Virtual space management device

Abstract

To provide a virtual space management device capable of changing an avatar destination position depending on a content type.SOLUTION: A virtual space server 10 comprises a generating part 114, a condition selection part 116, a determination part 117, and a moving part 118. The generating part generates a historical object related to the activities in the user virtual space or an actual space. The condition selection part selects one condition from multiple conditions depending on the content type of a historical object by referring to related information determining the correspondence between multiple conditions to generate the positional information showing the position in the virtual space and the content type showing the historical object. The determination part determines the positional information showing the position in the virtual space corresponding to the historical object according to one condition selected by the condition selection part 116. The moving part moves the avatar to the position shown by the positional information when the prescribed operation for the historical object is performed by the avatar.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual space management device. [Background technology]

[0002] The system described in Patent Document 1 provides a user with a three-dimensional virtual reality space. When a user logs in to the service, an entry room is displayed on the user's terminal device. In the entry room, a plurality of three-dimensional icons representing the three-dimensional virtual reality space are arranged. Each three-dimensional icon is designed as a reduced version of the corresponding three-dimensional virtual reality space. Each three-dimensional icon is associated with a position in the three-dimensional virtual reality space. When a user clicks a first three-dimensional icon among the multiple three-dimensional icons, the terminal device displays the three-dimensional virtual reality space corresponding to the first three-dimensional icon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-154244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, if a virtual object related to the user's activity in the virtual space can be left in the virtual space, the user can look back on his / her memories. Possible types of content of the virtual object that can become memories include a photograph taken by the user in the virtual space, and a miniature of the virtual space such as a three-dimensional icon. When a user leaves various contents in the virtual space in this way, the user may want to change the conditions for determining the destination depending on the type of the contents.

[0005] However, conventional systems have a problem in that it is not possible to change the conditions for determining the destination depending on the type of content.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a virtual space management device that is capable of changing the destination position of an avatar corresponding to a user depending on the type of content represented by the virtual object when some operation is performed on a virtual object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The virtual space management device of the present disclosure includes a generation unit that generates a history object related to a user's activities in a virtual space or a real space, a condition selection unit that selects one condition from among multiple conditions in accordance with the type of content of the history object by referring to relationship information that defines a correspondence between multiple conditions for generating position information indicating a position in the virtual space and the type of content indicated by the history object, a determination unit that determines position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object in accordance with the one condition selected by the condition selection unit, and a movement unit that moves the avatar to a position indicated by the position information when a predetermined operation is performed by an avatar on the history object. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when a predetermined operation is performed on a history object, the conditions for determining the destination position of an avatar corresponding to a user can be changed depending on the type of content of the history object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a virtual space system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a virtual space provided by a virtual space server 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space server 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a first table TBL1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a second table TBL2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a history object table TBL4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a moving image table TBL5. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a relationship information table TBL6. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a method for generating photo content. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of photo content. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a history object X. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user device 20-k. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the virtual space server 10 related to a history object. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an individual space in which history objects X1 to X3 are arranged. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an individual space in which history objects X1 to X3 are arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1. Embodiment 1.1: Configuration of the embodiment 1.1.1: Overall structure FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a virtual space system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the virtual space system 1 includes a virtual space server 10 and user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-k, ... 20-j. k is an arbitrary integer between 1 and j. The user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-k, ... 20-j are used by users U[1], U[2], ... U[k], ... U[j]. The virtual space server 10 is connected to the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j via a communication network NW so that they can communicate with each other. The virtual space server 10 is an example of a virtual space management device. In the following description, the user device 20-k will be used as a representative of the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j. In addition, the user U[k] will be used as a representative of the users U[1], U[2], ... U[j].

[0011] The user device 20-k is configured by an information processing device having a function of displaying an image, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a head-mounted display. The user device 20-k may be configured by combining a tablet terminal or a smartphone with a head-mounted display.

[0012] When the user device 20-k includes a head-mounted display, the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with a three-dimensional image showing a three-dimensional virtual space. When the user device 20-k does not include a head-mounted display, the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with a two-dimensional image showing the virtual space. The two-dimensional image is an image seen in a certain direction from a certain point in the virtual space. In other words, the two-dimensional image shows the virtual space captured by a virtual camera in the virtual space.

[0013] The virtual space provided by the virtual space server 10 to the user device 20-k includes a first space that does not correspond to the real space and a second space that corresponds to the real space. The first space corresponds to, for example, a virtually generated virtual theme park, a virtual office, an aerial city, etc. The first space also includes individual spaces managed by each user. The preferences of the user who is the manager are reflected in the individual spaces. The individual spaces are also called identity worlds. The user can select various virtual objects to be placed in the individual spaces according to his / her preferences. The virtual objects to be placed in the individual spaces include furniture, wallpaper, photos, posters, etc.

[0014] The second space is a space that virtually reproduces a streetscape in a real space. For example, it is a virtual space that reproduces Tokyo in Japan or New York in the United States. The second space is generated, for example, by a photogrammetry method or a method using a LiDAR sensor. The photogrammetry method generates a 3D model from multiple 2D images of a subject taken from different angles. The method using a LiDAR sensor generates a 3D model by simultaneously capturing a 2D image of the object to be imaged and scanning it with a LiDAR sensor.

[0015] In the virtual space, a user U[k] acts using an avatar A[k]. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a virtual space provided by the virtual space server 10. The avatar A[k] shown in Figure 2 can move through the virtual space.

[0016] 1.1.2: Configuration of virtual space server 10 Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of virtual space server 10. As shown in Fig. 3, virtual space server 10 includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an input device 15. The elements of virtual space server 10 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information. Note that the term "apparatus" in this specification may be replaced with other terms such as circuit, device, or unit.

[0017] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire virtual space server 10. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11 is also configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0018] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 12 also stores various data including a control program P1 executed by the processing device 11, a first table TBL1, a second table TBL2, a position conversion table TBL3, a history object table TBL4, a video table TBL5, a relationship information table TBL6, a user table TBL7, and virtual object data Dv. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing device 11. The virtual object data Dv is data that represents a virtual object in three dimensions.

