person's large-sized item object was placed (step S87: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's large-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S86).

[0165] <Item rarity> <<Example>> Next, an embodiment of a method for generating an image showing a state of a virtual space according to the rarity of an item will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to a method for generating an image according to the rarity of an item.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 19, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S91).

[0167] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0168] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S91: YES), it determines whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object (step S92). Note that here, whether or not a high rarity level is set is determined regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0169] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the placement information of the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that a high rarity level is set for the item object if a rarity level of "4" to "5" is set for the item object, and determines that a low rarity level is set for the item object if a rarity level of "1" to "3" is set for the item object.

[0170] If it is determined that the item object has a high rarity (step S92: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the item object with high rarity from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object with high rarity as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S93).

[0171] On the other hand, if the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S92: NO), it generates an image including an item object of low rarity level as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S94).

[0172] In this way, even if the item object is left in the virtual space, if the item is set to a high rarity, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of anyone being able to easily see the highly rare item.

[0173] <<Modifications>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on not only the rarity of an item but also whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the rarity of an item and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. As shown in FIG. 20, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S101).

[0174] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0175] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S101: YES), it determines whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object (step S102). Note that, here, it is determined whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object, regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0176] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a high rarity level is set for the other person's item object (step S102: YES), it determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the high rarity item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S103).

[0177] When it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the high rarity item object was placed (step S103: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the high rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S104).

[0178] In this way, even if an item is set to be highly rare, it will be visible on the screen of user A if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can only view the highly rare item for a limited short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0179] In response to this, when it is determined that the first time has elapsed since the high rarity item object was placed (step S103: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the high rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the high rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S105).

[0180] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S102: NO), the object control unit 101 determines, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6, whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the item object of low rarity was placed (step S106).

[0181] When it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the low-rarity item object was placed (step S106: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the low-rarity item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S107).

[0182] In this way, even if an item is set to a low rarity, it can be seen on the screen of user A if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other people's items with low rarity for a longer time limit than other people's items with high rarity.

[0183] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the low-rarity item object was placed (step S106: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the low-rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the low-rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S105).

[0184] <Item size> <<Example>> Next, an embodiment of a method for generating an image showing a state of a virtual space according to the size of an article will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to a method for generating an image according to the size of an article.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 21, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S111).

[0186] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0187] Next, when it is determined that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S111: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not a large size is set for the item object (step S112). Note that here, whether or not a large size is set is determined regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0188] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that a small size is set for the item object if the size "small" is set, and determines that a large size is set for the item object if the size "large" is set.

[0189] Then, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a large size is set for the item object (step S112: YES), it generates an image including the large-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S113).

[0190] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a large size is not set for the item object, but a small size is set (step S112: NO), the object control unit 101 generates an image that does not include the small size item object as the image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S114).

[0191] In this way, even if the article object is left in the virtual space, if it is a large and conspicuous article, it will be visible on the screen of user A, and if it is a small and inconspicuous article, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, it is possible to draw attention to a large and conspicuous article in the virtual space, and to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small and inconspicuous articles that can be placed relatively easily.

[0192] <<Modifications>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on not only the size of an article but also whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to the method for generating an image depending on the size of an article.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 22, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the traveling direction based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S121).

[0194] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on a virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range as seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0195] Next, when it is determined that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S121: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not a small size is set for the item object (step S122). Note that here, whether or not a small size is set is determined regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0196] Then, when it is determined that a small size is set for the item object (step S122: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S123).

[0197] When it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed (step S122: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the small-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S125).

[0198] In this way, even if the item is small, it will be visible on the screen of user A if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other people's small, inconspicuous items only for a limited short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0199] On the other hand, when it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed (step S123: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the small-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the small-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S124).

[0200] Then, if it is determined that a small size is not set for the item object and a large size is set (step S122: NO), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S126).

[0201] If it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed (step S126: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the large-sized item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S127).

[0202] In this way, even if the item is large, it will be visible on the screen of user A if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can view the large item within a longer time limit than a small item of another person.

[0203] On the other hand, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed (step S126: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the large-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generating unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the large-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S124).

