Information processor, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor capable of maintaining order in a virtual world.SOLUTION: The information processor for providing a virtual space is configured so as to record any of a piece of information regarding positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in a virtual space and a piece of information including information regarding conversational acts between the first avatar and the second avatar in a piece of action record information as a piece of information representing the interaction between the first avatar and the second avatar, and when the interaction action recorded in the action record information meets a certain criterion, determine whether or not one of the first avatar or the second avatar has caused a trouble to the other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, services have been provided that allow many users to participate in a virtual space (metaverse) using their own avatars and enjoy various activities and communications within the virtual space. In addition, there are studies underway to impose penalties, such as behavioral restrictions or expulsion, on avatars (users) who engage in nuisance behavior, such as abusive language, in the virtual space (Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6836379 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2023 / 286312 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is possible that there may be avatars in a virtual space who behave in a way that is not clearly nuisance, such as verbal abuse, but is still annoying to others. If such avatars are left alone, the atmosphere of the virtual space will deteriorate, and many users will no longer be able to enjoy it.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for preventing avatars (users) from engaging in nuisance behavior that may make others feel uncomfortable, including but not limited to abusive language, and for maintaining peace in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides an information processing device that provides a virtual space, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor cooperates with the memory to record information including either information regarding a positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual space or information regarding a conversation between the first avatar and the second avatar in action record information as information indicating an interaction action between the first avatar and the second avatar, and determines whether or not one of the first avatar or the second avatar has engaged in nuisance behavior toward the other when the interaction action recorded in the action record information satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0007] The present disclosure provides an information processing method in an information processing device that provides a virtual space, which records information including either information regarding the positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual space or information regarding a conversation between the first avatar and the second avatar in action record information as information indicating an interaction action between the first avatar and the second avatar, and determines whether or not one of the first avatar or the second avatar has engaged in nuisance behavior toward the other when the interaction action recorded in the action record information satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described above.

[0009] Furthermore, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, avatars (users) are prevented from engaging in nuisance behavior that may make others feel uncomfortable, including abusive language, and public order in the virtual space can be maintained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of threshold information according to the present embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of action record information according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of nuisance information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of nuisance score information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of penalty information according to the present embodiment; [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of a process related to detection of a nuisance, a warning, and a penalty according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of an information processing device and a terminal according to the present disclosure by a computer program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Present embodiment) <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display of a virtual space according to the present embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, an information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2 and terminals 3 (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) owned by each user 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D). The information processing device 2 and the terminals 3 can transmit and receive information to each other via the Internet 4. Examples of the terminals 3 include smartphones, tablet terminals, PCs, game consoles, and Head Mounted Displays (HMDs).

[0015] The information processing device 2 forms a virtual space 15 as shown in Fig. 2 and displays it on the screen of the terminal 3. In the virtual space 15, the user's own avatar 20 and other people's avatars 20 exist, and the user 10 can move his / her own avatar 20 in the virtual space 15 and converse with the other people's avatars 20 through the terminal 3.

[0016] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user 10A moves his / her avatar 20A closer to the avatar 20B of another person and talks with the user 10B of the avatar 20B of the other person. At this time, if the avatar 20A approaches inside the personal space of the avatar 20B, the user 10B of the avatar 20B may feel uncomfortable. Note that the personal space is a space that makes a person feel uncomfortable when approached by another person, and may differ depending on the individual's personality and the other person. Also, if the avatar 20A continues to talk unilaterally to the avatar 20B, the user 10B of the avatar 20B may feel uncomfortable. In this way, in communication between avatars in the virtual space 15, not only abusive language but also nuisance behavior that may make the other person feel uncomfortable may occur. Reducing the occurrence of such nuisance behavior as much as possible leads to improving the atmosphere in the virtual space 15 and maintaining public order in the virtual space 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for suppressing the occurrence of nuisance behavior that may make one user (avatar) feel uncomfortable in the virtual space 15 will be described.

[0017] The information processing device 2 holds and manages the following information: threshold information 210, behavior record information 220, nuisance behavior information 230, nuisance behavior score information 240, and penalty information 250. The information processing device 2 may store these pieces of information in at least one of the memory 1002 and the storage 1003 (see FIG. 9). Next, these pieces of information will be described.

[0018] <Threshold information> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the threshold information 210 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] A threshold for determining whether or not each avatar 20 (each user 10) feels that an action is a nuisance is set in the threshold information 210. The threshold information 210 has items such as an avatar ID, a partner attribute, a distance threshold, and a conversation ratio threshold.

[0020] For example, the first line of the threshold information shown in Figure 3 indicates that user 10B of avatar 20B (avatar ID) perceives the behavior of the other party's avatar as nuisance behavior if the attribute of the other party's avatar is "normal avatar" (other party attribute), the distance between his / her avatar and the other party's avatar in virtual space 15 is less than 50 (distance threshold), or the conversation ratio between his / her avatar and the other party's avatar is less than 0.2 (conversation ratio threshold).

