Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To give consideration to privacy of users using a virtual space without sacrificing the excitement of events.SOLUTION: An information processing device is provided, comprising a control unit configured to: set appearance display types, including at least anonymous display of an avatar, in one or more areas in an event taking place in a virtual space in association with viewing point types; and control display of the appearance of the avatar in each area appearing in a video of the virtual space according to the association of the viewing point types with the appearance display types.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, virtual spaces composed of various objects such as 3D models or 2D images have been provided, and users can visually and auditorily experience the virtual space using a user terminal. As the user terminal, for example, various forms of information processing terminals such as smartphones, HMDs (head-mounted displays), and notebook or desktop PCs (personal computers) are assumed. In the virtual space, an avatar that serves as the user's alter ego is placed. The avatar is, for example, 3DCG drawn based on a 3D model. The user's viewpoint in the virtual space may be the viewpoint of the avatar or a viewpoint that includes the avatar within the angle of view.

[0003] Also, in the virtual space, users can communicate with each other using means such as text chat and voice calls. For example, the user can move their own avatar close to another user's avatar in the virtual space and have a conversation with the other user's avatar by text or voice. Also, it is assumed that a large number of avatars will visit events such as live shows held in the virtual space. The user can enjoy the event with many people in the virtual space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in an event held in a virtual space, the presence of many other users (specifically, other avatars) enhances the sense of presence and unity, enlivens the event, and allows users to enjoy the event more. On the other hand, in a virtual space, an avatar is a user's alter ego and can be said to be a target that requires consideration for privacy.

[0006] Regarding the protection of the privacy of the people shown in the image, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of blurring the face other than the main subject together with the background in an image posted on an SNS (Social Network Service). However, the privacy of avatars in a virtual space has not been considered.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can consider the privacy of users who use a virtual space while not reducing the excitement of the event.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to the present disclosure, for one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar is set in association with a viewpoint type, and based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, a control unit that controls the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space is provided.

[0009] Further, according to the present disclosure, a processor sets an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type for one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, and based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, controls the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space, and an information processing method is provided.

[0010] Also, according to the present disclosure, a program is provided that causes a computer to set an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar for one or more areas in an event occurring in a virtual space in association with a viewpoint type, and controls the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, thereby functioning as a control unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0013] Also, the description will be made in the following order. 1. Configuration 1-1. System Configuration 1-2. Configuration of Server 20 2. First Embodiment 2-1. Event Setting by Administrator 2-2. Seat Purchase by User (Audience) 2-3. Admission to Event Venue 2-4. Others 3. Second Embodiment 3-1. Event Setting by Administrator 3-2. Seat Purchase by User (Audience) 3-3. Admission to Event Venue 4. Third Embodiment 4-1. Event Setting by Administrator 4-2. Seat Purchase by User and Admission to Event Venue 5. Modification Example 6. Supplementary

[0014] <1. Configuration> An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <<1-1. System Configuration>> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes one or more user terminals 10 (10a to 10n), an administrator terminal 12, and a server 20 (an example of an information processing apparatus). The user terminal 10, the administrator terminal 12, and the server 20 are communicatively connected via a network 30 and can transmit and receive data.

[0016] The server 20 is a device that provides a virtual space to a user. The server 20 may be a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices. The server 20 can transmit information of the virtual space to the user terminal 10 and output an image, sound, etc. of the virtual space on the user terminal 10, thereby enabling the user to experience the virtual space. In the virtual space, an avatar associated with the user and operable by the user is arranged. The image of the virtual space output on the user terminal 10 is an image from the viewpoint of the user in the virtual space, specifically, the viewpoint of the user's avatar, or an overhead view image including the user's avatar within the angle of view. The user can experience the virtual space through their own avatar.

[0017] In addition, the server 20 can receive operation input information such as a movement operation or an action operation from the user terminal 10 to the user's avatar by the user and perform synchronization processing between users. Specifically, the server 20 performs processing to reflect the actions of the avatars operated by each user in the virtual space based on the operation input information received from each user terminal 10. The server 20 transmits, as synchronization information for reflecting in the virtual space information (difference information) regarding changes such as the positions and movements of the avatars in the virtual space based on the operation input information received from each user terminal 10, to each user terminal 10 (10a to 10n). Thereby, each user terminal 10 can generate an image of the virtual space in which the actions of the avatars are reflected, and each user can share the same virtual space. Note that the synchronization processing between users is not limited to this.

[0018] The user terminal 10 is an information processing terminal used by a user to view a virtual space. The user terminal 10 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, an HMD that covers the entire field of view, a glasses-type display device, a projector, or the like. The user terminal 10 generates an image from the user's viewpoint in the virtual space based on the information of the virtual space received from the server 20.

[0019] The administrator terminal 12 is an information processing terminal used by an administrator who manages various settings of the virtual space, etc. The administrator terminal 12 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, an HMD that covers the entire field of view, a glasses-type display device, a projector, or the like.

[0020] Here, at a venue for a live concert or other event held in a virtual space, the presence of other users (specifically, other avatars) increases the sense of realism and unity in the venue, allowing each user to enjoy the event even more. However, in a virtual space, an avatar is an alter ego of the user, and consideration of privacy is required.

[0021] One option would be to hide avatars that users do not want other users to see, but as the number of hidden avatars increases, the number of avatars visible at the event (audience avatars) will decrease, making the event seem less exciting. Another option would be to blur avatars, but if each user were allowed to blur their avatars at their own discretion, blurred avatars would be scattered throughout the venue, eliminating the uniformity of the display of other avatars that are visible as audience avatars, and thus undermining the sense of realism and unity at the venue.