[0019] The first table TBL1 stores a user identifier UID and first activity history information related to the user's activity history in the virtual space in association with each other. The first table TBL1 includes a plurality of records. The user identifier UID (hereinafter referred to as "UID") is an identifier that uniquely identifies a user. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the first table TBL1. As shown in FIG. 4, the first activity history information includes date and time information, first location information, first voice information, first message information, first purchase information, and emote information.

[0020] The date and time information indicates the date and time when various information was generated. The first location information indicates the location in the virtual space of an avatar corresponding to a user. The first voice information indicates the voice of users' conversation in the virtual space. In the virtual space, users converse with each other through avatars. The first message information indicates the contents of text messages sent and received between users in the virtual space. The first purchase information indicates a virtual object purchased by a user in the virtual space or a service provided to a user. An example of a service is a concert held in the virtual space. The emote information indicates the type of emote performed by an avatar corresponding to a user. An emote refers to a typical movement of an avatar. Emotes can include movements such as jumping, spinning, bowing, and handstands.

[0021] The second table TBL2 stores the UID and second activity history information related to the user's activity history in the real space in association with each other. The second table TBL2 includes a plurality of records. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the second table TBL2. As shown in FIG. 5, the second activity history information includes date and time information, second location information, second voice information, second message information, and second purchase information.

[0022] The date and time information indicates the date and time when various information was generated. The second location information indicates the user's location in real space. The second voice information indicates the voice of the user's conversation in real space and the person with whom the conversation is taking place. The second message information indicates the content of text messages sent and received between users in real space and the destination of the text messages. The person with whom the conversation is taking place and the destination are indicated by UIDs. The second purchase information indicates goods purchased by the user or services provided to the user in real space. An example of a service is a massage.

[0023] As described above, the virtual space includes a first space that does not correspond to the real space and a second space that corresponds to the real space. The position conversion table TBL3 stores the first position information in the second space and the second position information in the real space in association with each other. Therefore, the processing device 11 can know whether a position in the real space exists in the virtual space by referring to the position conversion table TBL3.

[0024] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the history object table TBL4. As shown in Fig. 6, the history object table TBL4 stores a UID, an object identifier XID, date and time information, history object data, content information, position information, arrangement information, and control information in association with each other.

[0025] The object identifier XID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a history object. The history object data is data that indicates a history object. The history object is generated based on the user's activities in virtual space or real space. There are multiple types of content indicated by a history object. The content indicated by a history object in this embodiment includes miniatures, photographs, highlight images, and highlight videos. The types of content are not limited to the above four types. Furthermore, there may be two or more types of content. The content information indicates the type of content of the history object.

[0026] The miniature is configured by reducing one or more virtual objects arranged in the virtual space in which the user U[k] was active or in a virtual space corresponding to the real space in which the user U[k] was active. The one or more virtual objects correspond to, for example, one or more buildings arranged in the virtual space. The photograph is taken by the user. The photograph is two-dimensional image information. The highlight image is a still image showing characteristic parts of the user's activities in the virtual space within a predetermined period. Moreover, the highlight video is a video showing characteristic parts of the user's activities in the virtual space within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, the period from when the user logs in to the virtual space service until when he / she logs out. The predetermined period is not limited to the above period and may be, for example, one week.

[0027] Here, the photo content is generated when the user U[k] operates the user device 20-k. Specifically, photo information, which will be described later, is transmitted from the user device 20-k to the virtual space server 10. The photo information includes image information indicating the photo. In addition, the history object data of the miniature, the highlight image, and the highlight video is generated by the generation unit 114.

[0028] The position information indicates a destination position of a user's avatar when the user's avatar performs a predetermined operation on a history object.

[0029] The date and time information indicates the date and time when the history object was generated. The history object is placed in an individual space. The placement information indicates the position in the individual space where the history object is placed. The placement information may be expressed using a world coordinate system that represents the position in the entire virtual space, or may be expressed using a local coordinate system that represents the position within the individual space.

[0030] The control information is information indicating whether or not the avatar can be moved to a position determined by a determination unit 117 described later when the avatar performs a predetermined action on the history object. The control information may be set by the processing device 11 or by the user. For example, a special space may be set in the virtual space for which the period during which the avatar can be accessed is limited. When the history object is configured by reducing one or more virtual objects in the special space, the processing device 11 sets the control information to be movable only for a limited period. In addition, the user can change whether or not the avatar can be moved for each history object. In the initial state immediately after the history object is generated, the control information is set to be movable. After that, the user can change the control information to be unmovable. In this case, the processing device 11 receives a change request from the user device 20-k via the communication device 13. The change request includes a UID, an XID, and control information. The processing device 11 updates the history object table TBL4 based on the change request.

[0031] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the moving image table TBL5. As shown in Fig. 7, the moving image table TBL5 stores UIDs, date and time information, and moving image data in association with each other. The video data is image information generated by an image control unit 119, which will be described later, during the period from when the user U[k] logs in to the virtual space service until when he / she logs out. This image information is transmitted to the user device 20-k via the communication device 13. The date and time information indicates the login date and time and the logout date and time. A generation unit 114, which will be described later, generates history object data indicating a highlight image and a highlight video based on the video data, and stores the data in a history object table TBL4.

[0032] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the relationship information table TBL6. The relationship information table TBL6 is an example of relationship information. As shown in FIG. 8, the relationship information table TBL6 stores the type of content indicated by the history object in association with a determination condition. The determination condition indicates how to determine the position information indicating the destination position associated with the history object. The destination position associated with the history object is the position to which the avatar A[k] moves when a predetermined operation is performed on the history object by the avatar A[k] of the user U[k].

