Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device for assigning a privilege based on a connection between users in a virtual space.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services in a virtual space used by a first user and user information representing a relationship between the first user and another user in the virtual space, a specification unit that specifies a second user having a prescribed relationship with the first user in the virtual space on the basis of the user information, a determination unit for determining whether or not the second user is interested in the facilities or services on the basis of activity information of the second user in the virtual space, and a granting unit for, on condition that the determined second user is present, granting a privilege to the first user, the privilege subject to the condition that at least one of the first user and the determined second user uses the facilities or services.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service system for providing a service (virtual space service) of a virtual reality (VR) space (virtual space) to a user has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of increasing the sales of a store (virtual store) on the virtual space, when a user who has visited the virtual store purchases an advertised product of the virtual store, benefits such as points or cashback available in the virtual store are granted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the virtual space, it is considered that it is easy to connect with people who share the user's own hobbies and preferences purely, without being constrained by positions or human relationships in the real space. Therefore, if benefits can be granted based on the connection between users in the virtual space, an increase in the customer attraction effect due to the benefits can be expected. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, only benefits are granted to the user himself / herself who uses the virtual store, and it is not possible to grant benefits based on the connection between users in the virtual space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to attempt to grant benefits based on the connection between users in the virtual space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services on a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating the relationship between the first user and other users related to the first user in the virtual space, a specifying unit that specifies a second user having a predetermined relationship with the first user on the virtual space based on the user information, a determining unit that acquires activity information of the second user on the virtual space and determines whether the second user is interested in the facility or the service based on the activity information, and a granting unit that grants a privilege to the first user, the privilege being that the use of the facility or the service by at least one of the first user and the determined second user is a privilege use condition, provided that there is a second user determined to be interested in the facility or the service. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, in the above information processing apparatus, wherein the activity information is usage history information of the second user regarding the facility or the service. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, in the above information processing apparatus, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the first user of the granting of the privilege and the second user interested in the facility or the service. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, in the above information processing apparatus, further comprising a setting unit that sets a range of other users who publicly disclose the determination result of interest by the determination unit for each user, and the notification unit determines whether to notify the first user of the second user interested in the facility or the service based on the range of the other users. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, in the above information processing apparatus, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the second user of the content of the privilege and the first user to whom the privilege is granted. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus which further includes a setting unit that sets, for each user, a range of other users to whom the privilege granting result by the granting unit is to be disclosed, and the notification unit determines, based on the range of the other users, whether to notify the second user of the content of the privilege and the first user to whom the privilege has been granted. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus which, in the above information processing apparatus, the privilege is a privilege that can be used in a real-world facility or service related to the facility or the service. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus which, in the above information processing apparatus, the granting unit acquires the residential area information of the first user in the real world, and grants the privilege only to the first user whose residential area indicated by the residential area information is within a predetermined distance from the location where the real-world facility or service is provided. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus which, in the above information processing apparatus, the granting unit acquires the residential area information of the second user in the real world, and grants the privilege to the first user on the condition that there exists a second user whose residential area indicated by the residential area information is within a predetermined distance from the location where the real-world facility or service is provided and who is determined to be interested in the facility or the service.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, including: a storage step of associating and storing usage history information of a facility or service on a virtual space used by a first user with user information indicating a relationship with other users related to the first user in the virtual space; a specifying step of specifying a second user having a predetermined relationship with the first user on the virtual space based on the user information; a determining step of obtaining activity information of the second user on the virtual space and determining whether the second user is interested in the facility or the service based on the activity information; and a granting step of granting a privilege, which is a privilege for using the facility or the service under privilege usage conditions, to at least one of the first user and the determined second user on the condition that there is a second user determined to be interested in the facility or the service.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an effect can be obtained that a privilege can be granted based on the connection between users in a virtual space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a privilege granting system according to an embodiment. The privilege granting device 1 is a device for granting privileges to a person (user) who uses a virtual space service.

[0011] The privilege granting device 1 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as a user database 2, a virtual space server 3, and user devices UE (UE1, UE2) of each user via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0012] The first user device UE1 is a user device used by the first user U1 in the real space RS. The second user device UE2 is a user device used by the second user U2 in the real space RS. In the real space RS, there is a real facility RSO. In the real facility RSO, goods and services are provided to real people.