[0022] In view of the above points, in the present disclosure, for each area in the venue of an event held in a virtual space, the appearance of an avatar (i.e., the appearance display type) according to the viewpoint type is set, and the display of the appearance of the avatar is controlled for each area according to the viewpoint type. The appearance display type includes a display mode in which spectator avatars cannot be individually identified from the appearance, that is, anonymized display. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of users using the virtual space while taking into account the privacy of users using the virtual space, without impairing the sense of presence and unity of the venue and without reducing the excitement of the event.

[0023] Above, the outline of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. Subsequently, the specific configuration of each device included in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] <<1-2. Configuration of Server 20>> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0025] (Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 has a transmission unit that transmits data to an external device and a reception unit that receives data from an external device. The communication unit 210 according to the present embodiment may communicate and connect with an external device or the Internet using, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a mobile communication network (LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (the fourth-generation mobile communication system), 5G (the fifth-generation mobile communication system)), etc.

[0026] (Control Unit 220) The control unit 220 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operations within the server 20 according to various programs. The control unit 220 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. Further, the control unit 220 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, arithmetic parameters, etc. to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0027] The control unit 220 according to the present embodiment can also function as a setting unit 221 and a display control unit 222.

[0028] The setting unit 221 sets, for each area set as the venue of an event held in the virtual space, an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of spectator avatars, in association with a viewpoint type. The viewpoint type is the type of the position on the subject side that views the target (the avatar in the area), and for example, it can be any one of the areas. Each area includes a spectator area where the avatars of the spectators are located and an area where the performer performs. Examples of the types of spectator areas include a VIP area, an arena area, and a stand area. Which area of the venue is set as which type (name) of spectator area can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. Also, the distribution of one or more areas in the venue can be arbitrarily set by the administrator.

[0029] Also, the area may be a further partial area of any one of the areas such as a VIP area, an arena area, and a stand area. Also, the area may include a plurality of areas of the same type (name) (for example, two arena areas and four stand areas, etc.).

[0030] The setting unit 221 sets, for each spectator area (e.g., VIP area, arena area, and stand area), the appearance view (appearance display type of the spectator avatar) from each viewpoint type (e.g., VIP area, arena area, and stand area). The setting unit 221 can set the appearance display type based on the operation by the administrator. The appearance display type includes anonymized displays such as human-shaped silhouettes. The setting unit 221 stores the setting information in the setting information DB (database) 231 of the storage unit 230.

[0031] The display control unit 222 performs various display controls on the virtual space. For example, the display control unit 222 transmits the information of the virtual space to each user terminal 10. As one of the display controls of the virtual space, the display control unit 222 controls the display of the appearance of the spectator avatars located in each spectator area based on the preset association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type.

[0032] More specifically, when generating (displaying) the video of the virtual space, the display control unit 222 controls the appearance of the spectator avatars in each spectator area shown in the video to be displayed in the appearance display type associated with the viewpoint type of the viewpoint subject of the video.

[0033] For example, when there are an arena area and a stand area as spectator areas, the case where the appearance view (appearance display type) of the spectator avatars in the arena area and the stand area for each viewpoint type is set as shown in Table 1 below will be described.

[0034]

Table 1

[0035] In this case, for example, in the video from the user perspective of user Ua (user avatar sitting in the arena seat) located in the arena area, which is provided by user terminal 10a used by user Ua, the appearances of other avatars (spectator avatars) in the arena area are all displayed (rendered) as they are, and the appearances of other avatars (spectator avatars) in the stand area are all displayed (anonymously displayed) in the same humanoid silhouette. On the other hand, for example, in the video from the user perspective of user Ub (user avatar sitting in the stand seat) located in the stand area, which is provided by user terminal 10b used by user Ub, the appearances of other avatars in the arena area are all displayed in the same humanoid silhouette, and the appearances of other avatars in the stand area are also all displayed in the same humanoid silhouette. As a result, for example, avatars in the stand area are anonymized and displayed with a humanoid silhouette appearance from both the arena area and the stand area, thus protecting the privacy of the avatars. Furthermore, since the anonymization display is set for each area, the display types of other spectator avatars shown in the video are unified for each area, maintaining the uniformity of the avatar display. Therefore, even when using anonymization display, it is possible to protect privacy without compromising the sense of presence and unity of the venue.

[0036] In the case of the settings in Table 1 above, the user corresponding to the avatar in the arena area can visually recognize the appearance of the other avatar as it is.

[0037] When purchasing event tickets or entering the event venue, etc., the user can arbitrarily decide which area to choose after referring to the setting information of the appearance display type for each spectator area.

[0038] Note that the appearance used for anonymization display is not limited to a humanoid silhouette, and any display mode that cannot be identified from the appearance, such as mosaic or a predetermined character, etc., is acceptable. The predetermined character may be, for example, the official character of the event organizer, etc. What kind of "display mode that cannot be identified from the appearance" in the anonymization display may be specified by, for example, the administrator (replacement with the specified appearance).

[0039] The display control unit 222 may perform display control by generating an image of the virtual space for each user perspective and transmitting it to each user terminal 10, or by transmitting information (an example of virtual space information) for generating an image of the virtual space for each user perspective to the user terminal 10 to perform display control. The information for generating an image of the virtual space for each user perspective transmitted to the user terminal 10 may include setting information on the appearance display type of each spectator area.

[0040] In addition, the display control unit 222 may perform control to display a simulation of how the spectator area looks from an arbitrary seat or how other areas look from that seat based on the association (setting information) between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type. For example, the display control unit 222 controls to display the above simulation on a setting screen that accepts the setting of the appearance display type by the administrator. Also, the display control unit 222 controls to display the above simulation on a purchase screen that accepts seat purchases by users (spectators) participating in the event, or on an entrance screen that accepts various operations when the user enters the event venue.

