Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily use a specific facility in a virtual space when starting the use of the virtual space using an avatar.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 comprises: an acquisition unit 132 that acquires action information indicating results of actions performed in a real space by a provider who provides or manages a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit 133 that, on the basis of the action information, determines at least one of a positional relationship between the virtual facility and an avatar capable of moving in the virtual space and a display mode of the virtual facility for a user who operates the avatar; and a virtual space control unit 134 that, when the user starts using the virtual space by using the avatar, performs at least one of arranging the avatar in the above positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the above display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for processing information related to a virtual space.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system for determining the initial positions of avatars such that, in a virtual space accessed by a plurality of users using avatars, avatars of users with common preferences or high intimacy are placed close to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a virtual space, a plurality of virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, are arranged in advance. Also, when a user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the avatar is placed at any position on the virtual space. At this time, if the avatar is placed at a position far from a specific virtual facility or at a position where the specific virtual facility cannot be visually recognized, there is a problem that it is difficult for the avatar to use the specific virtual facility.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to make it easier for a user to use a specific facility in a virtual space when starting to use the virtual space using an avatar.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space stored in advance in a storage unit, in the real space; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of an avatar movable in the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that arranges the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user who operates the avatar starts using the virtual space.

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by a user who operates an avatar movable in a virtual space, in the real space; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space stored in advance in a storage unit, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that arranges the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0008] The determination unit further determines whether to provide a predetermined privilege available at the virtual facility to the user, based on the action information, and the virtual space control unit may provide the privilege to the user on the condition that the determination unit determines that the user is to be provided with the privilege at the virtual facility.

[0009] The action information indicates the number of times or the frequency of visits of the user to an actual facility that is a facility corresponding to the virtual facility in the real space, or to a predetermined area including the actual facility in the real space, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the number of times or the frequency satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0010] The action information indicates the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at a physical facility that is the facility corresponding to the virtual facility in the real space, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0011] The action information indicates the characteristics of the products purchased by the user in the past, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0012] The action information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator who provides or operates the virtual space in the real space, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0013] The action information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real space according to the sales performance of the products in the virtual facility, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the amount of the consideration satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0014] The determination unit may determine the positional relationship in which the user can visually recognize the virtual facility through the avatar.

[0015] The information processing method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: a step of acquiring action information indicating the performance of actions performed by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility arranged according to arrangement data stored in advance in a storage unit and indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space, which is executed by a processor; a step of determining, based on the action information, the positional relationship of an avatar movable within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the arrangement data; and a step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the arrangement data when a user who operates the avatar starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0016] The information processing method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a step of acquiring behavior information indicating the achievements of behaviors performed by a user who operates an avatar movable within a virtual space and who is executed by a processor in the real space; a step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities within the virtual space, which are stored in advance in a storage unit, based on the behavior information; and a step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0017] The program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform: a step of acquiring behavior information indicating the achievements of behaviors performed by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities within the virtual space, which are stored in advance in a storage unit, in the real space; a step of determining the positional relationship of an avatar movable within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data based on the behavior information; and a step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user who operates the avatar starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0018] The program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform: a step of acquiring behavior information indicating the achievements of behaviors performed by a user who operates an avatar movable within a virtual space in the real space; a step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities within the virtual space, which are stored in advance in a storage unit, based on the behavior information; and a step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0019]

[0020]

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, it is possible to achieve an effect of facilitating the use of a specific facility in the virtual space.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [Outline of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing apparatus 1, a user terminal 2, and a provider terminal 3. The information processing system S may include a plurality of user terminals 2 and provider terminals 3. The information processing system S may include other devices such as servers and terminals.

[0024] The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer that processes information regarding a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. The virtual space is a virtual space (for example, a metaverse) formed on a computer. The virtual space is displayed as a region having an area or a volume on each of the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. On the other hand, the actual space where the user lives (for example, the space on the earth) is called the real space.

[0025] The information processing apparatus 1 arranges a plurality of virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, on the virtual space. The virtual facility is, for example, a store that sells one or more types of products. The virtual facility corresponds to, for example, an actual facility that is a facility in the real space, and has a structure imitating the actual facility on the virtual space. Each of the plurality of users who use the virtual space can experience visiting the actual store corresponding to the virtual facility by visiting the virtual facility using an avatar. The avatar is an image that operates on the virtual space according to the operations performed by the user on the user terminal 2.

