Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and program capable of grasping how to use a component acquired by a user in a good manner to manufacture a finished product.SOLUTION: In an information processing system, a server device 20 includes: a replication support information storage part for storing replication support information obtained by setting manufacturing method instruction data to instruct a manufacturing method so that other users can replicate a finished product in association with each user owning the finished product manufactured by a plurality of components in a virtual space; an imparting part for imparting any of the plurality of components usable to manufacture a finished product in the virtual space to the user; and an introduction part for determining manufacturing method instruction data of a finished product with the components used as recommendation manufacturing method instruction data to be introduced to the user from manufacturing method instruction data of finished products owned by the other uses on the basis of the replication support information when any component is imparted to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

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

[0004] In such a virtual space, there is a vast area (such as a vast piece of land) in which an avatar can act, and a part of that vast area can be owned by one user. By operating their own avatar, users can obtain parts that can be used to create finished products in the virtual space, or create finished products made up of multiple parts in their owned area.

[0005] However, even if a user obtains new parts, for example by an avatar picking up parts in a vast area, the user may not know how to use them to create a finished product.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user, when acquiring a new part that can be used to produce a finished product, to understand how to use the part in producing the finished product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: a duplication assistance information storage unit that stores duplication assistance information in which production method instruction data is set so as to instruct a production method so that other users can duplicate a finished product made of a plurality of parts in a virtual space, the duplication assistance information being associated with each user who owns the finished product; an assigning unit that assigns to a user any one of a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, when any part is assigned to a user, determines, based on the duplication support information, from among production method instruction data of finished products owned by other users, production method instruction data of a finished product in which the part is used, as production method instruction data recommended to be introduced to the user; The information processing device includes: Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of parts information according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of region information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of ownership region setting information according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing an example of part acquisition region information according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of duplication support information according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to assembling a building in this embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for generating a design drawing in the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen in the client terminal 10. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in the client terminal 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a duplication assistance information storage unit stores duplication assistance information in which production method instruction data is set so as to instruct a production method so that other users can duplicate the finished product, the duplication assistance information being associated with each user who owns a finished product made of a plurality of parts in a virtual space; an assigning unit that assigns to a user any one of a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, when any part is assigned to a user, determines, based on the duplication support information, from among production method instruction data of finished products owned by other users, production method instruction data of a finished product in which the part is used, as production method instruction data recommended to be introduced to the user; The information processing device includes: With such an information processing device, when a user acquires a new part, production method instruction data is presented that enables the user to replicate a finished product made by another user using that part, making it possible for the user to understand how to use that part in making a finished product.

[0010] Moreover, in such an information processing device, a user information storage unit that stores user information in which a part owned by the user is set among a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space, in association with each user; The introduction unit may, when any part is assigned to a user, determine, based on the duplication assistance information and the user information, from among production method instruction data for finished products owned by other users, production method instruction data for a finished product that can be produced using that part and parts owned by the user, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user. According to such an information processing device, when a user newly acquires a certain part, production method instruction data is presented that enables the user to reproduce a finished product produced by another user using not only that part but also the same parts that the user owns, thereby enabling the user to efficiently grasp how to use the part in producing a finished product.

[0011] Moreover, in such an information processing device, When there are a plurality of pieces of recommended manufacturing method instruction data, the introduction unit may preferentially determine the recommended manufacturing method instruction data according to the number of parts used in a finished product that can be duplicated using the recommended manufacturing method instruction data. According to such an information processing device, the recommended production method instruction data that can reproduce a finished product having a large number of parts (i.e., an attractive finished product with a complex structure) is preferentially introduced, thereby increasing the user's motivation to create an attractive finished product using the parts obtained.

[0012] Moreover, in such an information processing device, In the duplication support information, a popularity ranking is set for each of the production method instruction data, When there are a plurality of pieces of recommended production method instruction data, the introduction unit may preferentially determine the data in descending order of popularity. According to such an information processing device, since recommended production method instruction data for replicating popular and attractive finished products is preferentially introduced, the user's motivation to produce an attractive finished product using the parts obtained can be enhanced.