[0041] (Memory unit 230) The memory unit 230 is realized by a ROM that stores programs, arithmetic parameters, etc. used in the processing of the control unit 220, and a RAM that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0042] In addition, the memory unit 230 has a setting information DB 231 that stores setting information on the appearance display type of each spectator area.

[0043] As described above in detail about the configuration of the server 20, the configuration of the server 20 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. For example, the server 20 may further have other configurations, or may be realized by a plurality of devices.

[0044] <2. First Embodiment> Next, the process of event hosting according to the first embodiment of the present embodiment will be described.

[0045] <<2-1. Event settings by the administrator>> FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for receiving various settings related to an event by an administrator in the first embodiment.

[0046] The server 20 causes a screen for receiving various settings related to the event to be displayed on the administrator terminal 12.

[0047] First, the administrator inputs basic information of the event, such as the event date and time, event name, event ID, and speakers (for example, the name of the speaker and the avatar ID of the speaker). Note that the basic information of the event is an example, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0048] Next, the administrator selects a venue to be used for the event on the setting screen 410 shown on the left side of FIG. 3. Venues of various patterns, such as the shape of the venue, the arrangement of the stage and seats, and the capacity, are prepared in advance, and any venue can be selected on the setting screen 410. On the setting screen 410, a venue information image 411 showing information about the venue, such as the shape of the venue, seats, and explanations, is displayed. The administrator can select the arrows on both sides of the venue information image 411 to horizontally scroll the venue information image 411 and display other venue information images. With an arbitrary venue displayed on the setting screen 410, the administrator selects the decision button 412 to determine the venue to be used for the event.

[0049] When the venue is determined, next, on the screen 420 shown on the right side of FIG. 3, the administrator registers the types of seats. For example, on the screen 420, arena seats and stand seats can be selected. After selecting an arbitrary seat type, the administrator selects the decision button 421 to register the seat type. In the present embodiment, the case where arena seats and stand seats are registered as the seat types will be continued to be described.

[0050] When the seat type is registered, next, on the screen 430 shown on the left side of FIG. 4, the administrator sets the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar for each spectator area for each viewpoint type. On the screen 430, as the setting of the display method, "(1) Display as it is" or "(2) Anonymized display" can be selected. In the case of "(2) Anonymized display", the administrator may be able to determine the content of the anonymized display (replacement with a human silhouette, mosaic, or a predetermined character, etc.), or the server 20 may automatically set the content of the anonymized display. Here, in order to assume the case where the arena seat and the stand seat are selected as the seat types on the screen 420 described above, on the screen 430, "Arena" and "Stand" are included in the viewpoint type and the target. In addition, the viewpoint type and the target shown on the screen 430 also include the "stage", which is the area where the performer performs, so that the display method can be set. Regarding the stage viewpoint and the appearance of the performer avatar performing on the stage, all of them may be set to (1) in advance.

[0051] When the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar is set, next, on the screen 440 shown on the right side of FIG. 4, the administrator assigns the seat type. In the example shown on the screen 440, the central seat block is set as the arena, and the surrounding seat blocks are set as the stand. The seat block set as the arena is recognized as the arena area, and the seat block set as the stand is recognized as the stand area.

[0052] Here, the server 20 can display a simulation of how the selected area looks from the selected area and how the selected area looks from other areas on the administrator terminal 12. The administrator selects the area for which the simulation is to be displayed and selects the simulation display button 441 that is displayed. Here, as an example, the case where the arena area is selected will be described.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation display screen showing how the arena (selected area) looks from other areas according to the first embodiment.

[0054] The simulation display screen 450 shown in FIG. 5 includes a "View of the Arena from Other Areas" button 451 and a "View of the Arena" button 452. By selecting any button, the administrator can view any simulation display. FIG. 5 shows an example screen when the "View of the Arena from Other Areas" button 451 is selected.

[0055] In addition, the simulation display screen 450 includes options for viewpoint types such as "View from the Stage", "View from the Arena", and "View from the Stand". The administrator can check how the arena avatar looks from each viewpoint type. The viewpoint position for each viewpoint type may be any seat in each area. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "View from the Stand" is selected, and a view screen 453 showing the view of the arena from an arbitrary seat in the stand is displayed. The view screen 453 displays a direction operation button 454 that enables operation in the line-of-sight direction. The administrator can operate the direction operation button 454 to move the line of sight up, down, left, or right.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 5, according to the setting information shown in Table 1 above, since the display method (appearance display type) of the spectator avatars in the arena from the stand viewpoint is "anonymous display", in the view screen 453, the appearance of all the avatars in the arena has been changed to human-shaped silhouettes. Note that a large number of dummy avatars are prepared in the arena for simulation.

[0057] In this way, when the display method (appearance display type) is set to anonymous display, each avatar is displayed in a display mode where it cannot be identified from its appearance, so the privacy of the user (the user's avatar) is protected. On the other hand, since all the avatars in the target area (the arena in the case of the view screen 453) are controlled to be anonymously displayed, the uniformity of the display is maintained, and there is no reduction in the sense of presence or unity.

[0058] Next, the case where the "View from the Arena" button 452 is selected will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation display screen showing the view from the arena (selection area) according to the first embodiment.

[0059] The simulation display screen 455 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed when the "View from the Arena" button 452 is selected. On the simulation display screen 455, a view screen 456 showing the view of the surroundings when an arbitrary seat in the arena (for example, a seat in the center of the arena) is set as the viewpoint position is displayed. Any seat in the arena may be preset or may be selectable by the administrator.