[0013] Hereinafter, when the user is not particularly distinguished, it is referred to as user U. Similarly, when the user device is not particularly distinguished, it is referred to as user device UE.

[0014] The virtual space server 3 executes information processing for providing a virtual space service. The virtual space server 3 executes virtual space processing for generating virtual space data for showing objects on the virtual space VS such as an avatar AVA and a virtual facility VSO to the user U by computer graphics. In FIG. 1, in the virtual space VS, an avatar AVA1 of the first user U1, an avatar AVA2 of the second user U2, and a virtual facility VSO are shown. The virtual space data is data that can show the virtual space VS created by computer graphics to the wearer as if it were the real space when displayed, for example, on a head-mounted display.

[0015] In this embodiment, as a virtual space service, services are provided to display, on the virtual space VS, an avatar AVA associated with the user identification information (user ID) of the user U, a virtual facility VSO for providing the services requested by the user U on the virtual space, and the like. The avatar AVA is a character displayed on the virtual space VS as a duplicate of the user U. Through the virtual space service, the user U can perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his or her own avatar AVA on the virtual space VS.

[0016] The virtual facility VSO is a facility provided on the virtual space VS to provide services to the user U via the avatar AVA. As an example of the virtual facility VSO, a virtual store for purchasing goods on the virtual space VS can be mentioned. For example, a virtual facility VSO "idol shop" that specializes in handling idol goods can be mentioned. The user U can purchase idol goods on the virtual space VS by having his or her own avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "idol shop". As an example of the virtual facility VSO, a virtual store for receiving services on the virtual space VS can be mentioned. For example, a virtual facility VSO "movie lovers salon" that provides a place for movie lovers to gather can be mentioned. The user U can talk about movies with other users U who love movies on the virtual space VS by having his or her own avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "movie lovers salon".

[0017] The virtual space server 3 transmits and receives data to and from the user device UE used by the user U via the communication network NW. The user device UE is registered with the virtual space server 3 in association with the user ID of the user U. The virtual space data is transmitted from the virtual space server 3 to the user device UE of the user U.

[0018] The user U receives the virtual space service using the user device UE. The user U performs predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his or her own avatar AVA on the virtual space VS using the user device UE.

[0019] The user device UE is, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD). The head-mounted display can make the wearer see a virtual space created by computer graphics (CG) as if it were a real space (physical space). In addition, various sensors provided in the head-mounted display detect movements, tilts, etc., making it appear as if the wearer is moving on the virtual space or changing the viewing direction of an object on the virtual space. The user can perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of their avatar on the virtual space using the operation unit provided in the head-mounted display. The operation unit provided in the head-mounted display is configured as, for example, a device separate from the head-mounted display body and performs short-range wireless communication with the head-mounted display body.

[0020] Note that the user device UE only needs to have information processing functions, display functions, operation functions, etc. for using the virtual space service. For example, the user device UE may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet-type computer (tablet PC). For example, the user device UE may be a stationary personal computer.

[0021] The user database 2 is a database in which all users U are registered. The user database 2 stores information about the registered users U. The user database 2 stores personal information such as the name, address, age, hobbies, preferences, and other user registrations of the user U, as well as virtual space activity information indicating the activity content of the user U in the virtual space VS. The personal information of the user U is registered in the user database 2, for example, when the user U registers. The virtual space activity information of the user U is registered in the user database 2 from the virtual space server 3 at a predetermined timing. For example, the virtual space activity information of the user U is registered in the user database 2 every day.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a privilege granting device (information processing device) according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the privilege granting device 1 includes a specifying unit 101, a determination unit 102, a granting unit 103, a notification unit 104, a setting unit 105, and a storage unit 120.

[0023] Each function of the privilege granting device 1 is realized by the privilege granting device 1 including computer hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and the CPU executing a computer program stored in the memory. Note that the privilege granting device 1 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the privilege granting device 1 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Further, each function of the privilege granting device 1 may be realized by cloud computing. Also, the privilege granting device 1 may be realized by a single computer, or the functions of the privilege granting device 1 may be distributed and realized by a plurality of computers. Further, the privilege granting device 1 may be configured to open a website using, for example, a WWW system or the like.