[0204] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below.

[0205] In addition, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiment described below.

[0206] <Item rarity> In the above-described embodiment, the modified examples and examples are described using examples in which an image including an item of low rarity is generated while an image not including an item of high rarity is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0207] For example, it is possible to generate an image including a high rarity item while generating an image not including a low rarity item. As a result, even if the item object is left in the virtual space, if it is a high rarity item, it will be visible on the user's screen, and if it is a low rarity item, it will not be visible on the user's screen. Therefore, it is possible to draw attention to items with high rarity value in the virtual space, and to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with items with low rarity value that are relatively easy to obtain.

[0208] <Item size> In the above embodiment, the modified examples and examples are described using examples of generating images including large-sized items while generating images that do not include small-sized items, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0209] For example, it is possible to generate an image including small-sized items while generating an image not including large-sized items. As a result, even if the item object remains in the virtual space, if it is a small-sized item, it will be visible on the user's screen, and if it is a large-sized item, it will not be visible on the user's screen. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with large-sized items that occupy a large area.

[0210] <Item placement cost> In the above embodiment, it is possible to generate an image including items with low placement costs while generating an image not including items with high placement costs. As a result, even if an item object is left in the virtual space, if the item has a low placement cost, it will be visible on the user's screen, and if the item has a high placement cost, it will not be visible on the user's screen. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with items with high placement costs that require a high load of rendering processing, resulting in a decrease in image quality.

[0211] <Item placement area> In the above-mentioned embodiment, images that do not include other people's items are generated in areas in the virtual space where many avatars tend to gather (for example, areas equivalent to town squares and parks, areas filled with many treasure chests, areas where many enemy characters appear, etc.), while images that include other people's items can be generated in areas in the virtual space where many avatars do not tend to gather (for example, areas deep in the mountains far from towns, etc.). As a result, even if an item object is left behind in the virtual space, in places where many avatars tend to gather, other people's items will not be visible on the user's screen, and will not be recognized as an intrusive residue.

[0212] <Relationship> In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a modified example was described in which a friend relationship is set between users as an example of a pre-set "special relationship," but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0213] For example, if there is a blacklist that lists users who engage in nuisance behavior within a virtual space, it is possible to assume that a user has a "special relationship" with users on that blacklist, and generate images that include items belonging to users outside the blacklist while also generating images that do not include items belonging to users on the blacklist.

[0214] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in the modified example, the determination of whether or not there is a "special relationship" is made in two stages ("yes" and "no"), and a decision as to whether or not to generate an image including another person's items is made based on the result of that determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0215] For example, it is possible to judge whether or not there is a "special relationship" in three or more stages. Specifically, the "special relationship" is divided into five stages ("deep relationship", "slightly deep relationship", "normal relationship", "slightly shallow relationship", and "shallow relationship"), and the rank to which the user belongs is determined by evaluation using a point system. For example, a score is set for each evaluation item, such as 5 points for "being in a friend relationship", 3 points for "having had a conversation in a virtual space", and 2 points for "having participated in an event together in a virtual space", and one of the five ranks is determined according to the total score acquired by the user and set for the user (for example, if the total score of the user is 10 points, the user is set to a "deep relationship", and if the total score of the user is 5 points, the user is set to a "normal relationship"). Under this premise, if the user has a "deep relationship" or a "slightly deep relationship" with another person, an image including the other person's items may be generated, while if the relationship is one of the "normal relationship", "slightly shallow relationship", and "shallow relationship", an image not including the other person's items may be generated.

[0216] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in a modified example, it is also possible to set a plurality of patterns for the timing of determining whether or not there is a "special relationship." For example, it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" at the current time, it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" at the time of item placement, or it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" both at the current time and at the time of item placement.

[0217] <Specified time> In the above embodiment, a modified example was described in which an item of high rarity becomes invisible on the user's screen after a "first time" has passed since an item of high rarity was placed, and an item of low rarity becomes invisible on the user's screen after a "second time" (wherein the "second time" is longer than the "first time") has passed since an item of low rarity was placed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "first time" may be set to be longer than the "second time."