[0013] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The system may further include a sales section that sells the recommended production method instruction data to users and gives a reward to other users who own a finished product that can be reproduced using the recommended production method instruction data. According to such an information processing device, as the production method instruction data is sold, a user who owns a finished product that can be reproduced using the production method instruction data can receive a reward, thereby increasing the motivation of users to actively produce and own attractive finished products that can be purchased by many users.

[0014] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The sales department may be configured not to resell the recommended production method instruction data that has been purchased and already owned by a user. According to such an information processing device, excessive duplication of the finished product can be suppressed by restricting the resale of the recommended production method instruction data once it has been purchased.

[0015] Moreover, in such an information processing device, The introduction unit may exclude, from the recommended manufacturing method instruction data, manufacturing method instruction data that can reproduce a finished product using parts that satisfy a specific condition. According to such an information processing device, when parts that satisfy specific conditions are used in the production of a finished product that can be reproduced using the production method instruction data, it may be difficult to obtain the parts, and the finished product may not be substantially reproduced. By excluding such production method instruction data from the recommended production method instruction data, it is possible to avoid introducing production method instruction data for a finished product that cannot be substantially reproduced even if the parts available are used.

[0016] In addition, the computer a duplication assistance information storage means for storing duplication assistance information in which production method instruction data is set so as to instruct a production method so that other users can duplicate a finished product produced from a plurality of parts in the virtual space, the duplication assistance information being associated with each user who owns the finished product; a granting means for granting to a user any one of a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction means for determining, when any part is assigned to a user, production method instruction data of a finished product in which the part is used as a recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user, from among production method instruction data of finished products owned by other users, based on the duplication assistance information; It is a program that functions as a Such a program would allow a user to understand how newly acquired parts can be used to create a finished product.

[0017] === Implementation form === An information processing device, a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The present invention can be widely applied to a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that employs a virtual space providing service that provides a virtual space to a user. In the embodiment, an example will be described in which a "building" as an example of a finished product is assembled (produced) using "parts" as an example of components in a virtual space.

[0018] <<System configuration>> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 are connected via a network N.

[0019] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device operated by a user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a terminal device such as a home or commercial game machine. The server device 20 manages and controls the virtual space providing service performed by the user on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the virtual space providing service. The network N is the Internet or the like, and includes a mobile wireless base station.

[0020] In addition to the client-server type information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the present invention can also be applied to a single game device (information processing device) by providing a separate mechanism for performing billing processing in a virtual space. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers.

[0021] <<Hardware configuration>> <Client terminal and server device> Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to the present embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0022] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and a HDD 58, all of which are connected to one another via a bus line B. Note that the server device 20 may be configured such that the input device 55 and the display device 56 are connected and used when necessary.

[0023] The CPU 51 is a calculation device that reads out programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and the HDD 58 onto the RAM 52, and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby achieving overall control and functionality of the computer.

[0024] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0025] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 is started.

[0026] The communication interface is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This allows the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface .

[0027] The input device 55 is a device used by a user or an administrator to input various signals. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operating device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0028] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen to a user or an administrator. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0029] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication. This allows the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0030] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0031] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0032] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the hardware configuration described above.

[0033] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to the present embodiment. The server device 20 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0034] The server device 20 according to the present embodiment realizes a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0035] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 in this embodiment includes an assignment unit 201, a design drawing generation unit 202, an introduction unit 203, and a sales unit 204.

[0036] The imparting unit 201 imparts to the user parts that can be used to manufacture a finished product in the virtual space. The imparting unit 201 according to the present embodiment imparts to the user any of a plurality of parts that can be used to assemble a building in the virtual space.

[0037] The blueprint generating unit 202 is an example of a production method instruction data generating unit, and generates a blueprint for assembling a building in a virtual space. The blueprint is an example of "production method instruction data" for instructing a production method so that other users can replicate a completed product owned by a user. The blueprint generating unit 202 according to this embodiment generates a blueprint for instructing an assembly method so that other users can replicate the building, based on an operation by a user who owns the building.

[0038] The introduction unit 203 introduces to the user a blueprint for duplicating another person's building in the virtual space. When a user is given any part among parts that can be used to assemble a building in the virtual space, the introduction unit 203 according to this embodiment determines, from among the blueprints of buildings owned by other users, a blueprint of a building in which the part is used, as a recommended blueprint to be introduced to the user.