[0033] The determination condition Cx is a condition when the type of content is a miniature. The miniature is configured by reducing one or more virtual objects in a virtual space. The determination condition Cx indicates, for example, that the destination position is determined to be a position within a predetermined distance from the center position of the area where one or more virtual objects are in contact with the ground and where there is no danger when avatar A lands. For example, when the center position is a roadway, a pond, or inside the outer wall of a building, a position shifted from the center position by the determination condition Cx is determined as the position indicating the destination of the avatar. The destination position may be a position that is closest to the center position of the area where one or more virtual objects are in contact with the ground and where there is no danger when avatar A lands.

[0034] The determination condition Cy is a condition when the type of content is a photo. The determination condition Cx indicates, for example, that the photographed position is determined as the destination position. Note that, when the photo is taken in a virtual space, the determination condition Cx may indicate that the destination position is determined to be a position that is a predetermined distance away from the photographed position in a direction from the rear to the front of the avatar. The predetermined distance is, for example, 3 m or more and less than 10 m.

[0035] The determination condition Cw is a condition when the type of content is a highlight image. The determination condition Cw indicates, for example, that the position of the avatar at the timing when the highlight image is generated is determined as the destination position. The highlight image is an image of a certain frame of video data. Therefore, the timing when the highlight image is generated is the timing of a certain frame of video data in which the user's activity is recorded.

[0036] The determination condition Cz is a condition when the type of content is a highlight video. For example, the determination condition Cz indicates that the destination position is determined to be any position on a route along which an avatar corresponding to a user has moved from the start timing to the end timing of the highlight video.

[0037] In FIG. 3, user table TBL7 stores UIDs and attribute information in association with each other. The attribute information includes the user's name, age, address, and sex. The attribute information also includes the UIDs of the user's friends and the UIDs of the user's family members. The friend's UID may be a UID registered by the user himself or a UID of a person who is a friend in a social networking service (SNS) used by the user. Furthermore, the attribute information may include the UID of a person to whom the user has given a "Like" in the SNS used by the user. The UID recorded in the attribute information may be used when a determination unit 113 described later determines a specific person.

[0038] The communication device 13 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

[0039] The display device 14 is a device for displaying images. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11.

[0040] The input device 15 is a device that accepts operations by an administrator of the server. The input device 15 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation by the administrator to the processing device 11. The input device 15 is configured by, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0041] In the above configuration, the processing device 11 reads out the control program P1 from the storage device 12. The processing device 11 executes the read out control program P1 to function as an acquisition unit 111, an analysis unit 112, a determination unit 113, a generation unit 114, an arrangement unit 115, a condition selection unit 116, a determination unit 117, a movement unit 118, and an image control unit 119.

[0042] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the transmission information and the photo information transmitted from the user device 20-k via the communication device 13. The transmission information includes a pair of the UID of the user U[k] and the activity history information indicating the activity history, and the UID of the user U[k] and the operation information indicating the operation of the user U[k] on the avatar A[k]. The activity history information includes the above-mentioned first activity history information and the second activity history information. That is, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the activity history information indicating the activity history of the user U[k]. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 associates the first activity history information with the UID of the user U[k] and stores it in the first table TBL1. The acquisition unit 111 associates the second activity history information with the UID of the user U[k] and stores it in the second table TBL2.

[0043] The photo information includes a UID, date and time information when the photo was taken, image information of the photo, and first position information indicating the position in the virtual space where the photo was taken or second position information indicating the position in the real space where the photo was taken. When the photo information includes the second position information, the acquisition unit 111 converts the second position information into the first position information by referring to the position conversion table TBL3. However, when there is no position in the virtual space that corresponds to the real space, the acquisition unit 111 may discard the acquired photo information. This is because when there is no position in the virtual space that corresponds to the real space, it is not possible to identify the position to which the avatar will move.

[0044] The acquisition unit 111 stores image information included in the photo information as history object data in the history object table TBL4 in association with the UID, date and time information, location information, and content information indicating the photo. The location information stored in the history object table TBL4 is the first location information included in the photo information or the first location information obtained by converting the second location information included in the photo information.

[0045] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, while the user U[k] is logged in to the virtual space service, the user U[k] operates the user device 20-k to display a frame FL. The position and size of the frame FL are adjustable. The user U[k] further operates the user device 20-k to capture an image in the frame FL shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the user device 20-k transmits, as photo information, photo information including the UID of the user U[k], date and time information, image information indicating the captured image, and first position information indicating the position of the avatar A[k] to the virtual space server 10.

[0046] The analysis unit 112 refers to the first table TBL1 and the second table TBL2 to analyze the activity history of the user U[k].

[0047] The analysis unit 112 reads out a pair of time information and first location information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the first table TBL1. The analysis unit 112 calculates the place where the user U[k] stayed in the virtual space and the duration of stay based on the read time information and first location information. A place in the virtual space means an area having a certain area. For example, a virtual theme park, a virtual store, a virtual office, and place names correspond to places in the virtual space. The above analysis results are used when the determination unit 113, which will be described later, determines the first condition.

[0048] The analysis unit 112 reads out a pair of time information and second location information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the second table TBL2. The analysis unit 112 refers to the location conversion table TBL3 to determine whether or not there is first location information corresponding to the read second location information. If the determination result is positive, the analysis unit 112 calculates a location in the virtual space corresponding to the location where the user U[k] stayed in the real space and the duration of the stay, based on the read time information and the first location information corresponding to the read second location information. The above analysis result is used when the determination unit 113, which will be described later, determines the first condition.

[0049] The analysis unit 112 reads out a set of the first location information, the first voice information, and the first message information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the first table TBL1. The analysis unit 112 identifies the emotion felt by the user U[k] based on the read out first voice information and the first message information. The types of emotions to be identified may include "joy", "anger", "sorrow", "fun", "peace", "positive", and "negative". The analysis unit 112 reads out a set of the first location information and emote information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the first table TBL1. The analysis unit 112 may identify the emotion felt by the user U[k] according to the type of emote included in the read out emote information. The analysis unit 112 identifies the location in the virtual space where the user U[k] felt what emotion. The above analysis results are used when the determination unit 113 described later determines the second condition.