[0021] The conversation ratio may be a value obtained by dividing the amount of conversation of one's avatar by the amount of conversation of the other avatar. When avatars have a voice conversation between each other, the amount of conversation may be read as conversation time. When avatars have a text conversation (chat) between each other, the amount of conversation may be read as the number of characters in the conversation. However, the method of calculating the conversation ratio is not limited to this, and any method may be used for calculation. Furthermore, instead of the conversation ratio, the difference in the amount of conversation between one's avatar and the other avatar (conversation difference) may be used. The conversation difference may be a value obtained by subtracting the amount of conversation of the other avatar from the amount of conversation of one's avatar. In this case, a conversation difference threshold may be used instead of the conversation ratio threshold.

[0022] For example, the second line of the threshold information 210 shown in FIG. 3 indicates that user 10B of avatar 20B (avatar ID) does not perceive the behavior of the other party's avatar as nuisance behavior, regardless of the distance or conversation ratio, when the attribute of the other party's avatar is a “close avatar” (other party attribute).

[0023] In this way, different thresholds can be set in the threshold information 210 depending on the attributes of the other party. This is because the threshold for whether or not an action is considered to be a nuisance may differ depending on the relationship with the other party's avatar. Examples of the other party's attributes include gender, age, and hobbies in addition to those mentioned above. The threshold may be flexibly changed midway depending on the user's feelings. For example, if the user becomes close to the other party's avatar, the user may change the threshold for the other party's avatar.

[0024] The threshold value set in the threshold information 210 may be set in advance by the operator (or the system) providing the virtual space 15, and may be manually adjusted by the user 10. This is because the threshold value for whether or not a behavior is considered to be a nuisance may differ depending on the user 10.

[0025] Furthermore, in the threshold information 210, two or more stages of distance thresholds and / or two or more stages of conversation ratio thresholds may be set.

[0026] <Action record information> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the action record information 220 according to the present embodiment.

[0027] The action record information 220 records actions (interaction actions) between two avatars 20 in the virtual space 15. In the present embodiment, two avatars 20 are described as an example, but the action record information 220 may record actions between two or more avatars 20. The action record information 220 has the following items: record ID, virtual space ID, first avatar ID, second avatar ID, period, and action. The record ID is an ID for identifying the action record information 220. The virtual space ID is an ID for identifying the virtual space 15.

[0028] For example, the action record information 220 of record ID "1" shown in FIG. 4 records that in the virtual space 15 of virtual space ID "100", in relation to avatar 20A (first avatar ID) and avatar 20B (second avatar ID), between 10:00 and 10:10 (period), avatar 20A approached avatar 20B to a distance of "30" (action), and further records that between 10:10 and 10:20 (period), the conversation time from avatar 20A to avatar 20B was 9 minutes, and the conversation time from avatar 20B to avatar 20A was 1 minute.

[0029] For example, the behavior record information 220 of record ID "2" shown in FIG. 4 records that in virtual space 15 of virtual space ID "100", in relation to avatar 20C (first avatar ID) and avatar 20D (second avatar ID), between 10:00 and 10:10 (period), avatar 20D reported to the management (behavior) unpleasant comments made by avatar 20C.

[0030] In the "behavior" item of the behavior record information 220, in addition to (or instead of) the information on the positional relationship (e.g., distance) between the two avatars 20 described above, information on the conversation between the two avatars 20 (e.g., conversation content) may be recorded. Furthermore, in addition to (or instead of) the distance information described above, the information on the positional relationship may include information on the "direction" and / or "speed" of one avatar 20 approaching the other avatar 20. This makes it possible to detect, from the behavior record information 220, for example, a nuisance behavior in which one avatar 20 suddenly approaches the other avatar 20 from behind.

[0031] <Troublesome behavior information> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the nuisance information 230 according to the present embodiment.

[0032] The nuisance behavior information 230 is information indicating a nuisance behavior that an avatar 20 has performed on another avatar 20. The nuisance behavior information 230 has the following items: record ID, nuisance avatar ID, nuisance recipient avatar ID, and nuisance behavior. The record ID of this nuisance behavior information 230 corresponds to the record ID of the behavior record information 220.

[0033] For example, the nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "1" shown in Fig. 5 indicates that avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) performed nuisance behaviors (nuisance behaviors) of "abnormal approach" and "one-sided conversation" on avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID). This nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "1" may be generated based on the behavior record information 220 of record ID "1".

[0034] For example, the nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "2" shown in Fig. 5 indicates that avatar 20C (nuisance avatar ID) performed a nuisance behavior of "making an unpleasant call" (nuisance behavior) on avatar 20D (nuisance recipient avatar ID). This nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "2" may be generated based on the behavior record information 220 of record ID "2".