[0026] The user terminal 2 is an information terminal used by a user who is a user who uses a virtual facility. The provider terminal 3 is an information terminal used by a user who is a provider (such as an employee of a virtual facility, an owner of a virtual facility, a manager of a virtual facility, etc.) who provides or operates a virtual facility. The user uses the virtual facility by operating an avatar on the virtual space. Among the plurality of virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as a target facility E1.

[0027] The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 are, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or a keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 1 via a network.

[0028] The outline of the processing executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. The information processing apparatus 1 acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by a provider or a user in the real space. The action information of the provider is, for example, that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to an operator who provides or operates a virtual space in the real space, or that the provider has received a consideration in the real space according to the sales results of products in a virtual store. The action information of the user is, for example, that the user has visited a physical facility corresponding to a virtual facility in the real space, visited a predetermined area including the physical facility, purchased a product at the physical facility, and the like.

[0029] Based on the acquired action information, the information processing apparatus 1 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 with respect to the user who operates the avatar. The positional relationship is, for example, the relative position between the avatar and the target facility E1 where the user can visually recognize the target facility E1 through the avatar. The display mode is, for example, a display mode (color, pattern, characters, etc.) that makes the target facility E1 more prominent than other virtual facilities.

[0030] When the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the information processing apparatus 1 performs at least one of arranging the avatar with respect to the target facility E1 in the determined positional relationship and displaying the target facility E1 to the user in the determined display mode.

[0031] In this way, based on the action information of the provider or the user, the information processing apparatus 1 arranges the user's avatar at a position where it is easy to use a specific virtual facility, or displays it to the user in a display mode that makes the specific virtual facility prominent. Thereby, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the user to use a specific virtual facility in the virtual space.

[0032] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the arrows indicate the main data flows, and there may be data flows other than those shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, each block represents a configuration in terms of functional units, not hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented within a single device, or may be divided and implemented in a plurality of devices. The exchange of data between the blocks may be performed via any means such as a data bus, a network, a portable storage medium, etc.

[0033] The information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing apparatus 1 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separated devices by wire or wirelessly. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 may be configured by a cloud which is a collection of computer resources.

[0034] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data to and from the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 via a network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of the data received from the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network. Also, the communication unit 11 transmits the data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network.

[0035] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 stores in advance the programs executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 1, and in that case, data may be exchanged with the control unit 13 via a network.

[0036] The control unit 13 includes a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 133, and a virtual space control unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133, and the virtual space control unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0037] Hereinafter, the processing executed by the information processing apparatus 1 will be described in detail. When the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the user performs a predetermined start operation on the user terminal 2. In response to the user performing the start operation, the user terminal 2 transmits a start request indicating that the user starts using the virtual space to the information processing apparatus 1. In the information processing apparatus 1, the reception unit 131 receives the start request transmitted by the user terminal 2.

[0038] The acquisition unit 132 acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by the provider or the user in the real space. When there are a plurality of providers and a plurality of users, the information processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing for each of the plurality of providers and the plurality of users. Among the plurality of virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as a target facility E1.

[0039] The results of actions include, for example, the actions themselves performed by the provider or the user in the real space, and the results caused by the actions (the amount of assets transferred by the actions, the evaluations received from others for the actions, etc.). The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, action information pre-stored in the storage unit 12, or acquires action information from a device different from the information processing apparatus 1.

[0040] Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams for explaining exemplary provider action information. In the example of Fig. 3(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires information indicating that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator who provides or operates the virtual space in the real space, or action information indicating such a fee. The fee paid by the provider to the operator is a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) necessary for applying the following positional relationship or display mode to the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the fee paid by the provider to the operator from a device that manages information about the operator.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 3(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires action information indicating the amount of consideration (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) received by the provider in the real space according to the sales performance of the products in the target facility E1. The consideration received by the provider is, for example, a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) corresponding to the price or quantity of the products sold by the provider to the avatar in the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the consideration received by the provider from a device that manages information about the target facility E1.

[0042] In addition, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire action information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user who has purchased a product in the target facility E1. The evaluation of the target facility E1 is, for example, information indicating an index (score, etc.) corresponding to the goodness or badness of the target facility E1 specified by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 from a device that manages information about the target facility E1.