[0050] The analysis unit 112 reads out a set of the second location information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k], the second voice information, and the second message information from the second table TBL2. The analysis unit 112 refers to the location conversion table TBL3 to determine whether there is first location information corresponding to the read second location information. If the determination result is positive, the analysis unit 112 identifies what emotion the user U[k] felt at the location in the virtual space corresponding to the location in the real space based on the read second voice information and second message information and the first location information corresponding to the read second location information. The above analysis result is used when the determination unit 113, which will be described later, determines the second condition.

[0051] The analysis unit 112 identifies other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in the virtual space by referring to the first table TBL1. The analysis unit 112 identifies users who are located within a predetermined range from the position of the user U[k] for a predetermined continuous period of time as other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in the virtual space. The above analysis results are used when the determination unit 113, which will be described later, determines the third condition.

[0052] The analysis unit 112 identifies other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in real space by referring to the second table TBL2. The analysis unit 112 identifies users who are located within a predetermined range from the position of the user U[k] for a predetermined continuous time as other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in real space. The above analysis results are used when the determination unit 113, which will be described later, determines the third condition.

[0053] The determination unit 113 determines whether the user's activity indicated by the activity history information satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is at least one of a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition.

[0054] The first condition is that the user U[k] stays for a predetermined time or more in a location in the virtual space or in the real space. The determination unit 113 determines whether the stay time of the location where the user U[k] stayed in the virtual space analyzed by the analysis unit 112 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The determination unit 113 also determines whether the stay time of the location in the virtual space corresponding to the location where the user U[k] stayed in the real space analyzed by the analysis unit 112 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

[0055] The second condition is that the user U[k] has a predetermined emotion. The predetermined emotion is, for example, "joy" or "positivity." The determination unit 113 determines whether the emotion that the user U[k] has at a place in the virtual space, analyzed by the analysis unit 112, is the predetermined emotion. The determination unit 113 determines whether the emotion that the user U[k] has at a place in the virtual space corresponding to a place in the real space, analyzed by the analysis unit 112, is the predetermined emotion.

[0056] The third condition is that the user U[k] has engaged in an activity together with a specific person in the activity of the user U[k] in the virtual space or the real space. The specific person corresponds to, for example, a friend, a family member, or a person who has conversed with the user U[k] in the virtual space or the real space. The determination unit 113 determines whether a user who is located within a specific range from the position of the user U[k] in the virtual space for a specific period of time, as analyzed by the analysis unit 112, is a specific person. The determination unit 113 determines whether a user who is located within a specific range from the position of the user U[k] in the virtual space corresponding to the real space for a specific period of time, as analyzed by the analysis unit 112, is a specific person.

[0057] The generation unit 114 generates a history object related to the activity of the user U[k] in the virtual space or the real space.

[0058] As an example, when the determination result of the determination unit 113 is positive, the generation unit 114 generates a miniature, a highlight image, and a highlight video history object. More specifically, when the determination unit 113 determines that the first condition is satisfied, the generation unit 114 generates a miniature history object by reducing one or more virtual objects located at a location where the user U[k] stayed in the virtual space for a predetermined time or more. The generation unit 114 reads out video data corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the video table TBL5. The generation unit 114 generates a highlight image showing a characteristic part of the activity of the user U[k] based on the video data. The generation unit 114 generates a highlight video showing a characteristic part of the activity of the user U[k] based on the video data.

[0059] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a history object X. As shown in Fig. 11, the history object X is a miniature of one or more virtual objects representing a plurality of buildings. For example, when an avatar A[k] of a user U[k] stays in the group of buildings in the virtual space shown in Fig. 2 for a predetermined period of time or more, a history object X shown in Fig. 10 is generated.

[0060] Furthermore, the generation unit 114 may determine the type of content of the history object to be generated based on a combination of the judgment conditions that are affirmed by the judgment unit 113 among the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. For example, when only the first condition is satisfied, a miniature history object may be generated. When the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, a history object of a highlight video and a miniature history object may be generated. Furthermore, when only the third condition is satisfied, the generation unit 114 may generate a history object of a highlight image. That is, the generation unit 114 may determine the type of content of the history object based on the activity of the user U[k] in the virtual space or the real space.

[0061] When the type of content of history object X is a highlight image or a highlight video, generation unit 114 reads video data from video table TBL5. Generation unit 114 generates history object data indicating a highlight image or a highlight video based on the read video data. Generation unit 114 may generate history object data indicating a highlight image or a highlight video from video data of at least one of a period satisfying a first condition, a period satisfying a second condition, and a period satisfying a third condition.

[0062] Furthermore, the generation unit 114 may determine the type of content of the history object to be generated based on a combination of judgment conditions among the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition that are affirmed by the judgment unit 113. In this case, the generation unit 114 may generate history object data indicating a highlight image or a highlight video from video data of a period in which the conditions corresponding to the type of content of the history object are satisfied.

[0063] Furthermore, the generation unit 114 stores the history object data in the history object table TBL4 in association with the UID of the user U[k], date and time information, content information, and position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object X. Note that the position information is generated by the generation unit 114 according to a determination condition determined by the determination unit 117, which will be described later.

[0064] The placement unit 115 places the history object X in the individual space managed by the user U[k]. Placement means determining the position of the history object X in the individual space.

[0065] As described above, the history object X is generated based on the activity history of the user U[k]. Therefore, when the user U[k] is active in the virtual space or the real space, the history object X is generated sequentially. When the history object X is generated sequentially by the generation unit 114, the arrangement unit 115 arranges the multiple history objects X generated sequentially according to a predetermined rule.

[0066] The arrangement unit 115 arranges the multiple history objects X in the individual space in a positional relationship in which the distance from the reference position becomes shorter in the order in which the history objects X were generated. The arrangement unit 115 may also arrange the multiple history objects X in the individual space in a positional relationship in which the distance from the reference position becomes shorter in the order in which the user U[k] has stayed in a location in the virtual space or a location in the real space for the longest time. Furthermore, the arrangement unit 115 may arrange the multiple history objects X in the individual space according to the type of activity of the user U[k].