[0035] <Harassment score information> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the nuisance behavior score information 240 according to the present embodiment.

[0036] The nuisance behavior score information 240 is information indicating the nuisance behavior score of the avatar 20 that has committed a nuisance behavior. The nuisance behavior score information 240 has the following items: a nuisance avatar ID, a nuisance recipient avatar ID, a nuisance behavior score, and a total nuisance behavior score.

[0037] For example, the nuisance behavior score information 240 shown in FIG. 6 indicates that avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) has a nuisance behavior score of "100" with respect to avatar 20B (nuisanced avatar ID), a nuisance behavior score of "200" with respect to avatar 20E (nuisanced avatar ID), and a total nuisance behavior score of "300 (=100+200)."

[0038] When the nuisance behavior score or the total nuisance score exceeds a predetermined threshold, a penalty is imposed on the avatar 20A indicated by the nuisance avatar ID in order to suppress the nuisance behavior. The details of the penalty will be described later.

[0039] <Penalty Information> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the penalty information 250 according to the present embodiment.

[0040] The penalty information 250 is information indicating the penalty imposed on the avatar 20 that performed the nuisance behavior. The penalty information 250 has the following items: a nuisance avatar ID, a nuisance recipient avatar ID, and a penalty content.

[0041] For example, the penalty information 250 in the first line shown in Figure 7 indicates that avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) has been penalized with avatar 20B (nuisance avatar ID) with the following penalties (penalty content): "prohibition on approaching within a distance threshold of 50" and "prohibition on one-sided conversation for more than two minutes."

[0042] For example, the penalty information 250 in the second row shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the avatar 20C (nuisance avatar ID) has imposed a penalty (penalty content) of "prohibited from calling out" on the avatar 20D (nuisance recipient avatar ID).

[0043] For example, the penalty information 250 in the third row shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the avatar 20G (nuisance avatar ID) has been given a penalty (penalty content) of "prohibited from approaching and talking to" with respect to all avatars (nuisance avatar IDs).

[0044] The contents of the penalty are not limited to those exemplified in Fig. 7. For example, the contents of the penalty may be to limit the conversation time and / or the number of conversations with the annoying avatar. For example, the contents of the penalty may be to prohibit participation in the virtual space itself. In this case, the information processing device 2 may hold a list of users who are prohibited from participating in the virtual space as a blacklist.

[0045] Returning to the explanation of Figures 1 and 2, the information processing device 2 has, as functions, a virtual space control unit 101, an avatar control unit 102, a threshold setting unit 103, a behavior recording unit 104, a nuisance behavior detection unit 105, a nuisance behavior score updating unit 106, a warning processing unit 107, and a penalty processing unit 108. These functions may be realized by a processor 1001 included in the information processing device 2 cooperating with a memory 1002 or the like to execute a program.

[0046] <Virtual space control section> The virtual space control unit 101 generates and controls the virtual space 15. For example, the virtual space control unit 101 cooperates with the terminal 3 to cause the terminal 3 to display an image of the virtual space 15. The virtual space control unit 101 may display areas in the virtual space 15 where nuisance behavior frequently occurs in a color or pattern different from areas where nuisance behavior does not occur often. This allows the user 10 to visually recognize areas in the virtual space 15 where nuisance behavior is likely to occur. The virtual space control unit 101 may also display an alert encouraging improved manners in areas where nuisance behavior frequently occurs.

[0047] <Avatar control section> The avatar control unit 102 controls the movement, conversation, etc. of the avatar 20. For example, the avatar control unit 102 cooperates with the terminal 3 to receive input (audio input and / or text input) of the movement and conversation of the avatar 20 and output the movement and conversation of the avatar 20 in response to the input onto the virtual space 15.

[0048] <Threshold setting section> The threshold setting unit 103 sets the threshold information 210. For example, the threshold setting unit 103 generates the threshold information 210 that is set in advance by an operator. For example, the threshold setting unit 103 accepts an input of a threshold related to the user 10's avatar 20 through the terminal 3, and sets the input threshold in the threshold information 210.

[0049] <Acts Record Division> The action recording unit 104 records the actions of the avatars 20 in the virtual space 15 in the action record information 220. For example, when two avatars 20 are within conversation distance, the action recording unit 104 starts recording the actions (interaction actions) of these avatars in the action record information 220, and when the two avatars 20 are out of conversation distance, the action recording unit 104 ends recording in the action record information 220. This can reduce the processing load and the amount of stored data in the information processing device 2 compared to the case where the actions of the avatars 20 are constantly recorded.

[0050] However, the method of recording the actions of the avatars 20 by the action recording unit 104 is not limited to this. For example, the action recording unit 104 may record the actions of all the avatars 20 as the action record information 220. Alternatively, the action recording unit 104 may start recording in the action record information 220 when triggered by the avatar 20 performing a specific action or moving to a specific location. For example, the action recording unit 104 may start recording the actions (interaction actions) of the avatars with respect to the action record information 220, regardless of the distance between the two avatars 20, when triggered by at least one of the avatars 20 starting to speak, and may end recording in the action record information 220 when triggered by the two avatars 20 finishing speaking.