[0039] When a user wishes to purchase a recommended blueprint, the sales unit 204 sells the recommended blueprint by performing a charging process based on the selling price of the recommended blueprint and the user's owned money (e.g., virtual currency). The sales unit 204 according to this embodiment sells the recommended blueprint to the user, and thereby gives a reward to other users who own buildings that can be replicated with the recommended blueprint.

[0040] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes a part information storage unit 221, an area information storage unit 222, an owned area setting information storage unit 223, a part acquisition area information storage unit 224, a user information storage unit 225, and a duplication support information storage unit 226.

[0041] The parts information storage unit 221 is an example of a parts information storage unit, and stores parts information related to parts that can be used to assemble a building in the virtual space. The parts information stored in the parts information storage unit 221 is composed of various data shown below.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of part information according to the present embodiment, which includes items such as part ID, part name, category, and part setting information.

[0043] The part ID is information for uniquely identifying various parts. The part name is information indicating the name of the part. The category is information indicating the classification to which the part belongs. In this embodiment, there are building material parts, indoor parts, outdoor parts, etc. The building material parts include foundations, floors, roofs, walls, stairs, pillars, beams, windows, doors, etc. The indoor parts include furniture such as chairs and tables. The outdoor parts include shrubs, planters, fountains, trees, and rocks. The part setting information is information including model data and texture data for forming the parts as 3D models (part objects) in a virtual space (virtual three-dimensional space).

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

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

[0046] The partition ID is information for uniquely identifying an area in a virtual space that is divided according to a specific criterion. The partition name is information indicating the name of an area in a virtual space. The position information is information for specifying the position of an area in a virtual space. The size information is information for specifying the size of an area in a virtual space. The shape information is information for specifying the shape of an area in a virtual space. The area setting information is information including model data, texture data, etc. for forming an area as a 3D model (land object) in a virtual space (virtual three-dimensional space).

[0047] The owned area setting information storage unit 223 stores owned area setting information related to an area (owned area) owned by a user among areas in a virtual space. The owned area setting information stored in the owned area setting information storage unit 223 is composed of various data shown below.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of owned area setting information according to this embodiment. The owned area setting information shown in Fig. 6 has items such as a section ID, an owner, and an owned date.

[0049] The partition ID is information for uniquely identifying an owned area in the virtual space that has been assigned to the user as his / her personal space. The owner is information indicating the user who owns the area in the virtual space. The ownership date is information indicating the date on which the user took possession of the area in the virtual space.

[0050] The part acquisition area information storage unit 224 stores part acquisition area information related to an area in the virtual space where the user can acquire parts. The part acquisition area information stored in the part acquisition area information storage unit 224 is composed of various data shown below.

[0051] 7 is a diagram showing an example of part acquisition area information according to the present embodiment. The part acquisition area information shown in FIG. 7 includes items such as acquired section ID, section name, acquisition range information, parts, and acquisition period.

[0052] The acquisition section ID is information for uniquely identifying an area in the virtual space where parts can be acquired. The section name is information indicating the name of the part acquisition area. The acquisition range information is information for defining the range in the virtual space where parts can be acquired. The acquisition range information includes a section ID for identifying an area in the virtual space, and position information defining a specified range within the area identified by the section ID. The parts are information indicating the parts that can be acquired within the range defined by the acquisition range information, out of the multiple parts set in the parts information shown in FIG. 4. The acquisition period is information defining the limited period during which the parts can be acquired.

[0053] The user information storage unit 225 stores user information related to users who use the virtual space providing service. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 225 is composed of various data shown below.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of user information according to the present embodiment. The user information shown in Fig. 8 has items such as a user ID, a name, avatar setting information, owned money, owned area, owned parts, purchased blueprints, owned building information, action history information, and purchase history information.