[0043] FIG. 4(a), FIG. 4(b), and FIG. 4(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining exemplary user behavior information. In the example of FIG. 4(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the number of visits or frequency of a user visiting the actual facility E2, which is the facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in the real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of the location information of the user terminal 2 within a predetermined period, and calculates the number of times or frequency that the user terminal 2 is located within the actual facility E2, thereby acquiring the number of visits or frequency of the user visiting the actual facility E2.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 4(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the number of visits or frequency of a user visiting a predetermined area A in the real space. The area A is a predetermined area including the actual facility E2, which is the facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in the real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of the location information of the user terminal 2 within a predetermined period, and calculates the number of times or frequency that the user terminal 2 is located within the area A, thereby acquiring the number of visits or frequency of the user visiting the area A.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 4(c), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating purchase information regarding products purchased by the user in the real space. The purchase information is, for example, the purchase amount paid when the user purchases a product in the real space, or information indicating the characteristics (type, name, etc.) of the product purchased by the user. The acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information regarding products purchased by the user in the actual facility E2, which is the facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in the real space, or may acquire purchase information regarding products purchased by the user in a store different from the actual facility E2. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the purchase information from a device that manages information regarding the actual facility E2 or other stores where the user purchases the product.

[0046] The determination unit 133 determines some of the plurality of users who use the virtual space as target users to which at least one of the following positional relationships and display modes is applied. Further, the determination unit 133 may determine all of the plurality of users who use the virtual space as target users.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for the determination unit 133 to determine a target user. The determination unit 133 determines, based on the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, some of the plurality of users who use the virtual space as the target users. For example, the determination unit 133 determines the target users such that the higher the fees paid by the provider indicated by the behavior information to the merchant, the consideration received by the provider according to the sales performance of the product, or the higher the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user, the more target users there are.

[0048] In this case, the determination unit 133 determines the extraction number, which is the number of users to whom at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied, based on the fees paid by the provider indicated by the behavior information to the merchant, the consideration received by the provider according to the sales performance of the product, or the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user. The determination unit 133 randomly extracts the target users with the extraction number from among the plurality of users who use the virtual space, or extracts the target users with the extraction number according to a predetermined rule (such as the order of logging in to the virtual space). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can increase the number of users to whom the positional relationship or the display mode of the target facility E1 provided or operated by the provider who pays a large amount of fees to the merchant, has a large sales volume of products, or has a good evaluation by the user is applied.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar operated by the target user and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 with respect to the target user, based on the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode.

[0050] FIG. 6(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining a method by which the determination unit 133 determines the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1. When the action information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a positional relationship in which the target user can visually recognize the target facility E1 via the avatar. When the action information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the positional relationship (that is, does not apply the positional relationship to the target facility E1).

[0051] The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized is to arrange the avatar so that the target facility E1 appears within the field of view of the avatar operated by the target user (that is, within the display screen of the target user) when the target user starts using the virtual space (such as when logging in). The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized includes, for example, at least one of arranging the avatar at a position within a predetermined distance from the target facility E1 and arranging the avatar to face the target facility E1.

[0052] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating a condition for determining a positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and determines a positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized using the condition indicated by the acquired information.

[0053] The condition for determining a positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized may be, for example, that the action information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space. Further, the condition for determining a positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be visually recognized may be, for example, that the amount of the fee paid by the provider indicated by the action information to the operator providing or operating the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of the provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space.

[0054] The condition for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the consideration received by the provider in the real space is equal to or greater than a threshold value according to the sales performance of the products in the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of the provider who has received a high consideration according to the sales performance of the products in the target facility E1.

[0055] The condition for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the number of visits or the frequency of visits of the user to the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information or the area A including the actual facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user who has visited the actual facility E2 or the area A frequently to use the target facility E1.

[0056] The condition for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product in the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user with a high purchase amount of products in the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0057] The condition for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the characteristics of the products purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavior information are predetermined characteristics (the type of the product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user who has purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

[0058] FIG. 6(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the method by which the determination unit 133 determines the display mode of the target facility E1. When the behavior information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent, and when the behavior information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the display mode (that is, does not apply the display mode to the target facility E1).