[0060] In the view screen 456, other spectator avatars (dummy avatars) sitting in the arena and the stage can be seen. The performer avatar arranged on the stage may be a dummy avatar or may be an actual performer's avatar displayed based on the event setting information input by the administrator. The administrator can operate the direction operation button 457 to move the line of sight up, down, left, and right.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 6, according to the setting information shown in Table 1 above, the display method of the spectator avatars in the arena from the arena viewpoint is "display as is", so in the view screen 456, the appearances of all the avatars in the arena are displayed in a display mode that can identify who they are. Although not shown, when the direction operation button 457 is operated to direct the line of sight in the direction of the stand and the stand area comes into view, based on the setting information shown in Table 1 above, the appearances of all the avatars (dummy avatars) in the stand are changed to a human-shaped silhouette and displayed.

[0062] As described above, the administrator can confirm in advance the view from each area and the view of other areas from each area. The view of other areas from each area includes the view from the same area.

[0063] Note that the screen configurations and display contents shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are merely examples, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In FIGS. 5 and 6, an example has been described in which the view from an arbitrary seat in the selection area is simulated and displayed on the administrator terminal 12. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as the simulation display, an image of an arbitrary seat in the selection area viewed from the front may be displayed. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the simulation display according to the first embodiment. The simulation display screen 458 shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed when the "View of the arena from other areas" button 451 is selected. As shown in FIG. 7, on the simulation display screen 458, the views of the spectator avatars (dummy avatars) in the arena from each viewpoint type such as the stage, the stand, and the arena are displayed on one screen. Thereby, the administrator can confirm the views of the spectator avatars in the selection area from each viewpoint type without switching the screen.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 7, based on the setting information shown in Table 1 above, in accordance with the fact that the display method of the spectator avatars in the arena from the stand viewpoint is "anonymized display", the appearance of the dummy avatars is changed to a human silhouette and displayed in the "View from the stand" displayed on the simulation display screen 458.

[0066] (Operation Processing) Subsequently, the operation processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation processing for event registration according to the first embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the server 20 receives the input of event information input by the administrator using the administrator terminal 12 (step S103). The event information includes basic information of the event such as the event date and time, event name, event ID, and performers (for example, the name of the performer and the avatar ID of the performer) as described above.

[0068] Next, the server 20 selects the event venue according to the operation by the administrator (step S106).

[0069] Next, the server 20 registers the seat type according to the operation by the administrator (step S109).

[0070] Next, the server 20 sets the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar for each spectator area for each viewpoint type according to the operation by the administrator (step S112).

[0071] Next, the server 20 assigns the seat type to the seats in the venue according to the operation by the administrator (step S115).

[0072] Next, the server 20 performs a simulation display showing how each area looks and how each area looks based on the setting information set in step S112 (step S118).

[0073] Next, the server 20 repeats the processes shown in steps S109 to S118 until determined by the administrator (step S121 / No).

[0074] Then, when determined by the administrator (step S121 / Yes), the server 20 registers the event (step S125). Specifically, the server 20 stores information such as the basic information of the event, the venue, the seat type, the setting information of the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar for each spectator area associated with each viewpoint type, and the assignment of the seat type in the storage unit 230. Also, the server 20 may disclose information about the registered event and notify the user of the event, etc.

[0075] The operation process of the server 20 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. 8. However, the operation process shown in FIG. 8 is only an example, and this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the server 20 may automatically select the event venue, the type of seats, the display method of avatars for each spectator area, etc. without depending on the operation of the administrator.

[0076] <<2-2. Seat purchase by user (spectator)>> Subsequently, seat purchase by the user (spectator) in the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for receiving an operation related to seat purchase by a user in the first embodiment. Each screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10 that is communicatively connected to the server 20. The operation information input by the user for each screen is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the server 20.

[0078] First, the user selects an event to participate in from the list of events scheduled to be held on the event selection screen 510 shown on the left side of FIG. 9. When an event is selected, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, a seat selection screen 520 for the selected event is displayed. The user selects the seat to be purchased.

[0079] When the user selects a seat, a simulation display button 521 is displayed. By selecting the simulation display button 521, the user can confirm the view from the seat under consideration and the view from around the seat.

[0080] An example of the simulation displayed when the simulation display button 521 is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of the simulation display presented when a user purchases a seat in the first embodiment.

[0081] The simulation display screen 550 shown in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing "how the selected seat looks from other areas". The simulation display screen 550 includes options of viewing point types such as "how it looks from the stage", "how it looks from the arena", and "how it looks from the stand". The user can confirm how the avatar of the seat (referred to as the "selected seat" in this specification) they have selected looks from each viewing point type. In the simulation display, dummy avatars can be arranged on each seat including the selected seat.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 10, "how it looks from the stand" is selected, and a view screen 553 showing how the arena looks from an arbitrary seat in the stand is displayed. The view screen 553 includes the user's selected seat. The user's selected seat may be indicated by an arrow or the like as in the view screen 553 of FIG. 10. Also, in the view screen 553, a seat number display 554 indicating the user's selected seat may be displayed. Further, the view screen 553 displays a direction operation button 555 that enables operation in the line-of-sight direction. The user can operate the direction operation button 555 to move the line of sight up, down, left, and right.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 10, according to the setting information shown in Table 1 above, since the display method of the spectator avatars in the arena from the stand viewpoint is "anonymous display", in the view screen 553, the appearance of all the avatars in the arena has been changed to human-shaped silhouettes. Therefore, the avatar of the user arranged on the selected seat (the avatar at the location indicated by the arrow. Here, a dummy avatar is used) is also changed to a human-shaped silhouette. If the user wants to see from other viewing point types, the user selects "how it looks from the stage" or "how it looks from the arena". Thereby, the user can confirm how their avatar at the selected seat looks from other areas (such as how clearly it can be seen), which can be used as a reference when selecting the seat to purchase. When the user wants to display "how it looks from the selected seat", the user selects the "how it looks from the selected seat" button 552. When the "how it looks from the selected seat" button 552 is selected, the simulation display screen 556 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