[0055] The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The name is information indicating the user name. The avatar setting information is information on an avatar used by a user in a virtual space. It includes model data and texture data for forming an avatar as a 3D model (user object) in a virtual space (virtual three-dimensional space). The money is information on a virtual currency owned by a user. The owned area is information for identifying an area owned by a user among areas in a virtual space set in the area information shown in FIG. 5. The owned parts are information for identifying parts owned by a user among parts usable in a virtual space set in the part information shown in FIG. 4. The purchased blueprint is information indicating a blueprint purchased by a user. The owned building information is information for identifying a building owned by a user. The owned building information includes a building ID for uniquely identifying a building owned by a user, a name of the building, component parts (type and quantity of parts) used by the user to assemble the building among the owned parts, arrangement information for identifying the position and orientation of the component parts of the building laid out, information on the parts of the component parts that contact each other, the start date of assembly of the building, and the completion date of assembly of the building. The behavior history information is information about the behavior history of the avatar in the virtual space. The purchase history information is information about the purchase history of recommended blueprints.

[0056] The duplication support information storage unit 226 stores duplication support information for supporting a user so that the user can duplicate a building created by another person. The duplication support information stored in the duplication support information storage unit 226 is made up of various data items shown below.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of duplication support information according to the present embodiment. The duplication support information shown in Fig. 9 has items such as blueprint ID, registration date, blueprint, building owner, sales price, total number of sales, popularity ranking, and purchaser history information.

[0058] The blueprint ID is information for uniquely identifying a blueprint that can be used to support the duplication of a building. The registration date is information indicating the date and time when the blueprint was registered as a blueprint that can be used to support the duplication of a building. After the registration date, the blueprint can be used to support the duplication of a building. The blueprint is generated by the blueprint generating unit 202, and is data for instructing an assembly method so that other users can duplicate a building owned by a user. The blueprint includes the component parts (type and quantity of parts) used to assemble a building that can be duplicated with this blueprint, arrangement information for specifying the position and orientation in which the component parts of the building are laid out, information on the parts of the component parts that are in contact with each other, and the like. The owner of the building is information for specifying a user who owns a building that can be duplicated with the blueprint. The selling price is information indicating the selling price set for the blueprint. The total number of sales is information indicating the number of blueprints that have been sold so far. The popularity ranking is information indicating the ranking determined based on the total number of sales as the popularity ranking. The higher the total number of sales, the higher the popularity ranking. The purchaser history information is history information on users who have purchased blueprints so far.

[0059] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0060] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the server device 20 performs control related to parts provision, blueprint generation, blueprint introduction, and blueprint sales, but the client terminal 10 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least some of the provision unit, blueprint generation unit, introduction unit, and sales unit may be configured not to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20, but to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10.

[0061] <Client terminal> 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0062] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment realizes a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input receiving unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0063] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. The client control unit 100 in this embodiment includes a building assembly control unit 101, a user object control unit 102, an image generation unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a purchase unit 105.

[0064] The building assembly control unit 101 is an example of a completed product generation unit, and controls the assembly of a building in a virtual space. The building assembly control unit 101 according to this embodiment places part objects, which are parts owned by the user, one after another in the user's owned area based on the user's operation, and generates a completed product object, which is a building constructed by combining various part objects.

[0065] The user object control unit 102 controls user objects in a virtual space. The user object control unit 102 according to this embodiment controls various behaviors, such as moving and operating a user object, which is an avatar, in a virtual space, based on a user's operation.

[0066] The image generating unit 103 generates a two-dimensional image of the state of the virtual space when various objects arranged in the virtual space are viewed from the virtual camera. The image generating unit 103 according to this embodiment performs coordinate conversion of various objects arranged in three-dimensional coordinates expressed in the world coordinate system into a view coordinate system based on the virtual camera. Then, perspective conversion or the like is performed on the objects arranged in the view coordinate system, and the state of the virtual space (virtual three-dimensional space) when viewed from the virtual camera is generated as a two-dimensional image. At this time, geometry processing, texture mapping processing, hidden surface processing, alpha blending processing, and the like are also performed.

[0067] The display control unit 104 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10. In this embodiment, the display control unit 104 creates a two-dimensional image of various objects arranged in a virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera for each frame (for example, every 1 / 60 seconds) and outputs the state of the virtual space to the screen display unit 160.

[0068] The purchasing unit 105 performs processing for allowing the user to purchase blueprints for assembling a building in a virtual space. The purchasing unit 105 according to this embodiment transmits a request to purchase the blueprint to the server device 20 in response to a user operation, and receives the purchased blueprint from the server device 20 according to the result of the billing process.

