Virtual space generation apparatus, virtual space generation program, and virtual space generation method

Abstract

To provide a virtual space generation apparatus, a virtual space generation program, and a virtual space generation method capable of facilitating smooth group activities in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A virtual space generation apparatus includes: a virtual space generation unit which generates a virtual facility space SV which is a virtual space including at least one facility; an access management unit which allows, on receipt of a request from a user terminal operated by a user Pg who is to use facility, the user Pg, as an avatar, to enter the virtual facility space SV; and a group management unit which sets, on receipt of a request from the user terminal, a group Gp including a plurality of users Pg. The virtual space generation unit generates, for each group Gp, a virtual facility space SV that the users Pg included in the group Gp are to enter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual space generating device, a virtual space generating program, and a virtual space generating method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various services using virtual space have been proposed. In one type of system for providing such services, an attempt is made to realize services in virtual space that are similar to services provided in real space. For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, a virtual store clerk serves the avatar of a user who is trying to purchase a product in a store in the virtual space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-36690 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In real space, a group of people, such as friends or family, often visits a facility where a service is provided. In virtual space, users are increasingly demanding group activities. Therefore, there is a demand for a system that provides a virtual space and has functions suitable for group activities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Aspects of a virtual space generating device, a virtual space generating program, and a virtual space generating method for solving the above problems will be described below. [Aspect 1] A virtual space generation device comprising: a virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual facility space, which is a virtual space including one or more facilities; an entry / exit management unit that, upon receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, allows the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; and a group management unit that, upon receiving a request from the user terminal, sets up groups including a plurality of the users, wherein the virtual space generation unit generates, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter.

[0006] According to the above configuration, since a virtual facility space is generated for each group, it is easier to grasp the positions of the avatars of the group members and to communicate with them via the avatars, compared to a case in which a group enters a single virtual space with an unspecified number of users. This makes it easier for group activities in the virtual space to proceed smoothly.

[0007] [Aspect 2] A virtual space generating device as described in [Aspect 1], in which the virtual facility space for each group is a first virtual space, and the virtual space generation unit generates, in addition to the first virtual space, a second virtual space which is a virtual facility space in which the users who can enter are not specified.

[0008] According to the above configuration, users who do not belong to a group can be allowed to enter the second virtual space, thereby reducing the processing load on the virtual space generating device compared to a case in which a virtual facility space is generated such that the entry destination for all users is specified.

[0009] [Aspect 3] A virtual space generating device as described in [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], wherein the virtual space generation unit generates a waiting space, which is a virtual space in which avatars of the users included in the group wait before entering the virtual facility space.

[0010] According to the above configuration, avatars of group members gather in the waiting space before entering the virtual facility space, making it easy to confirm group members and grasp the group organization status.

[0011] [Aspect 4] A virtual space generating device as described in [Aspect 3], wherein the virtual facility space includes a plurality of the facilities, the group management unit accepts a request to organize the group from the user terminal while the user's avatar is located in the waiting space, and the entry / exit management unit, when the facility that the group is to enter is specified from the user terminal of a user included in the group while the user's avatar is located in the waiting space, allows the user included in the group to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar.

[0012] According to the above configuration, after a group is formed in the waiting space, users enter the virtual facility space based on the designation of the facility, so that the process from group formation to entering the facility can proceed smoothly.

[0013] [Aspect 5] A virtual space generating device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein the entrance / exit management unit, when receiving a request for entry into the virtual facility space from the user terminal of one of the users included in the group, allows all users included in the group to enter the virtual facility space as avatars.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the members of a group enter the virtual facility space together based on the operation of a single user, which reduces the complexity of operations compared to when each member individually operates their terminal to enter, and also makes it easier to carry out group activities compared to when members enter separately.

[0015] [Aspect 6] A virtual space generating device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 5], wherein the group management unit sets one of the users included in the group as an administrator with different authority than the other users, and when an instruction is received from the user terminal of the administrator's user to leave the group, sets another user included in the group as the new administrator. According to the above configuration, when an administrator user leaves a group, the user can continue activities in the group without having to create a separate group, thereby improving user convenience.

[0016] [Aspect 7] A virtual space generating device as described in [Aspect 6], in which the authority held only by the administrator among the users included in the group includes at least one of inviting the users to the group, expelling the users from the group, and selecting the facility in which the group will be located in the virtual facility space. According to the above configuration, by giving authority only to the administrator, it becomes easier to smoothly organize groups and allow groups to enter the virtual facility space.

[0017] [Aspect 8] A virtual space generating device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 7], wherein the user is a first user, the user terminal is a first user terminal, and a user who serves customers at the facility is a second user, and when the entrance / exit management unit receives a request from the second user terminal operated by the second user to enter a group space which is a virtual facility space for each group, the entrance / exit management unit requests approval of the second user's entry from the first user terminal of the first user included in the target group, and when approval of the second user's entry is received from the first user terminal, allows the second user to enter the group space as an avatar. According to the above configuration, the first user can receive assistance, such as customer service, from the second user as necessary, while maintaining the advantage of the group monopolizing the virtual facility space.

[0018] [Aspect 9] A virtual space generating device described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 8], wherein the user is a first user, the user terminal is a first user terminal, and a user who serves customers at the facility is a second user, and the virtual space generating device further includes a communication unit that transmits data to a second user terminal operated by the second user to display the virtual facility spaces that can be selected as spaces for the second user to enter, including virtual facility spaces for each group. According to the above configuration, the second user can select the virtual facility space to enter, making it possible to flexibly respond to the first user.

[0019] [Aspect 10] A virtual space generation program that causes one or more computers to execute the following steps: generate a virtual facility space, which is a virtual space including one or more facilities; upon receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, allow the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; and upon receiving a request from the user terminal, set up a group including a plurality of the users, wherein the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter is generated for each group.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since a virtual facility space is generated for each group, it is easier to grasp the positions of the avatars of the group members and to communicate with them via the avatars, compared to a case in which a group enters a single virtual space with an unspecified number of users. This makes it easier for group activities in the virtual space to proceed smoothly.

[0021] [Aspect 11] A method in which one or more computers generate a virtual facility space, which is a virtual space including one or more facilities, and upon receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, allow the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar, and upon receiving a request from the user terminal, set a group including a plurality of the users, wherein the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter is generated for each group.