[0084] The simulation display screen 556 shown in FIG. 11 is a screen showing "how it looks from the selected seat". On the simulation display screen 556, a field of view screen 557 showing how the surroundings look when the selected seat (in the example shown in FIG. 11, the seat numbered "Arena A62") is the viewpoint position is displayed. The user can operate the direction operation button 558 to move the line of sight up, down, left, and right.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 11, according to the setting information shown in Table 1 above, since the display method of the spectator avatars in the arena from the arena viewpoint is "display as is", in the field of view screen 557, the appearances of all the avatars in the arena are displayed in a display mode that allows identification of who they are. In this way, the user can confirm how it looks from the selected seat and use it as a reference when choosing the seat to purchase. When the user wants to display "how the selected seat looks from other areas", the user selects the "How the selected seat looks from other areas" button 551. When the "How the selected seat looks from other areas" button 551 is selected, the simulation display screen 550 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

[0086] (Operation Processing) Subsequently, the operation processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation processing for seat purchase according to the first embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 12, first, the server 20 selects an event from the list of events scheduled to be held (see FIG. 9) according to the user's operation input using the user terminal 10 (step S203).

[0088] Next, the server 20 displays the seat selection screen (see FIG. 9) of the selected event and accepts the user's seat selection (step S206).

[0089] Next, the server 20 performs a simulation display of the selected seat (the seat that has been selected) (step S209). Specifically, the server 20 displays simulations of how the selected seat looks and how the selected seat looks from each viewpoint type (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0090] Next, the server 20 repeats the processes shown in steps S206 to S209 until the seat to be purchased is determined by the user (step S212 / No).

[0091] Then, when the seat to be purchased is determined by the user (step S212 / Yes), the server 20 executes a seat purchase process (step S215). The method of the settlement process in seat purchase is not particularly limited. The server 20 may associate the user information and the seat information and store them in the storage unit 230.

[0092] As described above, the operation process of the server 20 according to this embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 12. However, the operation process shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0093] <<2-3. Admission to the Event Venue>> Next, the admission of the user to the event venue according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0094] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for receiving an operation related to the admission of a user to an event venue in the first embodiment. Each screen shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 10 that is communicatively connected to the server 20. The operation information input by the user for each screen is transmitted from the user terminal 10 to the server 20.

[0095] First, the user selects an event to enter from the list of available events on the available event list screen 610 shown on the left in FIG. 13. An available event is an event for which the user has admission eligibility, such as an event for which seats have been purchased. When an event is selected, as shown on the right in FIG. 13, a seat availability screen 620 is displayed that shows the seats where the user can be seated in the seat map of the venue where the selected event will be held. A seat where the user can be seated is, for example, a seat that the user has purchased. After the user confirms their seat, the user selects the decision button 621.

[0096] When the decision button 621 is selected, next, an avatar appearance screen 630 shown on the left in FIG. 14 is displayed. On the avatar appearance screen 630, how the user's avatar will look from each viewpoint type at the user's seat is presented, that is, how the avatar will appear.

[0097] In the example shown in FIG. 14, on the avatar appearance screen 630, the appearance of the user's avatar is shown as it is under the "View from the stage and arena". Therefore, the user can confirm before entering the event venue that their avatar will be displayed as it is, that is, in a recognizable state, from the stage and arena. Note that the user can also select the edit button 631 to change the clothing and accessories of their avatar in advance.

[0098] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 14, on the avatar appearance screen 630, under the "View from the stand", the user's avatar is anonymized, more specifically, displayed as a humanoid silhouette. Therefore, the user can confirm before entering that their avatar will be displayed as a humanoid silhouette, that is, in an unidentifiable state, from the stand.

[0099] When the user checks how the avatar looks and selects the decision button 632. When the decision button 632 is selected, next, the available seat screen 640 shown on the right side of FIG. 14 is displayed. When the user places the cursor on their own seat on the available seat screen 640, the simulation display button 641 is displayed. By selecting the simulation display button 641, the user can check how the surroundings look from their seat and how the seat looks from the surroundings before entering the venue. Since the simulation displayed here is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, detailed description is omitted. Note that in the simulation before entering the event venue, the user's avatar may be used instead of the dummy avatar. When the user checks the simulation, the user selects the entry button 642 and enters the event venue.

[0100] (Operation Process) Subsequently, the operation process of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation process of the server 20 when the user enters the event venue according to the first embodiment.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the server 20 selects an event from the list of events available for the user to enter (see FIG. 13) according to the user's operation input using the user terminal 10 (step S233).

[0102] Next, the server 20 presents the seats already purchased by the user for the selected event (see FIG. 13) (step S236).

[0103] Then, the server 20 presents how the avatar looks at the seat (step S239). Specifically, the server 20 presents how the avatar looks for each type of viewpoint at the seat (see FIG. 14).

[0104] Next, the server 20 performs a simulation display of the seats (step S242). Specifically, the server 20 displays a simulation of how the seats look from the seats and how the seats look from each viewpoint type.

[0105] Next, the server 20 repeats the processes shown in steps S236 to S242 until the user finishes checking how the avatar looks (step S245 / No).

[0106] Then, when the user's confirmation is completed (step S245 / Yes), the server 20 allows the user (specifically, the user's avatar) to enter the event venue (step S248).