[0024] The storage unit 120 stores various data such as virtual space user information 1201, privilege granting information 1202, and setting information 1203.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of virtual space user information according to the present embodiment. The virtual space user information 1201 includes virtual space usage history information and virtual space other user information regarding a first user U1 who is a privilege granting target. The privilege granting device 1 acquires the virtual space usage history information and the virtual space other user information of the first user U1 from the personal information and the virtual space activity information of the user U stored in the user database 2.

[0026] The virtual space usage history information is information indicating the usage history of facilities or services on the virtual space VS used by the first user U1. In FIG. 3, the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 is stored in the virtual space user information 1201 in association with the user ID of the first user U1. The virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 is obtained from the virtual space activity information of the first user U1 stored in the user database 2.

[0027] The virtual space other user information is information indicating the relationship between the first user U1 and other users U in the virtual space VS. In FIG. 3, the virtual space other user information of the first user U1 is stored in the virtual space user information 1201 in association with the user ID of the first user U1. For example, since the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_1" has registered the user U with the user ID "UID_2" as a friend in the other user registration of the personal information in the user database 2, the user U with the user ID "UID_2" is in a "friend" relationship with the first user U1. For example, since the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_1" and the user U with the user ID "UID_15" have registered the common hobby "movies" in the hobbies of the personal information in the user database 2, the user U with the user ID "UID_15" is in a "movie lover" relationship with the first user U1. Or, since the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_1" and the user U with the user ID "UID_15" have visited the virtual movie theater on the virtual space VS more than a predetermined frequency in their respective virtual space activity information in the user database 2 to watch movies, they are in a "movie lover" relationship. For example, since the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_2" has registered the common hobby "idol" in the personal information hobby of the user database 2 with the user U whose user ID is "UID_13", the user U with the user ID "UID_13" is in the relationship of "liking idols" with the first user U1. Or, since the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_2" and the user U with the user ID "UID_13" have watched virtual idol lives on the virtual space VS more than a predetermined frequency in their respective virtual space activity information in the user database 2, they are in the relationship of "liking idols".

[0028] The specifying unit 101 specifies a second user U2 who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS based on the virtual space other user information. The predetermined relationship is, for example, "friend". The predetermined relationship is, for example, "liking movies". The predetermined relationship is, for example, "liking idols". Note that the specifying unit 101 may specify a community provided in the virtual space VS as the second user U2 who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS. The community is composed of a plurality of users U. For example, a movie-loving community where a plurality of users U who like movies gather, or an idol-loving community where a plurality of users U who like idols gather can be mentioned. For example, a user U registered in the movie-loving community is specified as the second user U2 who has a "liking movies" relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS.

[0029] The determination unit 102 acquires the virtual space activity information of the specified second user U2 from the user database 2. Based on the acquired virtual space activity information of the second user U2, the determination unit 102 determines whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1. For example, based on the usage history information indicating the purchase of products or the use of services included in the virtual space activity information of the second user U2, it is determined whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1. For example, when the second user U2 purchases the same products or uses the same services as the first user U1 more than a predetermined number of times or a predetermined frequency, it may be determined that the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, and if not, it may be determined that the second user U2 is not interested. Note that the predetermined number of times and the predetermined frequency are configured to be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the privilege granting device 1.

[0030] The granting unit 103 grants a privilege, which is a privilege for which the use of the facility or the service by at least one of the first user U1 and the determined second user U2 is a privilege use condition, to the first user U1 on the condition that there is a second user U2 determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1. Therefore, when there is a second user U2 determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, the first user U1 is granted a privilege, but when the determined second user U2 does not exist, the first user U1 is not granted a privilege.

[0031] The privilege granted to the first user U1 may be a privilege that becomes available when the first user U1 uses the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, or may be a privilege that becomes available when the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facilities or services uses the facilities or services. The privilege may be, for example, points or discounts available at the facility or service. Note that the privilege given to the first user U1 may be a privilege that can be used by both the first user U1 and the second user U2. For example, when the first user U1 introduces the second user U2 as a new member of the facility or service, a predetermined amount is cashbacked to the first user U1 and the membership fee for the second user U2 is waived, etc. Thereby, not only the first user U1 who is the original privilege recipient but also the second user U2 can be motivated to use the facility or service.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of privilege grant information according to the present embodiment. The privilege grant information 1202 is information indicating a privilege (granted privilege) granted to the first user U1 who is the privilege grant target. In FIG. 4, for example, for the first user U1 whose user ID is "UID_1", a certain privilege that becomes available by using the virtual facility A by the first user U1 of the "UID_1" or the second user U2 of the "UID_X" is granted. The granting unit 103 stores the privilege grant result to the first user U1 in the privilege grant information 1202.