[0022] According to the above configuration, since a virtual facility space is generated for each group, it is easier to grasp the positions of the avatars of the group members and to communicate with them via the avatars, compared to a case in which a group enters a single virtual space with an unspecified number of users. This makes it easier for group activities in the virtual space to proceed smoothly. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, group activities in a virtual space can be facilitated smoothly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a virtual space providing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a virtual space and a user in the virtual space providing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a virtual space generation server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a visitor terminal according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a staff terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lobby screen displayed on a visitor terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the processing steps of the virtual space providing system for organizing groups and creating private spaces in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lobby screen displayed on a visitor terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing a procedure of a process performed by the virtual space generating server when an administrator leaves a group in the virtual space providing system of an embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram showing the processing steps of the virtual space providing system regarding a visitor user's entry into a shop space in one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shop screen displayed on a visitor terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an admission management screen displayed on a staff terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing the processing steps of the virtual space providing system for entry of a staff user into a private space in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] An embodiment of a virtual space generating device, a virtual space generating program, and a virtual space generating method will be described with reference to the drawings. [Overall configuration of the virtual space provision system] The overall configuration of a virtual space providing system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the virtual space providing system 100 is used for customer service in a store that handles various products.

[0026] 1, the virtual space providing system 100 includes a virtual space generation server 10, which is an example of a virtual space generating device, a plurality of visitor terminals 20, and one or more staff terminals 30. The virtual space generation server 10, the visitor terminals 20, and the staff terminals 30 are each connected via a network NW such as the Internet.

[0027] The virtual space generation server 10 generates a virtual space including a plurality of stores. The visitor terminal 20 is a terminal operated by a visitor user Pg, who is a user who visits a store in the virtual space. The visitor user Pg is, in other words, a user of the above-mentioned customer service. The visitor user Pg uses an avatar to use the store in the virtual space by operating the visitor terminal 20. The visitor user Pg is an example of a first user, and the visitor terminal 20 is an example of a first user terminal.

[0028] The staff terminal 30 is a terminal operated by a staff user Ps who is a user who works as a clerk in a store in the virtual space. The staff user Ps is, in other words, a customer service representative in the store in the virtual space. The staff user Ps serves customers in the store in the virtual space using an avatar by operating the staff terminal 30. The staff user Ps is an example of a second user, and the staff terminal 30 is an example of a second user terminal. An avatar is a character that acts as a representation of a user in a virtual space.

[0029] [Virtual space configuration] The configuration of the virtual space provided by the virtual space providing system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The virtual space generated by the virtual space generation server 10 includes a shop space SV, which is an example of a virtual facility space, and a lobby space LV, which is an example of a waiting space. The shop space SV is a space in which stores are located. The lobby space LV is a space in which avatars of visitor users Pg who enter and leave the shop space SV wait, and is also a space for organizing user groups Gp, which are groups consisting of multiple visitor users Pg.

[0030] A user group Gp is ​​formed when a visitor user Pg who is an administrator invites other visitor users Pg who are members of the group. The administrator and general members who are members other than the administrator who belong to the user group Gp have different authorities regarding management of the user group Gp and entry and exit to the shop space SV.

[0031] There are two types of shop spaces SV generated by the virtual space generation server 10: a private space SV1 in which the visitor users Pg who can enter are specified, and a public space SV2 in which the visitor users Pg who can enter are not specified. The private space SV1 is an example of a first virtual space, and the public space SV2 is an example of a second virtual space.

[0032] A private space SV1 is generated for each user group Gp, and only visitor users Pg of one user group Gp can enter one private space SV1. Any visitor user Pg can enter the public space SV2. Staff users Ps can enter their own assigned store in the private space SV1 and their assigned store in the public space SV2.

[0033] In addition, the number of users who can enter both the private space SV1 and the public space SV2 may be limited depending on the size of the virtual space and the processing load of the virtual space generation server 10. In addition, the types of stores arranged in the private space SV1 and the public space SV2 and the store configurations such as the interior and displayed products of each store are basically the same. However, there may be stores arranged only in either the private space SV1 or the public space SV2, or there may be stores with different store configurations in the private space SV1 and the public space SV2.

[0034] [Virtual space provision system configuration] The configuration of each device constituting the virtual space providing system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] The functional configuration of the virtual space generation server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The virtual space generation server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The communication unit 11 performs communication processing between the virtual space generation server 10 and each of the visitor terminals 20 and staff terminals 30, such as connecting to a network and sending and receiving data.

[0036] The control unit 12 executes a virtual space generating program stored in the storage unit 13, thereby functioning as a virtual space generating unit 12a, a group management unit 12b, and an entrance / exit management unit 12c.

[0037] The virtual space generation unit 12a generates a shop space SV and a lobby space LV. The virtual space generation unit 12a also manages the movement of avatars of visitor users Pg and staff users Ps in the shop space SV and the lobby space LV.

[0038] The group management unit 12b sets user groups Gp and manages their organization. Specifically, the group management unit 12b creates user groups Gp, adds and deletes members to and from user groups Gp, and disbands user groups Gp. The group management unit 12b also manages the transfer of administrator authority in user groups Gp.

[0039] The entrance / exit management unit 12c manages the entrance / exit of visitor users Pg and staff users Ps to / from the shop space SV. The visitor users Pg and staff users Ps enter the shop space SV as avatars.

[0040] Specifically, the entrance / exit management unit 12c allows visitor users Pg who belong to a user group Gp to enter a private space SV1 created for the user group Gp, and does not allow visitor users Pg other than the user group Gp to enter the private space SV1. Also, the entrance / exit management unit 12c allows visitor users Pg who do not belong to the user group Gp to enter the public space SV2.

[0041] In addition, when a staff user Ps requests to enter the private space SV1, the entrance / exit management unit 12c requests the visitor user Pg, who is the administrator of the user group Gp corresponding to the private space SV1, to approve the entry of the staff user Ps. If approval is obtained, the entrance / exit management unit 12c allows the staff user Ps to enter the private space SV1.

[0042] The virtual space generation unit 12a, group management unit 12b, and entrance / exit management unit 12c work together to generate data for displaying various screens for using the virtual space providing system 100 on the visitor terminal 20 and staff terminal 30, and this data is sent to each terminal 20, 30 by the communication unit 11. The screens displayed on the visitor terminal 20 include a lobby screen and a shop screen, and the screens displayed on the staff terminal 30 include an entrance management screen and a shop screen.

[0043] In addition, part of the data for displaying these screens may be stored in each terminal 20, 30, and the data transmitted from the virtual space generation server 10 need only include information that specifies at least part of the display content of the above screens, such as avatar position information.