[0218] Also, in the above embodiment, a modified example was described in which a small-sized item becomes invisible on the user's screen when a "first time" has passed after the placement of a small-sized item, and a large-sized item becomes invisible on the user's screen when a "second time" (wherein the "second time" is longer than the "first time") has passed after the placement of a large-sized item, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "first time" may be set to be longer than the "second time."

[0219] In the above embodiment, the predetermined time is defined as the time that has elapsed since the placement of the item, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the avatar moves a predetermined distance away from the item after placement, the predetermined time may be the time that has elapsed since the avatar left the item.

[0220] <System configuration> In the above embodiment, instead of the centralized network system equipped with a server device, a distributed network system using blockchain technology (distributed ledger technology) may be adopted. In the distributed network system, various information stored in the server device in the centralized network system can be distributed and stored in each terminal connected by peer-to-peer (P2P). By using blockchain technology, various information is managed in a mutual monitoring manner, making it possible to avoid unauthorized data tampering. In the distributed network system, objects (items, avatars, etc.) utilizing blockchain technology may be issued and circulated as non-fungible tokens (Non-Fungible Tokens: NFTs), making it possible to increase the asset value of the objects.

[0221] <Virtual reality> In the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to include VR (Virtual Reality) goggles, a head-mounted display, or a head-up display as part of the client terminal 10. In this case, an image of a virtual space can be displayed on the VR goggles or the like worn by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 10A Client Terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computer 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Devices 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 100 Client control section 101 Object Control Unit 102 Virtual camera control unit 103 Image Generation Unit 104 Display control unit 105 Purchasing Department 120 Client Memory 140 Client Communication Section 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display section 200 Server control unit 201 Information Management Department 202 Sales Department 220 Server memory 221 Article information storage unit 222 Area information storage unit 223 User information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 501 Item Object 502 areas 503 Item Object B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. Computer, an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in a virtual space is an item object placed by the user object himself / herself, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object is placed, an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in the virtual space is another person's item object not placed by said user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from said user object, in which said other person's item object is not placed; A program that functions as a

2. the image generating means generates an image in which the other person's item object is not placed when the other person's item object is an item object after a predetermined time has elapsed, and generates an image in which the other person's item object is placed when the other person's item object is an item object before the predetermined time has elapsed. The program according to claim 1.

3. the image generating means generates an image in which the other person's item object is not arranged as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the other person's item object is a other person's item object that does not have a preset relationship with the user, and generates an image in which the other person's item object is arranged when the other person's item object is a other person's item object that has a preset relationship with the user.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The image generating means includes: When the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is not placed, and when the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is placed, or When the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is not placed, and when the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is placed.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the image generating means generates an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the other person's item object is a small-sized item object and does not include the small-sized item object of the other person, and generates an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the other person's item object is a large-sized item object and includes the large-sized item object of the other person.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Computer, an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of low rarity level is placed, and when a high rarity level is set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed, or an image generating means for generating an image in which an item object of high rarity is placed in a virtual space as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object when a high rarity is set for the item object placed in the virtual space, and for generating an image in which an item object of low rarity is not placed in a virtual space as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object when a low rarity is set for the item object; A program that functions as a

7. Computer, an object control means for controlling a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to be large, an image in which the large-sized article object is placed as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; A program that functions as a

8. an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit that generates an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the user object's own item object is placed, when the item object placed in the virtual space is the user object's own item object placed by the user object himself / herself, an image generating unit that generates, when an item object placed in the virtual space is another person's item object that has not been placed by the user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the other person's item object is not placed; An information processing device comprising:

9. an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of low rarity level is placed, and when a high rarity level is set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed, or an image generating unit which generates an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when an item object placed in the virtual space is set to a high rarity, in which the item object of high rarity is placed, as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when viewed from the user object, and generates an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when an item object of low rarity is set, in which the item object of low rarity is not placed, as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space when viewed from the user object; An information processing device comprising:

10. an object control unit that controls a behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit configured to generate an image in which a large-sized article object is placed in a virtual space as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the size of the article object placed in the virtual space is set to a large size, an image generating unit that generates, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; An information processing device comprising:

Images