[0069] The operation input receiving unit 150 receives an operation input from a user. When a user performs a touch operation on the screen, the operation input receiving unit 150 according to this embodiment receives the operation input from the user via a touch panel.

[0070] The client storage unit 120 stores various programs and various information required by the client terminal 10. The various programs include a program for the user to use the virtual space providing service. As with the server storage unit 220, the various information includes all or part of part information, area information, owned area setting information, part acquisition area information, user information, and duplication support information. In other words, the client storage unit 120 also functions as a part information storage unit, area information storage unit, owned area setting information storage unit, part acquisition area information storage unit, user information storage unit, and duplication support information storage unit.

[0071] The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20 via the network N.

[0072] The screen display unit 160 receives a control signal from the display control unit 104 and thereby performs screen display on the client terminal 10 .

[0073] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the client terminal 10 performs building assembly control, user object control, image generation, display control, etc., but the server device 20 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least some of the building assembly control unit, user object control unit, image generation unit, and display control unit may be configured not to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0074] <<System Overview>> An overview of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described below. In the information processing system 1 in this embodiment, a user can use a virtual space providing service.

[0075] In the virtual space provision service of this embodiment, a user can act in a virtual space using an avatar (user object) that represents the user. In this virtual space, a plurality of areas are set in which the avatar can act. An "area" in the virtual space corresponds to a "land" in the real space.

[0076] A user can take ownership of an unowned area by assigning it to them as their own space among the multiple areas set up in the virtual space. The owner user can freely use the area they own.

[0077] The owner user can assemble buildings such as houses using building material parts, indoor parts, outdoor parts, etc. in his / her owned area and can make his / her avatar act within the building. When another person's avatar visits a building that he / she assembled, he / she can communicate with the other person using his / her avatar.

[0078] When assembling a building within a user's own area, the user needs to collect various parts that can be used to assemble the building within the virtual space. Since multiple parts acquisition areas are set in the virtual space, the user moves his / her avatar to one of the parts acquisition areas in order to acquire a part. If the avatar searches within the parts acquisition area and finds and picks up a part, the user can obtain that part.

[0079] On the other hand, even if a user is able to obtain a certain part, there are cases where the user does not know how to use the part to assemble a building. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a user obtains a part, the blueprint of a building assembled by another user using the part is introduced to the user. By looking at the blueprint, the user can refer to how the part is used in other people's buildings that can be replicated using the blueprint, and can understand how to use the part to assemble a building.

[0080] In this embodiment, if the user likes the presented blueprint, the user can purchase the blueprint. If the user can collect and assemble various parts according to the blueprint, the user can obtain a building identical to the original building shown in the blueprint.

[0081] <<System Operation>> The operation of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described below. The operation related to the assembly of a building in a virtual space, the operation related to the generation of a blueprint, and the operation related to the introduction and sale of the blueprint will be specifically described below.

[0082] <Assembly of the building> The operation relating to the assembly of a building in a virtual space in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation relating to the assembly of a building in this embodiment.

[0083] Based on the user's designated operation, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 determines, from among the parts owned by the user, parts to be placed in the user's owned area (hereinafter referred to as "parts to be placed") (step S11).

[0084] Next, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 determines, based on the user's designation operation, from among the parts of the determined parts to be placed, the parts adjacent to the placement destination location described below (step S12).

[0085] It is also possible to set in advance the portion of the part to be placed, without having the user specify the portion, in which case the process of step S12 can be omitted.

[0086] Next, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 determines the location of the placement destination based on the user's designation operation (step S13).

[0087] For example, if the placement destination is a point within the owned area, the point within the owned area specified by the user's operation is determined as the placement destination. Also, if the placement destination is a component part of a building that has already been placed, the portion of the component part specified by the user's operation is determined as the placement destination.

[0088] In addition, if the destination location is a component part of a building that has already been placed, it is possible to allow the user to specify the location of the component part as the destination location regardless of the location by pre-setting the location of the component part that will be in contact with the part to be placed, rather than having the user specify the location of the component part as the destination location.

[0089] Next, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 places the determined parts to be placed at the determined placement destination locations within the user's owned area (step S14).