[0044] The storage unit 13 stores various programs and data necessary for the control unit 12 to execute processes. The storage unit 13 stores a virtual space generation program as an example of such a program. The storage unit 13 also stores virtual space data 13a, user management data 13b, and entrance / exit management data 13c as examples of such data.

[0045] The virtual space data 13a includes data necessary for generating the shop space SV and the lobby space LV, such as information on a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system set for the space, position information of objects to be placed in the space, and information for drawing them. The virtual space data 13a also includes information for drawing the avatars of the visitor users Pg and the staff users Ps.

[0046] The user management data 13b includes information about visitor users Pg and staff users Ps. For example, the user management data 13b includes, for visitor users Pg, the user name, a record of affiliation to a user group Gp, and the user type, such as an administrator or general member. Also, for staff users Ps, the user management data 13b includes the user name, the store to which the staff user belongs, and the like. Information about these users may be managed in association with the user identification information.

[0047] The entry / exit management data 13c includes records of visitor users Pg and staff users Ps entering and exiting the shop space SV. The records of entry / exit to the shop space SV also include records of entry / exit of user groups Gp to the private space SV1.

[0048] The physical configuration, i.e., the hardware configuration, of the virtual space generation server 10 having the above functions will be described. The virtual space generation server 10 includes electronic circuits, which are arithmetic devices such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU, memories such as ROM, RAM, registered memory, and unbuffered memory, and storage devices such as SSD and HDD. The arithmetic devices load an operating system and various programs from the storage into the memory, and execute commands retrieved from the memory. The virtual space generation server 10 may include integrated circuits such as ASIC and FPGA.

[0049] The virtual space generation server 10 also includes a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from a connected device via a network. The communication interface is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of these.

[0050] Each process executed by the virtual space generation server 10 may be executed by software included in the virtual space generation server 10, or may be realized by a combination of an integrated circuit included in the virtual space generation server 10 and software.

[0051] The functional configuration of the visitor terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The visitor terminal 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25. The communication unit 21 performs communication processing between the visitor terminal 20 and the virtual space generation server 10, such as connecting to a network and sending and receiving data. The input unit 24 accepts operation and voice input to the visitor terminal 20 and sends data and signals corresponding to the input to the control unit 22. The output unit 25 receives data and signals from the control unit 22 and outputs images and sounds.

[0052] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and data necessary for the execution of processes by the control unit 22. The storage unit 23 stores a visitor management program as an example of such a program.

[0053] The control unit 22 functions as a visitor screen management unit 22a by executing a visitor management program stored in the memory unit 23. The visitor screen management unit 22a displays a lobby screen and a shop screen on a display unit included in the output unit 25. In addition, the visitor screen management unit 22a transmits information according to a user's operation on the displayed screen to the virtual space generating server 10 via the communication unit 21.

[0054] The functions of the visitor terminal 20 in the virtual space providing system 100 are embodied by application software for using the virtual space providing system 100. The visitor management program is included in the application software.

[0055] The functional configuration of the staff terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The staff terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, an input unit , and an output unit . The communication unit 31 performs communication processing between the staff terminal 30 and the virtual space generation server 10, such as connecting to a network and sending and receiving data. The input unit 34 accepts operation and voice input to the staff terminal 30, and sends data and signals corresponding to the input to the control unit 32. The output unit 35 receives data and signals from the control unit 32, and outputs images and sounds.

[0056] The storage unit 33 stores various programs and data necessary for the execution of processes by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 stores a staff management program as an example of such a program.

[0057] The control unit 32 functions as a staff screen management unit 32a by executing a staff management program stored in the memory unit 33. The staff screen management unit 32a displays an entrance management screen and a shop screen on a display unit included in the output unit 35. In addition, the staff screen management unit 32a transmits information according to a user's operation on the displayed screen to the virtual space generation server 10 via the communication unit 31.

[0058] The functions of the staff terminal 30 in the virtual space providing system 100 are embodied by application software for using the virtual space providing system 100. The above-mentioned staff management program is included in the application software.

[0059] We will now explain the physical configuration, i.e., the hardware configuration, of the visitor terminal 20 and the staff terminal 30. Each of the visitor terminal 20 and the staff terminal 30 is a smartphone, tablet device, personal computer, wearable computer, or an information processing device other than these devices that can display images.

[0060] Each of the visitor terminal 20 and staff terminal 30 is configured such that a computing device, which is a circuit such as a CPU, loads an operating system and various programs from storage into memory and executes commands retrieved from the memory, and communicates with the virtual space generation server 10 via a communication interface. Each of the visitor terminal 20 and staff terminal 30 also has input devices such as a touch panel, operation buttons, keyboard, mouse, controller, etc., and output devices including a display and speaker.

[0061] [Create group] The operation of the virtual space providing system 100 for creating a user group Gp and the accompanying private space SV1 will be described.

[0062] 6 shows an example of a lobby screen IL displayed on the visitor terminal 20. The lobby screen IL is a screen that displays the lobby space LV in which the avatar Ag of the visitor user Pg is placed. Note that the structure and interior of the lobby space LV are not particularly limited.

[0063] For example, by starting up application software for using the virtual space provision system 100 on the visitor terminal 20 and going through a login process, the virtual space generation server 10 generates a lobby space LV in which the avatar Ag of the visitor user Pg is placed. This process is performed by the virtual space generation unit 12a. Then, data indicating the display contents of the lobby screen IL is sent from the virtual space generation server 10 to the visitor terminal 20. As a result, the lobby screen IL is displayed on the visitor terminal 20.

[0064] The lobby screen IL includes a group creation area R1, which is an area for instructing the creation of a user group Gp. The group creation area R1 may be shown, for example, as an area for selecting a group activity between an individual activity and a group activity. Any visitor user Pg can create a user group Gp, and the visitor user Pg who creates the user group Gp becomes the administrator.

[0065] When the group creation area R1 is selected, the lobby screen IL includes an invitation area R2, which is an area for instructing to invite members to the user group Gp. By selecting the invitation area R2, users to be invited to the user group Gp are displayed in a selectable manner. For example, users who have previously participated in a group created by a visitor user Pg who is the operator of the visitor terminal 20, and users who have been registered as friends by the visitor user Pg are displayed. Note that the invitation area R2 is displayed or selectable only on the lobby screen IL of the administrator visitor user Pg.