[0033] The notification unit 104 notifies information regarding the privilege granted to the first user U1.

[0034] For example, the notification unit 104 transmits information indicating that a privilege has been granted to the first user U1 and the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 to the first user device UE1 of the first user U1. Thereby, it is possible to notify the first user U1 that the privilege has been granted and the second user U2 who is interested in the facility or the service.

[0035] For example, the notification unit 104 transmits information indicating the content of the privilege and the first user U1 to whom the privilege is granted to the second user device UE2 of the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1. Thereby, the content of the privilege and the first user U1 to whom the privilege is granted can be notified to the second user U2.

[0036] The setting unit 105 performs setting of whether or not to disclose information for each user U. The setting unit 105 receives from the user U a setting of whether or not to disclose the information of the user U. Thereby, the user U can determine whether or not to disclose his / her own information.

[0037] For example, the setting unit 105 sets, for each user U, the range of other users to whom the determination result of interest by the determination unit 102 is to be disclosed. Based on the range of the other users, the notification unit 104 determines whether to notify the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 to whom the privilege is granted, to the first user. Therefore, if the first user U1 is included in the range of the other users of the second user U2, the second user U2 is notified of the first user U1, but if not, the second user U2 is not notified of the first user U1.

[0038] For example, the setting unit 105 sets, for each user U, the range of other users to whom the privilege granting result by the granting unit 103 is to be disclosed. Based on the range of the other users, the notification unit 104 determines whether to notify the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, of the content of the privilege and the first user U1 to whom the privilege is granted. Therefore, if the second user U2 is included in the range of the other users of the first user U1, the content of the privilege and the first user U1 are notified to the second user U2, but if not, the content of the privilege and the first user U1 are not notified to the second user U2.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of setting information according to the present embodiment. The setting information 1203 has an interest disclosure setting and a privilege grant disclosure setting.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 5, the interest disclosure setting indicates, for each user U, whether (○) or not (×) to disclose the interest determination result by the determination unit 102 to the first user U1 to whom a privilege is granted. Therefore, for example, for the second user U2 with the user ID "UID_2", since the interest disclosure setting is "○", the interest determination result by the determination unit 102 regarding the second user U2 with the "UID_2" is disclosed to the first user U1 to whom a privilege is granted. On the other hand, for the second user U2 with the user ID "UID_3", since the interest disclosure setting is "×", the interest determination result by the determination unit 102 regarding the second user U2 with the "UID_3" is not disclosed to the first user U1 to whom a privilege is granted.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 5, the privilege grant disclosure setting indicates, for each user U, whether (○) or not (×) to disclose the privilege grant result by the grant unit 103 to the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the user U. Therefore, for example, for the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_1", since the privilege grant disclosure setting is "○", the privilege grant result by the grant unit 103 regarding the first user U1 with the "UID_1" is disclosed to the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 with the "UID_1". On the other hand, for the first user U1 with the user ID "UID_4", since the privilege grant disclosure setting is "×", the privilege grant result by the grant unit 103 regarding the first user U1 with the "UID_4" is not disclosed to the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 with the "UID_4".

[0042] The setting unit 105 stores the interest disclosure setting and the privilege grant disclosure setting in the setting information 1203 for each user U. The notification unit 104 determines whether information can be disclosed for each user U based on the setting information 1203.

[0043] Note that the privilege granted to the first user U1 may be a privilege that can be used at a real-world facility or service related to the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1.

[0044] The actual facility / service information indicating the real-world facility or service related to the facility or service on the virtual space is prepared in advance. The actual facility / service information may be provided in the privilege granting device 1, or may be provided in another device other than the privilege granting device 1, and the privilege granting device 1 may acquire necessary information from the other device as needed.

[0045] For example, it may be a privilege that can be used at the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop" in the real space RS where the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" is opened on the virtual space VS. Thereby, the effect of guiding the first user U1 who likes idols to the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop" which is difficult to visit in the real space RS even though the user can go to the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" in the virtual space VS can be obtained. Note that the privilege granted to the first user U1 may be a privilege that becomes available to the first user U1 at the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop" when the second user U2 uses the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop". Thereby, the first user U1 can be motivated to invite the second user U2, a friend in the virtual space VS, to go together to the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop" which is difficult to visit alone, and the effect of lowering the psychological hurdle when using the actual facility RSO "Idol Shop" can be obtained.