[0090] By concretely laying out the parts within the owned area in this manner, the parts to be placed become constituent parts of the building.

[0091] In addition, when placing such parts, the user object control unit 102 of the client terminal 10 may cause the user's avatar to carry the determined part to be placed to the determined placement location.

[0092] Next, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 judges whether or not a termination operation for terminating the part placement, or a continuation operation for continuing the part placement has been performed by the user (step S15).

[0093] Then, when the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 determines that the user has performed a continue operation (step S15: continue), it returns to the above step S11 and continues the assembly of the building by having the user specify the next part to be placed. On the other hand, when it determines that the user has performed an end operation (step S15: end), it proceeds to the next step S16.

[0094] Next, when the user performs an end operation, the building assembly control unit 101 of the client terminal 10 saves the building assembled using the currently placed component parts as a building owned by the user in the user's owned building information (step S16).

[0095] <Blueprinting> In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, a blueprint can be generated based on a building assembled by a user (blueprint creation). By requesting blueprint creation, a user can show the blueprint of his / her building to other users and introduce the assembly method. A user can also transfer the blueprint of a building to another user while keeping the original building he / she created. If the other user who receives the blueprint collects and assembles various parts according to the blueprint, they can create a duplicate of the original building.

[0096] In the following, the operation related to the generation of the design drawing in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to the generation of the design drawing in this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first screen in the client terminal 10.

[0097] The client control unit 100 determines the range based on the operation of the user who desires to create a design drawing (step S21).

[0098] 13, a user's avatar A, a user's owned building 501, a surrounding frame 502, and a cursor 503 are displayed on a first screen 500. The user can change the size of the surrounding frame 502 by touching the first screen 500 with a finger and moving the cursor 503. When the user wants to create a blueprint of the owned building 501, the user moves the cursor 503 so as to surround the owned building 501 with the surrounding frame 502, and then releases the finger from the first screen 500. The blueprint generating unit 202 determines the range at the timing when the user releases the finger from the first screen 500.

[0099] Next, the client control unit 100 determines the owned building that is assembled using the various owned parts that exist within the range determined in this manner as a design drawing target (step S22).

[0100] Here, when the user performs an operation to consent to the creation of a blueprint for the owned building that is the determined target for blueprinting, the client control unit 100 transmits information about the user's owned building to the server device 20 and also transmits a request to execute the blueprinting process.

[0101] Next, upon receiving the request for the design drawing process, the design drawing generation unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a design drawing based on the owned building that has been determined to be the subject of design drawing, to instruct other users on how to assemble the owned building so that the owned building can be replicated (step S23).

[0102] At this time, the blueprint generating unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a blueprint by identifying the type and quantity of component parts used in assembling the user's owned building that is the determined target for blueprinting, and the position and orientation in which each of the component parts of the owned building is laid out, based on the received information on the user's owned building.

[0103] Next, the design drawing generation unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a design drawing corresponding to the owned building that is the determined design drawing target, and stores the generated design drawing in the duplication support information in association with the user (step S24).

[0104] <Design drawing introduction and sales> The operation of introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second screen in the client terminal 10.

[0105] The granting unit 201 of the server device 20 grants to the user a part associated with the part acquisition area (i.e., the same part as the picked up part) on the condition that the user's avatar has searched the part acquisition area, found and picked up a part, based on the part acquisition area information (step S31).

[0106] Next, when the parts are assigned to the user in this manner, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 extracts, from the multiple blueprints set in the duplication support information, the blueprints of the building in which the assigned parts are used (step S32).

[0107] At this time, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 excludes the blueprints associated with the user to which the parts are assigned. In other words, only blueprints of other people's buildings are extracted, excluding the blueprints of the user's own buildings. Furthermore, if the same blueprint exists associated with two or more different users, only the blueprint associated with the earliest registration date is extracted. In other words, only blueprints of original buildings are extracted, excluding blueprints of duplicated buildings. Furthermore, blueprints of buildings that use parts that satisfy a specific condition (for example, parts whose acquisition period has expired) are excluded. In other words, only blueprints of buildings that can be duplicated with available component parts are extracted, excluding blueprints of buildings that cannot be duplicated because the component parts are substantially difficult to obtain.