[0107] As described above, the operation process of the server 20 according to this embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 15. However, the operation process shown in FIG. 15 is an example, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0108] <<2-4. Others>> In the above-described first embodiment, when the simulation display button is selected, selection buttons for "how the selected area or selected seat looks from other areas" and "how the selected area or selected seat looks" are displayed on the simulation display screen. Although any view can be selected from here, the simulation display method according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when the "simulation display" button displayed with the cursor placed on the selected area is selected after the server 20 selects the selected area on the screen 440 shown on the right side of FIG. 4, the server 20 displays a simulation of how the selected area looks (the view screen 456 shown in FIG. 6). When the "simulation display" button displayed with the cursor placed on another area is selected, the server 20 may display a simulation of how the selected area looks from other areas (when the cursor is placed on the stand, the view screen 453 shown in FIG. 5).

[0109] Also, when options for the appearance such as a telescopic function are set for the area, the server 20 enables the options associated with the area to be tried even in the simulation display. As a result, the user can confirm in advance that their avatar may be enlarged and viewed from other areas, etc.

[0110] <3. Second Embodiment> Next, the flow of event holding according to the second embodiment of the present embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, regarding the types of seats in the event, in addition to the arena seats and stand seats described in the first embodiment, the case where VIP seats are added will be described.

[0111] <<3-1. Event Setting by Administrator>> FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for receiving various settings related to an event by an administrator in the second embodiment.

[0112] The administrator selects the venue to be used for the event on the setting screen 710 shown on the left side of FIG. 16. When the venue is determined, next, on the screen 720 shown on the right side of FIG. 16, the administrator registers the types of seats. For example, on the screen 720, VIP seats, arena seats, and stand seats can be selected. In the present embodiment, the case where VIP seats, arena seats, and stand seats are registered as the types of seats will be continuously described.

[0113] When the seat type is registered, next, on the screen 730 shown on the left in FIG. 17, the administrator sets the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar by area for each viewpoint type. On the screen 730, as the setting of the display method, "(1) Display as it is", "(2) Anonymized display", and "(3) Selectable by the user himself / herself" can be selected. "(3) Selectable by the user himself / herself" means that the user (audience) can select whether to display the avatar as it is or in anonymized display. In this embodiment, as an example, only the appearance (display method) of the VIP audience (avatar) with relatively few seats is set to (3). Also, although not shown completely on the screen 730, here, as an example, the settings are the same as those in the first embodiment for those other than VIPs.

[0114] When the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar is set, next, on the screen 740 shown on the right in FIG. 17, the administrator assigns the seat type. In the example shown on the screen 740, a part of the central seat block is set as VIP, the rest is set as arena, and further, the surrounding seat blocks are set as stand. Among the central seat blocks, the seats set as VIP are recognized as the VIP area, and the seats set as arena are recognized as the arena area. Also, the seat blocks set as stand are recognized as the stand area.

[0115] Similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to display the simulation of the appearance from the selected area and the appearance of the selected area from other areas. The administrator can select the area for which the simulation is to be displayed and select the simulation display button 741 to be displayed to display the simulation. The server 20 displays the simulation of the appearance from the selected area and from other areas according to the setting information that is the association between the viewpoint type and the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar by audience area. In the simulation, a large number of dummy avatars can be arranged in each area. Regarding the setting of (3) above, the server 20 randomly displays the appearance of each dummy avatar in the VIP area as it is or in anonymized display.

[0116] For the specific example of the simulation display according to the second embodiment, since it is the same as the first embodiment except that the view from the VIP area is mainly added, the detailed description here is omitted. Also, for the operation process of event registration according to the second embodiment, since it is the same as the operation process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the detailed description here is omitted.

[0117] <<3-2. Seat Purchase by User (Audience)>> The user can purchase the seats for the event registered by the above-described process. When purchasing a seat, simulations such as the view from the selected seat and the view of the selected seat from other areas are displayed. For seat purchase according to the second embodiment, it is the same as the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 except that VIP seats are added to the available seats.

[0118] <<3-3. Entry into the Event Venue>> Next, the entry of the user into the event venue according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0119] FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for receiving an operation related to the entry of a user into the event venue in the second embodiment.

[0120] First, the user selects an event to enter from the list of available events on the available event list screen 810 shown on the left of FIG. 18. When an event is selected, as shown on the right of FIG. 18, an available seat screen 820 showing the seats where the user can be seated in the selected event is displayed. The seats where the user can be seated are, for example, the seats that the user has purchased. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the user has purchased a VIP seat. When the user confirms their seat, the user selects the decision button 821.

[0121] When the decision button 821 is selected, next, the avatar appearance screen 830 shown on the left in FIG. 19 is displayed. In this embodiment, as shown in the screen 730 of FIG. 17, the appearance of the avatar in the VIP area is set to “(3) Selectable by the user himself / herself”. Therefore, on the avatar appearance screen 830, the user can select the appearance of his / her own avatar sitting in the VIP seat. The appearance of the avatar may be selectable for each viewpoint type (for example, stage, VIP, arena, and stand). The appearance of the avatar can be selected from the setting where the appearance of the avatar is displayed as it is and the setting where the avatar is displayed in an anonymized form (specifically, displayed as a humanoid silhouette).

[0122] When the user determines the appearance of the avatar, the user selects the decision button 831. When the decision button 831 is selected, next, the available seat screen 840 shown on the right in FIG. 19 is displayed. When the user places the cursor on his / her seat on the available seat screen 840, the simulation display button 841 is displayed. By selecting the simulation display button 841, the user can confirm the view from around the user's seat and the view from around the seat before entering the venue. The simulation displayed here is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 in the first embodiment except that the view from the VIP area is mainly added, so detailed description is omitted. When the user confirms the simulation, the user selects the entry button 842 and enters the event venue.

