Information processing device and program

Abstract

To make it possible for a user to refer to finished products fabricated by other users using a component before the user selects and purchases the component which can be used for fabricating the finished product.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a replication assistance information storage unit that stores, in association with each user who owns a finished product that was made of a plurality of components in a virtual space, replication assistance information in which fabrication method instruction data is set, the fabrication method instruction data giving an instruction about a fabrication method so that other users can replicate the finished product; a selling unit which sells, to the user, a component selected by the user from among a plurality of components which can be used for fabricating the finished product in the virtual space; and an introduction unit which determines, before selling the selected component to the user, as recommended fabrication method instruction data to be introduced to the user, fabrication method instruction data of the finished product with the selected component used therefor, out of fabrication method instruction data of the finished product owned by other users, on the basis of the replication assistance information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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 purchase parts that can be used to create finished products in the virtual space, or create finished products made up of multiple parts in their own owned area.

[0005] However, before a user selects and purchases the parts that he or she plans to use in the production of a finished product, there are cases in which the user would like to refer to the finished products that other users have produced using the parts that he or she has selected.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable a user to refer to a finished product that was made by another user using parts that can be used to make a finished product, before selecting and purchasing the parts himself / herself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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; a sales department that sells to a user any part selected by the user from among a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, before selling the selected part to the 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 selected part is used, as recommended production method instruction data 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] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of duplication support information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to assembling a building in this embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for generating a design drawing in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen in the client terminal 10. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in the client terminal 10. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third 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; a sales department that sells to a user any part selected by the user from among a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, before selling the selected part to the 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 selected part is used, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user; The information processing device includes: According to such an information processing device, when a user purchases a part selected by the user, production method instruction data for duplicating a finished product made by another user using that part is presented, so that the user can refer to the finished product made by another user using that part.

[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; Before selling the selected part to the user, the introduction unit may determine, based on the duplication support 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 selected 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 purchases a part selected by himself / herself, production method instruction data is introduced that enables the user to reproduce a finished product produced by another user using not only that part but also the same part owned by the user, so that the user can efficiently refer to the finished product produced by another user using that part.

[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 based on 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 sales department may sell the recommended production method instruction data to users, and give 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 many users will buy.

[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 selling means for selling to a user any part selected by the user from a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction means for determining, based on the duplication support information, production method instruction data for a finished product in which the selected part is used, from production method instruction data for finished products owned by other users, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user, before selling the selected part to the user; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, before a user selects and purchases parts that can be used to make a finished product, the user can refer to finished products made by other users using those parts.

[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 an arithmetic unit that loads 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 programs and data that have been loaded, 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 enables 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 operation 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 this 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 a sales unit 201, a design drawing generation unit 202, and an introduction unit 203.

[0036] The sales unit 201 sells parts that can be used to assemble a building in the virtual space and blueprints for assembling a building in the virtual space. The blueprints are an example of "production method instruction data" for instructing a production method so that other users can replicate a finished product owned by a user. The sales unit 201 according to this embodiment sells to the user any part selected by the user from among a plurality of parts that can be used to assemble a building, or sells to the user a recommended blueprint to be introduced to the user. In addition, by selling a recommended blueprint to a user, a reward is given to other users who own buildings that can be replicated with the recommended blueprint.

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

[0038] The introduction unit 203 introduces to the user blueprints for replicating another person's building in the virtual space. Before the user purchases parts selected from among parts usable for assembling a building in the virtual space, the introduction unit 203 according to this embodiment determines, as a recommended blueprint to be introduced to the user, blueprints of buildings in which the selected parts are used from among blueprints of buildings owned by other users.

[0039] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes a parts information storage unit 221, an area information storage unit 222, an owned area setting information storage unit 223, a user information storage unit 224, and a duplication support information storage unit 225.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of parts information according to the present embodiment, which includes items such as a part ID, a part name, a category, a selling price, and part setting information.

[0042] 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 selling price is information indicating the selling price set for the part. The part setting information is information including model data and texture data for forming the part as a 3D model (part object) in a virtual space (virtual three-dimensional space).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The user information storage unit 224 stores user information related to users who use the virtual space providing service. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 224 is composed of various data shown below.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to the present embodiment. The user information shown in Fig. 7 includes items such as a user ID, a name, avatar setting information, money, an owned area, owned parts, purchased blueprints, owned building information, action history information, and purchase history information.

[0051] 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 parts and recommended blueprints.

[0052] The duplication support information storage unit 225 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 225 is made up of various data items shown below.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of duplication support information according to the present embodiment. The duplication support information shown in Fig. 8 has items such as blueprint ID, registration date, blueprint, building owner, sales price, total number of sales, popularity ranking, and purchaser history information.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0056] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the server device 20 performs control related to parts sales, blueprint generation, blueprint introduction, and blueprint sales, but the client terminal 10 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least a part of the 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.

[0057] <Client terminal> 9 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The purchasing unit 105 performs processing for allowing the user to purchase parts that can be used to assemble a building in a virtual space and blueprints for assembling a building in a virtual space. The purchasing unit 105 according to this embodiment transmits a purchase request for parts and blueprints to the server device 20 in response to a user operation, and receives the purchased parts and blueprints from the server device 20 according to the result of the billing process.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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, 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, user information storage unit, and duplication support information storage unit.