[0066] The flow of processing performed by the virtual space providing system 100 for organizing the user group Gp and creating the private space SV1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the group creation area R1 is selected on the lobby screen IL, information indicating this operation, in other words, information instructing the creation of a user group Gp, is transmitted from the visitor terminal 20 to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S10).

[0067] When an instruction to create a user group Gp is ​​received, the virtual space generation server 10 records the user group Gp in the user management data 13b with the visitor user Pg who instructed the creation of the user group Gp as the administrator (step S11). As a result, the user group Gp is ​​created and the visitor user Pg is set as the administrator.

[0068] When the user group Gp is ​​created, the virtual space generation server 10 generates a private space SV1, which is a shop space SV to which the user group Gp is ​​admitted (step S12). That is, the virtual space generation server 10 adds a new shop space SV in operation, in other words, a shop space SV in which the entrance and exit of users is managed, and sets the visitor user Pg who will enter this shop space SV to only the created user group Gp.

[0069] Next, when a user to be invited to the user group Gp is ​​selected based on the selection of the invitation area R2 on the lobby screen IL of the visitor terminal 20A, which is the visitor terminal 20 of the administrator visitor user Pg, information indicating this operation, in other words, information indicating the invitation target, is sent from the visitor terminal 20A to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S13).

[0070] When the virtual space generation server 10 receives the information indicating the invitee, it transmits an invitation notification to the visitor terminal 20B, which is the visitor terminal 20 of the visitor user Pg corresponding to the invitee (step S14).

[0071] When the visitor terminal 20B that received the invitation notification approves participation in the user group Gp based on the operation of the visitor user Pg, information indicating this operation, in other words, information indicating approval of participation, is sent from the visitor terminal 20B to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S15).

[0072] When the virtual space generation server 10 receives the information indicating the approval of the participation, the virtual space generation server 10 records the visitor user Pg, whose participation has been approved, as a general member of the target user group Gp in the user management data 13b (step S16). As a result, the visitor user Pg, who is a general member, is added to the user group Gp.

[0073] When a general member is added to the user group Gp, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating the display contents of the lobby screen IL to each of the visitor terminal 20A of the manager and the visitor terminal 20B of the general member (step S17).

[0074] As a result, the lobby screen IL is updated on the visitor terminal 20A of the manager (step S18), and the lobby screen IL is displayed on the visitor terminal 20B of the general member (step S19).

[0075] By repeating the processes of steps S13 to S19, general members are added in order to the user group Gp. In the above, the processes of steps S11, S14, and S16 are performed by the group management unit 12b, and the process of step S12 is performed by the virtual space generation unit 12a.

[0076] The above-mentioned process flow for adding a general member is a process flow when the invitation and participation of a general member are approved using the virtual space providing system 100. The invitation of a general member may be performed, for example, by the visitor user Pg, who is the administrator, informing the invited user of the invitation URL by e-mail or the like. The invitation URL is issued by the virtual space generating server 10 when the user group Gp is ​​created. The visitor terminal 20 is approved to participate in the user group Gp by accessing the invitation URL, and the same process as that from step S16 onwards is performed. In this process, the visitor terminal 20 may be prompted to obtain an account or log in to use the virtual space providing system 100. This makes it easy to invite users who do not have an account to participate in the user group Gp.

[0077] Fig. 8 shows an example of the lobby screen IL displayed after adding a general member. The lobby screen IL displays a lobby space LV in which the avatars Ag of the visitor users Pg who make up the user group Gp are arranged. For example, the avatar Ag of the visitor user Pg who is the operator of the visitor terminal 20 is displayed in the center together with the user name, and the avatars Ag of the other members are displayed around this avatar Ag. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the user group Gp has three members.

[0078] The lobby screen IL may also include an area showing the members of the user group Gp in a form different from the avatar Ag, such as the initials of the user's name. Also, on the lobby screen IL or a screen called up from the lobby screen IL, a list of the members of the user group Gp may be viewable by user name or the like. Furthermore, members of the user group Gp may chat with each other using text or voice, and the lobby screen IL may include an area for conducting such chats.

[0079] [Group management authority] The difference in authority between an administrator and a general member with regard to group management will be explained. Of the group organization operations, such as inviting members to a user group Gp, expelling members from a user group Gp, and withdrawing from a user group Gp, an administrator has all the authority, while a general member has the authority only to withdraw from a user group Gp. Note that expelling a member from a user group Gp means deleting members other than oneself from the user group Gp, and withdrawing from a user group Gp means oneself leaving the user group Gp.

[0080] For example, the lobby screen IL of the administrator visitor user Pg displays an area for instructing each of the above group organization operations. On the other hand, the lobby screen IL of the general member visitor user Pg displays an area for instructing withdrawal from the user group Gp, but does not display an area for instructing member invitation or member expulsion.

[0081] In this way, the virtual space generation server 10 differentiates the authority of the administrator from that of the general members by differentiating the display contents of the lobby screen IL between the administrator and the general members. Whether the visitor user Pg is an administrator or a general member is managed by the user management data 13b.

[0082] When the virtual space generation server 10 receives instructions from a visitor terminal 20 to perform group organization operations, it updates the user management data 13b to change the members of the user group Gp in accordance with the instructions, and also transmits data to each visitor terminal 20 indicating the display content of the lobby screen IL according to the changes.

[0083] The display content of the lobby screen IL is the same for both the administrator and general members, and the virtual space generation server 10 may determine whether or not to accept instructions for group organization operations through the lobby screen IL based on identifying whether the visitor user Pg is an administrator or a general member by referring to the user management data 13b.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows the process of the virtual space generating server 10 when an instruction to withdraw from the user group Gp is ​​received from the visitor terminal 20 of the visitor user Pg who is the administrator. First, the virtual space generation server 10 judges whether other members belong to the user group Gp of the visitor user Pg who has instructed to withdraw (step S20). If other members belong (positive judgment in step S20), the virtual space generation server 10 updates the user management data 13b to set the other members as new administrators and delete the visitor user Pg who was the administrator from the user group Gp (step S21). In other words, the virtual space generation server 10 transfers the administrator authority to the other members.

[0085] The member to be newly set as the administrator may be, for example, the member who joined the user group Gp first based on the order of joining, or may be designated by the previous administrator.

[0086] In response to the change in the administrator and members, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating the new display content of the lobby screen IL to each visitor terminal 20 (step S22). As a result, the lobby screen IL is updated on each visitor terminal 20.

[0087] If there are no other members in the user group Gp (negative determination in step S20), the virtual space generation server 10 disbands the user group Gp (step S23). That is, the virtual space generation server 10 cancels the administrator setting in the user management data 13b and deletes the user group Gp.