[0067] The reference position indicates a coordinate in the individual space. The reference position may be a fixed coordinate or a variable coordinate. For example, when an avatar A[k] of a user U[k] is located in an individual space, the reference position may be the position of the avatar A[k].

[0068] The condition selection unit 116 shown in Fig. 3 selects a decision condition from among a plurality of conditions according to the type of content indicated by the history object by referring to the relationship information table TBL6. If the type of content is a miniature, the condition selection unit 116 selects decision condition Cx. If the type of content is a photograph, the condition selection unit 116 selects decision condition Cy. If the type of content is a highlight image, the condition selection unit 116 selects decision condition Cw. If the type of content is a highlight video, the condition selection unit 116 selects decision condition Cz.

[0069] The determination unit 117 determines, in accordance with the determination condition selected by the condition selection unit 116, position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object.

[0070] When avatar A performs a predetermined action on a history object, the moving unit 118 moves avatar A to a position indicated by the position information linked to the history object. Specifically, the moving unit 118 determines whether avatar A has performed a predetermined action on a virtual object based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. When the determination result is positive, the moving unit 118 refers to the history object table TBL4 and reads out position information corresponding to the XID of the history object. The moving unit 118 moves avatar A to the position indicated by the read out position information. The predetermined action is, for example, an action of avatar A touching a virtual object.

[0071] The image control unit 119 generates image information to be displayed on the user device 20-k. If the user device 20-k is a device capable of displaying three-dimensional images, such as a head-mounted display, the image information indicates a three-dimensional image. On the other hand, if the user device 20-k is a device incapable of displaying three-dimensional images, the image information indicates a two-dimensional image. The image control unit 119 switches the type of image information depending on whether the user device 20-k is capable of displaying three-dimensional images. The image information generated by the image control unit 119 is transmitted to the user device 20-k via the communication device 13.

[0072] 1.1.3: User device configuration 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the user device 20-k. The user device 20-k includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, an input device 25, an imaging device 26, a microphone 27, a speaker 28, and a GPS device 29. The elements of the user device 20-k are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0073] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire user device 20-k. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0074] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also stores a plurality of programs including a control program P2 executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21.

[0075] The communication device 23 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface.

[0076] The display device 24 is a device that displays images. The display device 24 displays various images under the control of the processing device 21. When the user device 20-k is a head-mounted display, the display device 24 includes a display for the left eye and a display for the right eye. Different images according to the parallax are displayed on the two displays, allowing the user U[k] to recognize a three-dimensional image.

[0077] The input device 25 is a device that accepts an operation of the user U[k]. The input device 25 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the user U[k] to the processing device 21. The input device 25 is configured by, for example, a touch panel. The input device 25 may also include an imaging device 26 described below. When the input device 25 includes the imaging device 26, the input device 25 detects a gesture of the user U[k] based on an image captured by the imaging device 26, and outputs an operation signal indicating the detected gesture to the processing device 21.

[0078] The imaging device 26 outputs imaging data obtained by imaging the outside world. The imaging device 26 also includes, for example, a lens, an imaging element, an amplifier, and an AD converter. The imaging element converts light collected through the lens into an imaging signal, which is an analog signal. The amplifier amplifies the imaging signal and outputs it to the AD converter. The AD converter converts the amplified imaging signal, which is an analog signal, into imaging data, which is a digital signal. The converted imaging data is output to the processing device 21. The imaging data output to the processing device 21 is output to the processing device 11 via the communication device 23.

[0079] The microphone 27 is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 27 includes a DA converter. The microphone 27 converts a sound based on the speech of the user U[k] into a voice signal, and converts the voice signal into voice data using the DA converter. The voice data is output to the processing device 21.

[0080] The speaker 28 is a device that converts an electrical signal into sound. The speaker 28 includes an AD conversion device. The sound data output from the processing device 21 is converted into a sound signal by the AD conversion device. The speaker 28 converts the input sound signal into sound and emits the sound. The speaker 28 may be built into an earphone.

[0081] The GPS device 29 receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites, and generates position data indicating the position of the user device 20-k based on the received radio waves. The generated position data is output to the processing device 11.

[0082] 1.2: Operation of Virtual Space Server 10 The operation of the virtual space server 10 with respect to history objects will now be described.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the virtual space server 10 when generating a history object.

[0084] In step S10 shown in FIG. 13, the processing device 11 acquires activity history information from the user device 20-k via the communication device 13.

[0085] In step S11, the processing device 11 determines whether or not photo information indicating a photo taken of the virtual space has been acquired from the user device 20-k via the communication device 13.

[0086] If the determination result in step S11 is positive, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S21. If the determination result in step S11 is negative, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S12.

[0087] In step S12, the processing device 11 determines whether or not it has acquired, via the communication device 13, photo information indicating a photo captured of the real space from the user device 20-k.

[0088] If the determination result of step S12 is negative, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S13. In step S13, the processing device 11 determines whether the activity history information acquired in step S10 is the first activity history information. If the determination result of step S11 is positive, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S14.

[0089] In step S14, the processor 11 updates the first table TBL1. In this update, the processor 11 stores the first activity history information acquired in step S10 in the first table TBL1 in association with the UID of the user U[k].

[0090] In step S15, the processing device 11 analyzes the first activity history information. In this analysis, the processing device 11 executes a first analysis process related to the first condition, a second analysis process related to the second condition, and a third analysis process related to the third condition.

[0091] In the first analysis process, the processing device 11 calculates the places where the user U[k] stayed in the virtual space and the duration of the stay, based on the time information and the first position information included in the first activity history information.

[0092] In the second analysis process, the processing device 11 identifies the emotion felt by the user U[k] and the place where the emotion was felt, based on the first location information, the first voice information, the first message information, or the emote information included in the first activity history information.