[0059] The display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent is a display mode for making the appearance of the target facility E1 different from that of facilities in a virtual space different from the target facility E1. The display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent includes at least one of, for example, setting the target facility E1 to a color or pattern different from other virtual facilities and displaying a predetermined character or image in association with the target facility E1. The character or image displayed in association with the target facility E1 is, for example, a character or image representing "recommended", or a character or image representing that the target user can use privileges such as coupons at the store.

[0060] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating conditions for determining a display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and determines a display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent using the conditions indicated by the acquired information.

[0061] The conditions for determining the display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the behavior information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space. Also, the conditions for determining the display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the amount of the fee paid by the provider indicated by the behavior information to the operator providing or operating the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of the provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space.

[0062] The conditions for determining the display mode for making the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the consideration received by the provider in the real space is equal to or greater than a threshold value according to the sales performance of the products in the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of the provider who has received a high consideration according to the sales performance of the products in the target facility E1.

[0063] The condition for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the number of visits or frequency of the user visiting the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information or the area A including the actual facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user who frequently visits the actual facility E2 or the area A to use the target facility E1.

[0064] The condition for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user with a high purchase amount of products at the actual facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0065] The condition for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent may be, for example, that the characteristics of the products purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavior information are predetermined characteristics (the type of the product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier for the target user who has purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

[0066] Further, the determination unit 133 may further determine whether to provide a predetermined privilege available at the target facility E1 to the target user based on the behavior information. The privileges available at the target facility E1 are, for example, coupons, points, etc. for the target user to receive product offers or discount applications at the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 determines to provide a privilege to the target user, for example, when the behavior information of the target user satisfies any one of the conditions for determining the positional relationship that allows the above-mentioned target facility E1 to be visually recognized and the conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent, and determines not to provide a privilege otherwise. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can promote the target user to use the target facility E1.

[0067] When the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, for example, when the reception unit 131 receives a usage start request from the user terminal 2 of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 arranges a plurality of virtual facilities on the virtual space and arranges the avatar corresponding to the target user on the virtual space according to the arrangement data previously stored in the storage unit 12. The arrangement data is, for example, information indicating the shape and position of each of the plurality of virtual facilities.

[0068] When arranging the plurality of virtual facilities and the avatar of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 arranges the avatar of the target user in the positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 with respect to the target facility E1, and at least one of the following: displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in the display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the user terminal 2 displaying an exemplary target facility E1. In the example of FIG. 7, the virtual space control unit 134 arranges the avatar in a positional relationship where the target user can visually recognize the target facility E1 via the avatar, and displays the target facility E1 to the target user in a display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent. Thereby, when the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the information processing apparatus 1 can facilitate the target user's visit to a specific target facility E1, so that the target user can easily use the specific target facility E1.

[0070] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the action information of the provider, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to the target facility E1, which is a virtual facility provided or operated by the provider. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can preferentially allow the user to use the target facility E1 of the provider having a specific action record, for example.

[0071] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the user's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to the target facility E1 that is not limited to the virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 can preferentially allow the user to use the target facility E1 corresponding to, for example, the actual facility E2 visited by the user in the real space or the actual facility E2 included in the area A visited by the user.

[0072] Further, the virtual space control unit 134 provides the privilege to the target user on the condition that the determination unit 133 determines to provide a predetermined privilege available at the target facility E1 to the target user. For example, the virtual space control unit 134 sets the avatar of the target user to be able to use a predetermined privilege at the target facility E1 in the virtual space, and allows the target user to use the privilege in response to a predetermined operation after moving the avatar to the target facility E1.

[0073] Further, the virtual space control unit 134 allows the target facility E1 to be entered when the behavior information of the target user satisfies any of the conditions for determining the positional relationship that allows the target facility E1 to be visible and the conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent, and does not allow the target facility E1 to be entered otherwise. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 can, for example, allow only specific target users to enter a specific event (pre-opening, family sale, etc.) held at the target facility E1.

[0074] [Flow of Information Processing Method] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the results of actions performed by the provider or the user in the real space (S11). When there are a plurality of providers and a plurality of users, the information processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing for each of the plurality of providers and the plurality of users.

[0075] Based on the action information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133 determines, as target users, some of the multiple users who use the virtual space as the users to whom at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied (S12). Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may determine that all of the multiple users who use the virtual space are target users.