[0088] Then, the virtual space generation server 10 deletes the private space SV1 that was set as the entrance destination of the user group Gp (step S24). In other words, the virtual space generation server 10 deletes the private space SV1 from the shop space SV where the entrance and exit of users is managed.

[0089] With the dissolution of the user group Gp, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating new display contents of the lobby screen IL to the visitor terminal 20 (step S25). As a result, the lobby screen IL is updated on the visitor terminal 20 of the visitor user Pg who was the administrator. When a user leaves the user group Gp, or when the user group Gp is ​​dissolved, the lobby screen IL is displayed with the activity by one person selected.

[0090] As described above, when an administrator leaves a user group Gp and leaves only the general members, the administrator's authority is transferred to the other members, so that the other members can continue their activities in the group without having to create a separate user group Gp. This improves user convenience.

[0091] [Group entry and exit to private space] The operation of the virtual space providing system 100 for entering and exiting the private space SV1 of the user group Gp will be described.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, when the visitor user Pg of the manager selects a store to enter on the visitor terminal 20A, information indicating this operation, in other words, information indicating the designation of the store and the request to enter the store, is transmitted from the visitor terminal 20A to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S30). For example, a list of stores in the private space SV1 is displayed on the lobby screen IL or a screen called up from the lobby screen IL, and the visitor user Pg of the manager selects the store to enter from this list of stores. The lobby space LV may be a space in which store objects corresponding to a plurality of stores located in the shop space SV are arranged, in other words, a plaza in which store objects simply indicating each store in the shop space SV are gathered. Then, the visitor user Pg of the manager may select the store to enter from among the store objects through the lobby screen IL, and the store to enter may be specified based on this.

[0093] When receiving a request to enter a store, the virtual space generation server 10 performs an entrance process for the private space SV1 set as the entrance destination of the user group Gp (step S31). Specifically, the virtual space generation server 10 sets the position of each member's avatar Ag in the private space SV1 so that all members of the user group Gp can enter the private space SV1, and updates the entrance / exit management data 13c. The position of the avatar Ag is set to, for example, near the entrance of the store selected by the visitor terminal 20A. Note that the entrance / exit management data 13c may also record the store that the user group Gp entered. As a result, the visitor user Pg enters the private space SV1 as the avatar Ag. The process of step S31 is a process performed by the entrance / exit management unit 12c.

[0094] Then, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data showing the display contents of the shop screen, which is a screen showing the inside of the private space SV1, to each of the visitor terminal 20A of the manager and the visitor terminal 20B of the general members (step S32). As a result, the shop screen is displayed on the visitor terminal 20A of the manager (step S33), and the shop screen is also displayed on the visitor terminal 20B of the general members (step S34).

[0095] FIG. 11 shows an example of a shop screen IS displayed on the visitor terminal 20. The shop screen IS displays the store selected by the administrator as the store to be entered, and the avatar Ag of the visitor user Pg who is the operator of the visitor terminal 20. For example, the shop screen IS is first displayed with the avatar Ag placed near the entrance of the selected store, and by moving the avatar Ag through operations on the visitor terminal 20, the avatar Ag moves within the store, and the range of the store included in the shop screen IS also moves accordingly. This allows the visitor user Pg to be active in the private space SV1, such as looking at exhibits such as products placed within the store.

[0096] The avatars Ag of all members of the user group Gp are arranged in the same private space SV1. If the avatars Ag of other members are located within the range included in the shop screen IS, the avatars Ag of these other members are also displayed. On the shop screen IS or a screen called up from the shop screen IS, a list of users who are in the stores in the private space SV1 may be confirmed by user name or the like. The shop screen IS may also include an area for members of the user group Gp to chat by text or voice.

[0097] In this way, a private space SV1 is created for each user group Gp, and since visitor users Pg other than the user group Gp do not enter the private space SV1, it is easy to grasp the positions of the avatars Ag of the group members and to communicate through the avatars Ag. In addition, the number of avatars Ag in the store is prevented from increasing, making it possible to smoothly look around the store and receive customer service. In this way, the virtual space providing system 100 provides a virtual space suitable for group activities.

[0098] When leaving the private space SV1, the same process as when entering is carried out. Specifically, the shop screen IS or a screen called up from the shop screen IS includes an area for instructing the customer to leave the store, and when the manager selects this area, information indicating a request to leave is sent from the visitor terminal 20A to the virtual space generating server 10.

[0099] When the request to leave is received, the virtual space generation server 10 updates the position of the avatar Ag and the entrance / exit management data 13c so that all members of the user group Gp leave the private space SV1. This process is performed as the entrance / exit management unit 12c.

[0100] Then, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating the display contents of the lobby screen IL to each member's visitor terminal 20. As a result, all visitor users Pg of the user group Gp leave the private space SV1, and the lobby screen IL is displayed on each member's visitor terminal 20.

[0101] When the administrator selects a store again on the lobby screen IL, all members of the user group Gp enter the private space SV1 again. In this way, the group can visit various stores in the private space SV1.

[0102] In this way, in the virtual space providing system 100, all members of the user group Gp enter and exit the private space SV1 based on instructions from the administrator's visitor terminal 20. In other words, only the administrator has the authority to decide whether to enter or exit the store, and general members do not have that authority. Since entry and exit are performed by the entire user group Gp, the operation is less complicated than when each member operates to enter and exit. And, since only the administrator has the authority to decide whether to enter or exit the store, the activities of the entire group can be carried out smoothly.

[0103] For example, the lobby screen IL and shop screen IS of the manager visitor user Pg display an area for instructing entering and leaving the store. On the other hand, the lobby screen IL and shop screen IS of the general members do not display an area for instructing entering and leaving the store. In this way, the virtual space generation server 10 differentiates the authority of the manager from that of the general members by differentiating the display contents of the lobby screen IL and shop screen IS between the manager and the general members.

[0104] Alternatively, the display contents of the lobby screen IL and the shop screen IS may be the same for administrators and general members, and the virtual space generation server 10 may refer to the user management data 13b to identify whether the visitor user Pg is an administrator or a general member, and then determine whether or not to accept instructions to enter or leave the store through each screen.

[0105] In addition, general members also have the authority to leave the store, and when a general member issues an instruction to leave on the visitor terminal 20, the virtual space generation server 10 may cause only the visitor user Pg who is the general member who issued the instruction to leave the private space SV1. With this configuration, members can leave the store separately according to their own convenience, which increases the freedom of group activities.