[0108] In addition, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 may also refer to the user information of the user and extract, from among the multiple blueprints set in the duplication support information, a blueprint of a building that can be assembled using the assigned parts and parts owned by the user.

[0109] Next, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines a recommended design plan to be introduced to the user from among the extracted multiple design plans (step S33).

[0110] At this time, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 can determine, as a recommended blueprint, from among the extracted multiple blueprints, a blueprint of a building that can be assembled using the assigned parts and the user's owned parts, by also referring to the user information of the user. Furthermore, the introduction unit 203 can determine, from among the extracted multiple blueprints, a blueprint that has a large number of building parts that can be duplicated with the blueprint as a recommended blueprint, with priority. Furthermore, the introduction unit 203 can determine, with priority, a blueprint with a high popularity ranking as a recommended blueprint. Furthermore, a randomly selected blueprint can be determined as a recommended blueprint. Note that any one of these methods may be used for the determination, or these methods may be used in combination as appropriate. Furthermore, multiple recommended blueprints may be determined.

[0111] The second screen 600 shown in FIG. 15 displays a recommended blueprint 601 introduced to the user, a building 602 that can be duplicated with the recommended blueprint, a purchase button 603, and an end button 604. By looking at the recommended blueprint 601 on the second screen 600, the user can understand how the parts acquired this time are used to assemble the building 602. If the user likes the building 602 that can be duplicated with the recommended blueprint, the user can purchase the recommended blueprint 601 by pressing the purchase button 603. When the user presses the purchase button 603, the purchase unit 105 of the client terminal 10 transmits a purchase request for the recommended blueprint 601 to the server device 20. When the user presses the end button 604, the purchase unit 105 transmits an introduction end request for the recommended blueprint 601 to the server device 20.

[0112] Next, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the user will purchase the recommended design drawing, based on whether or not a purchase request for the recommended design drawing 601 has been received (step S34).

[0113] When the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 receives an introduction end request for the recommended design drawing 601, it determines that the user does not purchase the recommended design drawing (step S34: NO), and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 14. On the other hand, when a purchase request for the recommended design drawing 601 is received, it determines that the user purchases the recommended design drawing (step S34: YES), and proceeds to the next step S35.

[0114] Next, when it is determined that the recommended blueprint 601 should be purchased, the sales department 204 of the server device 20 refers to the user information and duplication support information of the user, and sells the recommended blueprint 601 by performing a billing process based on the user's financial assets and the selling price of the recommended blueprint 601 (step S35).

[0115] Next, when the sales department 204 of the server device 20 sells the recommended blueprint 601 to the user, it gives a reward to other users who own buildings 602 that can be replicated with the recommended blueprint 601 (step S36).

[0116] At this time, the sales department 204 of the server device 20 can use all or part of the selling price of the recommended blueprint 601 as a reward to other users. Note that other preset rewards (a fixed amount of virtual currency, a specified part, a specified blueprint, a specified outfit for an avatar, etc.) may also be given.

[0117] Thus, according to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, when a user obtains a part, a recommended blueprint that allows the user to replicate a building assembled by another user using the part is introduced to the user. By looking at the recommended blueprint, the user can refer to how the part is used in other people's buildings and understand how to utilize the part in assembling a building. If the user likes the recommended blueprint, the user can purchase the recommended blueprint. If the user can collect and assemble various parts according to the purchased recommended blueprint, the user can assemble a building identical to the original building indicated by the recommended blueprint.

[0118] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below.

[0119] In addition, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiment described below.

[0120] <Sales of blueprints> In the above embodiment, the sales department 204 of the server device 20 can also set so that a recommended design plan that the user has already purchased and owns (purchased design plan) cannot be resold.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the sales department 204 of the server device 20 may restrict blueprints of buildings with fewer parts than a predetermined number or that require less than a predetermined total time to complete from being sold as recommended blueprints. In other words, blueprints of buildings that are easy to assemble have low value and may be excluded from sale.