[0093] The processing device 11 may convert the voice represented by the first voice information into text, perform morphological element analysis on the converted text, and identify the emotion contained in the voice based on the analysis result. Furthermore, the processing device 11 may analyze the intonation of the voice represented by the first voice information, and identify the emotion felt by the user U[k] based on the analysis result of the intonation and the analysis result of the morphological element.

[0094] The processing device 11 may perform a form element analysis on the message indicated by the first message information, and identify the emotion contained in the message based on the analysis result.

[0095] The processing device 11 may identify the emotion felt by the user U[k] according to the type of emote included in the emote information. For example, if the emote information indicates jumping, the processing device 11 may analyze that the emotion felt by the user U[k] is joy.

[0096] The processing device 11 identifies the place in the virtual space where the user U[k] felt the emotion, based on the first position information.

[0097] In the third analysis process, the processing device 11 refers to the first table TBL1 to identify other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in the virtual space. The processing device 11 identifies users who are located within a predetermined range from the position of the user U[k] for a predetermined continuous time as other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in the virtual space. When the processing device 11 finishes the processing of step S15, it advances the processing to step S19.

[0098] If the determination result in step S12 is positive, or if the determination result in step S13 is negative, the processing device 11 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the processing device 11 updates the second table TBL2. In this update, the processing device 11 stores the second activity history information acquired in step S10 in the second table TBL2 in association with the UID of the user U[k].

[0099] In step S17, the processing device 11 determines whether there is a location in the virtual space corresponding to the location where the user U[k] was active in the real space indicated by the second location information included in the second activity history information. Specifically, the processing device 11 refers to the location conversion table TBL3 to determine whether there is first location information corresponding to the second location information. If there is first location information corresponding to the second location information, the processing device 11 executes the processes of steps S22 and S23 described below using the converted first location information.

[0100] If the determination result of step S17 is positive, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S18. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S17 is positive, there is no place in the virtual space corresponding to the place where the user U[k] was active in the real space. In this case, the history object X cannot be generated, so the processing device 11 ends the process. By executing the determination process of step S17 before step S18, the processing load of the processing device 11 can be reduced.

[0101] In step S18, the processing device 11 analyzes the second activity information. In this analysis, the processing device 11 executes a first analysis process related to the first condition, a second analysis process related to the second condition, and a third analysis process related to the third condition, similar to step S15.

[0102] In the first analysis process, the processing device 11 calculates the location in the virtual space corresponding to the location where the user U[k] stayed in the real space and the duration of stay based on the time information contained in the second activity history information and the converted first location information.

[0103] In the second analysis process, the processing device 11 identifies the emotion felt by the user U[k] based on the second voice information or the second message information included in the second activity history information. The method of analyzing the emotion based on the second voice information or the second message information is similar to the method of analyzing the emotion based on the first voice information or the first message information described in step S15.

[0104] In the third analysis process, the processing device 11 refers to the second table TBL2 to identify other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in real space. The processing device 11 identifies users who are located within a predetermined range from the position of the user U[k] for a predetermined continuous time as other users U who have shared activities with the user U[k] in real space. When the processing device 11 finishes the processing of step S18, it proceeds to the processing of step S19.

[0105] In step S19, the processing device 11 judges whether the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition is satisfied. Specifically, the processing device 11 judges whether the stay time in the place in the virtual space obtained in the first analysis processing in step S15 in the judgment of the first condition is a predetermined time or more. Also, the processing device 11 judges whether the stay time in the place in the virtual space obtained in the first analysis processing in step S18 in the judgment of the first condition is a predetermined time or more. This stay time is the stay time in the place in the virtual space corresponding to the place where the user U[k] stayed in the real space.

[0106] In determining whether the second condition is met, the processing device 11 determines whether the emotion felt by the user U[k] in the virtual space obtained in the second analysis process in step S15 is a predetermined emotion. In addition, in determining whether the second condition is met, the processing device 11 determines whether the emotion felt by the user U[k] in the real space obtained in the second analysis process in step S18 is a predetermined emotion.

[0107] In determining whether the third condition is satisfied, the processing device 11 determines whether the other user U who has participated in an activity in the virtual space with the user U[k] obtained in the third analysis process in step S15 is a predetermined person. The predetermined user is, for example, a friend or a family member. The processing device 11 reads out attribute information corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] from the user table TBL7, and determines whether the other user U is a predetermined person based on the read out attribute information. The processing device 11 also determines whether the other user U who has participated in an activity in the real space with the user U[k] obtained in the third analysis process in step S18 is a predetermined person.

[0108] If the determination result in step S19 is negative, the processing device 11 ends the process. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S19 is positive, the processing device 11 advances the process to step S20.

[0109] In step S20, the processing device 11 determines the type of content. The processing device 11 generates content information indicating the determined type of content. Specifically, the processing device 11 acquires photo information taken in a virtual space, and when the judgment result in step S11 is positive, determines the type of content of the history object to be a photo. Also, when the processing device 11 acquires photo information taken in a real space and the position where the photo was taken exists in the virtual space, determines the type of content of the history object to be a photo.

[0110] Furthermore, the processing device 11 determines the type of content of the history object to be generated based on the combination of the judgment conditions that are affirmed in the judgment process of step S19 out of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition.

[0111] In step S21, the processing device 11 selects a decision condition from among a plurality of conditions according to the type of content indicated by the history object by referring to the relationship information table TBL6. If the type of content is a miniature, the processing device 11 selects decision condition Cx. If the type of content is a photograph, the processing device 11 selects decision condition Cy. If the type of content is a highlight image, the processing device 11 selects decision condition Cw. If the type of content is a highlight video, the processing device 11 selects decision condition Cz.

[0112] In step S21, the processing device 11 generates history object data indicating the type of content determined in step S20. The processing device 11 generates position information indicating the destination position of the avatar according to the determination condition selected in step S21. The processing device 11 also stores the generated history object data, the generated position information, the content information generated in step S20, and the date and time information in the history object table TBL4 in association with the UID and XID.