[0067] The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20 via the network N.

[0068] 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 .

[0069] 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.

[0070] <<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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The owner user can purchase building material parts, indoor parts, outdoor parts, etc. in the virtual space, and assemble buildings such as houses using the various parts purchased in the area owned by the user, and can make the user's avatar act within the building. Furthermore, when another user's avatar visits a building that the user has assembled, the user can communicate with the other user using the user's avatar.

[0074] When assembling a building within one's own territory, the user needs to purchase various parts that can be used to assemble the building. A store where parts can be purchased is set up in the virtual space, so the user can purchase and prepare in advance various parts to be used in assembling the ideal building.

[0075] On the other hand, before a user selects and purchases the parts that he or she plans to use to assemble his or her ideal building, the user may want to refer to what buildings other users have assembled using the selected parts, even though the user has selected the parts himself or herself. Therefore, in this embodiment, before the user purchases the parts from a store in the virtual space, the user is introduced to a blueprint of a building that other users have assembled using the parts. By looking at the blueprint, the user can refer to how the parts are used in other people's buildings that can be replicated using the blueprint, and can refer to how the parts should be used in assembling a building.

[0076] 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.

[0077] <<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.

[0078] <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. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation relating to the assembly of a building in this embodiment.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] It is also possible to set in advance the portion of the part to be placed that will be in contact with the placement destination, without having the user specify the portion of the part to be placed.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] By concretely laying out the parts within the owned area in this manner, the parts to be placed become constituent parts of the building.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] <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.

[0092] In the following, the operation of generating a design drawing in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of generating a design drawing in this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first screen in the client terminal 10.

[0093] The client control unit 100 determines the range based on the operation of the user who desires to create a design drawing (step S21).

[0094] 12 displays a user's avatar A, a user's owned building 501, a surrounding frame 502, and a cursor 503. 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] <Design drawing introduction and sales> The operation of introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 15. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of introducing and selling blueprints in this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in the client terminal 10. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third screen in the client terminal 10.

[0101] 14 displays various parts available for purchase in a store in the virtual space and selection buttons 601 associated with each of the various parts. The user can purchase the part he or she wishes to purchase by finding the part he or she wishes to purchase from a parts list based on the parts information and pressing the selection button 601 associated with the part he or she wishes to purchase. When the selection button 601 is pressed by the user, the purchase unit 105 of the client terminal 10 transmits a purchase request for the part he or she wishes to purchase to the server device 20. The introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the user has selected the part he or she wishes to purchase based on whether or not the purchase request for the part he or she wishes to purchase has been received (step S31).

[0102] Next, when the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that the user has selected the parts he or she wishes to purchase (step S31: YES), it extracts, from the multiple blueprints set in the duplication support information, a blueprint of a building in which the selected parts he or she wishes to purchase are used (step S32).

[0103] At this time, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 excludes blueprints associated with the user who selected the parts he / she wishes to purchase. In other words, it extracts only blueprints of other people's buildings, excluding blueprints of the user's own buildings. Furthermore, if the same blueprint exists associated with two or more different users, it extracts only the blueprint associated with the earliest registration date. In other words, it extracts only blueprints of original buildings, excluding blueprints of duplicated buildings. Furthermore, it excludes blueprints of buildings that use parts that satisfy a specific condition (for example, parts whose acquisition period has expired). In other words, it extracts only blueprints of buildings that can be duplicated with available component parts, excluding blueprints of buildings that cannot be duplicated because the component parts are substantially difficult to obtain.

[0104] 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 for a building that can be assembled using the selected parts desired to be purchased and parts owned by the user.

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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 selected parts desired to be purchased and the parts owned by the user, by also referring to the user information of the user. Furthermore, the introduction unit 203 can determine, as a recommended blueprint, blueprints that have a large number of building parts that can be duplicated with the blueprint, from among the extracted multiple blueprints. Furthermore, the introduction unit 203 can determine, as a recommended blueprint, blueprints with a high popularity ranking, with priority. 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.

[0107] The third screen 700 shown in FIG. 15 displays a recommended blueprint 701 introduced to the user, a building 702 that can be duplicated with the recommended blueprint, a first purchase button 703, a second purchase button 704, and an end button 705. By viewing the recommended blueprint 701 on the third screen 700, the user can understand how the parts selected for purchase are used to assemble the building 702. If the user likes the building 702 that can be duplicated with the recommended blueprint, the user can purchase the recommended blueprint 701 together with the parts for purchase by pressing the first purchase button 703. If the user does not want to purchase the recommended blueprint 701, the user can purchase only the selected parts for purchase by pressing the second purchase button 704. When the user presses the first purchase button 703, the purchase unit 105 of the client terminal 10 transmits a purchase request for the recommended blueprint 701 and the parts for purchase to the server device 20. Furthermore, when the user presses the second purchase button 704, a purchase request for only the desired part is sent to the server device 20. Furthermore, when the user presses the end button 705, a request to end the introduction of the recommended design drawing 701 is sent to the server device 20 without purchasing anything.