[0051] Furthermore, the behavior recording unit 104 may record the behavior of an avatar with a nuisance avatar ID whose nuisance behavior score in the nuisance behavior score information 240 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value more frequently (or constantly) than a general avatar 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the behavior recording unit 104 may record the behavior of other avatars 20 that have a strong connection with the avatar with the nuisance avatar ID in the penalty information 250 more frequently (or constantly) than the behavior of general avatars 20.

[0053] <Nuisance detection section> The nuisance detection unit 105 detects a nuisance based on the threshold information 210 and the behavior record information 220, and generates nuisance information 230.

[0054] For example, from the top row of behavior record information 220 for record ID "1" shown in Fig. 4, nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects that avatar 20A has approached avatar 20B to a distance of "30". Then, nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects that this distance "30" is less than the distance threshold "50" of the partner attribute "normal avatar" set in threshold information 210 for avatar 20B, and determines that avatar 20A's approach to avatar 20B is a nuisance behavior. Then, nuisance behavior detection unit 105 generates nuisance behavior information 230 with record ID "1", nuisance avatar ID "20A", nuisance recipient avatar ID "20B", and nuisance behavior "abnormal approach", as shown in the top row of record ID "1" in Fig. 5.

[0055] For example, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects from the bottom row of the behavior record information 220 of the record ID "1" shown in Fig. 4 that the conversation time from avatar 20A to avatar 20B was 10 minutes, and the conversation time from avatar 20B to avatar 20A was 1 minute. Then, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects that the conversation ratio "0.1 (=1 / 10)" between the two is less than the conversation ratio threshold "0.2" of the partner attribute "normal avatar" set in the threshold information 210 of avatar 20B, and determines the conversation act of avatar 20A to avatar 20B as a nuisance behavior. Then, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 generates nuisance behavior information 230 with the record ID "1", the nuisance avatar ID "20A", the nuisance recipient avatar ID "20B", and the nuisance behavior "one-sided conversation" as shown in the bottom row of the record ID "1" in Fig. 5.

[0056] For example, nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects from the line of behavior record information 220 with record ID "2" shown in Fig. 4 that avatar 20D has reported the unpleasant call made by avatar 20C to the administration. Then, nuisance behavior detection unit 105 generates nuisance behavior information 230 with the nuisance avatar ID "20C," the nuisance recipient avatar ID "20D," and the nuisance behavior "unpleasant call," as shown in the line with record ID "2" in Fig. 5.

[0057] The nuisance behavior detection unit 105 does not need to perform the nuisance behavior detection process for the behavior record information 220 of a specific virtual space ID. For example, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 does not perform the nuisance behavior detection process for the behavior record information 220 of a virtual space ID where avatars are crowded, such as a live venue or an event venue. This is because in such places, the distance between avatars 20 becomes smaller than the distance threshold, and the amount of conversation may usually become one-sided.

[0058] <Harassment Score Update Section> The nuisance behavior score updating unit 106 updates the nuisance behavior scores in the nuisance behavior score information 240 based on the nuisance behavior information 230. Furthermore, the nuisance behavior score updating unit 106 also updates the nuisance behavior score total together with updating the nuisance behavior scores.

[0059] For example, the nuisance behavior score update unit 106 detects from the nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "1" that avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) has committed a nuisance behavior on avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID), and increases the nuisance behavior score of avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID) in the nuisance behavior score information 240 of avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID). The amount of increase may be determined according to the content of the nuisance behavior. For example, according to the nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "1" shown in FIG. 5, two nuisance behaviors, "abnormal approach" and "one-sided conversation", are performed simultaneously, so the amount of increase may be larger than when only "abnormal approach" is performed as a nuisance behavior.

[0060] When a specific condition is satisfied, the nuisance behavior score update unit 106 may reduce the nuisance behavior score of the nuisance behavior score information 240. Examples of the case where a specific condition is satisfied include a case where the user 10 of the nuisance avatar ID has taken a specified course, a case where the user 10 of the nuisance avatar ID has not committed a nuisance behavior for a specified period of time or more, or a case where the user 10 of the nuisance recipient avatar ID has permitted the nuisance behavior score to be reduced.

[0061] <Warning processing section> The warning processing unit 107 warns the avatar 20 (user 10) who has committed a nuisance behavior, based on the nuisance behavior information 230 or the nuisance behavior score information 240, to stop committing the nuisance behavior.

[0062] For example, based on the nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "1", the warning processing unit 107 warns the user 10A of the avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) not to approach or engage in one-sided conversation (nuisance behavior) with the avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID).