[0113] In step S23, the processing device 11 generates placement information by, for example, executing the following process. The processing device 11 extracts all records corresponding to the UID of the user U[k] stored in the history object table TBL4. Based on the date and time information of the extracted records, the processing device 11 places the multiple history objects X in the individual space in a positional relationship in which the distance from the reference position becomes shorter in the order in which they were generated.

[0114] For example, consider the following conditions 1 to 4. Condition 1: The reference position is the center of the floor of the individual space, and the coordinates of the reference position are (x, y, z) = (100, 100, 0). Condition 2: As the multiple history objects X, history object X1, history object X2, and history object X3 are extracted. Condition 3: The size of history object X1, history object X2, and history object X3 is a cube with one side measuring "10". Condition 4: The date and time information of the history object X1 is t1, the date and time information of the history object X2 is t2, and the date and time information of the history object X1 is t3. t1 is a date and time earlier than t2, and t2 is a date and time earlier than t3.

[0115] In this case, the processing device 11 generates, for example, (100, 100, 5) as the placement information of the history object X1, (100, 100, 15) as the placement information of the history object X2, and (100, 100, 25) as the placement information of the history object X3. The processing device 11 stores the generated placement information of the history object X1, the placement information of the history object X2, and the placement information of the history object X3 in the history object table TBL4. Note that the placement information of the history objects X1 to X3 indicates the coordinates of the center of each of the history objects X1 to X3.

[0116] Fig. 14 shows an example of an individual space in which history objects X1 to X3 are arranged. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the history objects X1 to X3 are arranged in the Z-axis direction from a reference position Pref (100, 100, 0). Note that the content type of the history objects X1 to X3 shown in Fig. 14 is miniature.

[0117] When the multiple history objects X corresponding to the extracted records are history objects X generated by satisfying the first condition, the processing device 11 may arrange the multiple history objects X in the individual space in a positional relationship in which the distance from the reference position decreases in ascending order of the time spent staying at the place corresponding to the history object X. For example, assume that the time spent staying at the place corresponding to the history object X1 is 30 minutes, the time spent staying at the place corresponding to the history object X2 is 2 hours, and the time spent staying at the place corresponding to the history object X3 is 1 hour. Also, the reference position is the position of the avatar A in the individual space. In this case, the individual space in which the history objects X1 to X3 are arranged is, for example, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0118] In the above processing, the processing device 11 functions as an acquisition unit 111 in steps S10 to S14 and step S150. The processing device 11 functions as an analysis unit 112 in steps S15 and S18. The processing device 11 functions as a determination unit 113 in steps S17 and S19. The processing device 11 also functions as a generation unit 114 in steps S20 and S22. The processing device 11 functions as a condition selection unit 116 in step S21. The processing device 11 functions as a placement unit 115 in step S22.

[0119] 1.3: Effects of the embodiment According to the above description, the virtual space server 10 includes a generating unit 114, a condition selecting unit 116, a determining unit 117, and a moving unit 118. The generating unit 114 generates a history object related to the activity of the user U[k] in the virtual space or the real space. The condition selecting unit 116 selects one condition from the multiple conditions according to the type of content of the history object by referring to a relationship information table TBL6 that defines a correspondence between multiple conditions for generating position information indicating a position in the virtual space and the type of content indicated by the history object. The determining unit 117 determines position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object according to the one condition selected by the condition selecting unit 116. The moving unit 118 moves the avatar A[k] to the position indicated by the position information when a predetermined operation is performed on the history object by the avatar A[k].

[0120] Since the virtual space server 10 has the above configuration, when a predetermined operation is performed on a history object, the condition for determining the destination position of the avatar corresponding to the user can be changed according to the type of content of the history object. Also, when it is desired to change the destination position of the avatar A[k] according to the type of content, it is only necessary to update the relationship information table TBL6 referred to by the condition selection unit 116, so that the operation cost can be suppressed.

[0121] The content types of the history object include at least one of a photograph, a miniature of one or more virtual objects in the virtual space, a highlight image showing characteristic parts of the user's activities, and a highlight video showing characteristic parts of the user's activities. Since the history object corresponds to a plurality of types of content, the user can leave memories in the virtual space in various forms.

[0122] The content of the history object includes a photograph, and when the type of content is a photograph, the relationship information table TBL6 indicates the photograph's shooting location as the location indicated by the location information. This allows the avatar to move to the photograph's shooting location when a specific operation is performed on the history object by the avatar. This allows the user to not only view the photograph but also move to the shooting location in the virtual space, making it easy to look back on past events.

[0123] The contents of the history object include a miniature, and when the type of the contents is a miniature, the relationship information table TBL6 indicates, as the position indicated by the position information, a position that is within a predetermined distance from the center position of the area where the one or more virtual objects are in contact with the ground and that is free from danger when the avatar moves. This allows the avatar to be set to a position that is free from danger even if the center position is a river or a road on which vehicles pass. Therefore, there is no inconvenience in the environment of the destination even if the avatar moves.

[0124] The content of the history object includes a highlight image, and when the type of content is a highlight image, the relationship information table TBL6 indicates the position of the avatar corresponding to the user at the time when the highlight image was generated as the position indicated by the position information. Since the highlight image indicates a characteristic part of the user's activity, the time when the highlight image was generated is a time that is memorable to the user. When a specific operation is performed by the avatar on the history object, the user can move to a place that is memorable to the user, so that the user can easily look back on past events.

[0125] The content of the history object includes a highlight video, and when the type of content is a highlight video, the relationship information table TBL6 indicates, as the location indicated by the location information, any location on the route traveled by the avatar corresponding to the user from the start timing to the end timing of the highlight video. Since the highlight video indicates characteristic parts of the user's activities, the period from the start timing to the end timing of the highlight video is a period during which the user had a memorable experience. When a specific operation is performed by the avatar on the history object, the user can move to a place that is memorable to the user, and the user can easily look back on past events.

[0126] 2. Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined.