[0106] In addition, if the notification of the invitation to the user group Gp is ​​not immediately confirmed by the invited user, participation in the user group Gp may be approved after the user group Gp enters the private space SV1.

[0107] In this case, when the virtual space generation server 10 receives information indicating approval of participation from the visitor terminal 20, it records the visitor user Pg whose participation has been approved in the user management data 13b as a general member of the target user group Gp, and allows the visitor user Pg to enter the private space SV1 in which the target user group Gp is ​​present. Then, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating the display contents of the shop screen IS to the visitor terminal 20 of the added member.

[0108] In this way, the visitor user Pg who is added to the user group Gp after the group Gp enters the private space SV1 is joined by the other members at the store in the private space SV1. This allows the group activities to proceed smoothly.

[0109] [Staff entry and exit to private space] The operation of the virtual space providing system 100 will be described with regard to the entry and exit of the staff user Ps into the private space SV1.

[0110] Fig. 12 shows an example of an entrance management screen IA displayed on the staff terminal 30. The entrance management screen IA includes a list of shop spaces SV in operation, in other words, shop spaces SV that the staff user Ps can enter. In the example shown in Fig. 12, one public space SV2 and two private spaces SV1 are included in the list.

[0111] In the list of shop spaces SV, it is preferable that the number of visitor users Pg and other staff users Ps who are in the store in charge of the staff user Ps, and the names of the other staff users Ps are displayed together. By displaying these, the staff user Ps can easily determine which shop space SV to enter. In addition, if there is a limit on the number of users who can enter the shop space SV, it is preferable that the upper limit of the number of people who can enter is also displayed.

[0112] In addition, the entrance management screen IA may be capable of displaying the history of the shop space SV that the staff user Ps has recently entered. Such a display is also useful when the staff user Ps searches for the shop space SV that he or she wishes to enter.

[0113] The entrance management screen IA is displayed on the staff terminal 30 based on the virtual space generation server 10 transmitting data indicating the display contents of the entrance management screen IA to the staff terminal 30 in response to a request from the staff terminal 30. The virtual space generation server 10 acquires information to be displayed as the entrance management screen IA by referring to the entrance / exit management data 13c and the user management data 13b, and generates the above data.

[0114] The flow of processing performed by the virtual space providing system 100 when a staff user Ps enters the private space SV1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, when the private space SV1 to be entered is selected on the entrance management screen IA of the staff terminal 30, information indicating this operation, in other words, information indicating a request for entry into the private space SV1, is sent from the staff terminal 30 to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S40).

[0115] Upon receiving a request for entry into private space SV1, the virtual space generation server 10 sends a request for approval of entry of the staff user Ps into the private space SV1 to the visitor terminal 20A of the administrator of the user group Gp, whose entry destination is the specified private space SV1 (step S41).

[0116] When the visitor terminal 20A, which has received the request for approval of entry, approves entry of the staff user Ps into the private space SV1 based on the operation of the administrator visitor user Pg, information indicating this operation, in other words, information indicating approval of entry, is transmitted from the visitor terminal 20A to the virtual space generation server 10 (step S42).

[0117] Upon receiving the information indicating the admission approval, the virtual space generation server 10 performs admission processing for the staff user Ps whose admission has been approved, targeting the designated private space SV1 (step S43). Specifically, the virtual space generation server 10 sets the position of the avatar Ag of the staff user Ps in the private space SV1 so as to allow the staff user Ps to enter the private space SV1, and updates the entrance / exit management data 13c. The store where the staff user Ps enters is predefined as the store in charge of the staff user Ps. As a result, the staff user Ps enters the private space SV1 as the avatar Ag. The processing of steps S41 and S43 is processing as the entrance / exit management unit 12c.

[0118] Then, the virtual space generation server 10 transmits data indicating the display contents of the shop screen IS to each of the visitor terminals 20 of all visitor users Pg who have entered the private space SV1 and to the staff terminal 30 of the staff user Ps who has been admitted (step S44). As a result, the shop screen IS is updated on each visitor terminal 20 (step S45), and the shop screen IS is displayed on the staff terminal 30 (step S46).

[0119] That is, on each shop screen IS, an avatar of the staff user Ps is displayed, and the staff user Ps's entry into the store is notified. After that, the staff user Ps uses chat or the like as necessary to provide customer service, such as explaining products, to the visitor user Pg through the avatar.

[0120] In this way, the staff user Ps enters the private space SV1 only after obtaining approval from the administrator visitor user Pg, so that the visitor user Pg can be served by the staff user Ps as necessary while maintaining the characteristic of the private space SV1 that no users other than the user group Gp can enter.

[0121] If approval from the administrator's visitor user Pg is not obtained, i.e., if the administrator's visitor user Pg refuses entry to the staff user Ps, the virtual space generation server 10 will not allow the staff user Ps to enter the private space SV1, and will send a notification to the staff terminal 30 that entry has been refused.

[0122] When an instruction to leave is given on the visitor terminal 20 of the manager, the virtual space generation server 10 causes the staff user Ps to leave the private space SV1 in addition to all members of the user group Gp. The staff user Ps only needs to have the authority to leave the store on his / her own, and when the staff user Ps gives an instruction to leave on the staff terminal 30, the virtual space generation server 10 causes only the staff user Ps to leave the private space SV1. The visitor user Pg may also be able to request the staff user Ps to enter the store through an operation on the visitor terminal 20.

[0123] In addition, when the staff user Ps selects the public space SV2 as the entry destination, the virtual space generation server 10 allows the staff user Ps to enter the public space SV2 without requesting approval from the visitor user Pg. In addition, when a request to enter a store is received from a visitor user Pg who does not belong to the user group Gp, the virtual space generation server 10 allows the visitor user Pg to enter the public space SV2.

[0124] In each of the private space SV1 and the public space SV2, the visitor user Pg can select the store to enter, in other words, can enter each of multiple stores, whereas the staff user Ps can only enter the store for which he or she is responsible, which has been predefined.

[0125] As described above, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since a private space SV1, which is the shop space SV to which each user group Gp will enter, is generated, it is easier to grasp the positions of the avatars Ag of the members of the user group Gp and to communicate with them through the avatars Ag, compared to when a group of unspecified visitors (users Pg) enters a single shop space SV. This makes it easier to smoothly carry out group activities in the virtual space.