[0063] For example, warning processing unit 107 warns user 10C of avatar 20C (nuisance avatar ID) from nuisance behavior information 230 of record ID "2" not to make unpleasant comments (nuisance behavior) to avatar 20D (nuisance recipient avatar ID).

[0064] For example, when the warning processing unit 107 detects a nuisance behavior score equal to or greater than the first score threshold and less than the second score threshold from the nuisance behavior score information 240, it issues a warning to the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID having that nuisance behavior score that if the avatar 20 continues to perform nuisance behavior, a penalty will be imposed on the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID. The second score threshold is a value greater than the first score threshold, and the first score threshold and the second score threshold may be values ​​predetermined by the management. The warning processing unit 107 may issue a stricter warning as the nuisance behavior score increases.

[0065] For example, when the warning processing unit 107 detects a nuisance behavior score total that is equal to or greater than the third score threshold and less than the fourth score threshold from the nuisance behavior score information 240, it issues a warning to the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID having that nuisance behavior score total that if any more nuisance behavior is committed, a penalty will be imposed on the behavior of all avatars 20. The fourth score threshold is a value greater than the third score threshold, and the third score threshold and the fourth score threshold may be values ​​predetermined by the management. Note that the warning processing unit 107 may issue a stricter warning as the nuisance behavior score total increases.

[0066] The warning may be displayed in text, an icon, etc. Furthermore, the warning may be displayed so that only the user 10 of the nuisance avatar can see it, or may be displayed so that all users 10 of the avatars 20 present in the virtual space 15 can see it.

[0067] Furthermore, the score threshold for a beginner avatar 20 who is not familiar with the virtual space 15 may be set higher than the score threshold for an avatar 20 who is familiar with the virtual space 15. This is because there is a possibility that a beginner avatar 20 may unintentionally have a high nuisance behavior score due to an operational error or the like. Whether or not a user is a beginner may be determined based on the length of time the user has spent in the virtual space 15 and / or the number of times the user has used the virtual space 15.

[0068] <Penalty Processing Section> The penalty processor 108 determines the penalty to be imposed on the avatar 20 that has committed a nuisance based on the nuisance score information 240 , and generates penalty information 250 .

[0069] For example, when the penalty processing unit 108 detects a nuisance score equal to or greater than the second score threshold from the nuisance behavior score information 240, it determines the penalty content to be imposed on the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID having that nuisance behavior score, and generates penalty information 250 including the determined penalty content.

[0070] For example, when the penalty processing unit 108 detects a nuisance score total that is equal to or greater than the fourth score threshold from the nuisance behavior score information 240, it determines the penalty content to be imposed on the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID that has that nuisance behavior score total, and generates penalty information 250 that includes the determined penalty content.

[0071] The avatar control unit 102 refers to the penalty information 250 and restricts the behavior of the avatar 20 with the nuisance avatar ID.

[0072] For example, based on the penalty information 250 in the first line shown in Fig. 7, the avatar control unit 102 performs control so that the avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) does not approach the avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID) within a distance of less than "50". At this time, the avatar control unit 102 may perform control so that the movement of the avatar 20A slows down when the avatar 20A tries to approach the avatar 20B.

[0073] For example, the avatar control unit 102 performs control so that the avatar 20A (nuisance avatar ID) cannot have a one-sided conversation with the avatar 20B (nuisance recipient avatar ID) for more than two minutes based on the penalty information 250 in the first line shown in Fig. 7. At this time, when the time that the avatar 20A has been talking to the avatar 20B approaches two minutes, the avatar control unit 102 may notify the avatar 20A to that effect.

[0074] For example, the avatar control unit 102 performs control so that the avatar 20C (nuisance avatar ID) cannot call out to the avatar 20D (nuisance recipient avatar ID) based on the penalty information 250 in the second row shown in Fig. 7. At this time, the avatar control unit 102 may notify the avatar 20C of the reason why the call out cannot be made.

[0075] For example, the avatar control unit performs control based on the penalty information 250 in the third line shown in FIG. 7 so that the avatar 20G (nuisance avatar ID) cannot approach or converse with any of the avatars 20 (nuisance recipient avatar IDs).

[0076] This allows the actions of nuisance avatars to be restricted based on the penalty information 250, thereby maintaining public order in the virtual space.

[0077] <Detection of nuisance behavior, warnings and penalties> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to detection of a nuisance, a warning, and a penalty according to the present embodiment.

[0078] The nuisance behavior detection unit 105 judges whether or not new behavior record information 220 has been generated (S101). If new behavior record information 220 has not been generated (S101: NO), this process ends.

[0079] When new behavior record information 220 is generated (S101: YES), the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 judges whether or not a nuisance behavior is detected from the behavior record information 220 (S102). The method of detecting a nuisance behavior from the behavior record information 220 is as described above. When a nuisance behavior is not detected from the behavior record information 220 (S102: NO), this process ends.