[0108] Next, the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the user will purchase the recommended design drawing 701 and the desired part based on whether or not a purchase request for the recommended design drawing 701 and the desired part has been received (step S34).

[0109] When the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 does not receive the recommended blueprint 701 and the purchase request for the desired part, it determines that the user does not purchase the recommended blueprint together with the desired part (step S34: NO), and proceeds to step S37 described below. On the other hand, when the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 receives the purchase request for the recommended blueprint 701 and the desired part, it determines that the user purchases the recommended blueprint together with the desired part (step S34: YES), and proceeds to the next step S35.

[0110] Next, if the sales department 201 of the server device 20 determines that the recommended blueprint 701 will be purchased along with the desired part (step S34: YES), it refers to the user information, part information, and duplication support information of the user, and sells the desired part and the recommended blueprint 701 by performing a billing process based on the user's financial assets and the selling price of the desired part and the recommended blueprint 701 (step S35).

[0111] Next, the sales department 201 of the server device 20 gives a reward to other users who own buildings 702 that can be replicated with the recommended blueprint 701, as a result of selling the recommended blueprint 701 to the user (step S36).

[0112] At this time, the sales department 201 of the server device 20 can use all or part of the selling price of the recommended blueprint 701 as a reward to other users. Note that a preset reward (a fixed amount of virtual currency, a specified part, a specified blueprint, a specified outfit for an avatar, etc.) may also be given.

[0113] Next, when the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that the user does not want to purchase the recommended blueprint along with the part that the user wishes to purchase (step S34: NO), the introduction unit 203 determines whether or not the user wishes to purchase the part that the user has selected himself / herself, based on whether or not a purchase request for only the part that the user wishes to purchase has been received (step S37).

[0114] If the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 does not receive a purchase request for only the desired part, it determines that the user will not purchase the desired part (step S37: NO) and proceeds to step S39, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the introduction unit 203 receives a purchase request for only the desired part, it determines that the user will purchase the desired part (step S37: YES) and proceeds to the next step S38.

[0115] Next, when it is determined that the desired part is to be purchased (step S37: YES), the sales department 201 of the server device 20 refers to the user information and parts information of the user, and sells the desired part by performing a billing process based on the user's funds and the selling price of the desired part (step S38).

[0116] Next, if the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 determines that the user will not purchase the part he or she desires to purchase (step S37: NO), it determines whether or not to end the introduction of the recommended blueprint based on whether or not a request to end the introduction of the recommended blueprint 701 has been received (step S39).

[0117] When the introduction unit 203 of the server device 20 does not receive a request to end the introduction of the recommended design drawing 701, it determines not to end the introduction of the recommended design drawing (step S39: NO) and returns to the process of step S34 described above. On the other hand, when a request to end the introduction of the recommended design drawing 701 is received, it determines to end the introduction of the recommended design drawing (step S39: YES) and ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0118] In this manner, according to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, before the user purchases the parts he or she has selected, a recommended blueprint is introduced to the user, which allows the user to replicate a building assembled by another user using the parts he or she has selected. By looking at the recommended blueprint, the user can refer to how the parts he or she has selected are used in other people's buildings, and can understand how to utilize the parts he or she has selected in order to assemble the building. If the user likes the recommended blueprint, he or she can purchase the recommended blueprint. If the user can collect and assemble various parts according to the recommended blueprint he or she has purchased, he or she can assemble a building identical to the original building indicated by the recommended blueprint.

[0119] ===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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] <Sales of blueprints> In the above embodiment, the sales department 201 of the server device 20 can also set so that the user cannot resell the recommended design plans (purchased design plans) that he or she has already purchased.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the sales department 201 of the server device 20 may restrict blueprints of buildings with fewer parts than a predetermined number or blueprints of buildings that took 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] <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.

[0125] <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.

[0126] <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]

[0127] 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 Sales Department 202 Design Drawing Generation Department 203 Introduction Department 220 Server memory 221 Parts information storage unit 222 Area information storage unit 223 Owned area setting information storage unit 224 User information storage unit 225 Replication support information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 500 1st screen 501 Owned Buildings 502 Enclosure 503 Cursor 600 2nd screen 601 Selection button 700 3rd screen 701 Recommended Blueprints 702 Building 703 1st Purchase Button 704 Second Purchase Button 705 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; a sales department that sells to a user any part selected by the user from among a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction unit that, before selling the selected part to the 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 selected part is used, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user; An information processing device comprising:

2. a user information storage unit that stores user information in which parts owned by the user are 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, before selling the selected part to the 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 selected part and parts 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 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.

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. the sales department 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 1 .

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 selling means for selling to a user any part selected by the user from a plurality of parts that can be used to produce a finished product in the virtual space; an introduction means for determining, based on the duplication support information, production method instruction data for a finished product in which the selected part is used, from production method instruction data for finished products owned by other users, as recommended production method instruction data to be introduced to the user, before selling the selected part to the user; A program that functions as a

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