[0123] <4. Third Embodiment> Next, the flow of event holding according to the third embodiment of the present embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, “live relay” and “recording” of the event can be set, and the case where “live relay” and “recording” are added to the viewpoint type will be described.

[0124] <<4-1. Event Setting by Administrator>> FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for receiving various settings related to an event by an administrator in the third embodiment.

[0125] In the setting screen 910 shown on the left in FIG. 20, the administrator selects the venue to be used for the event. When the venue is determined, next, in the screen 920 shown on the right in FIG. 20, the administrator registers the types of seats and the types of cameras. The types of cameras include "live relay" and "recording". "Live relay" means that the state of the event is distributed to viewers in real time. "Recording" means that the state of the event is saved as an archive so that it can be viewed at a later date. In this embodiment, the case where arena seats and stand seats are registered as the types of seats, and live relay and recording are registered as the types of cameras will be continuously described.

[0126] When the types of seats and the types of cameras are registered, next, in the screen 930 shown on the left in FIG. 21, the administrator sets the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar for each viewing area for each viewing type. The viewing types include not only the viewing areas but also the cameras. Although only a part is displayed on the screen 930, in this embodiment, for each of the stage view, arena view, stand view, live relay camera, and recording camera, the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar for each area (stage, arena, and stand) is set.

[0127] When the display method (appearance display type) of the avatar is set, next, in the screen 940 shown on the right in FIG. 21, the administrator assigns the types of seats. In the example shown in the screen 940, the central seat block is set as the arena, and the surrounding seat blocks are set as the stand. Also, the administrator selects the area for which the simulation is to be displayed and selects the simulation display button 941 to be displayed, so that the simulation of the view from the selected area and the view of the selected area from other areas can be displayed.

[0128] Further, in this embodiment, by selecting the "Live Relay Camera Display" button 942 displayed on the screen 940, a simulation from the live relay camera viewpoint can be displayed. Also, by selecting the "Recorded Camera Display" button 943 displayed on the screen 940, a simulation from the recorded camera viewpoint can be displayed. The simulation of each camera may be presented by a video of about 10 seconds according to a camera operation assumed for live relay or recording, for example, in which the camera operation is registered in advance.

[0129] <<4-2. Seat Purchase by User and Entry into Event Venue>> The seat purchase by the user and the entry into the event venue according to the third embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment and the like, and thus the detailed description here is omitted. In this embodiment, in the simulation provided to the user at the time of seat purchase or entry, it is also possible to confirm how the live relay camera viewpoint looks and how the recorded camera viewpoint looks. Thereby, the user can confirm in advance how his / her avatar looks in live relay or recording.

[0130] <5. Modification Example> Subsequently, a modification example of this embodiment will be described.

[0131] (Setting the Appearance from the Idol) Regarding the setting of the appearance display type of the avatar according to this embodiment, the user can also set so that his / her avatar looks prominent from an arbitrarily selected "idol". An "idol" is a favorite performer that the user is supporting.

[0132] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for receiving an operation regarding the setting of how the avatar looks from the idol according to the modification example. The setting of how the avatar looks from the idol can be performed by the user, for example, at the time of entry.

[0133] First, at the time of entry, similar to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 13, the user selects an event to enter from the list of available events, and then checks the seats where the user can be seated in the seating chart of the venue where the event will be held. Next, the user can set the appearance of the avatar from their favorite.

[0134] Specifically, on the screen 950 shown on the left in FIG. 22, the user can set the appearance of their own avatar from their favorite. For example, among the members of the idol group performing in the target event, the user can set whether to set the appearance of their own avatar from which member to the "favorite mode" (ON / OFF of the favorite mode). On the screen 950, the appearance from Idol A is set to "favorite mode ON".

[0135] When set to "favorite mode ON", in the video of the virtual space with the target "favorite" (performer) as the perspective subject (that is, the video of the virtual space seen by the performer), the display of the user's avatar is controlled to be prominent. The display method of the user's avatar in the case of "favorite mode ON" is not particularly limited, but examples include making the avatar glow around it and displaying effects around the avatar. As a result, the user can appeal their existence to their favorite, and the performer can easily find the fans who support them, and two-way communication can be realized. Such users who can set their favorites may be preset by the administrator side, such as only users who have purchased VIP seats.

[0136] When the user checks the appearance of the avatar, the user selects the decision button 951. When the decision button 951 is selected, next, the available seating screen 960 shown on the right in FIG. 22 is displayed. When the user places the cursor on their own seat on the available seating screen 960, the simulation display button 961 is displayed.

[0137] By selecting the simulation display button 961, the user can check how the surroundings look from the user's seat and how they look from around the seat before entering. In addition to the simulations described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the simulation displayed here, in the view from the performers on the stage, it is possible to check the display in the favorite mode.

[0138] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation display of how an avatar looks from a favorite in a modified example. In the simulation display screen 970 shown in FIG. 23, among the views from each idol (an example of a performer) performing on the stage, the view from "Idol A" set by the user to the favorite mode ON is selected, and the simulation of that view is displayed. In such a simulation, the user's avatar may be used. As an example of the favorite mode display, in the simulation display screen 970 of FIG. 23, an effect is displayed around the user's avatar 972. Thereby, the user can check how their avatar looks from the favorite in the favorite mode. When the user checks the simulation, the user selects the entry button 962 and enters the event venue.