[0080] When a nuisance behavior is detected from the behavior record information 220 (S102: YES), the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 generates nuisance behavior information 230 related to the detected nuisance behavior (S103). The method of generating the nuisance behavior information 230 is as described above.

[0081] The nuisance behavior score update unit 106 increases the nuisance behavior score of the nuisance avatar ID in the nuisance behavior information 230 generated in step S103 in the nuisance behavior score information 240 (S104).

[0082] The warning processor 107 determines whether the nuisance behavior score of the nuisance avatar ID in the nuisance behavior score information 240 is equal to or greater than the first score threshold and less than the second score threshold (S105). If the nuisance behavior score is not equal to or greater than the first score threshold and less than the second score threshold (S105: NO), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0083] If the nuisance behavior score is equal to or greater than the first score threshold and less than the second score threshold (S105: YES), the warning processing unit 107 issues a warning to the avatar 20 of the nuisance avatar ID (S106), and the process proceeds to step S107.

[0084] In step S107, the penalty processing unit 108 determines whether the nuisance behavior score of the nuisance avatar ID in the nuisance behavior score information 240 is equal to or greater than the second score threshold (S107). If the nuisance behavior score is less than the second score threshold (S107: NO), this process ends.

[0085] If the nuisance behavior score is equal to or greater than the second score threshold (S107: YES), the penalty processing unit 108 generates penalty information 250 for that nuisance avatar ID (S108). As a result, the avatar control unit 102 refers to the penalty information 250 and restricts future behavior of the avatar 20 with that nuisance avatar ID. Then, this process ends.

[0086] With the above process, a warning is issued to the nuisance avatar when the nuisance behavior score reaches or exceeds the first score threshold, and a penalty is imposed on the nuisance avatar that continues to commit nuisance acts despite receiving the warning and whose nuisance behavior score reaches or exceeds the second score threshold. This limits the actions of malicious nuisance avatars that continue to commit nuisance acts despite receiving a warning, and maintains peace in the virtual space.

[0087] <Avatars' evaluations> The method of detecting a nuisance avatar is not limited to the method of detecting it from the behavior record information 220. For example, when a report is received from a large number of avatars 20 that a specific avatar 20 is performing a nuisance behavior, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may estimate that the specific avatar 20 is a nuisance avatar and generate the nuisance behavior information 230. In this case, when the large number of avatars 20 do not belong to a common community, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may estimate that the specific avatar is highly likely to be a nuisance avatar, and when the large number of avatars 20 belong to a common community, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may estimate that the specific avatar is less likely to be a nuisance avatar. This is because evaluations by a large number of avatars that do not belong to a common community are more objective and reliable.

[0088] For example, when a report is received from at least one avatar 20 that a specific avatar 20 is engaging in nuisance behavior, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may estimate that the specific avatar 202 is a nuisance avatar and generate the nuisance behavior information 230. At this time, when the relationship between the avatar 20 that made the report and the avatar 20 that is the subject of the report is strong (for example, when the total conversation time between the two avatars 20 is long (above a predetermined threshold value), or when the time since the two avatars 20 met is long (above a predetermined threshold value), when the frequency of reports is high (above a predetermined threshold value), or when it is determined from the behavior record information 220 that a nuisance behavior is being engaged in, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may highly estimate that the specific avatar is a nuisance avatar.

[0089] <Modification> An avatar 20 whose nuisance behavior score or total nuisance behavior score in the nuisance behavior score information 240 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value may be displayed in the virtual space 15 so that other avatars 20 (users 10) can recognize it as a nuisance avatar (for example, by displaying a mark indicating that it is a nuisance avatar). At this time, the avatar 20 may be displayed so that the user 10 of the nuisance avatar cannot recognize that his or her avatar is a nuisance avatar.

[0090] When the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 receives an inquiry from a user 10 who has received a warning as to which behavior was the nuisance behavior, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may respond by providing the content of the behavior in the behavior record information 220 that is linked to the nuisance behavior information 230 by the record ID.

[0091] The nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may analyze the behavior record information 220 and / or the nuisance behavior information 230 to identify a behavioral pattern (hereinafter referred to as a nuisance predictor pattern) that is a predictor of a nuisance avatar before it performs a nuisance behavior, and may use the identified nuisance predictor pattern to prevent the nuisance behavior from occurring. For example, it is assumed that repeated abnormal approach is identified as a nuisance predictor pattern. In this case, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 detects an avatar that is repeatedly performing abnormal approach as an avatar that is a predictor of becoming a nuisance avatar (hereinafter referred to as a nuisance predictor avatar). In order to prevent the nuisance behavior from occurring, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may warn the nuisance predictor avatar not to perform a nuisance behavior. In addition, in order to prevent the nuisance behavior from occurring, the nuisance behavior detection unit 105 may notify another avatar that the nuisance predictor avatar is approaching to be careful because there is a risk of being subjected to nuisance behavior.