[0126] (2) A public space SV2 is generated in which the visitor users Pg who can enter are not specified. This allows visitor users Pg who do not belong to a group to enter the public space SV2, reducing the processing load on the virtual space generation server 10 compared to when a virtual space is generated in which the entry destinations of all visitor users Pg are specified.

[0127] (3) A lobby space LV is generated in which avatars Ag of members of the user group Gp wait before entering the private space SV1. With this configuration, the avatars Ag of members of the user group Gp gather in the lobby space LV before entering the private space SV1, making it easy to confirm the members of the user group Gp and to grasp the group's composition status.

[0128] (4) When the virtual space generation server 10 receives a request to organize a user group Gp with the avatar Ag of the visitor user Pg located in the lobby space LV, and receives a designation of a store in which the user group Gp will enter, the virtual space generation server 10 allows the visitor user Pg included in the user group Gp to enter the private space SV1 as the avatar Ag. With this configuration, the process from group organization to entering the store can proceed smoothly.

[0129] (5) When the virtual space generation server 10 receives a request for entry into the private space SV1 from the visitor terminal 20 of the administrator, it allows all visitor users Pg included in the user group Gp to enter the private space SV1 as avatars Ag. With this configuration, the members of the user group Gp enter the private space SV1 collectively based on the operation of one visitor user Pg, so the complexity of the operation is reduced compared to when each member individually operates the visitor terminal 20 to enter. Also, it is easier to carry out group activities compared to when members enter separately.

[0130] (6) When the virtual space generation server 10 receives an instruction from the visitor terminal 20 of the administrator to withdraw the visitor user Pg, who is the administrator, from the user group Gp, it sets another user included in the user group Gp as a new administrator. With this configuration, when the administrator withdraws from the user group Gp, the user can continue activities in the group without having to create a separate group, which improves user convenience.

[0131] (7) The authority that only the administrator has in the user group Gp includes at least one of inviting visitor users Pg to the user group Gp, expelling visitor users Pg from the user group Gp, and selecting a store in which the user group Gp will be located in the private SV1 space. With this configuration, by giving the authority only to the administrator, the organization of the user group Gp and the entry of the group into the private space SV1 can be smoothly carried out.

[0132] (8) When the virtual space generation server 10 receives a request from the staff terminal 30 to enter the private space SV1, it requests the visitor terminal 20 of the target user group Gp to approve the entry of the staff user Ps, and when the admission is approved, it allows the staff user Ps to enter the private space SV1 as an avatar Ag. With this configuration, the visitor user Pg can be served by the staff user Ps as necessary while maintaining the advantage of the user group Gp monopolizing the virtual space.

[0133] (9) A list of shop spaces SV that can be selected as spaces for the staff user Ps to enter is displayed on the staff terminal 30. With this configuration, the staff user Ps can select the shop space SV to enter, making it possible to flexibly serve visitor users Pg who are distributed across multiple shop spaces SV.

[0134] [Variations] The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. ·As long as a virtual space to be entered is generated for each user group Gp, other configurations such as the configuration of the virtual space, the authority of the user, and the procedure for entering and exiting the user may be different from the above embodiment. For example, the lobby space LV may not be generated, and the visitor user Pg of the administrator may enter the private space SV1 when the group is created, and the group may be organized in the state of being entered in the private space SV1. Also, the public space SV2 may not be generated, and a private space SV1 may be generated for each visitor user Pg who does not belong to a group and set as the entry destination. Also, the group may be organized in the private space SV1 in addition to the lobby space LV, or the group may be disbanded when the visitor user Pg of the administrator leaves the group. Also, the authority of the administrator may be different from the above embodiment, and the members of the group may enter the private space SV1 separately by performing the operation of entering and exiting each member. Also, the store to be entered may be selected after the visitor user Pg enters the private space SV1. Also, the approval of the visitor user Pg may not be required when the staff user Ps enters the private space SV1.

[0135] From the viewpoint of solving the problem of making it easier to smoothly carry out group activities in a virtual space, it is not essential that a virtual space to which the user group Gp is ​​to enter is generated for each user group Gp. For example, the following can solve the above problem independently: a user group Gp is ​​organized in a lobby space LV, and enters a shop space SV by specifying a store; all members of the user group Gp enter and leave a store based on the entry and exit instructions of the administrator's visitor user Pg; and when the administrator's visitor user Pg leaves the user group Gp, the administrator's authority is transferred.

[0136] In addition, the mode in which the staff user Ps selects a shop space SV to enter from among a plurality of shop spaces SV allows the staff user Ps to flexibly respond to the visitor user Pg, for example by selecting a shop space SV with a large number of visitor users Pg and serving them there. In this way, from the viewpoint of solving the problem of enabling a person serving a customer to flexibly respond to users of the facility included in the virtual space, it is not essential to form a user group Gp and generate a virtual space for each user group Gp. For example, all of the plurality of shop spaces SV may be public spaces SV2.

[0137] The use of the virtual space providing system 100 is not limited to customer service in a store that handles products. For example, when the virtual space providing system 100 is used for customer service, the facilities included in the virtual facility space generated by the virtual space generation server 10 are not limited to stores, but may be event venues such as exhibitions, or model rooms. Customer service includes, for example, the sale and explanation of products, explanations of exhibits and facilities, tourist information, etc. Furthermore, products are not limited to physical objects, but also include financial products, etc.

[0138] Moreover, the use of the virtual space providing system 100 does not have to be customer service, and it may be used for medical services such as counseling, educational services, administrative services, etc. In short, a first user who visits a virtual facility space and uses the facility, and a second user who serves the first user at the facility may enter the virtual facility space as avatars. For example, the second user may be a lecturer, and the first user may be a student. Furthermore, as long as at least the first user enters the virtual facility space as an avatar and uses the facility, the second user may not enter the virtual facility space. The facilities included in the virtual facility space may be structures or buildings established for a specific purpose, and may be, for example, commercial facilities, financial facilities, public facilities, medical facilities, welfare facilities, tourist facilities, factories, etc. Also, the number of facilities included in the virtual facility space may be one.

[0139] The virtual space providing system 100 may perform multilingual translation or simultaneous interpretation of text and voice input / output to the visitor terminal 20 and the staff terminal 30. With this configuration, global support is possible for visitor users Pg, staff users Ps, products handled, etc.