[0122] In the above embodiment, when a user duplicates a building identical to an original building according to a recommended blueprint (purchased blueprint) that the user already owns and then adds new parts to assemble a building different from the original building, it is possible to make a blueprint of only the customized extension part, and add the blueprint of the extension part to the sale items. In this case, the blueprint of the original building and the blueprint of the extension part may be sold as a set. When selling this set, the reward for the owner may be set to be divided between the owner of the original building and the owner of the extension part.

[0123] <Blueprinting> In the above embodiment, when the range of the enclosing frame 502 is determined by the movement of the cursor 503 (the processing of step S21 shown in FIG. 12), the blueprint generating unit 202 can determine that only the building material parts (e.g., foundations, floors, roofs, walls, stairs, pillars, beams, windows, doors, etc.), outdoor parts (e.g., shrubs, planters, fountains, trees, rocks, etc.), indoor parts (e.g., furniture such as chairs and tables, etc.), and other parts that constitute the owned building 501 within the determined range are to be the building material parts to be created as blueprints. This makes it possible to create a blueprint of essentially only the building.

[0124] <Finished product> In the above embodiment, the completed product in the virtual space is a "building", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the completed product may be a vehicle in the virtual space, such as a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an airplane, or a ship, an electrical appliance in the virtual space, a toy in the virtual space, or a dish in the virtual space.

[0125] <Production method instruction data> In the above embodiment, a "design drawing" is described as an example of the manufacturing method instruction data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an assembly manual, an instruction manual, a recipe, etc. may be used as the manufacturing method instruction data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 10A Client Terminal 10B Client terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computer 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Devices 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 100 Client control section 101 Building Assembly Control Unit 102 User object control section 103 Image Generation Unit 104 Display control unit 105 Purchasing Department 120 Client Memory 140 Client Communication Section 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display section 200 Server control unit 201 Granting Department 202 Design Drawing Generation Department 203 Introduction Department 204 Sales Department 220 Server memory 221 Parts information storage unit 222 Area information storage unit 223 Owned area setting information storage unit 224 Parts acquisition area information storage unit 225 User information storage unit 226 Replication support information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 500 1st screen 501 Owned Buildings 502 Enclosure 503 Cursor 600 2nd screen 601 Recommended Blueprints 602 Building 603 Purchase Button 604 Exit button B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. a duplication assistance information storage unit that stores duplication assistance information in which production method instruction data is set so as to instruct a production method so that other users can duplicate a finished product made of a plurality of parts in a virtual space, the duplication assistance information being associated with each user who owns the finished product; an assigning unit that assigns to a user any one of a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, when any part is assigned to a user, determines, based on the duplication support information, from among production method instruction data of finished products owned by other users, production method instruction data of a finished product in which the part is used, as production method instruction data recommended to be introduced to the user; An information processing device comprising:

2. a user information storage unit that stores user information in which a part owned by the user is set among a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space, in association with each user; Equipped with the introduction unit, when any part is assigned to a user, determines, based on the duplication assistance information and the user information, from among production method instruction data for finished products owned by other users, production method instruction data for a finished product that can be produced using the part and a part owned by the user, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When there are a plurality of pieces of the recommended manufacturing method instruction data, the introduction unit preferentially determines the recommended manufacturing method instruction data based on the number of parts used in the finished product that can be duplicated by the recommended manufacturing method instruction data.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the duplication support information, a popularity ranking is set for each of the production method instruction data, When there are a plurality of pieces of recommended production method instruction data, the introduction unit prioritizes the data in order of popularity.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a sales department that sells the recommended production method instruction data to users and gives a reward to other users who own a finished product that can be reproduced using the recommended production method instruction data; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The sales department will not resell the recommended production method instruction data that has been purchased and already owned by the user. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The introduction unit excludes manufacturing method instruction data capable of replicating a finished product using a part that satisfies a specific condition from the recommended manufacturing method instruction data.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Computer, a duplication assistance information storage means for storing duplication assistance information in which production method instruction data is set so as to instruct a production method so that other users can duplicate a finished product produced from a plurality of parts in the virtual space, the duplication assistance information being associated with each user who owns the finished product; a granting means for granting to a user any one of a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction means for determining, when any part is assigned to a user, production method instruction data of a finished product in which the part is used as a recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user, from among production method instruction data of finished products owned by other users, based on the duplication assistance information; A program that functions as a

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