[0092] (Hardware configuration) The functions of the information processing device 2 and the terminal 3 described above can be realized by a computer program. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 2 and the terminal 3 according to the present disclosure by a computer program.

[0093] The computer 1000 includes a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, an input device 1004, an output device 1005, a communication device 1006, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 1007, a reading device 1008, and a bus 1009. The processor 1001, the memory 1002, the storage 1003, the input device 1004, the output device 1005, the communication device 1006, the GPU 1007, and the reading device 1008 are connected to the bus 1009, and can transmit and receive data bidirectionally via the bus 1009.

[0094] The processor 1001 is a device that executes a computer program stored in the memory 1002 to realize the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the processor 1001 include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), a controller, a Large Scale Integration (LSI), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), and a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0095] The memory 1002 is configured as a volatile storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium, and is a device for storing computer programs and data operated by the computer 1000. The memory 1002 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0096] The storage 1003 is configured as a non-volatile storage medium, and is a device that stores computer programs and data handled by the computer 1000. Examples of the storage 1003 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory.

[0097] The input device 1004 is a device that accepts data to be input to the processor 1001. Examples of the input device 1004 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, and a microphone.

[0098] The output device 1005 is a device that outputs data generated by the processor 1001. Examples of the output device 1005 include a display and a speaker.

[0099] The communication device 1006 is a device that transmits and receives data to and from other devices via a communication network (e.g., the Internet 4). The communication device 1006 may include a transmitting unit that transmits data and a receiving unit that receives data. The communication device 1006 may support either wired communication or wireless communication. An example of wired communication is Ethernet (registered trademark). Examples of wireless communication are IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, LTE, 4G, and 5G.

[0100] The GPU 1007 is a device that performs high-speed image rendering processing. The GPU 1007 may be used for artificial intelligence (AI) processing (e.g., deep learning).

[0101] The reading device 1008 is a device that reads data from a recording medium such as a Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM) or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0102] The functions of the information processing device 2 and the terminal 3 may be realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These functions may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be included in a single chip. Here, we refer to it as an LSI, but depending on the degree of integration, it may be called an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or a different derived technology, it is natural that the functions may be integrated using that technology.

[0103] Summary of the Disclosure The above description of the first embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0104] <Technology 1> An information processing device (2) that provides a virtual space (15) includes a processor (1001) and a memory (1002), and the processor cooperates with the memory to record information including either information regarding the positional relationship between a first avatar (20) and a second avatar (20) in the virtual space or information regarding conversation between the first avatar and the second avatar in action record information (220) as information indicating the interaction behavior of the first avatar and the second avatar, and when the interaction behavior recorded in the action record information satisfies a predetermined criterion, it is determined whether or not one of the first avatar or the second avatar has engaged in nuisance behavior toward the other. This makes it possible to detect avatars that have engaged in nuisance behavior.

[0105] <Technology 2> In the information processing device described in Technology 1, if the behavior record information records that the first avatar has come within a predetermined distance threshold of the second avatar, which is shorter than a predetermined distance, the processor determines that the first avatar has committed a nuisance behavior against the second avatar. This makes it possible to detect avatars that are engaging in nuisance behavior, such as approaching abnormally close to other vehicles.

[0106] <Technology 3> In the information processing device according to Technique 2, the distance threshold is set based on a relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar. This makes it possible to set an appropriate distance threshold based on the relationship between the avatars.

[0107] <Technology 4> In an information processing device described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3, the processor determines that the first avatar has engaged in nuisance behavior toward the second avatar when the behavior record information records that the amount of conversation from the first avatar to the second avatar is greater than the amount of conversation from the second avatar to the first avatar by a predetermined conversation threshold or more. This makes it possible to detect avatars that engage in nuisance behavior, such as one-sided conversations.

[0108] <Technology 5> In the information processing device according to Technology 4, the conversation threshold is set based on a relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar. This allows an appropriate conversation threshold to be set based on the relationship between avatars.

[0109] <Technology 6> In an information processing device described in any one of techniques 1 to 5, the processor determines that the first avatar has committed nuisance behavior against the second avatar if the behavior record information records a report that the second avatar has been subjected to nuisance behavior by the first avatar. This makes it possible to detect avatars that have engaged in nuisance behavior that should be reported.

[0110] <Technology 7> In the information processing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the processor determines that the first avatar has committed a nuisance behavior against the second avatar, the processor increases a nuisance behavior score of the first avatar, where the nuisance behavior score is a score that increases every time a nuisance behavior is committed. This allows the user to know how much of a nuisance the nuisance avatar has engaged in based on the nuisance score.

[0111] <Technology 8> In the information processing device described in Technology 7, the processor issues a warning to the first avatar when the nuisance behavior score of the first avatar is equal to or greater than a first score threshold and less than a second score threshold, and imposes a penalty on the first avatar when the nuisance behavior score of the first avatar is equal to or greater than the second score threshold, where the second score threshold is greater than the first score threshold. This makes it possible to warn avatars whose nuisance behavior score reaches a certain level, and to impose penalties on malicious avatars that continue to engage in nuisance behavior despite being warned.