[0076] For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the action information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode to be applied to the target user (S13).

[0077] When the action information satisfies the predetermined condition (YES in S14), the determination unit 133 performs at least one of determining a positional relationship in which the target user can visually recognize the target facility E1 via the avatar and determining a display mode that makes the target facility E1 prominent (S15).

[0078] When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, for example, in response to the reception unit 131 receiving a use start request from the user terminal 2 of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 arranges a plurality of virtual facilities on the virtual space and arranges the avatar corresponding to the target user on the virtual space according to the arrangement data stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

[0079] When arranging the plurality of virtual facilities and the avatar of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of arranging the avatar of the target user in the positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 with respect to the target facility E1 (S16) and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in the display mode determined by the determination unit 133 (S17).

[0080] When the action information does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in S14), the virtual space control unit 134 arranges the plurality of virtual facilities and the avatar on the virtual space without applying at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

[0081] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the information processing system S according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 arranges the avatar of the user at a position where it is easy to use a specific target facility E1, or displays a specific virtual facility for the user in a prominent display mode, based on the behavior information of the provider or the user. Thereby, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the information processing apparatus 1 can make it easier to use a specific virtual facility in the virtual space.

[0082] In addition, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to contribute to Goal 9, "Build the infrastructure for industry and technological innovation," of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations.

[0083] As described above, the present invention has been described using embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically dispersing and integrating it in an arbitrary unit. Also, new embodiments resulting from an arbitrary combination of a plurality of embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the original embodiments combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] S Information processing system 1 Information processing apparatus 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 131 Reception unit 132 Acquisition unit 133 Decision unit 134 Virtual space control unit 2 User terminal 3 Provider terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space pre-stored in a storage unit in the real space; A determination unit that determines the positional relationship of an avatar movable within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data based on the action information; A virtual space control unit that arranges the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user who operates the avatar starts using the virtual space; An information processing apparatus having: an information processing apparatus.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the results of actions performed by a user who operates an avatar movable within the virtual space in the real space; A determination unit that determines the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space pre-stored in a storage unit based on the action information; A virtual space control unit that arranges the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar; An information processing apparatus having: an information processing apparatus.

3. The determination unit further determines whether or not to provide a predetermined privilege available at the virtual facility to the user based on the action information, The virtual space control unit provides the privilege to the user on the condition that the determination unit determines that the privilege is provided at the virtual facility by the user, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The action information indicates the number of times or frequency of visits of the user to an actual facility that is a facility corresponding to the virtual facility in the real space, or a predetermined area including the actual facility in the real space, The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the number of times or the frequency satisfies a predetermined condition, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The action information indicates the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at an actual facility that is a facility corresponding to the virtual facility in the real space, The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The action information indicates the characteristics of products purchased by the user in the past, When the characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit determines the positional relationship. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The action information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator who provides or operates the virtual space in the real space. When the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit determines the positional relationship. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The action information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real space according to the sales performance of products in the virtual facility. When the amount of the consideration satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit determines the positional relationship. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The determination unit determines the positional relationship in which the user can visually recognize the virtual facility via the avatar. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

10. Executed by a processor Obtaining action information indicating the performance of actions performed by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space stored in advance in a storage unit in the real space; Based on the action information, determining a positional relationship of an avatar movable within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the arrangement data; When a user who operates the avatar starts using the virtual space using the avatar, arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the arrangement data; An information processing method having the above.

11. Executed by a processor Obtaining action information indicating the performance of actions performed by a user who operates an avatar movable within a virtual space in the real space; Based on the action information, determining a positional relationship of the avatar with respect to a virtual facility arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space stored in advance in a storage unit; When the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the arrangement data; An information processing method having the above.

12. To a computer A step of obtaining action information indicating the performance of actions taken by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space pre-stored in a memory unit in the real space; A step of determining the positional relationship of an avatar movable within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data based on the action information; A step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user operating the avatar starts using the virtual space using the avatar; A program for causing the above to be executed.

13. On a computer, A step of obtaining action information indicating the performance of actions taken by a user operating an avatar movable within a virtual space in the real space; A step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space pre-stored in a memory unit based on the action information; A step of arranging the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar; A program for causing the above to be executed.

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