[0140] The functions of the virtual space generation server 10 may be realized by a plurality of information processing devices. One information processing device is a single computer device. In other words, the virtual space generation device may be configured from one or a plurality of information processing devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] LV: Lobby space SV: Shop space SV1…Private space SV2…Public Space Pg…Visitor user Ps…Staff user 10…Virtual space generation server 20… Visitor terminal 30…Staff terminal 100...Virtual space provision system

Claims

1. a virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual facility space, which is a virtual space including one or more facilities; an entrance / exit management unit that receives a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility and allows the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; a group management unit that, upon receiving a request from the user terminal, sets a group including a plurality of the users and sets one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, the virtual space generation unit generates, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter; the entrance / exit management unit, when receiving a request to enter the virtual facility space from the user terminal of the user of the manager, at least one of allowing all of the users included in the group of the manager to enter the virtual facility space, and when receiving a request to exit the virtual facility space from the user terminal of the user of the manager, allowing all of the users included in the group of the manager to exit the virtual facility space; The entrance / exit management unit further, when receiving a request to exit the virtual facility space from the user terminal of a user other than the administrator included in the group, allows only the user who requested the exit to exit the virtual facility space. Virtual space generation device.

2. a virtual space generation unit that generates a virtual facility space, which is a virtual space including one or more facilities; an entrance / exit management unit that receives a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility and allows the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; a group management unit that, upon receiving a request from the user terminal, sets a group including a plurality of the users and sets one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, the virtual space generation unit generates, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter; the group management unit is capable of performing processes of adding the user to the group, deleting the user from the group, and disbanding the group; When an instruction to withdraw the administrator's user from the group is received from the user terminal of the administrator's user, and if no users other than the administrator belong to the group, the group management unit disbands the group to which the administrator's user belongs, and the virtual space generation unit deletes the virtual facility space set as an entrance destination for the group. Virtual space generation device.

3. The user is a first user, a user who serves the customer at the facility is a second user; The system further includes a communication unit that causes a second user terminal operated by the second user to display the virtual facility spaces selectable as spaces to be entered by the second user, including the virtual facility spaces for each group, and transmits data for displaying the number of the first user and other second users entering each virtual facility space and the names of the other second users entering each virtual facility space. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. After the users included in the group have entered the virtual facility space for each group, when approval to join the group is received from a user terminal operated by a target user who is a user invited to join the group, the group management unit adds the target user to the group, and the entrance / exit management unit allows the target user to enter the virtual facility space to which the group is to enter. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the virtual facility space for each group is a first virtual space, The virtual space generation unit generates, in addition to the first virtual space, a second virtual space which is a virtual facility space in which the users who can enter are not specified. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The virtual space generation unit generates a waiting space, which is a virtual space in which avatars of the users included in the group wait before entering the virtual facility space. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the virtual facility space includes a plurality of the facilities; the group management unit receives a request for organizing the group from the user terminal of the user of the administrator while an avatar of the user of the administrator is located in the waiting space; When the facility to be entered by the group is designated from the user terminal of the user of the administrator while the avatars of the users included in the group are located in the waiting space, the entrance / exit management unit allows the users included in the group to enter the virtual facility space as avatars. The virtual space generating device according to claim 6.

8. When an instruction to remove the administrator's user from the group is received from the user terminal of the administrator's user, if a user other than the administrator belongs to the group, the group management unit sets another user included in the group as a new administrator. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Among the users included in the group, the authority that only the administrator has includes at least one of inviting the users to the group, removing the users from the group, and selecting the facility in which the group will enter in the virtual facility space. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The user is a first user, and the user terminal is a first user terminal; a user who serves the customer at the facility is a second user; The entrance / exit management unit When a request for entry into a group space, which is a virtual facility space for each group, is received from a second user terminal operated by the second user, a request is made to the first user terminal of the first user included in the target group to approve the entry of the second user; When the first user terminal approves the second user's entry, the second user is allowed to enter the group space as an avatar. The virtual space generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. When the entrance / exit management unit receives a request for entry into the virtual facility space from the user terminal of the user of the administrator, the entrance / exit management unit allows all of the users included in the group of the administrator to enter the virtual facility space as avatars. The virtual space generating device according to claim 2 .

12. On one or more computers, generating a virtual facility space that is a virtual space including one or more facilities; receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, and allowing the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; receiving a request from the user terminal, setting a group including a plurality of the users, and setting one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, generating, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter; moreover, at least one of allowing all of the users included in the group of the administrator to enter the virtual facility space when a request to enter the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user of the administrator, and allowing all of the users included in the group of the administrator to exit the virtual facility space when a request to exit the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user of the administrator; when a request to leave the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user other than the administrator who is included in the group, only the user who requested the exit is caused to exit the virtual facility space. Virtual space generation program.

13. On one or more computers, generating a virtual facility space that is a virtual space including one or more facilities; receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, and allowing the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; receiving a request from the user terminal, setting a group including a plurality of the users, and setting one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, generating, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter; moreover, Adding the user to the group, removing the user from the group, and disbanding the group; When an instruction to withdraw the administrator's user from the group is received from the user terminal of the administrator's user, if no users other than the administrator belong to the group, the group to which the administrator's user belongs is disbanded, and the virtual facility space set as an entrance destination for the group is deleted. Virtual space generation program.

14. One or more computers generating a virtual facility space that is a virtual space including one or more facilities; receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, and allowing the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; receiving a request from the user terminal, setting a group including a plurality of the users, and setting one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, generating the virtual facility space for each group into which the users included in the group are admitted; moreover, at least one of allowing all of the users included in the group of the administrator to enter the virtual facility space when a request to enter the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user of the administrator, and allowing all of the users included in the group of the administrator to exit the virtual facility space when a request to exit the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user of the administrator; When a request to leave the virtual facility space is received from the user terminal of a user other than the administrator who is included in the group, only the user who requested the exit is caused to exit the virtual facility space. A method for generating virtual space.

15. One or more computers generating a virtual facility space that is a virtual space including one or more facilities; receiving a request from a user terminal operated by a user who will be a user of the facility, and allowing the user to enter the virtual facility space as an avatar; receiving a request from the user terminal, setting a group including a plurality of the users, and setting one of the users included in the group as an administrator having authority different from that of the other users, generating, for each group, the virtual facility space into which the users included in the group are allowed to enter; moreover, Adding the user to the group, removing the user from the group, and disbanding the group; When an instruction to withdraw the administrator's user from the group is received from the user terminal of the administrator's user, if no users other than the administrator belong to the group, the group to which the administrator's user belongs is disbanded, and the virtual facility space set as an entrance destination for the group is deleted. A method for generating virtual space.

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