[0112] <Technology 9> In the information processing device according to Technique 8, the penalty for the first avatar is a penalty that restricts an action from the first avatar to the second avatar. This makes it possible to restrict the actions of a nuisance avatar against a nuisance avatar.

[0113] <Technology 10> In the information processing device described in Technology 9, the penalty restricting an action of the first avatar toward the second avatar is at least one of a penalty restricting the first avatar from approaching within the specified distance of the second avatar, and a penalty restricting the first avatar from conversing with the second avatar. This makes it possible to restrict nuisance avatars from engaging in nuisance behavior such as approaching abnormally close to other users or talking to them one-sidedly.

[0114] <Technology 11> In an information processing method in an information processing device that provides a virtual space, information including either information regarding the positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual space or information regarding a conversation between a first avatar and a second avatar is recorded in action record information as information indicating an interaction action between the first avatar and the second avatar, and if the interaction action recorded in the action record information satisfies a predetermined criterion, it is determined whether or not one of the first avatar or the second avatar has committed a nuisance action against the other. This makes it possible to detect avatars that have engaged in nuisance behavior.

[0115] <Technology 12> The program causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in Technology 11. This makes it possible to detect avatars that have engaged in nuisance behavior.

[0116] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0117] The technology disclosed herein is useful for systems, devices, services, etc. that provide virtual spaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Information Processing Systems 2. Information processing equipment 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D terminal 4. Internet 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Users 15 Virtual Space 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20G Avatar 101 Virtual space control unit 102 Avatar control unit 103 Threshold setting unit 104 Deed Record Section 105 Nuisance Detection Unit 106 Nuisance Score Update Section 107 Warning Processing Section 108 Penalty Processing Unit 210 Threshold Information 220 Action Record Information 230 Information on nuisance behavior 240 Harassment Score Information 250 Penalty Information 1000 Computers 1001 Processor 1002 Memory 1003 Storage 1004 Input Device 1005 Output device 1006 Communication equipment 1007 GPU 1008 Reading device 1009 Bus

Claims

1. An information processing device for determining a nuisance behavior in a virtual space, comprising a processor and a memory, the processor working in cooperation with the memory, recording information including either information regarding a positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual space or information regarding a conversation between the first avatar and the second avatar in action record information as information indicating an interaction action between the first avatar and the second avatar; determining whether one of the first avatar and the second avatar has engaged in a nuisance behavior toward the other, when the interaction behavior recorded in the behavior record information satisfies a predetermined criterion; Information processing device.

2. The processor determines that the first avatar has engaged in a nuisance behavior against the second avatar when the behavior record information records that the first avatar has approached the second avatar within a predetermined distance threshold that is shorter than a predetermined distance. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the distance threshold is set based on a relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. When it is recorded in the behavior record information that the amount of conversation from the first avatar to the second avatar is greater than the amount of conversation from the second avatar to the first avatar by a predetermined conversation threshold or more, the processor determines that the first avatar has committed a nuisance behavior against the second avatar. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The conversation threshold is set based on a relationship between the first avatar and the second avatar. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The processor determines that the first avatar has committed a nuisance act against the second avatar when a report that the second avatar has been subjected to a nuisance act by the first avatar is recorded in the behavior record information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. When the processor determines that the first avatar has engaged in a nuisance behavior with respect to the second avatar, the processor increases a nuisance behavior score of the first avatar; The nuisance behavior score is a score that increases each time a nuisance behavior is performed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The processor, if the harassment score of the first avatar is equal to or greater than a first score threshold and less than a second score threshold, issuing a warning to the first avatar; imposing a penalty on the first avatar if the harassment score of the first avatar is equal to or greater than the second score threshold; the second score threshold is greater than the first score threshold; The information processing device according to claim 7.

9. The penalty for the first avatar is a penalty that restricts an action from the first avatar to the second avatar. The information processing device according to claim 8.

10. The penalty for restricting an action from the first avatar to the second avatar is At least one of a penalty that restricts the first avatar from approaching within a predetermined distance from the second avatar, and a penalty that restricts the first avatar from conversing with the second avatar. The information processing device according to claim 9.

11. An information processing method in an information processing device that provides a virtual space, comprising: recording information including either information regarding a positional relationship between a first avatar and a second avatar in the virtual space or information regarding a conversation between the first avatar and the second avatar in action record information as information indicating an interaction action between the first avatar and the second avatar; determining whether one of the first avatar and the second avatar has engaged in a nuisance behavior toward the other, when the interaction behavior recorded in the behavior record information satisfies a predetermined criterion; Information processing methods.

12. A method for processing information by a computer, comprising: program.

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