[0127] 2.1: Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the position information indicating the destination of the avatar is generated together with the history object data, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. When a predetermined operation is performed on the history object by the avatar A[k], the condition selection unit 116 may select one condition from a plurality of conditions according to the type of content of the history object, and the determination unit 117 may determine position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object according to the one condition selected by the condition selection unit 116. Furthermore, the determination unit 117 may store the position information in the history object table TBL4.

[0128] 2.2: Variation 2 In the above-described embodiment, the arrangement unit 115 arranges the multiple history objects X in chronological order or in order of stay time, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement unit 115 may arrange the multiple history objects X in individual spaces while maintaining the positional relationship of the multiple history objects in the virtual space.

[0129] 2.3: Variation 3 In the above-described embodiment, the arrangement unit 115 may classify a plurality of history objects X into a plurality of categories according to a predetermined rule, and arrange history objects X belonging to the same category closer to each other than history objects X belonging to other categories. Examples of categories include "memories with friends" and "memories of intellectual experiences." The types of content of history objects may also be categories. In this case, the history objects are classified into categories such as photos or miniatures, and individual spaces are organized.

[0130] 2.4: Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 113 determines that the predetermined person in the third condition is a friend of the user U[k] or a family member of the user U[k], but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The predetermined person may be any person designated by the user U[k]. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire designation information indicating the person designated by the user U[k] from the user device 20-k via the communication device. The determination unit 113 may determine the predetermined person using the acquired designation information. The designation information may be information related to so-called friend registration.

[0131] The predetermined person in the third condition may be a person with whom the user U[k] has spoken a predetermined number of times or more using the user device 20-k in the virtual space or the real space. In this case, the determination unit 113 may identify a person with whom the user U[k] has spoken a predetermined number of times or more based on the destinations of the first voice information and the second voice information included in the activity history information. The predetermined person in the third condition may be a person with whom the user U[k] has sent or received a message a predetermined number of times or more using the user device 20-k in the virtual space or the real space. In this case, the determination unit 113 may identify a person with whom the user U[k] has sent or received a message a predetermined number of times or more based on the destinations of the first message information and the second message information included in the activity history information.

[0132] The specified person in the third condition may be a person who has engaged in an activity in a specified proximity with the user U[k] in a virtual space or real space.

[0133] The predetermined person in the third condition may be a person who performs an emote simultaneously with the user U[k] a predetermined number of times or more in the virtual space. The determination unit 113 may identify the predetermined person based on the date and time information and the emote information stored in the first table TBL1.

[0134] 3:Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, the storage device 12 and the storage device 22 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but the storage devices 12 and 22 may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via telecommunications lines. The programs may also be transmitted from a communications network NW via telecommunications lines.

[0135] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0136] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the input / output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input / output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. The output information, etc. may be deleted. The input information, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0137] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the determination may be made based on a value represented using one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0138] (5) The order of the process steps, sequences, flow charts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be changed without causing any inconsistency. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0139] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically combined, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and directly or indirectly connected (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). The functional block may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0140] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0141] Additionally, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired and / or wireless technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave, etc.), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0142] (8) In each of the above embodiments, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

[0143] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0144] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the user devices 20-1 to 20-j may be mobile stations (MS). A mobile station may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable term. In the present disclosure, the terms "mobile station", "user terminal", "user equipment (UE)", "terminal", etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0145] (11) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the terms "connected" and "coupled" or any variation thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read with "access". As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and light (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0146] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0147] (13) The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, "determining" and "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. In addition, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc., to be a "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering some action to be a "judgment" or "decision." In addition, "judgment" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0148] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0149] (15) In this disclosure, where articles have been added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural.

[0150] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0151] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched according to execution. In addition, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is the case") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the specific information).

[0152] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1...virtual space system, 10...virtual space server, 11...processing device, 12...storage device, 13...communication device, 14...display device, 15...input device, 20...user device, 21...processing device, 22...storage device, 23...communication device, 24...display device, 25...input device, 26...imaging device, 27...microphone, 28...speaker, 29...GPS device, 111...acquisition unit, 112...analysis unit, 113...determination unit, 114...generation unit, 115...placement unit, 116...condition selection unit, 117...determination unit, 118...movement unit, 119...image control unit, X...history object, TBL1...first table, TBL2...second table, TBL3...position conversion table, TBL4...history object table, TBL5...video table, TBL6...relationship information table, TBL7...user table.

Claims

1. A generation unit that generates a history object related to a user's activity in a virtual space or a real space; a condition selection unit that selects one condition from among a plurality of conditions in accordance with a content type of the history object by referring to relationship information that defines a correspondence between a plurality of conditions for generating position information indicating a position in the virtual space and a content type indicated by the history object; a determination unit that determines position information indicating a position in the virtual space corresponding to the history object in accordance with one of the conditions selected by the condition selection unit; a moving unit that moves the avatar to a position indicated by the position information when a predetermined operation is performed on the history object by the avatar; A virtual space management device comprising:

2. The virtual space management device of claim 1, wherein the types of content of the history object include at least one of a photograph, a miniature of one or more virtual objects in the virtual space, a highlight image showing characteristic parts of the user's activities, and a highlight video showing characteristic parts of the user's activities.

3. the content of the history object includes the photo; The virtual space management device according to claim 2 , wherein when the type of the content is a photograph, the relationship information indicates a shooting position of the photograph as the position indicated by the position information.

4. the contents of the history object include the miniature; The virtual space management device of claim 2, wherein when the type of the content is the miniature, the relationship information indicates a position indicated by the position information that is within a predetermined distance from the center position of the area where the one or more virtual objects are in contact with the ground and that is free of danger when the avatar moves.

5. the content of the history object includes the highlight image; The virtual space management device according to claim 2 , wherein when the type of the content is the highlight image, the relationship information indicates the position of an avatar corresponding to the user at the time the highlight image is generated as the position indicated by the position information.

6. the content of the history object includes the highlight video; The virtual space management device of claim 2, wherein when the type of the content is the highlight video, the relationship information indicates as the position indicated by the position information any position on a route traveled by an avatar corresponding to the user from a start time to an end time of the highlight video.

Images