[0046] For example, it may be a privilege that can be used at the actual facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" in the real space RS where the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lover's Salon" is opened on the virtual space VS. Thereby, the effect of guiding the first user U1 who likes movies to the actual facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" which is difficult to visit in the real space RS even though the user can go to the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lover's Salon" in the virtual space VS can be obtained. Note that the privilege given to the first user U1 may be a privilege that becomes available to the first user U1 at the implementation facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" when the second user U2 uses the implementation facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe". As a result, the first user U1 can be motivated to invite the second user U2, a friend in the virtual space VS, to go together to the implementation facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" which is difficult for the first user U1 to visit alone, and an effect of lowering the psychological hurdle when using the implementation facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" can be obtained.

[0047] Also, the first user U1 to whom the privilege is given may be limited by place of residence. For example, the granting unit 103 may acquire the place of residence information of the first user U1 in the real world, and limit the granting of the privilege to the first user U1 whose place of residence indicated by the place of residence information is within a predetermined distance from the place that provides a real-world facility or service related to the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1. Information indicating the place that provides a real-world facility or service related to the facility or service on the virtual space is included in the above-described implementation facility service information.

[0048] Also, the second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 may be limited by place of residence. For example, the granting unit 103 may acquire the place of residence information of the second user U2 in the real world, and grant the privilege to the first user on the condition that the place of residence indicated by the place of residence information is within a predetermined distance from the place that provides a real-world facility or service related to the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 and there exists a second user who is determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1.

[0049] Next, the information processing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

[0050] (Step S1) The privilege granting device 1 acquires the virtual space user information 1201 (virtual space usage history information and virtual space other user information) of the first user U1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the first user U1) who is the privilege granting target, from the personal information and virtual space activity information of the user U stored in the user database 2. The privilege granting device 1 stores the virtual space user information 1201 of the first user U1. The first user U1 who is the privilege granting target is set in the privilege granting device 1 in advance.

[0051] For example, the first user U1 may be all users U registered in the user database 2. For example, the first user U1 may be some of the users U registered in the user database 2. For example, the first user U1 may be a user U who satisfies a specific condition registered in the user database 2. The specific condition may be, as specific personal information, for example, a specific place of residence, age, hobby, preference, etc. The specific condition may be, as a specific virtual space activity, for example, the usage record of a specific facility or service on the virtual space VS.

[0052] (Step S2) The privilege granting device 1 identifies a second user U2 who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS, based on the virtual space other user information included in the virtual space user information 1201 of the first user U1.

[0053] (Step S3) The privilege granting device 1 acquires the virtual space activity information of the identified second user U2 from the user database 2. The privilege granting device 1 determines whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, based on the acquired virtual space activity information of the second user U2.

[0054] (Step S4) The privilege granting device 1 determines whether to grant a privilege to the first user U1. For example, when there is a second user U2 determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1, the privilege granting device 1 determines to grant a privilege to the first user U1, and when the second user U2 does not exist, determines not to grant a privilege to the first user U1. As described above, the conditions for granting a privilege to the first user U1 may be limited according to the place of residence of the first user U1 or the place of residence of the second user U2.

[0055] (Step S5) If a privilege is to be granted to the first user U1 (Step S5, YES), the process proceeds to Step S6. On the other hand, if a privilege is not to be granted to the first user U1 (Step S5, NO), the process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0056] (Step S6) The privilege granting device 1 notifies information regarding the privilege to be granted to the first user U1. As described above, the conditions for notifying information regarding the privilege to be granted to the first user U1 may be limited by the setting information 1203.

[0057] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is an effect that a privilege can be granted based on the connection between users in the virtual space VS.

[0058] For example, when the first user U1 is interested in a facility or service on the virtual space used by the first user U1, for the second user U2 registered as a friend by the first user U1, a privilege whose privilege usage condition is the use of the facility or the service by at least one of the first user U1 and the second user U2 can be granted to the first user.