[0139] (Settings for how an acquaintance sees you) The setting of how the user's avatar looks according to the target is not limited to the above-mentioned favorite target, and for example, a setting for the user's acquaintance can also be considered.

[0140] The user can set how their avatar looks from an acquaintance at the event venue. An "acquaintance" is, for example, another user registered as a friend by the user.

[0141] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for receiving an operation related to setting how an avatar looks from an acquaintance in a modified example. The setting of how an avatar looks from an acquaintance can be performed by the user, for example, at the time of entry.

[0142] On the screen 980 shown in FIG. 24, the user can set, as how to view their own avatar from an acquaintance, for example, an effect display that makes the avatar stand out, a normal display without any changes, and an anonymized display that makes it unidentifiable. As the needs of users participating in the event, it is assumed that there are cases where they want to make their own avatar stand out and be found by acquaintances, and cases where they do not want to be seen by acquaintances. By allowing the user to arbitrarily select how the avatar looks, the convenience of the user can be enhanced.

[0143] <6. Supplementary> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present technology is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] For example, one or more computer programs for causing hardware such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM incorporated in the above-described server 20, user terminal 10, or administrator terminal 12 to exhibit the functions of the server 20, user terminal 10, or administrator terminal 12 can also be created. Also provided is a computer-readable storage medium storing the one or more computer programs.

[0145] Also, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplary and not limiting. That is, the technology according to the present disclosure can exhibit other effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, together with or instead of the above effects.

[0146] Note that the present technology can also adopt the following configuration. (1) For one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, set an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type. Based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, control the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space. An information processing apparatus including a control unit. (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the viewpoint type is the type of area where the avatar of the user who is the viewpoint subject for viewing the video of the virtual space is located. (3) The information processing apparatus according to (2) above, wherein the type of the area includes at least one of a stage, VIP, arena, and stand. (4) The viewpoint type is the type of camera that shoots the state of the virtual space, The information processing apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the type of the camera includes at least one of a camera that live-streams the state of the virtual space and a camera that records the state of the virtual space. (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the appearance display type includes a setting for displaying the appearance of the avatar as it is without changing it. (6) For an area where the appearance display type associated with the viewpoint type of the viewpoint subject of the video of the virtual space is set to anonymized display, the control unit controls to replace and display the appearances of all avatars in the area with the same specified appearance. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The information processing apparatus according to (6) above, wherein the specified appearance is a display mode in which the avatar cannot be individually identified from the appearance. (8) The information processing apparatus according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the specified appearance is a humanoid silhouette, mosaic, or a predetermined character. (9) The control unit performs control to display a simulation of how the area looks from an arbitrary seat in the area or how the seat looks from other areas based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, for the information processing apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (8). (10) The control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen for receiving the setting of the appearance display type by an administrator, for the information processing apparatus according to the above (9). (11) The control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen for receiving seat purchase by a user participating in the event, for the information processing apparatus according to the above (9). (12) The control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen for receiving entry of a user participating in the event into the event, for the information processing apparatus according to the above (9). (13) The control unit sets, according to a user's operation, the appearance of the user's avatar as seen from a specific performer appearing in the event to an appearance in which the avatar is prominent, for the information processing apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (12). (14) The control unit sets, according to a user's operation, the appearance of the user's avatar as seen from the user's acquaintance, for the information processing apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (13). (15) A processor sets an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar for one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, in association with a viewpoint type, and controls the appearance display of the avatar in each area reflected in the video of the virtual space based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, including an information processing method. (16) A computer For one or more areas in an event occurring in a virtual space, set an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type. Based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, control the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space. Function as a control unit. Program.

Explanation of Signs

[0147] 1 Information processing system 10 User terminal 12 Administrator terminal 20 Server 210 Communication unit 220 Control unit 221 Setting unit 222 Display control unit 230 Storage unit 231 Setting information DB 30 Network

Claims

1. For one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, set an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type, Based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, control the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area shown in the video of the virtual space, An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewpoint type is the type of area where the avatar of the user who is the viewpoint entity for viewing the video of the virtual space is located.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the type of area includes at least any one of a stage, VIP, arena, and stand.

4. The viewpoint type is the type of camera that shoots the state of the virtual space, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type of camera includes at least any one of a camera that live-streams the state of the virtual space and a camera that records the state of the virtual space.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the appearance display type includes a setting for displaying the appearance of the avatar as it is without changing it.

6. For an area where the appearance display type associated with the viewpoint type of the viewpoint entity of the video of the virtual space is set to anonymized display, the control unit controls to replace and display the appearances of all avatars in the area with the same specified appearance. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specified appearance is a display mode in which the avatar cannot be individually identified from the appearance.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specified appearance is a humanoid silhouette, a mosaic, or a predetermined character.

9. Based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, the control unit performs control to display a simulation of how an area looks from an arbitrary seat in the area or how the area looks from other areas of the seat. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen for receiving the setting of the appearance display type by an administrator.

11. The control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen that accepts seat purchases by users participating in the event, the information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

12. The control unit controls to display the simulation on a screen that accepts entry of the users participating in the event into the event, the information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

13. The control unit sets, according to a user operation, the appearance of the user's avatar from a specific performer appearing in the event to an appearance in which the avatar is conspicuous, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The control unit sets, according to a user operation, the appearance of the user's avatar from the user's acquaintance, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

15. A processor sets, for one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type, controls the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area reflected in the video of the virtual space based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, An information processing method including.

16. A computer sets, for one or more areas in an event held in a virtual space, an appearance display type including at least anonymized display of an avatar in association with a viewpoint type, controls the display of the appearance of the avatar in each area reflected in the video of the virtual space based on the association between the viewpoint type and the appearance display type, functions as a control unit, A program.

Images