[0059] For example, if a second user U2 who shares the common hobby of "movies" with a first user U1 is interested in a virtual facility VSO "Movie Lovers Salon" in a virtual space used by the first user U1, a benefit can be granted to the first user U2, where the condition for using the benefit is that at least one of the first user U1 and the second user U2 uses the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lovers Salon."

[0060] For example, if a second user U2 who shares the same hobby of "idols" as a first user U1 is interested in a virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" in a virtual space used by the first user U1, a benefit can be granted to the first user, where the condition for using the benefit is that at least one of the first user U1 and the second user U2 uses the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop."

[0061] In addition, by notifying the first user U1 of the second user U2, for example, by notifying the first user U1 of the second user U2, the first user U1 can recognize the second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 in the virtual space. In addition, by notifying the second user U2 of the content of the benefit and the first user to whom the benefit has been granted, the second user U2 can recognize the first user U1 who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 in the virtual space and the content of the benefit granted to the first user U1.

[0062] Furthermore, by making it possible to set conditions for notifying information regarding the benefit given to the first user U1, it is possible to take into consideration the privacy of the first user U1 and the second user U2.

[0063] In addition, by making the benefit given to the first user U1 available at a facility or service in the real world related to the facility or service in the virtual space, it is possible to obtain a customer-directing effect that guides the first user U1 to the facility or service in the real world. Furthermore, by limiting the conditions for granting the benefit to the first user U1 depending on the residence of the first user U1 or the residence of the second user U2, the customer-directing effect can be effectively obtained.

[0064] Note that, as a result, for example, it is possible to improve the overall service quality in a virtual space service system, so it becomes possible to contribute to Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, "Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all".

[0065] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

[0066] In addition, a computer program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" shall include a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if it uses a WWW system. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a writable non-volatile memory such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0067] Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and that holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication wire) like a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

Explanation of Signs

[0068] 1... Privilege Granting Device, 2... User Database, 3... Virtual Space Server, 101... Specifying Unit, 102... Determining Unit, 103... Granting Unit, 104... Notifying Unit, 105... Setting Unit, 120... Storage Unit, UE1, UE2... User Devices, VS... Virtual Space, RS... Real Space, AVA1, AVA2... Avatars, U1, U2... Users, VSO... Virtual Facility, RSO... Real Facility

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services on a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating a relationship with other users related to the first user in the virtual space; An identifying unit that identifies a second user having a predetermined relationship with the first user in the virtual space based on the user information; An activity information acquisition unit that acquires activity information of the second user on the virtual space, and a determination unit that determines whether the second user is interested in the facility or the service based on the activity information; An awarding unit that awards a privilege, which is a privilege for using the facility or the service by at least one of the first user and the determined second user, to the first user on the condition that there exists the second user determined to be interested in the facility or the service; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The activity information is usage history information of the second user related to the facility or the service, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A notification unit that notifies the first user of the awarding of the privilege and the second user interested in the facility or the service, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

4. Further comprising a setting unit that sets a range of other users who publicly disclose the determination result of interest by the determination unit for each user, The notification unit determines whether to notify the first user of the second user interested in the facility or the service based on the range of the other users, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A notification unit that notifies the second user of the content of the privilege and the first user to whom the privilege is awarded, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

6. Further comprising a setting unit that sets a range of other users who publicly disclose the privilege awarding result by the awarding unit for each user, The notification unit determines whether to notify the second user of the content of the privilege and the first user to whom the privilege is awarded based on the range of the other users, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The privilege is a privilege that can be used at a real-world facility or service related to the facility or the service, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The granting unit acquires the residential area information of the first user in the real world, and grants the privilege only to the first user whose residential area indicated by the residential area information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides a facility or service in the real world. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The granting unit acquires the residential area information of the second user in the real world, and grants the privilege to the first user on the condition that there exists a second user whose residential area indicated by the residential area information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides a facility or service in the real world and who is determined to be interested in the facility or the service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, a storage step of associating and storing usage history information of a facility or service on a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating a relationship with other users related to the first user in the virtual space; a specifying step of specifying a second user having a predetermined relationship with the first user on the virtual space based on the user information; a determination step of acquiring activity information of the second user on the virtual space, and determining whether the second user is interested in the facility or the service based on the activity information; a granting step of granting a privilege, for which use of the facility or the service by at least one of the first user and the determined second user is a privilege use condition, to the first user on the condition that there exists a second user determined to be interested in the facility or the service; An information processing method including the above steps.

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